PETE'S EYE VIEW

1963 - I Want To Hold Your Hand (The Beatles)

2010-09-03T19:17:00.001-07:00

I Want To Hold Your Hand

A song written by Lennon-McCartney and sung by The Beatles. It reach #1 on UK chart for 4 weeks in December 1963. It is The Beatles first #1 US billboard hot 100 chart, starting the "British invasion" in american charts. The song peaked on US chart for 7 weeks from Feb to March '64.

A million copies of the single had already been ordered on its release. "I Want to Hold Your Hand" became the Beatles' best-selling single worldwide

1963 - DOMINIQUE (The Singing Nun)

2010-09-03T18:20:00.000-07:00

DOMINIQUE

"Dominique" is a popular song in French by Soeur Sourire (Sister Smile)of Belgium, also known as The Singing Nun.

The song reached and stayed at #1 on both the U.S. pop chart and "easy listening chart" (since renamed the Adult Contemporary chart) for four weeks in December of 1963. (It was the second foreign language song to hit #1 on the Hot 100 in 1963, the other being "Sukiyaki" by Kyu Sakamoto.)

1963 - You'll Never Walk Alone (Gerry & The Pacemakers)

2010-06-26T21:17:00.000-07:00

You'll Never Walk Alone

"You'll Never Walk Alone" is a show tune from the 1945 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, Carousel. The songs have been recorded by many recording artistes.

Gerry & The Pacemakers made it a #1 hit in UK singles charts for 4 weeks in October-November '63.

The song is also sung at football clubs around the world, where it is performed by a massed chorus of supporters on matchday; this tradition began at Liverpool Football Club in the early 1960s and later spread to several other clubs.

1963 - Do You Love Me? (Brian Poole & The Tremeloes)

2010-06-26T21:06:00.001-07:00

Do You Love Me?

"Do You Love Me?", a song written by Motown' CEO, Berry Gordy, is originally a hit single recorded by The Contours in 1962.

Like many American R&B songs of the 1960s, "Do You Love Me?" was covered by a number of British Invasion groups. Three British groups who recorded their own versions of the song were Brian Poole and the Tremeloes (who hit #1 with it in the UK Singles Chart for 3 weeks in Oct '63), the Dave Clark Five and The Hollies.

1963 - Sugar Shack (Jimmy Gilmer & The Fireballs)

2010-06-26T20:48:00.000-07:00

Sugar Shack

"Sugar Shack", co-written by Keith McCormack and his aunt Fay Voss, is recorded by Jimmy Gilmer & The Fireball in '63. It was a hugh hit for the American rock 'n' roll band as it topped the US Billboard Hot 100 for 5 weeks (October - November '63).

1963 - Blue Velvet (Bobby Vinton)

2010-06-24T06:01:00.000-07:00

Blue Velvet

"Blue Velvet" is a popular song, written by Bernie Wayne and Lee Morris, that has been recorded by several artists. It was first a hit for Tony Bennett in 1951, when it peaked at #16 on the Billboard Best Selling Pop Singles Chart.

Bobby Vinton's version of the song hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in September '63, and held the top spot for 3 weeks. It also spent 8 weeks atop the U.S. adult contemporary chart.

Vinton's version of "Blue Velvet" failed to make the British charts when it was first released, but a re-released version in 1990 went to #2 in the United Kingdom.

Lyrics:

She wore blue velvet
Bluer than velvet was the night
Softer than satin was the light
From the stars

She wore blue velvet
Bluer than velvet were her eyes
Warmer than May her tender sighs
Love was ours

Ours a love I held tightly
Feeling the rapture grow
Like a flame burning brightly
But when she left, gone was the glow of

Blue velvet
But in my heart there'll always be
Precious and warm, a memory
Through the years

And I still can see blue velvet
Through my tears

1963 - She Loves You (The Beatles)

2010-06-24T05:47:00.000-07:00

She Loves You

"She Loves You" is a song written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney,originally recorded by The Beatles for release as a single in 1963. The single set and surpassed several records in the United Kingdom charts, and set a record in the United States by being one of the five Beatles songs which held the top five positions in the American charts simultaneously. It is The Beatles' best-selling single in the United Kingdom. Topping the UK Single charts for 4 weeks in September and again 2 weeks in November, 1963. It was the best selling single in Britain that year.

The song is also a #1 hit in US Billboard Hot 100 for 2 weeks in March '64.

John Lennon – vocal, rhythm guitar
Paul McCartney – vocal, bass
George Harrison – harmony vocal, lead guitar
Ringo Starr – drums

1963 - My Boyfriend's Back (The Angels)

2010-05-21T07:22:00.000-07:00

My Boyfriend's Back

"My Boyfriend's Back" is written by Robert Feldman, Gerald Goldstein and Richard Gottehrer in 1963. The song, recorded by The Angels hit the US Billboard Hot 100 for 3 weeks (August - September 1963).

1963 - Bad To Me (Billy J Kramer & The Dakotas)

2010-05-21T07:07:00.000-07:00

Bad To Me

"Bad To Me" is a song written by John Lennon (credited to Lennon-McCartney)and recorded by Billy J Kramer & The Dakotas in 1963. The song hit the #1 spot in the UK Single Charts for two weeks in August.

Lyric:

If you ever leave me,
I'll be sad and blue
Don't you ever leave me,
I'm so in love with you

The birds in the sky would be sad and lonely,
If they knew that I lost my one and only,
They'd be sad if you're bad to me

The leaves on the trees would be softly sighin'
If they heard from the breeze that you left me cryin',
They'd be sad, don't be bad to me

But I know you won't leave me 'cos you told me so,
And I've no intention of letting you go,
Just as long as you let me know, you won't be bad to me

So the birds in the sky won't be sad and lonely,
Cos they know I got my one and only
They'd be glad that you're not bad to me
They'd be glad that you're not bad to me, to me, to me

s:

1963 - Fingertips Part II (Stevie Wonder)

2010-05-20T19:45:00.000-07:00

Fingertips Part II

"Fingertips" is a 1963 #1 (3 weeks in August) hit single recorded live by "Little" Stevie Wonder for Motown's Tamla label. This Stevie's first hit single is written and composed by his mentors, Clarence Paul and Henry Cosby.

Fingertips" is essentially an instrumental piece, meant to showcase Wonder's talents on the bongos and the harmonica. The live version of "Fingertips" was released in May 1963 as a two-part single, with Part 2 as the B-side. By August, the single B-side had reached the top of both the Billboard Pop Singles and R&B Singles charts.

(Both the studio and live versions of the song featured drumming by future Motown star Marvin Gaye.)

1963 - Sweets For My Sweet (The Searchers)

2010-05-09T05:51:00.000-07:00

Sweets For My Sweet

"Sweets For My Sweet" is a song written by the songwriting team of Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, originally recorded by The Drifters.

It became the debut single for Merseybeat band The Searchers, reaching #1 on the UK Single Chart for 3 weeks in August 1963.

Lyrics:

Sweets for my sweet sugar for my honey
Your first sweet kiss thrilled me so
Sweets for my sweet sugar for my honey
I'll never ever let you go

If you wanted that star that shines so brightly
To match the stardust in your eye
Darling I would chase that bright star nightly
And try to steal it from the sky
And I would bring

Sweets for my sweet sugar for my honey
Your first sweet kiss thrilled me so
Sweets for my sweet sugar for my honey
I'll never ever let you go

If you wanted a king to keep you smilin'
I'd tell the sandman you were blue
And I'd ask him to keep that sand a-pilin'
Until your dreams had all come true
And I would bring

Sweets for my sweet sugar for my honey
Your first sweet kiss thrilled me so
Sweets for my sweet sugar for my honey
I'll never ever let you go

And if you wanted a love to last forever
Darlin' I would send my love your way
And my love'd not only last forever
But forever and a day
And I would bring

Sweets for my sweet sugar for my honey
Your first sweet kiss thrilled me so
Sweets for my sweet sugar for my honey
I'll never ever let you go

1963 - Surf City (Jan & Dean)

2010-05-07T19:50:00.000-07:00

Surf City

"Surf City" is a surf song which, as recorded by Jan and Dean, was a #1 hit on US Billboard Hot 100 in July 1963 for two weeks. It became the first surf song to top the US charts.

It was written by Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys. He gave it to Jan Berry and Dean Torrence (Jan and Dean) who finished and recorded it with Wilson.

Lyrics:

Two girls for every boy

I bought a '30 Ford wagon and we call it a woodie (Surf City, here we come)
You know it's not very cherry, it's an oldie but a goodie (Surf City, here we come)
Well, it ain't got a back set or a rear window
But it still gets me where I wanna go

And we're goin' to Surf City, 'cause it's two to one
You know we're goin' to Surf City, gonna have some fun
You know we're goin' to Surf City, 'cause it's two to one
You know we're goin' to Surf City, gonna have some fun, now
Two girls for every boy

You know they never roll the streets up 'cause there's always somethin' goin' (Surf City, here we come)
You know they're either out surfin' or they got a party growin' (Surf City, here we come)
Yeah, and there's two swingin' honeys for every guy
And all you gotta do is just wink your eye

And we're goin' to Surf City, 'cause it's two to one
You know we're goin' to Surf City, gonna have some fun
You know we're goin' to Surf City, 'cause it's two to one
You know we're goin' to Surf City, gonna have some fun, now
Two girls for every boy

And if my woody breaks down on me somewhere on the surf route (Surf City, here we come)
I'll strap my board to my back and hitch a ride in my wetsuit (Surf City, here we come)
And when I get to Surf City I'll be shootin' the curl
And checkin' out the parties for a surfer girl

And we're goin' to Surf City, 'cause it's two to one
You know we're goin' to Surf City, gonna have some fun
You know we're goin' to Surf City, 'cause it's two to one
You know we're goin' to Surf City, gonna have some fun, now
Two girls for every boy

1963 - I Like It (Gerry & The Pacemakers)

2010-05-07T19:29:00.000-07:00

I Like It

"I Like It" is the second single by Liverpudlian band Gerry & the Pacemakers. Like their first #1 song (How Do You Do It), it was written by Mitch Murray. The song topped the UK Singles Chart for 4 weeks (June - July 1963).

Lyrics:

I like it, I like it
I like the way you run your fingers through my hair
And I like the way you tickle my chin
And I like the way you let me come in
When your mama ain't there

I like it, I like it
I like the words you say and all the things you do
And I like the way you straighten my tie
And I like the way you're winkin' your eye
And I know I like you, you know I like you

Do that again
You're driving me insane
Kiss me once more
That's another thing I like you for

I like it, I like it
I like the funny feeling being here with you
And I like it more with every day
And I like it always hearing you say
You're likin' it too, you're likin' it too

I'm askin' you
What do you wanna do?
Do you agree
That the world was made for you and me?

I like it, I like it
I like the funny feeling being here with you
And I like it more with every day
And I like it always hearing you say
You're likin' it too, you're likin' it too

Whoa oh, I like it
Are you likin' it too?

1963 - Sukiyaki (Kyo Sakamoto)

2010-05-07T05:48:00.000-07:00

Sukiyaki

"Sukiyaki" is a Japanese song that was performed Kyu Sakamoto, and written by Rokusuke Ei and Hachidai Nakamura.

The song reached #1 on US Billboard Hot 100 charts for 2 weeks in June 1963, and was the only Japanese language song to do so. In total it sold over 13 million copies internationally.

Lyrics:

Ue o muite arukou
Namida ga kobore naiyouni
Omoidasu harunohi
Hitoribotchi no yoru

Ue o muite arukou
Nijinda hosi o kazoete
Omoidasu natsunohi
Hitoribotchi no yoru

Shiawase wa kumo no ueni
Shiawase wa sora no ueni

Ue o muite arukou
Namida ga kobore naiyouni
Nakinagara aruku
Hitoribotchi no yoru

(whistling)
Omoidasu akinohi
Hitoribotchi no yoru

Kanashimi wa hosino kageni
Kanashimi wa tsukino kageni

Ue o muite arukou
Namida ga kobore naiyouni
Nakinagara aruku
Hitoribotchi no yoru

1963 - Do You Want To Know A Secret (Billy J Kramer)

2010-05-07T05:33:00.000-07:00

Do You Want To Know A Secret

"Do You Want To Know A Secret" is a song written by Lennon-McCartney. It first appeared in The Beatles 1963 album "Please Please Me."

The Beatles' version was never released as a single in the UK. A cover version by Billy J. Kramer with the Dakotas, however, topped the UK single charts for 2 weeks in June 1963.

Lyrics:

You'll never know how much I really love you.
You'll never know how much I really care.

Listen,
Do you want to know a secret?,
Do you promise not to tell?, whoa oh, oh.

Closer,
Let me whisper in your ear,
Say the words you long to hear,
I'm in love with you.

Listen,
Do you want to know a secret?,
Do you promise not to tell?, whoa oh, oh.

Closer,
Let me whisper in your ear,
Say the words you long to hear,
I'm in love with you.

I've known the secret for a week or two,
Nobody knows, just we two.

Listen,
Do you want to know a secret?,
Do you promise not to tell?, whoa oh, oh.

Closer,
Let me whisper in your ear,
Say the words you long to hear,
I'm in love with you.

1963 - It's My Party (Lesley Gore)

2010-04-29T20:17:00.000-07:00

It's My Party

"It's My Party" is a song famously sung by Lesley Gore. It hit #1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 for 2 weeks in June 1963 but peaked only at #9 in UK.

The song was written by Walter Gold, John Gluck Jr and Herb Weiner. And it was the first hit single for producer Quincy Jones.

The song had a sequel called "Judy's Turn To Cry". It was not as popular as "It's My Party" but still managed to chart at #5 at the Billboard charts in the summer of 1963.

Lyrics:

Nobody knows where my Johnny has gone,
but Judy left the same time.
Why was he holding her hand,
when he's supposed to be mine?

It's my party and I'll cry if I want to,
cry if I want to, cry if I want to.
You would cry too if it happened to you.

Play all my records, keep dancing all night,
but leave me alone for a while,
'til Johnny's dancing with me,
I've got no reason to smile.

It's my party and I'll cry if I want to,
cry if I want to, cry if I want to.
You would cry too if it happened to you.

Judy and Johnny just walked thru' the door,
like a queen with her king.
Oh, what a birthday surprise,
Judy's wearing his ring.

It's my party and I'll cry if I want to,
cry if I want to, cry if I want to.
You would cry too if it happened to you.

1963 - If You Wanna Be Happy (Jimmy Soul)

2010-04-29T19:38:00.000-07:00

If You Wanna Be Happy

"If You Wanna Be Happy" is a catchy little tune sung by Jimmy Soul and a Billboard Hot 100 #1 single for 2 weeks in May 1963.

The song was based on a 1933 calypso song "Ugly Woman" by The Roaring Lion.

1963 - From Me To You (The Beatles)

2010-04-23T06:37:00.000-07:00

From Me To You

"From Me To You" is a song written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney. This is The Beatles's second # 1 single. It topped the UK charts for 5 weeks (April - May 1963).

John Lennon: Rhythm guitar, harmonica and lead vocal
Paul McCartney: Bass and lead vocal
George Harrison: Lead guitar and harmony vocal
Ringo Starr: Drums

Lyrics:

If there's anything that you want,
If there's anything I can do,
Just call on me and I'll send it along
With love from me to you.

I've got everything that you want,
Like a heart that is oh, so true.
Just call on me and I'll send it along
With love from me to you.

I got arms that long to hold you
And keep you by my side.
I got lips that long to kiss you
And keep you satisfied, oooh.

If there's anything that you want,
If there's anything I can do,
Just call on me and I'll send it along
With love from me to you.
From me, to you.

From me. To You.

Just call on me and I'll send it along
With love from me to you.

I got arms that long to hold you
And keep you by my side.
I got lips that long to kiss you
And keep you satisfied, oooh.

If there's anything that you want,
If there's anything I can do,
Just call on me and I'll send it along
With love from me to you.
To you, to you, to you.

1963 - I Will Follow Him (Little Peggy March)

2010-04-23T06:05:00.001-07:00

I Will Follow Him

"I Will Follow Him" is a song recorded by Little Peggy March in 1963 when she was only 15. The song topped the US Billboard Hot 100 for 3 weeks (April - May 1963) making the youngest female artiste to have a chart topper then.

The music was written by Frank Pourcel (using the pseudonym J.W. Stole) and Paul Mauriat (using the pseudonym Del Roma). It was adapted by Arthur Altman. The English lyrics were written by Norman Gimbel. The song is a translation of the French language tune "Chariot" recorded a year earlier by Petula Clark, which hit #1 in France.

Lyrics:

Love him, I love him, I love him
And where he goes I'll follow, I'll follow, I'll follow

I will follow him, follow him wherever he may go
There isn't an ocean too deep
A mountain so high it can keep me away

I must follow him, ever since he touched my hand I knew
That near him I always must be.
And nothing can keep him from me
He is my destiny.

I love him, I love him, I love him
And where he goes I'll follow, I'll follow, I'll follow
He'll always be my true love, my true love, my true love
From now until forever, forever, forever.

I will follow him, follow him wherever he may go
There isn't an ocean too deep.
A mountain so high it can keep, keep me away
Away from my love.

I love him, I love him, I love him
And where he goes I'll follow, I'll follow, I'll follow
He'll always be my true love, my true love, my true love
From now until forever, forever, forever

I will follow him, follow him wherever he may go
There isn't an ocean too deep
A mountain so high it can keep, keep me away
Away from my love...

Do-do do-do-do do-do-do and where he goes
I'll follow, I'll follow, I'll follow
I know I'll always love him

1963 - How Do You Do It (Gerry & The Pacemakers)

2010-04-17T04:11:00.000-07:00

How Do You Do It

"How Do You Do It?" was the debut single by Liverpudlian band Gerry & the Pacemakers. The song was #1 in the UK Singles Chart for 3 weeks in April 1963.

The song was written by Mitch Murray. The song was offered to and turned down by both Adam Faith and The Beatles.

The record later entered the US chart in July, 1964, eventually reaching #9.

Lyrics:

How do you do what you do to me, I wish I knew
If I knew how you do it to me, I'd do it to you

How do you do what you do to me, I'm feeling blue
Wish I knew how you do it to me, but I haven't a clue

You give me a feeling in my heart, like an arrow passin' through it
'spose that you think you're very smart
But won't you tell me how do you do it

How do you do what you do to me, if I only knew
Then perhaps you'd fall for me like I fell for you

You give me a feeling in my heart like an arrow passin' through it
'spose that you think you're very smart
But won't you tell me how do you do it

How do you do what you do to me, if I only knew
Then perhaps you'd fall for me like I fell for you
When I do it to you.

1963 - He's So Fine (The Chiffons)

2010-04-17T04:01:00.000-07:00

He's So Fine

"He's So Fine", written by Ronald Mack, is a recording by the Chiffons which topped the Billboard Hot 100 for 4 weeks (March - April 1963).

"He's So Fine" is also renowned as the plaintiff song in a famous plagiarism case against George Harrison's "My Sweet Lord".

Lyrics:

(Do-lang, do-lang, do-lang)
(Do-lang, do-lang)

He's so fine
(Do-lang-do-lang-do-lang)
Wish he were mine
(Do-lang-do-lang-do-lang)
That handsome boy overthere
(Do-lang-do-lang-do-lang)
The one with the wavy hair
(Do-lang-do-lang-do-lang)
I don't know how I'm gonna do it
(Do-lang-do-lang-do-lang)
But I'm gonna make him mine
(Do-lang-do-lang-do-lang)
He's the envy of all the girls
(Do-lang-do-lang-do-lang)
It's just a matter of time
(Do-lang-do-lang)

He's a soft [Spoken] guy
(Do-lang-do-lang-do-lang)
Also seems kinda shy
(Do-lang-do-lang-do-lang)
Makes me wonder if I
(Do-lang-do-lang-do-lang)
Should even give him a try
(Do-lang-do-lang-do-lang)
But then I know he can't shy
(Do-lang-do-lang-do-lang)
He can't shy away forever
(Do-lang-do-lang-do-lang)
And I'm gonna make him mine
(Do-lang-do-lang-do-lang)
If it takes me forever
(Do-lang-do-lang)

He's so fine
(Oh yeah)
Gotta be mine
(Oh yeah)
Sooner or later
(Oh yeah)
I hope it's not later
(Oh yeah)
We gotta get together
(Oh yeah)
The sooner the better
(Oh yeah)
I just can't wait, I just can't wait
To be held in his arms

If I were a queen
(Do-lang-do-lang-do-lang)
And he asked me to leave my throne
(Do-lang-do-lang-do-lang)
I'll do anything that he asked
(Do-lang-do-lang-do-lang)
Anything to make him my own
(Do-lang-do-lang-do-lang)
For he's so fine
(So fine) so fine
(So fine) he's so fine
(So fine) so fine
(So fine) he's so fine

[Fades]

(So fine) oh yeah
(He's so fine) he's so fine
(So fine) uh-huh
(He's so fine)
He's so fine.....

1963 - Summer Holiday (Cliff Richard)

2010-04-09T20:04:00.000-07:00

Summer Holiday

"Summer Holiday", written by Bruce Welch and Brian Bennett (from The Shadows), is a song by Cliff Richard. It went to #1 in the UK chart for 3 weeks in March 1963.

It is taken from the film of the same name and is one of Richard's best known titles.

1963 - Please Please Me (The Beatles)

2010-04-09T19:42:00.000-07:00

Please Please Me

1963 will go down in history as the year of The Beatles, surely the biggest musical phenomenon the world has ever seen, or is ever to likely to see.

"Please Please Me", written by John Lennon & Paul McCartney, is the Beatles first #1 UK hit, following the success of their first single "Love Me Do", which reached only #17 on the chart.

"Please Please Me" (the song) only stayed at the top spot for 1 week in March 1963 but the "Please Please Me" (the band's first studio) album stayed at the top album chart, beginning from May 1963, for a record 29 weeks then.

John Lennon: rhythm guitar, harmonica and lead vocal
Paul McCartney: bass guitar and harmony vocal
George Harrison: lead guitar and harmony vocal
Ringo Starr: drums

Lyrics:

Last night I said these words to my girl
I know you never even try girl
Come on, come on, come on, come on
Come on, come on, come on. come on
Please please me. oh yeah like I please you

You don't need me to show the way love
Why do I always have to say love?
Come on, come on. come on. come on
Come on, come on, come on. come on
Please please me, oh yeah like I please you

I don't want to sound complaining
But you know there's always rain in my heart
I do all the pleasin' with you
It's so hard to reason with you
Oh yeah why do you make me blue

Last night I said these words to my girl
I know you never even try girl
Come on, come on, come on, come on
Come on, come on, come on. come on
Please please me. oh yeah like I please you
Oh yeah like I please you
Oh yeah like I please you

1963 - Walk Like A Man (The Four Seasons)

2010-03-30T22:19:00.000-07:00

Walk Like A Man

"Walk Like a Man" is a song written by Bob Crewe and Bob Gaudio and originally recorded by The Four Seasons. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 for 3 weeks in March 1963. The song was the third #1 hit for The Four Seasons.

Cover versions of the song have been recorded by other musicians such as the Mary Jane Girls and Divine.

Lyrics:

Oo-oo... Walk Like A Man...

Oh how you tried to cut me down to size
Telling dirty lies to my friends
But my own father said give her up don't bother
The world isn't coming to an end

(he said just) Walk like a man
Talk like a man
Walk like a man my son
No woman's worth
Crawling on the earth
Just walk like a man my son

Good-bye baby I dont mean maybe
I'm gonna get along somehow
Soon you'll be cryin on account of all your lyin'
Oh yeah just look who's laughing now

(I'm gonna) walk like a man
Fast as I can
Walk like a man from you
I'll tell the world to forget about it girl
And walk like a man from you

Oo.oo.oo

1963 - Hey Paula (Paul & Paula)

2010-03-30T22:05:00.000-07:00

Hey Paula

"Hey Paula" is a song recorded by Paul & Paula. It hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 3 weeks in February 9, 1963, and also made it to #1 on the Hot R&B Singles chart. "Paul" was the song's writer, Ray Hildebrand and "Paula" was Jill Jackson.

It spawned a follow-up top ten hit, "Young Lovers", and a series of other hits for the duo. The song sort of started the fad of boy & girl duet in the 60s.

Lyrics:

Hey, hey Paula, I wanna marry you
Hey, hey Paula, no one else could ever do
I've waited so long for school to be through
Paula, I can't wait no more for you
My love, my love

Hey Paul, I've been waiting for you
Hey, hey, hey Paul, I want to marry you too
If you love me true, if you love me still,
Our love will always be real
My love, my love

True love means planning a life for two
Being together the whole day through
True love means waiting and hoping that soon
Wishes we've made will come true
My love, my love

Hey, hey Paula, I've been waiting for you
Hey, hey Paul, I want to marry you too
True love means planning a life for two
Being together the whole day through
True love means waiting and hoping that soon
Wishes we've made will come true
My love, my love

1963 - Diamonds (Jet Harris & Tony Meehan)

2010-03-26T06:58:00.000-07:00

Diamonds

"Diamonds" is an instrumental written by Jerry Lordan. It was a #1 hit for 4 weeks (Jan - Feb 1963) in the UK for Jet Harris and Tony Meehan (both are founder members of The Shadows).

The recording also features a young Jimmy Page on acoustic rhythm guitar.

1963 - Go Away Little Girl (Steve Lawrence)

2010-03-26T06:37:00.000-07:00

Go Away Little Girl

"Go Away, Little Girl" is a popular song written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King. The song is notable for making the American Top 20 three times: for Steve Lawrence in 1962 (US #1), for The Happenings in 1966 (US #12), and for Donny Osmond in 1971 (US #1). It is also the first song, and one of only nine songs, to reach US #1 by two different artists.

In late 1962, Steve Lawrence released the original recording of this song. The single reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in January 1963 and remained in the top position for two weeks.

Lyrics:

Go away, little girl
Go away, little girl
I'm not supposed to be alone with you
I know that your lips are sweet
But our lips must never meet
I belong to someone else and I must be true

Go away, little girl
Go away, little girl

It's hurtin' me more each minute that you delay
When you are near me like this
You're much too hard to resist
So, go away, little girl
Before I beg you to stay

Go Away
Please don't stay

It never work out
When you are near me like this
You're much too hard to resist
So, go away, little girl
Call it a day, little girl
Please, go away, little girl, before I beg you to stay

Go Away.

1963 - Dance On (The Shadows)

2010-03-22T06:52:00.000-07:00

Dance On

"Dance On", written by Valerie & Elaine Murtaugh and Raymond Adams, is an instrumental recorded by the British guitar group, The Shadows.

It went to #1 in the UK chart for 3 weeks in January 1963.

1962 - Return To Sender (Elvis Presley)

2010-03-18T20:11:00.000-07:00

Return To Sender

"Return to Sender" is another hit single by Elvis Presley. The song was written by Winfield Scott and Otis Blackwell in 1962.

The song peaked at #1 for 2 weeks (December 1962) on the UK music charts, and #2 on the US Billboard singles chart.

1962 - Big Girls Don't Cry (The Four Seasons)

2010-03-18T19:53:00.000-07:00

Big Girls Don't Cry

"Big Girls Don't Cry", written by Bob Crewe and Bob Gaudio, is originally recorded by The Four Seasons and it hit the #1 spot for five weeks (November - December 1962).

Lyrics:

Big girls don't cry
Big girls don't cry

Bi-ig girls do-on't cry-yi-yi (they don't cry)
Bi-ig girls do-on't cry-yi-yi (who said they don't cry?)
(My-y girl) said goodbye-yi-yi (my oh my)
My-y girl didn't cry (I wonder why)

(Silly boy) told my girl we had to break up
(Silly boy) hoped that she would call my bluff
(Silly boy) then she said to my surprise
"Big girls don't cry"

Bi-ig girls do-on't cry-yi-yi (they don't cry)
Bi-ig girls do-on't cry-yi-yi (who said they don't cry?)

(May-y-be) I was cru-u-uel ( I was cruel)
Bay-y-be I'm a fool (I'm such a fool)

(Silly girl) "Shame on you" your mama said
(Silly girl) "you're cryin' in bed"
(Silly girl) "Shame on you, you told me lies"
Big girls do cry

Bi-ig girls do-on't cr-y-y (they don't cry)
Bi-ig girls do-on't cr-y-y (that's just an alibi)
Big girls cry
Big girls cry
Big girls cry
Big girls cry

FADE
Big girls cry

1962 - Telstar (The Tornados)

2010-03-14T19:49:00.000-07:00

Telstar

"Telstar" is a 1962 instrumental performed by UK band, The Tornados. It was the first single by a British band* to reach #1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, and was also a #1 hit in the UK. It first topped the UK charts for 5 weeks (October - November 1962) and then peaked at the US Billboard Hot 100 for 3 weeks (Dec '62 - Jan '63).

The record was named after the AT&T communications satellite Telstar, which went into orbit in July 1962. The song was released five weeks later in August. It was written and produced by Joe Meek, and featured a clavioline, a keyboard instrument with a distinctive electronic sound. It estimated to have sold at least five million copies worldwide.

* Up to that point, and since World War II, there had only been 3 UK names that topped the U.S. chart: in May 1962 "Stranger on the Shore" by clarinetist Acker Bilk; the second was "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands" by Laurie London (1958), whilst the first was "Auf Wiederseh'n Sweetheart" by Vera Lynn (1952

1962 - Shes's Not You (Elvis Presley)

2010-03-14T19:41:00.000-07:00

She's Not You

King Elvis was back again in the UK Single chart again with "She's Not You", a song written by Jerry Leiber, Jerome Doc Pomus, Mike Stoller. It stayed at the top of the chart for 3 weeks in September 1962.

Lyrics:

Her hair is soft and her eyes are oh so blue
She's all the things a girl should be,
but she's not you.

She knows just how to make me laugh when I feel blue
She's ev'rything a man could want,
but she's not you.

And when we're dancing
It almost feels the same
I've got to stop myself from
Whisp'ring your name

She even kisses me like you used to do.
And it's just breaking my heart
'cause she's not you.

1962 - Sherry (Four Seasons)

2010-03-14T08:19:00.000-07:00

Sherry

"Sherry" is a song written by Bob Gaudio and originally recorded by The Four Seasons. It was their first nationally-released single and also their first #1 hit, reaching the top of the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 for 5 weeks (September - October 1962).

Lyrics:

Sher-er-rry, Sherry baby
Sher-er-rry, Sherry baby

She-e-e-e-e-e-e-ry ba-a-by (Sherry baby)
She-er-rry, can you come out tonight (Come come, come out toni-i-ight)
She-e-e-e-e-e-e-ry ba-a-by (Sherry baby)
She-er-rry, can you come out tonight

(Why don't you come out) (come out) to my twist party
(Come out) Where the bright moon shines
(Come out) We'll dance the night away
I'm gonna make-a you mi-yi-yi-ine

She-e-e-e-e-e-e-ry ba-a-by (Sherry baby)
She-er-rry, can you come out tonight
(Come come, come out toni-i-ight)
(Come come, come out toni-i-ight)
You-oo-ooh better ask your ma-a-ma (Sherry baby)
Te-ell her everything is all right

(Why don't you come out) (come out) with your red dress on
(Come out) Mmm, you look so fine
(Come out) Move it nice and easy
Girl, you'll make me lose my mi-ind

She-e-e-e-e-e-e-ry ba-a-by (Sherry baby)
She-er-rry, can you come out tonight
(Come come, come out toni-i-ight)
(Come come, come out toni-i-ight)
Sherry, Sherry baby

FADE
Sherry, Sherry baby

1962 - Sheila (Tommy Roe)

2010-03-14T07:51:00.000-07:00

Sheila

"Sheila" is a song written and recorded by Tommy Roe with the help of Robert Bosch. The single topped #1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 for 2 weeks in September 1962.

Lyrics:

Sweet little Sheila, you'll know her if you see her
Blue eyes and a ponytail
Her cheeks are rosy, she looks a little nosey
Man, this little girl is fine

Never knew a girl like-a little Sheila
Her name drives me insane
Sweet little girl, that's my little Sheila
Man, this little girl is fine

Me and Sheila go for a ride
Oh-oh-oh-oh, I feel all funny inside
Then little Sheila whispers in my ear
Oh-oh-oh-oh, I love you Sheila dear

Sheila said she loved me, she said she'd never leave me
True love will never die
We're so doggone happy just bein' around together
Man, this little girl is fine

Never knew a girl like-a little Sheila
Her name drives me insane
Sweet little girl, that's my little Sheila
Man, this little girl is fine

Me and Sheila go for a ride
Oh-oh-oh-oh, I feel all funny inside
Then little Sheila whispers in my ear
Oh-oh-oh-oh, I love you Sheila dear

Sheila said she loved me, she said she'd never leave me
True love will never die
We're so doggone happy just bein' around together
Man, this little girl is fine
Oh, this little girl is fine
Yeah, this little girl is fine
Oh, this little girl is fine

1962 - Breaking Up Is Hard To Do (Neil Sedaka)

2010-03-10T06:25:00.000-08:00

Breaking UP Is Hard To Do

"Breaking Up Is Hard to Do" is a song recorded by Neil Sedaka and is considered to be his signature song. It hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 2 weeks in August 1962 and was a good hit all over the world.

Originally an uptempo song, Sedaka re-recorded it as a ballad in 1975 and the new version peaked at #8 in February 1976 and went to #1 on the Adult Contemporary chart; it was only the second time that an artist made the Billboard Top Ten with two different versions of the same song.

Lyrics:

Don't take your love away from me
Don't you leave my heart in misery
If you go then I'll be blue
'Cause breaking up his hard to do

Remember when you held me tight
And you kissed me all through the night
Think of all that we've been through
Breaking up is hard to do

They say that breaking up is hard to do
Now I know, I know that it's true
Don't say that this is the end
Instead of breaking up I wish that we were making up again

I beg of you, don't say goodbye
Can't we give our love another try
Come on baby, let's start anew
'Cause breaking up is hard to do

1962 - I Remember You (Frank Ifield)

2010-03-10T05:58:00.000-08:00

I Remember You

"I Remember You" is a popular song, written by Victor Schertzinger (music) and Johnny Mercer (lyrics). The song was published in 1941.

Australian singer Frank Ifield recorded the song in a yodeling country-music style in May 1962, and his version went to #1 on the UK Singles Chart for 8 weeks (July - September), #1 on the U.S. "Easy Listening chart" (which would later be re-named the Adult Contemporary chart), and #5 on the U.S. pop chart.

American country singer Slim Whitman, known for his yodeling, later recorded the song in very similar fashion. Other noteworthy artistes who covered the songs are Bobby Vinton, Bette Midler, Diana Krall and Ella Fitzgerald.

Lyrics:

I remember you-oo
You're the one who made
My dreams come true a few kisses ago

I remember you-oo
You're the one who said
"I love you too, yes I do didn't you know?"

I remember too a distant bell
And stars that fell
Like rain out of the blue

When my life is through
And the angels ask me to recall
The thrill of them all
Then I shall tell them I remember you

And I remember too a distant bell
And stars that fell
Like rain out of the blue

When my life is through
And the angels ask me to recall
The thrill of them all
Then i will tell them I remember
Tell them I remember you

1962 - Roses Are Red (Bobby Vinton)

2010-03-07T06:25:00.000-08:00

Roses Are Red

"Roses Are Red (My Love)" is a popular song composed by Al Byron and Paul Evans. It was recorded by Bobby Vinton and was his first #1 hit in US in 1962.

It topped the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for 4 weeks (July - August 1962). It only charted at #15 at UK Single chart.

1962 - I Can't Stop Loving You (Ray Charles)

2010-03-06T20:02:00.000-08:00

I Can't Stop Loving You

"I Can't Stop Loving You" is a popular song written and composed by country singer, songwriter and musician Don Gibson, who first recorded it in 1957.

But it was Ray Charles' cover version who brought the song to the top of US Billboard Hot 100 for 5 weeks in June 1962 and it also hit the #1 spot in UK Single chart for a week in July.

Among the many artistes who have covered the songs are Roy Orbison, Frank Sinatra, Jerry Lee Lewis, Kitty Wells, Conway Twitty, Van Morrison, Ricky Nelson & Connie Francis.

Lyrics:

(I can't stop loving you)
I've made up my mind
To live in memory of the lonesome times

(I can't stop wanting you)
It's useless to say
So I'll just live my life in dreams of yesterday
(Dreams of yesterday)

Those happy hours that we once knew
Tho' long ago, they still make me blue
They say that time heals a broken heart
But time has stood still since we've been apart

(I can't stop loving you)
I've made up my mind
To live in memories of the lonesome times

(I can't stop wanting you)
It's useless to say
So I'll just live my life in dreams of yesterday
(Those happy hours)

Those happy hours
(That we once knew)
That we once knew

(Tho' long ago)
Tho' long ago
(Still make me blue)
Still make me blue

(They say that time)
They say that time
(Heals a broken heart)
Heals a broken heart

(But time has stood still)
Time has stood still
(Since we've been apart)
Since we've been apart

(I can't stop loving you)
I said I made up my mind
To live in memory of the lonesome times

(I can't stop wanting you)
It's useless to say
So I'll just live my life of dreams of yesterday
(Of yesterday)

1962 - Good Luck Charm (Elvis Presley)

2010-03-06T19:26:00.001-08:00

Good Luck Charm

"Good Luck Charm", written by Sid Wayne and Ben Weisman, is another early 60s hit song by Elvis Preley.

It topped the US Billboard Hot 100 for 2 weeks in April 1962 and weeks later stayed at the UK Charts for 5 weeks from May - June.

Lyrics:

Don't want a four leaf clover
Don't want an old horse shoe
Want your kiss 'cause I just can't miss
With a good luck charm like you

Come on and be my little good luck charm
Uh-huh huh, you sweet delight
I want a good luck charm
a-hanging on my arm
To have, to have, to hold, to hold tonight

Don't want a silver dollar
Rabbit's foot on a string
The happiness in your warm caress
No rabbit's foot can bring

Come on and be my little good luck charm
Uh-huh huh, you sweet delight
I want a good luck charm
a-hanging on my arm
To have, to have, to hold, to hold tonight

If I found a lucky penny
I'd toss it across the bay
Your love is worth all the gold on earth
No wonder that I say

Come on and be my little good luck charm
Uh-huh huh, you sweet delight
I want a good luck charm
a-hanging on my arm
To have, to have, to hold, to hold tonight

1962 - Johnny Angel (Shelly Fabares)

2010-03-05T05:55:00.000-08:00

Johnny Angel

"Johnny Angel" is a song written by Lyn Duddy and Lee Pockriss and recorded by Shelley Fabares.

It hit #1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 for 2 weeks in April 1962, during a 15-week run on the chart.

However, Shelley did not consider herself a singer (as Shelly was more an actress). Her career as a singer came to an end within a few years of "Johnny Angel" after she was unable to come up with another Top 20 hit. The song has become an oldies radio airplay favorite.

The Carpenters covered "Johnny Angel" in 1973 as part of a medley of oldies on side two of their album Now and Then.

As quality of Shelly's video is rather poor, here's The Carpenter's version of the song:

1962 - Wonderful Land (The Shadows)

2010-03-02T05:06:00.000-08:00

Wonderful Land

"Wonderful Land" is an instrumental piece, written by Jerry Lordon, which was released as a single by The Shadows in February 1962. It reached the #1 spot in the UK Charts and remained there for next 8 weeks (February - April 1962)!

English musician Mike Oldfield covered "Wonderful Land" on his 1980 QE2 album.

Hank Marvin (of The Shadows) and Mark Knopfler (of Dire Straits) also recorded a version of the song in the 1990s.

1962 - Let's Twist Again (Chubby Checker)

2010-03-01T19:37:00.000-08:00

Let's Twist Again

Cashing in on his hugh success or rather the re-released of "The Twist" in early 1962, Chubby Checker released "Let's Twist Again" and topped the UK single charts for 2 weeks in February and March, 1962.

The song, written by Karl Mann and Dave Appell, 'though thought by many as a variation of the original song "The Twist", it went on to receive the 1962 Grammy Award for Best Rock & Roll Recording.

1962 - The Young Ones (Cliff Richard)

2010-03-01T19:06:00.000-08:00

The Young Ones

"The Young Ones", written by Sid Tepper and Roy C. Bennett, is a single by Cliff Richard and The Shadows. It is the title song to the 1961 film "The Young Ones" and its soundtrack album.

The single topped the UK charts for 6 weeks in January - February 1962.

1961 - The Lion Sleeps Tonight (The Tokens)

2010-02-28T19:20:00.001-08:00

The Lion sleeps Tonight

"The Lion Sleeps Tonight" is a popular song sung by The Tokens in 1961. The song originally titled "Mbube" or "The Lion" was written by South African Zuly musician Solomon Popoli Linda and recorded by Solomon and his group The Evening Birds.

In 1951, Peter Seeger and his folk group The Weavers recorded their version of song and retitled it as "Wimoweh", a mishearing of the original song's chorus of 'uyimbube' (meaning "you're a lion"). The Kingston Trio also covered this version in 1959.

New lyrics to the song were written by George David Weiss, Luigi Creatore, and Hugo Peretti, based very loosely upon the meaning of the original song. The Tokens' 1961 cover of this version rose to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 3 weeks (December 1961 to January 1962).

Robert John and Tight Fits are among the many artistes who have done their versions of this song.

1961 - His Latest Flame (Elvis Presley)

2010-02-27T04:28:00.000-08:00

(Marie's The Name) His Latest Flame

"(Marie's the Name) His Latest Flame" is a song written by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman for Elvis Presley. It is one of 25 songs Pomus and Shuman wrote for Presley.

It reached #4 on the Billboard Top 100. The single (a double A-side with "Little Sister") made #1 in the UK for 3 weeks in November 1961.

Lyrics:

A very old friend came by today
'cause he was telling everyone in town
About the love that he just found
And marie's the name of his latest flame

He talked and talked and i heard him say
That she had the longest blackest hair
The prettiest green eyes anywhere
And marie's the name of his latest flame

Though i smiled the tears inside were a-burning
I wished him luck and then he said goodbye
He was gone but still his words kept returning
What else was there for me to do but cry

Would you believe that yesterday
This girl was in my arms and swore to me
She'd be mine eternally
And marie's the name of his latest flame

1961 - Walkin' Back To Happiness (Helen Shapiro)

2010-02-26T18:20:00.001-08:00

Walkin' Back To Happpiness

"Walkin' Back to Happiness", a popular song written by John Schroeder and Michael Edwin Hawker, was recorded by Helen Shapiro in 1961. The song topped the UK charts for 4 weeks (October to November) that year but could managed to reach #100 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

(This is the 2nd UK #1 single for Helen Shapiro who had earlier topped the charts for 3 weeks in August 1961 with her song "You Don't Know".)

Lyrics:

Funny, but it's true
What lonliness can do
Since I've been away
I have loved you more each day

Walking back to happiness, woopah oh yeah yeah
Said goodbye to lonliness, woopah oh yeah yeah
I never knew I'd miss you
Now I know what I must do
Walking back to happiness
I shared with you
(Yay, yay, yay, yay ba dum be do)

Making up for things we said, woopah oh yeah yeah
And mistakes to which they led, woopah oh yeah yeah
I shouldn't have gone away
So I'm coming back today
Walking back to happiness I threw away
(Yay, yay, yay, yay ba dum be do)

Walking back to happiness with you
Said farewell to lonliness I knew
Laid aside foolish pride
Learnt the truth from tears I cried

Spread the news I'm on my way, woopah oh yeah yeah
All my blues have blown away, woopah oh yeah yeah
I'm bringing you love so true
Cuz that's what I owe to you
Walking back to happiness I shared with you
(Yay, yay, yay, yay ba dum be do)

Walking back to happiness with you
Said farewell to lonliness I knew
Laid aside foolish pride
Learnt the truth from tears I cried

Spread the news I'm on my way, woopah oh yeah yeah
All my blues have blown away, woopah oh yeah yeah
I'm bringing you love so true
Cuz that's what I owe to you
Walking back to happiness I shared with you
(Yay, yay, yay, yay ba dum be do)

Walking back to happiness again
Walking back to happiness again

1961 - Take Good Care Of My Baby (Bobby Vee)

2010-02-25T19:38:00.001-08:00

Take Good Care Of My Baby

"Take Good Care of My Baby" is a song written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin and made famous by Bobby Vee.

It reached the #1 spot on U.S. Billboard Hot 100 for 3 weeks (September - October 1961) and managed to hit the #1 spot in UK chart for a week in December.

The song was covered by The Beatles during their audition at Decca Records on January 1, 1962. Gary Lewis & The Playboys recorded a cover version in 1965. In 1968, it became a hit again with Bobby Vinton's version. It is also covered by Smokie in 1981.

Lyrics:

My tears are fallin'
'Cause you've taken her away
And though it really hurts me so,
There's something that I've got to say

Take good care of my baby
Please don't ever make her blue
Just tell her that you love her
Make sure that you thinking of her
In everything that you say and do

Take good care of my baby
Now don't you ever make her cry
Just let your love surround her
Paint rainbow all around her
Don't let her see you cloud the sky

Once upon a time
That little girl was mine
If I'd been true,
I know she'd never be with you

So, Take good care of my baby
Be just as kind as you can be
And if you should discover
That you don't really love her
Just send my baby back home to me

Well, Take good care of my baby
Be just as kind as you can be
And if you should discover
That you don't really love her
Just send my baby back home to me

Ah, take good care of my baby
Well, take good care of my baby
Just, take good care of my baby
Oh, take good care of my baby

1961 - Travellin' Man (Ricky Nelson)

2010-02-23T18:56:00.000-08:00

Travellin' Man

"Travellin' Man", a popular song written by Jerry Fuller, was first made popular by pop idol Ricky Nelson in the early 60s.

It topped the US Billboard Hot 100 for 2 weeks in June 1961.

Lyrics:

I'm a travelin' man
I've made a lot of stops all over the world
And in every part I own the heart
Of at least one lovely girl

I've a pretty Senorita waiting for me
Down in old Mexico
If you're ever in Alaska stop and see
My cute little Eskimo

Oh my sweet Fraulien down in Berlin town
Makes my heart start to yearn
And my China doll down in old Hong Kong
Waits for my return

Pretty Polynesian baby over the sea
I remember the night
When we walked in the sands of the Waikiki
And I held you oh so tight

[instrumental break]

Oh my sweet Fraulien down in Berlin town
Makes my heart start to yearn
And my China doll down in old Hong Kong
Waits for my return

Pretty Polynesian baby over the sea
I remember the night
When we walked in the sands of the Waikiki
And I held you oh so tight

Oh, I'm a travelin' man
Yes, I'm a travelin' man

1961 - Runnaway (Del Shannon)

2010-02-23T18:28:00.000-08:00

Runnaway

"Runaway" was Del Shannon and keyboardist Max Crook and became a major international hit for Shannon in 1961.

The song was released in February and immediately became very successful. In April, Shannon appeared on Dick Clark's American Bandstand helping to catapult it to the #1 spot on the Billboard charts where it remained for 4 weeks (April - May 1961). It first top the UK chart briefly in May for 1 week and resurfaced later to reached #1 for 3 weeks (June - July 1961).

The instrumental break in the song is by Max Crook who played a clavioline-based electric keyboard called a Musitron.

Among the artistes who have covered the songs are Lawrence Welk, Small Faces, Bonnie Raitt and Travelling Wilburys.

Lyrics:

As I walk along,
I wonder what went wrong,
With our love, a love that was so strong.
And as I still walk on,
I think of the things we've done
Together, a-while our hearts were young.

I'm a-walkin' in the rain,
Tears are fallin' and I feel the pain,
Wishin' you were here by me,
To end this misery
And I wonder--
I wah-wah-wah-wah-wonder,
Why,
Why, why, why, why, why she ran away,
Yes, and I wonder,
A-where she will stay-ay,
My little runaway,
Run, run, run, run, runaway.

(instrumental break)

I'm a-walkin' in the rain,
Tears are fallin' and I feel the pain,
Wishin' you were here by me,
To end this misery
And I wonder--
I wah-wah-wah-wah-wonder,
Why,
Why, why, why, why, why she ran away,
Yes, and I wonder,
A-where she will stay-ay,
My little runaway,
Run, run, run, run, runaway.
Run, run, run, run, runaway.
Run, run, run, run, runaway.

1961 - Blue Moon (The Marcels)

2010-02-23T04:39:00.000-08:00

Blue Moon

"Blue Moon" is a classic, written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart in 1934, and has become a standard ballad.

The first crossover recording to rock 'n' roll came from Elvis Presley, but the version that really stirred things up came from The Marcels, a doo-wop group.

The record reached #1 on the US Billboard Pop chart for 3 weeks in April 1961 and also topped the UK charts for 2 weeks one month later. The Marcels' version of "Blue Moon" sold a million copies.

The famous introduction to the song ("bomp-baba-bomp" and "dip-da-dip") was an excerpt of an original song that the group had in its act.

The song has also been recorded by manyartistes and among them are: Bob Dylan, The Marvericks, Louis Armstrong, Sam Cooke, Chris Isaak, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Bobby Vinton, The Supreme and Sha Na Na.

Lyrics:

Blue moon, you saw me standing alone,
Without a dream in my heart,
Without a love of my own.

Blue moon, you knew just what I was there for,
You heard me saying a prayer for,
Someone I really could care for.

And then there suddenly appeared before me,
The only one my arms will ever hold,
I heard somebody whisper please adore me,
and when I looked the moon had turned to gold.

Blue moon, now I'm no longer alone,
Without a dream in my heart,
Without a love of my own.

1961 - Surrender / Wooden Heart (Elvis Presley)

2010-02-23T03:52:00.000-08:00

Surrender

"Surrender" is a contemporary re-arrangement by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman of a 1902 Italian ballad by Giambattista and Ernesto de Curtis entitled "Torna a Surriento" ("Come Back to Sorrento").

It first became a US #1 hit for Elvis Presley in 1961 (2 weeks, March-April) and when released in UK, it topped the charts for 3 weeks in June 1961.

Wooden Heart

"Wooden Heart (Muss I Denn)" is a song best known for featuring in the 1960 Elvis Presley film G.I. Blues. The song was a hit for Presley in the UK, topping the charts for 3 weeks (March - April 1961).

"Wooden Heart", created by Fred Wise, Ben Weisman, Kay Twomey and German bandleader Bert Kaempfert, was based on a German folk song, "Muß i' denn zum Städtele hinaus". "Wooden Heart" features several lines from the original folk song.

In the US, Joe Dowell's cover version, made #1 for a week in September 1961.

The song was also covered by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers in 1993.

1961 - Walk Right Back (Everly Brothers)

2010-02-20T20:25:00.000-08:00

Walk Right Back

"Walk Right Back" is a song written by Sonny Curtis that was recorded by The Everly Brothers in 1961. It went to #1 in the UK charts for 3 weeks in March and managed a #7 spot in the U.S. Billboard charts.

In 1978, the song was a country hit for Anne Murray, too.

Lyrics:

I want you to tell me why you walked out on me
I'm so lonesome every da-ay
I want you to know that since you walked out on me
Nothing seems to be the same old way

Think about the love that burns within my heart for you
The good times we had before you went away, oh me
Walk right back to me this minute
Bring your love to me, don't send it
I'm so lonesome every day.

REPEAT entire two stanzas

I'm so lonesome every day.
FADE I'm so lonesome every day

1961 - Calcutta (Lawrence Welk)

2010-02-20T06:24:00.000-08:00

Calcutta

"Calcutta" was written in 1960 by Heino Gaze (music) and Hans Bradtke (lyrics). But an instrumental recording of the tune by Lawrence Welk on the 1961 album "Calcutta! " was a chart hit, possibly the biggest hit of Welk's career.

"Calcutta" hit the top of US Billboard 100 for 2 weeks in February 1961. At the time that "Calcutta" reached #1, Welk, who was then 57, became the oldest artist to have a number one pop single in the U.S. (His record would be broken three years later by Louis Armstrong who, at 62, topped the singles charts with "Hello, Dolly!" in early 1964.)

Dancers Bobby Burgess and Barbara Boylan, cast members on Welk's weekly TV show, worked up a dance routine to go along with "Calcutta", which they would perform to the song numerous times on the Welk show.

1961 - Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow (The Shirelles)

2010-02-20T05:58:00.000-08:00

Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow

"Will You Love Me Tomorrow" is the title of a song written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King. It has been recorded by many different artistes and The Shirelles' version was the first to top the US Billboard Hot 100 for 2 weeks in February 1961.

Among the artistes who have recorded this song are: Ben E. King, Dusty Springfield, Cher, The Four Seasons, Linda Ronstadt, Carole King (in her Tapesty album", Roberta Flack, Bryan Ferry, The Bee Gees, Lobo and Amy Winehouse.

Lyrics:

Tonight you're mine completely,
You give your love so sweetly,
Tonight the light of love is in your eyes,
But will you love me tomorrow?

Is this a lasting treasure,
Or just a moment's pleasure,
Can I believe the magic of your sighs,
Will you still love me tomorrow?

Tonight with words unspoken,
You said that I'm the only one,
But will my heart be broken,
When the night (When the night)
Meets the morning sun.

I'd like to know that your love,
Is love I can be sure of,
So tell me now and I won't ask again,
Will you still love me tomorrow?
Will you still love me tomorrow?

1961 - Poetry In Motion (Johnny Tilltoson)

2010-02-20T05:37:00.000-08:00

Poetry In Motion

"Poetry in Motion", a song written by Paul Kaufman and Mike Anthony, is a UK #1 single of 1961 (2 weeks in January), recorded by Johnny Tillotson. In the US Billboard Hot 100, "Poetry in Motion" peaked at # 2 in November 1960.

"Poetry in Motion" was also recorded by Bobby Vee.

Lyrics:

When I see my baby what do I see
Poetry, poetry in motion

Poetry in motion walking by my side
Her lovely locomotion keeps my eyes open wide

Poetry in motion see her gentle sway
A wave out on the ocean could never move that way

I love every movement
There's nothing I would change
She doesn't need improvement
She's much too nice to rearrange

Poetry in motion dancing close to me
A flower of devotion a-swaying gracefuly
[ sax/woo.oo ]
Poetry in motion see her gentle sway
A wave out on the ocean could never move that way

I love every movement
There's nothing I would change
She doesn't need improvement
She's much too nice to rearrange

Poetry in motion all that I adore
No number nine love potion could make me love her more

1961 - Wonderland By Night (Bert Kaempfert)

2010-02-17T05:44:00.000-08:00

Wonderland By Night

"Wonderland by Night" is a popular instrument written and performeed by Bert Kaempfert. It was the first #1 hit (3 weeks in January 1961) for Kaempfert and his orchestra.

[Bert Kaempfert (1923 – 1980) was a German orchestra leader and songwriter. He made easy listening and jazz-oriented records, and wrote the music for a number of well-known songs, such as "Strangers in the Night" and "Spanish Eyes".]

60s - Are You Lonesome Tonight? (Elvis Presley)

2010-02-16T07:05:00.000-08:00

Are You Lonesome Tonight?

"Are You Lonesome Tonight?" is a popular song with music by Lou Handman and lyrics by Roy Turk. It was first published in 1926, and most notably revived by Elvis Presley in 1960.

The song topped the US Billboard Hot 100 for 6 weeks from December 1960 to mid January 1961 and at UK chart for 5 weeks from January to February 1961.

Lyrics

Are you lonesome tonight,
Do you miss me tonight?
Are you sorry we drifted apart?
Does your memory stray to a brighter sunny day
When I kissed you and called you sweetheart?
Do the chairs in your parlor seem empty and bare?
Do you gaze at your doorstep and picture me there?
Is your heart filled with pain, shall I come back again?
Tell me dear, are you lonesome tonight?

(spoken)
I wonder if you're lonesome tonight
You know someone said that the worlds a stage
And each must play a part.
Fate had me playing in love you as my sweet heart.
Act one was when we met, I loved you at first glance
You read your line so cleverly and never missed a cue
Then came act two, you seemed to change and you acted strange
And why I'll never know.
Honey, you lied when you said you loved me
And I had no cause to doubt you.
But I'd rather go on hearing your lies
Than go on living without you.
Now the stage is bare and Im standing there
With emptiness all around
And if you wont come back to me
Then make them bring the curtain down.

Is your heart filled with pain, shall I come back again?
Tell me dear, are you lonesome tonight?

60s - Save The Last Dance For Me (The Drifters)

2010-02-15T18:59:00.000-08:00

Save The Last Dance For Me

"Save the Last Dance for Me" is the title of a popular song written by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, first recorded in 1960 by Ben E. King with The Drifters.

The Drifters' version of the song spent 3 weeks (in October & November) at #1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. In the UK, the Drifters' recording reached #2 in December 1960.

Among the many artistes who have recorded this song are Ike & Tina Turner, Harry Nillson and Michael Buble.

Lyrics:

You can dance
Ev'ry dance with the guy
Who gives you the eye
Let him hold you tight
You can smile
Ev'ry smile for the man who held your hand
'Neath the pale moonlight
But don't forget who's taking you home
And in whose arms you're gonna be
So darlin', save the last dance for me, mmmm

Oh, I know (oh, I know)
That the music's fine
Like sparkling wine
Go and have your fun
Laugh and sing
But while we're apart
Don't give your heart to anyone
But don't forget who's taking you home
And in whose arms you're gonna be
So darlin', save the last dance for me, mmmm

Baby, don't you know
I love you so
Can't you feel it when we touch
I will never, never let you go
I love you oh, so much

You can dance (you can dance)
Go and carry on
'Til the night is gone
And it's time to go
If he asks if you're all alone
Can he walk you home you must tell him no
'Cause don't forget who's taking you home
And in whose arm's you're gonna be
So, darlin', save the last dance for me

(Instrumental Interlude)

So don't forget who's taking you home
And in whose arm's your gonna be
So, darlin', save the last dance for me, mmmm

Save the last dance for me, mmmm-hummmm
Save the last dance for me, mmmm

60s - Only The Lonely (Roy Orbison)

2010-02-15T18:34:00.000-08:00

Only The Lonely

"Only the Lonely" is a 1960 song written by Roy Orbison and Joe Melson. Recorded by Orbison, it became his first major hit. "Only The Lonely" went to #2 on the US Billboard pop music charts and to #14, and #1 in the UK for 3 weeks in October 1960. It stayed in the UK charts for over 6 months.

Among the artistes who did cover versions of the song are Chris Issak and Sonny James who took it to #1 in the Billboard Country Chart in 1969.

Lyrics:

Only the lonely, know the way I feel tonight.
Only the lonely, know this feeling ain't right.

There goes my baby, there goes my heart,
They're gone forever, they're so far apart.
But only the lonely, know why.. I cry.
Only the lonely.

Only the lonely, know the heartaches I've been through.
Only the lonely, know I've cried and cried for you.

Maybe tomorrow, a new romance,
no more sorrow, but that's the chance.
You got to take, if you lonely heart breaks.
Only the lonely.

60s - The Twist (Chubby Checker)

2010-02-15T06:10:00.000-08:00

The Twist

"The Twist" was written and originally released in 1959 by Hank Ballard and the Midnighters as a B-side (to "Teardrops on Your Letter") but his version was only a moderate 1960 hit, peaking at #28 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The song, and the dance the Twist, was popularised in 1960 when the song was covered by Chubby Checker. His single became a smash hit, reaching #1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and then resurfaced and topped the chart again for 2 weeks in January, 1962.

Checker re-recorded the song numerous times. An updated 1982 recording was retitled "T-82", and in the 1990s, he recorded a country version. Checker also recorded variations on the theme, such as "Let's Twist Again (Like We Did Last Summer)" to keep the craze alive (although "Let's Twist Again" was and has remained more popular than "The Twist" itself in the UK).

In 1988, the song "The Twist" became popular once again, due to a new recording of the song by The Fat Boys featuring Chubby Checker. This version reached #2 in the UK and #1 in Germany.

Lyrics:

Come on baby let's do the twist
Come on baby let's do the twist
Take me by my little hand and go like this
Ee-oh twist baby baby twist
Oooh-yeah just like this
Come on little miss and do the twist

My daddy is sleepin' and mama ain't around
Yeah daddy's just sleepin' and mama ain't around
We're gonna twisty twisty twisty
'Til we turn the house down
Come on and twist yeah baby twist
Oooh-yeah just like this
Come on little miss and do the twist

Yeah you should see my little Sis
You should see my my little Sis
She really knows how to rock
She knows how to twist
Come on and twist yeah baby twist
Oooh-yeah just like this
Come on little miss and do the twist
Yeah rock on now
Yeah twist on now
Twist

60s - Tell Laura I Love Her (Ray Peterson/Ricky Valance)

2010-02-15T05:43:00.000-08:00

Tell Laura I Love Her

"Tell Laura I Love Her" was written by Jeff Barry and Ben Raleigh. It was an American Top Ten popular music hit for singer Ray Peterson in 1960, reaching #7 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. Later that same year, the song was recorded and released by Welsh singer Ricky Valance in the UK, where it went all the way to the #1spot in the UK Singles Chart for 3 weeks in October, 1960. The singles has sold over seven million copies.

Lyrics:

Laura and Tommy were lovers
He wanted to give her everything
Flowers, presents,
But most of all, a wedding ring

He saw a sign for a stock car race
A thousand dollar prize it read
He couldn't get Laura on the phone
So to her mother, Tommy said

Tell Laura I love her
Tell Laura I need her
Tell Laura I may be late
I've something to do, that cannot wait

He drove his car to the racing grounds
He was the youngest driver there
The crowed roared as they started the race
Around the track they drove at a deadly pace

No one knows what happened that day
Or how his car overturned in flames
But as they pulled him from the twisted wreck
With his dying breath, they heard him say

Tell Laura I love her
Tell Laura I need her
Tell Laura not to cry
My love for her will never die

Now in the chapel where Laura prays
For her poor Tommy, who passed away
It was just for Laura he lived and died
Alone in the chapel she can hear him cry

Tell Laura I love her
Tell Laura I need her
Tell Laura not to cry
My love for her will never die

Tell Laura I love her
Tell Laura I need her
Tell Laura not to cry
My love for her will never die

60s - It's Now Or Never (Elvis Presley)

2010-02-12T20:22:00.000-08:00

It's Now Or Never

"It's Now or Never" is a popular song written by Wally Gold and Aaron Schroeder and recorded by Elvis Presley in 1960. The melody of the song is borrowed from the Italian standard, "'O Sole Mio".

The song topped the US Billboard Hot 100 for 5 weeks (August - September 1960) and when released late in UK, it stayed for a record 9 weeks in the Single charts from November 1960 to January 1961. The single sold over 25 million copies worldwide, and became Elvis' biggest international single ever.

In early 2005, the song was re-released along with the other Presley singles in the UK, and again reached #1 on the UK Singles Chart.

Lyrics:

It's now or never,
come hold me tight
Kiss me my darling,
be mine tonight
Tomorrow will be too late,
it's now or never
My love won't wait.

When I first saw you
with your smile so tender
My heart was captured,
my soul surrendered
I'd spend a lifetime
waiting for the right time
Now that your near
the time is here at last.

It's now or never,
come hold me tight
Kiss me my darling,
be mine tonight
Tomorrow will be too late,
it's now or never
My love won't wait.

Just like a willow,
we would cry an ocean
If we lost true love
and sweet devotion
Your lips excite me,
let your arms invite me
For who knows when
we'll meet again this way

It's now or never,
come hold me tight
Kiss me my darling,
be mine tonight
Tomorrow will be too late,
it's now or never
My love won't wait.

60s - Apache (The Shadows)

2010-02-12T20:02:00.000-08:00

Apache

"Apache" is an instrumental written by Jerry Lordan. The first released version was recorded by British group The Shadows in June 1960 and the song topped the UK singles chart for six weeks (August - September 1960).

The original studio version featured Hank Marvin playing lead with his Fender Stratocaster, Bruce Welch in rhythm guitar, Jet Harris in bass and Tony Meehan on drums. And (surprise!) Cliff Richard on Chinese drums in the beginning and end of the song.

60s - Yellow Polka Dot Bikini (Brian Hyland)

2010-02-11T19:12:00.000-08:00

Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Dot Bikini

"Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini" is a song written by Paul Vance and Lee Pockriss and first released in June 1960 by Brian Hyland. It hit the #1 spot on the US Billboard Hot 100 in August 1960. It also made the top 10 in other counries, including #8 on the UK Singles Chart.

It is a novelty song telling the story of a shy girl in a revealing bikini bathing suit who stays immersed in the ocean water to hide from view.

At a time when bikini bathing suits were still seen as too risque to be mainstream, the song prompted a sudden takeoff in bikinis sales. And a series of surf movies and other film and television productions rapidly built on the song's momentum in the early 60s.

Lyrics:

She was afraid to come out of the locker
She was as nervous as she could be
She was afraid to come out of the locker
She was afraid that somebody would see
Two, three, four, tell the people what she wore

It was an itsy, bitsy, teenie, weenie, yellow polka-dot bikini
That she wore for the first time today
An itsy, bitsy, teentie, weenie, yellow polka-dot bikini
So in the locker she wanted to stay
Two, three, four, stick around we'll tell you more

She was afraid to come out in the open
And so a blanket around she wore
She was afraid to come out in the open
And so she sat bundled up on the shore
Two, three, four, tell the people what she wore

It was an itsy, bitsy, teenie, weenie, yellow polka-dot bikini
That she wore for the first time today
An itsy, bitsy, teentie, weenie, yellow polka-dot bikini
So in the blanket she wanted to stay
Two, three, four, stick around we'll tell you more

Now she's afraid to come out of the water
And I wonder what she's gonna do
Now she's afraid to come out of the water
And the poor little girl's turning blue
Two, three, four, tell the people what she wore

It was an itsy, bitsy, teenie, weenie, yellow polka-dot bikini
That she wore for the first time today
An itsy, bitsy, teentie, weenie, yellow polka-dot bikini
So in the water she wanted to stay
(From the locker to the blanket)
(From the blanket to the shore)
(From the shore to the water)
Yes, there isn't any more

60s - Please Don't Tease (Cliff Richard)

2010-02-11T18:44:00.000-08:00

Please Don't Tease

"Please Don't Tease" is the 3rd UK #1 single by Cliff Richard and The Shadows. The song, written by Bruce Welch and Peter Chester, topped the UK chart for 4 weeks in July and August 1960.

Lyrics:

You tell me that you love me baby
Then you say you don't
You tell me that you'll come on over
Then you say you won't
You love me like a hurricane
Then you start to freeze
I'll give it to you straight right now
Please don't tease

You come right out and tell me
You're out with someone new
You play it oh so doggone cool
I don't know what to do
You never seem to answer me
You just don't hear my pleas
I'll give it to you one more time
Please don't tease

Oh please don't tease me
You know it hurts so much
Come on and squeeze me
You know I need your tender touch

But you tell me that you love me baby
Then you say you don't
You tell me that you'll come on over
Then you say you won't
You love me like a hurricane
Then you start to freeze
I'll give it to you straight right now
Please don't tease

Oh please don't tease me
You know it hurts so much
Come on and squeeze me
You know I need your tender touch

But you tell me that you love me baby
Then you say you don't
You tell me that you'll come on over
Then you say you won't
You love me like a hurricane
Then you start to freeze
I'll give it to you straight right now
Please don't tease

60s - I'm Sorry (Brenda Lee)

2010-02-11T06:25:00.000-08:00

I'm Sorry

"I'm Sorry" is a 1960 hit song for then-15-year-old American country pop singer Brenda Lee. It peaked at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for 3 weeks from July - August 1960. It was written by Dub Albritton and Ronnie Self.

The song also peaked at #12 at the UK Singles Chart.

Lyrics:

I'm sorry, so sorry
That I was such a fool
I didn't know
Love could be so cruel
Oh, oh, oh, oh, uh-oh
Oh, yes

You tell me mistakes
Are part of being young
But that don't right
The wrong that's been done

[Spoken:]
(I'm sorry) I'm sorry
(So sorry) So sorry
Please accept my apology
But love is blind
And I was to blind to see
Oh, oh, oh, oh, uh-oh
Oh, yes

You tell me mistakes
Are part of being young
But that don't right
The wrong that's been done
Oh, oh, oh, oh, uh-oh
Oh, yes

I'm sorry, so sorry
Please accept my apology
But love was blind
And I was too blind to see
(Sorry)

60s - Everybody's Somebody's Fool (Connien Francis)

2010-02-11T06:08:00.000-08:00

Everybodys Somebody's Fool

"Everybody's Somebody's Fool" is a song written by Jack Keller and Howard Greenfield which was a #1 hit for Connie Francis for two weeks in July of 1960.

The first of Francis' three US #1's, "Everybody's Somebody's Fool" was also ranked on the R&B chart at #2 and was the only one of Francis' major hits to cross over to the C&W charts where it peaked at #24.

A #5 hit in the UK, the song was also #1 in Australia for three weeks in July 1960.

Among the artistes who have recorded this song are Debby Boone, Lynn Anderson, Pat Boone, Marie Osmond & Bobby Vee.

Lyrics:

The tears I've cried for you could fill an ocean
But you don't know how many tears I cry
And though you only leave me on and hurt me
I just couldn't bring myself to say goodbye

(chorus)
Cause everybody's somebody's fool,
Yes everybody's somebody's plaything
And there are all exceptions to the rule,
Yes everybody's somebody's fool

Someday you'll find someone you really care for
And if her love should prove to be untrue
You'll know how much this heart of mine is breaking
You'll cry for her the way I cried for you

60s - Cathy's Clown (Everly Brothers)

2010-02-10T05:36:00.000-08:00

Cathy's Clown

"Cathy's Clown" is a popular song, written and recorded by Don & Phil Everly (The Everly Brothers) in the early 60s. It was their first single for Warner Bros.

"Cathy's Clown" sold 8-million copies worldwide, spending 5 weeks at #1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart (May - June 1960). The song spent 9 weeks at the top of the UK chart too in May - June. It would become the Everly Brothers' biggest hit single and their fourth and final #1.

Lyrics:

Don't want your lo-o-o-o-ove anymore
Don't want your ki-i-i-i-isses, that's for sure
I die each time I hear this sound
Here he co-o-o-o-omes, that's Cathys clown

I've gotta stand tall, you know a man can't crawl
But when he knows you tell lies and he hears 'em passin' by
He's not a man at all

CHORUS

When you see me shed a tear, and you know that it's sincere
Don't cha think it's kinda sad that you're treatin' me so bad
Or don't you even care

CHORUS

FADE
That's Cathy's clown
That's Cathy's clown

60s - Stuck On You (Elvis Presley)

2010-02-10T05:20:00.000-08:00

Stuck On You

"Stuck on You", a song written by J. Leslie McFarland and Aaron Schroeder, was Elvis Presley's first hit single after ending his two-year stint in the US Army.

He recorded the song during March 1960, and the single was released within weeks and topped #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for 5 weeks in May 1960. It became his first #1 single of the 60s, and thirteenth overall.

60s - Theme From "A Summer Place" (Percy Faith)

2010-02-08T06:12:00.000-08:00

Theme From "A Summer Place"

Theme from "A Summer Place" is a song with music by Max Steiner (and lyrics by Mack Discant), written for the 1959 movie, A Summer Place, which starred Sandra Dee and Troy Donahue. It was first recorded for the film by Hugo Winterhalter.

But it was Percy Faith and his orchestra who made it a #1 on the US Billboard Hot 100for 9 weeks (!) from February to April 1960. It remains the longest-running #1instrumental in the history of the chart. It reached number two in the UK.

Percy Faith also won a Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1961 for his recording. This was the first movie theme and the first instrumental to win a Record of the Year Grammy.

He re-recorded the song twice – first, in 1969, as a female choral version, then, in 1976, as a disco version titled "Summer Place 76".

Other covered versions include Billy Vaughn (1960), The Lettermen (1965), The Ventures (1969), and Andy Williams (1962).

60s - Why (Frankie Avalon; Anthony Newley)

2010-02-08T05:47:00.000-08:00

Why

"Why" is a hit song recorded by Frankie Avalon in 1959 and went to number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 pop singles chart for the first week of 1960, making it the first #1 of the 1960s. The song was written by Frankie's manager and record producer Robert "Bob" Marcucci & Peter De Angelis. This was Avalon's second and final #1 hit. (the first #1 was "Venus").

However, Anthony Newley's covered version made it a bigger hit in UK. It topped the UK charts for 4 weeks in February 1960.

Donny Osmond also recorded the song in 1972. It peaked at #13 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Lyrics:

I'll never let you go, Why? Because I love you
I'll always love you so, Why? Because you love me
No broken hearts for us, cause we love each other
And with our faith and trust, there could be no other
Why? 'Cause I love you
Why? 'Cause you love me

I think you're awfully sweet, Why? Because I love you
You say I'm your special treat, Why? Because you love me
We found the perfect love
Yes, a love that's yours and mine
I love you and you love me all the time

(I'll never let you go)
(Why? Because I love you)
Yes, I love you
(I'll always love you so)
(Why? Because you love me)
Because, you love me
We found the perfect love
Yes, a love that's yours and mine
I love you and you love me
I love you and you love me
We'll love each other, dear, forever

60s - Running Bear (Johnny Preston)

2010-02-07T06:07:00.001-08:00

Running Bear

"Running Bear" is a song written by J.P. Richardson and sung most famously by Johnny Preston in 1959. Preston first sang the song in 1959 with background vocals by Richardson and George Jones, and it reached #1 for 3 weeks (January - February 1960) on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song also peaked at #1 in the UK in March 1960.

"Running Bear" was released in August 1959, seven months after Richardson's death in the plane crash that also killed Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens.

The song tells the story of Running Bear, a "young Indian brave", and Little White Dove, an "Indian maid". The two are in love but are separated by their tribes' hatred of each other.

The two, desiring to be together despite the obstacles, dive into the raging river to unite. After sharing a passionate kiss, they are pulled down by the swift current and drown.

One of the most successful covers is the version by Sonny James released in April 1969. It topped the Hot Country Singles chart in mid-June and spent 3 weeks at #1. The song soon became one of James' most popular recordings of his career.

Lyrics:

On the banks of the river stood Runnin' Bear, young Indian brave
On the other side of the river stood his lovely Indian maid
Little White Dove was-a her name, such a lovely sight to see
But their tribes fought with each other so their love could never be

CHORUS
Runnin' Bear loved Little White Dove with a love big as the sky
Runnin' Bear loved Little White Dove with a love that couldn't die

He couldn't swim the raging river 'cause the river was too wide
He couldn't reach Little White Dove, waiting on the other side
In the moonlight he could see her blowing kisses 'cross the waves
Her little heart was beating faster, waiting there for her brave

CHORUS

Runnin' Bear dove in the water, Little White Dove did the same
And they swam out to each other through the swirling stream they came
As their hands touched and their lips met, the ragin' river pulled them down
Now they'll always be together in that happy hunting ground

CHORUS

(With a love that couldn't die)

60s - El Paso (Marty Robbins)

2010-02-07T05:34:00.000-08:00

El Paso

"El Paso" is a country and western ballad written and originally recorded by Marty Robbins, and first released on his album "Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs" in September 1959. It was released as a single the following month, and became a major hit on both the country and pop music charts, reaching #1 in both at the start of 1960 (2 weeks @ #1 at US Billboard Hot 100 in January). It won the Grammy Award for Best Country & Western Recording in 1961, and remains Robbins' best-known song.

Lyrics:

Out in the west Texas town of El Paso
I fell in love with a Mexican girl
Night time would find me in Rosa's Cantina
Music would play and Feleena would whirl
Blacker than night were the eyes of Feleena
Wicked and evil while casting a spell
My love was deep for this Mexican maiden
I was in love but in vain I could tell

One night a wild young cowboy came in wild as the west Texas wind
Dashing and daring a drink he was sharing
With wicked Feleena the girl that I loved

So in danger I challenged his right for the love of this maiden
Down went his hand for the gun that he wore
My challenege was answered in less than a heartbeat
The handsome young stranger lay dead on the floor
Just for a moment I stood there in silence
shocked by the foul evil deed I had done
Many thoughts raced through my mind as I stood there
I had but one chance and that was to run

Out to the backdoor of Rosa's I ran out where the horses were tied
I caught a good one it looked like it could
Run up on its back and away I did ride

Just as fast as I could from the west Texas town of El Paso
Out to the badlands of New Mexico
Back in El Paso my life would be worthless
Everything's gone in life nothing is left
It's been so long since I've seen the young maiden
My love is stronger than my fear of death

I saddled up and away I did go riding alone in the dark
Maybe tomorrow a bullet would find me
Tonight nothing's worse than this pain in my heart

And at last here I am on the hill overlooking El Paso
I can see Rosa's Cantina below
My love is strong and it pushes me onward
Down off the hill to Feleena I go
Off to my right I see five mounted cowboys
Off to my left ride a dozen or more
Shouting and shooting I can't let them catch me
I have to make it to Rosa's backdoor

Something is dreadfully wrong for I feel a deep burning pain in my side
Though I am trying to stay in the saddle
I'm gettin' weary unable to ride

But my love for Feleena is strong and I rise where I've fallen
Though I am weary I can't stop to rest
I see the white puff of smoke from the rifle
I feel the bullet go deep in my chest
From out of nowhere Feleena has found me
Kissing my cheeks as she kneels by my side
Cradled by two loving arms that I'll die for
One little kiss then Feleena goodbye.

50s - Travellin' Light (Cliff Richard)

2010-02-05T18:43:00.000-08:00

Travellin' Light

"Travellin' Light" is the 2nd UK #1 hit song for Cliff Richard (and The Shadows). The single, written by Sid Tepper and Roy C. Bennett, topped the UK charts for 5 weeks in November 1959.

Lyrics:

Got no bags and baggage to slow me down
I'm travelling so fast my feet ain't touching the ground
Travellin' light, Travellin' light,
Well I just can't wait to be with my baby tonight.

No comb and no toothbrush, I've got nothing to haul
I'm carryin' only, a pocket full of dreams, a hand full of love
and they weigh nothing at all

Soon I'm going to see that love look in her eyes
I'm a hoot and a holler away from paradise
Travellin' light, Travellin' light,
I just can't wait to be with my baby tonight.

50s - Mac The Knife (Bobby Darin)

2010-02-04T20:03:00.000-08:00

Mac The Knife

"Mac The Knife" is a song composed by Kurt Weill with lyrics by Bertolt Brecht for their music drama Die Dreigroschenoper, or, as it is known in English, The Threepenny Opera. The song has become a popular standard.

"Mack the Knife" was introduced to the United States hit parade by Louis Armstrong in 1956, but the song is most closely associated with Bobby Darin, whose version reached #1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 for 8 weeks intermittenly from October to December 1959 and topped the UK charts for 2 weeks in October.

It also earned Bobby a Grammy Award for Record of the Year.

Among the many artistes who have covered the songs are Frank Sinatra, Robbie Williams, Kevin Spacey and Michael Buble.

Lyrics:

Oh the shark has pretty teeth dear
And he shows them pearly white
Just a jack-knife has Mac-heath dear
And he keeps it out of sight

When the shark bites with his teeth dear
Scarlet billows start to spread
Fancy gloves though wears Mac-heath dear
So there's not a trace of red

On the sidewalk Sunday morning
Lies a body oozing life
Someone's sneaking 'round the corner
Could the someone be Mack the Knife

From a tugboat by the river
A cement bag's dropping down
The cement's just for the weight dear
Bet you Mackies's back in town

Louis Miller disappeared dear
After drawing out his cash
And Mac-heath spends like a sailor
Did our boy do something rash

Sukey Tawdry, Jenny Diver
Polly Peachum Lucy Brown
O the line forms on the right dear
Now that Mackie's back in town

50s - Only Sixteen (Craig Douglas)

2010-02-03T02:45:00.000-08:00

Only Sixteen

"Only Sixteen" was originally written and recorded by Sam Cooke but it was made popular by an English pop singer, Craig Douglas, in 1959. The song (which is Craig's only chart topper) peaked at #1 for 4 weeks from September to October 1959.

Dr Hook's cover version also reached #6 in the US Billboard chart in 1976.

Lyrics:

She was only sixteen
Only sixteen but I loved her so
She was too young to fall in love and I was too young to know

We'd laugh and we'd sing
And do funny things and it made our hearts glow
But she was too young to fall in love and I was too young to know

So why did I give my heart so fast
It never will happen again
But I was a mere lad of sixteen
I've aged a year since then

She was only sixteen
Only sixteen
Oh with eyes that would glow
But she was too young to fall in love and I was too young to know

So why did I give my heart so fast
But it never will happen again
But I were a mere lad of sixteen
Oh I've aged a year since then

She was only sixteen
Only sixteen
With eyes that would glow
But she was too young to fall in love and I was too young to know
But she was too young to fall in love and I was too young to know
But she was too young to fall in love and I was too young to know

50s - Living Doll (Cliff Richard)

2010-02-03T02:25:00.001-08:00

Living Doll

"Living Doll" is a song written by Lionel Bart and made popular by Cliff Richard and the Shadows (then still The Drifters) in 1959. Cliff had his first #1 hit in the UK chart for 6 weeks (August - September 1959). This is Cliff Richard's first hit in US too, reaching #30 in the Billboard Hot 100.

A new version recorded in 1986 (together with an alternative comic group called The Young Ones) in aid of Comic Relief also peaked at # 1 for 3 weeks in April 1986.

50s - Dream Lover (Bobby Darin)

2010-01-31T20:00:00.000-08:00

Dream Lover

"Dream Lover" is a song written and recorded by Bobby Darin in 1959. The song became a multi-million seller, reaching #2 in US charts and shot to #1 in the UK charts for 4 weeks in July 1959.

Among the many artistes who cover this song are: Glen Campbell & Tanya Tucker, Ricky Nelson, Jason Donovan and Lobo.

Lyrics:

Every night I hope and pray
A dream lover will come my way
A girl to hold in my arms
And know the magic of her charms
'cause I want (yeah-yeah yeah)
a girl (yeah-yeah yeah)
to call (yeah-yeah yeah)
my own (yeah-yeah)
I want a dream lover so I don't have to dream alone

Dream lover, where are you
With a love, oh, so true?
And I hand that can hold,
To feel you near as I grow old?
'cause I want (yeah-yeah yeah)
A girl (yeah-yeah yeah)
To call (yeah-yeah yeah)
My own (yeah-yeah)
I want a dream lover so I don't have to dream alone

Someday, I don't know how,
I hope she'll hear my plea
Some way, I don't know how,
She'll bring her love to me

Dream lover, until then,
I'll go to sleep and dream again
That's the only thing to do,
Till all my lover's dreams come true
'Cause I want (yeah-yeah yeah)
A girl (yeah-yeah yeah)
To call (yeah-yeah yeah)
My own (yeah-yeah)
I want a dream lover so I don't have to dream alone

Dream lover, until then,
I'll go to sleep and dream again
That's the only thing to do,
'till all my lover's dreams come true
'cause I want (yeah-yeah yeah)
A girl (yeah-yeah yeah)
To call (yeah-yeah yeah)
My own (yeah-yeah)
I want a dream lover so I don't have to dream alone

Please don't make me dream alone
I beg you don't make me dream alone
No, I don't wanna dream alone

50s - Lonely Boy (Paul Anka)

2010-01-31T19:43:00.000-08:00

Lonely Boy

"Lonely Boy" is a song written and recorded by Paul Anka in 1959. Anka sang this song in the movie "Girls Town" (which Paul appeared in his first acting role).

The single topped the US Billboard Hot 100 for 6 weeks from April - May 1959.

The most notable cover came from Donny Osmond in 1972.

Lyrics:

I'm just a lonely boy
lonely and blue
I'm all alone
With nothin' to do

I've got everything
You could think of
But all I want
Is someone to love

Someone, yes someone to love
Someone to kiss
Someone to hold
At a moment like this

I'd like to hear
Somebody say
I'll give you my love
Each night and day

(Repeat 1st and 2nd verses)

Somebody, somebody, somebody, please
Send her to me
I'll make her happy
Just wait and see

I've prayed so hard
To the heavens above
That I might find
Someone to love

(Repeat 1st and part of 2nd verses)

50s - The Battle Of New Orleans (Johnny Horton)

2010-01-31T03:25:00.000-08:00

The Battle Of New Orleans

"The Battle of New Orleans" is a song written by Jimmie Driftwood. It has been recorded by many artistes, but the one most often associated with this song is Johnny Horton. His version topped the US Billboard Hot 100 for 6 weeks from May to June 1959.

Among the artistes who have covered the song are Johnny Cash in 1974 and Nitty Gritty Dirt Band in 1974.

Lyrics:

In 1814 we took a little trip
Along with Colonel Jackson down the mighty Mississip
We took a little bacon and we took a little beans
And we caught the bloody British in the town of New Orleans

We fired our guns and the British kept a'comin'
There wasn't nigh as many as there was a while ago
We fired once more and they began to runnin'
On down the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico

We looked down the river and we seed the British come
And there must have been a hundred of 'em beatin' on the drum
They stepped so high and they made their bugles ring
We stood behind our cotton bales and didn't say a thing

We fired our guns and the British kept a'comin'
There wasn't nigh as many as there was a while ago
We fired once more and they began to runnin'
On down the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico

Old Hickory said we could take 'em by surprise
If we didn't fire our muskets till we looked 'em in the eyes
We held our fire till we seed their faces well
Then we opened up our squirrel guns and gave 'em ..Well....we...

fired our guns and the British kept a'comin'
There wasn't nigh as many as there was a while ago
We fired once more and they began to runnin'
On down the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico

Yeah they ran through the briars and they ran through the brambles
And they ran through the bushes where a rabbit couldn't go
They ran so fast that the hounds couldn't catch 'em
On down the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico

We fired our cannon till the barrel melted down
So we grabbed an alligator and we fought another round
We filled his head with cannonballs 'n' powdered his behind
And when we touched the powder off, the gator lost his mind

We fired our guns and the British kept a'comin'
There wasn't nigh as many as there was a while ago
We fired once more and they began to runnin'
On down the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico

Yeah they ran through the briars and they ran through the brambles
And they ran through the bushes where a rabbit couldn't go
They ran so fast that the hounds couldn't catch 'em
On down the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico

SPOKEN TAG

Hut, hut, three, four
Sound off, three, four
Hut, hut, three, four
Sound off, three, four
Hut, hut, three, four

50s - A Fool Such As I (Elvis Presley)

2010-01-31T02:55:00.000-08:00

A Fool Such As I

"A Fool Such As I" was a song written by Bill Trader in 1952; it was first performed by Hank Snow who peaked it at #4 on the US country charts early in 1953.

But Elvis Presley made it a bigger hit (a single together with "I Need Your Love Tonight") topping the UK charts for 5 weeks from May to June 1959.

"I Need Your Love Tonight" was written by Sid Wayne and Bix Reichner. Fans of Hongkong canto-pop would have heard of this song sung in Cantonese by Sam Hui.

50s - Come Softly To Me (The Fleetwoods)

2010-01-28T18:47:00.000-08:00

Come Softly To Me

"Come Softly to Me" is a popular song originally written as "Come Softly" by Gretchen Christopher. Released in 1959, the single performed by The Fleetwoods, consisting Christopher, Gary Troxel and Barbara Ellis, became a # 1 hit on the US Billboard for 5 weeks (end-March to April). It Is also a top ten hit in UK too.

Among the artistes who covered this dreamy intricely woven ballad are Frankie Vaughan with The Kaye Sisters and The Seekers.

Lyrics:

Mm dooby do, dahm dahm, dahm do dahm ooby do
Dahm dahm, dahm do dahm, ooby do
Dahm dahm, dahm do dahm, ooby do
Dahm dahm, dahm ooh dahm
Mm dooby do

(Come softly, darling)
(Come softly, darling)
(Come softly, darling)
(Come softly, darling)

(Come softly, darling)
(Come to me, sta-ay)
(You're my ob-session)
(For ever and a da-ay)

I want, want you to kno-o-ow
I love, I love you so
Please hold, hold me so tight
All through, all through the night..

(Speak softly, darling)
(Hear what I sa-ay)
(I love you always)
(Always, always)

I've waited, waited so long
For your kisses and your love
Please come, come to me
From up, from up above

(Come softly, darling)
(Come softly, darling)
I need, need you so much
Wanna feel your wa-arm touch

Mm dooby do, dahm dahm, dahm do dahm ooby do
Dahm dahm, dahm do dahm, ooby do
Dahm dahm, dahm do dahm, ooby do
Dahm dahm, dahm ooh dahm

50s - Venus (Frankie Avalon)

2010-01-26T18:31:00.000-08:00

Venus

"Venus" is a song written by Ed Marshall and Peter DeAngelis. The most successful and well-known recording of it was done by Frankie Avalon and released in 1959. It became Avalon's first #1 when it topped the US Billboard chart for 5 weeks (February - March 1959).

The song was covered in the UK by Dickie Valentine who had a mild success in the singles chart in May 1959, the week before Frankie Avalon reached the Top 20 with his original version.

In 1976, Avalon released a new disco version of "Venus". The re-recording of "Venus" was Avalon's last Hot 100 hit, peaking at #46. It did, however, reach #1 on the adult contemporary chart.

Other artistes who have covered the song are Johnny Mathis (1968) and Barry Manilow (2006).

The song's lyrics detail a man's plea to Venus, the Roman goddess of love and beauty, to send him a girl to love.

Lyrics:

Hey Venus, oh Venus
Venus if you will
Please send a little girl for me to thrill
A girl who wants my kisses and my arms
A girl with all the charms of you

Venus make her fair
A lovely girl with sunlight in her hair
And take the brightest stars up in the sky
And place them in her eyes for me

Venus, goddess of love that you are
Surely the things I ask
Can't be too great a task

Venus, if you do
I promise that I always will be true
I'll give her all the love I have to give
As long as we both shall live.

Venus, goddess of love that you are
Surely the things I ask
Can't be too great a task

Venus, if you do
I promise that I always will be true
I'll give her all the love I have to give
As long as we both shall live.

Hey Venus oh Venus Make my wish come true

50s - Smoke Gets In Your Eyes (The Platters)

2010-01-26T18:02:00.000-08:00

Smoke Gets In Your Eyes

"Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" is a tune written by American composer Jerome Kern and lyricist Otto Harbach for their 1933 stage musical Roberta.

The song has been recorded by many artistes since, and possibly the most famous version was recorded in 1958 by the doo wop group The Platters, which became a number one hit on the U.S. Billboard chart for 3 weeks (January 1959) and later it top the UK chart for a week, too, in March the same year.

Among the many artistes who have recorded the song are: Nat King Cole (who first recorded it in 1946), Vic Damone (1956), saxophonist Boots Randolph (1974) and Jason Donovan (2008).

Lyrics:

They asked me how I knew
My true love was true
I of course replied
"Something here inside
Cannot be denied"

They said someday you'll find
All who love are blind
When your heart's on fire
You don't realise
Smoke gets in your eyes

So I chaffed and I gaily laughed
To think they would doubt my love
Yet today, my love has flown away
I am without my love

Now laughing friends deride
Tears I cannot hide
So I smile and say
"When a lovely flame dies,
Smoke gets in your eyes."

50s - The Chipmunk Song (Chipmunks)

2010-01-25T19:47:00.000-08:00

The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)

"The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)" is a song written by Ross Bagdasarian, Sr. (better known as David Seville) in 1958.

Although it was written and sung by David Seville (in the form of a high-pitched speed-up voices), the singing credits were given to The Chipmunks, a fictional singing group consisting of three chipmunks by the names of Alvin, Simon, and Theodore.

This christmas song topped the US Billboard charts for 4 weeks (December 1958 - January 1959). And in matter of weeks after the single's release, the song has sold over 4.5 million copies!

The song won three Grammy Awards in 1959: Best comedy performance, Best children's recording, and Best engineered record (non-classical).

A remixed version of the song re-appears on the Chipmunks' 2007 album,Alvin and the Chipmunks: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack.

Lyrics:

(All right you Chipmunks! Ready to sing your song?
-I'll say we are!
-Yeah!
-Let's sing it now!
Okay, Simon?
-Okay!
Okay, Theodore?
-Okay!
Okay, Alvin? Alvin? ALVIN!
-OKAY!!!)

Christmas, Christmas time is near
Time for toys and time for cheer
We've been good, but we can't last
Hurry Christmas, hurry fast
Want a plane that loops the loop
Me, I want a hula hoop
We can hardly stand the wait
Please Christmas, don't be late.

(Okay fellas get ready.
That was very good, Simon.
-Naturally.
Very good Theodore.
-Ahhh.
Ah, Alvin, you were a little flat, watch it.
Ah, Alvin. Alvin. ALVIN!
-OKAY.)

Want a plane that loops the loop
I still want a hula hoop
We can hardly stand the wait
Please Christmas, don't be late.
We can hardly stand the wait
Please Christmas, don't be late.

(Very good, boys
-Lets sing it again! Yeah, lets sing it again!
No, That's enough, lets not overdo it
-What do you mean overdo it?
-We want to sing it again!
Now wait a minute, boys
-Why can't we sing it again?
-[chipmunk chatter]
Alvin, cut that out..Theodore, just a minute.
Simon will you cut that out? Boys...)

50s - To Know Him Is To Love Him (Teddy Bears)

2010-01-22T19:24:00.000-08:00

To Know Him Is To Love Him

"To Know Him Is To Love Him" was writen by Phil Spector when he was only an 18-year old student of the Los Angeles high school. Together with his friends, Annette Kleinbard (16) and Marshall Leib (19), they formed Teddy Bears and the song, which was their first recording, went to #1 on the US Billboard chart for 3 weeks (November - December 1958).

In Malaysia, the song (renamed as To Know You Is To Love You) was made popular by the UK duo, Peter and Gordon, in the 60s.

In 1987, the song was resurrected by Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris, who took the song to the top of the U.S. country singles charts.

Lyrics:

To know know know him
Is to love love love him
Just to see him smile
Makes my life worthwhile
To know know know him
Is to love love love him
And I do

I'll be good to him
I'll bring love to him
Everyone says there'll come a day
When I'll walk alongside of him
Yes just to know him
Is to love love love him
And I do

Why can't he see
How blind can he be
Someday he will see
That he was meant for me

To know know know him
Is to love love love him
Just to see him smile
Makes my life worthwhile
To know know know him
Is to love love love him
And I do

50s - It's Only Make Believe (Conway Twitty)

2010-01-22T18:49:00.000-08:00

It's Only Make Believe

"It's Only Make Believe" is a song written by Conway Twitty and Jack Nance in 1958. The single, recorded by Conway Twitty, topped both US and UK charts, and was Twitty's only number-one single on the pop charts of either country. In US it managed to top the chart for two weeks in November 1958 but in UK it stayed on the #1spot continuously for 5 weeks (mid December 1958 to January 1959).

The most notable covers of the song include Billy Fury (1964) and Glen Campbell (1970).

Lyrics:

People see us everywhere.
They think you really care.
But myself, I can't deceive,
I know it's only make believe.

My one and only prayer, is that some day, you'll care.
My hopes, my dreams come true, my one and only you.
No one will ever know, how much I love you so.
My only prayer will be, some day you'll care for me,
But it's only make believe.

My hopes, my dreams come true, my life, I'd give for you.
My heart, a wedding ring, my all, my everything.
My heart I can't control; you rule my very soul.
My only prayer will be, some day you'll care for me,
But it's only make believe.

My one and only prayer, is that some day, you'll care.
My hopes, my dreams come true, my one and only you.
No one will ever know, how much I love you so.
My only prayer will be, some day you'll care for me,
But it's only make believe.

50s - Stupid Cupid (Connie Francis)

2010-01-19T20:09:00.000-08:00

Stupid Cupid

"Stupid Cupid" was written by Neil Sedaka (who was only 19 when he penned this) and Howard Greenfield in 1958.

With "Carolina Moon", a cover of the 1920s Gene Austin number, "Stupid Cupid" sung by Connie Francis became a top "double-A sides" hit in UK chart for 6 weeks (September - November 1958).

Notable covers include Patsy Cline and Mandy Moore.

Lyrics:

Stupid Cupid, you're a real mean guy
I'd like to clip your wings, so you can't fly
I'm in love and it's a crying shame
And I know that you're the one to blame

Hey hey, set me free
Stupid Cupid, stop picking on me

I can't do my homework and I can't think straight
I meet him every morning at 'bout half-past eight
I'm acting like a lovesick fool
You've even got me carrying his books to school

Hey hey set me free
Stupid Cupid stop picking on me

You mixed me up for good
Right from the very start
Hey, go play Robin Hood
With somebody else's heart

You got me jumping like a crazy clown
And I don't feature what your puttin' down
Well since I kissed his loving lips of wine
The thing that bothers me is that I like it fine

Hey hey set me free
Stupid Cupid stop picking on me

50s - It's All In The Game (Tommy Edward)

2010-01-19T04:18:00.000-08:00

It's All In The Game

The lyrics of "It's All in the Game" was composed by Carl Sigman in 1951 to a wordless 1911 composition entitled "Melody in A Major" written by Charles Dawes (who later became the Vice President of the USA under Calvin Coolidge).

(It is therefore considered the only #1 pop single to have been co-written by a U.S. Vice President!)

In 1951, Tommy Edwards did a mono version of this song and could only manage a minor success. In 1958, Tommy decided to cut a stereo version of the song and it topped the Billboard Hot 100 for 6 weeks from mid-September to October 1958 and hit the #1 spot in the UK charts for 3 weeks in November the same year.

Notable versions of the songs were recorded by Andy Williams, Cliff Richard (#2 in UK 1963), The Four Tops, Merle Haggard and Engelbert Humperdinck.

Lyrics:

Many a tear has to fall
But it's all in the game
All in the wonderful game
That we know as love
You have words with him
And your future's looking dim
But these things
Your hearts can rise above

Once in a while he won't call
But it's all in the game
Soon he'll be there at your side
With a sweet bouquet
And he'll kiss your lips
And caress your waiting fingertips
And your hearts will fly away

Soon he'll be there at your side
With a sweet bouquet
Then he'll kiss your lips
And caress your waiting fingertips
And your hearts will fly away

50s - Volare (Domenico Modugno)

2010-01-19T03:48:00.000-08:00

Volare (Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu)

"Volare" or "Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu" ("In The Blue Painted Blue") is written by Domenico Modugno (music and lyrics) and Franco Migliacci (lyrics). This is Domenico's signautre song and it is the only song that originated in Italy to reach #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 5 weeks (August - September 1958).

Domenico's recording became the first Grammy winner for the inaugural Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1959. It is the only foreign-language recording to achieve this honor.

The song (some partly in English andn partly in Italian) has been covered by many artistes including McGuire Sisters, Dean Martin, Bobby Rydell (1960) and The Gypsy Kings (1989).

50s - Poor Little Fool (Ricky Nelson)

2010-01-17T19:17:00.000-08:00

Poor Little Fool

"Poor Little Fool" is a song written by Sharon Sheeley (who was only 18 when she wrote her first - autobiographical - song for Ricky Nelson). It was based on her disappointment following a short-lived relationship with a member of a popular singing duo(reported to be Don Everly of the Everly Brothers).

Ricky Nelson's version spent two week (July - August 1958) at the #1 on Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Lyrics:

I used to play around with hearts that hastened at my call,
But when I met that little girl I knew that I would fall.

(chorus)
Poor little fool, oh yeah, I was a fool, uh huh..

She played around and teased me with her carefree devil eyes,
She'd hold me close and kiss me but her heart was full of lies.

(chorus)

She told me how she cared for me and that we'd never part,
And so for the very first time I gave away my heart.

(chorus)

The next day she was gone and I knew she'd lied to me,
She left me with a broken heart and won her victory.

(chorus)

I'd played this game with other hearts but I never thought I'd see,
The day that someone else would play love's foolish game with me.

(chorus)

50s - Who's Sorry Now (Connie Francis)

2010-01-16T19:24:00.000-08:00

Who's Sorry Now

"Who's Sorry Now?" is a popular song with music written by Ted Snyder and lyrics by Bert Kalmar and Harry Ruby in 1923.

But it was only made popular by American songstress Connie Francis in 1958. It reached #4 in the US Billboard charts and did much better in UK at #1 for six weeks (May - June 1958).

Among the artistes who covered the song are Ella Fitzgerald (1960), Marie Osmond (1975) and Harry Connick, Jr (2009).

Lyrics:

Who's sorry now?
Who's sorry now?
Whose heart is aching for breaking each vow?
Who's sad and blue?
Who's crying too?
Just like I cried over you?

Right to the end
Just like a friend
I tried to warn you somehow
You had your way,
Now you must pay
I'm glad that you're sorry now.

50s - All I Have To Do Is Dream (Everly Brothers)

2010-01-16T19:03:00.000-08:00

All I Have To Do Is Dream

"All I Have to Do Is Dream" is a popular song made famous by the Everly Brothers, written by the husband and wife songwriting team of Felice and Boudleaux Bryant, whose songs were tailor-made for the brothers' distinctive style.

It stayed at #1 spot in the US Billboard charts for 4 weeks in May 1958 and then topped the UK charts (for the first time) for 7 weeks (July - August 1958).

The single sold well over a million copies and it said that it took only 15 minutes to write. Incidentally, the b-side of this single, "Claudette", was penned by Roy Orbison.

Other hit versions of the song include Richard Chamberlain (1963) and The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (1975). The duets by Bobbie Gentry and Glen Campbell in 1969 and by Andy Gibb and actress Victoria Principal in 1981 are popular too. Cliff Richard, singing with Phil Everly, took the song to #14 on the U.K. singles chart again in 1994.

50s - Magic Moments (Perry Como)

2010-01-08T18:39:00.000-08:00

Magic Moments

"Magic Moments" is a popular song composed by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, one of the earliest compositions by the famous duo. The song was published in 1957.

The biggest hit version of the song was recorded by Perry Como in 1957, and became a hit in early 1958. It was a top ten hit in the US Billboard charts. The song was a bigger hit in the United Kingdom where it topped the Single Chart for 8 wees (!) from March to April 1958.

Among the more popular artistes who covered this song were Ronnie Hilton (1958)and the synthpop duo Erasure (1997).

50s - Tequila (The Champs)

2010-01-04T04:23:00.000-08:00

Tequila

Named after a potent Mexican drink, "Tequila" had won overnight acclaim for one-hit wonder band, The Champs.

The instrumental, written by sax player Chuck Rio (real name: Danile Flores), was only recorded to use up left-over time on a session by singer-guitarist Dave Burgess. The resultant track was so appealing that the owners of the label decided to release it... under the name of The Champs

As the record began its meteoric rise to the top of US charts for 4 weeks (March - April 1958), Chuck and Dave roped in three musicians and took to the road under their new prophetically chosen name.

The song was covered by The Ventures twice. Other musicians who had recorded this song included Eddie Platt, and jazz guitarists Larry Carlton and Wes Montgomery.

50s - The Story Of My Life (Michael Holliday)

2010-01-03T19:45:00.000-08:00

The Story Of My Life

"The Story of My Life" is a popular song written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David in 1957. The song first became a 1957 hit for US country singer Marty Robbins, reaching #1 on the country chart for four weeks.

British crooner, Michale Holliday, who also made it big with his version. The song topped the UK single chart for 2 weeks in February 1958.

Lyrics:

Someday I'm gonna write,
The story of my life.
I'll tell about the night we met,
And how my heart can't forget
The way you smiled at me.

I like the world to know,
The story of my life.
The moment when your lips met mine,
And that first exciting time I held you close to me.

Chorus:
The sorrow when our love was breaking up.
The memory of a broken heart.
Then later on the joy of making up,
Never never more to part.

There's a one thing left to do,
Before my story's through.
I've got to take you for my wife,
So the story of my life can start and end with you.

50s - Great Balls Of Fire (Jerry Lee Lewis)

2010-01-03T19:13:00.000-08:00

Great Balls Of Fire

"Great Balls of Fire" is a 1957 song written by Otis Blackwell and Jack Hammer. The best known version was by Jerry Lee Lewis who took the song to #2 US Billboard pop chart and topped the #1 spot in UK charts for 2 weeks in January 1958.

Among the many artistes who had recorded the song were: Dolly Parton (1979), Electric Light Orchestra (1974)and Fleetwood Mac (1999).

Lyrics:

You shake my nerves and you rattle my brain
Too much love drives a man insane
You broke my will
But what a thrill
Goodness gracious great balls of fire!

I laughed at love cause I thought it was funny
but you came along and moooooved me honey
I've changed my mind
This love is fine
Goodness gracious great balls of fire!

Kiss me baby
Mmmm feels good
Hold me baby
Welll I want to love you like a lover should
You're fine, so kind
Got to tell this world that you're mine mine mine mine

I chew my nails and I twiddle my thumbs
I'm real nervous but it sure is fun
C'mon baby, you drive me crazy
Goodness gracious great balls of fire!

(piano solo)

Welll kiss me baby
Mmmm feels good
Hold me baby
Welll I want to love you like a lover should
You're fine, so kind
Got to tell this world that you're mine mine mine mine

I chew my nails and I twiddle my thumbs
I'm real nervous but it sure is fun
C'mon baby, drive me crazy
Goodness gracious great balls of fire!

50s - At The Hop (Danny & The Juniors)

2010-01-03T05:07:00.000-08:00

At The Hop

"At the Hop" is a rock 'n' roll song written by Arthur Singer, John Medora and David White and originally released by Philadelphian foursome,Danny & the Juniors. It topped the #1 spot on the US Billboard charts for 7 weeks from end December 1957 to mid February 1958.

The song became more prominent after it was performed by rock 'n" roll revival act Sha Na Na at the August1969 Woodstock Festival.

Lyrics:

Bah-bah-bah-bah, bah-bah-bah-bah
Bah-bah-bah-bah. bah-bah-bah-bah, at the hop!

Well, you can rock it you can roll it
You can stop and you can stroll it at the hop
When the record starts spinnin'
You chalypso when you chicken at the hop
Do the dance sensation that is sweepin' the nation at the hop

Ah, let's go to the hop
Let's go to the hop, (oh baby)
Let's go to the hop, (oh baby)
Let's go to the hop
Come on, let's go to the hop

Well, you can swing it you can groove it
You can really start to move it at the hop
Where the jockey is the smoothest
And the music is the coolest at the hop
All the cats and chicks can get their kicks at the hop
Let's go!

Let's go to the hop
Let's go to the hop, (oh baby)
Let's go to the hop, (oh baby)
Let's go to the hop
Come on, let's go to the hop
Let's go!

Well, you can rock it you can roll it
You can stop and you can stroll it at the hop
When the record starts spinnin'
You chalypso when you chicken at the hop
Do the dance sensation that is sweepin' the nation at the hop

You can swing it you can groove it
You can really start to move it at the hop
Where the jockey is the smoothest
And the music is the coolest at the hop.
All the cats and chicks can get their kicks at the hop.
Let's go!

Let's go to the hop
Let's go to the hop, (oh baby)
Let's go to the hop, (oh baby)
Let's go to the hop
Come on, let's go to the hop

Bah-bah-bah-bah, bah-bah-bah-bah
Bah-bah-bah-bah. bah-bah-bah-bah, at the hop!

50s - Mary Boy Child (Harry Belafonte)

2009-12-29T04:30:00.000-08:00

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.

50s - You Send Me (Sam Cooke)

2009-12-29T03:44:00.000-08:00

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