Unleashing the Power of the Internet for Purposes Ridiculous

Years ago, I heard that the character played by Mel in Blazing Saddles, Governor William J. LePetomaine, was not an entirely fictional creation, that Mel had indeed got the name from an author documenting the unusual practice of ass singers.

I've found only one reference online suggesting that this might indeed be the case. It is a small post in an unfamiliar discussion page:

Songs at the End

I take issue with Steiling's contention in "A Survey of Body Singing" that the sphincter singers of Normandy are "most likely following religious rituals." I suggest that Steiling consult Lepetomaine's standard textbook on the subject, "Les Chansons Curieux de Normandie."

L. E. Marquez. Ph. D.
Santiago, Chile

My limited familiarity of French tells me "Les Chansons Curieux" means "the curious singers." I am uncertain why people would be inclined to sing from their asses more in Normandy than elsewhere.

Tell me: Can anyone out there with a greater knowledge of How Things Work track me down a better answer, either affirm or debunk this Brooksian origin theory? It's been bugging me since college.