Randy Newmans 1974 release Good Old Boys became his major commercial breakthrough. Originally conceived as a concept album about a southern man named Johnny Cutler the album morphed into a satirical examination of the Southern mystique. Newman incorporated historical events into his prism including Louisianas great 1927 flood and elements from Louisiana Governor Huey P. Longs life, and took on taboos ranging from slavery, racism and Northern hypocrisy.