Ronnie's Record Page
Radio Page
Trivia Page
Part 5
Click here to display an ALPHABETICAL LIST of all playable records
NEW!
Click here to view an ALPHABETICAL LIST of all artists
NEW!
Click here to view an ALPHABETICAL LIST of all themed sets
Click here to play a computer-selected random record
Navigate between parts by clicking the green links below.
part 1
part 2
part 3
part 4
part 5
part 6
part 7
part 8
part 9
part 10
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.
This slightly shortened sample preserves almost all of the funny lines of the original.
Thanks to Fred Clemens for supplying it.
"Marvin, Marvin, you're a rotten kid!" sings the "Sarah Jackman" lady!
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.
This side of the record is a sermon on the hallowed subject of "Little Bo Peep."
Please be seated everyone.
Let the sermon begin.
It's In The Book (Pt. 2) -- Johnny Standley
[1952]
This side of the record is the sing-along portion.
Johnny is backed up by Horace Heidt and his Musical Knights.
You all know the song about Grandma's Lye Soap, right?
Good!
Everybody turn to page 222 and please join in!
Are you ready?
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.
The song was written in 1943 with lyrics by Abel Meeropol and music by Earl Robinson.
Meeropol, who wrote it under the pen name Lewis Allan, had very liberal views and mixed feelings about America.
He loved the constitutional rights and freedoms that America was based on but hated the way people
of other races, religions, and political views were often treated.
His lyrics do not reflect the way he thought America was but what it had the potential to be.
With the country under attack, he wanted to express why it was worth fighting for.
Frank loved this song and performed it countless times over the years and even re-recorded it as part of his
"Duets" album.
A musical treasure: one of the great patriotic songs of all time.
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.
This was one of Ronnie's rare uptempo hits. He confessed during our interview show that he
recorded this Wes Farrell tune in the dead of winter!
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."
I was a deejay at WICY in Malone, NY when this popular and this was one of the most requested songs by
my listeners.
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.
Cool Daddy-O's!
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?".
Musically his preferences leaned toward jazz.
Sascha and his music partner Don Elliot, on a whim I suppose, decided to emulate David Seville's
chipmunks but with different animals in a jazz setting doing a recording that was completely scat singing.
I cannot think of any NORMAL "all-scat-singing" record ever doing as well on the chart. This one,
on the Hanover label, peaked at #14.
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.
Thanks to Fred Clemens for both suggesting and sending this track and also for pointing out that
the "& Company" part of their name comes from the fact that both "are masters of many, many voices."
Iggity-Boo, Enjoy!
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.
Stuart's daughter, Veeva Susanne, sang lead on this record and sure sounded like a little kid. But she really
was NOT! Veeva was 18 years old. Stuart recorded her (and the rest of the singers) at 33 1/3 rpm and
when the record is played at the "right" speed (45 rpm) they sound like children. This came three years
before the Witch Doctor and the Chipmunks saw the light of day!
The others on the record are Obee Jane "Lisa" (age 16) with his wife Suzy plus two of the girl's friends.
Veeva eventually married the well-known singer-actor Harve Presnell who, sadly, recently passed away.
It's not really a little kid singing lead on this one!
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.
Not exactly a chart bell-ringer but a very catchy and well-remembered recording.
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.
Gordon passed away a few hours after suffering a heart attack on July 16. He was 64.
Peter described him as "the heart and soul of our duo." Please see the writeup in Daily News for more
information.
This was that first hit of theirs, which topped the chart. The writers were Paul McCartney and John Lennon.
It's a great recording that has stood the test of time very well.
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.
The Lady Godiva in this Peter and Gordon recording is a different person but with a similar fashion sense.
It was quite a change of pace from "A World Without Love" and turned out to be the duo's second biggest hit.
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.
There is an unusual story behind this unique montage of laughs from 39 of the most popular oldies
recordings of all time. It originated back in 2001 when Barb had a website called "Oldies Fun"
which was devoted to online oldies contests. I was proud to have been invited by Barb to join the staff
and create challenging puzzles. The entire staff was, in fact, made up of Barb and myself.
Barb created a contest one week in which she invited people to send in names of oldies that contained
laughter in any form. Keep in mind that laughs can be very different from one another.
She was so overwhelmed by the fantastic response that she took the laugh portions of 39 submissions
and produced this unreleased montage which I proudly present here. Most of you will be able to figure out
where some of the laughs come from but not all of them; that's part of the fun and challenge of listening
to this. I will eventually post the correct order of laughs: for now I'll tell you that it contains laughs
from the Beatles and Elvis to Napoleon XIV and John Zacherle and leave it at that. LAUGH YOURSELF SILLY!
A rapid-fire cornucopia of laughs from 39 recordings, produced by well-known author and oldies music expert
Barb Jastrab. How many can you recognize?
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.
This recording is a tribute to Hopalong Cassidy, Gene Autry and Roy himself.
A poignant piece of nostalgia by the "King Of The Cowboys."
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."
The Hilltoppers were a very successful vocal quartet who got together at Western Kentucky College in
Bowling Green, KY in 1952. They took their name from the school's nickname. The members were lead singer
Jimmy Sacca, Din McGuire, Seymour Spiegelman and Billy Vaughn. Billy left the group the year this record
came out to become the musical director of Dot Records and he forged his own very successful recording career.
"I've told the possum in the gum tree, the raccoon on the ground."
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.
Note: I've increased the length of the "Boy" sample.
G-r-r-r-r-eat record!
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.
A typical stage performance by Henny lasted only fifteen to twenty minutes but it contained dozens of jokes,
spouted in rapid-fire fashion. Sometimes he would be playing the violin while telling them.
Milton Berle, his close friend, once quipped "the only thing funnier than Henny's jokes is his violin playing."
Here's an interesting bit of trivia. When the New York Telephone Company started its Dial-A-Joke line in 1974,
over three million people called in one month to hear 30 seconds of Henny's material: the most ever
for a comedian.
Henny passed away in 1998 at the age of 92.
I bet even Henny's wife loved this.
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.
However it achieved its greatest fame (or notoreity, if you will) by being the subject of
a lawsuit filed by Mack against Jerry Herman, the writer of that OTHER tune in this themed set.
Please see the "Hello Dolly" blurb for the juicy details.
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.
But it wasn't all a bed of roses. Mack David, the composer of "Sunflower," the other entry in this
themed set, sued Jerry Herman for copyright infringement because the first four bars of Jerry's tune
were the same as those in the refrain of Mack's song. Jerry claims in his memoris that he had
never heard "Sunflower" before this and that wanted a chance to defend himself in court.
However, for the sake of those involved in the show and the potential film --
which he felt might have to be delayed if it went to court -- he reluctantly decided to
resolve the matter out of court with a payment (reportedly substantial) to Mack.
Had it gone to trial, would the court have decided that this was, in fact, copyright infringement?
It's hard to say.
The most famous portion of "Hello, Dolly!" definitely does duplicate that corresponding portion of
"Sunflower," but it does so very briefly. To my ears, the songs are not anywhere near as similar as
"My Sweet Lord" was to "He's So Fine."
You be the judge.
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.
The original version of that Bonnie Sisters' hit, done by writer Fred Parris and his pre-Satins group.
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."
This recording has much of the same exuberance as Teresa Brewer's "The Banjo's Back In Town,"
which is not included in this themed set because, well, that one has been on the Page for
many weeks. (Bet you forgot because I did!) That's the reason I'm calling this themed set
"MORE 'banjo' tunes."
The Sunnysiders reached #12 with this one. Sadly Freddy Morgan and Margie Rayburn have passed away.
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.
In the complete version of this record, it takes about two minutes to get to the fast part.
In this edited sample we only take one minute to get there.
What an incredible record!
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.
Skeeter's recording of this Gerry Goffin-Carole King composition was not really a country record
by any stretch of the imagination: however it got to #14 on the country chart!
It did better on the pop chart, peaking at #7.
There's also a bit of a "Breakin' Up Is Hard To Do" influence here, don't you think?
The OTHER "Shoo-Bee-Doo-Bee" record!
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!
Muy bien. (I hope.)
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.
Bobby's very first hit. So touching.
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.
When I was a country deejay at WTTM in Trenton, NJ. from 1982 through 1990, Mel was one of the most requested
artists and this catchy record was probably the most-requested of his recordings.
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.
The song has powerful lyrics and a double meaning. The woman singing the song is finally gaining her "freedom"
from her husband and thus it is HER "independence day"; the title also refers to the fact that the events
described in the song happened on July 4th, AMERICA'S Independence Day.
This record has remained in the public consciousness, in part, because conservative talk show host
Sean Hannity uses it as the primary theme song of his syndicated radio show.
"Let freedom ring. Let the white dove sing."
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.
This is the only one of the five that became a national hit, peaking at #20.
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.
The Earth Boys were Jack Marshall and Paul Frees: yes, Paul is the guy who also did the
Ludwig Von Drake record that's been here since the creation of this Page and also recorded the recently-added
"The Skin Diver" using the name P. Harcourt Frees. I don't know much else about this recording except that
it was done on Planet Earth, specifically in California, USA.
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 .....
Cool title. Cool artist. But not a really hot hit.
Now this could have made for a really cool themed set (artists with same name as title) but I felt that
Oliver was so cool that I decided to give him a solo splotlight. It might be consolation for that fact that
this record, as cool as it was and as often as it was played, the best it could do was be a regional hit in
some areas of the country including New York City. Well, maybe it will do better on OUR chart.
The song was written by Paul Vance and Lee Pockriss, the same team that brought you
"Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini."
I know you're all saying "is Oliver Cool his REAL name"? Nah. His family and friends knew him as Larry Ellis.
Cool title. Cool artist. But...
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.
Meanwhile you can click this title and enjoy some rock and roll goofyness.
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."
Kenny's turndown was Trisha's big opportunity. She truly made this song her own.
It is a wonderful feel-good song (at least at the end) and one that sounds as vibrant today as when
it first came out.
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!
A record with so much appealio.
Bye Bye Baby -- Marilyn Monroe
[1953] Marilyn sang this in the blockbuster film "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes."
A precious song by a precious star of the silver screen.
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.
This recording was from his first album called "Songs By Tom Lehrer" that was originally released on his
own label, Lehrer records.
Note: "The Elements" has been on this Page from the very beginning and has been very popular.
This themed set with five of Lehrer's recordings is in response to numerous requests. Two songs which
were requested but which I have chosen not to put up are "National Brotherhood Week"
and "The Vatican Rag" because of concerns that they might make some people unhappy:
those two can be sampled and read about elsewhere.
Also, a musical revue called "Tomfoolery," consiting of other people performing Tom's
songs, was presented by many touring groups throughout the country: thus the title of this themed set.
Lobachevsky -- Tom Lehrer
[1953] Please see the blurb for "The Hunting Song" for detailed information about Tom.
He sounds very professorial in this recordinig which is appropriate since it's about
a plagiarizing mathematician!
She's My Girl -- Tom Lehrer
[1959] Please see the blurb for "The Hunting Song" for detailed information about Tom.
This was from Tom's second album "More Of Tom Lehrer" which came out six years after his first one.
This is not your usual love song!
Pollution -- Tom Lehrer
[1965] Please see the blurb for "The Hunting Song" for detailed information about Tom.
This was from Tom's album "That Was The Year That Was." Tom had written severals songs for the popular
TV series "That Was The Week That Was" and some of those songs appeared on that album. Tom had developed
a cult following from his first two albums and this one brought him squarely into the mainstream:
it made the top 20 on the album chart. This song is one of the few songs from the album which is not
dated; what he says about on the subject at hand still very much applies today. Though the subject is
a serious one, his approach is decidedly comedic.
Hanukkah In Santa Monica -- Tom Lehrer
[2000] Please see the blurb for "The Hunting Song" for detailed information about Tom.
Many of you have been yearning to hear another song about Hanukkah other than the one by Adam Sandler,
right? Well now you've got your wish. This is one of the new songs that Tom wrote and recorded for a
box set called "The Remains Of Tom Lehrer." Have a happy time!
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.
Still Jamies after all these years
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.
Yes!
"happy tappy" songs
Hanky Panky -- Tracey Dey
[1965] You were expecting maybe Tommy James?
Tracey recorded this very different "Hanky Panky" and we discussed and played it during out interview show.
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?
This particular brand of magic is provided by the man who hit big with "Short Fat Fannie" and "Bony Moronie"
and, sadly, eventually took his own life. Though never a hit, this is -- in my opinion --
one of Larry's finest recordings.
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.
Navigate between parts by clicking the green links below.
part 1
part 2
part 3
part 4
part 5
part 6
part 7
part 8
part 9
part 10
HOME PAGE |
Bernadette Carroll |
The Delicates |
Behind The Scenes |
Coming Soon |
Music Box Memories |
Precious Moments |
1619 Broadway |
Small Talk |
Radio City |
Hall Of Fame |
Set The Record Straight |
Guest Book |
Links To Our Music Family