Big Tree: Smokin' In The Boy's Room

It took six singles for Brownsville Station to break into the Hot 100 and eight to make it to the Top 40. Released in September 1973, “Smokin’ in the Boy’s Room” was their highest charting single peaking at #3 during the end of 1973 and the beginning of 1974. Only one other record, “Kings of the Party,” charted in the Top 40; it peaked at #31 in 1974. Both songs as well as three other singles to chart in the Hot 100 were released by Big Tree Records. Their final two Hot 100 hits were issued on the Private Stock label.

The song was composed the band’s guitarist Cub Koda and bassist Mike Lutz. Koda sang the lead parts and played harmonica. “Smokin’ in the Boy’s Room” appeared on the band’s third album, “Yeah!” It was Brownsville Station’s only certified gold single.

This song has special significance to me as I sang it and played harmonica on the tune while a member of three bands. The interesting thing is that I’ve never smoked a cigarette in my life.  I was drawn to this number because of the harmonica parts.

Unfortunately, the man who is primarily associated with this song, Cub Koda, died of kidney disease at the age of 51 in 2000.

Live Version from Midnight Special (1974)