That said, there might not actually be any cowbell on the song at all. An episode of the new documentary series SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night gets into the making of the iconic sketch.

Cowbell can’t tell a story, but it’s the sound that allows us to sustain one. To listen for the links between mambo and jazz, salsa and disco, funk and hip-hop.

The Latin Percussion-branded cowbell used on SNL was made in Ranco's former factory in Clifton. Karpi recognized it right away when he saw the skit, spotting the "LP" sticker on its side.