The past week was rough. Postage went up to 4 cents, Jordan and Iraq decided becoming roommates was a bad idea, and DuMont Television Network finally fell apart. Luckily, earlier in the week the greatest list to ever grace mankind's ever lasting legacy was created. The Billboard Top 100. For the first time Americans can look at a unified list of songs and say "Yeah, I guess i do enjoy that."
The first song to be deemed #1 was Ricky Nelson's "Poor Little Fool"
Rickey Nelson was a young asthmatic little shit who basically lived off of his parents fortune. His parents were well know stars of the hit sitcom The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet. When he was 16 he really wanted to impress his girlfriend, who was a major Elvis fan. He told her that he too will release an album. After begging daddy green jeans for help, Ricky's father got him a record contract with Verve Records. On top of that he allowed his son to star in an episode of Ozzie and Harriet. Poor Little Fool is the last track on his second album and it was written by Sharon Sheeley. At the time Sharon was only 18 and this song helped get her name in the music industry.
The song highlights the story of a fellow who plays with girls hearts and thinks nothing of it. In fact, I feel hes bragging about it a little. That is until he met this one girl who set out to do the same to him. Ricky speaks of how she told him how much she cared for him and that they will never break up. Not aware that she was playing the same game that he himself played with so many others. For whatever reason this one seemed special and he decided to settle down with her. Sadly, she was just playing games and now Ricky is left with a broken heat, like a Poor Little Fool. Serves him right though.
Whats-Hits
August 25th 1958
While Ricky Nelson's "Poor Little Fool" rode the number one spot for another week Americans learn their favorite game shows are all a hoax for ratings and the NAACP Youth Council begin sit-ins in Oklahoma City. By August 23rd "Poor Little Fool" fell to the number 5 spot.
The new number one hit was Domenico Modugno's "Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu (Volare)"
Domenico Modugno was an Italian actor who gained fame by co-writing a song for, then popular Italian actor/singer Aurelio Fierro. "Lazzarella" won second place in the Festival della Canzone Napoletana. Afterwords, Domenico worked with Italian comedian Antonio Aniante and became manager of the popular comedy act Franco Franchi and Ciccio Ingrassia. For the Festival della canzone italiana di Sanremo, Domenico co-wrote yet another song and this time helped perform it. "Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu (Volare)" became an instant success worldwide. I'm not sure what happened to the other guy singing it, I guess he was just like"well you did write the song" ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu (Volare) translates to Blue painted In The Blue (Flying). As far as I can tell the song is about getting lost in love with someones blue eyes, forming a blue sky and giving the illusion that they are in fact flying. Cue whimsical music and butterfly imagery. Flowers blooming and sunny beaches. But for real though, its a catchy song. I can see why it traveled overseas and became a hit in the United States.
The new number one hit was Domenico Modugno's "Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu (Volare)"
Domenico Modugno was an Italian actor who gained fame by co-writing a song for, then popular Italian actor/singer Aurelio Fierro. "Lazzarella" won second place in the Festival della Canzone Napoletana. Afterwords, Domenico worked with Italian comedian Antonio Aniante and became manager of the popular comedy act Franco Franchi and Ciccio Ingrassia. For the Festival della canzone italiana di Sanremo, Domenico co-wrote yet another song and this time helped perform it. "Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu (Volare)" became an instant success worldwide. I'm not sure what happened to the other guy singing it, I guess he was just like
Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu (Volare) translates to Blue painted In The Blue (Flying). As far as I can tell the song is about getting lost in love with someones blue eyes, forming a blue sky and giving the illusion that they are in fact flying. Cue whimsical music and butterfly imagery. Flowers blooming and sunny beaches. But for real though, its a catchy song. I can see why it traveled overseas and became a hit in the United States.
September 1st 1958
Domenico Modugno's "Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu (Volare") was to simmer on top for some time, but not consistently. Only a week after achieving the number one spot it was briefly knocked down by a blatant unoriginal knock off.
America had spoken, the next number one hit was to be The Elegants "Little Star".
The Elegants were formed in Staten Island, NY. Formed in 1956 and lead by Vito Picone, the Doo-Wop group gained large and momentary success in 1958. Despite being only teens at the time, they began to tour as often as possible. Though their "legacy" had long since faded, they still perform under the name of Vito Picone & The Elegants and Vito has even tried his hand as an actor. For a good laugh check out their website that, surprisingly is still updated...sorta.
Lets talk about the song "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star". The lyrics to this song were written by British poet Jane Taylor under the name of "The Star". The Poem was first published in an 1806 book titled "Rhymes for the Nursery". The tune accompanied with "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" is actually a 1781 french melody by the title of "Ah! Vous Dirai-Je, Maman". In English, the title translates to "Oh! Shall I Tell You Mommy" and tells the story, from a child's perspective, of daddy telling them to grow up and stop eating so much candy (?). The words to the original tune were apparently a parody of an anonymous french love poem. The tune had been ripped of many times, most notably in an arrangement by Mozart. The first publication to mesh the poem "The Star" and the tune of "Ah! Vous Dirai-Je, Maman" was an 1838 song book titled "The Singing Master: First Class Tune Book". Since then, the song has slept its way around the nursery rhyme block spreading its tune to other favorites such as "Baa, Baa, Black Sheep" and the "Alphabet song". With all that being said, "Little Star" is a new variation on a song that had been rattling around in our skulls for over a century before 1958. The lyrics were switched up a little to make it more of a longing for love song and some classic Doo-Wop Skat was added. Jumble it around in the Hit Machine....presto!
America had spoken, the next number one hit was to be The Elegants "Little Star".
The Elegants were formed in Staten Island, NY. Formed in 1956 and lead by Vito Picone, the Doo-Wop group gained large and momentary success in 1958. Despite being only teens at the time, they began to tour as often as possible. Though their "legacy" had long since faded, they still perform under the name of Vito Picone & The Elegants and Vito has even tried his hand as an actor. For a good laugh check out their website that, surprisingly is still updated...sorta.
Lets talk about the song "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star". The lyrics to this song were written by British poet Jane Taylor under the name of "The Star". The Poem was first published in an 1806 book titled "Rhymes for the Nursery". The tune accompanied with "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" is actually a 1781 french melody by the title of "Ah! Vous Dirai-Je, Maman". In English, the title translates to "Oh! Shall I Tell You Mommy" and tells the story, from a child's perspective, of daddy telling them to grow up and stop eating so much candy (?). The words to the original tune were apparently a parody of an anonymous french love poem. The tune had been ripped of many times, most notably in an arrangement by Mozart. The first publication to mesh the poem "The Star" and the tune of "Ah! Vous Dirai-Je, Maman" was an 1838 song book titled "The Singing Master: First Class Tune Book". Since then, the song has slept its way around the nursery rhyme block spreading its tune to other favorites such as "Baa, Baa, Black Sheep" and the "Alphabet song". With all that being said, "Little Star" is a new variation on a song that had been rattling around in our skulls for over a century before 1958. The lyrics were switched up a little to make it more of a longing for love song and some classic Doo-Wop Skat was added. Jumble it around in the Hit Machine....presto!
September 29th 1958
After a little blip from The Elegants' "little Star", Domenico Modugno returned to the number one spot for another 4 weeks. The month of September almost rolls by without change, South Africa gets a new prime minister, and the National Defense Education Act is signed. After "Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu (Volare)" staying on top for so long, the american public was ready for something new.
That something new to over take the top spot was "It's All In The Game" By Tommy Edwards
Tommy Edwards produced many songs during the last two years of the 50's and even into 1960, but he would never top the critical acclaim of his first song to surface on billboard, "Its all in the Game". Tommy began writing music early in life and by 17 he had his very own 15 minute radio program, that he would use to sing and play songs on piano. By 1943 he moved to New York and pursued a career as a lounge and nightclub performer. Tommy got his first taste of fame when some well noted acts decided to cover one of his original songs "That Chick's Too Young to Fry". Of the three covers a version performed by Louis Jordan gained the most popularity, hitting music charts at number 3. Later in the same year "My Bicycle Tillie" was performed by Bill Samuels and the Cats "N" Jammer Three, gaining Tommy enough star power to create his very own trio. The next few years for Tommy had little to no success, writing a slew of songs that never charted and even getting his contract and trio revoked. Despite the seemingly imminent failure for the rest of his career, Tommy preserved as a solo artist. In 1951 Tommy recorded his first version of "It's All In The Game", but it did not chart as well as the record execs wanted. After a few more failed follow-ups, MGM was on the cusp of dropping Tommy similar to the way National Records had done years earlier. As a final huzzah, a new version of "It's All In The Game" was recorded in 1958, featuring a more Rock-n-Roll arrangement. This time the song got national attention and brought Tommy Edwards into billboards number one spot. On a side note, in the song "My Bicycle Tillie", Tillie was actually a woman and the riding was more of a sexual act. That song is dirtier that many of today's modern rap songs.
"It's All In The Game" is a song about general themes in explaining relationships. Stating that all events common to a relationship are merely part of some sort of game. The actual lyrics were written by Carl Sigman, who already had a few songs under his belt, most notably the Christmas Song "A Marshmallow World". The lyrics were written to a tune that had previously been wordless from 1911 titled "Melody in A Major". Here's the fun fact, "Melody in A Major" was written by Charles G. Dawes, who as any history buffs may know, became Vice President from 1925-1929 under the rule of Calvin Coolidge.
That something new to over take the top spot was "It's All In The Game" By Tommy Edwards
Tommy Edwards produced many songs during the last two years of the 50's and even into 1960, but he would never top the critical acclaim of his first song to surface on billboard, "Its all in the Game". Tommy began writing music early in life and by 17 he had his very own 15 minute radio program, that he would use to sing and play songs on piano. By 1943 he moved to New York and pursued a career as a lounge and nightclub performer. Tommy got his first taste of fame when some well noted acts decided to cover one of his original songs "That Chick's Too Young to Fry". Of the three covers a version performed by Louis Jordan gained the most popularity, hitting music charts at number 3. Later in the same year "My Bicycle Tillie" was performed by Bill Samuels and the Cats "N" Jammer Three, gaining Tommy enough star power to create his very own trio. The next few years for Tommy had little to no success, writing a slew of songs that never charted and even getting his contract and trio revoked. Despite the seemingly imminent failure for the rest of his career, Tommy preserved as a solo artist. In 1951 Tommy recorded his first version of "It's All In The Game", but it did not chart as well as the record execs wanted. After a few more failed follow-ups, MGM was on the cusp of dropping Tommy similar to the way National Records had done years earlier. As a final huzzah, a new version of "It's All In The Game" was recorded in 1958, featuring a more Rock-n-Roll arrangement. This time the song got national attention and brought Tommy Edwards into billboards number one spot. On a side note, in the song "My Bicycle Tillie", Tillie was actually a woman and the riding was more of a sexual act. That song is dirtier that many of today's modern rap songs.
"It's All In The Game" is a song about general themes in explaining relationships. Stating that all events common to a relationship are merely part of some sort of game. The actual lyrics were written by Carl Sigman, who already had a few songs under his belt, most notably the Christmas Song "A Marshmallow World". The lyrics were written to a tune that had previously been wordless from 1911 titled "Melody in A Major". Here's the fun fact, "Melody in A Major" was written by Charles G. Dawes, who as any history buffs may know, became Vice President from 1925-1929 under the rule of Calvin Coolidge.
November 10th 1958
For the next 5 weeks, Tommy Edwards dominated the number one spot, the ever popular NASA began operations, and the not so popular USSR began testing with nuclear weapons. With so much excitement in the world people didn't notice a new number one hit rising the ranks to over take "It's All In The Game"
This new Hit was Conway Twitty's "It's Only Make Believe"
As enjoyable as having the name Conway Twitty can be, he was actually born as Harold Lloyd Jenkins in Friars Point, Mississippi. His family moved to Arkansas where Harold created his first musical group the Phillips County Ramblers and started his own Saturday morning radio show. Throughout high school Harold was a passionate baseball player and even got an offer to play for the Philadelphia Phillies, unfortunately before he got the chance, he was drafted by the military to fight in the "Far East". While posted Harold never gave up on his musical passions and created another group on base named the Cimmerons (not to be confused with the 1967 UK Reggae band). After the war, a friend suggested Harold pursue a career as a professional musician. Since the sounds of Elvis were popular at the time Harold decided to copy that very Rock N' Roll sound that many had found success in. A few rumors exist concerning how he chose to perform under the name Conway Twitty, one even claiming he stole another mans name because he liked it so much. Actually, when "It's Only Make Believe" first began playing on the radio, many mistook the song as an Elvis song. Mission Success!
The lyrics of the song tell a story of a man who apparently is a casualty of the dreaded "Friend Zone". He speaks of hanging with someone but wailing that he will never have the opportunity to truly love them, for they do not share the same feelings as he does. Therefor, a relationship with this person will stay only make believe, or lets at least hope it stays that way. Anyone who is familiar with the musical stylings of the Misfits later career (better forgotten) could easily guess a cover was created. Mission Success!
This new Hit was Conway Twitty's "It's Only Make Believe"
As enjoyable as having the name Conway Twitty can be, he was actually born as Harold Lloyd Jenkins in Friars Point, Mississippi. His family moved to Arkansas where Harold created his first musical group the Phillips County Ramblers and started his own Saturday morning radio show. Throughout high school Harold was a passionate baseball player and even got an offer to play for the Philadelphia Phillies, unfortunately before he got the chance, he was drafted by the military to fight in the "Far East". While posted Harold never gave up on his musical passions and created another group on base named the Cimmerons (not to be confused with the 1967 UK Reggae band). After the war, a friend suggested Harold pursue a career as a professional musician. Since the sounds of Elvis were popular at the time Harold decided to copy that very Rock N' Roll sound that many had found success in. A few rumors exist concerning how he chose to perform under the name Conway Twitty, one even claiming he stole another mans name because he liked it so much. Actually, when "It's Only Make Believe" first began playing on the radio, many mistook the song as an Elvis song. Mission Success!
The lyrics of the song tell a story of a man who apparently is a casualty of the dreaded "Friend Zone". He speaks of hanging with someone but wailing that he will never have the opportunity to truly love them, for they do not share the same feelings as he does. Therefor, a relationship with this person will stay only make believe, or lets at least hope it stays that way. Anyone who is familiar with the musical stylings of the Misfits later career (better forgotten) could easily guess a cover was created. Mission Success!
November 17th 1958
After a strong week for Conway Twitty, the american public was tired of making believe and wanted something a little more surreal.
This came in the package of the next #1 song "Tom Dooley" by The Kingston Trio
The Kingston Trio began as a frat party band under the name of Dave Guard and the Calypsonians. Dave Guard, Bob Shane, and Nick Reynolds enjoyed diddling in the world of music and liked to show off their talents by covering popular songs at parties for their friends. They didn't have any thoughts that this would get them anywhere further. So much so that Bob went back to his hometown after graduation, leaving the trio a Duo. Dave and Nick continued to perform around town under the name The Kingston Quartet, with the addition of Joe Gannon and Barbara Bogue. It was in this phase of the band that they were seen by Frank Werber, an up and coming publicist. Frank said he would love to Manage them as long as the gave Joe the boot because, according to Frank, had no musical prospects. Joe left, followed by Barbara, because they were bumpin' uglies at the time. Dave and Nick then insisted they give their old pal Bob a call, Frank abides. Soon the trio was enrolled in vocal sessions and 6 to 8 hour practices for several months before even attempting to perform. It was not until Frank pulled some strings to get them to replace a spot left open at The Purple Onion Club when a set of nights were canceled by Phyllis Diller. The Kingston Trio was such a hit, they continued to play nights at The Purple Onion Club for 6 months. Word got around and they were soon releasing a number one hit.
"Tom Dooley" is an old folk songs about Tom Dula and his murder of Laura Foster. Tom was a confederate soldier, who after the war began an adulterous relationship with childhood friend Anne Melton. Apparently, Anne was not enough to feed Toms sexual urges and began to also sleep with Anne's cousin, Laura Foster. Hearsay claims that Tom knocked up Laura and they decided to elope. Sadly, on May 25, 1866, the day of the wedding, Laura left her home to meet Tom and was never seen alive again. Rumors claim that Anne murdered her cousin, But because Tom still loved Anne he claimed to be the one. A witness account claimed they heard Tom say he was going to murder the one who gave him syphilis, believed to be Laura passed onto Tom and then onto Anne. Tom Fled town to avoid consequences but was soon caught on the Tennessee state line and later hung in Statesville, NC. A doctor later reviled that he had treated Laura's sister Pauline for syphilis first and was most likely the one who passed it to Tom, who later passed it to Anne and Laura. Locals claim that on Anne's deathbed she admitted to killing Laura and in 2001 locals signed a petition (no legal pull) to acquit Tom Dula of his crimes. The song mentions James Grayson, but Grayson was not part of this love triangle and merely a person who hired Tom Dula (who used the name Tom Hall) in Tennessee. Upon finding the truth about Tom, James helped turn Tom into the state for trial.
This came in the package of the next #1 song "Tom Dooley" by The Kingston Trio
The Kingston Trio began as a frat party band under the name of Dave Guard and the Calypsonians. Dave Guard, Bob Shane, and Nick Reynolds enjoyed diddling in the world of music and liked to show off their talents by covering popular songs at parties for their friends. They didn't have any thoughts that this would get them anywhere further. So much so that Bob went back to his hometown after graduation, leaving the trio a Duo. Dave and Nick continued to perform around town under the name The Kingston Quartet, with the addition of Joe Gannon and Barbara Bogue. It was in this phase of the band that they were seen by Frank Werber, an up and coming publicist. Frank said he would love to Manage them as long as the gave Joe the boot because, according to Frank, had no musical prospects. Joe left, followed by Barbara, because they were bumpin' uglies at the time. Dave and Nick then insisted they give their old pal Bob a call, Frank abides. Soon the trio was enrolled in vocal sessions and 6 to 8 hour practices for several months before even attempting to perform. It was not until Frank pulled some strings to get them to replace a spot left open at The Purple Onion Club when a set of nights were canceled by Phyllis Diller. The Kingston Trio was such a hit, they continued to play nights at The Purple Onion Club for 6 months. Word got around and they were soon releasing a number one hit.
"Tom Dooley" is an old folk songs about Tom Dula and his murder of Laura Foster. Tom was a confederate soldier, who after the war began an adulterous relationship with childhood friend Anne Melton. Apparently, Anne was not enough to feed Toms sexual urges and began to also sleep with Anne's cousin, Laura Foster. Hearsay claims that Tom knocked up Laura and they decided to elope. Sadly, on May 25, 1866, the day of the wedding, Laura left her home to meet Tom and was never seen alive again. Rumors claim that Anne murdered her cousin, But because Tom still loved Anne he claimed to be the one. A witness account claimed they heard Tom say he was going to murder the one who gave him syphilis, believed to be Laura passed onto Tom and then onto Anne. Tom Fled town to avoid consequences but was soon caught on the Tennessee state line and later hung in Statesville, NC. A doctor later reviled that he had treated Laura's sister Pauline for syphilis first and was most likely the one who passed it to Tom, who later passed it to Anne and Laura. Locals claim that on Anne's deathbed she admitted to killing Laura and in 2001 locals signed a petition (no legal pull) to acquit Tom Dula of his crimes. The song mentions James Grayson, but Grayson was not part of this love triangle and merely a person who hired Tom Dula (who used the name Tom Hall) in Tennessee. Upon finding the truth about Tom, James helped turn Tom into the state for trial.
December 1st 1958
After a week of "Tom Dooly" the public went back to making believe with Conway Twitty for another week and then decided to go back to positive love ballads. A school fire killed 93 students and 3 teachers in Chicago and People needed somthing soft to pacify with.
This weeks #1 Hit was The Teddy Bears "To Know Him, Is To Love Him"
Musician and Producer, Phil Spector wrote "To Know Him, Is To Love Him" just out of high school and wanted to find a group to perform his song because he felt it was going to be a hit, given the right personnel. Phil recruited Marshall Leib, Harvey Goldstein and Annette Kleinbard. Together they were known as The Teddy Bears. Phil then set up a studio session to record his song at Gold Star Studios. They got drum tracks laid down by Sandy Nelson at the studio and released the track August of 1958 on the ERA Dore Label. A few months later they began to get airplay and "To Know Him, Is To Love Him" quickly rose to number one.
The song tells a story from a females perspective of how just being around this fellow makes her life complete and one day, hopes to be in a relationship with him. But, Boys are stupid and he has yet to realize her feelings. This relationship probably never worked out because she was too shy to reveal her own feelings and if anything perspired it was only a one night stand after a drunkin frat party. Or should I say "It's Only Make Believe". The bands success certainly was. The hit landed them a full record that failed to chart so Phil disbanded the group and that was the end of The Teddy Bears.
This weeks #1 Hit was The Teddy Bears "To Know Him, Is To Love Him"
Musician and Producer, Phil Spector wrote "To Know Him, Is To Love Him" just out of high school and wanted to find a group to perform his song because he felt it was going to be a hit, given the right personnel. Phil recruited Marshall Leib, Harvey Goldstein and Annette Kleinbard. Together they were known as The Teddy Bears. Phil then set up a studio session to record his song at Gold Star Studios. They got drum tracks laid down by Sandy Nelson at the studio and released the track August of 1958 on the ERA Dore Label. A few months later they began to get airplay and "To Know Him, Is To Love Him" quickly rose to number one.
The song tells a story from a females perspective of how just being around this fellow makes her life complete and one day, hopes to be in a relationship with him. But, Boys are stupid and he has yet to realize her feelings. This relationship probably never worked out because she was too shy to reveal her own feelings and if anything perspired it was only a one night stand after a drunkin frat party. Or should I say "It's Only Make Believe". The bands success certainly was. The hit landed them a full record that failed to chart so Phil disbanded the group and that was the end of The Teddy Bears.
December 22nd 1958
The Teddy Bears only stayed on top for 3 weeks before getting knocked down by something a bit more festive. Christmas time was fast approaching and the first broadcast from space wished the American public goodwill to men everywhere. It was time for some quality wholesome family holiday music.
As if placed by DJ Santa under the tree of Billboard Top Hits, The air waves number one earworm was now "The Chipmunk Song" by The Chipmunks with David Seville
The Chipmunks, also known as Dave Seville and The Chipmunks, or later known as Alvin and The Chipmunks was a novelty act started in 1958 by Ross Bagdasarian Sr. Ross played under the stage name David Seville and was the only real life member of the group. The three chipmunks were also played by Ross and then edited and layered in order to sound chipmunky. To many David Seville was the first time they heard of Ross, but he had already been in the game for some time now. After World War 2 Ross returned home and began acting in the play "The Time of Your Life", a play written by his cousin and well known playwright, William Saroyan. In 1951, Ross and William wrote a song for Rosemary Clooney titled "Come on-a My House" and in 1954, Ross Appeared in the Alfred Hitchcock film "Rear Window". Also under the name of Alfi and Harry, Ross had a minor hit in 1956 called "The Trouble With Harry". In early 1958 Ross created the song "Witch Doctor" as David Seville, which charted number one (Pre-Billboard Top 100) featuring high pitched vocals to portray the witch doctor. Hungry for another hit he then released a song titled "Bird on my Head" where the high pitched vocals were this time a bird singing. Ross then tweaked the format and made the characters chipmunks, originally only two named Simon and Funk, after Simon & Garfunkel.
"The Chipmunk Song" AKA "Christmas Don't Be Late" is the first David Seville song officially starring all three chipmunks. The story follows David conducting these three chipmunks, as if they were children, to sing a song about Christmas time. Much to Davids Dismay, The Chipmunks are too ADD and the song soon falls apart, mostly due to Alvin's inability to follow directions. Apply this format to every song and its still marketable to this day.
As if placed by DJ Santa under the tree of Billboard Top Hits, The air waves number one earworm was now "The Chipmunk Song" by The Chipmunks with David Seville
The Chipmunks, also known as Dave Seville and The Chipmunks, or later known as Alvin and The Chipmunks was a novelty act started in 1958 by Ross Bagdasarian Sr. Ross played under the stage name David Seville and was the only real life member of the group. The three chipmunks were also played by Ross and then edited and layered in order to sound chipmunky. To many David Seville was the first time they heard of Ross, but he had already been in the game for some time now. After World War 2 Ross returned home and began acting in the play "The Time of Your Life", a play written by his cousin and well known playwright, William Saroyan. In 1951, Ross and William wrote a song for Rosemary Clooney titled "Come on-a My House" and in 1954, Ross Appeared in the Alfred Hitchcock film "Rear Window". Also under the name of Alfi and Harry, Ross had a minor hit in 1956 called "The Trouble With Harry". In early 1958 Ross created the song "Witch Doctor" as David Seville, which charted number one (Pre-Billboard Top 100) featuring high pitched vocals to portray the witch doctor. Hungry for another hit he then released a song titled "Bird on my Head" where the high pitched vocals were this time a bird singing. Ross then tweaked the format and made the characters chipmunks, originally only two named Simon and Funk, after Simon & Garfunkel.
"The Chipmunk Song" AKA "Christmas Don't Be Late" is the first David Seville song officially starring all three chipmunks. The story follows David conducting these three chipmunks, as if they were children, to sing a song about Christmas time. Much to Davids Dismay, The Chipmunks are too ADD and the song soon falls apart, mostly due to Alvin's inability to follow directions. Apply this format to every song and its still marketable to this day.
The Dark Ages: 1900
Well with a whole year under our belt, or at least the second half of one. Its time for us to visit a time before the Billboard top 100. Its time for us to look at the hits of the year 1900, a year famous for currency going on gold standard and the first sales of postage stamps. There is limited information about what sat in the number one spots, but thanks to tsort.info i'm able to bring you some insight on what people considered a hit. So without further ado, lets check it out.
In February Arther Collins "Mandy Lee" sat on the top of the charts for 8 weeks. This was a thrilling song about dancing with a super special female known as Mandy Lee.
In March there were actually two hits. The first was George J Gaskin "When Cloe Sings a Song" that stuck around for 7 weeks and speaks of how there are many beautiful sounds in the world but none as pretty as when Cloe sings. The song also features the ever tolerant word "Darkies". Heres a version covered by Sheet Music Singer Fred Field.
The second song to chart in March was Jere Mahoney "When You Were Sweet Sixteen". This one sat around for 11 weeks. The lyrics speak of a guys love of a young lady who is only sixteen who, from the sounds of it left because he got creepy or possibly died. Heres a version covered by Sheet Music Singer Fred Field.
In April Jere Mahoney continued to chart for 10 weeks with "A Bird In A Gilded Cage". This is a song about a woman who married someone just for money then regretted it for the rest of their life.
In May Steve Porter stole the spotlight for 11 weeks with.... hold up..."A Bird In A Gilded Cage".? Rough man, Must have been a popular song. Fun Fact there is also a third version from the same year that only got to the number two spot.
In July Len Spencer chilled for 10 weeks with "Ma Tiger Lily". Here is a instrumental version by The Peerless Orchestra in the same year.
By August Arthur Collins made a comeback for 11 weeks with his version of "Ma Tiger Lily". This one features lyrics about... oh god no. This song should be forever forgotten.
In October Haydn Quartet's "Because" hung around for 6 weeks. The songs about a fellas love for his lady and how much he praises her. Heres a version covered by Sheet Music Singer Fred Field.
In November George J Gaskin struck a cord for 10 weeks with his version of "When You Were Sweet Sixteen". Here is another version by Harry Macdonough recorded in 1901 but not heralded as good as George's version.
Finishing out the year, Bumping 11 weeks in December was Albert Campbell with "Ma Blushin' Rosie". The lyrics are basically the old school version of saying, "Get over here girl, I'm horny and trying to bang ya". Here is a version by Al Jolson.
... And that sums up the hits of 1900. Over all, not too happy about some of the themes in popular music of this time period. If this is the good old days that all the old farts speak of having superior music, I believe they are greatly mistaken. Id rather listen to the worst of the worst pop music from the current time period over hearing some of these bigoted tunes ever again. My favorite would have to be "Mandy Lee", but after listing to Arther Collins next song on this list I'm not too keen on him overall. "A Bird In A Gilded Cage" gets an honorable mention as well for having a fun cautionary tale thrown in there.
In February Arther Collins "Mandy Lee" sat on the top of the charts for 8 weeks. This was a thrilling song about dancing with a super special female known as Mandy Lee.
In March there were actually two hits. The first was George J Gaskin "When Cloe Sings a Song" that stuck around for 7 weeks and speaks of how there are many beautiful sounds in the world but none as pretty as when Cloe sings. The song also features the ever tolerant word "Darkies". Heres a version covered by Sheet Music Singer Fred Field.
The second song to chart in March was Jere Mahoney "When You Were Sweet Sixteen". This one sat around for 11 weeks. The lyrics speak of a guys love of a young lady who is only sixteen who, from the sounds of it left because he got creepy or possibly died. Heres a version covered by Sheet Music Singer Fred Field.
In April Jere Mahoney continued to chart for 10 weeks with "A Bird In A Gilded Cage". This is a song about a woman who married someone just for money then regretted it for the rest of their life.
In May Steve Porter stole the spotlight for 11 weeks with.... hold up..."A Bird In A Gilded Cage".? Rough man, Must have been a popular song. Fun Fact there is also a third version from the same year that only got to the number two spot.
In July Len Spencer chilled for 10 weeks with "Ma Tiger Lily". Here is a instrumental version by The Peerless Orchestra in the same year.
By August Arthur Collins made a comeback for 11 weeks with his version of "Ma Tiger Lily". This one features lyrics about... oh god no. This song should be forever forgotten.
In October Haydn Quartet's "Because" hung around for 6 weeks. The songs about a fellas love for his lady and how much he praises her. Heres a version covered by Sheet Music Singer Fred Field.
In November George J Gaskin struck a cord for 10 weeks with his version of "When You Were Sweet Sixteen". Here is another version by Harry Macdonough recorded in 1901 but not heralded as good as George's version.
Finishing out the year, Bumping 11 weeks in December was Albert Campbell with "Ma Blushin' Rosie". The lyrics are basically the old school version of saying, "Get over here girl, I'm horny and trying to bang ya". Here is a version by Al Jolson.
... And that sums up the hits of 1900. Over all, not too happy about some of the themes in popular music of this time period. If this is the good old days that all the old farts speak of having superior music, I believe they are greatly mistaken. Id rather listen to the worst of the worst pop music from the current time period over hearing some of these bigoted tunes ever again. My favorite would have to be "Mandy Lee", but after listing to Arther Collins next song on this list I'm not too keen on him overall. "A Bird In A Gilded Cage" gets an honorable mention as well for having a fun cautionary tale thrown in there.
January 19th 1959
The Chipmunks stayed on top well past Christmas, four weeks to be exact. Meanwhile, as we slipped into 1959, Fulgencio Batista fled Cuba leaving Castro to take power, Alaska became a state, and Motown records begins under the name Tamla Records. The next group to reach number one was never signed with Motown records, but they did work with them in a round about way. In 1975 they would have a single printed on a 45 for jukeboxes by the UK Motown Tamla Records.
This group is speak of is The Platters with "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes"
The Platters formed in LA during 1952. They were managed by a man by the name of Ralph Bass, who worked for several independent labels, and was well known for bringing African-American music to the American public. That being said, Ralph Bass had a massive pull when it came to how The Platters were managed. The Platters originally consisted of 5 members, Alex Hodge, Cornell Gunter, David Lynch, Joe Jefferson, and Gaynel Hodge. Later a 6th was added, Herb Reed. In 1953, Gunther left and was replaced by Tony Williams. Still not finding success Bass asked Buck Ram, who was a song writer and Williams manager, to coach the group into creating a hit. Ram insisted on adding a female voice, and Zola Taylor joined the group. Hodge was then replaced by Paul Robi. The Platters began to produce minor hits on the west coast, but could not obtain the success desired. Ram also managed a band called The Penguins and was able to get The Platters onto Mercury through The Penguins contract. Under the control of Mercury, The platters got their first national hit in 1955. The Platters continued to rotate members and even spawn a plethora of side groups leeching off of The Platters legacy. As of 2017, The Platters still tour with no original members.
"Smoke Gets In Your Eyes" speaks of how when you fall in love you are often blinded to the problems that may exist in a relationship or how each other are treated. The song then changes keys and exclaims that his lover unexpectedly left, possibly because he was unable to notice that she was not happy in the relationship. He now cries as his friends, who knew from the beginning that his relationship was a sham, laugh at him for being so blind. He responds with "Hey man, sometimes smoke just gets in your eyes."
This group is speak of is The Platters with "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes"
The Platters formed in LA during 1952. They were managed by a man by the name of Ralph Bass, who worked for several independent labels, and was well known for bringing African-American music to the American public. That being said, Ralph Bass had a massive pull when it came to how The Platters were managed. The Platters originally consisted of 5 members, Alex Hodge, Cornell Gunter, David Lynch, Joe Jefferson, and Gaynel Hodge. Later a 6th was added, Herb Reed. In 1953, Gunther left and was replaced by Tony Williams. Still not finding success Bass asked Buck Ram, who was a song writer and Williams manager, to coach the group into creating a hit. Ram insisted on adding a female voice, and Zola Taylor joined the group. Hodge was then replaced by Paul Robi. The Platters began to produce minor hits on the west coast, but could not obtain the success desired. Ram also managed a band called The Penguins and was able to get The Platters onto Mercury through The Penguins contract. Under the control of Mercury, The platters got their first national hit in 1955. The Platters continued to rotate members and even spawn a plethora of side groups leeching off of The Platters legacy. As of 2017, The Platters still tour with no original members.
"Smoke Gets In Your Eyes" speaks of how when you fall in love you are often blinded to the problems that may exist in a relationship or how each other are treated. The song then changes keys and exclaims that his lover unexpectedly left, possibly because he was unable to notice that she was not happy in the relationship. He now cries as his friends, who knew from the beginning that his relationship was a sham, laugh at him for being so blind. He responds with "Hey man, sometimes smoke just gets in your eyes."
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