Ronnie's Record Page
Ronnie's Record Page
MAIN SCREEN
Play Ronnie's brand new oldies game "Snippets On Demand!"
You can now view two alphabetical screens -- by title and by artist -- by clicking the two "sort" command buttons above and you can view the record descriptions and play the records from either of those screens. You can also play records randomly selected by the computer by clicking the "play random records" button above.
What we have here is an eclectic mix of records that I (and others) find either excellent or simply interesting or somewhere in between. There's abundant examples of the sublime and the ridiculous and just about anything else you can imagine. I guarantee that you will find things here that you never heard before.
RonnieOldiesGuy@aol.com .
765 records.
The records and comments on this page do not necessarily represent the preferences and opinions
of the two Jersey Girls.
Superbowl Shuffle -- The Chicago Bears Shufflin' Crew
[1986] This record features ten members of "Da Bears."
a triple play by jo and gordon
Whispering Hope -- Jo Stafford and Gordon MacRae
[1950] This beautiful song, performed so well by Jo and Gordon, was written in 1868 by Septimus Winner, who also wrote "Listen To The Mockingbird."
Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo -- Jo Stafford and Gordon MacRae
[1950] This is a total change-of-pace from the one above and the one below. The song is from the motion picture "Cinderella," in which the fairy godmother sings it. Jo and Gordon sure sound like they loved doing this silly but catchy song.
Echoes -- Jo Stafford and Gordon MacRae
[1950] This is a serious song which is in the "Whispering Hope" vein. Their voices blend so wonderfully.
two crazy songs by this genial duo
Crazy Mixed Up Song -- Peter Lind Hayes and Mary Healy
[1953] Peter Lind Hayes was a vaudeville entertainer, songwriter, and film and TV actor. He was
He appeared in films throughout the 1930s and 1940s and had a significant television career in the 1950s. He often appeared with his wife Mary Healy, to whom he was married from 1940 until his death in 1998.
I Wish I Was A Car -- Peter Lind Hayes and Mary Healy
[1953] This one is silly in a different way and we hear a bit more of Peter.
I Wanna Go Home -- Perry Como and the Fontane Sisters
[1950] Like the one below, a "home" song. Perry received primary billing on this record (in fact some copies only mention HIM) but in my view the Fontane sisters deserved equal billing. So I am using "Record Page" license in listing the title-artist credit. Why do I call Perry "Old Yeller"? Listen and find out.
Way Back Home -- Bing Crosby
[1950] Der Bingle is backed up by on this one by Fred Waring and his Pennsylvanians. Why is it so superlative? Listen and find out.
two country hits with sound-alike choruses
That's When My Woman Begins -- Tommy Overstreet
[1975] Below there's a themed set with three pop hits that have choruses that share the same tune. Here we have an example of two country hits that do likewise. Tommy is an Oklahoma-born singer who had most of his hits in the 70s, including this one.
It Couldn't Have Been Any Better -- Johnny Duncan
[1977] Johnny was a Texas-born singer who, like Tommy, had most of his hits in the 70s, including this one. The harmony vocal is by Janie Fricke who, largely as a result of her work with Johnny, forged a very successful career on her own. Sadly Johnny passed away in 2006 from a heart attack: he was 67.
I Said My Pajamas (And Put On My Prayers) -- Tony Martin and Fran Warren
[1950] Tony Martin and Fran Warren each had successful individual careers as serious solo singers. However this duet was anything BUT serious! It peaked at #3 on the chart. For whatever reason, most copies spell it "Pray'rs." I could never figure out why and, once again, am using "Record Page" license to list the title the way it SHOULD be listed!
The Blacksmith Blues -- Ella Mae Morse
[1952] Ella Mae was a jazz-flavored vocalist who worked briefly with Jimmy Dorsey before reaching a wider audience with the Freddie Slack Band. On this record, her biggest ever, she was backed by the Nelson Riddle Orchestra. It peaked at #3 in Billboard, remaining on the chart for a very impressive 22 weeks.
Rosie The Riveter -- The Four Vagabonds
[1943] Rosie the Riveter is one of the greatest icons of the 20th century. She represented the American women who worked in factories during World War II, many of whom produced munitions and war supplies. These women sometimes took entirely new jobs replacing the male workers who were in the military. Rosie the Riveter is commonly used as a symbol of feminism and women's economic power. This recording honors her.
the same group but with totally different members
I'm Blue (The Gong-Gong Song) -- The Ikettes
[1962] The Ikettes were a female trio created for the Ike and Tina Turner Revu. Performers on this recording, released on Arco, were lead singer Delores Johnson, Eloise Hester and "Joshie" Jo Armstead.
Peaches 'N' Cream -- The Ikettes
[1965] This was the same group as the "I'm Blue" gang but with three different members. Performers on this recording, released on Modern, were Vanetta Fields, Robbie Montgomery and Jessi Smith. In 1968, as the Mirettes, they recorded a version of "In The Midnight Hour," originally a hit for Wilson Pickett.
are you ready to get storched?
I'm Walkin' -- Larry Storch
[1957] Larry, who turned 90 on January 8, is an actor and comedian best known for his comic television roles, including lots of voice-over work for cartoon shows and a legendary sitcom appearance on "Married With Children" in which he ran the "Larry Storch School Of Comedy." But he is probably most famous for playing the bumbling Corporal Randolph Agarn on the TV series "F Troop."
Pooped -- Larry Storch
[196?] I'm not sure when this one came out and know nothing about it except that it's called "Pooped"!
It's Almost Tomorrow -- The Dream Weavers
[1956] They were a vocal trio featuring lead singer Wade Buff and two women. There were several alternations of personnel around the time of this recording and it's not known for certain what two women were actually snging on it. What is known is that it's one of the prettiest and most memorable hits of the mid-50s.
Johnson Rag -- The Jack Teter Trio
[1950] Jack was a piano player born in Memphis, Missouri. I love the way he sings this and the way he plays it!
I Love Paris -- Darlene Edwards
[1957] This lady had an amazing versatility. Her version of this Cole Porter classic is unlike any you've ever heard.
Little Serenade -- Teddy Randazzo
[1958] Such a wonderful little recording by a wonderful singer-songwriter and record producer who is so sadly missed.
Lazy Summer Night -- The Four Preps
[1958] The Four Preps' "In The Good Old Summertime" has been THE most popular "summer" song on this page since I added it as part of a themed set on July 23 of last year. With that in mind, Don Effenberger suggested that I add "Lazy Summer Night" by that group. He pointed out that it was from the motion picture "Andy Hardy Comes Home" starring Mickey Rooney, the last in that series.
Rats In My Room -- Joey and Danny
[1963] This record joins the Handclappers' "Three Gassed Rats" which has been on the Record Page almost since Day One and has largely been ignored.
three different songs whose choruses have the same tune
Invisible Tears -- Ray Conniff
[1964] In the history of pop music there have been many cases involving alleged song plagiarism. They are sometimes referred to as "call the lawyers" cases though, truthfully, probably most have never actually made it to court.
Girl On A Swing -- Gerry and the Pacemakers
[1966] This recording, which peaked at #28, was the final chart hit for this British-invasion group.
Les Bicyclettes De Belsize -- Engelbert Humperdinck
[1968] The title of the song is the only thing foreign about it. It peaked at #31 for the artist once known as Arnold Dorsey.
remembering music legend harvey fuqua
We Go Together -- The Moonglows
[1956] The passing on July 6 of Harvey Fuqua is sad on so many levels. Among other things, it means that
all five members of the original group are now gone. They included Harvey, Bobby Lester, Alexander Graves,
Prentiss Barnes and guitarist Billy Johnson.
See Saw -- The Moonglows
[1956] Harvey sang lead on this uptempo recording which peaked at #22 on the national chart.
If I Can't Have You -- Etta and Harvey
[1960] This fabulous duet with the great Etta James made it to #52 on the national chart but, in my mind,
deserved to go much higher.
Sailor (Your Home Is The Sea) -- Lolita
[1960] She was born Edith "Ditta" Zusa Einzinger in St. Poelten, Austria and was working as a kindergarten nurse when she was discovered on a radio program and began recording in 1957. She changed her professional name to Lolita and the world became aware of her in 1960 when this recording in German became a U.S. and international hit. It peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has remained one of the most memorable and loved foreign hits of the rock era.
sad songs say so much
Sad Songs (Say So Much) -- Elton John
[1984] Most of my adds of late have fallen into the novelty and/or off-the wall variety. So you might consider
this themed set an attempt to balance things out a bit.
Don't Cry Daddy -- Elvis Presley
[1969] Elvis's touching rendering of a Mac Davis composition.
Forever Lovers -- Mac Davis
[1976] Mac has written several sad songs during his career but he didn't write this one. The writer was
Sterling Whipple, whose biggest success as a writer was with the song "The Last Game Of The Season
(The Blind Man In The Bleachers)."
Tears In Heaven -- Eric Clapton
[1991] Eric wrote this song for his 4-year-old son Conor, who tragically fell to his death on
March 20, 1991. The record won Grammys for Record Of The Year, Song Of The Year and Pop Male Vocal.
Candle In The Wind 1997 -- Elton John
[1997] Elton's songwriting partner Bernie Taupin rewrote the lyrics to "Candle In The Wind" which was
originally a tribute to legendary screen icon Marilyn Monroe. This version was a tribute to Princess Diana
who died in an automobile crash in France on August 31, 1997.
two still-timely reed-cords from the 70s
Lord, Mr. Ford -- Jerry Reed
[1973] Jerry Reed Hubbard was a fabulous singer, songwriter, guitarist, comedian, actor and entertainer.
I still find it hard to believe that he passed away in 2008 at the age of 71.
The Crude Oil Blues -- Jerry Reed
[1974] This record came out during the oil shortage and gas lines. We have neither today but we certainly
have "the crude oil blues" for a very different reason that has saddened us all. So the primary timeliness
here is because of the title rather than what Jerry is describing here.
bumble boogie men
Bumble Boogie -- B. Bumble and the Stingers
[1961] This version of what was originally an orchestra interlude written by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
for his opera "The Tale of Tsar Saltan" got to #21 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Bumble Boogie -- Liberace
[195?] There are some people who have said "Liberace was a great showman but could he play something really
difficult on the piano?".
look who's doing the hokey pokey!
Hokey Pokey -- Ray Anthony
[1952] This is the first time that I've ever removed a recording from an existing themed set and placed it
in a brand new themed set. This record was originally part of "'happy tappy' songs."
Hokey Pokey -- Little Richard
[195?] Good golly Miss Molly! Who woulda thunk it?
Hokey Pokey -- The Champs
[195?] The "Tequila" guys were much better-known for their instrumental hits. But the vocal on this one is
pretty solid. Maybe they should have done more records like this.
Hokey Pokey -- Harry Chapin
[197?] I know that many of you are thinking "Huh?"!!! But actually Harry doing this record makes a lot of
sense. It's actually not the "Hokey Pokey" song per se. Harry is singing about that song and the dance and
sampling portions of the original song, closing off this solid set of four deliciously-different treatments
the song and dance that is two years shy of its 50th birthday.
clap for the gap
Who's On First (Rock Show) -- The Credibility Gap
[1973] I'm speechless.
Foreign Novelty Smash -- The Credibility Gap
[1973] From Rhino's album of "World's Worst Records Volume 2." Maybe they missed the hidden message.
country girls rule!
I Fell In Love -- Carlene Carter
[1990] This is the first of six fabulous recordings by female country artists that fall in the range from
1975 through 1990. This one actually came out later than the others but it's a real kicker and I thought
it would be an excellent way to start this "show." It peaked at #3 on the country chart.
San Antonio Stroll -- Tanya Tucker
[1975] Chronologically this was the earliest-released of the six records in this themed set.
You Ain't Down Home -- Jann Browne
[1989] Jann, originally from Anderson, Indiana, was a member of the well-known country group
Asleep At The Wheel before embarking on a solo career. This recording was a top 20 country hit for her
and was a personal favorite of my listeners when I was spinning country music at radio station WTTM in
Trenton, NJ.
A Little Bit In Love -- Patty Loveless
[1987] It sounds like a contradiction: a "Loveless" lady who sings about being "A Little Bit In Love."
Maybe so, but it's a great record. Patty, originally from Kentucky, has charted over 40 singles
on the country chart, including five #1 hits ... including this one.
Girls Ride Horses Too -- Judy Rodman
[1987] Judy, born in Riverside, California, co-wrote Leann Rimes's first #1 country hit
entitled "One Way Ticket (Because I Can)." Prior to that she had a successful career as country artist
with records including this one, which reached #5. These days she remains active as a singer, songwriter,
producer and vocal instructor in Nashville.
Nobody -- Sylvia
[1982] Sylvia, born Sylvia Kriby Allen, is the second artist on this Page using that single name
as her professional name, the other being Sylvia Robinson (formerly of Mickey and Sylvia) who is represented
with her solo hit "Pillow Talk."
not-so-innocent "key" songs?
Brand New Key -- Melanie
[1971] Take this #1 hit at face value and you decidedly have a G-rated song. But of course not everyone
took it at face value!
Combine Harvester (Brand New Key) -- The Wurzels
[1976] The Wurzels have been described as a British "Scrumpy and Western" band! They have been performing for
over 40 years. Based in Somerset, England, they are best-known for this take-off on Melanie's "Brand New Key"
which came out five years after her smash hit and was #1 in England for two weeks. If you want to hear
a "way out in left field" record, just click here!
I Hates Rabbits -- Jerry Neal
[1958] Jerry was a co-writer of Eddie Cochran's "Summertime Blues" and reportedly it was Eddie playing
guitar on this Dot Records release. Jerry passed away in the late 90s. My understanding is that
Jerry's real name was Jerry Capehart. If that's the case then it's interesting that pressings of
"Summertime Blues" list its writers as Capehart and Neal and Cochran. I guess that meant that
Capehart/Neal got 2/3 of the (limited) royalties. Years later C.W. McCall, AKA Bill Frees, would credit
both McCall and Frees as co-writers of some of HIS songs.
very strange love songs from esther and abi!
Cinderella Rockefella -- Esther and Abi Ofarim
[1968] Esther and Abi were a married singing team from Israel. Their marriage lasted from 1966 to 1970.
This toe-tapping recording hit #1 in England and #68 in the U.S. (Yes, #68 in '68!)
One More Dance -- Esther and Abi Ofarim
[1968] This was the follow-up to "Cinderella Rockefella" and was a very different kind of love song
featuring a bit of black humor.
three letters from camp
Hello Mudduh, Hello Fadduh! [1963] -- Allan Sherman
[1963] This was Allan's original hit version. It peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Hello Mudduh, Hello Fadduh! [1964] -- Allan Sherman
[1964] Allan recorded this sequel on the Johnny Carson "Tonight Show" on May 27, 1964. It peaked at #59.
Hello Mudduh, Hello Fadduh! [2010] -- Ed Rambeau
[2010] The artist formerly known as "Eddie Rambeau" has written and recorded his original version
of the Allan Sherman classic, doing his part in an attempt to keep Camp Granada alive and well!
battle of the beans
Beans In My Ears -- The Serendipity Singers
[1964] This controversial song was written by protest singer Len Chandler. This recording was the
Serendipity Singers' follow-up to their top-ten hit "Don't Let The Rain Come Down (Crooked Little Man)."
Though the lyrics seemed to suggest that people should NOT put beans in their ears, parents as well as
doctors were not happy with the song and it got banned in many places including -- of course -- Boston!
Nevertheless it made it to #30 on the national chart.
Beans In My Ears -- Lonnie Donegan
[1964] Lonnie's cover version of the Serendipitys' hit was not merely controversial, as noted in my blurb
for that record: it was also decidedly politically incorrect! At least give Lonnie credit for not merely
copying the Dips; his take on the song is decidedly original.
Summer All Year Round -- Miss Frankie Nolan
[1961] Bob Crewe produced this single which received lots of airplay in New York City and other places but
didn't chart nationally. Still I've always liked this miss's recording.
Delicious! -- Jim Backus and Friend
[1958] Most everyone knows that beloved actor and comedian Jim Backus was the voice of "Mr. Magoo"
and played Thurston Howell III on the smash hit TV show "Gilligan's Island." I remember him for another
TV show, playing domestic court judge Bradley J. Stevens on the hit sitcom "I Married Joan."
Kids Say The Darndest Things -- Tammy Wynette
[1970] Art Linketter, who passed away at the age of 97, was an immensely-popular radio and TV personality
best-known for the shows "House Party" and "People Are Funny." He made #42 on the pop chart in 1970
with a record called "We Love You, Call Collect." Because of the tragic circumstances relating to that single
including the suicide of his youngest daughter Diane and the difficulty of creating an appropriate
edited sample, I've chosen not to include it on this Page. The "B" side of it, entitled "Dear Mom And Dad,"
features Art and his daughter and is basically an edited version of the "A" side with inserts from Diane.
Those interested can hear it by visiting http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALwETfzXiDQ.
gentleman jim's final recording, done a few days before his death
I'm A Hit Again [acoustic] -- Jim Reeves
[1964] In the last week of July, 1964, Jim Reeves walked into his home basement studio,
picked up his acoustic guitar and recorded this track. It turned out to be his final recording.
I'm A Hit Again [overdubbed] -- Jim Reeves
[2003] A company called VoiceMasters acquired the rights to Jim Reeves recordings, including many unreleased
tracks. They took Jim's final recording (presented above) and overdubbed it with additional instrumentation
and a female chorus. Of special interest here is that the overdubbing was done in the same studio where
Jim had originally recorded it.
The Spectrum Song -- Paul Frees
[1961] Paul has been well-represented (and very popular) on this Page in various forms. He's one-half of
the Earth Boys who perform "Space Girl." He's "P. Harcourt Frees" performing "The Skin Diver." And he's
Paul Frees as Ludwig Von Drake in "I'm Professor Ludvig Von Drake."
they weren't who they claimed to be
National City -- Joiner, Arkansas Junior High School Band
[1960] Welcome to "Let's Pretend," Record Page style!
Cara-Lin -- The Strangeloves
[1965] The Strangeloves may have been strange but they were not really "Strange"!
chuck rocks!
Rock And Roll Music -- Chuck Berry
[1957] Chuck is surely one of the most popular artists on this Page if not THE most popular. I feel the
time is right to add three more rockin' Berry efforts, all of which have "rock" (or a form of "rock")
in the title.
Reelin' And Rockin' -- Chuck Berry
[1958] This was the "B" side of Chuck's #2 smash hit "Sweet Little Sixteen." Though it did not chart,
a raunchy 1972 live version (which he performed in the Alan Freed biopic "American Hot Wax") did.
Let It Rock -- Chuck Berry
[1960] Chuck frequently created new hits by recycling the tunes from previous ones.
I Forgot More Than You'll Ever Know -- The Davis Sisters
[1953] Usually having a #1 hit is something for all concerned to rejoice about. But the circumstances
related to this recording are one of the saddest chapters in the annals of country music.
lena!
Stormy Weather -- Lena Horne
[1943] There aren't enough superlatives to adequately describe this marvelous lady who recently passed away
at the age of 92. For openers she was a "singer's singer." But she was much more than that. She was also
an actress, a dancer and a civil rights activist. She was truly a pioneer who helped break the color barrier in Hollywood and one of the first African-American entertainers to gain significant name recognition in the business.
The Lady Is A Tramp -- Lena Horne
[1948] So many singers have recorded "The Lady Is A Tramp" and Lena' version, presented here, is arguably
the definitive female rendering of the classic.
Now! -- Lena Horne
[1963] This was Lena's legendary civil rights plea. The tune is familar (the Israeli tune "Hava Nagila") but
the words are very different. Though very much in the news when it came out, the single received somewhat
limited airplay as much because of its length (4:41) as because of its subject matter: it did manage to
reach #92 on the chart and was her only Hot 100 single. The sample presented here is approximately two and
a half minutes.
mrs. miller vs. mrs. edwards
Downtown -- Mrs. Miller
[1966] Say what you want about her but Elva Ruby Connes Miller (1907–1997), who recorded under the name
Mrs. Miller, is memorable. She recorded hit songs in her own inimitable style. So what if
Irving Wallace, David Wallechinsky, and Amy Wallace in "The Book of Lists 2" compared her voice to
"roaches scurrying across a trash can lid." That's only three people's opinions.
Stayin' Alive -- Darlene Edwards
[1979] I'm using "Record Page license" in billing this as a record by Darlene Edwards because it was actually
a "Jonathan and Darlene Edwards" recording. But let's face it, for all intents and purposes, it's
pretty much all Darlene!
three great versions of a rollicking hebrew classic
Tzena, Tzena, Tzena -- Gordon Jenkins and the Weavers
[1950] "Tzena, Tzena, Tzena" was written by Issachar Miron who was born in Kutno, Poland in 1920.
When he was 19 he emigrated to Palestine just before the Holocaust and World War II began. He wrote the tune
during World War II while serving in Britain’s Jewish Brigade. His 30-year-old friend, Yechiel Chagiz, wrote
the lyrics.
Tzena, Tzena, Tzena -- Mitch Miller
[1950] This version of the song did almost as well on the chart as the above version by Gordon Jenkins
and the Weavers, peaking at #3.
Tzena Tzena -- Paul Evans
[1961] Our favorite happy-go-lucky guy did this shorter version with a shorter and comma-less title but of
course its the same song and it's also great. This came out eleven years following the above two versions and
is from Paul's album entited "Folk Songs Of Many Lands."
Phone Bust -- Hudson and Landry
[1972] Bob Hudson and Ron Landry were an immensesly popular morning radio team on KGBS in Los Angeles.
It was their on air chemistry that lead to the recording of several successful comedy albums on Dore Records.
Their first single release was the uproarious recording "Ajax Liquor Store" which, along with
the subsequently added "Ajax Airlines," has been on this Page for quite some time.
All told they recorded a few dozen different comedy bits.
Sadly both of these very funny gentlemen have passed away: Hudson in 1997 (age 66) and Landy in 2002 (age 67).
heaven's latest golden angel
16 Candles -- The Crests
[1958] Too many people, in my opinion, judge the overall worth of a recording artist by his or her commercial
success. I submit that although it is a valid as part of the equation so to speak, in many if not most cases it does not adequately do an artist justice.
The Angels Listened In -- The Crests
[1959] This medium-tempo recording made the chart nine months after "16 Candles" and peaked at #22.
In light of Johnny's passing I find this record more poignant than ever.
Model Girl -- Johnny Maestro
[1960] The first of Johnny's two big solo hits, this peaked at #20.
What A Surprise -- Johnny Maestro
[1961] This was Johnny's second big solo hit, peaking at #33. The song has an interesting lyrical twist.
Worst That Could Happen -- Brooklyn Bridge
[1968] Johnny re-emerged as a hit recording artist when he fronted this group that consisted of a vocal
quartet (the Del-Satins) and a seven-piece band (the Rhythm Method). This ballad of heartache spent two weeks
at #3 on the chart.
when crockett was king of the airwaves
The Ballad Of Davy Crockett -- Fess Parker
[1955] The past few days have been very sad because of so many passings. In addition to recording stars,
four major TV stars died within a short period of each other: Merlin Olsen, Peter Graves, Robert Culp and Fess Parker, who passed away on March 18 at the age of 85.
The Ballad Of Davy Crockett -- Bill Hayes
[1955] Bill's recording was by far the most successful version of the song, topping the national chart for
five consecutive weeks. Other charted versions were by Fess Parker (above, #5), Tennesee Ernie Ford (#5)
and the Voices Of Walter Schumann.
Duvid Crockett -- Mickey Katz
[1955] You just KNEW I would throw this one in, right?
in memory of alex chilton
The Letter -- The Box Tops
[1967] This Memphis-based group took the country by storm with this simple but catchy recording that
everyone was singing along to. It was #1 for four straight weeks and, over the years, has become a
rock and roll classic. The record featured the distinctive lead singing of Alex Chilton.
Cry Like A Baby -- The Box Tops
[1968] This release was the second one following "The Letter" and it also was a substantial success,
spending two weeks at its peak position of #2. The Box Tops were probably crying all the way to the bank!
I Met Her In Church -- The Box Tops
[1968] This recording, the group's fifth hit single, was the weakest of their top 40 hits in terms of its
peak position (#37) and it hardly ever gets much play in comparison to their others. Nevertheless it's one
of my personal favorites and a good closer for this three-record themed set dedicated to Alex.
some called them the "latin andrews sisters"
Teach Me Tonight -- The DeCastro Sisters
[1954] The sisters, Cherie, Peggy and Babette, were a vocal trio from Cuba and they were proteges of
Carmen Miranda. They hit the big time with this recording, which reached #2 on the national chart in 1954.
The song, with music by Gene De Paul and lyrics by Sammy Cahn, has become a standard recorded by many
recording artists over the years. But it's this version that is by far the most remembered.
Boom Boom Boomerang -- The DeCastro Sisters
[1955] This record, which came out a few months after "Teach Me Tonight," was the sisters' only other
national top 40 hit, peaking at #17. That boom, boom, booming bass singer on this recording is none other
than the great Thurl Ravenscroft, who also did similar singing chores on Rosemary Clooney's #1 hit
"This Ole House"; Thurl was probably best known as the voice of Tony the Tiger in more than 500 television commercials for Kellogg's Frosted Flakes.
a dramatic lead voice is stilled
Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get -- The Dramatics
[1971] I have especially fond memories of this record because it was climbing the chart when I first began
listening to Casey Kasem's "American Top Forty." Little did I know that I would have the pleasure of
interviewing Ron Banks, the lead singer on this recording, a few months later.
In The Rain -- The Dramatics
[1972] This is a very "dramatic" change of pace for this very successful pop-R&B group. It peaked at #5.
It's One of the most successful and most memorable rain songs of the rock era.
Come And Get Your Love -- Redbone
[1974] Redbone was a Native American "swamp rock" group that originated in Los Angeles. They consisted of
Lolly Vegas (lead vocalist and guitarist), his brother Pat Vegas (vocalist and bassist), Anthony Bellamy
(guitarist) and Peter De Poe (drums). Lolly passed away on March 4 and I'm putting this great recording
up in his memory. It's one of my personal favorite records of the mid 70s. It peaked at #5 and remained in the
Billboard Hot 100 for a very impressive 23 weeks. More information about Redbone can be found on the
Daily News page
Kitten On The Keys -- Dick Hyman
[1986] Dick is best-known to many 50s pop music followers as the leader of the Dick Hyman Trio who, in 1956,
got to #8 on the chart with "Moritat (A Theme From 'The Three Penny Opera')." Little did anyone know that
three and a half years later that song would re-emerge as "Mack The Knife," Bobby Darin's biggest hit ever.
let's go latin!
Mira Mira -- The Latin Quarters
[1964] This themed set is devoted to three uptempo records which were geared primarily for the Latin market but
received plenty of pop crossover airplay.
El Watusi -- Ray Barretto
[1963] Ray Barretto was a Grammy Award-winning Puerto Rican jazz musician who is widely credited
as the godfather of Latin jazz. This recording, on the Tico label, was a suprise crossover hit and
a very big one, peaking at #17 nationwide and top ten in New York City and other markets. Ray felt that
it was both a blessing and a curse because it stereotyped him: he complained "of all my records, this is
the only one that many people want to hear!"
Bang! Bang! -- The Joe Cuba Sextet
[1967] Joe Cuba was a Puerto Rican musician who was considered to be the "Father of Latin Boogaloo".
Like Ray Barretto above, he played the conga and achieved commercial crossover success on the Tico label.
This recording reached #63 on the national chart and top ten in New York City and others markets.
Tony's Tank-Up, Drive-In Cafe -- Hank Thompson
[1980] Back in 1986 I emceed a show in New Egypt, NJ starring the great Hank Thompson. We had quite a few
moments to chat backstage and I told Hank that I felt that this record, which was his final top 40 hit on the
country chart, was "kind of a rock and roll record."
Beyond The Blue Horizon -- Lou Christie
[1974] This phenomenal recording was heard on the soundtrack of the Dustin Hoffman movie "Rain Man,"
which won the Best Picture Oscar. And everyone I have ever talked to about it simply LOVES this recording.
A Tale Of The Ticker -- Frank Crumit
[1929] Frank was a popular singer and songwriter who appeared in several 1920's Broadway musicals and
hosted a radio show with his wife Julia Sanderson from 1929 until his death in 1943.
Grandad -- Clive Dunn
[1970] Clive, who is now 90, is a retired British actor, singer and entertainer who was well-known
for portraying Lance-Corporal Jack Jones in the BBC situation comedy "Dad's Army" and Sam Cobbett
in the Yorkshire Television situation comedy "My Old Man."
delightful dejohns!
(My Baby Don't Love Me) No More -- The DeJohn Sisters
[1954] The De John Sisters were a vocal duo, born Julie and Dux DiGiovanni in Chester, Pennsylvania,
the same place where the Four Aces were born.
They were the daughters of a dry cleaner and worked in their parents' store after school,
harboring dreams of a singing career. While working at the same club where the Four Aces were discovered,
they were heard by a scout who worked for Epic Records, a subsidiary label of Columbia.
This recording, their second for Epic, with lyrics written by the sisters and music by their brother Leo,
made them overnight sensations. The record reached #6 on the national chart.
Hotta Chocolotta -- The DeJohn Sisters
[1956] This wonderful ditty became a regional hit in several places. If you tell me that it's delectable,
I'll drink a lotta hotta chocolatta to that!
dees, doats and dee dum
Tweedlee Dee -- LaVern Baker
[1955] Winfield Scott wrote this song and he would eventually go on to co-write (with Otis Blackwell)
several hits for Elvis including "Return To Sender," and "One Broken Heart For Sale."
Tweedle Dee -- Georgia Gibbs
[1955] As far as I know, ALL pressings by Georgia Gibbs listed the title as "Tweedle Dee." I could never
figure out why because, after all, she SINGS "Tweedlee Dee."
Mairzy Doats -- The Merry Macs
[1944] The Macs, a four-part harmony group, were very merry when this bit of nonsense made it to #1 on the
chart and spent five weeks there.
Tweedle Dee, Tweedle Dum -- Middle Of The Road
[1971] This was a Scottish group, the nucleus consisting of Sally Carr and Ian and Eric McCredie.
They hit #1 in the UK with their original version of "Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep" and #2 in the UK
with this recording.
in memory of doug fieger
My Sharona -- The Knack
[1979] The Knack became an overnight success in 1979 with this recording which spent six weeks at #1 on the
Billboard Hot 100 and was an international hit as well. The group consisted of
lead singer and guitarist Doug Fieger, guitarist Berton Averre, bassist Prescot Niles and drummer
Bruce Gary.
Good Girls Don't -- The Knack
[1979] This was the group's catchy follow-up to "My Sharona" and it barely missed the top ten, peaking at
#11 on the Billboard Hot 100.
in memory of a rockabilly great
Susie-Q -- Dale Hawkins
[1957] Dale was a pioneer American rockabilly singer, songwriter, and rhythm guitarist who has
often been called the creator of "swamp rock boogie." He was the first cousin of Ronnie Hawkins.
La-Do-Dada -- Dale Hawkins
[1958] This was Dale's biggest single in 1958, peaking at #32.
Yea - Yea (Class Cutter) -- Dale Hawkins
[1959] First pressings of this recording show the title only as "Class Cutter" but most pressings list it
the way I've listed it here. What a fabulous artist Dale was!
Your Wild Heart -- Joy Layne
[1957] Joy was a teenage pop singer who looked like Sandy Duncan and sounded very much like Teresa Brewer.
Shortly after starting this Page, I created a themed set called "dum dum and drummer" which consisted of
Joy's recording of "Dum Dum" (a different song from the Brenda Lee hit of that title) and "Teen Beat"
by Sandy Nelson. Of course the records had nothing in common: I was just trying to be cute.
Nervous Boogie -- Paul Gayten
[1957] Paul was a multi-talented vocalist, songwriter, pianist and bandleader. He played piano on
Chuck Berry's hit "Carol." He discovered Clarence "Frogman" Henry and co-wrote his biggest hit "But I Do."
He also sang backup on many R&B hits.
Put Another Log On The Fire -- Tompall
[1975] The artist is Tompall Glaser, who has recorded most of his records with his brothers Chuck and Jim.
All have had solo hits on the country charts.
rock on, boogieman!
Crazy Arms -- Jerry Lee Lewis
[1956] This was Jerry Lee's very first Sun single and it was a KILLER! It was his wonderful cover of
the Ray Price #1 C&W smash "Crazy Arms." Though it failed to make the Top 100, it set the stage for
his next one, namely "Whole Lot Of Shakin' Going On."
Lewis Boogie -- Jerry Lee Lewis
[1958] There's nothing that I need to say. One listen is worth a thousand words!
a-m: feisty and tender
I Just Don't Understand -- Ann-Margret
[1961] This Swedish-American actress and singer, born Ann-Margret Olsson, charted three times in 1961 and 1962.
What Am I Supposed To Do -- Ann-Margret
[1962] Here's the tender side of Ann-Margret. What a pretty song this is!
there she was!
There She Is, Miss America -- Bert Parks
[195?] There no question that the Miss America Pageant, over the last few years, has lost a lot of its
former luster. And, in my view, much of that may have begun with the sudden and unexpected firing of
Bert Parks, who had emceed the Pageant from 1955 through 1979.
Little Miss America -- Frankie Michaels
[1965] Believe it or not there actually WAS a Little Miss America Pageant. It took place at the famous
Palisades Park in New Jersey: yes, the place that was immortalized in Freddy Cannon's 1962 smash hit.
You can read more details about it by visiting http://www.palisadespark.com/fort_lee.htm. Portions of it
were in two towns: Cliffside Park and Fort Lee.
How Bizarre -- OMC
[1996] OMC, or Otara Millionaires Club, was a music duo from Otara, Auckland, New Zealand best known
for this smash hit. The full name of the band is a tongue-in-cheek reference to Otara's status
as one of the poorest suburbs of Auckland.
remembering ritchie, buddy and bopper
Donna -- Ritchie Valens
[1959] On February 3, 1959, a small-plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa, killed three popular rock and roll
artists: Ritchie Valens, Buddy Holly and J. P. Richardson, known professionally as "The Big Bopper."
Don McLean referred to it several years later in "American Pie" as "The Day The Music Died.
The artists had been performing as part of a tour called the "Winter Dance Party," which was scheduled to
cover 24 cities in three weeks.
Peggy Sue -- Buddy Holly
[1957] Buddy's first taste of fame came as lead singer of the Crickets, whose first and biggest hit was
the chart-topper "That'll Be The Day." "Peggy Sue" was his first and biggest solo hit, peaking at #3 for
three weeks. Gary Busey portrayed him in the 1978 biographical movie "The Buddy Holly Story." Buddy was
inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame in 1986.
Chantilly Lace -- The Big Bopper
[1958] Jiles Perry Richardson was a deejay at KTRM in Beaumont, Texas as well as being a rock and roll
singer and songwriter. He wrote Johnny Preston's #1 pop hit "Running Bear" and George Jones's
#1 country hit "White Lightning." Billing himself as the "Big Bopper," he peaked at #6 with this recording,
his first and biggest hit.
Three Stars -- Tommy Dee
[1959] He was born Tommy Donaldson and was working at KFXM in San Bernadino, California when he wrote and
recorded "Three Stars," a touching narrative tribute to Ritchie, Buddy and Bopper. It barely missed
the national top ten, peaking at #11. The background vocalists are Carol Kay and the Teen-Aires.
The Hot Canary -- Florian Zabach
[1951] Florian was an American violin virtuoso who appeared with major symphony orchestras as soloist
and conductor at concert halls in the United States and in London, Vienna, Genoa, Venice, and Australia.
He was also a TV personality hosting the nationally-sydicated "Florian Zabach Show" in the mid 50s.
Follow That Girl -- Vinnie Monte
[1961] I don't know much about this artist other than the fact that he recorded for many labels and that
I loved this record when it first hit and wondered why it never made the record chart. It contains many
of the elements of very successful Del Shannon and Lou Christie records.
a "dawn" sound-alike and a dawn sound-alike
Dusty -- The Rag Dolls
[1965] The Rag Dolls were a Philadelphia-based group consisting of lead singer Jean Thomas, Mikie Harris
and Susan Lewis. Though this record came out about a year after the Four Seasons' "Dawn (Go Away),"
it was a concerted effort to emulate the sound and essence of that specific recording. "Dusty" peaked at
#55 on Billboard Hot 100.
Angel Baby -- Dusk
[1971] Dusk was a studio group created by the producers of Dawn, Hank Medress and Dave Appell. The lead singer
is Peggy Santiglia of the Delicates and the Angels. This was actually an answer record to Dawn's top-three
hit "Candida." In that record Tony Orlando sings "it says so in my dreams." In "Angel Baby" Peggy sings
"so what if all our dreams don't come true." It peaked at #57 on the Billboard Hot 100.
so you think you really know this song?
Pop Goes The Weasel -- The Countdown Kids
[2006] "Pop Goes the Weasel" is an English language nursery rhyme song that appears to have originated
somewhere around 1850. It has, over the years, acquired many different sets of lyrics and probably not
too many of them make a lot of sense. I've often wondered what the meaning of the title is and Anthony Newley
at least makes an effort to try to explain it. But that's below.
Pop Goes The Weasel -- The Merry Macs
[1938] This Minnesota group who began singing in the 1920s recorded this jazzy sounding version of
"Weasel" when they signed with Decca. Six years later they topped the chart with "Mairzy Doats" which,
arguably, is just as a dumb a song. Maybe even dumber!
Pop Goes The Weasel -- Anthony Newley
[1961] The man who stopped the show in "Stop The World I Want To Get Off" performs a public service
with this recording of "Weasel." He actually explains what the song is all about and is so convincing
that I believe every word.
Pop Goes The Weasel -- The Magic Reign
[1968] The Magic Reign, from the Manassas, Virginia area, were a garage rock band who recorded for Jamie.
Because of what they're singing here, this to me sounds more like bubblegum than garage rock.
Pop Goes The Weasel -- 3rd Bass
[1991] Could there be a CONTROVERSIAL version of "Pop Goes The Weasel"?
Pop Goes The Weasel -- Spike Jones featuring Wilbur Hall
[194?] I'm sure most of you have wondered what "Pop Goes The Weasel" would sound like if played on a
Stradivarius violin, right?
bad girls
Devil Woman -- Marty Robbins
[1962] Marty peaked at #16 on the pop chart and spent eight weeks at #1 on the country chart with this
wonderful record. My favorite line is "Even the seagulls are happy." They don't write 'em like that anymore!
Mean Woman Blues -- Roy Orbison
[1963] This song had been previously done by both Elvis and Jerry Lee. Roy put his own stamp on it
with this version (even mentioning his own name in the lyric) and it was the only one to make the
singles chart, peaking at an impressive #5.
Eloise -- Kay Thompson
[1956] Ah yes, this little girl was "bad" but you loved her just the same (after all, she was only six!).
Kay wrote a series of Eloise books and wrote and sang this endearing novelty. So what if she didn't really
sound like a six-year-old girl, the record still oozes with fun.
bad boys
Bad Boy -- The Jive Bombers
[1957] The Jive Bombers were an R&B vocal group from Harlem, NY. Clarence Palmer may be a "bad boy"
but he's one heck of a lead singer on this great recording! It got as high as #36 on what was then the
Billboard Top 100 but became a top ten hit in New York City.
Bad Boy -- The Beatles
[1965] This recording of a Larry Williams song, from the Beatles album "Beatles VI," was never released
as a single.
Bad Boy -- Miami Sound Machine
[1986] This was the second hit single by the group fronted by Gloria Estefan. It peaked at #8 on the
Billboard Hot 100.
Via Con Me -- Paolo Conte
[1995] Denise sent me an email that stated:
"request...please listen...and maybe add to your record page..pleeeeze."
Fit As A Fiddle -- Gene Kelly and Donald O'Connor
[1952] "Singin' In The Rain" is regarded by many as the greatest filmusical of all time. It starred
Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor and Debbie Reynolds and offered a humorous depiction of Hollywood
and its transition from silent films to talkies. This short, rollicking number by Gene and Donald,
is one of its many highlights.
Shim Sham Shuffle -- Ricky Lyons
[1960] Chuck Berry is legendary for recycling his own melodies but he is surely not the only one who has
done so. Case in point: this song recorded by Ricky, an R&B singer, which Bubbled Under the Billboard Hot 100
peaking at #104. It was written by Tommy Boyce and Steve Venet.
14 little girls and 2 freds
Seven Little Girls (Sitting In The Back Seat) -- Paul Evans and the Curls
[1959] This cute song was written by Lee Pockriss and Bob Hilliard and this recording was actually a demo
with Merv Griffin as the intended recording artist!
Seven Little Girls (Sitting In The Back Seat) -- The Avons
[1959]
The Avons were a British pop music vocal trio, consisting of sisters Valerie and Elaine Murtagh
and Raymond S. Adams. This cover version of the Paul Evans record became a big hit in England.
Looey Looey -- Buddy Hackett
[1960] This recording probably has more of a connection with Ed Norton's dog "Loo-Loo"
than it does with Richard Berry's legendary composition immortalized by the Kingsmen.
If You Were A Rock And Roll Record -- Freddy Cannon
[1962] This record was not included on my interview show with Freddy, not even as a bonus track.
But it's a good one and was requested by Wes Smith, my wonderful friend and loyal listener.
just keep marching
Honey-Babe -- Art Mooney
[1955] What with Carl Smith's "Ten Thousand Drums" and the three versions of "The Yellow Rose Of Texas"
I find myself in a marching mood right now.
Dogface Soldier -- Russ Morgan
[1955] This record and the one above by Art Mooney, in my judgment, should have both made #1 on the chart.
That's how much I loved them way back when! Art's got to #6 and this one got to #30.
21 yellow roses
18 Yellow Roses -- Bobby Darin
[1963] Bobby wrote and sang this touching song.
The Yellow Rose Of Texas -- Mitch Miller
[1955] Mitch will be celebrating his 99th birthday on July 4th. This recording was #1 for six straight weeks:
it was his only chart-topper and easily his biggest hit ever.
The Yellow Rose Of Texas -- Johnny Desmond
[1955] Though Mitch Miller's version was far and away the biggest, Johnny's version did very well, peaking at
#3.
The Yellow Rose Of Texas -- Stan Freberg
[1955] This is surely one of Stan's most remembered and best loved records.
it's ying-along time!
Ying Tong Song -- The Goons
[1953] Pure nonsense.
Ying Yang -- The Bellamy Brothers
[1988] The brothers, Howard and David, achieved overnight pop music success with their 1976 #1 recording
"Let Your Love Flow." But their destiny over the years was to become one of country music's
most popular duos.
Ivy Will Cling -- Arnold Stang and the Sunshine Kids
[1959] Lovable Arnold played the milquetoast little guy parts on dozens of sitcoms,
one of many working television supporting players that never found major major stardom but always had
steady work. You might know him as the voice of the cartoon character Top Cat (1961-62, NBC)
or as Milton Berle's sidekick during his "Uncle Miltie" days (1953-55).
He was also featured in a number of short-lived series, including Doc Corkle, the first casualty of the
1952-53 season (lasting only three episodes) and the 1955 syndicated show Molly (aka 'The Goldbergs')
as the shipping clerk. He had dozens of roles, both on and off camera, over the years.
In The Mood -- Ernie Fields
[1959] Ernie was a very versatile man of music: a trombonist, pianist, arranger and bandleader among other
things. He began his career in the late-20s and worked with big bands and small bands and developed a style of
playing swing standards in a rockin' rhythm and blues fashion.
remembering a country music great
Let Old Mother Nature Have Her Way -- Carl Smith
[1951] Carl, often referred to as "Mister Country," was one of the most successful artists in that genre in
the 1950s and 1960s. Between 1951 and 1978 he had a very impressive 93 hits on the country chart. He was
married to June Carter (who later became June Carter Cash) and they had a daughter Carlene Carter, who
became a well-known country singer in her own right.
Hey, Joe -- Carl Smith
[1953] This recording of a song written by Boudleaux and Felice Bryant became Carl's fourth #1 country hit
and, like "Mother Nature" above, spent eight weeks atop that chart.
Ten Thousand Drums -- Carl Smith
[1959] This is the recording that most pop music fans remember Carl for. On the heels of the crossover success
of Johnny Horton's "The Battle Of New Orleans" and Stonewall Jackson's "Waterloo," Carl cut
this similar-sounding record and it reached #43 on the pop chart and #5 on the the country chart.
but seer-iously
The Gypsy -- The Ink Spots
[1946] This was the biggest hit ever (it spent 13 weeks at #1!) for one of the most popular vocal groups of
the 40s. The personnel on this recording are lead tenor Bill Kenny, bass Herb Kenny (Bill's brother),
Charles Fuqua and Ivory "Deek" Watson.
Whatever Will Be, Will Be (Que Sera, Sera) -- Doris Day
[1956] This was a #2 recording for Doris and was from the film "The Man Who Knew Too Much."
Jay Livingston and Ray Evans wrote it and it won the Oscar for Best Song. It's one of the few cases in
pop music where the parenthesized portion of a title is better-known to many than the primary portion.
"Que Sera, Sera"!
Fortuneteller -- Bobby Curtola
[1962] This wonderful recording was Bobby's only significant hit in the United States, peaking at #41.
However Bobby, born in Port Arthur, Ontario, Canada, has become a superstar in his native country.
I Love Your Pizza -- Homer and Jethro
[195?] After being a sleeping giant for a long time, Dick Biondi made an astounding jump on our record chart
which is current as I type this blurb: he leaped from #188 to #3 in a single bound with his "Pizza Song."
Superman would be proud!
bobby charles wrote ...
See You Later, Alligator -- Bill Haley and his Comets
[1956] Bobby may not have been a household name but he wrote three extremely successful hits, all of which
are sampled here. Bobby was born Robert Charles Guidry in Abbeville, Louisiana and grew up listening to
Cajun music and the country and western music of Hank Williams. At the age of 15, he heard a performance
by Fats Domino, an event that he said "changed my life forever."
Walking To New Orleans -- Fats Domino
[1960] It was appropriate that the man who Bobby said "changed my life forever" as noted in the blurb for
"Alligator" would take one his songs to the top 10. The record duplicated the peak position of "Alligator"
which was #6.
But I Do -- Clarence "Frogman" Henry
[1961] Peakwise this was Bobby's most successful copyright. "Frogman" took it to #4 on the chart.
What's really interesting is that initial pressings of the record had the title "I Don't Know Why."
It was changed to "But I Do" to avoid confusion with the old standard "I Don't Know Why" which,
later in 1961, became a big hit for Linda Scott.
"beatles" in the title
We Love You Beatles -- The Carefrees
[1964] The Carefrees were a female vocal trio from England, consisting of Lyn Cornell, Betty Prescott
and Barbara Kay. They quickly got on the Beatles bandwagon and scored a #39 national hit. If the tune sounds
like something else, it should: it was a parody of "We Love You Conrad" from the hit Broadway musical
and later film "Bye Bye Birdie."
A Letter To The Beatles -- The Four Preps
[1964] If I recall correctly, Four Preps lead singer Bruce Belland told me that this was the recording
that pretty much ended the Four Preps career. It did mark the end of their chart career, peaking at a
disappointing #85. Still I find this recording about their moptop label-mates quite amusing.
Pop Hates The Beatles -- Allan Sherman
[1964] It was no surprise that Allan would offer his take on Beatlemania. This was never a single. It was on
his LP "For Swingin' Livers Only."
Bigger Than The Beatles -- Joe Diffie
[1996] We fast forward 32 years to renowned country singer Joe Diffie's lookback on the Beatles pheomenon.
It didn't make the pop chart but spent two weeks atop the country chart.
Just When I Needed You Most -- Randy VanWarmer
[1979] Randy, originally from Colorado, wrote this song when he was 18 years old. He recorded it
six years later and it became a major hit, peaking at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remaining on the chart
for 20 weeks. It has over the years become one of the most enduring pop songs.
arthur vs. julius
Teterboro Tower -- Arthur Godfrey
[195?] Arthur Godfrey was one of the most popular broadcasters and entertainers of all time and also one of
the most controversial. There's plenty of material on the Internet about him.
Eh Cumpari -- Julius LaRosa
[1953] Information about what led to the Arthur Godfrey's firing of Julius LaRosa on the air is readily
available on the Internet. I will briefly describe here what happened on the night of the infamous event.
elvis vs. eilert
Blue Suede Shoes -- Elvis Presley
[1956] The King.
Blue Suede Shoes -- Eilert Pilarm
[19??] NOT the King.
Jailhouse Rock -- Elvis Presley
[1957] The King.
Jailhouse Rock -- Eilert Pilarm
[19??] NOT the King.
elvis sound-alikes and wannabees
The King Is Gone -- Ronnie McDowell
[1977] Ronnie wrote and recorded this poignant record immediately after he and the rest of the world learned
that the King had passed away. It's unusual in that Ronnie wrote it ABOUT Elvis and sings it using his
"Elvis" voice. It was a huge hit, peaked at #13 on the Billboard Hot 100. Ronnie went on to have a total of
37 country hits between 1977 and 1990.
Such A Night -- Vince Everett
[1962] This guy is an incredible Elvis sound-alike. His real name is really Marvin Benefield and he recorded
for ABC-Paramount from 1962 to 1965. He chose the stage name "Vince Everett" because that was the name of
the singer portrayed by Elvis in "Jailhouse Rock." On this recording, Vince uses an identical arrangement
and vocal approach to the song and even has vocal backing that sounds just like the Jordanaires.
I Got Burned -- Ral Donner
[1963] Ral is considered by many to be the best-known of the Elvis sound-alike artists. He first came to
prominence singing in Elvis style "Girl Of My Best Friend" (one that Elvis did record)
and "You Don't Know What You've Got" (one that he didn't): those reached #19 and #4 respectively.
After leaving Gone records after having six chart hits including the above two, he signed with Reprise
and released this dead-on imitation of the King. I thought it was fabulous. Amazingly the best it could do
was to "Bubble Under the Billboard Hot 100" at #124. Still I love it!
Suspicion -- Terry Stafford
[1964] Elvis first recorded this song written by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman in 1962. Terry remade it
two years later. Chartwise, this was the most successful of the Elvis sound-alike hits, peaking at #3.
Terry appeared in the movie "Wild Wheels" and went on to have a successful country music career.
Rockabilly Rebel -- Orion
[1981] "Orion" was the stage name of rockabilly performer Jimmy Ellis. Following the death of Elvis August 1977, Orion dressed and sang
in the manner of Presley and wore a mask during public appearances, fueling speculation that Elvis
had faked his death and returned to singing. One thing's for certain: "Orion" sure sounded like the King!
Though Orion never had a pop chart presence, 10 of his recordings made the country chart. This was his most
successful, peaking at #63.
The International Elvis Impersonators Convention -- various artists
[1979] This record leaves me speechless. Well, okay, ALMOST speechless. I am not sure of its origin.
What I can tell you is that this original recording runs 10 minutes and 25 seconds; I've mercifully reduced it
to a 2 minute 29 second sample. I believe that this appeared in a "Worst Records Of All Time" collection.
You be the judge if you dare and/or care.
Golly -- The Four Lads
[1956] Someone put English lyrics to "El Barkio" (which was actually "Il Bacio") and the Four Lads sang it.
It's appropriate that the "Golly" singers were also the "Gilly Gilly" singers!
The A.D.D. Song -- Sean Morey
[2009] A recent masterpiece by the creator of "The Man Song."
El Barkio -- Spike Jones, Eileen Gallagher and Lassie
[1949] This is from the Spike Jones Radio Show which aired on May 28, 1949.
Submarine Race Watching -- The Escorts
[1962] She was born Genyusha Zelkowitz in Poland and eventually moved to America at the age of 9.
Upon arrival in this country, her mother changed her daughter's first name to Goldie. Her first group was
the Escorts, whom you can listen to here (with Goldie on lead) doing a song about an "activity" popularized by Murray the K and
also by his Dancing Girls, the Delicates in their "Submarine Race Watchers Theme" which they wrote and sang.
in memory of teddy vann
Loop De Loop -- Johnny Thunder
[1962] Teddy Vann was a Brooklyn-born singer-songwriter-producer who never became a "household name" but
accomplished a lot and was highly-respected by those in the music. In addition to co-writing and producing
this #4 hit by Johnny Thunder, based on an old children's song, produced records by the Bobbettes,
Jimmy Jones, Dave "Baby" Cortez, and Clay Cole among others. Clay's recording of "Here, There, Everywhere,"
written and produced by Teddy and featured in the Clay's movie "Twist Around The Clock, is on this Page.
Teenage Hayride -- Tender Slim
[1960] I'm not sure where the name "Tender Slim" came from. But I can tell you that this
very catchy instrumental was a studio project produced by Teddy. It could have easily been sub-titled
"Pop Goes The Weasal Meets Three Blind Mice"!
Cindy -- Teddy Vann
[1960] Here's an upbeat vocal recording by Teddy. Though it only managed to "Bubble Under" at #104, it's
very well-remembered.
Not Getting Married -- Linda November
[1987] I included a slightly longer version of this recording on the radio interview show that I did with
Linda November and her husband Artie Schroeck which is on my Radio Page.
sparklin' rock and roll
Black Slacks -- Joe Bennett and the Sparkletones
[1957] They were a teenage rock and roll band from Spartanburg, South Carolina and they sure could rock!
They consisted of guitarist-vocalist Joe Bennett, guitarist Howard Childress, bassist Wayne Arthur
and drummer Irving Denton. This record peaked at #18 on the chart.
Penny Loafers And Bobby Socks -- Joe Bennett and the Sparkletones
[1957] This was the follow-up to "Black Slacks" and, in my opinion, it's just as good. Amazingly it missed
the top forty, peaking at #42. This group surely deserved more commercial success than they attained.
lyric liftin'
Lovey Dovey -- Buddy Knox
[1960] This song contains these lyrics:
The Joker -- The Steve Miller Band
[1973] This song contains these lyrics:
aaron schroeder wrote ...
Half Heaven - Half Heartache -- Gene Pitney
[1962] Aaron Schroeder was a very successful songwriter, music publisher, record company owner and producer.
He wrote more than 1500 songs, almost all with collaborators, and many became hits.
First Name Initial -- Annette
[1959] Aaron co-wrote this song with Martin Kalmanoff.
First Anniversary -- Cathy Carr
[1959] Aaron co-wrote this song with Sid Wayne.
I'm Gonna Knock On Your Door -- Eddie Hodges
[1961] Aaron co-wrote this song with Sid Wayne.
The Wang Dang Taffy-Apple Tango (Mambo Cha Cha Cha) -- Pat Boone
[1959] Aaron co-wrote this one with J. Leslie McFarland.
I Got Stung -- Elvis Presley
[1958] Aaron co-wrote this one with David Hill.
Santa's Stuck Up In The Chimney -- Paul Evans
[2007] This fabulous Christmas novelty by Paul is deservedly a You Tube sensation!
Cajun Honey -- Clarence "Frogman" Henry
[1966] I absolutely believed that it was Fats singing this!
hills and valleys
Sometimes When We Touch -- Dan Hill
[1977] This is one of the most poignant love songs every written and the credits go to Dan, who wrote the
lyrics and Barry Mann, who wrote the music. Dan, from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, took this to #3 on the
Billboard Hot 100.
Hide & Go Seek, Part I -- Bunker Hill
[1962] Bunker's record is not quite as poignant as Dan's! They say imitation is the sincerist form of
flattery. So do you think Little Richard would be impressed or would say "Bunker, shut up!"?
My Mother's Eyes -- Frankie Valley
[1953] No, my spelling of the artist's name is not a typo. This is the first recording by
Francesco Stephen Castellucio and he did indeed cut it as "Frankie Valley," which was a name he reportedly
adopted from "Texas" Jean Valley, one of his favorite female singers. Nine years later, of course, the world
would know him as Frankie Valli, the lead singer of one of the most popular singing groups on the planet.
And yes, like Dan Hill's recording above (but not like Bunker's), this record is also poignant.
Stein Song -- Rudy Vallee
[1930] Okay, so Rudy was never a "Valley." But I say it's close enough, particularly since I absolutely love
this recording!
joel whitburn's choice for "worst record ever" and its flip side
There Is A Tavern In The Town -- Wally Cox
[1953] Joel Whitburn insists that this record by the comic actor who was TV's "Mr. Peepers" is the worst record
ever. You be the judge.
What A Crazy Guy (Dufo) -- Wally Cox
[1953] This is the flip side of Joel Whitburn's choice for "worst record ever."
three by new york city's legendary "morning mayor"
Hello Again -- Herb Oscar Anderson
[1959] I had the honor of doing a one-hour interview show with this beloved broadcasting giant who did
morning drive on New York City super-powerful 77-WABC from 1960 through 1968 and made millions of listeners
happy on a daily basis. Please check out my Radio Page for that show and additional information about the
man who also answered to the initials HOA.
It Was Great While It Lasted -- Herb Oscar Anderson
[1959] This was the flipside of "Hello Again" and HOA made it very clear that he liked this side at least
as much.
That Happy Feeling -- Herb Oscar Anderson
[2009] HOA went into his home studio a couple of weeks before we recorded our interview show and, backed by
the Bert Kaempfert orchestra, he created this custom recording of "That Happy Feeling" especially for me
and my listenership. This is a song that HOA used to sing frequently during his shows but, unlike the above
two recordings, has not been available as a commercial record.
in memory of al alberts
The Gang That Sang "Heart Of My Heart" -- The Four Aces
[1953] Al was the lead singer of the Four Aces, an incredibly popular group out of Chester, PA, that had
10 top-ten hits including this one. The other members, who sang on all of their most successful recordings,
were Dave Mahoney (tenor), Sal Vaccaro (baritone) and Lou Silvestri (bass).
Love Is A Many-Splendored Thing -- The Four Aces
[1955] This recording by the Four Aces was their most successful ever, spending several weeks at #1 on the
chart. It was the title song from the William Holden-Jennifer Jones film of the same name. The recording
was also heard many years later at the beginning of the motion picture "Grease," starring John Travolta and
Olivia Newton-John.
On The Way To Cape May -- Al Alberts
[19??] This song has become a Jersey Shore summertime anthem and a cult classic for the Philadelphia/Delaware
Valley and South Jersey Shore area. It was written by Maurice "Buddy" Nugent. The song became famous
without the push of a major record label. There are several version of it and Al's is among the most popular.
who can forget the strange "guy" who kept saying "just keep walking!"?
Ambrose (Part Five) -- Linda Laurie
[1959] Linda, a singer-songwriter from Brooklyn, NY, wrote a top three hit in the 70s for Helen Reddy called
"Leave Me Alone (Ruby Red Dress)." But she will always be best-remembered for this novelty recording on
which she did both the female voice and the voice of "Ambrose."
Forever Ambrose -- Linda Laurie
[1960] Though this "Ambrose" sequel never charted -- let's face it, novelties are difficult to follow-up
successfully -- I like it a lot, maybe as much as the original.
"bobby" songs
Bobby's Girl -- Marcie Blane
[1962] Lightweight pop? Perhaps. But it was very catchy and almost everyone enjoyed it. It got to #3 on
the Billboard Hot 100. In my view Marcie deserved to have more hits. Her "Little Miss Fool" got to #5 on
OUR Top 100!
Me And Bobby McGee -- Janis Joplin
[1971] This recording of this Kris Krisofferson tune became a posthumous #1 hit by the star-crossed singer
known as "Pearl."
Wait Til' My Bobby Gets Home -- Darlene Love
[1963] If you want a great example of Phil Spector's Wall Of Sound, try this record on for size.
Bobby Sox To Stockings -- Frankie Avalon
[1959] Okay, so it's not a conventional "Bobby" song. But I say it's a "Bobby" song nevertheless!
Standing In A Trashcan (Thinking Of You) -- The Legendary Stardust Cowboy
[196?] Words fail me.
our namesakes
Denise -- Randy and the Rainbows
[1963] Lead singer Dominick "Randy" Safuto insists that the Rainbows are singing "Denise dooby doo" but many
people insist that they're singing "Denise shooby doo"! You be the judge. The record got to #10.
Bernadette -- The Four Tops
[1967] One of the greatest lead vocals ever by the late great Levi Stubbs. This record got to #4,
the highest charter in this very personal themed set.
Ronnie -- Marcy Joe
[1961] I've always had a fondness for this recording by Marcy who was from Pittsburgh, PA.
So what if it only reached #81 on the chart!
Cloudburst -- Don Lang
[1955] It's hard to believe that this is the same Don Lang that sang the British hit version of "Witch Doctor"
which is currently in our Top 20. This recording, done at frantic speed, came out three years before that one.
Speaking of frantic, Don was a British trombone player and singer whose band was called the Frantic Five.
His music is best known in the United Kingdom and on this Page.
blame or no blame
Blame It On The Bossa Nova -- Eydie Gorme
[1963] Eydie's wonderful rendering of this great Barry Mann-Cynthia Weill tune, backed by the Cookies,
became her biggest hit, peaking at #7. Some might feel that Mann and Weill had a very creative memory
since the verses (at least to my ears) have the identical tune of the Four Lads hit
"Gilly, Gilly, Ossenfeffer, Katzenellen Bogen By The Sea," which you can also sample on this Page.
Don't Blame The Bossa Nova -- Jackie Mason
[1963] Here's the opposing view by the delightful Mr. Mason. Incidentally, doesn't the opening of this
sound very much like Los Del Rio's "Macarena"?
All Over Again, Again -- The Great Pretender
[1959] It's not Johnny Cash and it's not Stan Freberg doing a spoof of Johnny Cash. It's Mitchell Torok
doing a spoof of what a Stan spoof of Johnny would sound like!
soupy was special
The Mouse -- Soupy Sales
[1965] This beloved legendary comedian and TV personality would do just about anything for a laugh
and he did one thing thousands of times: he took over 20,000 pies in the face. Over a half century of
performing he made over 5000 live TV appearances, primarily in Detroit, New York and Los Angeles.
He passed away Thursday, October 22, at the age of 83.
Pachalafaka -- Soupy Sales
[1965] This is the flipside of the above recording and almost as well known because of its title.
Do they really whisper that word all over Turkey?
three favorites by a beloved singer-entertainer
Here In My Heart -- Al Martino
[1952] The music world was shocked and saddened to hear of the unexpected passing of Al Martino on October 12,
apparently from a heart attack. It was just about two and a half months ago, on July 24, that I recorded our
interview show.
Spanish Eyes -- Al Martino
[1965] Though other recordings charted higher, many consider this gem to be Al's signature song.
It peaked at #15 on the Billboard Hot 100.
To The Door Of The Sun (Alle Porte Del Sole) -- Al Martino
[1975] This is a wonderful change-of-pace record and he handles it so effortlessly. Peaking at #17 it was
his next-to-last top forty hit. The man's show business career lasted approximately 60 years and he was
working up until his death. He truly left an incredible mark.
two versions of a poignant song
Spring -- Tanya Tucker
[1975] This touching recording only got to #18 on the country chart, not one of her biggest hits. But there
was a good reason for that.
Spring -- Clay Hart
[1969] This is the original hit version of the song, which came out six years prior to Tanya's version.
Clay, originally from Providence, Rhode Island, worked as an engineer in studios in Tampa, Florida and
was a regular on the Lawrence Welk TV series from 1968 through 1973.
I Do The Rock -- Tim Curry
[1979] This British actor and vocalist played the role of Dr. Frank N. Furter in the cult film
"The Rocky Horror Picture Show" and also appeared in other films including "Annie" and "Blue Money."
late-70s disco
I Will Survive -- Gloria Gaynor
[1979] We've surely had a wide variety of music (and sometimes talk) represented on this page but up until
now we have been lacking one very popular musical genre: disco.
Disco Inferno -- The Trammps
[1977] This recording by this disco quintet from Philadelphia was hot on so many levels. It was from the
film "Saturday Night Fever" and peaked at #53 when first released. Then it got re-released in early 1978
and it burned much brighter, reaching #11.
I Love The Nightlife (Disco 'Round) -- Alicia Bridges
[1978] Alicia, born in Lawndale, North Carolina, may be considered by many to be a one-hit wonder. But what
a powerful hit this was! Peaking at #5, it spend an incredible (for that time) 31 weeks in the Billboard
Hot 100 and 19 of those weeks in the top forty.
Born To Be Alive -- Patrick Hernandez
[1979] Ssinger/songwriter Patrick, born in Paris, France, created this great recording, one of the most
uplifting of the disco era. It reached #16 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Hot Stuff -- Donna Summer
[1979] Born LaDonna Andrea Gaines, Ms. Summer is regarded by most as "The Queen Of Disco." Though it hit
#1 on the Billboard Hot 100, surprisingly it doesn't receive as much play these days as some of her other
recordings, particularly "Last Dance." Nevertheless this is my personal favorite Donna Summer recording.
Y.M.C.A. -- The Village People
[1978] Closing our disco themed set is this very memorable sextet from New York City.
Each of the five members appeared in costume, portraying a different character in performance:
Victor Willis was a policeman; Randy Jones was a cowboy; David Hodo was a construction worker;
Felipe Rose was a Native-American; Alexander Briley was an army man; and the late Glenn Hughes was a biker.
Slow Talker -- Bob and Ray
[1970] Bob (Elliott) and Ray (Goulding) were an American comedy team whose career spanned five decades.
In many of their routines they made fun of the medium in which they were performing,
such as conducting radio or television interviews with off-the-wall dialogue presented in a
generally deadpan style as though it were SERIOUS. This routine is among their most famous routines of that
type and many consider it their best. It is from a recording of their 1970 Broadway show entitled
"The Two and Only."
This Must Be The Place -- Ronnie Self
[1959] Murray used to constantly play the opening "la la la la la la" part of this record on his legendary
"Swingin' Soiree" show on 1010-WINS in New York to remind people that "this must be the place" to be to
enjoy what he was presenting each night. I don't believe he ever played the entire record but now you can
listen to it here on demand!
Dern Ya -- Ruby Wright
[1964] Ruby was the daughter of country stars Johnny Wright and the "Queen Of Country Music" Kitty Wells.
This was her best-known recording, an answer record to Roger Miller's "Dang Me." It peaked at #13 on the
country chart. Sadly, after battling numerous heart problems, Ruby passed away on September 27.
everyone knows it's windy (or wendy)
Let The Four Winds Blow -- Roy Brown
[1957] A great vocalist and pianist, Roy was one of the originators of the New Orleans R&B sound. What makes
this record even more special is the fabulous drumming by whoever it is! (Anyone know?)
Gone With The Wind -- The Shepherd Sisters
[1954] This recording by the "Alone" girls -- Martha, Gayle, Judy and Mary Lou -- who were indeed sisters
came three years before that very well-known hit. The instrumental portion of this sounds like some other
song and I can't put my finger on it. Anybody?
Windy -- The Association
[1967] This catchy tune was a very well-deserved #1 hit by this Los Angeles group, consisting of
Terry Kirkman, Gary "Jules" Alexander, Jim Yester, Ted Bluechel Jr., Russ Giguere and the late Brian Cole.
Wendy -- The Beach Boys
[1964] This is admittedly a "stream of consciousness" addition to what I planned as simply a "windy"
themed set. While adding the Association's record I thought of THIS one and said to myself
"Oh, why not. It's such a great song!"
Oh! Moytle -- Guy Lombardo
[1945] Guy and his Royal Canadians had an incredible 218 charted records. This is one of the least remembered.
to honor clay cole's fabulous new book, we proudly present "the three sh-booms"!
Sh-Boom -- The Chords
[1954] The Jersey Girls, Denise and Bernadette, and I are absolutely brimming with joy that our
friend Clay Cole's long-awaited book,"Sh-Boom! The Explosion of Rock 'N' Roll," is finally available for
all the world to enjoy and treasure.
Sh-Boom -- The Crew-Cuts
[1954] Note: please check out the Chords' version for my comment about Clay's new book.
Sh-Boom -- Stan Freberg
[1954] Note: please check out the Chords' version for my comment about Clay's new book.
the "toot"s have it!
Toot -- Chubby Checker
[1960] His Chubbiness didn't take it too hard when this cute tune got almost no attention in 1960. That's
because it was the "B" side of "The Twist."
My Toot-Toot -- Rockin' Sidney
[1985] This is a wonderful Cajun tune that's become a huge hit all over the world.
Toot, Toot, Tootsie -- Tiny Tim
[19??] Combining the title and the artist you have the most alliterative record on this Page!
in memory of mary travers
If I Had A Hammer -- Peter, Paul and Mary
[1962] As a Peter, Paul and Mary fan for so many years and knowing so many others who also fall into that
category I feel unspeakable sadness as I write these words. How sad it is that the wonderful Mary has passed
away.
Puff (The Magic Dragon) -- Peter, Paul and Mary
[1963] I recently saw Peter perform this at a concert and book signing at a Barnes and Noble store near me.
After 46 years, it still sounds as fresh as ever. Mary's voice, of course, adds magic to this smash hit
recording which peaked at #2. This song has touched so many people's hearts throughout the world and is
wonderful in every respect.
Follow Me -- Mary Travers
[1971] This was Mary's only solo hit, peaking at #56 in 1971. It's a wonderful rendering of a beautiful song
penned by John Denver, the writer of Peter, Paul and Mary's only #1 hit, "Leaving On A Jet Plane."
She's Like The Wind -- Patrick Swayze (featuring Wendy Fraser)
[1988] Patrick brought us so much joy from his art and he inspired us with his courage and determination
when stricken with the terminal illness that would eventually take his life. Forever a fighter, he worked
up until close to the very end. His two most popular movies were "Dirty Dancing" and "Ghost."
This song was from the former movie, which starred him and Jennifer Gray. It peaked at #3
on the Billboard Hot 100.
Copper Clapper Caper -- Jack Webb and Johnny Carson
[1968] Sgt. Friday and the all-time king of late night comedy. An absolute treasure!
bread and butter
Bread -- Bobby Hebb
[1966] This was the flipside of Bobby's #2 hit "Sunny" and so very different!
Butter Boy -- Fanny
[1975] I couldn't find a record titled simply "Butter" so I happily settled for this upbeat one from the
mid-70s. Fanny was a female rock group from Los Angeles and this was one of their two top-forty hits,
making it to #29. ("Charity Ball" from four years earlier had peaked at #40). These girls can rock!
They paved the way for the 80's groups the Go-Go's and the Bangles.
Bread And Butter -- The Newbeats
[1964] The Newbeats consisted of falsetto lead singer Larry Henley and brothers Dean and Marc Mathis.
Chronologically this record preceeded the other two but, as you know, we don't always list them in that way!
Thanks For The Memory -- Bob Hope and Shirley Ross
[1938] And thanks to Mike Riccio, the moderator of the renowned Oldies Board (http://www.oldiesboard.com)
for suggesting that I add this recording as the 500th one on this Page.
vocalizing instrumental hits
The Alley Cat Song -- David Thorne
[1962] The only information I know about this record is that it appeared on the jazz label Riverside,
it got played on New York radio and the guy sounds very hip.
Magic Star (Telstar) -- Kenny Hollywood
[1962] This was a running gag in many oldies circles: "Can you sing 'Telstar'"? That instrumental recording,
written and produced by Joe Meek and recorded by the Tornadoes, hit #1 on the chart.
Wipeout -- The Fat Boys and The Beach Boys
[1987] The Fat Boys were a rap trio from Brooklyn, New York, consisting of Mark "Prince Markie Dee" Morales,
Damon "Kool Rock" Wimbley and the late Darren "The Human Beat Box" Robinson. The group starred in the 1987
film "Disorderlies."
Put Your Hand In The Hand -- Linda November and Friend
[1967] Linda November and "Jingle Lady" are synonymous. At one time she had over 700 jingles playing
simultaneously. Her legendary "Meows" were for the Meow Mix Cat Food commercial,
reportedly the number one jingle of all time.
i love you, i love you, i love you
I Love You -- The Volumes
[1962] Jim Croce sang "I'll Have To Say I Love You In A Song." On the pop chart exactly five different
recording acts in the rock era made the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop chart by saying simply
"I Love You" in a song TITLE. This themed set includes three of them and this one, a doowop classic,
was the first chronologically, peaking at #22. Original copies of the single have the group listed
as "Volume's" but most references on the web show them as "Volumes" and I've chosen to list them that way.
I Love You -- People
[1968] This recording has a rather long unique opening and I've decided to include all of that in this sample
because obviously a lot of people (radio stations and record buyers) liked it! About a minute and seven
seconds into it you hear the start of the vocal with the title words. This record made it to #14 on the
Hot 100.
I Love You -- Martina McBride
[1999] This recording, featured in the movie "Runaway Bride" starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere,
was #1 on the Billboard country chart for five weeks and peaked at #24 on their Hot 100.
It was from Martina's RCA album "Emotion" and surprisingly to me was never released as a single.
Up Above My Head -- Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Marie Knight
[194?] Marie has been represented on this page as half of the duo of Marie and Rex on the 1959 hit
"I Can't Sit Down." But she was best known as a legendary gospel star. She became half of a powerful duo in
the 1940s with Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Together they had a string of gospel hits which included
"Beams Of Heaven," "Didn't It Rain" and this one. Following "I Can't Sit Down," she spent lots of time in
the 60s singing R&B with artists including Brook Benton, the Drifters. Then she relaunched her gospel career
as a solo singer.
I Miss You So -- Chris Connor
[1956] Chris, who was born Mary Loutsenhizer in Kansas City, MS, first came to prominence as a jazz
vocalist working with Claude Thornhill and Stan Kenton. She recorded many successful albums during her
illustrious career. This was her one big pop hit. Though it peaked at #34, it spend an amazing 28 weeks
on the Billboard chart.
Car Phone -- Mr. Obvious
[199?] "Mr. Obvious" is a character created by Chick McGee, a regular on The Bob & Tom Show, which is
a comedy radio program established by Bob Kevoian and Tom Griswold at radio station WFBQ
in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1983, and syndicated nationally since 1995. That's all you need to know.
Sit back and enjoy the hilarity. But, please, don't do what the "guy on the phone" did!
in memory of ellie greenwich
What A Guy -- The Raindrops
[1963] The music world lost a giant with the passing of Ellie Greenwich. Her wonderful songs left an
indelible impression and are a part of the soundtrack of our lives.
Though best known as a songwriter and a backup singer, she did actually achieve chart success as a
billed vocalist: as the Butterflys ("Good Night Baby"), on her own ("I Want You To Be My Baby") and as
a member of the Raindrops, who are featured here. This recording was actually a duet
with her husband at the time, Jeff Barry, with whom she co-wrote this song. All the female voices on this
record are hers. Eventually the Raindrops added a third member. This record barely missed the national
top 40, peaking at #41.
Leader Of The Pack -- The Shangri-Las
[1964] This song was co-written by Ellie, Jeff Berry and George "Shadow" Morton. It became a #1 hit for
the Shangri-Las and was the title song of the 1985 Broadway show which featured this and many of her other
hit songs.
River Deep-Mountain High -- Ike and Tina Turner
[1966] This recording, of a song co-written by Ellie, Jeff Barry and Phil Spector, had all the elements of
a smash hit, including a quinessential example of the Spector "Wall Of Sound."
wake up! wake up!
Waking Up Is Hard To Do -- Neil Sedaka
[2009] Neil himself parodies his own 1962 chart-topper "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do" in this
unreleased recording made in his home earlier this year.
Great! But in this themed set he is merely the opening act for a bunch of zany "doctors"!
Waking Up Is Hard To Do -- The Laryngospasms
[2009] They are a comedy troup whose website is http://www.laryngospasms.com. You can watch their
YouTube video of this at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOrjcLJ2IE0.
six brenda ballad hits
I'm Sorry -- Brenda Lee
[1960] Brenda became known as "Little Miss Dynamite" after recording a song called "Dynamite" in 1957.
Most associate that nickname with her uptempo records. Interestingly, though, she achieved most of her
biggest success with her ballad hits. I'm pleased to feature six of those in this themed set: all made
the national top ten and two, including this one, reached #1.
I Want To Be Wanted -- Brenda Lee
[1960] This was Brenda's follow-up to "I'm Sorry" and became her second consecutive #1 hit.
Emotions -- Brenda Lee
[1961] Emotional Brenda at her very best! This peaked at #7.
Fool #1 -- Brenda Lee
[1961] This is surely a country song and the recording is as country as it is pop. So how can you explain
that this recording and all of the other recordings here did NOT make the country chart? My answer to that
is "go figure"! On the pop chart this was huge, peaking at #3.
Break It To Me Gently -- Brenda Lee
[1962] Juice Newton got to #11 with her 1982 remake of this great song. Brenda original version,
presented here, peaked at #4.
Losing You -- Brenda Lee
[1963] Moving forward one year, Brenda concludes this themed set with her recording that, in my opinion,
is one of her prettiest ballads of all. Also one of her saddest. This peaked at #6.
evolution of another major hit
Do The Bop -- The Juvenairs
[1957] Johnny Madara is doing the lead singing on this, backed by the group that would shortly be calling
themselves Danny and the Juniors. This is the way THEIR giant hit started out!
At The Hop -- Danny and the Juniors
[1957] It was Dick Clark who suggested that possibly "Do The Bop" wasn't really "with it" and that the
song should be slightly rewritten and retitled "At The Hop." I guess he was right!
evolution of a major hit
Yeah Man -- Sam Cooke
[1964] Sam wrote and recorded this song, which was part of his "Shake" album. It was about dances. For the
rest of the story, please read the blurb for the record below.
Sweet Soul Music -- Arthur Conley
[1967] From the "Arthur Conley Home Page Jotis Records Sweet Soul Music":
There Ain't Nothin' Wrong With The Radio -- Aaron Tippin
[1992] A serious record? Partly. A silly record? Partly. A delightful record? Completely! This was a #1 hit
by one of America's most-respected country singers.
The Old Piano Roll Blues -- Hoagy Carmichael and Cass Daley
[1950] Legendary songwriter Hoagy and renowned actress-comedienne Cass team up on this delightful rendition.
The song was written by Cy Coben, the same man who later wrote "Souvenirs," recorded by Barbara Evans and
"That Greasy Kid Stuff," recorded by Janie Grant.
Summertime Guy -- Eddie Rambeau
[1962] Chuck Barris created the "Newlywed Game" and, later, "The Gong Show," which he hosted.
This song, instrumentally, was the theme song of the former show.
Eddie's rendition has much of the same drive as Freddy Cannon's "Palisades Park," which Chuck also wrote.
in memory of the amazing les paul
Vaya Con Dios -- Les Paul and Mary Ford
[1953] There are simply not enough superlatives that I could use to describe what this amazing musician and
inventor did during the 94 years of his life which, sadly, ended this week. For additional information on Les
you can check out the Daily News page.
Les developed multi-tracking and used it so effectively on almost all of the records that he did with his wife
and musical partner, Mary Ford. This recording, which spent 11 weeks at #1, was their most successful ever.
Hummingbird -- Les Paul and Mary Ford
[1955] This recording peaked at #7 and was the final top ten hit for the duo.
Meet Mister Callaghan -- Les Paul
[1952] In addition to his multitude of accomplishments as a musician, Les also invented the solid-body
electric guitar which was later played by many rock and roll greats. It was in 1952 that Gibson Guitars began
producing it, the same year that this solo instrumental hit reached #5 on the chart.
Woodstock Remix -- Jamie Perlow
[2009] Jamie is an up and coming performer who is making lots of waves in the Tampa Bay area. This recording
is going to be part of her soon-to-be-released album on the SAB label, which recently had a Billboard
top ten singles hit with "Waiting" by DeLyn.
My Melody Of Love -- Bobby Vinton
[1974] This was a major comeback hit for Bobby, peaking at #3. It is sung partly in English and partly in
Polish. I added Billy Vaughn's "Melody Of Love" (a different song) shortly after adding a different record
by Bobby ("Every Day Of My Life") a few days ago. Possibly because of the close proximity of those recordings,
I received two email requests to add this one. Your wish is my command!
blue fats
My Blue Heaven -- Fats Domino
[1956] This song, written by Walter Donaldson and George Whiting, was a #1 hit in 1928 for crooner
Gene Austin. Fats's recording got to #19 on the chart and was the "B" side of his #3 hit "I'm In Love Again."
The song was published in 1927 and became a huge 1928 hit for crooner Gene Austin, when its was charted for 26 weeks, stayed at #1 for 13, and sold over five million copies. [1]
Blueberry Hill -- Fats Domino
[1956] "Blueberry Hill" is 1940 song written by Vincent Rose, Al Lewis and Larry Stock.
It was recorded six times in 1940, with the biggest version being by Glenn Miller.
Fats's rendition became his biggest hit, peaking at #2 for three weeks.
Blue Monday -- Fats Domino
[1957] Of the five songs here, this is the only one which Fats wrote: he shared the credit with
his bandleader and arranger Dave Bartholomew. This peaked at #5 on the chart.
Am I Blue? -- Fats Domino
[1961] Fats with strings! Dozens of people over the years have recorded this 1929 song, written by Harry Akst
and Grant Clark and from the film "On With The Show."
Blue Christmas -- Fats Domino
[1993] Okay, so it's out of season but, so what? I like this a lot!
Final Record Offer -- Wayne and Shuster
[197?] Johnny Wayne and Frank Shuster were a Canadian comedy duo who were active professionally
from the early 1940s until the late 1980s and made many appearances on the "Ed Sullivan Show."
This recording is from an early 1971 Canadian TV show.
mid-50s smash hit instrumentals
Melody Of Love -- Billy Vaughn
[1955] Billy was a member of the Hilltoppers before leaving that group to become the musical director of
Dot Records. This well-named recording, which peaked at #2, is simply one of the prettiest
love meoldies of all time.
Lisbon Antigua -- Nelson Riddle
[1955] Nelson was an orchestra leader, arranger and trombonist whose career spanned from the late 1940s
through the early 80s. In the 50s he worked closely at Capitol Records with Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald,
Nat "King" Cole and many other major stars. This was his biggest recording, peaking at #1
for four weeks early in 1956.
The title means "Old Lisbon."
The Poor People Of Paris -- Les Baxter
[1956] Like Nelson Riddle, Les was an orchestra leader and arranger and musician who worked at Capitol
Records and often competed with Nelson. Of the four instrumentals in the themed set, this was the biggest
of the big, peaking at #1 for six weeks. The song was adapted by Jack Lawrence in 1954 from the
French language song "La Goualante Du Pauvre Jean" ("The Ballad of Poor John"). The title arises in part
from a misinterpretation of the French title, as "Pauvre Jean" was taken for the same-sounding "Pauvre Gens,"
which translates as "poor people." As far as I know, nobody complained about it!
Moonglow and Theme From "Picnic" -- Morris Stoloff
[1956] Morris became musical director for Columbia Pictures in 1936. Twenty years later he peaked at #1
for three weeks with this recording which combined the standard "Moonglow" with a new song written for the
motion picture "Picnic." Morris conducts the Columbia Pictures Orchestra on this recording. It's amazing
that it achieved the commercial success that it did, considering the fact that it competed with an
almost identical sound-alike version by George Cates, who was Lawrence Welk's musical director: the Cates
recording reached #4.
The Football Card -- Glenn Sutton
[1979] Glenn was a country music songwriter and producer who wrote or co-wrote hits by Tammy Wynette,
Jerry Lee Lewis, David Houston and Lynn Anderson (who he was once married to).
Every Day Of My Life -- Bobby Vinton
[1972] This recording failed to make the top ten -- peaking at #24 -- but was every bit as good as Bobby's
nine which did.
froggy
Frogg -- The Brothers Four
[1961] This was a hip version of a tune written back in 1580 as "Frog Went A Courtin'."
Rainbow Connection -- Kermit the Frog (Jim Henson)
[1979] This incredible Muppet man died so tragically at the age of 53.
He was the voice of both Kermit the Frog and Ernie. This recording is from the original soundtrack of
"The Muppet Movie."
Ballad Of Walter Wart -- The Thorndike Pickledish Choir
[1966] This record was released on the MTA label with the incorrect title of "Ballad Of WATER Wart"!
Well, close enough for frog 'n' roll! My understanding is that a single guy was resonsible for this
masterpiece and he had the professional name of Robert O. Smith.
a trio by songwriter bobby
1432 Franklin Pike Circle Hero -- Bobby Russell
[1968] Bobby was a gifted Nashville songwriter who wrote two #1 hits, "Honey" recorded by Bobby Goldsboro
and "The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia" recorded by Vicki Lawrence (his wife at the time).
Equally well-known is his song "Little Green Apples," won him a Song of the Year Grammy Award
in 1968; the most successful recording of that song was by O.C. Smith (it hit #2 on the national chart)
but there were many others as well.
Better Homes And Gardens -- Bobby Russell
[1969] This is kinda "Bobby, the advice columnist."
Saturday Morning Confusion -- Bobby Russell
[1971] This was Bobby's most-successful recording as an artist, peaking at #28. Probably the most memorable
thing about this record 38 years later is "Harry the Dog," who should've been named Harriet!
A Bushel And A Peck -- Perry Como and Betty Hutton
[1950] A fun recording of a song that was from the Frank Loesser Broadway show "Guys And Dolls."
Interestingly it was not included in the film version.
two more by donna
My Boyfriend Got A Beatle Haircut -- Donna Lynn
[1964] Relatively little is known about Donna. This recording turned out to be her only Hot 100 hit and it
was the title cut (along with the other one listed here) on a Capitol album.
Her Epic recording entitled "Donna Loves Jerry" has been very popular with visitors to this Page.
Java Jones -- Donna Lynn
[1964] Al Hirt had a top ten instrumental with "Java." Lyrics were written to it and Donna was more than
glad to sing about her boyfriend with a rather unusual first name! This record Bubbled Under the Hot 100
and I feel it deserved a much better fate.
The Honey-Earthers -- Stan Freberg
[1955] A rare Freberg recording.
in memory of a fabulous rockabilly artist
Flyin' Saucers Rock 'N' Roll -- Billy Lee Riley
[1957] Billy Lee was the son of a sharecropper and he learned to play guitar from black farm workers.
After four years in the Army, he first recorded in Memphis, Tennessee in 1955 before Sam Phillips signed
him to Sun records. "Flyin' Saucers Rock 'N' Roll" was his second Sun release. Though it achieved some
regional action, it never became the big hit which it (along with the other record here) deserved to be.
Though Billy Lee never achieved much commercial success, he was a very active performer over the years and
is now considered a rockabilly legend.
Red Hot -- Billy Lee Riley
[1957] This came out a few months after "Flyin' Saucers" and is probably Billy Lee's most famous recording.
The lines "My gal is red hot, your gal ain't doodley-squat" are classic.
the tennessee walks
Tennessee Wig Walk -- Bonnie Lou
[1953] Bonnie, a country and rock and roll singer, made it to #6 on the country chart with this recording.
Like many songs about dances, the lyrics provide simple instructions as to how to do it!
A couple of years later her version of "Daddy-O" peaked at #14 on the pop chart, doing almost as well as
the Fontane Sisters' version.
Tennessee Bird Walk -- Jack Blanchard and Misty Morgan
[1970] Jack and Misty were husband and wife. Both of them were born in Buffalo and, interestingly,
they met and married while working in Florida. On this song, it's our fine feathered friends who are
doing the "walking"!
Marvin -- Christine Nelson
[1966] Christine portrayed "Sarah Jackman" on Allan Sherman's classic 1962 recording of that title.
Four years later Reprise Records released an album by Christine
called "Did'ja Come To Play Cards Or To Talk?"
It contained this recording which just about everybody finds adorable except possibly those whose name
happens to be Marvin. (And I suspect most Marvins love this record as well, they just won't admit it!)
Over the years it's become one of Dr. Demento's most requested records. Sadly Christine passed away in
1988 at the age of 62.
a fundamentally uproarious #1 satire in two parts
It's In The Book (Pt. 1) -- Johnny Standley
[1952] I am pleased to present samples of both sides of this #1 comedy hit which pokes gentle but
devastating fun at revivalist preachers.
It's In The Book (Pt. 2) -- Johnny Standley
[1952]
This side of the record is the sing-along portion.
The House I Live In -- Frank Sinatra
[1945] This became a patriotic anthem in America during World War II. The lyrics describe the wonderful things
about the United States, with images of the era like the grocer, the butcher, and the churchyard.
The "house" is actually a metaphor for the country.
more happy summer songs
Happy Summer Days -- Ronnie Dove
[1966] The Jamies' "Summertime, Summertime" by the Jamies is getting loads of listens and I figured now is
a good time to give it some company. Here's our more happy summer songs for your listening pleasure.
Summer Sounds -- Robert Goulet
[1965] This is my personal favorite record by this artist. It peaked at #58 and, to my way of thinking,
should have done much better.
Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days Of Summer -- Nat "King" Cole
[1963] Such an uplifting summertime song! Little did we know when this was popular that this would turn out
to be Nat's final top ten hit, peaking at #6. He passed away in February of 1965. The tempo of this tune
is "crazy" rather than "lazy."
In The Good Old Summertime -- The Four Preps
[1960] This is from their album "The Four Preps On Campus," which also contained their wonderful parody
recording "More Money For You And Me." I don't believe this was ever released as a single. It's their
rousing, rollicking, rip-roaring rendition of the summertime standard.
Got A Match? -- The Daddy-O's
[1958] Billy Mure produced this recording. He also produced "Black And White Thunderbird" by the Delicates.
nutty sascha
Uh! Oh! (Pt. 2) -- The Nutty Squirrels
[1959] So "who is Sascha" you may ask! Well, he is Sascha Burland, a man who worked for many different
advertising agencies as a copywriter, producer and composer of many well-known commercial jingles.
He wrote "No Matter What Shape (Your Stomach's In)," which in 1966 became a hit Alka-Seltzer commercial
and also a hit recording by the T-Bones. He also wrote the famous theme song from the legendary TV show
"What's My Line?".
Record Reviewers -- The Idiots & Company
[1961] Like "Uh! Oh!," this is nutty but in a slightly different and perhaps hipper sort of way.
Sascha and a different partner, Mason Adams, recorded this track as part of an album
called "In Our Own Image." Sascha Burland was a jazz aficianados and those people, as you probably know,
by and large do not care much for rock and roll. Like Stan Freberg's "The Old Payola Roll Blues" this also
makes fun of that musical genre but in a more subtle way.
Open Up Your Heart (And Let The Sunshine In) -- The Cowboy Church Sunday School
[1955] The great songwriter Stuart Hamblen, who wrote the standard "This Ole House" (which was a #1 hit
for Rosemary Clooney), wrote this song. And this recording was indeed a family affair.
School Bells Are Ringing -- Carole King
[1962] Carole's recording of "Oh Neil" has been very popular on this page. This recording,
her follow-up single to "It Might As Well Rain Until September," failed to duplicate that success.
Nevertheless I feel this is a fine recording. I'm sure the #1 success of Little Eva's "The Loco-Motion,"
co-written with her husband Gerry Goffin, proved to be at least some consolation.
in memory of gordon waller
A World Without Love -- Peter and Gordon
[1964] This duo consisted of Peter Asher and Gordon Waller. They were the first British invasion act,
other than the Beatles, to hit #1 on the Hot 100 and they did it with their first charted record.
Overall they had a total of 14 national hits in the U.S.
Lady Godiva -- Peter and Gordon
[1966] The original Lady Godiva (1040-1080) was an Anglo-Saxon noblewoman who, according to legend,
rode without clothes through the streets of Coventry, England in order to gain a remission
of the oppressive taxation imposed by her husband on his tenants.
Laugh Yourself Silly! -- various artists
[2001] Barb is the author of the immensely-popular "Oldies Music Aptitude Test," a challenging
and fun-filled trivia book which is available online from all the major places including Barnes And Noble,
Amazon, Borders or directly from the publisher iUniverse.com. I give it my highest recommendation and must
sheeplishly admit that though I consider myself "quite good" I found that I was not quite the oldies genius
that I thought I was! Everybody who loves oldies will love Barb's book.
Hoppy, Gene And Me -- Roy Rogers
[1974] Born Leonard Slye in Cincinnati, OH, Roy was an original member of the legendary western group
The Sons Of The Pioneers. He starred in close to 100 movie Westerns and then starred in a popular
radio and TV series with his wife Dale Evans: they rode many happy trails together.
a private battle
Private John Q -- Roger Miller
[1964] Roger wrote it, Roger sang it. A great song with a military feel and message.
But it never became a hit.
Private John Q -- Glen Campbell
[1964] This was Glen's fine cover version of Roger's tune. It Bubbled Under the Hot 100 but never was able
to march up the chart.
radio waves
Radio -- Shakin' Stevens and Roger Taylor
[1992] Shakin' Stevens, also known as "Shaky" was born Michael Barrett in 1948 and is a platinum selling
Welsh rock and roll singer and songwriter who has reportedly the top selling male UK singles artist
of the 1980s. Roger Taylor was the drummer for the supergroup Queen. His drumming contribution to this
killer record earned him co-billing with Shakin'.
I Dig This Station -- Gary U.S. Bonds
[1962] I dig this record by Gary even though we did not include it on our interview show.
Transistor Sister -- Freddy Cannon
[1961] This is one of two Freddy records that could fit nicely into this themed set and I couldn't decide
which of the two to use. So I flipped a coin and it came up "edge"! That meant I had to use both.
Listen here for the mention of "U.S. Bonds" (who does the record above this one); Mr. Bonds was not yet
using the professional name of Gary when Freddy cut this.
The Dedication Song -- Freddy Cannon
[1966] This goes out to all of you Freddy fans who liked his work on Warner Brothers as well as Swan.
This encore came five years after "Transistor Sister" and shortly after his "Action" hit (which was
the theme song from "Where The Action Is" and could easily have beebn given that title).
Turn Your Radio On -- Ray Stevens
[1971] Ah, we now expand this themed set beyond the most literal meaning of radio, into another
dimension. Ray is an wonderful recording artist and songwriter, best-known for his novelty recordings,
and I do plan to feature some of those in the future. This most assuredly is a serious song and he does
it so well. Please tune in to what he has to say.
You Turn Me On, I'm A Radio -- Joni Mitchell
[1972] What better way to conclude this set that this first top forty hit by beloved singer-songwriter,
who was born Roberta Joan Anderson in Fort McLeod, Alberta, Canada. This recording, in terms of its
definition of radio, is similar to Ray Stevens' recording above. I guess in this themed set we've looked
at radio from several sides now.
The Kentuckian Song -- The Hilltoppers
[1955] It's unusual when the most memorable part of a ballad lyric-wise is far and away the middle part.
But that's the case with this song. Many don't know the title of this record but are familiar with the part
about the possum and the raccoon. This is from the Burt Lancaster film "The Kentuckian."
I'm A Tiger -- Lulu
[1968] Lulu's recording of "Boy" has been incredibly popular on this Page and here's a long-overdue companion
song which, like that one, came out in 1968 and was a huge hit in England but not a hit in the United States.
Technically Lulu's a TIGRESS, but "tiger" is close enough for rock and roll.
Take My Wife, Please! -- Henny Youngman
[1978] Henny was a British-born comedian famous for his one-liners: his best-known one is the title of
this track from an album called "Take My Record, Please!". Henny claimed that his legendary "wife" line
came about accidentally. In the mid-1930s he took his wife to a show and asked the usher to escort her
to a seat. But when the usher took his request as a joke, Henny decided that others might find it
funny as well. Henny was right and the rest is history.
hello, lawyer!
Sunflower -- Russ Morgan
[1949] This recording was the flipside of Russ's smash hit (#1 for 7 weeks) called
"Cruisin' Down The River"; "Sunflower" did very well on its own, peaking at #5.
The tune, written by Mack David, became the state song of Kansas.
Hello, Dolly! -- Louis Armstrong
[1964] The billing on the single says "Louis Armstrong and the All Stars" but most consider it
primarily as a Louis Armstrong solo record. It surely was one of the most unlikely records
to do what it did, namely end the Beatles 14-week streak at #1 during their initial invasion.
This was, of course, the title song of Jerry Herman's blockbuster show which also became a blockbuster
motion picture.
Cry Baby -- The Scarlets
[1955] You've heard the Bonnie Sisters recording of this song and now you can listen to the original.
It was written by Fred Parris who eventually gained fame as the lead singer of the Five Satins.
Here he is with his former group, called the Scarlets, singing the song that brought the Bonnie
Sisters "15 minutes of fame" in 1956 and perhaps another "5 seconds of fame" on my Record Page.
more "banjo" tunes
The Man With The Banjo -- The Ames Brothers
[1954] Gene, Joe, Vic and Ed (AKA "Mr. Tomahawk") put out many great records during a 12-year
chart career. This is one of their best. It reached #6 on the chart.
Hey, Mr. Banjo -- The Sunnysiders
[1955] They were a vocal-instrumental group consisting of banjo player Freddy Morgan, Jad Paul,
and Norman Milken and his wife Margie Rayburn. Two years after this release, Margie climbed
to #9 with her solo recording called "I'm Available."
Banjo Boy -- Jan and Kjeld
[1960] What a great sound by these two brothers (ages 12 and 14) from Copenhagen, Denmark.
It reached #58 on the chart and, to my way of thinking, should have gone much higher.
Dueling Banjos -- Eric Weissberg and Steve Mandell
[1972] Technically this record could be called "Dueling Guitar and Banjo" because
it's Steve Mandell playing guitar (which opens the record) and Eric Weissberg playing banjo.
The song was written in 1955 but didn't really take wings until 1972, when it was featuring
in the motion picture "Deliverance." I'm listing 1972 as the year but, technically it made the
Billboard Hot 100 in January of 1973 and got to #2, where it remained for an amazing four weeks.
I Can't Stay Mad At You -- Skeeter Davis
[1963] The Bonnie Sisters' 1956 hit "Cry Baby,"
which for weeks has been one of the most popular records on this Page,
goes "Shoo-Bee-Doo-Bee" at the beginning and so does this one by the late great country star Skeeter Davis.
The difference is that the Bonnies go "Shoo-Bee-Doo-Bee-Wah-Doo-Wop"
and Skeeter goes "Shoo-Bee-Doo-Bee-Doo-Bop" and does it slower.
Nevertheless it wouldn't surprise me if the Bonnies' recording influenced this one.
Four Years Of High School Spanish -- The Four Postmen
[1996] The Four Postmen are a Los Angeles based rock group that consisting of five band members.
And, believe me, that's not the only thing strange about them. They have for years been favorites of
Dr. Demento. This record is from a CD that was released in 1997 called "Looking For Grandpa."
Since the Good Doctor began playing this track the previous year, that's what I'll list here. The group
is best known for their 2001 record "The Chainsaw Juggler" which our screening committee has judged to be
a bit too rough for this Page. This record is mostly in Spanish and, since I really don't have any idea
what the words mean, I'm hoping that there's nothing too raunchy here: if there is, please let me know or
just snicker and keep quiet! These Postmen have surely delivered a weird one here!
Molly -- Bobby Goldsboro
[1962] Several years later, in 1968, Bobby hit #1 on the chart with "Honey."
This was his very first hit single and, to my way of thinking, just as moving and sad.
The man is an incredible talent.
get well wishes go out to these three country stars
For The Good Times -- Ray Price
[1970] Ray, the great Cherokee Cowboy, underwent major surgery to have pre-cancerous polyps removed and is
said to be making a slow but steady recovery. When he received his long-overdue induction into the
Country Music Hall Of Fame in 1996, he said "It's about time!" and few would disagree. He placed over
110 records on the country chart. This recording of a wonderful Kris Kristofferson tune was his biggest
pop crossover hit, reaching #11 on the pop chart and #1 on the country chart.
Freckles And Polliwog Days -- Ferlin Husky
[1974] Ferlin was admitted to the critical care unit of a Hermitage, Tennessee hospital on Thursday, July 2,
suffering from an accelerated heart rate and possibly pneumonia and was described as "very weak."
However, as I type this comment, word is that he's expected to be released from the hospital shortly.
This Grand Ole Opry star has sold more than 30 million records. This recording was his last top 30 hit on
the country chart and it's incredibly catchy. In my opinion this should have been as big as "Gone" and
"Wings Of A Dove." It's a fabulous summertime sound. Enjoy!
Louisiana Saturday Night -- Mel McDaniel
[1981] Heavy prayers are needed for Mel who, sadly, is reportedly not doing well.
The 66-year old Grand Ole Opry star is fighting for his life Nashville-area hospital.
Country Weekly reports that Mel's wife, Peggy, contacted their offices on Monday, July 6, to request
the prayers of the singer's fans, saying that his situation is "not good."
On June 16 Mel suffered a heart attack. He is now in a medically-induced coma.
Since 1996, the singer has been recovering from a near-fatal fall into an orchestra pit, suffered while
he was performing at a show in Lafayette, LA.
in memory of drake levin
Just Like Me -- Paul Revere and the Raiders
[1965] Drake Levin played lead guitar with Paul Revere and the Raiders from 1963 through 1967.
He was diagnosed with cancer in 1990 and, after three separate battles with the disease,
succumbed on July 4 with his wife Sandra at his side. This recording was the group's
first national top 20 hit, peaking at #11.
Kicks -- Paul Revere and the Raiders
[1966] This was the follow-up to "Just Like Me" and the first top ten hit for the group, peaking at #4.
Like that other record, this also featured the Drake's great guitar playing.
Independence Day -- Martina McBride
[1993] This award-winning song written by Gretchen Peters, was originally included as part of Martina's
1993 album "The Way That I Am." It was released as a single in 1994 and, although it only climbed
as high as #12 and peakwise was not one of her biggest hits, it's pretty much become Martina's signature song
as well as a country music classic. Gretchen won a CMA award for "Song Of The Year" for this compostition.
space girls
The Little Space Girl -- Jesse Lee Turner
[1959] Thanks to Fred Clemens for inspiring this themed set and supplying three of the records.
Space Girl -- The Earth Boys
[1958] It sure seems like 1958 was a great year for space girl records! This one and the next two are from
that year.
Martian Love Call (A Hand Jive) -- Jack Owens
[1958] This far out recording was probably made to capitalize on the national success of
"Willie And The Hand Jive" by the Johnny Otis Show. If that was the intent, it didn't work:
this record never really took off.
Martian Love Song -- Pete Seeger
[1958] The legendary Mr. Seeger, who recently celebrated his 90th birthday, recorded this song as part of
a wonderful album called "Gazette." I intend to do a themed set of songs from that album some time in the
near future. I don't believe that this was ever released as a single.
I'm The Little Space Girl's Father -- Jesse Lee Turner
[1959] The little girl's dad has the last word as Jesse Lee encores and closes out this far out themed set.
Many sequels to hit records aren't very good but I truly feel that this one is excellent.
Oliver Cool -- Oliver Cool
[1960] To continue my external comment .....
rainin' cats and dogs
It Keeps Rainin' -- Fats Domino
[1961] Fats hit #23 with this pleasant but seldom-played record.
Leave My Kitten Alone -- Johnny Preston
[1961] This song was first recorded by Little Willie John and subsequently recorded by the Beatles.
Johnny seemed to have an enjoyable time doing his version of it.
Alley Cat -- Bent Fabric
[1962] He was born with the name Folded Material. Nah, you won't buy that. Okay, he was actually born with
the name Bent Fabricius-Bjerre, in Copenhagen, and he had a bent for piano playing. He was also the head of
Metronome Records in Denmark. Bent's recording hit #7 and it inspired a dance called the Alley Cat which is
still popular today.
The Happy Puppy -- Bent Fabric
[1963] Mr. Fabric encores with a catchy tune that is similar to "Alley Cat" but for whatever the reason
didn't scamper up the chart, bubbling under at a peak of #102. Still I like it as much as his big hit.
Shaggy Dog -- Mickey Lee Lane
[1964] I was going to tell you that I know nothing about Mickey other than the fact that he was born in
Rochester, NY in 1945 and recorded this dumb song. However I came upon a comprehensive page about the guy.
If you're interested you can check it out: http://www.blackcat.nl/references/messages/mickey_lee_lane.htm.
boy crazy
Boy Crazy -- Little Peggy March
[1963] This is the title song of this themed set and was the flipside of Peggy's hit
"Hello Heartache, Goodbye Love."
Brand New Boy -- The Pixies Three
[1963] The Pixies three were a vocal trio from Hanover, Pennsylvania. The three on this recording were
Midge Bollinger, Kaye McCool and Debra Swisher. Bonnie Long replaced Midge in 1964.
Where Is The Boy? -- Diane Ray
[1963] Other than the facts that she was from Gastonia, North Carolina, had a national top forty hit single
"Please Don't Talk To The Lifeguard" and an album called "The Exciting Years" containing that song,
little is known about this artist who has from time to time been confused with Diane Renay.
This peppy single was from that album and, though it didn't chart, I think it's every bit as good
as "Lifeguard."
There Is A Boy -- Maureen Gray
[1962] This song title sounds like it could be the answer to Diane Ray's question!
Maureen, from Philadelphia, began singing at the age of three, and performed solo in a children’s program
at Carnegie Hall at the age of five. Discovered by John Madara at the young age of 12,
she went on to record and achieved success with several regional hits including this one.
She's In Love With The Boy -- Trisha Yearwood
[1991] What better way to launch a country music career than to hit #1 with your very first recording?
That's exactly what Trisha did with this single. The song, written by Jon Sims, reportedly was originally
intended for and offered to Kenny Rogers; reportedly he liked it but turned it down saying that he didn't
feel it was right for him because it didn't match his style; he told a reporter
"I didn't feel comfortable singing about chickens pecking the ground."
Bimbo -- Jim Reeves
[1953] The second charted single by the man with one of the smoothest voices ever in the country music field.
A three-week #1 hit and a delight from start to finish. Enjoyio!
Bye Bye Baby -- Marilyn Monroe
[1953] Marilyn sang this in the blockbuster film "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes."
tomfoolery
The Hunting Song -- Tom Lehrer
[1953] Thomas Andrew Lehrer has had an amazing career as a mathematics professor
and as a singer-songwriter-pianist specializing in satire. He is best-known for his recordings
from the 50s and the 60s. He earned his BA in mathematics (magna cum laude) from Harvard University
in 1947 at the age of 18. He received his MA the following year and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa.
He has taught classes at MIT, Harvard, and Wellesley.
Lobachevsky -- Tom Lehrer
[1953] Please see the blurb for "The Hunting Song" for detailed information about Tom.
She's My Girl -- Tom Lehrer
[1959] Please see the blurb for "The Hunting Song" for detailed information about Tom.
Pollution -- Tom Lehrer
[1965] Please see the blurb for "The Hunting Song" for detailed information about Tom.
Hanukkah In Santa Monica -- Tom Lehrer
[2000] Please see the blurb for "The Hunting Song" for detailed information about Tom.
the two biggest hits by our beloved "margie"
I Hear You Knocking -- Gale Storm
[1955] She was born Josephine Cottle but everyone knew her as Gale Storm. She passed away on June 27
after having a wonderful career that included recordings, TV, radio and motion pictures: in fact she has four stars on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame,
one for each category. She starred in two immensely popular TV series: "My Little Margie" and "The Gale
Storm Show" (AKA "Oh Susanna"). She recorded for Dot and placed 12 singles on the national charts.
This was her first and biggest hit, a cover of Smiley Lewis's recording of a Dave Bartholomew tune:
Smiley's record peaked at #2 on the R&B chart and this this record peaked at #2 on the pop chart.
Dark Moon -- Gale Storm
[1957] This was Gale's last charted record and her second biggest hit. The song was written by
Ned Miller, the man who later hit with "From A Jack To A King." Gale competed on the chart with a
version by Bonnie Guitar. When the smoke cleared, Bonnie's version peaked at #6 and this version
peaked at #4.
Summertime, Summertime -- The Jamies
[1958] This Epic release became a #26 hit when first released in 1958. Four years later it was
re-released and reached #38.
The Jamies consisted of lead singer Serena Jameson, her brother Tom Jameson, Jeannie Ray and
Arthur Blair. 51 years after its initial release, it remans one of the most popular summertime records.
Ain't We Got Fun? -- Jill Corey
[1957] This is a track from Jill's very popular album "Sometimes I'm Happy - Sometime's I'm Blue."
The song, with music by Richard A. Whiting and lyrics by Raymond B. Egan and Gus Kahn, was first
performed in 1920 in the revue "Satires of 1920" and then quickly became very popular in vaudeville
and recordings. I've heard many versions of it but this is by far my favorite. Jill makes it sound
like it was written especially for her.
"happy tappy" songs
Hanky Panky -- Tracey Dey
[1965] You were expecting maybe Tommy James?
Henny Penny -- Joanie Sommers
[1963] We've all heard the expression "the sky is falling." Supposedly it's based on an old fable about
a chicken who believes that is happening. The phrase passed into the English language as a common idiom
indicating a belief that disaster is imminent. Well, when this record by the "Johnny Get Angry" girl came
out, the sky did not fall and this record did not sell. Yet I've always liked it and am pleased to include
it as part of this rather strange themed set.
Hocus Pocus -- Larry Williams
[195?] You were expecting maybe an instrumental by the 70s rock band Focus? Well, not this time though --
in the future -- who knows what will be on this page?
Hooka Tooka -- Chubby Checker
[1963] This was the B side of Chubby's #12 hit "Loddy Lo" and it did almost as well, peaked at #17.
It doesn't make any sense at all, which of course was the biggest part of its charm.
Hully Gully -- The Beach Boys
[1965] The was from the album "Beach Boys Party," which also contained "Barbara Ann." It's contains the same
kind of fun as that latter track.
I Love You Because -- Al Martino
[1963] Country artist Leon Payne, who was blind since early childhood, wrote and recorded this touching love
song in late 1949. His version was #1 while a version by Ernest Tubb was #2. I may post both of those in the
future. Meanwhile listen to Al's fabulous pop version, which was a #3 hit from him in 1963 and a major comeback
record. Al's career got another major boost in 1972 when he potrayed singer Johnny Fontane in the
Oscar-winning Best Picture "The Godfather."
holy smoky! there's more!
The Pizza Song -- Dick Biondi
[1961] Dick is a legendary Hall Of Fame deejay who, over several decades, worked in markets including
Buffalo, Los Angeles and perhaps most notably Chicago, where he was working when he recorded this for
the Chicago-based IRC label. Dick did NOT become a legend for doing this particular
record but, for what it's worth, this may be the first released version of a "Smoky-Spaghetti" parody,
which shortly evolved into the better-known "On Top Of Spaghetti." Speaking of which, see the next record!
On Top Of Spaghetti -- Sharon and the Lollipops
[1962] I thank Fred Clemens for making me aware of the two records in this themed set and a West Coast friend
of mine (who prefers anonymity) for making both of them available to me. This appeared on the New York-based
Versatile label.
The Original Crazy Otto Medley -- Crazy Otto
[1953] My comment about Johnny Maddox's "The Crazy Otto," added a few days ago, was this:
Cry Of The Dying Duck In A Thunderstorm -- Cactus Pryor and the Pricklypears
[1950] Cactus was a longtime DJ at KTBC in Austin, Texas. He was voted into the Country Music DJ
Hall Of Fame. Luckily birds were not members of the voting panel. This ruffled a few feathers
but amazingly it got to #7 on the country chart.
The Man Song -- Sean Morey
[1998] Just listen!
Ben -- Michael Jackson
[1972] RIP Michael.
three flavors of that "old smoky" song"
On Top Of Old Smoky -- The Weavers and Terry Gilkyson
[1951] "Old Smoky" is a traditional folk song which spent eight weeks at #2 in this version by the Weavers.
The tune has been recorded many times over the years and has been parodied a great deal.
See the Tom Glazer record below for a modest example of that. Terry Gilkyson had his own hit "Marianne"
during the rock era and was the writer of Dean Martin's #1 hit "Memories Are Made Of This": his group
The Easy Riders backed Dino on that record.
Old Smokey Locomotion -- Little Eva
[1962] Not only did Little Eva use a different spelling of "Old Smoky" for her update of the tune but she
also used a different spelling of "Locomotion"! (Her #1 hit was "The Loco-Motion," with the hyphen!
On June 30, 1962 Eva debuted at #69 on the Billboard Hot 100 and the Tom Glazer "Old Smoky" parody record
listed below debuted at #68. Eva's dance record ran out of motion at #48 on the chart. Tom's mushy meatball
record peaked at #14.
On Top Of Spaghetti -- Tom Glazer and the Do-Re-Mi Children's Chorus
[1963] Tom, born in Philadelphia, was a folk singer who hosted his own ABC radio show from 1945 to 1947
and composed the score for the 1957 film "A Face In The Crowd." He died in 2003 at the age of 88.
As noted in the blurb for Little Eva's recording, he debuted in the Billboard Hot 100 at #68 in the same
week that Eva debuted with "Old Smokey Locomotion". When the smoke cleared, Tom's record had amazingly
rolled up to #14 on the chart while Eva's had stalled at #48.
meet mr. and mrs. oom-mow-mow
Papa-Oom-Mow-Mow -- The Rivingtons
[1962] When known as the Sharps, the group provide the rebel noises on many of Duane Eddy's hits.
This nonsensical but fun record got to #48 on the Hot 100.
Another Rivingtons' song ("The Bird's The Word") and this one were combined into a new composition
called "Surfin' Bird," which the Trashmen took to #4 in 1964.
Mama-Oom-Mow-Mow -- The Rivingtons
[1963] This crazy "Mama" is wilder and even more nonsenical than "Papa," which seems tame by comparison.
Unfortunately this one did not sell many records; had it done so we might have been greeted with
"Baby-Oom-Mow-Mow." Despite it's lack of chart success, I must admit that I like this one at least as much
as "Papa," maybe even more. The first two seconds of this masterpiece are absolutely UNBELIEVABLE!
Crazy Otto Rag -- The Stargazers
[1955] The Stargazers were a very popular four man/one woman vocal group on BBC radio throughout the 1950s.
Their recordings were mostly covers but I believe that they were the only act to record this particular song.
This record peaked at #18 on the British chart.
Red Light -- Merrill Moore
[1953] Pianist/singer Merrill Moore released this record in 1953.
His recordings combined or were a fusion of elements of Western swing, boogie woogie and ragtime.
When I first heard "Red Light" I immediately considered it a rock and roll record and sensed what I felt was
a vocal similarity between Merrill and Bill Haley.
However, upon doing additional research, I learned that Merrill did NOT ever see himself as a rock and roller
and had a distinct dislike for that music! Also he said that Bill Haley had no real sense of rhythm!
The tune to "Red Light" (the verses, not the chorus) sounds very similar to "Jump, Jive and Wail,"
which was recorded by many artists including Louis Prima and the Brian Setzer Orchestra (but never
by Merrill Moore). I am not sure which song was written first.
After The Lights Go Down Low -- Al Hibbler
[1956] Al Hibbler is best known for his million selling recording of "Unchained Melody"
and the follow-up single "He." This wonderful record, though it made the national top ten,
is hardly ever played and has been forgotten by many people.
I'm glad to be able to present it here for you all to enjoy.
By the way, for a long time, Al he lived in Teaneck, NJ, where I lived for more than 30 years.
Ajax Airlines -- Hudson and Landry
[1971] "Ajax Liquor Store" has made our top twenty and this one is just as nutty.
Bob Hudson and Ron Landry were an immensesly popular morning radio team on KGBS in Los Angeles.
Sadly they have both passed away. But we can continue to enjoy their very special brand of humor.
three acts fight the battle of tutti frutti!
Tutti Fruti -- Slim and Slam
[1938] Slim and Slam (sometimes billed as Slim & Slam) was a 1930s musical partnership formed by
Bulee "Slim" Gaillard (vocals, guitar and piano) and Leroy Elliott "Slam" Stewart (bass and vocals).
They produced novelty jazz numbers featuring Slim's distinctive vocal style with vocalese and scats
and nonsense words. This is the first of the "Tutti Frutti" records presented here and none are spelled
exactly THAT way! Reportedly Richard Penniman about 17 years later loosely based HIS "Tutti Frutti" on
this song but, in my opinion, it must have been based VERY loosely! This peaked at #3 on the pop chart,
making it chartwise the most successful "Tutti Frutti" record of the three.
Tutti-Frutti -- Little Richard
[1955] A different spelling and also a different song from the Slim and Slam entry, though it may have been
loosely based on that one. This is of course the "Tutti Frutti" record that people today consider the
classic of the three here, even though it was the least successful chartwise, peaking at #17.
Tutti' Frutti -- Pat Boone
[1955] Lend me your ears! I have not come to bury Pat or to praise him!
This is, of course, Pat's famous (or infamous) a cover of the Little Richard record.
Without criticizing or defending it, I have decided to include this record because
(1) is it controversial and thus "interesting" (2) it was the second-highest charting "Tutti Frutti,"
peaking at #12 and (3) I am curious to see how this one fares here against the other two.
Those who have simply heard ABOUT this record without having ever heard it can now experience it firsthand
and judge its merits (or lack of merits).
for dad
Oh! My Pa-Pa -- Eddie Fisher
[1953] This is arguably the most popular "father" recording of all time.
It is a German song about a beloved clown father, written by Paul Burkhard in 1939 for a musical called
Der Schwarze Hecht (reproduced in 1950 as Feuerwerk (Fireworks), with lyrics by Erik Charell, Jurg Amstein,
and Robert Gilbert. Under the original German title (O Mein Papa), an instrumental version by Eddie Calvert
topped the British charts and hit the top ten in the United States.
It was adapted into English by John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons under the title "Oh! My Pa-Pa".
This recording by Eddie Fisher -- released at the end of 1953 -- was his biggest hit ever
and was #1 on the chart for eight weeks in 1954.
Daddy's Home -- Shep and the Limelites
[1961] James "Shep" Sheppard, formerly with the Heartbeats, sang lead on this record with this new group,
consisting of himself and Clarence Bassett and Charles Baskerville. It was a sequel to the Heartbeats
recording of "A Thousand Miles Away" and became a much bigger hit, peaking at #2 on the pop chart.
Sadly Shep was shot to death in 1970. He was only 34.
My Dad -- Paul Petersen
[1962] Paul was one of the stars of the very popular "Donna Reed Show," which ran for nine seasons on
the ABC television network.
In one episode, as "Jeff Stone," Paul song this Barry Mann/Cynthia Weill song to his TV Dad "Alex Stone,"
played by the late Carl Betz.
Color Him Father -- The Winstons
[1969] They were an R&B sextet from Washington, DC and the lead vocalist on this wonderful
"father" song was Richard Spencer.
Daddy Don't You Walk So Fast -- Wayne Newton
[1972] It was Daniel Boone, known in the U.S. for his hit "Beautiful Sunday,"
who did the original version of this song.
But it was Wayne Newton who did a remake and turned "Daddy" into a huge hit.
It peaked at #4 on the chart and I am sure that he said "Danke Schoen" many times to his fans who made
it happen!
Io Che Non Vivo -- Jody Miller
[1965] In late 1964, Jody received an invitation to represent the United States at Italy's prestigious
San Remo Song Competition. The way the festival works is that the Italians invite foreign artists to Italy
and write a song for them to sing in the contest.
An Italian songwriter, Pino Dinnagio, loved Jody's voice and he wrote a song especially for her entitled
"Io Ce Non Vivo."
Jody's performance of the song earned her Second Prize at the festival and she subsequently became the
FIRST artist to record it.
Eventually English lyrics were written to the tune and the English title was
"You Don't Have To Say You Love Me": it became a huge international and American hit for Dusty Springfield.
Jody's original recording, which I am presenting here, became a big hit in Italy.
As a result she wound up spending several months in Europe, recording pop albums in Italian,
German and French.
a certain ice cream company was not thrilled with these recordings!
The Bad Humor Man -- Kay Kyser
[1940] This song was from a film called "You'll Find Out" in which Kay Kyser and his band meets
Boris Karloff, Peter Lorre and Bela Lugosi.
The vocalists on this recording are Ish Kabibble, Sully Mason and Harry Babbitt.
The Bad Humor Man -- Jimmy Dorsey
[1940] I was debating whether to add two versions of this song. After all it is a novelty.
However the two versions are so different that I said "why not"!
Besides I wanted you all to hear the "Bad Humor man" in this recording because he sounds like
an angry Buffalo Bob! So which of these versions will do "badder" on our chart? Guess we'll soon find out!
in memory of the fabulous bob bogle
Lullaby Of The Leaves -- The Ventures
[1961] Bob Bogle, the co-founder and lead guitarist of this legendary group, passed away unexpectedly
on June 14 at the age of 75. The band sold millions of records and heavily influenced so many
other rock guitarists. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008.
Their biggest hit was their first one, "Walk--Don't Run". This one has a similar sound.
The song was a #1 hit for George Olsen in 1932.
Slaughter On Tenth Avenue -- The Ventures
[1964] See the "Lullaby Of The Leaves" blurb for information about Bob and this group.
This song was written by Richard Rodgers in 1936 as part of a ballet with music.
A Little Girl Cried -- Barbara Evans
[1959] "Souvenirs" and "Charlie Wasn't There", by this late artist, remain in our top ten;
the former topped our chart for close two two months. Here's a record that shows a different side of
her wonderful talent. She was born Barabara Quinn and this recording was provided by her son David.
devastating satire from the masters of broadway parody
Chita-Rita -- Forbidden Broadway
[198?] "Forbidden Broadway" is an Off-Broadway satirical revue created and written by Gerard Alessandrini
and directed by Alessandrini and long-time collaborator Phillip George.
It opened on January 15, 1982 at Palsson's Supper Club in New York City and ran for 2,332 performances.
It has subsequently been rewritten several times to include parodies of newer shows.
The show and the many associated recordings sharply spoofs show tunes, characters and plots
of past and current Broadway musicals.
Merman And Martin -- Forbidden Broadway
[198?] Please see the above "Chita-Rita" blurb for details about "Forbidden Broadway."
The Crazy Otto -- Johnny Maddox
[1955] Johnny is backed by the Rhythmasters on this medley of German tunes
inspired by the renowned honky tonk pianist Crazy Otto, whose real name was Fritz Schulz-Reichel.
This record never made #1 but was #2 for seven weeks in a row.
left and right
Left Right Out Of Your Heart -- Patti Page
[1958] Patti encores with this top ten hit which many people don't remember and hardly ever gets played.
Too bad because it's really good. Spike Jones never got around to doing this one!
The title actually contains a parenthesized part (Hi Lee Hi Lo Hi Lup Up Up) but you didn't really
expect me to include that here, did you? Forward march!
The One On The Right Is On The Left -- Johnny Cash
[1965] This clever tune, written by Jack Clement, was included in Johnny Cash's album
entitled "Everybody Loves A Nut."
Someone To Watch Over Me -- Peggy King
[2007] My interview show with Peggy was one of only two that I've done face-to-face (as opposed to by phone)
over the past couple of years. (The other one was with the Doughboys).
Hong Kong -- The Quinns
[1957] On the other hand, maybe it's psuedo-Chinese.
For information about this group,
http://home.att.net/~marvart/Quinns/quinns.html .
Honeymooners Rap 2 -- Joe Piscopo and Eddie Murphy
[1985] Joe Piscopo is Ralph Kramden. Eddie Murphy is Ed Norton. Added by request.
Lazy Mary Memphis -- Tino and the Revlons
[1965] I know little about this band, other than they were reportedly based in New York
and that they performed a lot in the Detroit area. This recording speaks for itself.
patti vs. spike
The Tennessee Waltz -- Patti Page
[1950] Patti's biggest record ever, #1 for 13 straight weeks. Gorgeous.
The Tennessee Waltz -- Spike Jones and his City Slickers
[1950] The vocals on this are by Sara Berner and Sir Frederick Gas.
Not quite as gorgeous as Patti's interpretation.
I Went To Your Wedding -- Patti Page
[1952] Patti's second biggest hit, #1 for 10 straight weeks.
She sure knows how to interpret a lyric.
I Went To Your Wedding -- Spike Jones and his City Slickers
[1952] Sir Frederick Gas handles the vocal chores. A bit different from Patti's rendering.
three tony romeo tunes
Indian Lake -- The Cowsills
[1968] Tony Romeo is not a household name: if you asked someone to identify him,
they might say he plays quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys (thinking of Tony Romo).
But Tony Romeo, the songwriter, did very well from 1968 through 1970 while working as a
staff writer for Wes Farrell's Pocket Full O Tunes publishing company.
In each of those years he wrote a solid hit and this themed set features them chronologically.
Sadly Tony, whom I had the pleasure of interviewing while working for Casey Kasem, passed away
in 1995 from a heart attack at the age of 54.
I'm Gonna Make You Mine -- Lou Christie
[1969] For more info about Tony, please read the blurb for "Indian Lake." Lou's backup singers on this
gem are Linda Scott, Ellie Greenwich and an unidentified third girl. A fantastic piece of pop
from the great Lou and also his last top ten hit. Tony Romeo, by the way, produced and arranged
Lou Christie's classic recording of "Beyond The Blue Horizon," which is heard in the Oscar winning
Best Picture "Rainman."
I Think I Love You -- The Partridge Family
[1970] For more info about Tony, please read the blurb for "Indian Lake." David Cassidy sings lead on this
one, a #1 hit.
The Kid's Last Fight -- Frankie Laine
[1954] Not one of Frankie's biggest hits or one of his most remembered records.
But to me it's one of his very best. A touching and sad tale.
The Skin Diver -- P. Harcourt Frees
[1959] The artist is actually Paul Frees, whose recording of "I'm Professor Ludwig Von Drake"
was very popular on our chart during the first few weeks of this Record Page.
He recorded this novelty for Cascade Records.
Paul was a man of many voices and doesn't sound much like Ludwig on this
ditty. The tune reminds me a bit of "Sink The Bismarck," which is appropriate considering that this
recording also has a watery connection.
Oh! Ma-Ma! (The Butcher Boy) -- Rudy Vallee and his Connecticut Yankees
[1938] Both this record and "Lazy Mary" were based on a traditional Italian song called
"Luna Mezzo Mare." The "vocal refrain" on this record is credited on the label (Bluebird)
to Red Stanley and the Gentlemen Songsters. I have always thought that Rudy himself may
be doing the voice of the mother but I could be wrong.
Of course the song is absurd but I'm unabashedly a sucker for this kind of stuff.
gentle belafonte
Jamaica Farewell -- Harry Belafonte
[1957] The song was written by Lord Burgess and was part of Harry's legendary "Calypso" album.
So pretty.
Island In The Sun -- Harry Belafonte
[1957] This is the flipside of the uptempo "Cocoanut Woman" which has been up for some time.
Both sides did well on the chart.
I've Been Everywhere -- Lucky Starr
[1962] The song "I've Been Everywhere" was written by Geoff Mack in 1959 and listed Australian towns.
Hank Snow's #1 country version has been been on these pages for several weeks.
And now, as promised, here's the original Aussie version, which came out a few months before Hank's.
This guy is truly amazing!
I Put A Spell On You -- Screamin' Jay Hawkins
[1957] This recording was selected as one of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that
shaped rock and roll. It was also ranked #313 on the Rolling Stone magazine's list of
The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
funny feller
Makin' The Best Of A Bad Situation -- Dick Feller
[1974] This singer-songwriter, originally from Bronaugh, Missouri,
has written some of the most unusual and best country hits.
This song, featuring Feller's homespun philosophy, is simply hilarious.
And, come to think about it, it all makes perfect sense.
The Credit Card Song -- Dick Feller
[1974] IBM punch cards were very prevalent until the mid-70s.
This song may now be somewhat dated because they have gone out of style;
however credit cards are still very much a part of our life.
And as was the case back then, computers do not lie. Right?
Wacky country music at its very best.
Rose O'Day (The Filla-Ga-Dusha Song) -- Kate Smith
[1942] Others recorded this song but, in my view, no one ever did it as well as Kate.
The parenthesized portion of the title is sometimes misspelled on the web as "The Filla-Da-Gusha Song."
But that's NOT what she sings!
Aba Daba Honeymoon -- Debbie Reynolds and Carleton Carpenter
[1951] Debbie and Carleton sang this in the motion picture "Two Weeks With Love."
If you watch their performance carefully, you'll notice that Carleton at one point sang
"aba" where he should have sang "baba"! P.S. I love the film and this record!
Like I Do -- Nancy Sinatra
[1961] The tune here is Ponchielli's "Dance of the Hours," the same tune that Allan Sherman used in his
famous parody song about Camp Granada. Her #1 hit "These Boots Are Made For Walking" came approximately
ten releases after this one!
Hi Ho Trailus Boot Whip -- Anita O'Day
[1947] I don't have a clue as to the meaning of the title. Can anyone help?
But I can tell you that this is a fine record by one of the most-respected pop and jazz singers
in the business. She made her mark in the late 30s and early 40s, doing several recordings
with Gene Krupa and Stan Kenton.
She overcame many personal difficulties to continue singing into the 80s. She passed away in 2006
at the age of 87.
three goodies by this gold-medal group
Western Movies -- The Olympics
[1958] This was the first of 14 Top 100 recordings by this R&B group.
They were formed in 1957 by lead singer Walter Ward and the original group
included tenors Eddie Lewis and Charles Fizer, baritone singer Walter Hammond
bass singer Melvin King (bass). I personally saw them perform at a show in Dearborn, Michigan in 2003 and
they tore the house down. Sadly Walter passed away in 2006. The group has a unique and very catchy sound.
I shortly plan to post a fourth record by the group (about a dude named Pete) in a separate themed set.
Meanwhile, enjoy these three representative samples of their fabulous work.
Shimmy Like Kate -- The Olympics
[1960] This song was written in the early 20s by Clarence Williams and Armand Piron. The original title was
"I Wish I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate." I originally thought that the Olympics were singing
"bulletproof, bulletproof, shimmy shimmy" but subsequently decided that didn't make much sense!
Dance By The Light Of The Moon -- The Olympics
[1960] Talk about a popular tune!
It started out as "Buffalo Gals," written and published as "Lubly Fan" in 1844 by the
minstrel John Hodges, who performed as "Cool White."
Eventually it resurfaced in 1944 with several charted versions
as "Dance With A Dolly (With A Hole In Her Stocking),"
in 1959 as Bobby Darin's "Plain Jane," in 1960 as Ray Smith's "Rockin' Little Angel"
and in the same year as the Olympics doing this catchy ditty.
Breaking Up Is Hard On You -- American Comedy Network
[1984] Bob Rivers, the morning-show DJ for Seattle's KISW, began recording Weird-Al-type song parodies
in 1984 with this recording, a parody of Neil Sedaka's "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do."
It was inspired by the lawsuit and the court-ordered split up of AT&T's Bell System.
This very funny single broke a lot of people up (LOL) and made it to #70 on the chart.
it's all the same insect to me
The Glow-Worm -- The Mills Brothers
[1952] "The Glow-Worm" is a very popular song, with music written by Paul Lincke, the original
German lyrics by Heinz Bolten-Backers, and English lyrics by Johnny Mercer.
It was originally published in 1902 and its original German title was "Glühwürmchen."
How many of you rmember the "I Love Lucy" episode entitled "The Saxophone"?
This was the only song that Mrs. Ricardo knew how to play on that instrument!
Firefly -- Tony Bennett
[1958] One of my favorites by Anthony Benedetto. At exactly 1 minute and 24 seconds into this,
Tony gets really animated!
Lightning Bug -- Ronnie Malone
[19??] Other than the fact that he and I have the same first name, I know absolutely nothing about
this recording artist. But I must say that he is very good indeed!
Valley Girl -- Frank Zappa (featuring Moon Unit Zappa)
[1982] This was Frank Zappa's only national top 40 hit, reaching #32 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Joel Whitburn has described him as "rock music's leading satirist," though some might feel that
Weird Al Yankovic also deserves consideration for that title. What is indisputed is that Frank was
inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame in 1995 and won Grammy's Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997.
His daughter, Moon Unit, is of course the real star of this particular recording.
Like totally? Well not quite! The original recording runs about four and a half minutes and
this is an edited sample of "valspeak." It inspired the 1983 movie of the same name starring Nicholas Cage.
Wang Dang Doodle -- Koko Taylor
[1966] This Grammy Award winning blues legend passed away on June 3, 2009
in her hometown of Chicago at the age of 80. On May 7 this critically-acclaimed artist,
known worldwide as the “Queen of the Blues,” won her 29th Blues Music Award.
It was for Traditional Female Blues Artist Of The Year, making her the recipient of more Blues Music Awards
than any other artist. This was her best-known and most successful single.
who let these dogs out?
Pu-uh-uh-up-py Love -- Carol Burnett
[1957] This was the flipside of "I Made A Fool Of Myself Over John Foster Dulles. This is her contribution
to the "Puppy Love" sweepstakes though, strictly speaking, her song did NOT have that title!
Our Hour (The Puppy Love Song) -- Spike Jones and his City Slickers
[1947] Chronologically this came ten years before Carol's recording. But I felt that, of these two,
this one really needed to close this show! Again, strictly speaking, this song is not called "Puppy Love."
The vocals on this, assuming you care, are by the Tailwaggers, Dr. Horatio Q. Birdbath and the inimitable
Sir Frederick Gas.
don't these tunes sound alike?
Feudin' and Fightin' -- Dorothy Shay
[1947] While preparing for an interview with Don Cherry last year I reviewed his hit records. When I came
to "Wild Cherry" I said to myself "golly, I know that sounds like some other song"! It didn't take long
for me to figure out that it was THIS one: "Feudin' and Fightin" which had come out nine years earlier.
Wild Cherry -- Don Cherry
[1956] Isn't it wild that, although the lyrics are totally different, this "Cherry" sounds so much like
Dorothy Shay's hit?
You'll Never Get Away -- Don Cornell and Teresa Brewer
[1952] Okay, here's the breakdown. Together they sing the title 56 times.
Teresa sings it by herself four times. Don sings it by himself three times.
(That's because at one point he sings "I'll never let you get away," just to be different!)
This delightful duet peaked at #17 on the national chart.
we go from yippers to yoopers!
Second Week Of Deer Camp -- Da Yoopers
[1987] Da Yoopers is a musical group from Ishpeming, Michigan, United States who are known primarily
for their humorous songs and skits, most of which center around life in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
The band's name includes the term "Yooper," a popular slang for residents of Michigan's Upper Peninsula,
or "U.P." The use of "da" instead of "the" is typical of Yooper dialect.
Da Yoopers has released thirteen albums, all on their personal label, You Guys Records.
This recording, probably their most famous one, has become a cult classic and is regularly featured on
Dr. Demento's show.
Fish Fight Song -- Da Yoopers
[1989] A musical animated discussion between husband and wife! See the "Deer Camp" blurb for detailed info
about the group.
dog-gone it, this title sure is pup-ular!
Puppy Love -- Paul Anka
[1960] THANKS TO FRED CLEMENS FOR BOTH SUGGESTING THE IDEA FOR THIS THEMED SET AND ALSO FOR SUPPLYING
SEVERAL OF THE RECORDINGS. ALL OF THESE SIX SONGS WITH THE TITLE "PUPPY LOVE" ARE DIFFERENT FROM ONE ANOTHER.
Puppy Love -- Barbara Lyon
[1956] Barbara Lyon was the daughter of Hollywood stars Ben Lyon and Bebe Daniels. Sadly she passed away
in 1995.
Puppy Love -- Nino and the Ebb Tides
[1958] Their name is sometimes spelled "Ebbtides."
Several releases after this one, they made the national chart with their updating of
the Glenn Miller and Modernaires staple "Juke Box Saturday Night" and got regional action with their
grammatically-correct rendering of "Those Oldies But Goodies (REMIND Me Of You)."
Puppy Love -- Jess Duboy
[1959] If anyone can supply information about this artist, please do. I love when he goes "r-r-rip" several
times during this record and the sound of the girl singers on it as well.
Puppy Love -- Little Jimmy and the Tops
[1961] I am pretty sure that Ronnie Mack wrote this song. He gained short-lived fame as the writer of the
Chiffons' #1 hit "He's So Fine." I believe he never lived to see the success of that song.
There's a lot of a Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers influence here.
Puppy Love -- Barbara Lewis
[1963] Barbaras love puppies! This is the second Barbara to do a "Puppy Love" song and this is
a bouncy Lewis original. In late 1963 it was released as the "B" side of "Snap Your Fingers" but,
when the smoke cleared, it was "Puppy Love" that happily scampered to #38 on the Billboard Hot 100,
leaving the not-so-snappy recording far behind (it peaked at #71).
Swanee River Rocket -- Jimmy Elledge
[1961] I like this version of "Old Folks At Home" much better than that other version on this page,
which happened to come out just around the same time. Jimmy's subsequent release, "Funny How Time Slips Away,"
became a top 40 hit for him. Ain't it funny that this boogie-woogie blockbuster never became a bona fide
hit as well?
it's hootenanny time!
Hootenanny -- The Glencoves
[1963] What a happy tune! I spun this one like crazy during my first deejay job ever, a summer gig
at radio station WICY in Malone, NY.
Hootenanny Granny -- Jim Lowe
[1962] The popular radio personality and recording artist, whose big claim to fame was the huge hit entitled
"The Green Door," mentions the titles of several popular folk songs of the day on this single.
Hootenanny Italian Style -- Lou Monte
[1963] This ingratiating recording artist whose "Lazy Mary" was added a few days ago encores with
this Italian spin on the hootenanny craze.
Hootenanny On Mars -- Randy Starr and the Merry Martians
[1964] Recording star Randy was also denist Dr. Warren Nadel. My interview show with him is on my Radio Page.
His biggest hit as a solo artist was "After School" but he had an even bigger hit as half of the duo called
the Islanders: that was the instrumental "Enchanted Sea." We find out in this record that Martians sound a
lot like chipmunks!
Holiday Hootenanny -- Paul and Paula
[1962] Who cares if it's out of season? This one was too good to pass up!
Surfin' Hootenanny -- Al Casey
[1963] I remember very well that while working at radio station WICY in Malone, NY (as mentioned in my blurb
for the Glencoves recor above) that I received a promotional copy of this single on red vinyl! So right off
the bat I thought it was pretty special. Al, who passed away not too long ago, pays tribute to his guitar
heroes, namely Dick Dale and the Ventures and Duane Eddy.
Tonight You Belong To Me -- Patience and Prudence
[1956] One of the girls was 11 and one of the girls was 14 when they recorded this song.
There are differing reports on the Internet as to which girl was younger so I'll leave it at that for now.
Their father, Mark McIntyre, was an orchestra leader, pianist, and songwriter who accompanied Frank Sinatra
on piano during the 1940s. He took them to Liberty Records.
The girls made a demo of this song, which had been a hit for Gene Austin in 1927
and was written by Billy Rose and Lee David.
Not only did Liberty sign them but they quickly released a recording of the girls singing the song
as a commercial single. It reached #4 on the Billboard pop chart.
The song got renewed attention when Steve Martin and Bernadette Peters sang it in the movie "The Jerk."
for our countdown queen, dj mary roboto
Mary's A Grand Old Name -- Bing Crosby
[1943] Der Bingle doing a fine rendering of the great George M. Cohan standard.
I wonder if Bing did the whistling.
Lazy Mary -- Lou Monte
[1958] DJ Mary, I am not suggesting to anyone that YOU are lazy!
I am including it because I love Luigi's recording and I am sure that others will as well.
What Will My Mary Say -- Johnny Mathis
[1963] Original Columbia copies of this single list the title as "What Will Mary Say" (with no "My").
However Paul Vance, who wrote this song with Eddie Synder, told me personally that "Will Will My Mary Say"
is actually the correct title, so I will list it that way. A really nice song. Can anyone tell me
who is that mystery "devil woman" on the record?
Midnight Mary -- Joey Powers
[1963] Joey was born in Canonsburg, as were Perry Como and Bobby Vinton.
My Internet buddy, Artie Wayne, co-wrote (with Ben Raleigh) and produced this ingratiating top ten hit.
Along Comes Mary -- The Association
[1966] One of the big hits at the dawning of rock and roll's psychedelic era.
There were reports over the past few days that the Association's drummer Ted Bluechel had died,
but those reports were INCORRECT.
Mr. Roboto -- Styx
[1983] Last but not least! For obvious reasons I just had to include this one in this grouping.
It's one of Mary's favorites from the 80s and I suspect it's because of the title.
FYI: Mary is happily SINGLE. This was one of only two Styx singles to achieve gold record status;
the other one was "Babe." I don't know if this will ever reach the top 20 on our chart
-- it's probably unlikely -- but if it did it would be a hoot to hear her announce it
as part of the countdown.
did chuck really sue himself and win?
School Day -- Chuck Berry
[1957] Chuck's infectious rocker (his biggest to date at the time) whose tune spawned the song below.
It peaked at #3.
No Particular Place To Go -- Chuck Berry
[1964] When he needed a melody to fit these lyrics, he didn't have to look far.
After all, he had a lot of "school"in'! There is no truth to the story that Chuck was so incensed about
plagiarizing his own hit that he took himself to court and won! What may be true is that this may be the
only instance in the rock era where someone wrote a hit tune and used it in two separate contexts,
both of which made the top 10. This one peaked at #10.
"the moose" has company
Kidnapped -- Woody Allen
[1964] Woody's "The Moose" has been one of the most popular recordings on this page since Day One.
While working at the Concord Hotel in the mid 60s, I had the pleasure of meeting him and seeing him
perform that routine as well as this one and the combo-routine posted below.
Only Woody could do this material so well.
The Great Renaldo and The Moth -- Woody Allen
[1964] This is actually two routines. But the second is only a few seconds long. He was and still is
a comedy genius.
The Cube -- Bob Jenkins (with 3-year-old daughter Mandy)
[1982] This Liberty single got to #76 on the country chart. Mandy may well be the youngest artist ever
identified by name on a charted single. (The babies on Buzz Clifford's "Baby Sittin' Boogie" don't count
because they are not idenfitied.) I think this is a really cute single. But the line about a guy doing it
in 28 seconds on TV is a bit dated. The top kids were doing it much faster than that shortly after this
record charted!
life is a list
Life Is A Rock (But The Radio Rolled Me) -- Reunion
[1974] Probably the best and most successful "rock list" record of all time.
Joey Levine, the lead singer of the Ohio Express and other groups, handles that chore on this record.
And I suspect that his rapid-fire delivery of those words may well have BEEN a chore.
Tchaikovsky -- Danny Kaye
[1941] Danny performed this show-stopping number in the hit Broadway comedy "Lady in the Dark."
It was written by Kurt Weill and Ira Gershwin. Danny sings the names of a whole string of Russian composers
at breakneck speed, seemingly without taking a breath. (I wonder if some of those composers are imaginary!)
Danny's "motor-mouth" bit begins about a minute and 40 seconds into this sample.
I've Been Everywhere -- Hank Snow
[1962] The song "I've Been Everywhere" was written by Geoff Mack in 1959 and made popular by the
singer Lucky Starr in 1962. It listed Australian towns. It was later adapted for North American
(primarily United States) place names and by John Hore (later known as John Grenell) with New Zealand place
names (1966). This version, by the legendary Hank Snow (who was Canadian by the way) hit #1 on the U.S.
country chart and #68 on the U.S. pop chart.
The Name Of The Game Was Love -- Hank Snow
[1968] Hank encores with a record in a similar vein to "I've Got Everywhere" above. If you are female,
there's a good chance that he sings your name!
Willie's Sung With Everyone (But Me) -- Paul Evans
[1996] No explanation necessary here. The title says it all. By the way, Paul, I know someone else whom
Willie has never sung with. He's typing this message.
We Didn't Start The Fire -- Billy Joel
[1989] Billy's musical history lesson became a #1 hit for him.
these competing "bogey" men are 97 and 98 respectively!
March From The River Kwai and Colonel Bogey -- Mitch Miller
[1958] Mitch, who celebrated his 97th birthday last July 4, reached #20 on the chart with this recording.
Colonel Bogey -- Edmundo Ros
[1958] Edmundo, who celebrated his 98th birthday last December 7, reached #75 on the chart with this recording.
peter piper picked a peck of you know what
Tongue Twisters -- Danny Kaye
[194?] This man was unbelievable in so many ways. He does this so effortlessly!
Tongue Twisters -- Looking Glass
[19??] Pure bubblegum. Apparently these are not the same guys who recorded the #1 hit
"Brandy (You're A Fine Girl)."
Carnival In Rio -- Desi Arnaz (with a goofy lady)
[1946] The question is not "who was that lady"? You will all know the answer to that!
The real question is "WAS THIS PLANNED?" There have been conflicting reports about the story behind
what happend 1:55 into this recording which, in fact, is the only thing that qualifies it to be
included in this grouping.
pillow talk
Pillow Talk -- Doris Day
[1959] The title song from one of Doris's most popular films. It's the one in which she meets Rock Hudson
For the first time.
If My Pillow Could Talk -- Connie Francis
[1963] This is one of Connie hardly-ever-played-on-radio hits but in my opinion it's one of her best.
Pillow Talk -- Sylvia
[1973] Sylvia Robinson was the female half of the Mickey and Sylvia duo. Had this recording come out in
1957, when "Love Is Strange" rode the charts, radio stations probably would not have touched this with a
ten-foot pole. But by 1973, standards were much more relaxed and by then, for the most part,
this recording was radio friendly.
Tippy Toeing -- The Harden Trio
[1966] This country music trio was from England but not Great Britain! They were from England, Arkansas.
They were Bobby Harden and his sisters Robbie and Arleen. They had a relatively short career, disbanding in
1968, but are fondly remembered for this catchy recording, a #2 country hit and a #44 pop hit.
Daddy go and make a little money maybe!
bah! bah! bah! (and ba!)
The Whiffenpoof Song -- The Whiffs
[1959] The Yale Whiffenpoofs, AKA The Whiffs, are the oldest collegiate a cappella group in the United States,
established in 1909. They are best known for "The Whiffenpoof Song," based on a tune written by Tod Galloway
(Amherst 1895) and adapted with lyrics by Meade Minnigerode (Yale 1910). The group comprises college senior
men who compete in the spring of their junior year for 14 spots. The business manager and musical director
of the group, known in Whiff tradition respectively as the "Popocatepetl" and "Pitchpipe," are chosen
by members of the previous year's group. This 1959 recording actually came later than the one by Rudy Vallee
below, but I've decided to list it first because of the historical significance of this group related to the
song's storied history.
The Whiffenpoof Song -- Rudy Vallee
[19??] Rudy recorded this song several times during his career. According to YouTube, this version is from
1927, but I am not totally sure which is why you see the question marks in the date field.
The Whiffenpoof Song -- Bob Crewe
[1960] Legendary record producer Bob Crewe does his unusual rendering of the tune,
a la Bobby Darin's "Mack The Knife."
Ba Ba Song -- Alma Cogan
[1964] Some copies of this list it as "Ba-Ba-Song." This is Alma's German version of "The Whiffenpoof Song."
Alma was dubbed "The Girl With the Laugh In Her Voice." Throughout the mid 1950s, she was the most consistently
successful female singer in the UK. Tragically her life ended due to illness in 1966, at the age of 34.
There will be more records by this wonderful singer on this page in the near future.
Big Things Are Happening -- Cindy Malone
[1963] Cindy is the niece of the legendary zany bandleader Spike Jones. I love this recording.
Happy Birthday, America -- Paul Evans
[1976] Paul wrote this song in celebration of the Bicentennial. In the last verse he sang "let us toast to
your 200 years of life." To keep it current, Paul went in and substituted a new line for that one, and this
sample contains that updated portion of the song. This is a wonderful patriotic song that people of all
political views can applaud.
Song Of The Barefoot Mailman -- Billy Leach
[1957] The term "barefoot mailman" refers to the carriers on the first U.S. Mail route
between Palm Beach and the settlements around the body of water known as Lake Worth on the north
and Miami, Cocoanut Grove, and Lemon City on the south. It came about in 1885.
As there was no road at the time connecting Palm Beach and Miami to each other
(or to anywhere else, for that matter), the carrier traveled by boat and by walking along the beach.
The mail carriers walked the beach barefooted to take advantage of the firmer sand along the water's edge.
an allan sherman quadruple play
Sarah Jackman -- Allan Sherman (with Christine Nelson)
[1962] From the album "My Son The Folk Singer." This is a parody of "Frere Jacques."
Christine, who plays the part of Sarah, went on to record her own album called
"Did'ja Come To Play Cards Or To Talk."
Oh Boy -- Allan Sherman
[1962] From the album "My Son The Folk Singer." It's a bit different from his other recordings.
The original track runs over four minutes and I tried to pick out what I feel are the best portions,
editing it down to 2 and a half minutes.
Mexican Hat Dance -- Allan Sherman
[1963] From the album "My Son The Celebrity."
The Jarabe Tapatío, known in English as the "Mexican Hat Dance," is the title of the musical piece
and the dance that accompanies it, which is accorded the title of the "national dance of Mexico".
Allan's lyrics are, of course, totally original.
If I Were A Tishman -- Allan Sherman
[1967] From the album "Togetherness." We skip forward a few years to Allan's final album for Warner Brothers.
This is a parody of "If I Were A Rich Man," from the musical "Fiddler On The Roof."
Unlike his previous albums, this one was not recorded in front of an audience. This album was roundly
criticized as a whole but I think that this recording from it more than holds its own.
coconuts anybody?
I've Got A Lovely Bunch Of Coconuts -- Freddy Martin (vocal by Merv Griffin)
[1949] This became Merv's signature song, even though was technically a Freddy Martin record.
Cocoanut Woman -- Harry Belafonte
[1957] A rolicking track by the wonderful Belafonte and the "A" side of "Island In The Sun,"
which I plan to add in the near future.
Coconut -- Nillson
[1972] I guess right after this record became a hit most of us started putting the lime in the coconut.
Reunion -- Bobbie Gentry
[196?] The whimsical side of the "Ode To Billie Joe" girl.
which doctor do your prefer?
Witch Doctor -- David Seville
[1958] The most famous version of this song, performed by its composer, AKA Ross Bagdasarian.
Witch Doctor -- Don Lang
[1958] The hit version in the United Kingdom.
K'nish Doctor -- Mickey Katz
[1958] A somewhat different take on the song, done by the celebrated Yiddish entertainer
who was the father of stage and screen actor Joel Grey.
all the same tune
O Sole Mio -- Mario Lanza
[19??] "O Sole Mio" is a globally-known Neapolitan song written in 1898. It has been performed and covered
by a multitude of artists. The original lyrics were written by Giovanni Capurro and the melody was composed
by Eduardo di Capua. Two sets of English lyrics were eventually written to the tune (not translations)
and they evolved into the the pop hits "There's No Tomorrow" (Tony Martin) and
"It's Now Or Never" (Elvis Presley), samples of which are included in this grouping.
If you listen to these in order, you must admit that Mario is a great opening act and Rlvis is a great
closing act!
O Solo Mio -- Lafaro
[19??] A very different interpretation and a slightly different title but it's the same tune.
There's No Tomorrow -- Tony Martin
[1949] This record based on "O Sole Mio" got to #2 in the chart.
Eleven years later Elvis got one position higher with his take on the tune.
There's No Tomorrow -- Jimmy Nabors
[1958] Shazam!
Yes indeed, it's the informal name of the man who, as "Jim," would eventually become TV's "Gomer Pyle."
It's certainly a very different rendering of what Tony Martin recorded in 1949.
I wonder if this Nabors record may have inspired Conway Twitty to do his similar "slow then fast"
version of "Danny Boy." (My guess is NO, because the Nabors record wasn't that well-known.)
It's Now Or Never -- Elvis Presley
[1960] It's the King!
This Is Monte -- The Big Loser (and Friends)
[1962] This record was as popular as Monte was with the girls.
Kentucky Means Paradise -- The Green River Boys featuring Glen Campbell
[1962] A toetappin' winner!
two goodies by four legends
Blackstrap Molasses -- Danny Kaye, Jimmy Durante, Groucho Marx and Jane Wyman
[1951] This peaked at #29 on the chart. Appetizing!
How D'ye Do And Shake Hands -- Danny Kaye, Jimmy Durante, Groucho Marx and Jane Wyman
[1951] This was the flipside of "Blackstrap Molasses." Friendly!
Beach Ball -- The City Surfers
[1963] I can't for the life of me figure out why this one didn't become a smash. It got plenty of play on
WABC in New York City; it was their Pick Hit Of The Week.
The City Surfers were a studio group that recorded a couple of surf singles for Capitol Records in 1963.
The group featured a young, pre-Byrds Roger McGuinn (who was still known as Jim McGuinn at the time)
on guitar and songwriter Frank Gari on vocals. And, oh yes, Bobby Darin on drums!
Darin had hired McGuinn a year earlier to play guitar and add some folk flair to his live act.
After a few months, however, Darin lost his voice and was forced to temporarily rest it.
He shifted McGuinn to his music publishing company, T.M. Music, as a songwriter, and McGuinn and Gari
came up with some tunes in an attempt to cash in on the hot surf music craze.
So with Darin playing drums and a young Terry Melcher sitting in on piano,
"Beach Ball" was born. Though it didn't take wings, it is a rarity that has been eagerly sought by
surf-era enthusiasts over the years.
what were they thinking? (questionable follow-ups to huge hits)
Walkin' Through A Cemetery -- Claudine Clark
[1962] Follow-up to "Party Lights." Claudine's chart career pretty much died with this release.
Doin' The Napoleon -- Napoleon XIV
[1966] Follow-up to "They're Coming To Take Me Away, Ha-Haaa!" Napoleon (AKA Jerry Samuels) firmly cemented
his stature as a one-hit wonder with this masterpiece. "Doin' The Jerry" might have done better!
Shiddle-Ee-Dee -- Clint Holmes
[1973] Follow-up to "Playground In My Mind." With a title like "Shiddle-Ee-Dee," how could this record
possibly miss? (Easily!!!)
I Made A Fool Of Myself Over John Foster Dulles -- Carol Burnett
[1957] John Foster Dulles served as U.S. Secretary of State under President Dwight D. Eisenhower
from 1953 to 1959. Carol's career was just beginning to take wings when she recorded this offbeat
musical tribute to the man. She performed it often on the New York nightclub circuit and also on
"The Tonight Show" (then hosted by Jack Paar) and Ed Sullivan's "Toast Of The Town." Though it never
became a hit single, the record is treasured by her fans throughout the world.
four 1956 sides (two singles) by the "singin' barber"
Hot Diggity -- Perry Como
[1956] The "A" side of RCA Victor 6427, the melody of this tune was based on Chabrier's "Espana Rhapsody":
the lyrics were written by Al Hoffman and Dick Manning, who also wrote the Four Lads'
"Gilly Gilly Ossenfeffer..." song that's also on this page. It got to #2 on the pop chart and was a popular
sing-along tune back then. Listen carefully and you'll hear Perry actually sing "hot ziggity" at one point;
they decided to leave that in the record just so I could make this inane comment about it!
Juke Box Baby -- Perry Como
[1956] This was the "B" side of RCA Victor 6427 and it reached #10 on the pop chart. Its lyrics mentioned
many of the hit songs of the day, including Perry's recent hit entitled "Tina Marie."
More -- Perry Como
[1956] This was the "A" of RCA Victor 6554 and it reached #4 on the pop chart.
It's an absolutely beautiful song. It's a different song from the "More" that came out a few years later
and was the theme from the motion picture "Mondo Cane."
Glendora -- Perry Como
[1956] This was the "B" side of RCA Victor 6554 and it reached #8 on the pop chart.
It's probably the most successful hit tune ever written about a department store mannequin.
two sides (one single) by the "bobby's girl" wannabee
Little Miss Fool -- Marcie Blane
[1963] Brooklyn-born Seville Records artist Marcie had a #3 smash with "Bobby's Girl,"
then followed-up with the much-less-successful "What Does A Girl Do."
So what did THIS girl do after that? In my opinion she followed-up with a FABULOUS
single with two excellent sides. Though both sides got plenty of airplay in New York City and many other
big cities, it simply became one of those "could've, should've, would've but didn't" singles.
Listen carefully to this ballad, the "A" side of Seville 126, and you'll probably detect a bit of a
Linda Scott influence.
Ragtime Sound -- Marcie Blane
[1963] Totally different from the "A" side, Marcie will really make you tap your toes with this uptempo
ditty. Her prediction in this song that in 1993 they'd "bring back the twist" didn't exactly come about.
Nevertheless this "B" side of Seville 126 is a fun record!
for mom
No Charge -- Melba Montgomery
[1974] This recording brings tears to my eyes whenever I hear it.
I.O.U. -- Jimmy Dean
[1976] Jimmy's heartfelt tribute to his Mom.
Mama -- Connie Francis
[1960] Touching.
My Yiddishe Momme -- Jackie Wilson
[196?] Precious.
Mother, Please! -- Jo Ann Campbell
[1963] One slightly irreverent (but fun) song. Inspired by the famous Anacin commercial.
hearty aches and breaks
Aching, Breaking Heart -- George Jones
[1962] Is this "Billy Ray" Jones? Not exactly. But the Ol' Possum got to #5 on the country chart with this
tune, 30 years before that famous (or infamous depending on point of view) "achy breaky" hit came along.
Achy Breaky Heart -- Billy Ray Cyrus
[1992] Billy Ray's career recording. 'Nuff said.
Achy Breaky Song -- Weird Al Yankovic
[1993] Weird Al's parody of Billy Ray's megahit. From his album "Alapalooza."
Your Cheatin' Heart -- Alfred A. Alfa
[19??] Indescribable.
who will win the battle of istanbul?
Istanbul -- The Four Lads
[1953] After putting a quartet of songs up by the Lads I was going to wait a while to put another song up.
But this was just too good to resist. This was a top ten record for them and their first big hit.
Istanbul -- They Must Be Giants
[1990] Well if the guy says they must be, then I guess they MUST BE!
Formed in 1982, this group is best known for its unconventional and experimental style of alternative music.
This record is a modest example! It was featured on the "Tiny Toon Adventures" animated TV show.
Song Of The Sewer -- Art Carney
[1954] "Honeymooners Rap," featuring Eddie Murphy as Ed Norton (with Joe Piscopo as Ralph Kramden), was the
first #1 on this page's popularity chart and has always been in the top ten. "The Honeymooners" is my
personal favorite sitcom. It starred Jackie Gleason as bus driver Ralph Kramden and Art Carney as
sewer worker Ed Norton, his best friend. This record, which made the Cash Box chart, is a watery winner.
Everybody sing along!
thunderbird songs other than you-know-what!
Pink Thunderbird -- Gene Vincent
[1957] This recording shows the humorous side of this rockabilly great.
Rock And Roll Thunderbird -- The Burt Sisters
[19??] I know nothing about this record other than the fact that the sisters do it with the Jimmy Ellidge
Band. I assume that it is Jimmy playing the fabulous 88.
Jaguar And Thunderbird -- Chuck Berry
[1960] A two car song with plenty of drive.
Fire Red Thunderbird -- James and Dean
[2001] Technically these guys bill themselves as "James/Dean" (James slash Dean) but I prefer to list them
-- as many others do -- as James AND Dean. This record reminds me a lot of "Bang-A-Gong (Get It On)" by
T. Rex.
Red Thunderbird -- Lynn Howard and the Accents
[19??] Unlike the song above, there's no "fire" in this red T-Bird. Simply a cool song with some nice dialogue
to boot.
Fun, Fun, Fun -- The Beach Boys
[1964] The word "Thunderbird" never appears in the song but it mostly assuredly IS a Thunderbird song with
its most memorable line: "we'll have fun, fun, fun, till your daddy takes your T-Bird away."
Bad Motorcycle -- The Storey Sisters
[1958] The story is that this was a Cameo single and peaked at #85 on the chart.
I don't anything about the girls, other than reports I've read that state that they changed their name
to the Twinkles.
millie and willie
Me And Millie (Stompin' Grapes And Gettin' Silly) -- Ronnie Sessions
[1977] When I listen to this I can't help thinking about Mrs. Ricardo doing her thing in that certain
episode of "I Love Lucy."
Silly Dilly Millie -- Ray Sharpe
[199?] A cool 90's rockabilly recording by the artist best known for his hit single "Linda Lu."
Willie Can -- Sue Thompson
[196?] Sue's wonderful rendering of a Bouldeaux and Felice Bryant tune. I played this during my interview
show with Sue. I just love the way Sue does the line "Willie, there's a moon, there's a moon oh Willie!".
Little Willy -- Sweet
[1973] This was a sweet hit for this group: it was their first top 40 hits and also their biggest,
peaking at #3. They eventually changed their name to "The Sweet" but I'm using here the billing that was
on their original Bell recording of this tune. Oh yes, technically this is not a "Willie" song
but a "Willy" song; however it's close enough for rock and roll.
the "dilly, dilly" song
Lavender Blue -- Burl Ives
[1949] "Lavender Blue," also called "Lavender's Blue", is an English folk song and nursery rhyme
dating back to the seventeenth century and which has been recorded in various forms
since the twentieth century. Some versions have as many as thirty verses. Though we're all familiar with
the "diddy, diddy" portion, you may not be aware that some early versions used "diddle, diddle" instead!
This version, sung by Burl, was featured in the Walt Disney movie "So Dear to My Heart" and became
his first hit song.
Lavender Blue -- Sammy Turner
[1959] This version by Sammy reached #3 on the pop chart. For a detailed comment about the song,
please read the blurb for the Burl Ives version.
four by the lads
Moments To Remember -- The Four Lads
[1955] A gem that has truly stood the test of the time over the years. Can anyone tell me who the girl is
who does the narration part? (It's not a quiz, I'm trying to find out!) This Canadian pop music quartet,
from Toronto, Ontario, consisted of the late James Arnold, Bernard Toorish, Frank Busseri and Connie Codorini.
The Bus Stop Song (A Paper Of Pins) -- The Four Lads
[1956] This was introduced in the film of the same name. It's a kinda dumb song but I love it.
The guy offers the girl a paper of pins and his feathery bed in exchange for a promise to marry him.
But she's demanding and wants his house and his money instead. So what does the guy do? He says "fine"!
I remember watching "Name That Tune" and this was the bonus tune at the end of the show and I could have
won thousands if I had been the contestant because I knew it!
Put A Light In The Window -- The Four Lads
[1957] No deep message here. Simply a great catchy tune.
Gilly, Gilly, Ossenfeffer, Katzenellen Bogen By The Sea -- The Four Lads
[1954] You know the "Dilly, Dilly" song ("Lavender Blue") but did you know about this "Gilly, Gilly" song?
Al Manning and Dick Hoffman take the credit for it. And yes, it did become a hit, peaking at #18.
Everybody sing along! Oh, one more thing. Listen carefully to the beginning four lines of the song:
what big hit from the early 60s (by a female vocalist) had a tune that was very similar to this one?
Rappin' Rodney -- Rodney Dangerfield
[1983] Despite making a career out of getting "no respect," this comedian/actor actually got plenty.
In 1980, when he was at the height of his popularity and at the top of his form,
his landmark comedy album "No Respect" was released and it went on to win the Grammy Award
for Best Comedy Album Of The Year.
Over the years he had millions of fans all over the world.
His "gimmick" is surely one of the most famous in show business history.
In the 60's, while working on the social staff of the Concord Hotel in Kiamesha Lake, NY,
I had the pleasure of knowing him briefly and I even got to perform on the same show with him
at a nearby bungalow colony. Rodney was a true gentleman.
And he DID get some respect as a "rapper" when he released this recording: it peaked at #83 in Billboard!
This edited sample, though less than half the length of the original, includes almost all of
Rodney's dialogue. Enjoy.
The Way Of A Clown -- Teddy Randazzo
[1960] Teddy the performer started his career in the 50s as the lead singer of the Three Chuckles.
In 1959 he, with his songwriting partner Bobby Weinstein, wrote Steve Lawrence's hit "Pretty Blue Eyes"
and a few years later they wrote Little Anthony and the Imperials' hits "Goin' Out Of My Head" and
"Hurts So Bad" among several others. Here's a comment from Denise:
"I first met Teddy in 1959 with my group the Delicates. He loved our sound
and asked us to do backup for a song he wrote called "Journey To Love."
The artist was Al Martino and the arranger Don Costa ... what could be
better than this?
We were a little nervous but Teddy helped us through it.
It was a great experience and our first backup work.
It's a memory I will treasure always."
shirley the three-hit "fun"der
The Nitty Gritty -- Shirley Ellis
[1963] This was the first of Shirley's three happy national top-40 hits,
all of which were written by her manager, record producer and songwriting partner Lincoln Chase.
Though some consider it a novelty, I don't think it really is.
It sounds like she may be singing about a dance but that's not really clear.
The Name Game -- Shirley Ellis
[1964] This was the second of Shirley's three happy national top-40 hits,
all of which were written by her manager, record producer and songwriting partner Lincoln Chase.
It's a rather innocent G-rated song unless you choose to use certain names which are not in Shirley's record.
(But I guess you all KNEW that!)
The Clapping Song -- Shirley Ellis
[19651] This was the third of Shirley's three happy national top-40 hits,
all of which were written by her manager, record producer and songwriting partner Lincoln Chase.
UB40, in their 1988 re-issue of "Red Red Wine" (which hit #1 on the chart),
included the "goose drank wine" jingle that Shirley uses in this recording,
which in turn went back many years before Lincoln wrote the song.
Deteriorata -- National Lampoon
[1972] The late Norman Rose is the narrator and Melissa Manchester is the singer on this recording
which makes fun of Les Crane's surprise hit "The Desiderata." Well, at least you know that she CAN sing!
Christopher Guest wrote the parody.
The views expressed in this edited sample (which is about half the length of the original recording)
are not mine, except for "rotate your tires." That's not a bad idea.
I'll bet Les (who is deceased) laughed at this spoof of his hallowed hit.
Wonderful Baby -- Don McLean
[1973] While adding "Brahms' Lullaby" (see below) I kept thinking about this recording
and decided "I must add this one NEXT." It's my favorite Don McLean recording.
bach, beethoven and brahms
Joy -- Apollo 100
[1972] The synthesizer player on this left-field hit was none other than Tom Parker.
While managing Elvis, the Colonel moonlighted as ..... wait, okay, you won't buy that and you SHOULDN'T,
it was a DIFFERENT Tom Parker and I don't believe he had a military rank! Okay, the real truth is that
Apollo 100 was a British studio group and "Joy" is their adaptation of
Johann Sebastian Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring," the 10th movement of the cantata
"Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben" (Heart and Mouth and Deed and Life).
Roll Over Beethoven -- Chuck Berry
[1956] Okay, I could have chosen to use a certain #1 disco record. But being someone weaned on 50s
rock and roll, I prefer this one. I believe that more people have recorded it than any of his other songs.
Simply put, this is a GREAT record!
Brahms' Lullaby -- Disney Babies album
[19??] There are no babies on this recording. It's a man doing a beautiful rendition of the song
which has sometimes been called "The Cradle Song." I could have used recordings of this
by any of several superstar artists but this rendering by "the unknown singer" is my personal favorite.
Spanish Flea -- Kathy Kirby
[1966] Kathy was one of the most popular British female vocalists of the 60s and, according to some reports,
the highest paid.
two sides of jud strunk
Daisy A Day -- Jud Strunk
[1973] Jud was a singer and comedian who became a regular on Rowan and Martin's "Laugh-In"
during its last season.
Though best known for his humorous songs, his most popular was this poignant one which he wrote
and recorded in 1973.
This touching ballad describes the relationship between a boy and girl as they grow up together
and ultimately grow old together. When this was popular I was working for Casey Kasem and had the pleasure
of interviewing Jud and telling him how much this song moved me and members of my family as well.
Sadly, in 1981, Jud was killed in a plane crash. He was only 45. What a wonderful song he left us.
The Biggest Parakeets In Town -- Jud Strunk
[1975] This song is in marked contrast to "Daisy A Day," the one above this one. Displaying a fabulous
comedic sense, Jud tells the story of a woman who is an avid bird fancier.
Jud's life was cut short in 1981, as noted in the "Daisy" blurb, but he truly left us with so many
great memories.
foreign language recordings
Lullaby Of Birdland -- The Blue Stars
[1956] French. This was a pop-jazz group formed in Paris by Blossom Dearie.
This single peaked at #16 on the chart.
The composer was the great jazz pianist George Shearing.
The Little Train -- Marianne Vasel and Erich Storz
[1958] German. Features some great yodeling and train sound effects.
Por Amor Viviremos -- Captain and Tennille
[1975] Spanish. This version of their chart-topper "Love Will Keep Us Together" made it to #49 on the chart.
It's interesting, though not surprising, that the word "whatever" and the phrase "Sedaka is back"
is in English: they were part of the original vocal track, which was unchanged.
La Cumbia De Manuela -- Neil Sedaka
[19??] Spanish. I know virtually nothing about this one except that Neil sounds like he had a great time
recording it!
Point Of Order -- Stan Freberg
[1954] Because of the politically hot subject being made fun of, this recording received limited airplay,
probably making Freberg say "Baa! Humbug!"
Cheaper Crude Or No More Food -- Bobby "Sofine" Butler
[1979] To protest the rising cost of gasoline, deejay Bo Weaver at WTTM in Trenton, NJ
locked himself in the studio and played this record for several hours! He got fired.
Three years later I began working at WTTM in 1982 and, while employed there, I never protested about anything.
answer records
Oh Neil -- Carole King
[1959] Answer record to Neil Sedaka's "Oh Carole."
Reportedly Carole isn't too fond of this one
but I know that many oldies fans are. It came out on the tiny Alpine label.
Wonder if Neil Sedacky likes it!
Sixteen Pounds -- Patsy Montana
[1956] Answer record to Tennessee Ernie Ford's "Sixteen Tons."
Patsy was a legendary country music singer-songwriter
and the first female music performer to sell one million records,
which she did with her 1935 release "I Want To Be A Cowboy's Sweetheart."
The Tiger's Wide Awake -- The Romeos
[1962] Answer record to the Tokens' "The Lion Sleeps Tonight."
So would you rather have a lion eat you or a tiger?
(Think about that and should come up with the right answer!)
Your Boyfriend's Back -- Bobby Comstock and the Counts
[1963] Answer record to the Angels' "My Boyfriend's Back."
I bet you haven't heard this one before.
(I'll only bet a nickel, though.)
Cry Me A River -- Susan Boyle
[1999] Susan stunned the judges (and ultimately the world) with her susprisingly incredible performance of
"I Dreamed A Dream" from "Les Miserables" on the TV show "Britain's Got Talent."
This recording, of a song originally made famous by Julie London, is from a 1999 charity CD
which now has bids on Ebay exceeding 2000 dollars.
A star is born and everyone rejoices!
Ajax Liquor Store -- Hudson and Landry
[1971] Bob Hudson and Ron Landry were an immensesly popular morning radio team on KGBS in Los Angeles.
It was their on air chemistry that lead to the recording of several successful comedy albums on Dore Records.
Their first single release was this uproarious recording.
All told they recorded a few dozen different comedy bits.
Sadly both of these very funny gentlemen have passed away.
Their recordings may not be as well-known as those by some other comedians,
but nevertheless they are treasures.
they sing!
Goodness Gracious Me -- Peter Sellers and Sophia Loren
[1961] This was a top ten record in the United Kingdom.
It features Sellers acting the role of an Indian doctor and Loren of his wealthy Italian patient.
Guess what. They fall in love!
The Beatles' legendary producer George Martin himself produced this recording.
Martin envisioned the song as a recording to be incorporated in the soundtrack of the film
"The Millionairess" which was being filmed at that time and which starred Sellers and Loren.
However it didn't make the cut. Nevertheless it's quite enjoyable.
Bangers And Mash -- Peter Sellers and Sophia Loren
[1961] This was the flipside of the above record, "Goodness Gracious Me."
I like is as much as the "A" side so I've decided to include it here.
chuck's monkey business
Too Much Monkey Business -- Chuck Berry
[1959] This was the "A" side of a great but somewhat overlooked Chuck Berry recording.
The "B" side was "Brown Eyed Handsome Man."
Jo Jo Gunne -- Chuck Berry
[1958] A saga about a meddlesome monkey.
Reportedly Jay Ferguson, after he left the rock group Spirit,
named his new band, Jo Jo Gunne, after this recording.
Dear Mr. Godfrey -- Ruth Wallis
[1953] Ruth was best-known for her double-entendre risque and satirical songs which she wrote as well as sang.
Though Dr. Demento played many of them on his syndicated radio show starting in the 70s, they received
relatively little airplay when originally released. Ruth's only charted record was this novelty and there
was no need to search for hidden meanings: it was very clear what this was about.
The famous (or was it INFAMOUS) incident occurred on Arthur Godfrey's TV and radio show.
On October 19, 1953, after lavishing praise on Julius LaRosa in introducing the singer's performance
of "Manhattan," Godfrey thanked him and then announced to the world that this was LaRosa's "swan song"
with the show. LaRosa was dumbfounded, since he had not been informed beforehand of his "departure"!
At a subsequent press conference, Godfrey claimed that LaRosa had "lost his humility."
That's the basic hook line in Ruth's intriguing record.
happy girl group sounds
White Levis -- The Majorettes
[1963] An encore by the girls who invited us to dance the Kangaroo below.
This got lots of play in various parts of the country, including New York City,
but never took off. Still I love it.
When The Lovelight Starts Shining Through His Eyes -- The Supremes
[1963] This was their first national top forty hit and surely one of their most supreme recordings.
Mr. Lee -- The Bobbettes
[1957] One of the most endearing and enduring girl group sounds of the 50s,
this was inspired by and dedicated to their school teacher whose name is the title.
Of course you all know what they did to him in a subsequent release but I won't mention it here!
Ding Dong -- The McGuire Sisters
[1958] Another school-oriented recording (see the Bobbettes record above) and a bell-ringer indeed!
The guys you hear on the record were not part of the group (well duh!) but they do contribute nicely.
This were the sisters' follow-up to "Sugartime."
our national pastime
D-O-D-G-E-R-S Song -- Danny Kaye
[1962] The legendary entertainer hits a grand slam home run with this recording.
Talkin' Baseball (Willie, Mickey And The Duke) -- Terry Cashman
[1981] Terry recorded this song in the year of a baseball strike which began on June 12
and forced the cancellation of 38 percent of the Major League schedule in the middle of the regular season.
Though largely ignored by Top 40 radio, it has over the years become a cult classic.
Terry has recorded many different versions of the song. This is a sample of his original recording.
Take Me Out To The Ball Game -- The Andrews Sisters with Dan Dailey
[1949] A rollicking version of the best-known song about our national pastime.
Go Away -- Tracey Dey
[1964] This was the "B" side of Tracey's biggest hit, which was "Gonna Get Along Without You Now."
In my opinion this could easily have been an "A" side.
Hello Melvin (This Is Mama) -- Sandra Gould
[1963] Leave it to the wonderful Sandra Gould to come up with a parody of "Hello Mudduh, Hello Fadduh" which,
to my way of thinking, is at least equally good.
Sandra was an excellent character actress who guest starred in the 50s and 60s as various characters in shows
including "I Love Lucy," "December Bride," "The Flintstones," "I Dream of Jeannie" and "Mister Ed."
But she is probably best-known for playing the nosy neighbor Gladys Kravitz on the ABC sitcom "Bewitched."
She died in 1999 at the age of 83. This recording is a fabulous part of Sandra's legacy.
Note: though she sings "Mother," the parenthesized title on the Warner Brothers label is "This Is Mama."
Side By Side -- Kay Starr
[1953] A simple, happy-go-lucky song, which was one of the most popular ones of the early 50s.
Juvenile Delinquent -- (The Other) Ronnie Allen
[1959] This recording, by a singer-guitarist with the same professional name as mine,
has become a rockabilly classic.
I love everything about the record including the driving beat, the bongos (a bit unusual for a rockabilly
record) and the way he sings the title as "Juvenile DelinQUONT"!
It was released on the San record label, based in Bon Aqua, Tennessee.
Unlike me, this OTHER Ronnie Allen, who is presently a deejay on WDXE in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee,
has performed live with many of the top rockabilly stars in the world and has had his records
played on "American Bandstand." I had the pleasure of doing an interview show (a very strange one!) with
this guy last year; it's on my Radio Page. His singles, if you can find them, go for 50 to 100 dollars a pop.
That has been true of my "Flip Over You" single as well, but that's because many record collectors still think
that I am HIM! (Several books are still listing us together.)
a trio by tessie
The Banjo's Back In Town -- Teresa Brewer
[195?] One of the happiest banjo tunes you'll ever hear.
Bo Weevil -- Teresa Brewer
[1956] This was the "B" side of "A Tear Fell" and a wonderful "B" side it was!
The tune was written by Fats Domino, whose version competed with Teresa's.
When the smoke cleared, Teresa won that battle.
I Love Mickey -- Teresa Brewer with Mickey Mantle
[1956] An irresistible tune featuring one of the greatest Yankees ever.
well in that case, just stand up!
I Can't Sit Down -- Marie and Rex
[1959] Marie Knight and Rex Garvin did this R&B gem that deserved to be as successful as the other
two "sit down" records below. However it only reached #94 on the pop chart.
Footnote: Marie died at a Harlem, New York, nursing home of complications from pneumonia on August 30, 2009.
She was 84.
You Can't Sit Down (Part 2) -- The Phil Upchurch Combo
[1961] The original hit instrumental version of the song.
You Can't Sit Down -- The Dovells
[1963] Commercially the more successful version of the song
and also the group's biggest hit.
he's a bird. he's a dog. he's a bird dog.
Rockin' Robin -- Bobby Day
[1958] This was the "A" side of Bobby's smash hit, peaking at #2 on the chart.
The flipside was "Over And Over," which in the 60s was remade by the Dave Clark Five
and became their only U.S. chart-topper.
Move Over Rover -- The Mark IV
[1959] This was the follow-up record by the "I Got A Wife" gang.
If you liked that one, you'll probably like this one.
If not .....
Bird Dog -- The Everly Brothers
[1958] A wonderful song written by Boudleaux and Felice Bryant,
who wrote most of the early Everly Brothers hits.
Hello D.J. -- Don Bowman
[197?] Don Bowman, who became semi-famous with his country hit "Chit Akins, Make Me A Star," was the original host
of the syndicated radio show "American Country Countdown."
I first heard this recording, "Hello D.J.," on Dr. Demento's show.
When I became a country deejay on WTTM in Trenton, NJ in the 80s,
many listeners requested it and I played it often. I had two versions of the song, the unbleeped version and
the bleeped one. Fortunately I never messed up and always played the bleeped one, an edited version of which
I present here for your enjoyment.
What You've Done To Me -- Micki Marlo with Paul Anka
[195?] ... and with Paul you're so divine!
This fabulous ABC-Paramount single has been pretty much forgotten over the years
but it deserves to be heard again.
Do You Take This Woman For Your Lawful Wife -- The American Quartet
[1914] There were a few American Quartets and it's difficult to find out who the personnel were
on this recording. I am reasonably certain, however, that Billy Murray is on it.
He was one of the most popular singers in the United States in the early decades of the 20th century
and best known for comedy recordings.
two more by "the female elvis"
Drugstore Rock 'N' Roll -- Janis Martin
[1956] "Will You, Willyum" has been in our Top Ten since day one.
This is its flipside and was written by Janis.
There are differences of opinion as to which of these sides was, in reality, the "A" side.
I simply say: "both great"!
My Boy Elvis -- Janis Martin
[1956] This rockabilly classic is Janis's loving tribute to the King.
Sadly, Janis passed away in September of 2007.
two shannons
Abergavenny -- Shannon
[1969] The great lost oldie about the red dog. The artist is really British singer Marty Wilde,
the father of singer Kim Wilde, who hit with "Kids In America."
Shannon -- Henry Gross
[1976] Henry was a former member of Sha Na Na when he recorded this touching song,
which he wrote about the passing of Beach Boy Carl Wilson's Irish Setter of the same name.
blancs all, folks!
I Taut I Taw A Puddy Tat -- Mel Blanc
[1951] The legendary Mr. Blanc was the voice of Bugs Bunny, Porky Pig, Daffy Duck and so many other
cartoon characters. This recording peaked at #9 on the chart.
Toot, Toot, Tootsie Goodbye -- Mel Blanc
[1949] This is the old chestnut as only Mel could do it. The piano bridge is nothing short of unbelievable.
And the ending is hilarious.
Wheezy Woozy Whatomobile -- Mel Blanc
[19??] This could have been called "The Lemon Song."
Yah Das Ist Ein Christmas Tree -- Mel Blanc
[19??] It's out of season. So what!
True Love -- Bing Crosby and Grace Kelly
[1956] This Cole Porter ballad, sung by Bing and Grace in the motion picture "High Society,"
is one of the most beautiful love songs ever written.
three lesser-known goodies by mr. penniman
Slippin' And Slidin' -- Little Richard
[1956] This is indeed a FABULOUS FLIP.
And it did get to #33 on the national chart.
It's "lesser-known" by virtue of the fact that it was the "B" side of "Long Tall Sally,"
Richard's most successful recording.
Heebie Jeebies -- Little Richard
[1956] One of Richard's best, in my opinion, and almost totally ignored by radio and the public.
Was it because listening to it gave people the heebie jeebies?
Freedom Blues -- Little Richard
[1970] This was Little Richard's comeback record, coming well after his "retirement."
It nearly made the national top-forty, peaking at #47.
now who could his friend possibly be?
Play A Simple Melody -- Gary Crosby and Friend
[1950] This was the "A" side of Decca 27112, a two-sided smash.
This side stayed at its peak of #2 for two weeks.
The billing on the label is the way I've listed it here.
The song was from the Broadway musical "Watch Your Step."
Sam's Song -- Gary Crosby and Friend
[1950] This was the "B" side of Decca 27112, a two-sided smash.
This side peaked at #3.
The billing on the label is the way I've listed it here.
I don't know anything about the owner of this song but I assume he was a real person.
La Vie En Rose -- Edith Piaf
[1946] Miss Piaf is regarded by many as France's greatest popular singer ever.
This is her signature song.
"La Vie En Rose" is French for "life through rose-colored glass" or, literally, "life in pink."
The melody was written by Louis Gugliemi and the lyrics by Miss Piaf herself.
Shticks And Stones -- Allan Sherman
[1962] This is a two-minute edited version of the final cut on Side 2 of Allan's legendary LP
"My Son, The Folk Singer."
(The original track runs 5:35.)
He and Weird Al Yankovic (please check out "Bob" on this page) are
arguably the two most successful parody artists of the rock era. Expect more of each on this page
in the days ahead.
dixie girls
Iko Iko -- The Dixie Cups
[1965] This is a New Orleans song that describes a parade collision between
two "tribes" of Mardi Gras Indians. This vocal trio hit #1 with "Chapel Of Love."
Down At Papa Joe's -- The Dixiebelles
[1963] This is a tune that many of you have probably played on the piano, along with "Chopsticks."
To me, this was one of those incredibly-catchy "can't miss" recordings and, happily,
it did NOT miss!
I Can Love You Better -- The Dixie Chicks
[1997] The first hit single by this immensely popular and often controversial trio.
Your Song Sucks -- Alan O'Day
[2008] Alan wrote his own #1 hit "Undercover Angel" as well as Helen Reddy's "Angie Baby" (also #1) and
the Righteous Brothers' memorable "Rock And Roll Heaven." This live recording shows Alan's funny side.
It's from his excellent album called "I Hear Voices" which has 13 other tracks that sound nothing like
this one!
Her Moustache -- The Dellwoods
[1965] This group also did "She's Got A Nose Job."
Pineapple Princess -- Annette
[1960] Okay, I LOVE this! She'll always be a princess.
This is a fun record and one of my favorites from 1960.
I'll put more records by her on this page in the near future.
40's best song oscar winners
When You Wish Upon A Star -- Cliff Edwards
[1940] 1940 Best Song Oscar winner, from "Pinocchio": music by Leigh Harline, lyrics by Ned Washington.
Cliff (also known as Ukulele Ike) performs it on the soundtrack in the role of Jiminy Cricket.
Swinging On A Star -- Bing Crosby
[1944] 1944 Best Song Oscar winner, from "Going My Way": music by James Van Heusen, lyrics by Johnny Burke.
Bing won the Best Actor Oscar for his role in the film as Father Chuck O'Malley, a happy-go-lucky priest.
This was a #1 hit for Bing.
On The Atchison, Topeka And Santa Fe -- Johnny Mercer
[1945] 1945 Best Song Oscar winner, from "The Harvey Girls": music by Harry Warren, lyrics by Johnny Mercer.
This was a #1 hit for Johnny.
Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah -- James Baskett
[1946] 1947 Best Song Oscar winner, from "Song Of The South": music by Allie Wrubel, lyrics by Ray Gilbert.
James performed it in the film in the role of Uncle Remus.
Buttons And Bows -- Dinah Shore
[1948] 1948 Best Song Oscar winner, from "The Paleface": music by Jay Livingston, lyrics by Ray Evans.
This was a #1 hit for Dinah, who is backed up by the Happy Valley Boys.
tubby time
Rubber Duckie -- Ernie (Jim Henson)
[1970] This incredible Muppet man died so tragically at the age of 53.
He was the voice of both Ernie and Kermit the Frog.
Rub-A-Dubbin' -- Ken Mellons
[1995] A goofy country song, co-written by Becky Hobbs.
Angel On My Shoulder -- Shelby Flint
[1960] What a great song and a great recording.
Even though Shelby is wishing for good fortune that she has not yet attained,
I always found this song to be uplifting.
dueling toreros
Torero -- Renato Carosone
[1958] The singer/pianist from Naples was one of the most beloved entertainers on the Italian music scene.
This endearing recording, including the mention of Marlon Brando (everybody understood THAT part),
was one of the most popular foreign-language hits of the past 50 years.
Torero -- Julius LaRosa
[1958] This English language cover of the Renato Carosone recording is not a literal translation of
that hit but, like that one, it does mention Marlon Brando!
I Blew It -- The Vacant Lot
[1967] Thank you, Bob Shannon (WCBS-FM NYC deejay) for mentioning this record on Mike Riccio's "Oldies Music
Board" -- originally the "Behind The Hits" board hosted by YOU and, because of your mention, inspiring me
to add it here. This, to my way of thinking, is one of those
"should've, would've, could've been a contenduh" platters! I first heard it years ago and only knew the song
title and the tune and not the name of the group who recorded it. Recently one of my contacts told me who it
was and provided me with a copy. It came out on Roulette in 1967 and, for whatever reason, this catchy
record simply didn't fly. But I'm happy to include it here. By the way, please check out Mike's board, it's
really great: the address is http://www.musicradio77.com/bobboard/wwwboard/bobboard1.html.
Charlie Wasn't There -- Barbara Evans
[1961] Can anyone explain why this girl with the bubbly personality never had a major chart hit?
Sadly Barbara Evans passed away in April of 2000.
50's sisters, real and imaginary
Rock Love -- The Fontane Sisters
[1955] They were Bea, Marge and Geri from New Milford, New Jersey and their family name was Rosse.
They had many hit recordings on their own and several with Perry Como.
Sadly all three sisters are deceased.
Something's Gotta Give -- The McGuire Sisters
[1955] Originally from Middletown, Ohio, the sisters are Phyllis, Christine and Dorothy.
Johnny Mercer, who co-wrote most of his other well-known songs, wrote this one by himself;
it was from the movie "Daddy Long Legs," which starred Fred Astaire.
Alone -- The Shepherd Sisters
[1957] Like the McGuire Sisters, this group of sisters is from Middletown, Ohio.
They were Martha, Mary Lou, Gayle and Judy. Besides being sisters, they were all blondes.
This sample includes the entire legendary false ending that fooled many a deejay back in 1957!
Cry Baby -- The Bonnie Sisters
[1956] These are the IMAGINARY sisters in this category, although there are reputable books out there
that claim that they were real sisters. Not so. They were Pat Ryan, Sylvia Totter and Jean Borgia,
and they worked together as nurses at New York City's Bellevue Hospital.
Legend has it that they were all dressed alike in Scotch print skirts and blouses.
"Cry Baby" had been the B-side of a record by the Scarlets (later the Five Satins)
and, partly because of the unusual situation of being an R&B record recorded by three white girls,
it reached #18 on the pop chart.
a clay double play
Here, There, Everywhere -- Clay Cole
[1961] Clay performs this song in the movie "Twist Around The Clock." You can copy the following
URL into your browser to watch the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gf4BQIBK3iA.
I wonder if Lennon and McCartney subconsciously were inspired to write "Here, There AND Everywhere"
after hearing Clay singing THIS song.
Happy Times -- Clay Cole
[196?] If you're looking for a catchy song that conjures up the best memories of the 60s, try this one on
for size!
Ice Cream Song -- The Animaniacs
[19??] Simply ani-maniacal!
Nairna Nairna -- The Melodeers
[1961] The Melodeers were the backup group for the Delicates on their Murray The K "Swingin' Soiree"
("red hot and blue") theme. The Delicates also were at most, if not all,
of the Melodeers' recording session, including this one.
kangarooney tunes
Let's Do The Kangaroo -- The Majorettes
[1964] These girls had a regional hit in 1963 with "White Levis" and I'll probably put that one on this
page shortly. After that one they did this recording which, even if nothing else, does fit
into this marsupial category. They sang "it's the new sensation, all around the nation" which,
as it turned out, was a bit too optimistic. Still they obviously had fun recording it
and I like it.
Flowers On The Wall -- The Statler Brothers
[1965] This record qualifies because it mentions Caption KANGAROO. It peaked at #4 on the pop chart
(and #2 country) and was written by the late Lew Dewitt, one of their four original members;
the others were brothers Harold and Don Reid and Phil Balsley.
Though they never had another major pop hit, they became a superstar country act, charting with close
to 70 records.
Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport -- Rolf Harris
[1963] This singer originally from Perth, Australia, tickled funny bones in the summer of '63
with this inimitable recording. Who could possibly even TRY to duplicate it? For the answer,
see the next listed record. (But please play this one first!)
Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport -- Pat Boone
[1963] Okay, so he's not Rolf. But listen, would you rather hear Ol' White Bucks singing heavy metal?
(I thought so.)
Who's Afraid Of The Big Bad Wolf? -- Barbra Streisand
[1963] I had heard "My Coloring Book" by her and that was nice. This was the next one I heard by her
and it's the one that knocked me out. It is still one of my all-time favorite Streisand recordings.
goin' bananas!
Juanita Banana -- The Peels
[1966] Contrary to rumors, Mrs. Miller was NOT ever considered for the title role in this recording.
I've Never Seen A Straight Banana -- Billy Jones and Ernie Hare
[192?] Billy and Ernie, known as the "Happiness Boys," were immensely popular with radio audiences
in the 20s and 30s.
Loving You Has Made Me Bananas -- Guy Marks
[1968] Comedian Guy Marks had a surprise hit with this parody of the big band era.
A live performance of this is on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dh5oaxyMt0I.
You might find that a-peel-ing as well.
Yes! We Have No Bananas -- Spike Jones and his City Slickers
[19??] This is the most popular banana song of the bunch.
50's hits that mention other 50's hits
Short Fat Fannie -- Larry Williams
[1957] As we all know, Larry left Fannie for "Bony Moronie"! The Beatles recorded two of his compositions:
"Slow Down" and "Bad Boy."
La Dee Dah -- Billy and Lillie
[1957] A great Frank Slay/Bob Crewe production that was very popular with the kids on Bandstand
and a top-ten hit nationwide.
Splish Splash -- Bobby Darin
[1958] This was Bobby's first hit single and it hit #3 on the pop chart.
It also spent two weeks at #1 on the R&B chart.
Want more? It spent three weeks on the COUNTRY chart, peaking at #14!
Everyone Was There -- Bob Kayli
[1958] Bob is the brother of Motown entrepreneur Berry Gordy Jr.
This rare recording is so catchy and it amazed me that it did not achieve the success of
the other three records within this category.
Sonny Boy -- Al Jolson
[1928] Incomparable.
See You Later Linda -- Dickie Goodman
[196?] Dickie recorded a parody album of Allan Sherman's "My Son The Folk Singer,"
which he called "My Son The Joke." It was a gigantic flop. But a few songs from that album have
attracted quite a following. The song is a little naughty and I intentionally silenced two brief
portions of this sample because this is a family-oriented page! If you figure out what Dickie sang,
please don't tell anyone!
I Love Onions -- Susan Christie
[1966] Just a goofy little song. Will it make you laugh? Will it make you cry?
fabulous showstoppers
Jubilation T. Cornpone -- Stubby Kaye
[1956] "Li'l Abner," based on the Al Capp comic strip,
opened on Broadway in November of 1956 and ran for 693 performances.
Among other things, the plot centers on Dogpatch, the town that is the main setting of the comic strip,
which has been declared the "most unnecessary town" in the U.S. and is set to be turned into
a nuclear testing site. The town is ultimately saved when a plaque is discovered declaring that
its local hero and town founder, the Confederate General Jubilation T. Cornpone was,
by virtue of his sheer incompetence, so instrumental in the defeat of his own army as to be a hero
of the Republic. Stubby Kaye, in the role of "Marryin' Sam," sings the praises (!!!) of that military man.
Little Tin Box -- Howard DaSilva
[1959] "Fiorello!" opened on Broadway in November of 1959 and ran for 795 performances.
The story follows the life of Fiorello H. La Guardia who, as the mayor of New York City,
reformed city politics by breaking the Tammany Hall political machine.
Howard DaSilva played the Republican machine boss Ben Marino.
He and his cronies perform "Little Tin Box," in which they imagine a series of Tammany politicians
attempting to convince a judge that wealth came from their scrupulous habits of saving money.
(Yeah, right!)
All For The Best -- the cast
[1970] Godspell (an archaic spelling of the word gospel),a 1970 musical by Stephen Schwartz
and John-Michael Tebelak. It opened off Broadway in May of 1971 and has played in various touring companies
and revivals many times since. I'm not sure who is singing this or the exact context of this song within
the show (I have not seen it) but the message is clear:
Heaven is the ultimate reward and getting there is "All For The Best."
Tap your toes!
Your Bulldog Drinks Champagne -- Jim Stafford
[1974] ..... but fun.
two gems by Julie
Domani -- Julius LaRosa
[1955] Super duper bravissimo!
Stashu Pandowski -- Julius LaRosa
[195?] Ask me now no questions and I tell you now no lies.
Never Naughty Rosie -- Sue Thompson
[1976] Our Sue like you've never heard her before!
This was her last charted single, peaking at #95 on the country chart.
My Baby Left Me -- Elvis Presley
[1956] This Arthur Crudup composition was the flipside of "I Want You, I Need You, I Love You."
It's my favorite Elvis "B" side.
The Fifties -- Pinkard and Bowden
[198?] I know that Pinkard and Bozo, uh, Bowden are just kidding.
Right?
The Ballad Of J.C. -- Gordon Terry
[19??] I think this record is a gem.
It's somewhat inspired by that "hup two three four"
#1 hit from 1959.
congratulations to kentucky derby winner mine that bird!
The Ol' Race Track -- The Mills Brothers
[1967] This single is one of my favorites from this legendary group.
I love how a guitar (rather than the customary bugle) keeps playing the "call to the post" throughout
their performance. Endearing but also sad in a way because it turned out to be their last hit.
Stewball -- Lonnie Donegan
[1956] Maybe Stewball was no Seabiscuit but this horse achieved more fame musically!
Peter, Paul and Mary and the Coasters are two recording acts besides Lonnie who immortalized
Stewball in song.
Run For The Roses -- Dan Fogelberg
[1982] The late singer-songwriter wrote this touching song dedicated to the Kentucky Derby. Surely one of the
best compositions in his legacy.
Hit Record -- Brook Benton
[1961] How do you make a hit record? You do what Brook tells you to do here!
Actually THIS hit record was far from his biggest one, peaking at #45. Still it's one of his most enjoyable singles.
miller time
I Love A Rodeo -- Roger Miller
[196?] This is my favorite rodeo song. I must admit I haven't heard all that many and one of them I absolutely
cannot play on the air! (But this one is rated G.)
South -- Roger Miller
[196?] What famous pop and country singer is mentioned in this record? Hint: think of the title!
Open Up Your Heart -- Roger Miller
[1973] Only Roger could write a song with the lines "Open up your heart, Jiggle it a little it'll open."
What a fine talent he was.
Daddy Come Home -- George Jones and daughter Georgette
[1981] Georgette is George and Tammy Wynette's daughter.
She eventually became a registered nurse at a Nashville hospital.
two sides of the wobble board king
The Court Of King Caractacus -- Rolf Harris
[1964] Everybody sing!
Two Little Boys -- Rolf Harris
[1969] There's no wobble board on this touching recording which spent several weeks atop the British charts.
two catchy capitol instrumentals
Twelfth Street Rag -- Pee Wee Hunt
[1949] This was a #1 single and most deservedly so.
The incredible piano player on it was Carl Fischer, who was Frankie Laine's musical director and also
the father of Terry and Carol Fischer of the Murmaids.
Portuguese Washerwomen -- Joe "Fingers" Carr
[1956] Joe was actually Lou Busch, the well-known composer and arranger. Quite a piano player too!
The President Song -- Jill Corey
[195?] Having interviewed Jill, I know that this is not necessarily one of her favorite recordings.
However I think it's lots of fun.
Souvenirs -- Barbara Evans
[1959] Okay, Barbara isn't a girl group. But this sure has a girl group sound!
I've heard this dozens of times and I know that I will never tire of it.
Incidentally, this fabulous song was written by the late Cy Coben, who also wrote
Janie Grant's "That Greasy Kid Stuff."
Sadly Barbara Evans passed away in April, 2000.
Dominique -- The Glee Club
[2008] This "group" is actually Guy Villari, the lead singer of the Regents on their
smash hit "Barbara Ann." He overdubbed his voice nine times!
the rodent trio graduates
Three Gassed Rats -- The Handclappers
[1961] I can't hear a single hand clap on this recording! The Delicates and family did the hand claps
on Don Costa's "I Walk The Line." This record was a flop. Had the Delicates done their thing, this could
have gone top ten!
Pomp And Circumstance -- Adrian Kimberly
[1961] This is sometimes called "The Graduation Song." Adrian Kimberly was none other than a pseudonym
for Don Everly, who released this on his own Calliope label.
a lovely linda quadruple play!
In-Between Teen -- Linda Sampson
[1960] This was Linda Scott's first single. It was on Epic records. She used her real name
which is Linda (Joy) Sampson.
I'm So Afraid Of Losing You -- Linda Scott
[1962] I played this a lot during my first job as a deejay. It was on WICY in Malone, NY in 1963.
Why this record didn't become a hit has always been a mystery to me. One of her very best!
Ain't That Fun -- Linda Scott
[1964] And ain't this fun to listen to? Linda told me, during my 1975 interview with her,
that all of the voices on this recording are hers.
Let's Fall In Love -- Linda Scott
[1967] This standard has been done by so many artists in so many styles.
To me Linda's is the DEFINITIVE version. Where have you gone, Linda Scott?
Your fans miss you!
dum dum and drummer
Dum Dum -- Joy Layne
[1957] You were expecting Brenda Lee? Well maybe I'll put HER "Dum Dum" here in the near future.
This is a different "Dum Dum" and it was the flipside of Teresa Brewer soundalike
Joy Layne's top-20 hit "Your Wild Heart."
Teen Beat -- Sandy Nelson
[1959] Sandy Nelson is one of the top session drummers and also had a handful of hits on his own.
This was his first and biggest.
Bob -- Weird Al Yankovic
[2003] This is a style parody of you-know-who. It's from Al's "Poodle Hat" CD.
nostalgia at its best
September Song -- Walter Huston
[194?] This wonderful stage and screen actor introduced this song in the Broadway musical "Knickerbocker
Holiday" in 1944. Four years later he won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role as an old miner in
the film "The Treasure Of The Sierra Madre."
It Was A Very Good Year -- Frank Sinatra
[1965] This record peaked in 1966 and that was indeed very good for the "Chairman of the Board."
Including this one he placed five recordings in the Billboard Hot 100.
Yesterday, When I Was Young -- Roy Clark
[1969] Roy touched so many hearts with his rendering of this Charles Aznavour composition.
I Wish I Was Eighteen Again -- George Burns
[1980] This legendary entertainer became the oldest artist to chart on the Hot 100 when he did so with this
recording of Sonny Throckmorton's touching tune. It began its 10-week chart run the day before
George's 84th birthday, peaking at #49. It became a top 15 country hit as well.
Vanilla Olay -- Jackie DeShannon
[1972] I love this. If any of you know the meaning of the title, please email me.
I Want To Bite Your Hand -- Gene Moss
[1964] From the Carnivorish Invasion?
Tritzem Yodel -- Grandpa Jones
[1962] I loved Grandpa and this is my favorite recording by him. The yodeling is overdubbed and I am not sure whether
it's him actually doing it.
a hollies hit and its clone
Long Cool Woman (In A Black Dress) -- The Hollies
[1972] Doesn't this have a CCR sound? I've never tired of it.
The Day That Curly Billy Shot Down Crazy Sam McGee -- The Hollies
[1973] Why didn't this become a hit? Too much of a good thing? I think it deserved a better fate.
Gypsy Rose And I Don't Give A Curse -- Leroy Pullins
[196?] Yes good ol' Kris wrote it and nutty Leroy sings it.
Ol' Man Mose -- Eddy Duchin (vocal by Patricia Norman)
1939: This record was controversial in its day because of something that Patricia may have sung. You can find
out more by creative Googling. I found the song dumb but catchy and was unaware of its checkered history until
recently.
Honeymooners Rap -- Joe Piscopo and Eddie Murphy
[1985] Joe Piscopo is Ralph Kramden. Eddie Murphy is Ed Norton. That's all you need to know.
Will You, Willyum -- Janis Martin
[195?] This rockabilly great sadly passed away a couple of years ago. I just love this record so much!
Sadie's Shawl -- Bob Sharples
[1956] One of my favorites from the golden days when instrumentals were so popular.
I'm Professor Ludwig Von Drake -- Paul Frees
[1961] Because I like it!
Eternal Flame -- The Bangles
[198?] This is by far my favorite recording from this girl group.
The Elements -- Tom Lehrer
[195?] The tune should sound familiar. It's that of Gilbert and Sullivan's "I Am The Very Model Of A Modern
Major General" from their operetta "The Pirates Of Penzance."
I'm A Little Busybody -- Jerry Lewis
[195?] An amazing and almost totally-forgotten recording.
Donna Loves Jerry -- Donna Lynn
[1963] I can't figure out why this record wasn't a hit. Same with "Java Jones", which I'll probably put
up here in the near future.
The Lone Twister -- Murray The K
[1961] On the record label it said that the artist was, uh, "The Lone Twister." But since we all know who it REALLY was, I am using "Record Page" license to post prominently the name of the artist.
High Blood Pressure -- Huey Smith and the Clowns
[1958] When I bought the 45 "Don't You Just Know It" by Huey Smith and the Clowns I decided to listen to the
flipside. And I truly flipped over the flip! "High Blood Pressure" has been recorded by many other artists,
including Ronnie Hawkins, Maurice Williams and Dr. John. This is the original and what a great recording
it is!
piano virtuosity
Black And White Rag -- Winifred Atwell
[195?] Winifred was one of the the United Kingdom's most popular boogie-woogie and ragtime pianists
but she was born in Trinidad. This is one of my all-time favorite ragtime recordings.
Side Saddle -- Russ Conway
[196?] Russ Conway, like Winifred Atwell, was a popular pianist who had many chart records in the United
Kingdom. This was the first of two consecutive chart-toppers there.
Roulette -- Russ Conway
[196?] Russ Conway, like Winifred Atwell, was a popular pianist who had many chart records in the United
Kingdom. This was the second of two consecutive chart-toppers there.
Root Beer Rag -- Billy Joel
[197?] Instrumentalist Billy Joel, who plays this original composition, also achieved success as a pop and
rock vocalist.
The Moose -- Woody Allen
[1964] This is probably my favorite Woody Allen routine.
Boy -- Lulu
[1968] "To Sir With Love" was her giant hit in America and she had a few other ones. But in England
she had many more hits, including this one. Amazingly "To Sir With Love" was a flop over there.
The Man Who Took The Valise Off The Floor Of Grand Central Station At Noon -- She Trinity
[196?] I believe that Lloyd Price also did a version of this tune and that it charted in New York City.
Paralyzed -- The Legendary Stardust Cowboy
[196?] It's on a major label (Mercury). It's by a "legendary" artist. It's certainly unique!
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