Was Tommy Tutone's 'Jenny 867-5309' Inspired by a Real Girl?

The ubiquitous hit "Jenny 867-5309" by Tommy Tutone, released in 1988, has captivated music enthusiasts for decades. Interestingly, many fans wonder if the song has any basis in reality, and specifically if Tommy Tutone wrote it about a real girl named Jenny. Let's explore the true inspiration behind this beloved tune.

The Birth of Jenny 867-5309

Tommy Tutone, the eccentric and genre-bending singer-songwriter, wrote "Jenny 867-5309" in 1987, during his time at the Millburn School of the Arts in New Jersey. The song was initially called "Big Girls Don't Crawl" and was a song about longing and unrequited love. However, the songwriting journey didn't end there. It transformed into what became a classic, with the inclusion of a telephone number and the suggestion of a date.

The Graffiti Inspiration

The most surprising revelation about the song's inspiration is that it was inspired by a simple phrase: "For a good time call Jenny 867-5309," scrawled in a men's room stall in Suffern, New York. This poignant message provided the perfect hook and narrative for Tommy Tutone to build his hit around.

The Myth and Reality

Despite the widespread assumption that "Jenny 867-5309" was about a real, fictitious, or famous Jenny, there is no evidence to support this. Tommy Tutone has always maintained that the song title and lyrics were entirely his invention. This has led to many amusing and sometimes frustrating dilemmas for listeners and the media alike.

Myth #1: It Was Written About a Real Jenny

The myth that the song was about a specific real person named Jenny emerged from the song's underlying themes of longing and the mystery of the telephone number. However, the song is a fictional creation. This common misconception is easy to believe but lacks any truth behind it.

Myth #2: It Was Based on a Newspaper Article

Another popular myth is that the song's inspiration was a newspaper article. This is another fabrication, as Tommy Tutone has clearly stated that there was no such article that sparked his songwriting. The graffiti was the sole inspiration for the number and the song.

Myth #3: It Was a Satire or Reference to a Specific Event

There were also claims that the song was a commentary on a specific real-world event or social phenomenon. While the song does explore themes of longing and transformation, it was not a direct reference or satire of any concrete event. Instead, it was a personal expression of emotional longing and a playful use of numbers and names.

Tommy Tutone's Perspective

Tommy Tutone has often humorously referred to the song's creation as a playful exercise in creative writing. He once joked, "I wrote 'Jenny 867-5309' because I was bored and needed a hit song." This statement reflects his open attitude towards the song's reinterpretation by fans. Despite the numerous myths surrounding the song, Tommy Tutone's methodology was a combination of random inspiration and imaginative storytelling.

The Legacy and Impact

Regardless of the origin story, "Jenny 867-5309" remains a beloved song that pops up in unexpected places. Its enduring popularity speaks to its relatable themes and memorable melody. The song's cultural impact can be seen in its use in movies, TV shows, and as a reference in everyday conversations. Even the phone number, which was once real, has become a cultural reference point in and of itself.

Conclusion

So, the answer to the question of whether Tommy Tutone's "Jenny 867-5309" was inspired by a real girl is a resounding no. It was a creative exercise based on a real-life graffiti message, but the song lyrics and title are entirely fictional. The enduring appeal of the song lies not in its ties to real life but in its relatable themes and memorable musical journey. Tommy Tutone has left a legacy of playful creativity that continues to delight and intrigue music fans around the world.