The Hampsterdance Song.
In my research into the history of memes I read about the first internet meme sensation back in 2000. I have never heard of this meme so naturally I was curious.
The Boomtang Boys produced it and used a hook sped up from the Roger Miller song "whistle stop." This song was originally featured in the 1973 Disney Film Robin Hood, which I have never seen either. Back in 2000 I was not aware of what a meme was. I later started noticing them around 2007 to 2008.
The meme started as a web page in 1998 created by Canadian art student Deidre La carte.
Originally the site was a single page made up of four hamsters dancing in an animated gif to the looked track. From August 98 to March 99 the site received about 800 hits but within 4 days had quickly grown to 60,000 hits.
This is a prime example of how something catchy and infectious on the internet can spread to the masses and bring some laughter and joy to those seeking these basic human needs.
Feel free to share your thoughts on my findings and leave me a comment on a meme you want me to research. What are some of your favorite memes and how did you discover them?