Summer 1972: When Cheech and Chong Released BIG BAMBU

During the summer of 1972, Cheech and Chong were among the hottest new acts on the American comedy circuit. The duo's self-titled debut album was a breakout hit, cracking the top 30 at #28, and nominated for Best Comedy Recording at the Grammys (the award went to Lily Tomlin's This is a Recording).

Looking to turn up the heat with their second full-length of stoner comedy, Cheech and Chong had an idea: turning the album cover into a 12-inch replica of a package of rolling papers, complete with a massive rolling paper. Referencing the real brand, Bambu, the Big Bambu album was born.

Featuring one of the act's most popular routines, "Sister Mary Elephant," Big Bambu was among the hottest LP releases of the summer 1972. The album was such a strong seller that it began to steadily ascend the Billboard 200 chart. On September 30, 1972, the record peaked at the #2 position. The #1 album in the country that week: Chicago V, featuring the hit, "Saturday in the Park."

Like its predecessor, Big Bambu would be recognized with a Grammy nomination in the Best Comedy Recording category. The winner: George Carlin, with FM & AM. The duo finally struck Grammy gold with their next album, Los Cochinos, taking the Best Comedy Recording prize.

Original vinyl pressings of Big Bambu with the rolling paper intact are increasingly rare, but can be found at vintage record stores and online resellers.