1945 Hits Archive

Mom and I finished listening to the 1945 Hits Archive available via the78prof's YouTube channel. We were both a little disappointed with this year's offerings. Especially early on in the alphabet. (The playlist is arranged alphabetically by song title.) But the year did have some great songs.

For your reference:
List of Billboard number one singles of 1945

Highlights

Don't Fence Me In -- Sammy Kaye (Billy Williams Vocal); Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters;

I'm Beginning to See the Light -- Kitty Kallen (Harry James Orchestra);  

It Might as Well Be Spring -- Margaret Whiting & Paul Weston Orchestra; Dick Haymes; Sammy Kaye (Billy Williams, vocal).

It's Been A Long, Long Time -- Harry James (Kitty Kallen); Bing Crosby; 

Sentimental Journey -- Doris Day

That's For Me -- Dick Haymes

Till the End of Time -- Perry Como

© 2020 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

1946 Hits Archive

Mom and I finished the 1946 Hits Archive earlier today posted at the78prof's YouTube channel. Overall, it was a solidly good year! (I think it was 1948 that was a bit more "interesting" and "taste-specific.") 

For your reference: Billboard year-end top singles of 1946 and Billboard number-one singles of 1946.

Highlights:

All Through the Day -- Perry Como

Boogie Blues -- Gene Krupa (Anita O'Day vocal) 

Bumble Boogie Freddy Martin and His Orchestra with Jack Fina on Piano.

Buzz Me -- Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five

Cement Mixer (Put-ti Put-ti) Alvino Rey (Rocky Coluccio vocal)

Choo Choo ch'Boogie Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five

The Christmas Song -- Nat King Cole/ The King Cole Trio

Dig You Later -- Perry Como

Give Me the Simple Life -- Benny Goodman and His Orchestra 

Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Vaughn Monroe & Orchestra

Oh! What It Seemed To Be -- Frank Sinatra; Frankie Carle & His Orchestra, Marjorie Hughes vocals; Dick Haymes & Helen Forrest; Charlie Spivak, Jimmy Saunders Vocal.

Day by Day -- Frank Sinatra

One-Zy Two-Zy Phil Harris & Orchestra (he's singing with his daughter) 

Route 66 King Cole Trio/ Nat King Cole

Winter Wonderland -- Perry Como

There were many, many songs from Annie Get Your Gun. 

 

© 2020 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

1947 Hits Archive

Mom and I finished the 1947 Hits Archive on the78prof's YouTube channel. For your reference, Billboard number one singles 1947; Billboard year-end top singles of 1947. 

Highlights:

Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens by Louis Jordan and His Tympany Five. He writes, " Composed by the husband-wife team of Alex Kramer & Joan Whitney, this novelty spent a whopping 17 weeks atop the R&B charts, reaching #6 on the pop juke box listings." I just have to say I LOVE this one so much. I listened to it three or four times in a row!

Almost Like Being In Love -- Frank Sinatra. I'm so used to this being "Frank's" song that I didn't realize it was from a musical--Brigadoon.

There were 4 Anniversary Songs. The first by Al Jolson. "Among 1947’s top ballads, “Anniversary Song” was a new lyrical adaptation of the 1880 composition “Waves Of The Danube” by Ivanovici and was the #1 tune on “Your Hit Parade” for six consecutive weeks. Popularized through its appearance in the box office hit “The Jolson Story,” five different versions of the tune reached the top-5 on Billboard’s weekly best-sellers charts. Jolson’s own studio version led the pack, spending six weeks at #2 (blocked from the top spot by Ted Weems’ “Heartaches”). The other four versions in the collection are by Dinah Shore, Tex Beneke, Guy Lombardo and Andy Russell."

There were two An Apple Blossom Weddings. Eddy Howard. Don Cornell, vocal Sammy Kaye orchestra.

Babalu -- Desi Arnaz 

Here Comes Santa Claus Gene Autry

I Believe -- Frank Sinatra

For Sentimental Reasons Nat King Cole. There were four other versions also in 1947. "Not yet including “Nat” in his professional name, King Cole and his jazz trio enjoyed their first #1 ‘pop’ best-seller with this memorable 1946-47 ballad. The song itself spent 7 weeks atop Your Hit Parade and spawned several other successful recorded versions: Dinah Shore, Ella Fitzgerald, Eddy Howard and Charlie Spivak are also posted."

I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now -- Perry Como 

Open the Door, Richard -- Count Basie; All five posted versions of this short-lived novelty sensation made it into the top-10 on both the pop and R&B Billboard weekly record charts: Count Basie (#1 pop), Dusty Fletcher, Jack McVea, Louis Jordan and The Three Flames. 

Ragtime Cowboy Joe -- Eddy Howard

Smoke, Smoke, Smoke (That Cigarette) Phil Harris

That's My Desire -- Frankie Laine

White Christmas -- Bing Crosby

Zip-a-dee-doo-dah JOhnny Mercer

© 2020 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

1948 Hits Archive

Mom and I finished listening to the 1948 Hits Archive on the 78prof's YouTube channel. This year had its ups and downs--possibly explained in part by the 1948 Recording Ban. But also some years are just like that. I asked mom to describe the year and she said monotonous because it wasn't just a handful of repeating songs--but many, many. And some of the repeats weren't even all that good. This year had multiple Spike Jones' numbers to contend with as well--never a good thing.

For your reference: Billboard number one singles of 1948; Billboard Year-End Top Singles of 1948.

Anytime -- Eddy Arnold and his Tennessee Plowboys; Just A Little Lovin'

Ballerina Buddy Clark; Bing Crosby; Vaughn Monroe

Buttons and Bows -- Dinah Shore and Her Happy Valley Boys; Dinning Sisters & Art Van Damme; Evelyn Knight; Betty Rhodes.

Confess -- Doris Day and Buddy Clark; Patti Page singing with Patti Page. "With no singing partner available for the session, Patti recorded both vocal parts, resulting in the first such multi-voice-tracked commercial hit (Les Paul was already doing his guitar overdubs, but the multi-voiced Les & Mary creations were yet to come)."

Good Rockin' Tonight -- Wynonie Harris 

Guitar Boogie -- Arthur Smith

Hair of Gold, Eyes of Blue -- Gordon MacRae and the Starlighters. He writes, "A 1948 ‘recording ban’ hit, performed a cappella (no musical instruments).* Not counting several good-sized duet hits with Jo Stafford, “Hair Of Gold turned out to be the only single of MacRae’s entire solo career that ever made it into the top 10 of Billboard’s weekly best-sellers chart. This Sunny Skylar tune was featured in the 1948 musical western film “Singin’ Spurs” from Columbia Pictures. See also the Harmonicats version of the song. * During the nearly year-long strike by James C. Petrillo’s American Federation of Musicians, new vocal recordings for commercial release could be produced only as a cappella (all vocal...no instruments) or using such lesser, ‘union-approved’ tools as harmonicas, ukuleles and toy xylophones."

I'm Looking Over a Four Leaf Clover -- Art Mooney Russ Morgan and His Orchestra (Ames Brothers as background singers); 

I'm My Own Grandpaw -- Guy Lombardo, Lombardo Trio

I've Got A Crush On You -- Frank Sinatra

It's Magic -- Doris Day; Tony Martin; Dick Haymes; Sarah Vaughan; Gordon MacRae

Just Because -- Frankie Yankovic 

Life Gits Tee-Jus Don't It -- Carson Robison 

Little White Lies -- Dick Haymes 

Love Somebody -- Doris Day & Buddy Clark

Manana -- Peggy Lee 

Nature Boy -- Nat King Cole (his original #1 version); Dick Haymes a cappella (A 1948 ‘recording ban’ hit, performed a cappella (no musical instruments).* Haymes reached #11 on the national jukebox listings with his competing version of Nat King Cole’s chart-topper. Frank Sinatra’s all-vocal effort is also included here. Other Dick Haymes tunes in this 1948 collection include “Little White Lies” “It’s Magic” and “You Can’t Be True, Dear.” * During the nearly year-long strike by James C. Petrillo’s American Federation of Musicians, new vocal recordings for commercial release could be produced only as a cappella (all vocal...no instruments) or using such lesser, ‘union-approved’ tools as harmonicas, ukuleles and toy xylophones.) Frank Sinatra a cappella

Now Is the Hour -- Bing Crosby  

Sabre Dance -- Woody Herman

Toolie Oolie Doolie (The Yodel Polka) Vaughn Horton; The Sportsmen; Andrews Sisters; 

Twelfth Street Rag -- Pee Wee Hunt

TORTURE TOOLS

I Can't Give You Anything But Love -- Rose Murphy

 The Maharajah of Magador -- Vaughn Monroe, Ziggy Talent vocal

Slap 'Er Down Agin Paw -- Arthur Godfrey

William Tell Overture (Feetlebaum!) Spike Jones

You Can't Be True, Dear -- Sportsmen

 

© 2020 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

1949 Hits Archive

Mom and I finished the 1949 Hits Archive this morning. It is one of the many, many, many playlists available at the78prof's YouTube channel. The prof writes, "This is a playlist of commercial recordings and songs that proved popular during the calendar year 1949 (some were recorded in 1948) via sales, juke box play, and radio exposure.…plus some others that have gained increased recognition or have been shown to have had an impact during the decades that followed."

For your reference: Billboard year-end top 30 singles of 1949; Billboard number one singles of 1949.

'A' You're Adorable -- Perry Como; the prof writes, "1949 was a standout year for Perry Como the recording artist (11 of his titles are included in this collection). He and the Fontanes perform this #1 radio airplay hit in a steady and serious manner, in contrast to the casual treatment it received in the also-posted top-5 version by Jo Stafford and Gordon MacRae." 

There were FIVE "Again"s. Gordon Jenkins. Vic Damone. Doris Day. Mel Torme. Art Mooney.

There were FOUR "Baby, It's Cold Outside"s. Margaret Whiting & Johnny Mercer; Dinah Shore and Buddy Clark. Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Jordan. Don Cornell & Laura Leslie. 

TWO "Blue Moon"s: Mel Torme; Billy Eckstine. 

Blueberry Hill. Louis Armstrong and Gordon Jenkins & His Orchestra. 

Clancy Lowered the Boom -- Dennis Day. 

Cruising Down the River -- Russ Morgan "Music in the Morgan Manner"  There were two other versions as well: Blue Barron and Jack Smith and the Clark Sisters. 

A Dreamer's Holiday -- Perry Como & The Fontane Sisters;  Buddy Clark. Of Clark's version, he writes, "Perry Como’s version may have risen higher on the charts, but there is special poignancy regarding this top-15 record by Buddy Clark. It was his final hit....released following his October 1st death in a California airplane accident at age 37. Issued shortly thereafter was Buddy’s two-sided holiday 78 of “Winter Wonderland” & “Merry Christmas Waltz,” both tunes also available on this channel."

There were 3 Far Away Places. Bing Crosby. Margaret Whiting. Perry Como. 

There were FOUR "Forever and Ever"s. Russ Morgan; Dinah Shore. Perry Como. Margaret Whiting.

Hop Scotch Polka. Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians. 

I Can Dream Can't I -- Andrews Sisters. 

I Wanna Go Home With You -- Perry Como & Fontane Sisters (78 single version not the one on CD releases). 

I've Got A Lovely Bunch of Coconuts -- Merv Griffin

I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm Les Brown and Mills Brothers

Mule Train Tennessee Ernie Ford 

The Pussy Cat Song (Nyow! Nyot Nyo!) Patty Andrews & Bob Crosby

Riders in the Sky Vaughn Monroe. Peggy Lee. Of Lee's version, "Radio DJ’s who wanted to give their listeners a break from the repeated plays of Vaughn Monroe’s humongous hit seemed especially fond of this Peggy Lee version, spinning it up to #2 on Billboard’s radio airplay chart." Bing Crosby. 

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer -- Gene Autry. 

Saturday Night Fish Fry -- Louis Jordan. "Twelve(!) weeks at #1 on the R&B charts for this famous Jordan crossover hit...among his most lastingly popular singles, issued as a Part 1/Part 2 two-sider."

Sleigh Ride -- Boston Pops. The prof writes, "Before Leroy Anderson was awarded his own recording contract in 1950, Fiedler's Boston Pops had the honor of introducing all of Anderson's orchestral pop instrumentals to the record-buying public. This wintery standard-to-be, issued on RCA Victor’s Red Seal series, first landed in the stores in late 1949, reaching #24 on Billboard’s sales chart. On the B-side was the debut of Anderson’s beautiful “Serenata,” also posted to this collection. Anderson, himself, first recorded “Sleigh Ride” in 1950 (mono) and again in 1959 (stereo)."

4 versions of SOME ENCHANTED EVENING. Ezio Pinza. Perry Como. Jo Stafford. Bing Crosby. 

Sweet Georgia Brown. Brother Bones and His Shadows. 

You're Breaking My Heart Vic Damone. Buddy Clark.

© 2020 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

1950 Hits Archive

Mom and I just finished listening to the 1950 Hits Archive. Discovering his three channels-- the45prof, the78prof, and anotherprof--has been quite the treat. Here is what he has to say about 1950, "This is a playlist of commercial recordings and songs that proved popular during the calendar year 1950 (some were recorded in 1949) via sales, juke box play, and radio exposure.…plus some others that have gained increased recognition or have been shown to have had an impact during the decades that followed."

For context and reference: Billboard Number One Singles of 1950; Billboard year-end top 30 Singles of 1950. 

There are 4 "All My Love"s. Patti Page. Percy Faith with vocal chorus. Guy Lombardo with Bill Flanagan, vocal. Bing Crosby. By the third and fourth time you are almost singing along--especially on the chorus.

Are You Lonesome Tonight -- Bobby Beers vocal, narration by John McCormick, Blue Barron and His Orchestra. Perhaps Elvis' version is a bit faster tempo, but, otherwise, I don't know that Elvis added anything "new" to the arrangement or style of this one. Even the narrated bit is word for word. The prof adds, that "The song dates back to the 1920s and was recorded over the years sometimes as a straight waltz ballad and sometimes including a variation of the spoken interlude heard here and on the famous Elvis version of 1960."

There were 4 "Bewitched"s. According to the prof, there were eight different recorded versions releasing in 1950! But he only included 4. (I wish he'd list the others so I can look them up!) Mel Torme. Doris Day.

Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo PERRY COMO. This is PURE MAGIC. I've decided that the original Barbie (1959) DEFINITELY had this record as a child--as she would have been the perfect age to go to the theatre to see the Disney movie when it released. 

Bushel and a Peck -- Perry Como & Betty Hutton. 

Bye Bye Baby -- Tony Martin. He writes, "Though “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend” is today the most famous of the Leo Robin-Jule Styne tunes from “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” Bye Bye Baby” was the show’s most popularly heard song during the initial months of its Broadway run and a top-20 hit on the Cash Box record charts."

 Can Anyone Explain? The Ames Brothers

Candy and Cake -- Mindy Carson

C'est Si Bon -- Johnny Desmond

Chattanoogie Shoe Shine Boy -- Red Foley

Christmas in Killarney -- Dennis Day

Count Every Star -- Dick Haymes & Artie Shaw. I told Mom I deserved bonus points for knowing Dick Haymes was in State Fair.

Frosty the Snowman -- Gene Autry  

Hoop-Dee-Doo Perry Como and the Fontane Sisters; Doris Day's version.

I Said My Pajamas (and Put ON My Prayers) Tony Martin & Fran Warren.

I Wanna Be Loved -- The Andrews Sisters and Billy Eckstine's version.

I'll Always Love You -- Dean Martin; the78prof writes, "Though a couple of his previous recordings had received some radio airplay, this movie song resulted in Dean’s first-ever appearance on Billboard’s best-sellers chart. The film, a Marie Wilson vehicle “My Friend Irma Goes West,” was the second feature film appearance for the Dean Martin-Jerry Lewis team."

La Vie En Rose... Edith Piaf 1947 version released in US in 1950. Paul Weston, instrumental. Tony Martin. He writes, "The song spent 17 weeks on “Your Hit Parade” (peaking at #1); and of the seven nationally charted record versions, Tony Martin’s top-10 entry came out the winner. If you’ve spent much time collecting 78s, though, you’ve probably also come across many copies of Piaf’s classic French-language version (also posted)."

My own digging: Bing Crosby 1950 La Vie En Rose; Ralph Flanagan and His Orchestra 1950 La Vie En Rose; Victor Young; Louis Armstrong. 

Lucky, Lucky, Lucky Me -- Evelyn Knight. If you're thinking the TUNE is super familiar but you've not heard the song before...it's an "adaptation" of an Italian folk melody. 

A Marshmallow World -- Bing Crosby

Mona Lisa -- Nat King Cole. 

Music! Music! Music! Teresa Brewer; Merv Griffin & the Martin Men; Carmen Cavallaro (Bob Lido & group, vocal).

My Foolish Heart -- Billy Eckstine.  

There were 4 of Nevertheless. Ray Anthony. Paul Weston & The Norman Luboff Choir. The Mills Brothers. Ralph Flanagan, Harry Prime vocal. By the third time I was LOVING it...

Peter Cottontail -- Gene Autry. 

Silver Bells -- Margaret Whiting & Jammy Wakely. 

There's No Tomorrow -- Tony Martin. The prof writes, "here’s No Tomorrow (Hoffman-Corday-Carr) by Tony Martin, orchestra conducted by Henri Rene “O Sole Mio” “It’s Now Or Never” “There’s No Tomorrow” Following his more than a decade of only moderate success, this versatile Neapolitan tune of 1898 provided singer Tony Martin with the type of blockbuster hit record that would help define the rest of his lengthy performing career. The million-seller reached #2 nationally and--most unusually for a popular ballad hit--not a single competing version even showed its face on the record charts."

Three versions of Tzena Tzena Tzena. Weavers. Vic Damone. Mitch Miller.

© 2020 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

1966 Hits Archive

Mom and I finished listening to the 1966 Hits Archive on the45prof's YouTube channel. I listened alphabetically by song title. I felt this was very very much a hit or miss year. I tended to have strong positive or strong negative opinions on most songs. And it felt like whole letters of the alphabet would go by where I just disliked just about everything. And then there'd be a string of songs in a row that I liked. So I can't say it was "bad" overall. I wonder if listening by artist would help??? 

The songs were definitely reflective of the many many cultures and subcultures of the 60s. 

Barbara Ann by the Beach Boys;

Born Free by Roger Williams

Bus Stop -- The Hollies

California Dreamin' The Mamas and the Papas. I Saw Her Again. Monday Monday.

Cherry Cherry -- Neil Diamond

Daydream The Lovin' Spoonful

GLORIA Shadows of Knight

God Only Knows -- The Beach Boys

Good Lovin' The Young Rascals

Good Vibrations The Beach Boys. Wouldn't It Be Nice.

I Am A Rock -- Simon & Garfunkel; Sounds of Silence.

I've Got You Under My Skin -- 4 Seasons; Opus 17; Working My Way Back To You

The Impossible Dream -- Jack Jones

Last Train to Clarksville The Monkees

19th Nervous Breakdown -- The Rolling Stones

Paperback Writer -- The Beatles; Yellow Submarine.

Somewhere My Love -- Ray Conniff & The Singers

Strangers in the Night -- Frank Sinatra; Summer Wind.

Sweet Talkin' Guy -- Chiffons

These Boots Are Made for Walkin' Nancy Sinatra

This Door Swings Both Ways -- Herman's Hermits

You Keep Me Hangin' On The Supremes

 

© 2020 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

1962 Hits Archive

Mom and I finished listening to the 1962 Hits Archive on the45prof's YouTube channel. For context and reference:

• Billboard Year-End Hot 100 Singles of 1962
• Billboard Hot 100 Number Ones of 1962 
  
• Billboard Hot 100 Top-Ten Singles of 1962 

Let the rambling begin... 

Al Di La -- Emilio Pericoli (Italian song)

Alley Cat -- Bent Fabric  

Baby Elephant Walk -- Lawrence Welk 

Big Girls Don't Cry -- 4 Seasons

Breaking UP Is Hard To Do -- Neil Sedaka 

Bring It On Home To Me Sam Cooke; and an answer song by Carla Thomas

B'wa Nina (Pretty Girl) Tokens

Cajun Queen -- Jimmy Dean

Can't Help Fallin In Love -- Elvis 

Comin' Home Baby -- Mel Torme; Did Michael Buble cover this or did I imagine it??? Why is so familiar to me???

Coney Island Baby -- Excellents

Conscience -- James Darren; I don't know why but this song has become my new semi-obsession. I've listened to it about a dozen times in two days!!! (Her Royal Majesty; Mary's Little Lamb) When I heard Mary's Little Lamb...I was like he must have listened to his CONSCIENCE. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

Cotton Fields -- The Highwaymen; Mom tells a story about her baby sister dancing to this one when she was two-ish. I much prefer Creedance...but this isn't bad.

Cry To Me -- Solomon Burke; who doesn't know this one from Dirty Dancing????

Diddle Dee Dum (What Happens When You Fall In Love) Belmonts

Do You Love Me -- Contours

Don't Ask Me To Be Friends -- The Everly Brothers; I am loving this one. 

Don't Play That Song -- Ben E. King

Duke of Earl -- Gene Chandler 

Eso Beso (That Kiss!) Paul Anka 

Flying Circle (Hava Nagila) -- Frank Slay

Having a Party -- Sam Cooke 

Hey Baby -- Bruce Channel

If A Man Answers -- Bobby Darin; if you want me to start gushing ask me about how much I adore IF A MAN ANSWERS THE MOVIE.

Mom made up a dance for this one. I Don't Love You No More Jimmy Norman.

So bad it's good????? Don't know. I Wish That We Were Married. Ronnie & the Hi-Lites. "Sobbing 12 year-old Ronnie Goodson is featured on this ballad."

If I Had a Hammer-- one of mom's favorite songs by Peter, Paul, and Mary. Me...not so much. 

Irresistible You -- Bobby Darin. (Multiplication)

Lemon Tree -- Peter, Paul, and Mary. MY FAVORITE, FAVORITE, FAVORITE Peter, Paul, and Mary song. 

Let's Dance -- Chris Montez

Lollipops and Roses -- Jack Jones; got a good conversation going...we both agreed that there were better things to be sending than lollipops....like barbecue sandwiches.

Love Me Warm and Tender -- Paul Anka seems to sing every single line with MELODRAMA that is unnecessary. That being said, when I love him, I tend to LOVE him...and when I don't...I really don't. This isn't a favorite or best. 

Monster Mash -- Bobby Pickett and Monsters' Holiday. 

Most People Get Married -- Patti Page. 

My Own True Love -- Duprees; AWFUL or WONDERFUL???? 

Nothing Can Change This Love -- Sam Cooke

Nut Rocker -- B. Bumble & The Stingers; a boogied up version of a song from the Nutcracker. 

Palisades Park -- Freddy Cannon

Return to Sender -- Elvis Presley

Santa Claus is Coming to Town -- 4 Seasons

Santa Claus is Watching You -- Ray Stevens

She Can't Find Her Keys -- Paul Petersen; novelty???

She's Got You -- Patsy Cline 

Sherry -- 4 Seasons 

Shout! Shout! Knock Yourself Out -- Ernie Maresca; I think this made it on a Jive Bunny tune???

Soldier Boy -- Shirelles 

Stop the Wedding -- Etta James; melodrama at its finest????? 

Why are surfers stomping???? Surfers Stomp by Marketts

Surfin' Safari -- Beach Boys

Teach Me Tonight -- George Maharis 

That's Old Fashioned -- Everly Brothers

Things -- Bobby Darin

Twistin' the Night Away -- Sam Cooke

Venus in Blue Jeans -- Jimmy Clanton

Side Note: TWISTIN MANIA????

• The Alvin Twist
  
• Baby Face -- Bobby Darin. (Pretty sure that LET'S TWIST a while is not part of the original standard!)
• Bristol Twistin' Annie 
• An anti-twistin' song: The Cha Cha Cha -- Bobby Rydell (he complains about all other dances listing them by name)
• Chattanooga Choo Choo with a boogie(r) beat. Dare I say you could twist to it???
• Dancin' Party -- Chubby Checker
• Dear Lady Twist -- Gary US Bonds
  
• Hey Let's Twist -- Joey Dee & The Starliters 
• Peppermint Twist -- Joey Dee & the Starliters
• Percolator Twist -- Billy Joe and the Checkmates
• Slow Twistin' Chubby Checker
• Twist -- Chubby Checker 
  
• Twist and Shout -- Isley Brothers
• Twist Twist Senora  
• Twist Her Bill Black's Combo 
• Twistin' Matilda -- Jimmy Soul 
• Twistin' Postman -- Marvelettes 
• Twistin' with Linda -- Isley Brothers
  

© 2020 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

1952 Hits Archive

Mom and I finished listening to the 1952 Hits Archive at the78prof's YouTube channel. He writes, "This is a playlist of commercial recordings and songs that proved popular during the calendar year 1952 (some were recorded in 1951) via sales, juke box play, and radio exposure.…plus some others that have gained increased recognition or have been shown to have had an impact during the decades that followed." 

For context, here's a list of Billboard number one singles of 1952 and Billboard year-end top 30 singles of 1952.  

Not my favorite--by a long stretch--but I was SURPRISED that there was a Wimoweh song with so much of what will become The Lion Sleeps Tonight (1961). And it was an adaptation of Mbube from 1939. 

Highlights 

A Kiss to Build A Dream On -- Louis Armstrong 

When I Fall In Love Doris Day

There were 4 "Blue Tango"s. I preferred Leroy Anderson's version--which is only fair since he wrote it. 

Bunny Hop -- Ray Anthony, with Tommy Mercer and Marcie Miller doing vocals.

A Christmas Festival -- Leroy Anderson.  "This first recording of it by Anderson was released over two sides of a single 78rpm and 45rpm record in time for the 1952 holiday season. His more commonly-reissued stereo version of “A Christmas Festival’ was not recorded until 1959, but this post is from the original 1952 mono single."

Plink Plank Plunk! Leroy Anderson 

A Guy is a Guy -- Doris Day  

No Two People -- Doris Day Donald O'Connor; I knew this song from watching Petticoat Junction; it's one of the songs that Steve and Betty Jo sing. 

Singin' in the Rain -- Gene Kelly

It Takes Two To Tango -- Pearl Bailey

Walkin' My Baby Back Home -- Nat King Cole. (Others Somewhere Along the Way, Because You're Mine, Funny.

You Belong To Me Dean Martin

Kiss of Fire -- Georgia Gibbs and Kiss of Fire Tony Martin and Kiss of Fire Billy Eckstine

Botch-a-Me Rosemary Clooney; Half As Much Rosemary Clooney

Too Old To Cut the Mustard -- Rosemary Clooney & Marlene Dietrich

Feet Up (Pat Him On the Po-Po) Guy Mitchell

The Glow Worm Mills Brothers

String Along.  I Wanna Love You; My Favorite Song. All three by the Ames Brothers

Perfidia -- Four Aces; Should I -- Four Aces

Patti Page

• Once In A While
• Come What May
• I Went To Your Wedding
• Whispering Winds
  
• Why Don't You Believe Me 
• Conquest 
• You Belong To Me

 Lady of Spain Les Paul 

Jambalaya -- Hank Williams

 

© 2020 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

1964 Hits Archive

Mom and I finished listening to the45prof's 1964 Hits Archive on his YouTube channel. There are 392 songs on this playlist. There are some GREAT titles. And there are some MESSES. I definitely found myself skipping a LOT. But then again there were songs that I could listen to again and again and again. I think perhaps the diversity of "sounds" or "styles" is one reason why. As we progress through the 1960s instead of there being say three or four main styles to mainstream music, there are dozens and dozens. And the playlist is definitely losing some of its flow.

For your context: Billboard Year End Hot 100 Singles 1964, Billboard Hot 100 Number Ones of 1964, Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 Singles of 1964.

The House of the Rising Sun -- The Animals 

There are 3 Louis Armstrong songs in 1964! Including Hello Dolly!

There are 6 songs by The Beach Boys including my personal favorite Don't Worry Baby and Mom's favorite Fun, Fun, Fun. Others include I Get Around; Dance, Dance, Dance; When I Grow Up To Be A Man; and Wendy.

 There are TWENTY-THREE songs starring The Beatles. Some are better than others. My personal favorite is TWIST AND SHOUT. Or maybe I Saw Her Standing There? Or I Should Have Known Better? Let's just be honest there are only two or three out of those twenty-three that I don't enjoy. 

There were 4 by Chuck Berry. My favorite is probably You Never Can Tell. 

There were at least 2 songs that were later covered by David Cassidy and/or The Partridge Family. Oh No Not My Baby and Walking in the Rain. 

There were two Johnny Cash songs. One borrows the tune and theme from Don't Think Twice, It's All Right. Understand Your Man. It's a FRANKLY MY DEAR if I ever heard one. It Ain't Me Babe. It was hard to hear Cash singing this after knowing and loving The Turtles version. 

A Summer Song by Chad and Jeremy was LOVELY. Original Barbie DEFINITELY had this song. 

My Heart Cries for You -- Ray Charles. It was nice to see this one reappear. It was covered a lot, I think, in 1950/1951.

There were several Sam Cooke songs. Good Times. Good News. Cousin of Mine. Tennessee Waltz.

There were seven songs by the Dave Clark Five. Including Glad All Over. Because. 

Dale & Gale's Stop and Think It Over. 

Gonna Get Along Without You Now -- Skeeter Davis; I remember the Patience and Prudence version. 

Is this 1964's Red Solo Cup??? Hey Jean, Hey Dean (Let's Have A Party) by Dean and Jean. 

Chapel of Love -- Dixie Cups. I really enjoyed YOU SHOULD HAVE SEEN THE WAY HE LOOKED AT ME. 

The Shoop Shoop Song (It's In His Kiss) Betty Everett. 

Let It Be Me Betty Everett & Jerry Butler. I LOVE this song.

There were SEVEN songs by the 4 Seasons. Dawn. Stay. Ronnie. Alone. Rag Doll. Save It For Me. Big Man In Town. 

Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying Gerry and the Pacemakers.

You Don't Own Me Lesley Gore 

I'm Into Something Good -- Hermans Hermits

Little Honda -- Hondells 

Little Old Lady from Pasadena -- Jan & Dean

Come A Little Bit Closer -- Jay & the Americans

You Really Got Me -- Kinks

Goin' Out of My Head -- Little Anthony & The Imperials

Do Wah Diddy Diddy by Manfred Mann

Everybody Loves Somebody -- Dean Martin

3 songs by Roger Miller: Dang Me, Chug-a-lug, Do-whacka-do

Popsicles and Icicles Murmaids 

A World Without Love -- Peter and Gordon

California Sun -- The Rivieras

Time Is On My Side -- Rolling Stones

4 Songs by The Ronettes: Baby I Love You; Walking in the Rain; Do I Love You? Best Part of Breaking Up. 

Softly As I Leave You -- Frank Sinatra

Dusty Springfield -- Wishin' and Hopin' and I Only Want To Be With You. 

The Supremes -- Where Did Our Love Go? Baby Love. Come See About Me.

She's Not There -- The Zombies

© 2020 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

1954 Hits Archive

 Mom and I listened to the 1954 Hits Archive on the78prof's YouTube channel. There were 187 songs and most were solidly good. (There were just a few we had to skip. I have a low tolerance for whistling.) For context, I'll provide the links for 

• Billboard year-end top 30 singles of 1954
• Billboard number one singles of 1954
  

Highlights

Answer Me My Love -- Nat King Cole

Changing Partners -- Bing Crosby (there were three artists who sang this song)

Cuddle Me -- Ronnie Gaylord showing some signs of DOO-WOP

For ridiculousness I offer Gilly Gilly Ossenfeffer Katzenellen Bogen by The Sea by The Four Lads

A Girl, A Girl by Eddie Fisher -- silly and made me shout at the TV a bit

Half As Lovely Twice As True -- Frank Sinatra 

This is a CATCHY tune The Happy Wanderer Henri Rene Musette and Chorus.  

But not as CATCHY as this one Hernando's Hideaway -- Archie Bleyer

I LOVE this one, I don't know why, I Understand -- Four Tunes 

If I Didn't Care -- Hilltoppers.

The Little Shoemaker -- The Gaylords 

Mambo Italiano -- Rosemary Clooney

Mr. Sandman -- Chordettes

Papa Loves Mambo -- Perry Como

Secret Love -- Doris Day

Shake Rattle and Roll Bill Haley and His Comets

Sh-Boom -- Crewcuts and  The Chords

Sisters -- Rosemary and Betty Clooney 

Smile -- Nat King Cole

Sway -- Dean Martin

That's Amore -- Dean Martin

This Ole House -- Rosemary Clooney

Young at Heart -- Frank Sinatra

© 2020 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

1953 Hits Archive

Mom and I finished listening to the 1953 Hits Archive on the78prof's YouTube channel. Mom didn't love 1953 nearly as much as later years. I preferred 1951 to 1953, but I am still loving the early 50s.

For context: Billboard year-end top 30 singles of 1953;  Billboard number one singles of 1953;

I thought this time I would do a top ten list instead of trying to cover everything. 

Honorable Mentions: You, You, You by Ames Brothers; No Moon At All by Ames Brothers; I Can't Believe That You're In Love With Me by Ames Brothers; My Lady Loves to Dance -- Julius La Rosa; No Help Wanted -- Rusty Draper;

1. That's All -- Nat King Cole 
2. Swedish Rhapsody -- Percy Faith
3. Eh, Cumpari -- Julius La Rosa
   
4. Istanbul (Not Constantinople) Four Lads
   
5. The Typewriter -- Leroy Anderson 
6. Love Me, Love Me -- Bobby Wayne;  Love Me, Love Me -- Dean Martin
7. We'll Meet Again -- Vera Lynn
   
8. No Other Love -- Perry Como
   
9. Don't Let the Stars Get In Your Eyes -- Perry Como
   
10. Many Times -- Eddie Fisher; 
    

 

© 2020 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

1951 HIts Archive

Mom and I listened to the 1951 Hits Archive on the45prof's YouTube channel. We listen alphabetically by song title. But I've really grown to love reviewing the playlist by scrolling through and re-listening to songs via the alphabetical by artist playlist. I love that he gives options! Here is what he writes about the playlist, "This is a playlist of commercial recordings and songs that proved popular during the calendar year 1951 (some were recorded in 1950) via sales, juke box play, and radio exposure.…plus some others that have gained increased recognition or have been shown to have had an impact during the decades that followed."

Billboard Number One Singles of 1951

Billboard Year-End Top 30 Singles of 1951

Ames Brothers

• Undecided  I really LOVE this song!!! 
• Sentimental Journey. I was familiar with the Doris Day version; this is nice--mostly instrumental with the vocals coming much later in the song--about halfway through.
• Hawaiin War Chant 
  
• I could not make it through the Wang Wang Blues.

Leroy Anderson -- The Syncopated Clock;  Trumpeter's Lullaby

Be My Love appears twice on the list. But I much prefer the Ray Anthony and His Orchestra with vocals by Ronnie Deauville.

 Undecided -- Ray Anthony Orchestra with vocals by Tommy Mercer and Gloria Craig and the Skyliners. I really adore both versions. I could see listening to this on again-again mode. It's just so DELIGHTFULLY flirty and swinging.

 Louis Armstrong -- I Get Ideas. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Louis Armstrong. And I love this song too. 

There were FOUR versions of Because of You. I know which one is my least favorite--Tony Bennett. But I'm not sure which one of the other three I love best. Les Baxter. Tab Smith; Guy Lombardo and Gloria DeHaven. 

Tony Bennett had several songs on the list, but the only one I like is I Won't Cry Anymore.

There is the novelty record I Taut I Taw a Puddy Tat by MEL BLANC

Vanity Don Cherry. Don't tease me in the notes with versions by Sarah Vaughan and Tony Martin if you're not going to include them too! I searched them out. (I *think* I prefer the Tony Martin. But the Sarah Vaughan is very nice.)

There are THREE versions of this next song. It's called "Sin" (with quotation marks) by The Four Aces, It's No Sin by Eddy Howard and His Orchestra; (It's No) Sin by Savannah Churchill.

Rosemary Clooney's Come On-a My House and an answer song by Robert Q. Lewis. Where's-a-Your-House.

There were two Beautiful Brown Eyes. One by Rosemary Clooney and one by Jimmy Wakely and Les Baxter. 

Mixed Emotions by Rosemary Clooney; 

There are FOUR songs by Nat King Cole. Too Young; Jet; Unforgettable; Red Sails in the Sunset. 

There are FIVE songs by Perry Como: You're Just In Love; Hello, Young Lovers; Zing Zing Zoom Zoom; If; It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas. 

There are FOUR songs by Bing Crosby. Sparrow in the Tree Top; When You and I Were Young; In the Cool, Cool, Cool of the Evening; Moonlight Bay. 

There were FIVE by Vic Damone: Longing for You;  Wonder Why; My Truly Truly Fair; My Heart Cries for You; Calla Calla. 

Two songs by Doris Day: Would I Love You (Love You, Love You) with Harry James; Shanghai. 

Sixty Minute Man by The Dominoes. "Though hardly the type of song to receive widespread exposure on most major radio stations in 1951, this suggestive rhythm & blues number by Billy Ward’s group was such a huge R&B hit (#1 for 14 weeks) that it also attracted enough measurable ‘mainstream’ record sales and juke box play to gain entry to the pop chart listings as well."

Billy Eckstine -- I Apologize. 

Tommy Edwards' It's All In the Game; The Morningside of the Mountain.

FOUR songs by Eddie Fisher. Now, I usually HATE Fisher. But. I didn't hate his 1951 numbers. (Not that I loved them.) Bring Back the Thrill. Turn Back the Hands of Time. I'll Hold You In My Heart. Unless. My favorite is probably I'll Hold YOu In My Heart.

Tennessee Ernie Ford offers the SHOT GUN BOOGIE.  

I've Got You Under My Skin -- Stan Freberg; this is a COMEDY SKETCH; GIVE IT AT LEAST A Minute OR SO BEFORE REJECTING IT. YOU'LL BE TEMPTED TO SKIP IT. Now one you have my blessing to skip is JOHN AND MARSHA also by Freberg.

Two songs by Georgia Gibbs: While You Danced, Danced, Danced; I Still Feel the Same About You.  

There were THREE versions of ON TOP OF OLD SMOKY. Weavers & Terry Gilkyson. Burl Ives & Percy Faith. Vaughn Monroe.

It Is No Secret (What God Can Do) Bill Kenny & the Song Spinners

There were seven songs starring Frankie Laine--sometimes solos, sometimes duets. My favorite was Pretty Eyed Baby which he sang with Jo Stafford. Their cover of Hey, Good Lookin'

Three by Mario Lanza--I don't care for his style/singing. But I might like The Loveliest Night of the Year if it was sung by someone else.

Get Out Those Old Records -- Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians

There were four versions of Tennessee Waltz. Patti Page. Les Paul and Mary Ford. Guy Lombardo's Orchestra and Kenny Gardner. Jo Stafford. 

Never Been Kissed -- Freddy Martin and His Orchestra; Vocal Refrain by Merv Griffin.  

Tony Martin -- I Get Ideas;  Domino; A Penny a Kiss (A Penny a Hug) with Dinah Shore. 

Seven songs by Guy Mitchell; My Truly Truly Fair; My Heart Cries for You; Belle Belle My Liberty Belle; I Can't Help It If I'm Still In Love With You; Sparrow in the Tree Top; The Roving Kind; Unless. 

Old Soldiers Never Die. Vaughn Monroe. 

Seven by Patti Page. Mockin' Bird Hill; Down the Trail of Achin' Hearts; Detour; And So To Sleep Again; Would I Love You (Love You Love YOu). Mister and Mississippi.

Ten featuring Les Paul. Sometimes with, sometimes without Mary Ford. I'll just link to a few. The World Is Waiting for the Sunrise. How High the Moon.

Aba Daba Honeymoon -- Debbie Reynolds & Carleton Carpenter (there were two versions in 1951)

Three songs by Frank Sinatra -- We Kiss In A Shadow; Castle Rock; I'm A Fool To Want You. 

If by Jo Stafford; it was nice to hear a female version of this.  She also did Shrimp Boats. 

And just in case you aren't already humming My Heart Cries for You.... Jimmy Wakely. Dinah Shore. 

So Long (It's Been Good To Know You) Weavers & Gordon Jenkins

And another version of Shanghai by Billy Williams Quartet

© 2020 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

1965 Hits Archive

Mom and I have finished listening to the 1965 Hits Archive on the45prof's YouTube channel. (We were interrupted by the global outage on November 11, 2020).  

When I told her I spun the wheel for 1965 she was a bit skeptical. "Are you sure you spun the wheel?" I told her if I was "cheating" the wheel spins, I wouldn't be skipping around so much in the years! I would have listened to 1962 or 1964 instead of jumping to 1965.

For some context:

Billboard Year-End Hot 100 Singles of 1965

Billboard Hot 100 Number Ones of 1965

Billboard Hot 100 Top-Ten Singles of 1965

1965 in Music (Wikipedia)

The list opens with Act Naturally by The Beatles. (Well, the alphabetical by SONG TITLE opens with Act Naturally.) Sadly, Mom wasn't able to identify it as RINGO singing. How she's remained oblivious to the Beatles after my twenty-five year obsession is beyond me! But it has to be intentional tuning out, right? 

There were definitely songs that she could "torture" me with and I could "torture" her with on this list. But we also have a good many songs in common for this year. (For example, she loves ODE TO THE LITTLE BROWN SHACK OUT BACK.)

About the playlist overall, there were songs I loved, loved, loved. Songs that made me squeal when they started playing. Songs that I could listen to on repeat for hours on end. Songs that I know most if not all the words. There are some great songs. But. There are also plenty--maybe even a majority?--of songs that I just had no desire to even listen to all the way through--let alone twice. So I can't just say that 1965 was an amazing year that I could "live in" forever. 

Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass -- Taste of Honey;  

The Animals had four songs on the list. My favorite was probably We Gotta Get Out of This Place. (Also It's My Life.)

Rescue Me -- Fontella Bass 

There were five songs by the Beach Boys including Do You Wanna Dance, California Girls, Help Me Rhonda, The Little Girl I Once Knew, and Please Let Me Wonder.

There were seven songs by the Beatles including: Help, Eight Days a Week, Yes It Is, Ticket to Ride, I Don't Want To Spoil the Party, Yesterday, and Act Naturally. 

There were four songs by a group called Beau Brummels. I have never heard of them! Laugh, Laugh; Don't Talk to Strangers; Just a Little; You Tell Me. 

10 Little Bottles Johnny Bond; reminds me of a hick-a-fied I Love Lucy moment.

There were three songs by the Byrds. Turn, Turn, Turn; Mr. Tambourine Man; All I Really Want To Do.

An unfamiliar to me recording of Land of 1000 Dances. (Cannibal and the Headhunters)

Remember when I said squealing was involved, well HOLD ME, THRILL ME, KISS ME by Mel Carter was one such. 

Four songs by a group called CHAD AND JEREMY. (Again, never heard of them or their songs.) If I Loved You; What Do You Want With Me; Before and After; I Don't Want to Lose You Baby. 

Five songs by the Dave Clark Five: Over and Over; I Like It Like That; Catch Us If You Can; Come Home; Reelin' and Rockin'. Some were definitely better than others.

Four by Petula Clark. Notably Downtown. 

Four by Sam Cooke (he died in December 1964). A Change is Gonna Come. Shake. It's Got the Whole World Shaking. Sugar Dumpling. 

What the World Needs Now Is Love by Jackie DeShannon

There were two dismal songs by Patty Duke. 

There were four songs by the 4 Seasons. I like how on each 45, it's printed featuring the "SOUND" of Frankie Valli. Why the quotation marks???? Let's Hang On; Bye, bye, Baby; Girl Come Running; Don't Think Twice, It's All Right.

I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bun) The Four Tops; one of four songs on the list.

Freddie and the Dreamers had five songs--I didn't care for any of them. And one was really strange.

Gerry and the Pacemakers had 4 songs--You'll Never Walk Alone, I'll Be There; It's Gonna Be Alright; Ferry Cross the Mersey.

Three Lesley Gore songs -- SUNSHINE, LOLLIPOPS, AND RAINBOWS  My Town, My Guy and Me Look of Love

Six songs by Herman's Hermits. Can't You Hear My Heartbeart; Wonderful World; Mrs. Brown You've Got a Lovely Daughter; Silhouettes; I'm Henry the VIII I Am; Just A Little Bit Better. 

Four songs by Jam and the Americans; Cara Mia; Sunday and Me; Let's Lock the Door; Some Enchanted Evening;

Four Tom Jones songs to suffer through--or not.

Four songs by The Kings: Tired of Waiting for You;  Set Me Free; All Day and All of the Night; Who'll be the Next in Line.

A vocal version of A Summer Place by the Lettermen.

Barbara Lewis -- Baby I'm Yours; Make Me Your Baby

4 songs by Gary Lewis and the Playboys: This Diamond Ring, Count Me In; Save Your Heart for Me; Everybody Loves a Clown;

Do You Believe in Magic -- Lovin' Spoonful. 

5 Songs by Dean Martin-- but I didn't really "love" any of them despite me loving him usually. 

Yes, I'm Ready -- Barbara Mason

Queen of the House -- Jody Miller

Roger Miller time!!!! King of the Road;  Engine Engine #9; England Swings; One Dyin' and A Buryin'; Kansas City Star.

Go Now by the Moody Blues

I've Got A Tiger by the Tail by Buck Owens

The Righteous Brothers: You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling; Unchained Melody; 

There are 4 Rollings Stones including Satisfaction; Get Off My Cloud

Give Him A Great Big Kiss by Shangri-Las

Flowers on the Wall -- Statler Brothers

Five songs by Sonny and Cher; two more by just Cher? I am not the biggest fan.

4 songs by the Supremes including Stop! In the Name of Love; Back in My Arms Again. I Hear A Symphony. Nothing But Heartaches.

My Girl -- The Temptations

A Lover's Concerto -- Toys 

The Turtles It Ain't Me Babe and Let Me Be

An early version of "Get Together" by We Five called LET'S Get together.

© 2020 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews