Ronnie's Record Page
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Part 1

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What we have here is an eclectic mix of record samples 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.

There are 752.

Please be advised .....

The records and comments on this page do not necessarily represent the preferences and opinions of the two Jersey Girls.


jump to record descriptions

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my own recordings

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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.
For more information about this amazing vocalist, please see "Stayin' Alive."
When the songwriter, Cole Porter, heard this he said "#$@& %$*, $#@&%$# $%@#$*"!

Little Serenade -- Teddy Randazzo [1958] Such a wonderful little recording by a wonderful singer-songwriter and record producer who is so sadly missed.
It's appropriate that we resume additions to this Page with this record on VALENTINE'S DAY.
It's won my heart and I hope it does the same for you.
Consider this a Valentine's Day gift to all.

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.
I am happy to oblige. You can also hear this record as part of my radio interview show with Bruce Belland, the lead singer of the Four Preps.
The softer side of those "summertime" Preps.

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.
Joey Reynolds and Danny Neaverth were very popular deejays on the legendary WKBK in Buffalo in the early to mid 60s. The original version of this song was by Leona Anderson. However most of the lyrics you hear on this updated version -- which the jocks did as a lark -- were their own. I must say that they don't write songs like this anymore!
Some have wondered if this was released as an actual single. The answer is YES (on Swan Records). It became a regional hit, most likely in the region of Joey and Danny's living rooms.
"The Pizza Song" by fellow jock Dick Biondi has developed a cult following here, doing extremely well on the weekly Top 100 charts. Will this ratty record follow suit? Stay tuned to find out.
Return of the rodents!

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.
Back in the 60s I was intrigued that the three records in this themed set have choruses which have (at least to my ears) the same tune. I don't believe that there was any legal action taken by anyone though I'm not sure.
I'm presenting them here in order of release.
This recording made it to #57 on the Billboard Hot 100. Many pressings bill it as by Ray Conniff and the Singers.
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.
Harvey was a legendary performer, writer and producer and the nephew of Charlie Fuqua of the Ink Spots. He founded the group that would become the Moonglows in 1952 following a stint in the service. Alan Freed heard about the group and reportedly changed their name from the Crazy Sounds to Moonglows after his own on-air nickname which was "Moondog." After some regional but no national success, they eventually landed with Chess records and in 1954 achieved their first major success with their original version of "Sincerely," which hit #1 on the R&B chart and #20 on the pop chart while competing with the McGuire Sisters' #1 cover version.
Many years later Harvey would go on to produce Marvin Gaye's hit, "Sexual Healing" and discover disco acts including Weather Girls, Sylvester and New Birth.
The Moonglows were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame in 2000.
On this recording, Harvey shares lead vocals with Bobby Lester.
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.
Sadly Lolita passed away from cancer on June 30. She was 79.
The English-language portion that you hear was not a part of the original recording and it was not a literal translation of what Lolita was singing. But it was close enough and nobody really cared about the accuracy.
This beautiful lady is now singing in Pop Music Heaven.

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.
Elton's 1984 hit provides a perfect title for the set and a wonderful opener.

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.
This record was #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 14 consecutive weeks and sold 11 million copies.

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 two records in this themed set came out 37 and 36 years ago respectively and both are still timely as ever.
This is Jerry's recording of a song written by Dick Feller, who himself is represented twice on the Record Page with "Making The Best Of A Bad Situation" and "The Credit Card Song." It became Jerry's second #1 hit on the country chart. Yes, it's about "that demon automobile"!
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.
Though the subject was actually quite serious at the time, Jerry managed to generate many chuckles with this recording.

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.
B. Bumble and the Stingers were actually a group of studio musicians led by composer-arranger-producer Ernie Freeman. They received an additional "15 minutes of fame" when the group Reunion immortalized them by mentioning them firstin the their hit single "Life Is A Rock (But The Radio Rolled Me." So what if lead singer stuttered their name by opening with "B. B. Bumble and the Stingers" ... it was close enough for rock and roll!
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?".
I answer with an emphatic "ABSOLUTELY!," present to you this recording in front of an audience that was performed on his TV show and rest my case!
You can also watch this performance on YouTube by visiting http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAh1IMGexH8.

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."
Some of these records may have had "The" on the label as part of their titles. But using Record Page license, I've chosen to list all of them here as simply "Hokey Pokey."
This is the version that everyone was familiar with and, of course, is still the best-known version. It was actually the "B" side of "The Bunny Hop," which got to #13 on the chart; however it was arguably just as popular as that one. The vocalists on this record are Jo Ann Greer and The Skyliners. (No, not THOSE Skyliners!)
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.
Carlene is the daughter of Carl Smith and June Carter Cash.
San Antonio Stroll -- Tanya Tucker [1975] Chronologically this was the earliest-released of the six records in this themed set.

Tanya has been represnted here with the ballad "Spring" and here she shows another side of her talent on this uptempo track, which reached #1 on the country chart.
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."
Country music's Sylvia was born in Kokomo, Indian. This RCA recording is the only record in this themed set to crossover to the pop chart: in addition to hitting #1 on the country chart it peaked at #15 on the Billboard Hot 100.

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.
Wascally wockabilly wecord that surely bugs bunnies!

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.
Catchy song for the upcoming season.

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."
This recording was surely one of the most unusual ever to make the national top 40, peaking in fact at that position. I won't describe it because there may be some here who are not familiar with it and they deserve the pleasure of being surprised.
What I don't know is the identity of the lady, the "friend" if you will. Several have speculated that it is Phyllis Diller.
Here's what Dr. Demento (Barry Hansen) told me moments ago in an email: "I asked Phyllis Diller about this directly, and she declared she was not involved. She said that she thought it was Jim Backus' wife, Henny. I haven't been able to confirm that beyond a doubt (Henny has passed away) but that seems reasonable and has been confirmed as a good guess by some others I've spoken to."
Ah, yes! But who is that lady?

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.
In 1957 Art published a best-selling book entitled "Kids Say The Darndest Things," featuring highlights from his conversations with children on "House Party." Sixteen years later Glenn Sutton and Billy Sherrill used that title for this song that they wrote for Tammy Wynette. The single made #1 on the country chart.
Inspired by Art Linkletter's legendary best-selling book.

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.
On July 31st, a few days later, Jim died in a plane crash and the world lost one of the greatest ballad singers that ever lived.
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.
Close to 46 years after his tragic passing, Jim Reeves recordings continue to sell in large quantities all over the world.

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."
Now Paul encores as the good professor with one of his most popular songs. The character was first introduced by him on September 24, 1961, as the singer of "The Spectrum Song" in the cartoon "An Adventure in Color," part of the first show of "Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color" on NBC.
Okay, everybody sing along. It's real easy!
"Red, yellow, green, red, blue blue blue
Red, purple, green, yellow, orange, red red
Red, yellow, green, red, blue blue blue."
Etc.
The return of Professor Ludwig 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!
At the time this record came out there was not any junior high school in Joiner, Arkansas. But, more to the point, the polished musicians here were most certainly not junior high school students. They were, in fact, a band of studio musicians led by the great Ernie Freeman.
This came out on Libery Records and Joiner is the hometown of the company president Al Bennett. (Yes, the same Al Bennett whom Alvin the Chipmunk was named after!)
The tune may sound familiar. This is a rock and roll version of a 1906 march entitled "National Emblem."
I hope that you enJoiner this record, which peaked at #53.
Cara-Lin -- The Strangeloves [1965] The Strangeloves may have been strange but they were not really "Strange"!
According to the press releases, the Strangeloves were three brothers named Miles, Niles and Giles Strange who had grown up on an Australian sheep farm. The incredible story noted that they had gotten rich with the invention of a new form of sheep crossbreeding (the long-haired "Gottehrer" sheep, allegedly registered with a major company in Australia), allowing them the time and financial freedom to form a band. If that wasn't enough, Miles Strange claimed to be the boomerang champion of Australia!
A great story, but none of was true! The Strangeloves were actually Bob Feldman, Jerry Goldstein and Richard Gottehrer, who among other accomplishments wrote and produced the Angels' #1 hit "My Boyfriend's Back" and produced the McCoys' #1 hit "Hang On Sloopy."
And, for the record, Bob ("Miles") Feldman couldn't throw a boomerang to save his life!
I'm not sure how many bought their story but this record was one of three top forty hits for the group, peaking at #39.

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.
This is indeed one of the great rock and roll anthems. Unlike other songs which talk about rock and roll in more general terms, Chuck is much more specific about WHY he likes this genre of music.
This peaked at #8 on the chart.
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.
I much prefer this original version.
One might ask: if Chuck was having such a great time, why did he constantly look at his watch? Hmmmm. Maybe it's because he planned to write this song and wanted the information to be precise!
Let It Rock -- Chuck Berry [1960] Chuck frequently created new hits by recycling the tunes from previous ones.
"No Particular Place To Go" was the son of "School Day." And this song was the son of "Johnny B. Goode."
This was the "B" side of "Too Pooped To Pop" and only reached #64 on the chart. Still I think it's one of Chuck's great records.


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.
The Davis Sisters were Mary Francis ("Skeeter Davis") Penick and Betty Jack Davis. They were close friends who had met in high school. They were not related. After appearing on radio shows in Cincinnati and Detroit, they were signed to RCA Victor Records.
In the summer of 1953 they recorded this mournful and heartbreaking song. RCA had great hopes for these two rising stars and felt there was something truly special about the record.
Within days of its release, tragedy struck. The girls were in a horrific automobile accident. Betty Jack died instantly. Skeeter was seriously injured but survived and eventually had her own successful solo career which included her big crossover hit "The End Of The World." She has stated that she thought of Betty Jack while recording it.
The Davis Sisters story did not end with that crash. This recording soared to #1 on the country chart, remaining there for eight straight weeks. It was on the chart for half a year.
Every time I listen to this poignant record I wonder what might have been.
A bittersweet #1 country hit by an ill-fated duo.

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.
There is a multitude of information about her on the web. We'll shortly have information about her on our Daily News page. For here I'll restrict my comments to what I've already stated and suggest that you enjoy the three representative samples of her music presented here.
"Stormy Weather" became one of several "signature songs" that the great Lena had.
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.
Obviously this single, from the album "Mrs. Miller's Greatest Hits," was somewhat of a joke. Many have questioned whether Mrs. Miller herself was in on the joke and whether she could REALLY sing okay. I suspect that she indeed was very much in on the joke and deliberately performed in the style she displays here. As for whether she could REALLY sing okay, I haven't a clue. There are reports that she wanted to record a "serious" album but never got the chance.
For the record this recording got to #82 on the chart and its flipside, "A Lover's Concerto," got to #95. It was a two-sided charter for the artist people loved to laugh at.
Anyway, in this mythical battle, I now present contender #1: Mrs. Miller!
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!
In this case of this singer, I can tell you that she indeed COULD sing and, in fact, became one of the most popular female vocalists of all time. Of course she accomplished that as JO STAFFORD!
"Jonathan Edwards" was her husband Paul Weston. They recorded several albums as "Jonathan and Darlene Edwards." On most of the songs on those albums, Darlene was just "slightly" off, with hilarious results. However on this version of "Stayin' Alive," Jo (uh, Darlene) threw all sublety to the wind! This came out two years after the Bee Gees' #1 version.
I am chuckling knowing that, assuming that these appear on the chart in positions 21 through 100, newcomes to the Page might click on either (expecting Petula Clark of the Bee Gees) and get quite a shock!
Anyway, in this mythical battle, I now present contender #2: Mrs. Darlene Edwards!

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.
Gordon Jenkins and the Weavers discovered the song in 1950 and recorded this version. It was released as a single and its flipside was "Goodnight, Irene." The latter made the chart a week after "Tzena" and ultimately became the "A" side, spending 13 weeks at #1.
"Tzena" did pretty well on its own, peaking at #2. For more information about the song along with a wonderful video of the Weavers performing this, please visit http://www.richardsilverstein.com/tikun_olam/tag/tzena-tzena.
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).
Someone named Leslie requested that I add this non-Ajax routine to the page and I am happy to oblige. The title that I show here is a slight modification of the actual title (to make it more palatable for newcomers) and I did a very minor edit in the interest of political correctness.
More zaniness from those crazy "Ajax" guys!

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.
Johnny Maestro is a case in point.
He had a significant amount of commercial success as lead singer of the Crests, as a solo artist and as lead singer of Brooklyn Bridge. But his impact on rock and roll, doo wop and pop music over his fifty-plus years as a recording artist and an entertainment goes much deeper than that.
I can't think of enough superlatives to describe what this man and his music meant, not only to those who knew him personally but also to the millions (such as myself) who never communicated directly with him but loved him and his music so much.
The Jersey Girls and myself have created a special tribute page to Johnny. The address is http://www.jerseygirlssing.com/JohnnyMaestroTribute.html.
Three of the five samples here are shortened versions of recordings by Johnny. You can hear all five in their entirety, plus four others, on our special tribute page. You can also find more information about him on our Daily News page.
This recording by the Crests was Johnny's biggest commercial success. It spent two weeks at #2 on the national chart. There are some who consider it the greatest doowop recording ever.
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.
On the original Coed pressings of this recording he is actually billed as "Johnny Mastro, the voice of the Crests" (with no "e" in his last name) and on "What A Surprise" (the one below) he is billed as "Johnny Maestro, the voice of the Crests" (with an "e"). To avoid confusion -- and because I'm reasonably certain that subsequent pressings of "Model Girl" have him listed as "Maestro" -- I've chosen to leave the external listing here as "Maestro." Yes, once again, I'm exercising my "Record Page license"!
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.
Fess was best known for his vivid TV portrayals of two legendary heroes, namely Davy Crockett (in the fifties) and Daniel Boone (in the sixties).
Fess originally played Davy in a 1954 episode of "Disneyland." That was the legendary TV series that featured four "Lands": Adventureland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland and Frontierland. Guess which "Land" the Crockett show was part of! Fess also did two sequels for Disney and then used them to create the movie "Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier." This song was originally heard in the first episode which was called "Davy Crockett Indian Fighter."
Fess's version of the song might have hit #1 were it not for the competing version by Bill Hayes which, in fact, did top the chart. Nevertheless Fess did make it to #5 which surely is not too shabby for an actor who "also sings."
Pressings of this record actually say "Ballad Of Davy Crockett" (with "The" left out) but I've chosen to include the article to match the title with the Bill Hayes version below. I call this decision "Record Page license"!
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.
Bill was a regular on Sid Caesar's TV series "Your Show Of Shows" and eventually achieved additional fame as a TV soap opera star, portraying "Doug Williams" on "Days Of Our Lives."
Listen carefully for the distinctive Jew's harp at the end of the first and second chorus. You can't miss it! That musical instrument is believed to be one of the oldest musical instruments in the world and, despite its common English name, it has no particular connection with the Jewish people or Judaism. The instrument is native to Asia and used in all tribes of Turkish people in Asia where it is variously referred to as a temir komuz, agiz komuzu or gubuz. Aren't you glad you asked? Oh, by the way, many pressings of the Bill Hayess hit (which was on the Cadence label) do not have the Jew's harp which, in fact, was overdubbed.
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.
Two other Box Top samples are offered here. After the group disbanded, Alex joined a power-rock group called Big Star which, though they never achieved major commercial suggest, had a substantial cult following.
When Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans Alex, who was living there, was among the missing for quite some time. Thankfully he was evantually found and, as it turned out, he had stayed in his home the entire time and water had gotten up to his porch. He told a reporter that he had food and water but was most concerned oncerned during the week about roving gangs.
Unfortunately the story of this Katrina survivor has a sad ending. Alex passed away unexpectedly, apparently of a heart attack, on March 17. He was 59.
Please check our Daily News page for more information about Alex.
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.
Cherie, the last surviving member of the trio, passed away on March 14 at the age of 87. She had been preceeded in death by Babette (1992) and Peggy (1994).
You may recall that Cherie sang "Teach Me Tonight" on the 2006 PBS special, "Moments To Remember: My Music", which is still periodically shown and is out on DVD. Cherie continued to perform until shortly before her illness and sang "Teach Me Tonight" on the 2006 PBS special, "Moments To Remember: My Music", which is still periodically shown and is out on DVD. She was the only sister to appear on every recording, film, TV and stage appearance by the trio.
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.
The personnel on this recording and on "In The Rain," in addition to Ron, were William "Wee Gee" Howard, Elbert Wilkins, Willie Ford, Larry Demps and keyboardist James Mack Brown.
Sadly Ron passed away suddenly on March 4, apparently of a heart attack, at the age of 58. Of those listed above, the only surviving members are Elbert and Willie.
This infectious uptempo tune peaked at an impressive #9 and it set the stage for the total-change-of-pace ballad below which bettered its peak by four positions.
Please see the Daily News page for more information about this group.
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
Catchy title, catchy tune.

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.
As for Dick, his career is so much more than just his "Moritat" hit. The man, over a 50-year career, has functioned as pianist, organist, arranger, music director, and, increasingly, as composer. He's released over 100 albums recorded under his own name and many more in support of other artists. Though primarily known as a jazz pianist, he proves here that he is equally proficient doing ragtime.
Zez Confrey wrote and recorded the original version of "Kitten On The Keys" in 1921 and, maybe not surprisingly, it was inspired by a cat at his grandmother's house that he discovered prancing up and down the piano keyboard!
Dick Hyman proves he is a real cool cat with this 1986 interpretation, recorded at a live performance. You can view it by visiting http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkKLL1ajxlY.
Fast-"fingered" feline!

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.
This record appeared on Red Bird Records and some reports claim that, in fact, it was the first ever release on that label. Other reports claim that the Dixie Cups' #1 hit "Chapel Of Love" was the first. The stock number on this one was 000 (pretty strange, huh?) and the stock number on "Chapel" was 001. That would seem to make this one first but, in the crazy record biz, many things are not what they seem! What IS certain is that this record, though not a hit, received plenty of pop airplay in New York and the lady's question which opens the record is memorable to those who have heard it but may have forgotten the title and the recording act.
Oh yes, I haven't a clue as to who these people are!
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!"
In the 70s Ray played the conga on recordings by the Rolling Stones and the Bee Gees.
In 1990, he won a Grammy for the album Ritmo en el Corazon ("Rhythm in the Heart"), which featured vocal by Celia Cruz. In 1999, he was inducted into the International Latin Music Hall of Fame.
He remained an active performer until his death, which occurred in February of 2006. He was 76.
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.
The other members of his sextet were vocalist Jose "Cheo" Feliciano (no, not THAT J.F.!), vibrophonist Tommy Berrios, pianist Nick Jiminez, bassist Jules Cordero and drummer Jimmy Sabater.
Joe died in February of 2009 at the age of 78.
Some pressings of the single on Tico list the title as "Bang" "Bang" ... others list it as Bang! Bang! I've chosen to list it with the exclamations points because, well, I think it looks better that way!

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