Mary Boy Child
"Mary Boy Child" is a Christmas song written by Jester Hairston in 1956 and it was first recorded by Harry Belafonte. An edited version was subsequently released as a single, topping #1 on the UK charts for 6 weeks from late November 1957 to early January 1958.
One of the most famous covers of the song is from the disco-group Boney M with their version of "Mary's Boy Child - Oh My Lord". This version returned the song to the top of the UK charts for 3 weeks in December 1978.
It has also been recorded by artistes including Nat King Cole, John Denver, The Brothers Four, Jim Reeves, Rolf Harris and many others.
Tuesday, 29 December 2009
50s - You Send Me (Sam Cooke)
You Send Me
"You Send Me", written and sung by singer / songwriter, Sam Cooke, became an instant hit when released in 1957. It topped the US Billoard Pop and R&B singles charts for 2 weeks in November.
The record established Cooke as a mainstream R&B singer, apart from his gospel roots. And since its release, the song has become a landmark record of the soul genre, which Cooke helped create.
The song has been covered by a number of artists, including Nat King Cole, The Drifters, Everly Brothers, Jose Feliciano, Aretha Franklin, The Supremes, Rod Stewart and Michael Bolton, etc.
Lyrics:
Darling you send me
I know you send me
Darling you send me
Honest you do, honest you do
Honest you do
whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh you thrill me
I know you, you, you thrill me
Darling you, you, you, you thrill me
Honest you do
At first I thought it was infatuation
But woo, it's lasted so long
Now I find myself wanting
To marry you and take you home
Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh you, you, you, you send me
I know you send me
I know you send me
Honest you do
Whoa-oh-oh, whenever I'm with you
I know, I know, I know when I'm near you
Mmm hmm, mmm hmm, honest you do, honest you do
Whoa-oh-oh, I know-oh-oh-oh
I know, I know, I know, when you hold me
Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh, whenever you kiss me
Mmm hmm, mmm hmm, honest you do
At first I thought it was infatuation
But woo, it's lasted so long
Now I find myself wanting
To marry you and take you home
I know, I know, I know, you send me
I know you send me
Whoa-oh-oh-oh, you you you you send me
Honest you do
"You Send Me", written and sung by singer / songwriter, Sam Cooke, became an instant hit when released in 1957. It topped the US Billoard Pop and R&B singles charts for 2 weeks in November.
The record established Cooke as a mainstream R&B singer, apart from his gospel roots. And since its release, the song has become a landmark record of the soul genre, which Cooke helped create.
The song has been covered by a number of artists, including Nat King Cole, The Drifters, Everly Brothers, Jose Feliciano, Aretha Franklin, The Supremes, Rod Stewart and Michael Bolton, etc.
Lyrics:
Darling you send me
I know you send me
Darling you send me
Honest you do, honest you do
Honest you do
whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh you thrill me
I know you, you, you thrill me
Darling you, you, you, you thrill me
Honest you do
At first I thought it was infatuation
But woo, it's lasted so long
Now I find myself wanting
To marry you and take you home
Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh you, you, you, you send me
I know you send me
I know you send me
Honest you do
Whoa-oh-oh, whenever I'm with you
I know, I know, I know when I'm near you
Mmm hmm, mmm hmm, honest you do, honest you do
Whoa-oh-oh, I know-oh-oh-oh
I know, I know, I know, when you hold me
Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh, whenever you kiss me
Mmm hmm, mmm hmm, honest you do
At first I thought it was infatuation
But woo, it's lasted so long
Now I find myself wanting
To marry you and take you home
I know, I know, I know, you send me
I know you send me
Whoa-oh-oh-oh, you you you you send me
Honest you do
Friday, 18 December 2009
50s - Jailhouse Rock/Treat Me Nice (Elvis)
Jailhouse Rock
"Jailhouse Rock" and its B-side "Treat Me Nice", both written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, from Elvis Presley's third movie, topped the US charts for 7 weeks (6 weeks in October - November 1957, with a break for 2 weeks by Sam Cooke's "You Send Me", and back to top for 1 week in December).
"Jailhouse Rock" was a #1 hit for UK charts for 3 weeks (January - February 1958). In 2005, the song was re-released in the UK and reached #1 for a single week.
Among the artites who have covered the "Jailhouse Rock" are: Jerry Lee Lewis, The Animals, Patti Smith, ZZ Top, John Cougar Mellencamp, Michael Bolton and Carl Perkins.
"Jailhouse Rock" and its B-side "Treat Me Nice", both written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, from Elvis Presley's third movie, topped the US charts for 7 weeks (6 weeks in October - November 1957, with a break for 2 weeks by Sam Cooke's "You Send Me", and back to top for 1 week in December).
"Jailhouse Rock" was a #1 hit for UK charts for 3 weeks (January - February 1958). In 2005, the song was re-released in the UK and reached #1 for a single week.
Among the artites who have covered the "Jailhouse Rock" are: Jerry Lee Lewis, The Animals, Patti Smith, ZZ Top, John Cougar Mellencamp, Michael Bolton and Carl Perkins.
50s - Wake Up Little Susie (Everly Brothers)
Wake Up Little Susie
"Wake Up Little Susie" is a popular song written by Felice and Boudleaux Bryant in 1957. The song is best known in a recording by The Everly Brothers.
The song reached #1 on the Billboard charts briefly for 1 week in 1957, despite having been banned from Boston radio stations for lyrics that— at the time —were considered suggestive. It got to #2 on the United Kingdom song charts.
Among notable musical groups performing covers of the song are Simon and Garfunkel and the Grateful Dead. Simon and Garfunkel's live version of "Wake Up Little Susie" reached #27 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1982. Other artistes who recorded this song include Loggins & Messina, The Flying Burrito Brothers and Suzy Quatro.
lyrics:
Wake up, little Susie, wake up
Wake up, little Susie, wake up
We've both been sound asleep, wake up, little Susie, and weep
The movies over, its four oclock, and we're in trouble deep
Wake up little Susie
Wake up little Susie, well
Whatta we gonna tell your mama
Whatta we gonna tell your pa
Whatta we gonna tell our friends when they say ooh-la-la
Wake up little Susie
Wake up little Susie, well
I told your mama that youd be in by ten
Well Susie baby looks like we goofed again
Wake up little Susie
Wake up little Susie, we gotta go home
Wake up, little Susie, wake up
Wake up, little Susie, wake up
The movie wasn't so hot, it didn't have much of a plot
We fell asleep, our goose is cooked, our reputation is shot
Wake up little Susie
Wake up little Susie, well
Whatta we gonna tell your mama
Whatta we gonna tell your pa
Whatta we gonna tell our friends when they say ooh-la-la
Wake up little Susie
Wake up little Susie
Wake up little Susie
"Wake Up Little Susie" is a popular song written by Felice and Boudleaux Bryant in 1957. The song is best known in a recording by The Everly Brothers.
The song reached #1 on the Billboard charts briefly for 1 week in 1957, despite having been banned from Boston radio stations for lyrics that— at the time —were considered suggestive. It got to #2 on the United Kingdom song charts.
Among notable musical groups performing covers of the song are Simon and Garfunkel and the Grateful Dead. Simon and Garfunkel's live version of "Wake Up Little Susie" reached #27 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1982. Other artistes who recorded this song include Loggins & Messina, The Flying Burrito Brothers and Suzy Quatro.
lyrics:
Wake up, little Susie, wake up
Wake up, little Susie, wake up
We've both been sound asleep, wake up, little Susie, and weep
The movies over, its four oclock, and we're in trouble deep
Wake up little Susie
Wake up little Susie, well
Whatta we gonna tell your mama
Whatta we gonna tell your pa
Whatta we gonna tell our friends when they say ooh-la-la
Wake up little Susie
Wake up little Susie, well
I told your mama that youd be in by ten
Well Susie baby looks like we goofed again
Wake up little Susie
Wake up little Susie, we gotta go home
Wake up, little Susie, wake up
Wake up, little Susie, wake up
The movie wasn't so hot, it didn't have much of a plot
We fell asleep, our goose is cooked, our reputation is shot
Wake up little Susie
Wake up little Susie, well
Whatta we gonna tell your mama
Whatta we gonna tell your pa
Whatta we gonna tell our friends when they say ooh-la-la
Wake up little Susie
Wake up little Susie
Wake up little Susie
Thursday, 17 December 2009
50s - That"ll Be The Day (The Crickets)
That'll Be The Day
"That'll Be the Day" is a song written by Buddy Holly and Jerry Allison. To dodge some legal contract complications, it was released under the name of The Crickets instead of the band's original name of Buddy Holly and The Crikets.
It topped the US Billboard charts briefly for 1 week in September 1957 and when released later in UK, it went up to the #1 spot and remained there for 3 weeks in November.
The song is considered a classic in the rock and roll genre. It has been covered by many artistes including Linda Ronstadt, The Beatles, Paul & Barry Ryan, etc.
Lyrics:
Well, that'll be the day,
When you say good-bye.
Ye-hess, that'll be the day,
When you make me cry-ii.
You say you're gonna leave,
You know it's a lie.
'Cause that'll be the da-ay-ay,
When I die.
Well, you gimme all your lovin',
And your t-urtle dovin'.
All your hugs and kisses,
And your money too.
We-ell-a, you know you love me, baby,
Still you tell me, "Maybe,
That someday, well, I'll be blue."
Well, when Cupid shot his dart,
He shot it at your heart.
So, if we ever part,
Then I'll leave you!
You sit and hold me,
And you tell me boldly,
That someday, well, I'll be blue.
Well, that'll be the day, whoo-oo,
That'll be the day, whoo-oo,
That'll be the day, whoo-oo,
That'll be the day.
"That'll Be the Day" is a song written by Buddy Holly and Jerry Allison. To dodge some legal contract complications, it was released under the name of The Crickets instead of the band's original name of Buddy Holly and The Crikets.
It topped the US Billboard charts briefly for 1 week in September 1957 and when released later in UK, it went up to the #1 spot and remained there for 3 weeks in November.
The song is considered a classic in the rock and roll genre. It has been covered by many artistes including Linda Ronstadt, The Beatles, Paul & Barry Ryan, etc.
Lyrics:
Well, that'll be the day,
When you say good-bye.
Ye-hess, that'll be the day,
When you make me cry-ii.
You say you're gonna leave,
You know it's a lie.
'Cause that'll be the da-ay-ay,
When I die.
Well, you gimme all your lovin',
And your t-urtle dovin'.
All your hugs and kisses,
And your money too.
We-ell-a, you know you love me, baby,
Still you tell me, "Maybe,
That someday, well, I'll be blue."
Well, when Cupid shot his dart,
He shot it at your heart.
So, if we ever part,
Then I'll leave you!
You sit and hold me,
And you tell me boldly,
That someday, well, I'll be blue.
Well, that'll be the day, whoo-oo,
That'll be the day, whoo-oo,
That'll be the day, whoo-oo,
That'll be the day.
50s - Diana (Paul Anka)
Diana
"Diana" is a song composed and sung by Canadian Paul Anka in 1957. It topped the US Billboard briefly for one week (end August, 1957) but stayed at #1 spot for 9 weeks (!) on the UK single charts from end August to October, 1957.
Paul Anka was only 16 when he recorded the song and it was dedicated to an older girl, Diana Ayoub, with whom Paul sang in Ottawa's Syrian Church Choir.
"Diana" is a song composed and sung by Canadian Paul Anka in 1957. It topped the US Billboard briefly for one week (end August, 1957) but stayed at #1 spot for 9 weeks (!) on the UK single charts from end August to October, 1957.
Paul Anka was only 16 when he recorded the song and it was dedicated to an older girl, Diana Ayoub, with whom Paul sang in Ottawa's Syrian Church Choir.
Friday, 11 December 2009
50s - Tammy (Debbie Reynolds)
Tammy
Next to break Elvis' reign ("Teddy Bear/Loving You") at the US charts was actress/singer Debbie Reynolds with her song "Tammy".
The song was written by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans and first debuted in the 1957 film Tammy and the Bachelor).
Debbie's recording of the song earned her a gold record and was the best-selling single by a female vocalist in 1957. It was number one for 3 weeks (2 weeks in August & 1 week in September) on the Billboard pop charts.
Lyrics:
I hear the cottonwoods whisperin' above,
"Tammy ... Tammy ... Tammy's in love"
The ole hooty-owl hooty-hoos to the dove,
"Tammy ... Tammy ... Tammy's in love"
Does my lover feel
What I feel
When he comes near?
My heart beats so joyfully,
You'd think that he could hear
Wish I knew if he knew
What I'm dreamin' of
Tammy ... Tammy ... Tammy's in love
Whippoorwill, whippoorwill, you and I know
Tammy ... Tammy ... can't let him go
The breeze from the bayou keeps murmuring low:
"Tammy ... Tammy ... you love him so"
When the night is warm,
Soft and warm,
I long for his charms
I'd sing like a violin
If I were in his arms
Wish I knew if he knew
What I'm dreaming of
Tammy ... Tammy ... Tammy's in love
Next to break Elvis' reign ("Teddy Bear/Loving You") at the US charts was actress/singer Debbie Reynolds with her song "Tammy".
The song was written by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans and first debuted in the 1957 film Tammy and the Bachelor).
Debbie's recording of the song earned her a gold record and was the best-selling single by a female vocalist in 1957. It was number one for 3 weeks (2 weeks in August & 1 week in September) on the Billboard pop charts.
Lyrics:
I hear the cottonwoods whisperin' above,
"Tammy ... Tammy ... Tammy's in love"
The ole hooty-owl hooty-hoos to the dove,
"Tammy ... Tammy ... Tammy's in love"
Does my lover feel
What I feel
When he comes near?
My heart beats so joyfully,
You'd think that he could hear
Wish I knew if he knew
What I'm dreamin' of
Tammy ... Tammy ... Tammy's in love
Whippoorwill, whippoorwill, you and I know
Tammy ... Tammy ... can't let him go
The breeze from the bayou keeps murmuring low:
"Tammy ... Tammy ... you love him so"
When the night is warm,
Soft and warm,
I long for his charms
I'd sing like a violin
If I were in his arms
Wish I knew if he knew
What I'm dreaming of
Tammy ... Tammy ... Tammy's in love
50s - Teddy Bear/Loving You (Elvis)
Teddy Bear / Loving You
After a short-break (of 5 weeks by Pat Boone's Love Letter In The Sand) at the top of the US charts, King Elvis returned to the throne with a double-A side single, "Teddy Bear" and "Loving You" and stayed there for 7 weeks (late June to mid-August, 1957).
"Teddy Bear" was written by Kal Mann and Bernie Lowe while "Loving you" was written by prolific songwriting team of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller.
The soundtrack from Elvis Presley's new (second)movie, Loving You, had also become a top selling album for 11 weeks (July - September 1957).
Lyrics:
Baby let me be,
Your lovin teddy bear
Put a chain around my neck,
And lead me anywhere
Oh let me be
Your teddy bear.
I don't wanna be a tiger
Cause tigers play too rough
I don't wanna be a lion
Cause lions aint the kind
You love enough.
Just wanna be, your teddy bear
Put a chain around my neck
And lead me anywhere
Oh let me be
Your teddy bear.
Baby let me be, around you every night
Run your fingers through my hair,
And cuddle me real tight
Oh let me be
Your teddy bear
Lyrics:
I will spend my whole life through
Loving you, just loving you
Winter, summer, springtime too
Loving you, loving you
Makes no difference where I go or what I may do
You know that I'll always be loving you, just you
And if I'm seen with someone new
Don't be blue, don't you be blue
I'll be faithful, I'll be true
Always true, true to you
There is only one for me and you know who
You know that I'll always be loving you
After a short-break (of 5 weeks by Pat Boone's Love Letter In The Sand) at the top of the US charts, King Elvis returned to the throne with a double-A side single, "Teddy Bear" and "Loving You" and stayed there for 7 weeks (late June to mid-August, 1957).
"Teddy Bear" was written by Kal Mann and Bernie Lowe while "Loving you" was written by prolific songwriting team of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller.
The soundtrack from Elvis Presley's new (second)movie, Loving You, had also become a top selling album for 11 weeks (July - September 1957).
Lyrics:
Baby let me be,
Your lovin teddy bear
Put a chain around my neck,
And lead me anywhere
Oh let me be
Your teddy bear.
I don't wanna be a tiger
Cause tigers play too rough
I don't wanna be a lion
Cause lions aint the kind
You love enough.
Just wanna be, your teddy bear
Put a chain around my neck
And lead me anywhere
Oh let me be
Your teddy bear.
Baby let me be, around you every night
Run your fingers through my hair,
And cuddle me real tight
Oh let me be
Your teddy bear
Lyrics:
I will spend my whole life through
Loving you, just loving you
Winter, summer, springtime too
Loving you, loving you
Makes no difference where I go or what I may do
You know that I'll always be loving you, just you
And if I'm seen with someone new
Don't be blue, don't you be blue
I'll be faithful, I'll be true
Always true, true to you
There is only one for me and you know who
You know that I'll always be loving you
50s - Love Letter In The Sand (Pat Boone)
Love Letter In The Sand
"Love Letters in the Sand" is a popular song first published in 1931. The music was written by J. Fred Coots and the lyrics by Nick Kenny and Charles Kenny.
Ted Black's orchestra had the first major hit. It was a winner for Ruby Valee, Bing Crosby and Vince Hill, among other. But Pat Boone's cover became a major hit in the chart for 5 weeks from May to June 1957, displacing Elvis' "All Shook Up".
Lyrics:
On a day like today
We passed the time away
Writing love letters in the sand
How you laughed when I cried
Each time I saw the tide
Take our love letters from the sand
CHORUS
You made a vow that you would ever be true
But somehow that vow meant nothing to you
Now my broken heart aches
With every wave that breaks
Over love letters in the sand
"Love Letters in the Sand" is a popular song first published in 1931. The music was written by J. Fred Coots and the lyrics by Nick Kenny and Charles Kenny.
Ted Black's orchestra had the first major hit. It was a winner for Ruby Valee, Bing Crosby and Vince Hill, among other. But Pat Boone's cover became a major hit in the chart for 5 weeks from May to June 1957, displacing Elvis' "All Shook Up".
Lyrics:
On a day like today
We passed the time away
Writing love letters in the sand
How you laughed when I cried
Each time I saw the tide
Take our love letters from the sand
CHORUS
You made a vow that you would ever be true
But somehow that vow meant nothing to you
Now my broken heart aches
With every wave that breaks
Over love letters in the sand
50s - All Shook Up (Elvis)
All Shook Up
"All Shook Up", Elvis' next hit song after "Love Me Tender", topped the Billboard chart again for 5 weeks from mid April to mid May 1957. The song did better in UK staying at the top of the singles chart for 9 weeks from June to August.
The song was composed by Otis Blackwell and again Elvis was given the credit as a co-writer.
Noteworthy artistes who had covered the song include The Jeff Beck Group (1969), Suzy Quatro (mid-70s), Billy Joel (1991), Paul McCartney (1999) and Cliff Richard (2001).
Lyrics:
A well I bless my soul
What's wrong with me?
Im itching like a man on a fuzzy tree
My friends say Im actin wild as a bug
Im in love
Im all shook up
Mm mm oh, oh, yeah, yeah!
My hands are shaky and my knees are weak
I can't seem to stand on my own two feet
Who do you thank when you have such luck?
Im in love
Im all shook up
Mm mm oh, oh, yeah, yeah!
Please don't ask me what's on my mind
Im a little mixed up, but Im feelin fine
When Im near that girl that I love best
My heart beats so it scares me to death!
She touched my hand what a chill I got
Her lips are like a vulcano that's hot
Im proud to say she's my buttercup
Im in love
Im all shook up
Mm mm oh, oh, yeah, yeah!
My tongue get tied when I try to speak
My insides shake like a leaf on a tree
There's only one cure for this body of mine
That's to have the girl that I love so fine
"All Shook Up", Elvis' next hit song after "Love Me Tender", topped the Billboard chart again for 5 weeks from mid April to mid May 1957. The song did better in UK staying at the top of the singles chart for 9 weeks from June to August.
The song was composed by Otis Blackwell and again Elvis was given the credit as a co-writer.
Noteworthy artistes who had covered the song include The Jeff Beck Group (1969), Suzy Quatro (mid-70s), Billy Joel (1991), Paul McCartney (1999) and Cliff Richard (2001).
Lyrics:
A well I bless my soul
What's wrong with me?
Im itching like a man on a fuzzy tree
My friends say Im actin wild as a bug
Im in love
Im all shook up
Mm mm oh, oh, yeah, yeah!
My hands are shaky and my knees are weak
I can't seem to stand on my own two feet
Who do you thank when you have such luck?
Im in love
Im all shook up
Mm mm oh, oh, yeah, yeah!
Please don't ask me what's on my mind
Im a little mixed up, but Im feelin fine
When Im near that girl that I love best
My heart beats so it scares me to death!
She touched my hand what a chill I got
Her lips are like a vulcano that's hot
Im proud to say she's my buttercup
Im in love
Im all shook up
Mm mm oh, oh, yeah, yeah!
My tongue get tied when I try to speak
My insides shake like a leaf on a tree
There's only one cure for this body of mine
That's to have the girl that I love so fine
Tuesday, 8 December 2009
50s - Young Love (Sonny James / Tab Hunter)
Young Love
"Young Love", a popular song in early 1957, was written by Ric Cartey and Carole Joyner.
The original version was recorded by Ric Cartey With The Jiva-Tones in November, 1956 but Cartey's version never charted. The better-known versions were by Sonny James and Tab Hunter.
The recording by American country singer Sonny James peaked the US Billboard #1 chart for 8 weeks from mid-January to mid-March.
But in UK, it was fellow screen heart-throb Tab Hunter who brought the song to the #1 in the single charts from February to April for 7 weeks. Despite his success, music critics maintained that the disc was a triumph of image, personality and screen exposure over his vocal ability.
Other artistes who have had some success with this song are: The Crewcuts (1957), Lesley Gore (1966), Mary Hopkin (1969) and teen heart-throb (then) Donny Osmond who made it a transatlantic hits in 1973.
Lyrics:
They say for every boy and girl,
There's just one love in this old world,
And I, I kn-ow, I, I, I've found mine.
The heavenly touch of your embrace,
Tells me no one will take your place,
A, A, A, A, ever in my heart.
Chorus:
Young love, first love,
Filled with true devotion,
Young love, our love,
We share with deep emotion.
Just one kiss from your sweet lips,
Will tell me that your love is real,
And I, I, I can fe-el that it's true.
We will vow to one another,
There will never be another,
Lo-ve for you, or for me.
"Young Love", a popular song in early 1957, was written by Ric Cartey and Carole Joyner.
The original version was recorded by Ric Cartey With The Jiva-Tones in November, 1956 but Cartey's version never charted. The better-known versions were by Sonny James and Tab Hunter.
The recording by American country singer Sonny James peaked the US Billboard #1 chart for 8 weeks from mid-January to mid-March.
But in UK, it was fellow screen heart-throb Tab Hunter who brought the song to the #1 in the single charts from February to April for 7 weeks. Despite his success, music critics maintained that the disc was a triumph of image, personality and screen exposure over his vocal ability.
Other artistes who have had some success with this song are: The Crewcuts (1957), Lesley Gore (1966), Mary Hopkin (1969) and teen heart-throb (then) Donny Osmond who made it a transatlantic hits in 1973.
Lyrics:
They say for every boy and girl,
There's just one love in this old world,
And I, I kn-ow, I, I, I've found mine.
The heavenly touch of your embrace,
Tells me no one will take your place,
A, A, A, A, ever in my heart.
Chorus:
Young love, first love,
Filled with true devotion,
Young love, our love,
We share with deep emotion.
Just one kiss from your sweet lips,
Will tell me that your love is real,
And I, I, I can fe-el that it's true.
We will vow to one another,
There will never be another,
Lo-ve for you, or for me.
Monday, 7 December 2009
50s - Just Walkin' In The Rain (Johnnie Ray)
Just Walkin' In The Rain
While Guy Mitchel's "Singing The Blues" was top-charting in America during the Christmas month, fellow American Johnnie Ray was holding the #1 spot for 7 consecutive weeks (November - December 1956) in UK with his version of "Just Walkin' In The Rain."
The song was written in 1952 by Johnny Brag and Robert Riley, two prisoners at Tennessee State Prison in Nashville.
Bragg and his band, The Prisonaires, later recorded the song for Sun Records and it became a minor hit on the R&B chart in 1953. However, it was Johnnie Ray who took the song to #1 in UK and #2 on US Billboard chart in 1956.
Lyrics:
Just walking in the rain
Getting soaking wet
Torturing my heart by trying to forget
Just walking in the rain
So alone and blue
All because my heart still remembers you
People come to their windows,
They always stare at me
Shaking their heads in sorrow
Saying, Who can that fool be
Just walking in the rain
Thinking how we met
Knowing things have changed
Somehow I can't forget.
While Guy Mitchel's "Singing The Blues" was top-charting in America during the Christmas month, fellow American Johnnie Ray was holding the #1 spot for 7 consecutive weeks (November - December 1956) in UK with his version of "Just Walkin' In The Rain."
The song was written in 1952 by Johnny Brag and Robert Riley, two prisoners at Tennessee State Prison in Nashville.
Bragg and his band, The Prisonaires, later recorded the song for Sun Records and it became a minor hit on the R&B chart in 1953. However, it was Johnnie Ray who took the song to #1 in UK and #2 on US Billboard chart in 1956.
Lyrics:
Just walking in the rain
Getting soaking wet
Torturing my heart by trying to forget
Just walking in the rain
So alone and blue
All because my heart still remembers you
People come to their windows,
They always stare at me
Shaking their heads in sorrow
Saying, Who can that fool be
Just walking in the rain
Thinking how we met
Knowing things have changed
Somehow I can't forget.
50s - Singing The Blues (Guy Mitchell)
Singing The Blues
With Rock 'n' Roll and Elvis Presley holding court in the America music scene, who would have thought that Guy Mitchell with his swinging "Singing The Blues" could displace King Elvis from his throne (temporarily) in the xmas month of 1956.
This popular song, written by Melvin Endsley, spent 8 weeks in #1 on the Billboard chart from end November 1956 to mid January 1957. In the UK Singles chart, South London rock 'n' roller Tommy Steele's version made #1 for one week in January 1957; it was sandwiched by Guy Mitchell's version for two weeks at the #1 spot.
Other notable cover versions include recordings by Marty Robbins, Bill Haley & His Comets (1960), Dean Martin (1963), Marie Osmond (1975), Dave Edmunds (1980).
"Singing the Blues" was also performed live by Beatle Paul McCartney on the MTV show Unplugged in 1991.
Lyrics:
Well, I never felt more like singin' the blues
'Cause I never thought that I'd ever lose
Your love dear, why'd you do me this way
Well, I never felt more like cryin' all night
'Cause everythin's wrong, and nothin' ain't right
Without you, you got me singin' the blues
The moon and stars no longer shine
The dream is gone I thought was mine
There's nothin' left for me to do
But cry-y-y-y over you (cry over you)
Well, I never felt more like runnin' away
But why should I go 'cause I couldn't stay
Without you, you got me singin' the blues
[Instrumental and whistling]
Well, I never felt more like singin' the blues
'Cause I never thought that I'd ever lose
Your love dear, why'd you do me this way
Well, I never felt more like cryin' all night
'Cause everythin's wrong, and nothin' ain't right
Without you, you got me singin' the blues
Oh, the moon and stars no longer shine
The dream is gone I thought was mine
There's nothin' left for me to do
But cry-y-y-y over you (cry over you)
Well, I never felt more like runnin' away
But why should I go 'cause I couldn't stay
Without you, you got me singin' the blues
With Rock 'n' Roll and Elvis Presley holding court in the America music scene, who would have thought that Guy Mitchell with his swinging "Singing The Blues" could displace King Elvis from his throne (temporarily) in the xmas month of 1956.
This popular song, written by Melvin Endsley, spent 8 weeks in #1 on the Billboard chart from end November 1956 to mid January 1957. In the UK Singles chart, South London rock 'n' roller Tommy Steele's version made #1 for one week in January 1957; it was sandwiched by Guy Mitchell's version for two weeks at the #1 spot.
Other notable cover versions include recordings by Marty Robbins, Bill Haley & His Comets (1960), Dean Martin (1963), Marie Osmond (1975), Dave Edmunds (1980).
"Singing the Blues" was also performed live by Beatle Paul McCartney on the MTV show Unplugged in 1991.
Lyrics:
Well, I never felt more like singin' the blues
'Cause I never thought that I'd ever lose
Your love dear, why'd you do me this way
Well, I never felt more like cryin' all night
'Cause everythin's wrong, and nothin' ain't right
Without you, you got me singin' the blues
The moon and stars no longer shine
The dream is gone I thought was mine
There's nothin' left for me to do
But cry-y-y-y over you (cry over you)
Well, I never felt more like runnin' away
But why should I go 'cause I couldn't stay
Without you, you got me singin' the blues
[Instrumental and whistling]
Well, I never felt more like singin' the blues
'Cause I never thought that I'd ever lose
Your love dear, why'd you do me this way
Well, I never felt more like cryin' all night
'Cause everythin's wrong, and nothin' ain't right
Without you, you got me singin' the blues
Oh, the moon and stars no longer shine
The dream is gone I thought was mine
There's nothin' left for me to do
But cry-y-y-y over you (cry over you)
Well, I never felt more like runnin' away
But why should I go 'cause I couldn't stay
Without you, you got me singin' the blues
Sunday, 6 December 2009
50s - Love Me Tender (Elvis)
Love Me Tender
Elvis Presley's "Love Me Tender" topped the Billboard Chart continuously for 5 weeks (October - November 1956), but could only hit #5 on the charts in UK.
It was also an achievement as "Love Me Tender" succeeded another Presley single, "Don't Be Cruel/Hound Dog" at #1. This occurrence marked an important event in Billboard history as Elvis held the record then as the longest consecutive stay (16 weeks) at #1 by a single artist.
"Love Me Tender" is adapted from an 1861 tune of "Aura Lee" (or "Aura Lea"), a sentimental Civil War ballad with music by George R. Poulton and words by W.W. Fosdick. Even though Elvis never wrote his own song but he often changed the arrangment and lyrics of the original song to the point that it was hardly recognisable. The song is credited to Elvis and Vera Matson, although the principal writer of the new lyrics was Ken Darby (Matson's husband).
Elvis first introduced this song on the The Ed Sullivan Show in September 1956, shortly before the single's release and about a month before Elvis' debut movie, Love Me Tender, was released. On the following days after the show, RCA was beseiged with 1 million advance orders for the song, making it a gold record before the disc was on sale.
This popular song was coved by many famous artistes; some of them who did were: Richard Chamberlain (1962), The Platters, Connie Francis, Engelbert Humperdinck, Paul Anka, The Lettermen (1962), Percy Sledge (1967), Linda Ronstadt (1978), Kenny Rogers (1996), etc.
Elvis Presley's "Love Me Tender" topped the Billboard Chart continuously for 5 weeks (October - November 1956), but could only hit #5 on the charts in UK.
It was also an achievement as "Love Me Tender" succeeded another Presley single, "Don't Be Cruel/Hound Dog" at #1. This occurrence marked an important event in Billboard history as Elvis held the record then as the longest consecutive stay (16 weeks) at #1 by a single artist.
"Love Me Tender" is adapted from an 1861 tune of "Aura Lee" (or "Aura Lea"), a sentimental Civil War ballad with music by George R. Poulton and words by W.W. Fosdick. Even though Elvis never wrote his own song but he often changed the arrangment and lyrics of the original song to the point that it was hardly recognisable. The song is credited to Elvis and Vera Matson, although the principal writer of the new lyrics was Ken Darby (Matson's husband).
Elvis first introduced this song on the The Ed Sullivan Show in September 1956, shortly before the single's release and about a month before Elvis' debut movie, Love Me Tender, was released. On the following days after the show, RCA was beseiged with 1 million advance orders for the song, making it a gold record before the disc was on sale.
This popular song was coved by many famous artistes; some of them who did were: Richard Chamberlain (1962), The Platters, Connie Francis, Engelbert Humperdinck, Paul Anka, The Lettermen (1962), Percy Sledge (1967), Linda Ronstadt (1978), Kenny Rogers (1996), etc.
50s - Don't Be Cruel/Hound Dog (Elvis)
Don't Be Cruel / Hound Dog
After topping the US Billboard Chart with his "Heartbreak Hotel" (April - June 1956), Elvis Presley's second #1 hit, "I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" could only hold the top post for 1 week in July. But his next (double A-side) single, "Don't Be Cruel" and "Hound Dog" was a monster hit.
The record hit #1 on the Billboard chart starting on week 2 August and remained in the top position for 11 consecutive weeks!
"Don't Be Cruel" is a song by Otis Blackwell; Elvis was given co-songwriting credit after he changed the music and lyrics to Otis's demo.
"Hound Dog" is a twelve-bar blues written by influential US songwriters Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. Originally recorded by Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton in 1952 and many other artistes in mid-50s, but Elvis' version was the most popular.
After topping the US Billboard Chart with his "Heartbreak Hotel" (April - June 1956), Elvis Presley's second #1 hit, "I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" could only hold the top post for 1 week in July. But his next (double A-side) single, "Don't Be Cruel" and "Hound Dog" was a monster hit.
The record hit #1 on the Billboard chart starting on week 2 August and remained in the top position for 11 consecutive weeks!
"Don't Be Cruel" is a song by Otis Blackwell; Elvis was given co-songwriting credit after he changed the music and lyrics to Otis's demo.
"Hound Dog" is a twelve-bar blues written by influential US songwriters Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. Originally recorded by Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton in 1952 and many other artistes in mid-50s, but Elvis' version was the most popular.
Saturday, 5 December 2009
50s - Que Sera, Sera (Doris Day)
Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)
"Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)" is a popular song written by the Jay Livingston and Ray Evans in 1956. It was made popular by the darling of Hollywood then, Doris Day. The song was a hit in both USA (#2 on the Billboard charts) and UK (6 weeks at # 1 from August to September 1956). It has become Doris' signature song since.
The song was featured in an Alfred Hitchcock's thriller, The Man Who Knew too Much, with Doris Day and James Stewart in the lead roles. It was naturally chosen as the theme song for her TV situation comedy, The Doris Day Show, from 1968 - 1973.
Among the many artistes who have covered the song are: Connie Francis (1963), Mary Hopkin (1969) and Shaking Stevens (1982).
If you are a football fan, you probably have heard the chorus of this song too. It is regularly sung at English matches when a team is progressing to the next round of a competition that will ultimately lead them to Wembly Stadium. The lyrics has changed to "Que Sera, Sera, whatever will be, will be, we're going to Wembley, Que Sera Sera".
"Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)" is a popular song written by the Jay Livingston and Ray Evans in 1956. It was made popular by the darling of Hollywood then, Doris Day. The song was a hit in both USA (#2 on the Billboard charts) and UK (6 weeks at # 1 from August to September 1956). It has become Doris' signature song since.
The song was featured in an Alfred Hitchcock's thriller, The Man Who Knew too Much, with Doris Day and James Stewart in the lead roles. It was naturally chosen as the theme song for her TV situation comedy, The Doris Day Show, from 1968 - 1973.
Among the many artistes who have covered the song are: Connie Francis (1963), Mary Hopkin (1969) and Shaking Stevens (1982).
If you are a football fan, you probably have heard the chorus of this song too. It is regularly sung at English matches when a team is progressing to the next round of a competition that will ultimately lead them to Wembly Stadium. The lyrics has changed to "Que Sera, Sera, whatever will be, will be, we're going to Wembley, Que Sera Sera".
50s - Why Do Fools Fall In Love? (The Teenagers)
Why do Fools Fall In Love?
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"Why Do Fools Fall in Love" is a song that was originally a hit for early New York City-based rock 'n' roll group The Teenagers fronted by 13-year old Frankie Lymon in 1956. It reached # 1 on the R&B chart, # 6 on Billboard's Pop Singles chart, and # 1 on the UK Singles Chart for 3 weeks (July - August 1956).
The song helped to make Frankie Lymon a household name and would make him one of the pioneers of Rock 'n' Roll.
The song has been covered by artistes like The Beach Boys (1964), Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Joni Mitchell and Diana Ross (1981), among others.
In Malaysia, it was Diana Ross' version that made it a popular hit here.
.
"Why Do Fools Fall in Love" is a song that was originally a hit for early New York City-based rock 'n' roll group The Teenagers fronted by 13-year old Frankie Lymon in 1956. It reached # 1 on the R&B chart, # 6 on Billboard's Pop Singles chart, and # 1 on the UK Singles Chart for 3 weeks (July - August 1956).
The song helped to make Frankie Lymon a household name and would make him one of the pioneers of Rock 'n' Roll.
The song has been covered by artistes like The Beach Boys (1964), Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Joni Mitchell and Diana Ross (1981), among others.
In Malaysia, it was Diana Ross' version that made it a popular hit here.
50s - Wayward Wind (Gogi Grant)
Wayward WindWhen Elvis Presley's "Heartbreak Hotel" was hording the US single chart for 6 weeks from April to June 1956, it was up to a country song "Wayward Wind" sung by Gogi Grant to stop the streak from the "Hillbilly Cat" (or Mao Wong as known in Asia) from Tennessee.
"Wayward Wind", written by Stan Lebowsky and Herb Newman, topped the US single chart for 5 weeks (June - July 1956).
Several artistes had also recorded the song, notably Sam Cooke (1960),Patsy Cline (1961), Frank Ifield (1963), Connie Francis (1967) and Anne Murray (1993). Frank's version reach the # 1 spot in the UK charts and made it a big hit here in the Asian regions too.
Friday, 4 December 2009
50s - Heartbreak Hotel (Elvis Presley)
Heartbreak Hotel"Heartbreak Hotel" was Elvis Presley very first single for his new label, RCA. Prior to this, Elvis had released five discs on the Sun label.
Reactions to his brash new style of singing then had been mixed, but one thing for sure, he was big hit with the American teenagers.
"Heartbeat Hotel", co-written by Elvis with Mae Boren Aston and Thomas Durden, occupied #1 in US Pop Chart for 6 weeks (April - June 1956) and his first LP "Elvis Presley" topped the US Album Chart for 10 weeks (April - June) too. It reached only #2 in the UK pop single chart.
Many artistes had covered the song after Elvis. Among them were: Connie Francis (1959), Chet Atkins (1963), Adam Faith (1965), The Animals (1967), Merle Haggard (1977). And Willie Nelson and Leon Russel had a no. 1 cover version in 1979 on the country charts.
Thursday, 3 December 2009
50s - Little Richard
Little Richard
Little Richard (nee Richard Wayne Penniman) is a Rock 'n' Roll legend whose influence can be heard in the work of countless artistes like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.
In the mid- and late 50s, his no-holds-barred vocal style, explosive music, charismatic persona and untamed stage show shocked the older generation and earned him hordes of teenage fans.
His frantically charged piano playing and raspy, shouted vocals on such classics as "Tutti Frutti", "Long Tall Sally" and "Good Golly, Miss Molly" defined the dynamic sound of rock and roll.
"Tutti Frutti", his first Rock 'n' Roll classic was recorded in September 1955. It rocketted into the R&B Top 5 and entered the US Pop chart too. "Long Tall Sally" proved even more successful; it topped the R&B chart and was his first US Top 10 hit. Both "Tutti Frutti" and "Long Tall Sally" entered the UK Top 3 too.
This was followed by "The Girl Can't Help It", "She Got It", "Lucille", "Keep A knockin'", "Jenny Jenny" , "Good Golly Miss Molly", and "Baby Face", etc - all major transalantic hits.
He was among the first artiste inducted in the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame in 1986. He was also presented with a Lifetime Achievement Grammy in 1993 and a similar award from the R&B Foundation a year later.
Little Richard (nee Richard Wayne Penniman) is a Rock 'n' Roll legend whose influence can be heard in the work of countless artistes like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.
In the mid- and late 50s, his no-holds-barred vocal style, explosive music, charismatic persona and untamed stage show shocked the older generation and earned him hordes of teenage fans.
His frantically charged piano playing and raspy, shouted vocals on such classics as "Tutti Frutti", "Long Tall Sally" and "Good Golly, Miss Molly" defined the dynamic sound of rock and roll.
"Tutti Frutti", his first Rock 'n' Roll classic was recorded in September 1955. It rocketted into the R&B Top 5 and entered the US Pop chart too. "Long Tall Sally" proved even more successful; it topped the R&B chart and was his first US Top 10 hit. Both "Tutti Frutti" and "Long Tall Sally" entered the UK Top 3 too.
This was followed by "The Girl Can't Help It", "She Got It", "Lucille", "Keep A knockin'", "Jenny Jenny" , "Good Golly Miss Molly", and "Baby Face", etc - all major transalantic hits.
He was among the first artiste inducted in the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame in 1986. He was also presented with a Lifetime Achievement Grammy in 1993 and a similar award from the R&B Foundation a year later.
Wednesday, 2 December 2009
50s - The Poor People Of Paris
The Poor People Of Paris
You might have heard this music during some grand ballroom scenes in movies.
"The Poor People Of Paris" was adapted by Jack Lawrence in 1954 from the French language song "La goualante du pauvre Jean" ("The Ballad of Poor John") .
A recording of the song by Les Baxter's orchestra was a # 1 hit on the Billboard Singles Charts in the US in 1956 for 6 weeks (Mar - Apr).
In the same year, the version by accomplished and versatile pianist Winifred Atwell was number one in the UK Singles Chart from April 13 to 27.
Other cover versions include Lawrence Welk and Chet Atkins. Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney recorded a version containing the seldom-heard Jack Lawrence lyrics.
You might have heard this music during some grand ballroom scenes in movies.
"The Poor People Of Paris" was adapted by Jack Lawrence in 1954 from the French language song "La goualante du pauvre Jean" ("The Ballad of Poor John") .
A recording of the song by Les Baxter's orchestra was a # 1 hit on the Billboard Singles Charts in the US in 1956 for 6 weeks (Mar - Apr).
In the same year, the version by accomplished and versatile pianist Winifred Atwell was number one in the UK Singles Chart from April 13 to 27.
Other cover versions include Lawrence Welk and Chet Atkins. Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney recorded a version containing the seldom-heard Jack Lawrence lyrics.
50s - Memories Are Made Of This (Dean Martin)
Memories Are Made Of This
"Memories Are Made of This" is a popular song written by Terry Gilkyson, Richard Dehr, and Frank Miller in 1955.
The most popular version of the song was recorded by singer/actor Dean Martin. It reached #1 on the US Billboard chart for 6 weeks (Jan - Feb) in 1956, and became his biggest hit. He was backed by The Easy Riders (who consisted of Gilkyson, Dehr, and Miller), who wrote it.
Among the many other artistes who recorded this song are: Petula Clark (1956), Everly Brothers (1960), Ray Conniff (1961), Jim Reeves (1963), Paul Anka (1963), Frank Sinastra (1964), Little Richard (1964), The Drifters (1966), Johnny Cash (1996), etc.
Lyrics:
(Sweet, sweet memories you gave-a me
you can't beat the memeories you gave-a me)
Take one fresh and tender kiss
Add one stolen night of bliss
One girl, one boy
Some grief, some joy
Memories are made of this
Don't forget a small moonbeam
Fold in lightly with a dream
Your lips and mine
Two sips of wine
Memories are made of this
Then add the wedding bells
One house where lovers dwell
Three little kids for flavor
Stir carefully through the days
See how the flavor stays
These are the dreams you will savor
With His blessings from above
Serve it generously with love
One man, one wife
One love through life
Memories are made of this
Memories are made of this
"Memories Are Made of This" is a popular song written by Terry Gilkyson, Richard Dehr, and Frank Miller in 1955.
The most popular version of the song was recorded by singer/actor Dean Martin. It reached #1 on the US Billboard chart for 6 weeks (Jan - Feb) in 1956, and became his biggest hit. He was backed by The Easy Riders (who consisted of Gilkyson, Dehr, and Miller), who wrote it.
Among the many other artistes who recorded this song are: Petula Clark (1956), Everly Brothers (1960), Ray Conniff (1961), Jim Reeves (1963), Paul Anka (1963), Frank Sinastra (1964), Little Richard (1964), The Drifters (1966), Johnny Cash (1996), etc.
Lyrics:
(Sweet, sweet memories you gave-a me
you can't beat the memeories you gave-a me)
Take one fresh and tender kiss
Add one stolen night of bliss
One girl, one boy
Some grief, some joy
Memories are made of this
Don't forget a small moonbeam
Fold in lightly with a dream
Your lips and mine
Two sips of wine
Memories are made of this
Then add the wedding bells
One house where lovers dwell
Three little kids for flavor
Stir carefully through the days
See how the flavor stays
These are the dreams you will savor
With His blessings from above
Serve it generously with love
One man, one wife
One love through life
Memories are made of this
Memories are made of this
Tuesday, 1 December 2009
50s - The Platters
The Platters
The Platters were a popular vocal group formed in 1953 in Los Angeles, California during the early Rock 'n' Roll era.
After the signing with music entrepreneur and songwriter Buck Ram, the act went through several personnel changes before hitting the charts, with the most successful incarnation comprising lead tenor Tony Williams, David Lynch, Paul Robi, Herb Reed and Zola Taylor.
Buck Ram had The Platters recorded his composition "Only You" during their first session with Mercury Records and released it in the summer of 1955, the breakthrough year for the group. The song became the group's first Top Ten hit on the pop charts, and topped the R&B charts for seven weeks.
The follow-up hit, "The Great Pretender", with lyrics written by Buck Ram, exceeded the success of their debut. It became the Platters' first national #1 hit. "The Great Pretender" was also the act's biggest R&B hit, with an 11-week run at the top of the chart.
Other major hits for the Platters were "The Magic Touch", "My Prayer", "You'll Never Know" in 1956; "I'm Sorry" in 1957; "Twilight Time" & "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes" in 1958; and "Enchanted" in 1959. The Platters' last Top Ten single was 1960's "Harbour Lights".
In 1961, Tony Williams left the group and went solo. He was replaced by Sonny Turner as the lead singer. But Mercury records continued to release old William-led singles through 1964.
Off the charts from 1961 to 1966, the Platters changed line-up in 1962, with Sandra Dawn replacing the female lead singer Zola Tayler and Nate Nelson taking Robi's spot.
Williams and Ram battled in court during the 70s over the rights to the name Platters. Ram won the case. In 1989, however, the rights were returned to Robi, and in 1995 Robi's widow won back from Ram the written and publishing interests to much of the Platters' catalogue. There were more legal battles after this.
In the meantime, more personel changes were in progress. And ex-members of The Platters began to perform as splinter groups of the Platters.
The Platters were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990.
The Platters were a popular vocal group formed in 1953 in Los Angeles, California during the early Rock 'n' Roll era.
After the signing with music entrepreneur and songwriter Buck Ram, the act went through several personnel changes before hitting the charts, with the most successful incarnation comprising lead tenor Tony Williams, David Lynch, Paul Robi, Herb Reed and Zola Taylor.
Buck Ram had The Platters recorded his composition "Only You" during their first session with Mercury Records and released it in the summer of 1955, the breakthrough year for the group. The song became the group's first Top Ten hit on the pop charts, and topped the R&B charts for seven weeks.
The follow-up hit, "The Great Pretender", with lyrics written by Buck Ram, exceeded the success of their debut. It became the Platters' first national #1 hit. "The Great Pretender" was also the act's biggest R&B hit, with an 11-week run at the top of the chart.
Other major hits for the Platters were "The Magic Touch", "My Prayer", "You'll Never Know" in 1956; "I'm Sorry" in 1957; "Twilight Time" & "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes" in 1958; and "Enchanted" in 1959. The Platters' last Top Ten single was 1960's "Harbour Lights".
In 1961, Tony Williams left the group and went solo. He was replaced by Sonny Turner as the lead singer. But Mercury records continued to release old William-led singles through 1964.
Off the charts from 1961 to 1966, the Platters changed line-up in 1962, with Sandra Dawn replacing the female lead singer Zola Tayler and Nate Nelson taking Robi's spot.
Williams and Ram battled in court during the 70s over the rights to the name Platters. Ram won the case. In 1989, however, the rights were returned to Robi, and in 1995 Robi's widow won back from Ram the written and publishing interests to much of the Platters' catalogue. There were more legal battles after this.
In the meantime, more personel changes were in progress. And ex-members of The Platters began to perform as splinter groups of the Platters.
The Platters were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990.
50s - Chuck Berry
Chuck Berry
"If you were going to give Rock 'n' Roll another name, you might as well call it Chuck Berry" - this was the famous quote by John Lennon paying tribute to the legendary Rock 'n' Roll pioneer, Chuck Berry.
Although it is impossible to pinpoint the first Rock 'n' Roll record, you can bet that Chuck Berry was definitely the first successful guitar-playing Rock 'n' Roll singer/songwriter.
In May 1955, Berry recorded "Maybellene", an adaption of a country and western song "Ida Red". " Maybellene" went on to sell over a million copies, reached #1 on Billboard's Rhythm and Blues chart and earned him the Best New R&B Artiste award from Billboard that year.
Berry was one of the era's outstanding entertainers, starring in many Rock 'n' Roll shows, performing his distinctive "duck walk" in low budget movies.
This prolific and profitable period continued with several hits like, "Roll Over Beethoven", "School Days", "Rock and Roll Music", "Sweet Little Sixteen" and "Johnny B. Goode". All these great songs had been recorded by countless artistes, including The Beatles and The Rolling Stone, since.
Berry's record sale were on the decline when he was arrested in late 1959 for taking a 14-year old girl across the Mexican border. He was freed in late 1963 to find his music back in fashion.
He continued to have some chart success with hits like "No Particular Place To Go" in 1964 and "My Ding-A-Ling", his biggest seller in 1972.
Despite his drug, tax evasion problems and sex scandals, history will remember him as one of the most innovative, influential, important and exciting artistes in Rock 'n' Roll.
"If you were going to give Rock 'n' Roll another name, you might as well call it Chuck Berry" - this was the famous quote by John Lennon paying tribute to the legendary Rock 'n' Roll pioneer, Chuck Berry.
Although it is impossible to pinpoint the first Rock 'n' Roll record, you can bet that Chuck Berry was definitely the first successful guitar-playing Rock 'n' Roll singer/songwriter.
In May 1955, Berry recorded "Maybellene", an adaption of a country and western song "Ida Red". " Maybellene" went on to sell over a million copies, reached #1 on Billboard's Rhythm and Blues chart and earned him the Best New R&B Artiste award from Billboard that year.
Berry was one of the era's outstanding entertainers, starring in many Rock 'n' Roll shows, performing his distinctive "duck walk" in low budget movies.
This prolific and profitable period continued with several hits like, "Roll Over Beethoven", "School Days", "Rock and Roll Music", "Sweet Little Sixteen" and "Johnny B. Goode". All these great songs had been recorded by countless artistes, including The Beatles and The Rolling Stone, since.
Berry's record sale were on the decline when he was arrested in late 1959 for taking a 14-year old girl across the Mexican border. He was freed in late 1963 to find his music back in fashion.
He continued to have some chart success with hits like "No Particular Place To Go" in 1964 and "My Ding-A-Ling", his biggest seller in 1972.
Despite his drug, tax evasion problems and sex scandals, history will remember him as one of the most innovative, influential, important and exciting artistes in Rock 'n' Roll.
50s - 16 Tons (Tennessee Ernie Ford)
16 Tons
You load 16 tons and what do you get? A hit for Tennessee Ernie Ford!
It was written and first recorded in 1946 by Country & Western guitarist Merle Travis, who based it on his father's experiences as a coal-miner in Kentucky.
But it was Ford's version that hit the # 1 spot in the US Single Charts for 6 consecutive weeks (Nov - Dec) in 1955 and topped the UK Charts for 4 weeks (Jan - Feb) in 1956.
Lyrics:
Some people say a man is made outta mud
A poor man's made outta muscle and blood
Muscle and blood and skin and bones
A mind that's a-weak and a back that's strong
chorus:
You load sixteen tons, what do you get
Another day older and deeper in debt
Saint Peter don't you call me 'cause I can't go
I owe my soul to the company store
I was born one mornin' when the sun didn't shine
I picked up my shovel and I walked to the mine
I loaded sixteen tons of number nine coal
And the straw boss said "Well, a-bless my soul"
I was born one mornin', it was drizzlin rain
Fightin' and Trobule was my middle name
I was raised in the canebrake by an ol' mama lion
Ain't no-a high-toned woman make me walk the line
If you see me comin', better step aside
A lotta men didn't, a lotta men died
One fist of iron, the other of steel
If the right one don't a-get you then the left one will.
The song depicts a hand-to-mouth existence of the coalminers who always fell into debt and were forced to pay the inflated prices charged at the only local store, belonging the mine owners. (re: I owe my soul to the company store.)
This song has been covered by wide variety of artistes including Frankie Laine (1955), The Platters (1957), Tom Jones (1967), Johnny Cash (1987) and Eric Burdon (1990), etc..
You load 16 tons and what do you get? A hit for Tennessee Ernie Ford!
It was written and first recorded in 1946 by Country & Western guitarist Merle Travis, who based it on his father's experiences as a coal-miner in Kentucky.
But it was Ford's version that hit the # 1 spot in the US Single Charts for 6 consecutive weeks (Nov - Dec) in 1955 and topped the UK Charts for 4 weeks (Jan - Feb) in 1956.
Lyrics:
Some people say a man is made outta mud
A poor man's made outta muscle and blood
Muscle and blood and skin and bones
A mind that's a-weak and a back that's strong
chorus:
You load sixteen tons, what do you get
Another day older and deeper in debt
Saint Peter don't you call me 'cause I can't go
I owe my soul to the company store
I was born one mornin' when the sun didn't shine
I picked up my shovel and I walked to the mine
I loaded sixteen tons of number nine coal
And the straw boss said "Well, a-bless my soul"
I was born one mornin', it was drizzlin rain
Fightin' and Trobule was my middle name
I was raised in the canebrake by an ol' mama lion
Ain't no-a high-toned woman make me walk the line
If you see me comin', better step aside
A lotta men didn't, a lotta men died
One fist of iron, the other of steel
If the right one don't a-get you then the left one will.
The song depicts a hand-to-mouth existence of the coalminers who always fell into debt and were forced to pay the inflated prices charged at the only local store, belonging the mine owners. (re: I owe my soul to the company store.)
This song has been covered by wide variety of artistes including Frankie Laine (1955), The Platters (1957), Tom Jones (1967), Johnny Cash (1987) and Eric Burdon (1990), etc..
Monday, 30 November 2009
50s - Autumn Leaves (Roger Williams)
Autumn Leaves
"Autumn Leaves" is a much-recorded popular song. It was originally a 1945 French song "Les feuilles mortes" (literally "The Dead Leaves") with music by Joseph Kosma and lyrics by poet Jacques Prevert. The English lyrics was written by the famous American songwriter Johnny Mercer in 1947. The song became a pop and jazz standard in both the French and English languages.
Many artistes had recorded the song and among them was Nat King Cole who sang this song over the the titles sequence of the movie "Autumn Leaves" (1956) which starred Joan Crawford.
However, it was Mr Piano, Roger Williams, who made the song a # 1 hit in the United States in 1955. This was the only piano instrumental to ever reach number one on the Billboard single chart. And it remained in that position for three weeks (October - November).
Roger's version became an American standard and still stands at the greatest selling piano recording of all time.
"Autumn Leaves" is a much-recorded popular song. It was originally a 1945 French song "Les feuilles mortes" (literally "The Dead Leaves") with music by Joseph Kosma and lyrics by poet Jacques Prevert. The English lyrics was written by the famous American songwriter Johnny Mercer in 1947. The song became a pop and jazz standard in both the French and English languages.
Many artistes had recorded the song and among them was Nat King Cole who sang this song over the the titles sequence of the movie "Autumn Leaves" (1956) which starred Joan Crawford.
However, it was Mr Piano, Roger Williams, who made the song a # 1 hit in the United States in 1955. This was the only piano instrumental to ever reach number one on the Billboard single chart. And it remained in that position for three weeks (October - November).Roger's version became an American standard and still stands at the greatest selling piano recording of all time.
Sunday, 29 November 2009
50s - Love Is A Many Splendored Thing (The Four Aces)
Love Is A Many Splendored Thing
"Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing" is a popular song, with music by Sammy Fain and lyrics by Paul Francis Webster, in the 50s. The song was publicised first in the movie of the same name in 1955.
This sentimental theme song was one of the first songs written for a movie to become a top hit. The version recorded by The Four Aces went to #1 on the charts for four weeks (1 week in September, 1 week in October and 2 weeks in November) in 1955. This was quite a feat, considering rock 'n' roll was beginning to take its root. The song went on subsequently to win the Academy Award for The Best Original Song.
The song has also been recorded by Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Andy Williams, Ringo Starr and Barry Manilow, among many others.
Lyrics:
Love is a many-splendored thing
It's the April rose that only grows in the early spring
Love is nature's way of giving a reason to be living
The golden crown that makes a man a king
Once on a high and windy hill
In the morning mist two lovers kissed and the world stood still
Then your fingers touched my silent heart and taught it how to sing
Yes, true love's a many-splendored thing
The video below showed The Four Aces re-performing the popular song in later year
"Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing" is a popular song, with music by Sammy Fain and lyrics by Paul Francis Webster, in the 50s. The song was publicised first in the movie of the same name in 1955.
This sentimental theme song was one of the first songs written for a movie to become a top hit. The version recorded by The Four Aces went to #1 on the charts for four weeks (1 week in September, 1 week in October and 2 weeks in November) in 1955. This was quite a feat, considering rock 'n' roll was beginning to take its root. The song went on subsequently to win the Academy Award for The Best Original Song.
The song has also been recorded by Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Andy Williams, Ringo Starr and Barry Manilow, among many others.
Lyrics:
Love is a many-splendored thing
It's the April rose that only grows in the early spring
Love is nature's way of giving a reason to be living
The golden crown that makes a man a king
Once on a high and windy hill
In the morning mist two lovers kissed and the world stood still
Then your fingers touched my silent heart and taught it how to sing
Yes, true love's a many-splendored thing
The video below showed The Four Aces re-performing the popular song in later year
Wednesday, 25 November 2009
50s - The Yellow Rose Of Texas (Mitch Miller)
The Yellow Rose Of Texas
"The Yellow Rose of Texas" is a traditional folk song which has long been popular in the United States and is considered an unofficial state song of Texas. The actual author is unknown.
Don George rearranged the original version of the song, which Mitch Miller made into a popular recording 1955 that knocked Bill Haley's "Rock Around The Clock" from the top of the Best Sellers chart in the U.S. The song stayed in the top of the chart for 6 weeks (5 weeks in August - September, with a break of 1 week, and topped the chart again for another week in October).
Mitch Miller
Mitch Miller is an American musician, singer, conductor, record producer, A&R man and record company executive. He was one of the most influential figures in American popular music during the 1950s and early 1960s, both as the head of Artists & Repertoire at Columbia Records and as a best-selling recording artist.
In his early career, Mitch had guided such acts like Frankie Laine and Patti to success. When he was in Columbia Records, he made stars out of Tony Bennett, Johnnie Ray, Guy Mitchell and many others.
Miller's own recording career as a pop artist and conductor began, with big-scale choral recordings credited to "Mitch Miller and His Gang." Their first hit was a bold rendition of the Israeli folk song "Tzena, Tzena, Tzena". The group later chalked up a six-week run at the number one spot with "The Yellow Rose of Texas". Miller and company also enjoyed huge hit singles with numbers like the "Colonel Bogey March" from the war epic "The Bridge on the River Kwai". Between 1958 and 1962, "Mitch Miller and the Gang" chalked up 19 Top 40 hits.
Mitch also hosted a very popular (early karaoke?) NBC-TV series called the "Sing Along With Mitch" in 1961.
"The Yellow Rose of Texas" is a traditional folk song which has long been popular in the United States and is considered an unofficial state song of Texas. The actual author is unknown.
Don George rearranged the original version of the song, which Mitch Miller made into a popular recording 1955 that knocked Bill Haley's "Rock Around The Clock" from the top of the Best Sellers chart in the U.S. The song stayed in the top of the chart for 6 weeks (5 weeks in August - September, with a break of 1 week, and topped the chart again for another week in October).
Mitch MillerMitch Miller is an American musician, singer, conductor, record producer, A&R man and record company executive. He was one of the most influential figures in American popular music during the 1950s and early 1960s, both as the head of Artists & Repertoire at Columbia Records and as a best-selling recording artist.
In his early career, Mitch had guided such acts like Frankie Laine and Patti to success. When he was in Columbia Records, he made stars out of Tony Bennett, Johnnie Ray, Guy Mitchell and many others.
Miller's own recording career as a pop artist and conductor began, with big-scale choral recordings credited to "Mitch Miller and His Gang." Their first hit was a bold rendition of the Israeli folk song "Tzena, Tzena, Tzena". The group later chalked up a six-week run at the number one spot with "The Yellow Rose of Texas". Miller and company also enjoyed huge hit singles with numbers like the "Colonel Bogey March" from the war epic "The Bridge on the River Kwai". Between 1958 and 1962, "Mitch Miller and the Gang" chalked up 19 Top 40 hits.
Mitch also hosted a very popular (early karaoke?) NBC-TV series called the "Sing Along With Mitch" in 1961.
50s - Rose Marie (Slim Whitman)
Rose Marie
"Rose Marie" is a popular song from the musical or operetta of the same name. It was written by Rudolf Friml, Otto Harbach and Oscar Hammerstein II.
It became a astounding hit in 1955 for American country & western music singer Slim Whitman in Britain (and not USA)!
Whitman's rendition of the songs spent (a record-breaking then)11 weeks, from end July to early October, at #1 in the UK Single Charts.
In addition to his fantastic success with "Rose Marie", an earlier recording of "Indian Love Call" and "China Doll" also occupied high places in the best sellers. Two more songs, "Roll On Silvery Moon" and "Cattle call" were also reported to have brisk sales in every corner of Britain.
"Rose Marie" is a popular song from the musical or operetta of the same name. It was written by Rudolf Friml, Otto Harbach and Oscar Hammerstein II.
It became a astounding hit in 1955 for American country & western music singer Slim Whitman in Britain (and not USA)!
Whitman's rendition of the songs spent (a record-breaking then)11 weeks, from end July to early October, at #1 in the UK Single Charts.
In addition to his fantastic success with "Rose Marie", an earlier recording of "Indian Love Call" and "China Doll" also occupied high places in the best sellers. Two more songs, "Roll On Silvery Moon" and "Cattle call" were also reported to have brisk sales in every corner of Britain.
50s - Rock Around The Clock
Rock Around The Clock
"Rock Around the Clock" is a 12-bar-blues-based song written by Max C. Freedman and James E. Myers (aka Jimmy DeKnight) in late 1952. The best-known and most successful rendition was recorded by Bill Haley and His Comets in 1954.
Although it was not Bill Haley's first rock and roll record (he had American chart success with "Crazy Man, Crazy" in 1953, and in 1954, "Shake, Rattle and Roll" reached #1 on the Billboard R&B chart), this recording became an anthem for the rebellious Fifties youth and is widely considered to be the song that, more than any other, brought rock and roll into mainstream culture in the USA and around the world.
The song, 'though recorded in 1954, only topped the US Single Charts in June 1955, when it was used playing over the credits of the movie, Blackboard Jungle.
"Rock Around the Clock" became the first rock and roll recording to hit the top of US Billboard's Pop charts. The song stayed at this place for eight weeks.
In the UK, the song reached number 17 on the pop charts in January 1955, four months before it first entered the US pop charts. The song re-entered the UK charts to reach #1 in November 1955, and after a three-week break returned to the top place for a further two weeks in January 1956.
"Rock Around the Clock" is a 12-bar-blues-based song written by Max C. Freedman and James E. Myers (aka Jimmy DeKnight) in late 1952. The best-known and most successful rendition was recorded by Bill Haley and His Comets in 1954.
Although it was not Bill Haley's first rock and roll record (he had American chart success with "Crazy Man, Crazy" in 1953, and in 1954, "Shake, Rattle and Roll" reached #1 on the Billboard R&B chart), this recording became an anthem for the rebellious Fifties youth and is widely considered to be the song that, more than any other, brought rock and roll into mainstream culture in the USA and around the world.
The song, 'though recorded in 1954, only topped the US Single Charts in June 1955, when it was used playing over the credits of the movie, Blackboard Jungle.
"Rock Around the Clock" became the first rock and roll recording to hit the top of US Billboard's Pop charts. The song stayed at this place for eight weeks.
In the UK, the song reached number 17 on the pop charts in January 1955, four months before it first entered the US pop charts. The song re-entered the UK charts to reach #1 in November 1955, and after a three-week break returned to the top place for a further two weeks in January 1956.
50s - Unchained Melody
Unchained Melody
"Unchained Melody" is a popular song composed by Alex North (music) and Hy Zaret (lyrics) in 1955.
Initially, North and Zaret were contracted to write a song for for an obscure prison film "Unchained", and hence their song eventually becamed known as "Unchained Melody". Todd Duncan sang the vocals for the film soundtrack. The song was nominated for an Oscar Best Song Award in 1955 but did not win.
Les Baxter released an instrumental version which topped the US Single Charts for 5 weeks (May - June, 1955). Jimmy Young's version hit #1 on the British charts for 3 weeks (June - July, 1955). Hundreds of other recordings (including Ricky Nelson, Roy Orbison, Cyndi Lauper, Barry Manilow, U2) followed.
However, the July-1965 version by The Righteous Brothers became a jukebox standard for the late 20th century, and it regained massive popularity when used in the 1990 blockbuster film "Ghost" that starred Demi Moore, Patrick Swayze and Whoopi Goldberg.
1995, the song was performed by Robson Green and Jerome Flynn in the UK drama series "Soldier Soldier". This version was subsequently released as a single and reached #1 in the UK.
Pop Idol talent contest winner 2002, Gareth Gates also recorded a cover version of the song. The single reached #1 in the UK Singles Chart on its first week of release, remaining at the top of the charts for four weeks (Mar - Apr 2002).
"Unchained Melody" is a popular song composed by Alex North (music) and Hy Zaret (lyrics) in 1955.
Initially, North and Zaret were contracted to write a song for for an obscure prison film "Unchained", and hence their song eventually becamed known as "Unchained Melody". Todd Duncan sang the vocals for the film soundtrack. The song was nominated for an Oscar Best Song Award in 1955 but did not win.
Les Baxter released an instrumental version which topped the US Single Charts for 5 weeks (May - June, 1955). Jimmy Young's version hit #1 on the British charts for 3 weeks (June - July, 1955). Hundreds of other recordings (including Ricky Nelson, Roy Orbison, Cyndi Lauper, Barry Manilow, U2) followed.
However, the July-1965 version by The Righteous Brothers became a jukebox standard for the late 20th century, and it regained massive popularity when used in the 1990 blockbuster film "Ghost" that starred Demi Moore, Patrick Swayze and Whoopi Goldberg.
1995, the song was performed by Robson Green and Jerome Flynn in the UK drama series "Soldier Soldier". This version was subsequently released as a single and reached #1 in the UK.
Pop Idol talent contest winner 2002, Gareth Gates also recorded a cover version of the song. The single reached #1 in the UK Singles Chart on its first week of release, remaining at the top of the charts for four weeks (Mar - Apr 2002).
Monday, 23 November 2009
50s - Cherry Pink & Apple Blossom White
Cherry Pink & Apple Blossom White
"Cherry Pink (and Apple Blossom White)" is the English version of "Cerisier rose et pommier blanc", a popular song with music by Louiguy.
Perez Prado's recording of the song as an instrumental with his orchestra was the most popular version in 1955, reaching #1 for 5 weeks (April - May) on the US single charts and two weeks in the UK charts. Trumpeter Eddie Calvert continued its popularity and topped the UK charts for 4 more weeks (May - June '55)
The most popular vocal version was by Alan Dale, reaching #14 on the charts in 1955.
Among the many other artistes who have recorded this song, instrumentally or vocally, are Jerry Murad and The Harmonicats, Chet Atkins, Pat Boone (whose version was a major hit in the Philippines), Liberace, The Ventures, etc.
Most people, especially in the Asian regions, have associated this song with some striptease acts, e.g. the Rose Chan show in Malaysia.
"Cherry Pink (and Apple Blossom White)" is the English version of "Cerisier rose et pommier blanc", a popular song with music by Louiguy.
Perez Prado's recording of the song as an instrumental with his orchestra was the most popular version in 1955, reaching #1 for 5 weeks (April - May) on the US single charts and two weeks in the UK charts. Trumpeter Eddie Calvert continued its popularity and topped the UK charts for 4 more weeks (May - June '55)
The most popular vocal version was by Alan Dale, reaching #14 on the charts in 1955.
Among the many other artistes who have recorded this song, instrumentally or vocally, are Jerry Murad and The Harmonicats, Chet Atkins, Pat Boone (whose version was a major hit in the Philippines), Liberace, The Ventures, etc.
Most people, especially in the Asian regions, have associated this song with some striptease acts, e.g. the Rose Chan show in Malaysia.
Saturday, 21 November 2009
50s - McGuire Sisters
McGuire Sisters
(Years active: 1952 - 1968)
McGuire Sisters were an American singing trio, composing of three sisters, Christine, Dorothy and Phyllis. The group was very popular in the 50s and among their most popular songs are Sincerely and Sugartime. Sincerely was at the top of the US Singles Chart for 6 weeks (Feb - Mar '1955).
During their stellar career, the sisters have performed before 5 American presidents and Queen Elizabeth II. They have also frequently appeared in numerous stage and TV variety shows. The sisters decided to put a wrap of their career in 1968. Since then, the sisters have made occasional public appearances. In 2004, they united to perform in a PBS Special, "Magic Moments: The Best of 50s Pop".
(Years active: 1952 - 1968)
McGuire Sisters were an American singing trio, composing of three sisters, Christine, Dorothy and Phyllis. The group was very popular in the 50s and among their most popular songs are Sincerely and Sugartime. Sincerely was at the top of the US Singles Chart for 6 weeks (Feb - Mar '1955).
During their stellar career, the sisters have performed before 5 American presidents and Queen Elizabeth II. They have also frequently appeared in numerous stage and TV variety shows. The sisters decided to put a wrap of their career in 1968. Since then, the sisters have made occasional public appearances. In 2004, they united to perform in a PBS Special, "Magic Moments: The Best of 50s Pop".
Friday, 20 November 2009
50s - The Chordettes
The Chordettes (years active: 1946 - 1961)
The Chordettes were a a female singing quartet, specialising in a cappella and traditional popular music. First establlishing themselves with their hit record "Mr Sandman" in 1954, they continue to chart in the last half of the 50s and the early 60s with cover versions of rock 'n' roll and R&B songs.
Formed in Wisconsin in 1946, the original members of the group were Janet Ertel, Carol Buschmann (her sister-in-law), Dorothy Schwartz and Jinny Osborn (or Jinny Lockar). In 1952, Lynn Evans replaced Schwartz, and in 1953, Margie Needham replaced Osborn (who was having a baby), although Osborn later returned to the group. Nancy Overton also was a member of the group at a later time. Originally they sang folk music, but eventually changed to a harmonizing style of the type known as barbershop harmony or close harmony.
The Chordettes' biggest hit was "Mr Sandman" in 1954, which topped the US Single chart for 7 weeks. The record sold over one million copies and reached #11 in the UK Singles Chart. They also hit #2 in 1958 with the million-seller "Lollillop".
Friday, 13 November 2009
The Beatles - Rarities
RaritiesThis UK compilation album was released in October 1979. This was original released as part of the The Beatles Collection box set. Like some earlier compilation albums, this stand-alone album is also not available in CDs, but all the tracks here are included in the double CD compilation "Past Masters".
This album includes lesser known songs that are not included on the original studio albums - B-sides of singles, two songs sung in German, songs from an EP and one alternative version of
Across The Universe.
All songs credited to Lennon-McCartney, except where noted.
Side A
1. Across The Universe: This was recorded in 1968 but never made it as a single or included in the Abbey Road album. It was finally given to WWF who included it on the charity album No-One's Gonna Change Our World. A different recording of this song appeared later on the Let It Be album. John sings lead vocal on this track, with Paul harmonising in places. It also features backing vocals from two female singers (Lizzie Bravo and Gayleen Pease) which is not included in the Let It Be album version. Instrumentation includes John on acoustic/lead guitars, Paul on piano, George on sitar and Ringo on maraccas. John and George Martin duet on organ, too.
2. Yes It Is: Originally released as B-side to the 1965 Ticket To Ride single, it features a three-part harmony vocals from John, Paul and George, with John singing solo in parts.
3. This Boy: This was released in 1963 as B-side to I Wanna Hold Your Hand. Like the previous track, the song is dominated by a close harmony vocals from John, Paul and George with John singing the lead vocal.
4. The Inner Light (Harrison): Originally released as the B-side to the 1968 Lady Madonna single, it is the last of three Bealtes' track by George Harrison featuring almost entirely Indian instrumentation. (The previous two were Love You To and Within You, Without You.). George is on solo vocal with session musicians playing the Indian instrument. The other three Beatles were not present.
5. I'll Get You: This was released in 1963 as the B-side to She Loves You. The song has John in lead vocal, with Paul and George providing the harmony vocals. John also overdubs in the harmonica.
6. Thank You Girl: This track was also released in 1963 as the B-side to From Me To You. It features a lead vocal duet from John and Paul and a predominant harmonica from John.
7. Komm, Gib Mir Deine Hand (Lennon-McCartney-Nicolas-Hellmer) : This is the German version of I Want To Hold Your Hand. The German lyrics was written by two German songwriters.
8. You Know My Name (Look Up The Number): Although this track was recorded in 1968, it was only released in 1970 as the B-side of Let It Be single. The lyrics of this intriguing track, which sounds like a jam session, are simply a repetition of the title, with some spoken comments. The lead vocals are from John, Paul and Ringo (who is uttering some meaningless verses). The instrumentation has John on maraccas, george on xylophone and Ringo doubles on drums and bongos. The jazzy piano is from Paul while Brian Jones (from The Rolling Stones) helps out with a saxophone solo.
9. Sie Liebt Dich (Lennon-McCartney-Nicolas-Hellmer): This is the German version of She Loves You.
Side B:
1. Rain: Originally released as the B-side to Paperback Writer in 1966 , this was included earlier in 1970 on the Hey Jude compilation album.
2. She's A Woman: This was written by Paul and orignally released as the B-side of I Feel Fine in 1964. Paul is on solo vocal and doubles on bass and piano. Ringo plays drums and maraccas.
3. Matchbox (Perkins): Ringo is on solo vocal in this Carl Perkins song. Producer George Martin adds in the piano. The song was originally released in 1964 as part of the Long Tall Sally EP.
4. I Call Your Name: The song is also from the Long Tall Sally EP. John sings the lead vocal in this track, which was given and recorded earlier to Billy J. Kramer and The Dakotas.
5. Bad Boy (Williams): see A Collection Of Beatles Oldies
6. Slow Down (Williams): The third track from the Long Tall Sally EP features John on solo vocal of this Larry Williams song. George Martin is on piano.
7. I'm Down: Paul writes and sings lead vocal in this up-tempo song, which was earlier released as the B-side of Help! in 1965. John and George provide the backing vocals. John plays the Hammond organ with Ringo doubles on drums and bongos.
8. Long Tall Sally (Johnson-Penniman-Blackwell): This last of four tracks from Long Tall Sally EP was originally recorded by Little Richard, who also co-wrote this rock 'n' roll track. Paul is on a lead powerful vocal here.
Friday, 6 November 2009
The Beatles - Hey Jude
Hey Jude
This is another compilation album consisting some of the Beatles's non-album singles (1966-1969), plus Can't Buy Me Love & I Should Have Known Better. The last two songs are chosen in preference to The Inner Light (B-side of Lady Madonna) and Get Back (A-side of Don't Let Me Down).
The album was previously issued in the USA and was only available in UK in May 1979. Like A Collection of Beatles Oldies, this album was also not easily found in CD format with the many, better compilation albums available in the market.
With the exception of Old Brown Shoe by George Harrison, all songs in this compilation album are credited to Lennon-McCartney.
Side A
1. Can't Bue Me Love: (see A Hard Day's Night album)
2. I Should Have Known Better: (see A Hard Day's Night album)
3. Paperback Writer: (see A Collection of Beatles Oldies album)
4. Rain: This track was previously issued as the B-side to Paperback Writer single. John is the lead vocalist of the song, with backing vocals from Paul and George. Ringo doubles on drums and tambourine.
5. Lady Madonna: This is written and sung by Paul who also plays bass and a rock 'n' roll style piano. The backing vocals are from John and George. The saxophone backing are provided by 4 session musicians.
6. Revolution: The track was previously issued as the B-side to the Hey Jude single in August 1968. John sings lead solo vocal and plays the lead guitar together with George who plays a second distorted guitar. Paul is on bass, organ and piano.
Side B
1. Hey Jude: This was the A-side of the first single by the Beatles on ther own Apple label. It was one of the Beatles longest songs clocking 7:11 minutes. Paul writes and sings lead vocal on this track. He also accompanies himself on piano wth backing vocals from John and George. Ringo doubles on drums and tambourine. The ending 4-minute fade out is the longest on a Beatles' record. All four Bealtes plus a 40-piece orchestra sing and play to a one-line chorus (na..na..na..na..na..na..) in the fade-out.
2. Old Brown Shoe (Harrison): This George's song was issued as the B-side to a 1969 single, The Ballad ogf John and Yoko. It features George on lead vocals and lead guitar. John and Paul provide the backing vocal. Paul adds in the piano and Billy Preston plays the organ.
3. Don't Let Me Down: Previous issued as the B-side to the Get Back single, this blues-influenced track features John on lead vocal with harmony vocal from Paul. John plays the lead guitar instead of George who is on rhythm guitar. Billy Preston provides some solo organ passages.
4. The Ballad Of John And Yoko: This track was issued as a single in May 1969, two months after John and Yoko was married in Gibraltar. John and Paul play all instrument in this song. George and Ringo are not present. John, who plays acoustic/lead guitar, is on lead vocal and Paul provides harmony vocal. Paul is on bass, drums, piano and maraccas.
This album, together with A Collection of Beatles oldies and all the 12 studio albums, almost covers every official Beatles song. Of course, there are still some rarities albums, earlier recordings, compiltion albums from the Beatles available in the market.
The Beatles - A Collection of Beatles Oldies
A Collection of Beatles Oldies
This compilation album, featuring a selection of songs from The Beatles between 1963 to 1966, was released in December 1966, 4 months after the Revolver album, to cash in on the Christmas market. (The Beatles were in the first stages of preparing the Sgt. Pepper album, then.)
There are 16 songs in this album; it includes one 'new' track, Bad Boy, which had not been issued in UK. Among the other 15 tracks are 8 tracks previously included on the Beatles UK albums and 7 other tracks previously available only on singles.
This album (in vinyl) became obsolete with the many compilation albums available in later years.
All songs here, with the exception of Bad Boy written by Larry William, are credited to Lennon-McCartney.
Side One:
1. She Loves You: This track is the A-side of the Beatles' 4th single. It features the lead vocal duet from John
and Paul.
2. From Me To You: This is the follow-up single to Please Please Me. The lead vocals are shared by John and Paul with George joining in places on chorus. Apart from the usual instrumentation, John also plays the harmonica.
3. We Can Work It Out: This 11th UK single from The Beatles features Paul on lead vocal. John sings harmony vocal in the chorus and plays harmonium and acoustic guitar. George plays only the tambourine.
4. Help! : (see Help! album)
5. Michelle: (see Rubber Soul album)
6. Yesterday: (see Help! album)
7. I Feel Fine: This is the eighth single from the band. It opens with single note of feedback, then goes into the guitar riff around which the song is contructed. The lead vocal is from John. Paul and George on backing vocals. Both John and George play the lead guitars.
8. Yellow Submarine: (see Revolver album)
Side Two:
1. Can't Buy Me Love: (see A Hard Day's Night album)
2. Bad Boy (Williams): The lead vocal is a solo from John, who doubles on rhythm guitar and hammond organ. Paul and George play their usual bass and lead guitars. Ringo is on drums and tambourine.
3. Day Tripper: This was issued as a double A-sided single with We CanWork It Out. The lead vocals are a duet from John and Paul. John doubles on rhythm guitar and tambourine.
4. A Hard Day's Night: (see A Hard Day's Night album)
5. Ticket To Ride: (see Help! album)
6. Paperback Writer: The song begins with an a capella introduction. The lead vocal is from Paul, who also joins John and George on a 3-part haromony backing vocals.
7. Eleanor Rigby: (see Revolver album)
8. I Want To Hold Your Hand: The song opens with John's rhythm guitar, then follows by lead vocal duet from John and Paul. They are joined by George for the chorus line. With their signature hand-clappings, this is one of the Beatles' early powerful recordings.
Thursday, 5 November 2009
The Beatles - Let It Be
Let It BeThis is the 12th and final UK studio album by the Beatles, released in May 1970, shortly after the band's announcement on their breakup.
Most of the songs here are recorded in January 1969, before the recording and release of the Abbey Road album.
The album acts as a soundtrack album for the 1970 movie, Let It Be, documentary of the band rehearsing and recording the album.
The rehearsals and recording sessions for the album did not run smoothly because of the increasing squabbles among the Beatles. There were lots of arguments and musical differences during the sessions. The presence of Yoko Ono in the studio worsened the atmosphere. The movie, instead of showing the making of an album, showed the world the breaking-up of one of the world's greatest pop bands.
However, the movie did has its moments; an impromptu concert, shown at the end of the film, was held on the roof of the Apple office in London's Saville Row. The Beatles managed to perform 5 songs (I Dig A Pony, I've Got A Feeling, One After 909, Don't Let Me Down and Get Back) before the arrival of the police to stop the concert, after receiving some complaints about noise.
All songs credited to Lennon-McCartney, except where noted.
1. Two Of Us: The opening track, written by Paul, is a close harmony duet between Paul and John (who both play the acousic guitars) with Paul soloing in places. George plays the lead guitar with Ringo on drums. This reminds us of the 3 guitars and drums sound of the early 60s.
2. Dig A Pony: The song has a false start and then it starts with the lead guitar riffs and lead vocal from John with harmonies from Paul. George takes over playing the rhythm guitar while Billy Preston plays the organ.
3. Across The Universe: This recording is slightly slower than the original, as if it has been deliberately slowed down from its recorded speed. This has given John's solo vocal a whining quality. John plays acousic and lead guitars and joins George Martin on organ. Paul is on piano while George plays the tamboura. Ringo plays only the maraccas. Co-producer Phil Spector's over-dubbing of the choirs and orchestras, somehow, destroys the original simplicity of the song.
4. I Me Mine (Harrison): The song opens with the organ played by Billy Preston, with George on acoustic guitar, Paul on piano, John on lead guitar and Ringo on drums. George is on lead vocal with harmones from John and Paul. The track also has an over-dubbed orchestra from session musicians.
5. Dig It (Lennon-McCartney-Harrison-Starkey): a 51-second filler with John singing odd unconnected lines. This short track has Paul on piano, George on lead guitar and Billy Preston on organ.
6. Let It Be: This is one of the best songs from the Bealtes. Paul is on lead vocal ad piano. John plays the lead guitar, George on bass, Ringo on drums/maraccas, and Billy Preston on organ. To the dislike of Paul, Phil Spector overdubs brass and choir into the track.
7. Maggie Mae (Trad. Arr.-Lennon-McCartney-Harrison-Starkey): The Beatles interpret a traditional old Liverpudian song. John is on lead vocal with Paul and George harmonising. John and Paul play the acoustic guitars. George is on bass and Ringo on drums.
8. I've Got A Feeling: Both Paul and John sing the lead vocals in this track. The line-up is John on lead guitar, Paul on bass, George on rhythm guitar, Ringo on drums and Billy Preston on organ.
9. One After 909: This track is taken from the rooftop concert. It's one of John's earlier rock 'n' roll songs. The vocals are a duet between John and Paul, with John singing solo on one verse. The line-up is the same as I've Got A Feeling.
10. The Long And Winding Road: Paul's lovely ballad has him in solo vocal and piano. John is the only other Beatles present with the 6-string bass accompaniment. Phil Spector overlays the song with choirs and orchestras (strings, harp and drums) much to Paul's displeasure. (Paul strips off the orchestration in a later album called: Let It Be - Naked.)
11. For You Blue (Harrison): The track features a solo vocal from George who also plays the acoutic guitar. John plays on a steel guitar, Paul doubles on bass/piano and Ringo on drums.
12. Get Back: The last track on the album has Paul on lead vocal with harmonies from John in places. Again, like the few "rooftop" songs, the line-up is John on lead guitar, Paul on bass, George on rhythm Ringo on drums and Billy Preston on organ.
Saturday, 31 October 2009
The Beatles - Abbey Road
Abbey RoadThis is the official 11th UK album by the Beatles, released in September 1969.
After the near-disastrous sessions for the "Get Back" album (later re-titled as Let It Be) in January 1969, The Beatles briefly settled their differences long enough to record Abbey Road, in July, which was to be their last studio-recorded album.
Side One of the album (vinyl) is John's concept of indivitual tracks, while Side Two has Paul's now famous 'Pop Opera', a long suite of compositions, many of them being relatively short, segued as one.
The record sleeve shows the Beatles walking across a zebra crossing in Abbey Road away from the recording studio. This, with the album's closing track 'The End', was regarded by many as being the message from the band saying "it's the end of the Bealtles". (The Bealtes disbanded on 10.4.70, six months after the release of this album.)
Abbey Road became one of the most successful Beatles albums ever. The album debuted straight to No. 1 in the UK chart and stayed a total of 17 weeks at the top.
All songs credited to Lennon-McCartney, except where noted.
1. Come Together: The track is written by John and features a lead vocal from him with harmonies in places from Paul. John and George both play the lead guitars. John also plays the piano while Ringo doubles on drums and maraccas.
2. Something (Harrison): This is, to my opinion, undoubtedly the best song from the album. George sings solo vocal on his own song. It was issued as the A-side of a single and this was the first time a George Harrision song was used on as an A-side of a Beatles single. John plays the lead guitar together with George. Their friend, Billy Preston plays the organ. The orchestration is by the George Martin Orchestra. (The first line of the song: "something in the ways she moves" was based on a James Taylor's song.)
3. Maxwell's Silver Hammer: Paul's first song on the album features himself on lead vocal with harmonies from John. Paul and John also dubs in the backing vocals. John is on lead guitar while George doubles on acoustic guitar and synthesiser. Paul is also on bass and piano. Ringo is heard banging a hammer on an anvil for added effect.
4. Oh! Darling: Paul again sings (a harse and gusty) lead vocal on this dramatic track; the backing vocals are from John and Paul. The instrument backing includes Paul on piano, lead guitar from George who also plays the synthesiser.
5. Octopus's Garden (Starkey): This is the second (and last) song written by Ringo to be included in a Bealtes album. Ringo sings lead vocal with backing from John and Paul. John and George both play the lead guitars. Paul is also on piano while George adds in the synthesiser. It also includes some sound effects like bubbles blowing and gargling backing vocals in the instrumental break.
6. I Want You (She's So Heavy): This is actually two songs joined together as one, but without a link. The lead vocal and the bluesy lead guitar are by John. Paul harmonises in places. George, who plays the rhythm guitar, adds in the moog synthesiser to creat the white noise or "wind" effect. Billy Preston is on organ. The song has a long repeated guitar riff at the ending until the song stops abruptly.
7. Here Comes The Sun (Harrison): On this second song from George which he sings lead vocal and plays an acoustic guitar and synthesiser. The backing vocal are from John and Paul. The strings are provided by session musicians.
8. Because: This song features a close harmony from John and Paul. John is on lead guitar and harpsichord while George adds in the programmed moog synthesiser. Ringo is not present on this track.
The "Pop Opera" suite:
9. You Never Give Me Your Money: This track is a medley of four separate songs welded together as one. The first song, You Never Give Me Your Money, features Paul singing lead vocal and backing himself on a piano. On the second song, That Magic Feeling, Paul's singing is backed by a honky-tonk style piano. The third song, One Sweet Dream, is an upbeat rock 'n' roll song by Paul and the fourth song has Paul and John repeating the lines : "1-2-3-4-5-6-7, all good children go to heaven". The backing vocals are from John and Paul. John is on lead guitar. Paul adds in the piano while George handles the rhythm guitar. Ringo doubles on drums and tambourine.
10. Sun King: John's vocals are double-track for the lead, then multi-tracked to produce his own harmonies. John plays the lead guitar and maraccas. Paul is on bass and harmonium. George also plays lead guitar while ringo is on drums and bongos on this track that sounds like tribal chants. George Martin joins the Beatles on organ.
11. Mean Mustard: John, who plays piano on this track, sings lead vocal with Paul harmonising here and there. Paul also plays the fuzz bass guitar whle Ringo doubles on drums and tambourine. George plays lead guitar on this short track.
12. Polythene Pam: Another short track with John on lead vocal and Paul on harmony vocal. John plays both acoustic and lead guitars. Paul is on bass and lead guitar too. George doubles on rhythm guitar and tambourine with Ringo on drums and maraccas.
13. She Came In Through The Bathroom Window: Paul sings lead vocal and joins John for the backing vocals. John plays the acoustic guitar with Paul taking the role of playing the lead guitar. George plays the bass while Ringo doubles on drums and maraccas.
14. Golden Slumbers: Paul sings solo vocal on this short melody. Paul doubles on bass and piano. Ringo is only other Beatle presence. Session musicians provide the string.
15. Carry The Weight: The first part of this track has the Beatles singing in 4-part harmony. The second part of the song is the second verse of You Never Give Me Your Money. This has Paul on lead vocal and backed himself on piano, and with the orchestration from George Martin. The final part returns to the Beatles singing Carry The Weight. John plays the lead guitar in this short track.
16. The End: This track again is made up of 4 parts. It starts with Paul singing lead on a verse. This is followed by a 16-second Ringo drum solo (the first and only on a Beatles record). The third session changes into a jam session with backing vocals (love you....) from John, Paul and George. John and Paul sing the final verse. John is on lead guitar with Paul on piano and George on rhythm guitar. The strings are added by session musicians.
17. Her Majesty: After an 18-second silence from The End, Paul suddenly breaks into a vocal solo, backing himself on acoustic guitar, on this short track.
Friday, 30 October 2009
The Beatles - Yellow Submarine
Yellow Submarine This is the 10th album by The Beatles in UK; it was issued as the soundtrack to the cartoon film of the same name.
When it was released in vinyl record in January 1969, only one side of the album contained songs from the Beatles, and out of the 6 songs only 4 were 'new' songs. The first song Yellow Submarine had been released in 1966 as a single and also as a track in Revolver. Another song All You Need Is Love was a single in 1967 and also a track in Magical Mystery Tour.
The second side of the album was producer George Martin's orchestral score of the film's incidental music.
The Beatles themselves did not consider this a studio album proper, as the four 'new' songs were taken hodge-podge fashion and considered "throwaway" recordings from earlier sessions.
1. Yellow Submarine (Lennon-McCartney): Previously issued on Revolver album.
2. Only A Northern Song (Harrison): George is on solo vocal and plays the organ on this "discordant" track. Paul's bass and Ringo's drums are the only musical parts of the backing. The music gets lost amidst the continual interruptions of off-key instruments intentionally played by all the Beatles. The title of the song was a sarcastic jibe at the publishing company, Northern Songs. The cacophonus "tune up" backing is quite similar to Tomorrow Never Knows and Revolution 9.
3. All Together Now (Lennon-McCartney): Paul's contribution, that sounds like a nursery rhyme, also seems rather half-hearted. He sings the lead vocal with backing vocals from John and George. John strums the banjo while George plays the harmonica. Paul is on acoustic and bass guitars with Ringo on drums and finger cymbals.
4. Hey Bulldog (Lennon-McCartney): John, on piano and lead guitar, sings lead vocal on his contribution to the album. Paul who plays bass is also on harmony vocal. George doubles on lead guitar and tambourine.
5. It's All Too Much (Harrison): George's second contribution to the album has him in lead vocal. He also doubles on lead guitar and organ. John is on lead guitar and provides harmony vocals together with Paul. Ringo is on drums and tambourine. Two session musicians add in the trumpets on the longest song of the album.
6. All You Need Is Love (Lennon-McCartney): Previously issued on Magical Mystery Tour album.
The George Martin Orchestra:
7. Pepper Land
8. Sea Of time
9. Sea Of Holes
10. Sea Of Monsters
11. March Of The Meanies
12. Pepper Land Laid Waste
13. Yellow Submarine in Pepper Land
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