Who was the Original Yankee Doodle Dandy?

Some historians believe that James Doodle was the original inspiration for the song "Yankee Doodle Dandy". Other historians may take issue with this belief, however, recent research indicates that James Doodle emigrated to America in 1775 from his native Scotland.

Doodle definitely considered himself a Yankee and was a supporter of the American Revolution. During his time he was said to be quite the Ladies Man and was fond of fine clothes and good grooming. The term "Dandy" was the descriptive term applied to this behavior.

James Doodle also was known to scribble anti-British messages and drawings on walls and fences where-ever he happened to be, and these came to be known as Yankee Doodles by the British Soldiers. The British over-heard the townfolk refer to these scribbles by that name. Luckily for Doodle they did not associate the name with him.

He also liked to eat macaroni, a dish he learned to make during his sailing voyages to Europe and back.

A few archived letters indicate that James Doodle dreamed of American Independence and sometimes wore a feather in his cap as a sign of support for the signing of the "Declaration of Independence."

In 1775 virtually all ink pens were made from feathers and were also known as "Quill pens." James felt that wearing a feather would be a secret signal of support. Calling the feather "Macaroni" was like saying it was "good."

Virtually every line in the lyrics of "Yankee Doodle Dandy" mentions something that could have applied to James Doodle. His birthday was even recorded as being on the fourth of July.

Could all these things just be coincidental? Below are displayed some of the original lyrics from an early unmodified version of "Yankee Doodle." The original author is unknown.

Yankee Doodle went to town
riding on a pony
Stuck a feather in his hat
And called it macaroni.

Yankee Doodle, keep it up
Yankee Doodle dandy
Mind the music and the step
And with the girls be handy.