Getting done with '61.
20 - "Barbara Ann," The Regents
The second half opens with yet more doo-wop, courtesy of four guys from the Bronx. This ode to a lady who causes "rockin' and a-reelin," was the biggest of their two hits. Of course, it became even bigger four years later when the Beach Boys took a cover to #2. And I have to say, the later version is the better one.
19 - "Girl of My Best Friend," Ral Donner
Chicagoan Donner (the "Ral" is short for Ralph) had a voice that sounded remarkably like Elvis', so it's perhaps fitting that his first hit was a cover of a track from Elvis' first post-Army LP. If you'd told me this was Elvis himself singing about longing for a buddy's girl, I'd have had no trouble believing it. It's even got Jordanaire-soundalike backup singers. When you listen real close, you can tell it's not The King, but I don't think many of the impersonators that have followed in Donner's wake have nailed the voice better.
18 - "Portrait of My Love," Steve Lawrence
Another hit from Mr. Lawrence, this one about a girl that no one would be able to paint a picture of. And he means that in a good way, because "Anyone who sees her soon forgets the Mona Lisa." Steve's sincere enough, but this still sounds like romantic cheese to me.
17 - "I've Told Every Little Star," Linda Scott
Scott, born in Queens and raised in Teaneck, New Jersey, was just 16 when she scored her first and biggest hit, this version of a song written in 1932 by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II. It's sweet little teen pop about being able to tell anyone about being in love except the person you're actually in love with. If you like a lot of Lesley Gore's hits, you'll like this one too.
16 - "Hello Mary Lou," Ricky Nelson
The son of bandleader Ozzie Nelson and his group's vocalist, Harriet Hilliard Nelson, little Ricky's showbiz debut came at the age of nine, playing himself on his parents' radio sitcom. The show moved to TV in 1952, and in 1957, Ricky began singing on the show, and that became the basis of a successful recording career. The B-side of one of his biggest-selling singles was this chugging rockabilly number about a girl so attractive that he immediately falls in love, or as he puts it, "goodbye, heart." Given his background and his pretty-boy looks, it's easy to dismiss him, but the man clearly had talent and chops. But what of the A-side, you ask? Stay tuned.
15 - "Raindrops," Dee Clark
Arkansan Delectus Clark had his last and biggest pop hit with this ballad about how the water falling from his eyes must be from "a cloud in his head" because "a man ain't supposed to cry." A fantastically written and performed heartbreak song, with the ending howls and thunderclaps providing a stirring coda.
14 - "Moody River," Pat Boone
Ah, Pat Boone, the white-buck-shoe-wearing sanitizer-for-square-America's-protection of many early rock and R&B classics. His very name evokes images of bland conformity and strained repression. But on this, his last #1 hit, he gives a fine, passionate performance on this melodrama about a man who goes to meet his girlfriend under a tree by a river, only to find that she has left behind one of her gloves and a note that told him she'd drowned herself because of her guilt over cheating on him. This is high-quality teen-tragedy pop, and easily the man's best work. It's not nearly enough for me to forgive him being a homophobe and a birther, but it's a better song than I thought he was capable of.
13 - "Stand By Me," Ben E. King
The ex-Drifters soulful declaration of loyalty hit #4 this year, then returned to the Top Ten 25 years later after its use in Rob Reiner's movie about childhood, mortality, and mailbox baseball. I covered it during the 80s run, and there's no more to say except it's brilliant.
12 - "Hello Walls," Faron Young
Louisianan Young was a steady presence on country radio from 1952 to 1978, racking up dozens of Top 40 hits on that chart. But the only time he reached that level on the pop list was with this classic about a man so lonely after his lover leaves him that he starts talking not only to the walls of his home, but the window and the ceiling as well. Also notable is the fact that this was one of the first major successes for its songwriter, a young tunesmith named Willie Nelson, who I just learned turned 80 last month. Wow. It really is funny how time slips away.
11 - "Little Devil," Neil Sedaka
Neil's seventh Top 40 was this peppy pop song about his desire to capture a flirtatious, capricious young lady and "make an angel" of her. And no, I don't think that means he wants to kill her. I should hope not, at least.
Is this the Top Ten? Is this just fantasy?
10 - "Tragedy," The Fleetwoods
This vocal trio from Olympia, Washington were originally named Two Girls and a Guy, because that's what they were. The truth in advertising approach. Eventually they changed it, and shortly afterward, they scored two #1 smashes in 1959 with "Come Softly to Me" and "Mr. Blue." Their third and final Top Ten was this cover of a 1959 hit by Thomas Wayne and the DeLons. It's a wistful take on heartbreak, more resigned than sad. They did what they did well, but at least in this case, it's not for me.
9 - "I Feel So Bad," Elvis Presley
A year after his release from the Army, Elvis was still chugging along with hits like this cover of a 1954 Chuck Willis R&B hit that compares a down mood to "a ballgame on a rainy day." It has a very gritty and authentic bluesy feel. Another Willis hit "C.C. Rider," would later provide Presley with a signature show opener during the 70s.
8 - "A Hundred Pounds of Clay," Gene McDaniels
McDaniels, from Omaha, Nebraska, scored his first and biggest pop hit with this alternative version of how God created Eve: not from one of Adam's ribs, but from a much more earthy substance. Cool little bit of R&B/pop
7 - "Breakin' In a Brand New Broken Heart," Connie Francis
Connie's run of big hits continued with this turn into country. Her natural predisposition for sad songs meant that this weepie fit her like a glove. Later, Debby Boone would score a minor country hit with a cover version. No, I'm not gonna bother tracking that down.
6 - "Runaway," Del Shannon
Michigander Shannon's first and biggest hit was this rock classic about the girl who left him. We all know it. Del's rasp and falsetto "why why why why"s on the chorus were enough to make him an instant legend. And that spacey sound between the two choruses was provided by something called a Musitron, an early version of the synthesizer. A true pop essential.
5 - "Mother-In-Law," Ernie K-Doe
New Orleans native Ernest Kador, Jr. had his only major pop hit with this #1 smash (written by legerndary jazz and blues composer Allen Toussaint) about "the worst person I know" who, inconveniently, is also the woman who gave birth to his wife. All the stereotypes are here: she's meddlesome, she's judgmental, and just all-around evil. Not having had a mother-in-law, I have no basis to go on, but I imagine Mr. K-Doe was being a tad harsh. Still, it's fun, danceable, and irresistable.
4 - "Mama Said," The Shirelles
One of the few 60s girl groups to be associated with neither Motown nor Phil Spector, these four ladies from Passaic, New Jersey scored their third Top Five with this bit of maternal advice that even if things aren't going well today, they will get better at some point. Simple pop-soul, and oh so nice.
3 - "Running Scared," Roy Orbison
Texan Orbison was led to Memphis and Sun Records after meeting Johnny Cash in 1955, and he was part of Elvis' social circle during Presley's rise to megastardom. But it wasn't until the sixties that he started to have major success, and his fourth Top 40 and first #1 came in the form of this operatic ballad about being afraid that if his current lover's old boyfriend returned and wanted to get back with her, she'd say yes. In the end, this does happen, but in a happy twist, the woman decides that she's happy with Roy, thank you very much. That voice is as distinct and gorgeous as always, and contributes greatly to the drama. One of the great singers in pop, period.
2 - "Daddy's Home," Shep and the Limelites
We've come across this song in both the 70s and 80s, in versions by Jermaine Jackson and Cliff Richard, and now we encounter the original, the only hit for these Queens doo-wop practitioners. And yes, of course, it's the best of all. By quite a bit. Rat-a-tat.
And 52 years ago, the big song in the U.S.of A. was...
1 - "Travelln' Man," Ricky Nelson
Ricky's second and final charttopper was this pop-rock ditty about a guy who gets around, both in the sense that he's "made a lot of stops all over the world" and the one where he's romanced "at least one lovely girl" everywhere he's been. The five he mentions here are a "pretty senorita" in Mexico, a "cute little Eskimo" in Alaska, a "sweet Fraulein" in Berlin, a "China doll" in Hong Kong, and a "pretty Polynesian baby" in Waikiki. One would assume there are many more, but then again, maybe not at that point. Ricky was only 21 at the time. Not exactly politically correct, but a sweet little performance by a true talent.
Another break, then on to '62. See you then.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Sunday, May 26, 2013
May 29, 1961 Part One
Here we are on the second leg of our sixties detour, late spring 1961. Around this time, President John F. Kennedy announced to the United States Congress his goal of putting a man on the moon before the end of the decade. And they actually did it, with a few months to spare. But sadly, he wasn't around to witness it. On a brighter note, here are the songs that were floating around the Earthly atmosphere at the time.
40 - "Halfway to Paradise," Tony Orlando
Michael Cassavitis, born in New York to a Greek father and a Puerto Rican mother, adopted his two middle names as his stage moniker when he began his singing career, and at 17, he scored his first hit with this orchestrated pop song about what the kids these days call "being stuck in the friend zone." Been there, Tone. After this, he picked up one more solo hit and another with a group called Wind before settling into a career behind-the-scenes in the industry for a couple years. But then he was pulled back into the studio to record a song called "Candida" with a group that was given the name "Dawn," and suddenly he was back and bigger than ever. Can't imagine the 70s without him. But this early brush with success may have been his best record.
39 - "(I Don't Know Why) But I Do," Clarence "Frogman" Henry
New Orleans R&B man Henry, nicknamed for his "croaky" singing voice, scored his biggest pop hit with this soulful lament about a woman he covets for reasons he can't understand. This is just good, good, good. All there is to say.
38 - "Little Egypt (Ying-Yang)," The Coasters
These L.A. doo-woppers, best known for comedy hits such as "Yakety Yak" and "Charlie Brown." had their last pop Top 40 with this tale (written, like most of their hits, by the legendary team of Jerry Lieber and Mike Stoller) of a man who sees the titular "hoochie koochie" dancer performing "wearing nothing but a button and a bow." It was quite a performance, apparently, but in the last verse, we are informed that Ms. Egypt no longer dances, because the song's narrator married her, and they now have seven children. Ying-yang, indeed. Silly fun, but for my money, their best tune is "Along Came Jones."
37 - "Exodus," Eddie Harris
Chicago saxophonist Harris scored his only major pop hit with this cool jazz version of the theme of the 1960 Paul Newman film based on the events leading to the creation of the state of Israel. Not going to get into the politics of that, because we all know them. I'll just say that I prefer this to the version by Ferrante and Teicher, and greatly prefer it to the one with lyrics by Pat Boone (although I do enjoy the little bit of it Bill Needle performs in Maudlin's Eleven: "This land is miiieeeiiieeeiiieeiiieeeine!") Also, I finally know just who the "Eddie Harris" The Beastie Boys mention in "So What'cha Want" is.
36 - "What a Surprise," Johnny Maestro
Maestro, born John Mastrangelo, was the Italian-American menber of the interracial doo-wop group The Crests, who we encountered last week. His first solo hit was this made-for-the-malt-shop ballad on which Maestro thinks his girlfriend has stood him up to not only go with his best friend, but to throw a party and invite everyone but him. He's naturally upset, so he finally bursts into her house to confront her, only to find that she was throwing a birthday party for him all along. Silly boy. And silly song.
35 - "I'm a Fool to Care," Joe Barry
Barry, a purveyor of "swamp pop" who hailed from the village of Cut Off, Louisiana, had his only major pop hit with this cover of a 1954 Les Paul and Mary Ford hit. This sounds a lot like many of Fats Domino hits, but for Barry's thick Cajun accent. Cool little record.
34 - "Tossin' and Turnin'," Bobby Lewis
Detroit's Lewis had the biggest of his two pop hits with R&B raveup about a sleepless night that went all the way to #1. A staple of oldies radio, and deservedly so.
33 - "Those Oldies but Goodies (Reminds Me of You)," Little Caesar and the Romans
Speaking of the term "oldies," I'm not sure, but I think that term in relation to music may have been first popularized by this song, the lone hit for an L.A. band that were known as The Cubans until the botched U.S. "Bay of Pigs Invasion" of a certain island nation made that name somewhat less marketable. Despite its grammatical incorrectness, it's a sweet little bit of soulful slowdance fodder for couples in a reminiscing mood.
32 - "The Writing on the Wall," Adam Wade
Wade, a onetime laboratory assistant for polio vaccine developer Dr. Jonas Salk, turned to singing and scored three Top Ten singles, the highest-charting of which was this peppy pop song about knowing that a relationship is ending. Another song where the musical arrangement and the lyrical sentimental don't quite match up, but Wade had a pleasant pop voice, which is likely what sold this.
31 - "Bonanza," Al Caiola
Caiola, a major session guitarist who played on records by Elvis, Sinatra, and many, many others, picked up his two biggest hits under his own name this year in the form of versions of the theme from the movie The Magnificent Seven and the title ditty of the Lorne Greene/Michael Landon Western TV series. This isn't the version that you've heard if you've watched the show; the guitar has more of a Duane Eddyish twang on this one. The original is the one to stick with if you want to remember Ben, Hoss, Little Joe, and all the girlfriends they had who died shortly after hooking up with the Cartwrights. Those guys had the worst luck with women.
30 - "Peanut Butter," The Marathons
This group evolved from a group called the Jay Hawks, and their only hit under this name was an R&B song that is literally about that ever-popular legume paste. According to the song, this "sticky sticky goo." comes in "creamy" and "chunky" varieties, is good on toast and crackers, but can make those who eat it "look like they got the mumps." An interesting choice of subject for a pop song, which makes it this week's Uneasy Rider.
29 - "Triangle," Janie Grant
I couldn't find a lot of information on Ms. Grant, other than the fact that she was from New Jersey and was 16 when she had her only Top 40 hit, this "her or me" pop ultimatum. And that she's probably better known these days for the novelty song she released around this time, a tune about the use and abuse of hair product called "That Greasy Kid Stuff."
28 - "Take Good Care of Her," Adam Wade
Wade again, this time pleading with the man whom the love of his life left him for not to take her for granted. I like this one better, and it's pretty clear where the Johnny Mathis comparisons came from. In the 70s, he would go on to act in films such as Shaft and Across 110th Street, and he would also become the first African-American game show host on a show called Musical Chairs.
27 - "Just for Old Times' Sake," The McGuire Sisters
Ohio siblings Christine, Dorothy and Phyllis McGuire began hitting the charts with their old-school harmony pop in 1954, scoring #1s that decade with "Sincerely" and "Sugartime." Their 19th and final Top 40 was this bland number about wanting an ex to come back and give it another try. The most interesting thing about the group is probably youngest sister Phyllis' alleged relationship with notorious Chicago mobster Sam "Momo" Giancana.
26 - "Blue Moon," The Marcels
Named after a wavy hairstyle, this interracial Pittsburgh doo-wop group went to #1 with their first hit, a doo-wop version of a Rodgers and Hart ballad from the 30s about a wish for a lover that came true. And now, very few people can even imagine the song without thinking of "Bom ba ba bom a dang a dang dang a ding a dong ding...BLUUUUUUUUE MOOOOOOOOON!" I'm guessing that this was the version that inspired Manchester City fans to adopt this as their club song.
25 - "You Always Hurt the One You Love," Clarence "Frogman" Henry
The Frogman's second appearance this week with this cover of a song that was originally a hit for The Mills Brothers in 1944. Sounds very similar to "But I Do." Okay, but the only version I really need to hear ever again is the one by Spike Jones. "Ka-RUNCH!"
24 - "Lullaby of Love," Frank Gari
New Yorker Gari had three hits in 1961, the biggest being this charming pop number in the Paul Anka vein. He has a very strong voice. Gari would go on to form a group called The City Surfers with future Byrd Roger McGuinn, and would then begin a lucrative career writing theme music for TV news shows. Well, you knew somebody did that, didn't you?
23 - "Tonight I Fell in Love," The Tokens
These Brooklyn doo-woopers followed up their #1 debut hit "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" with what would be their only other Top 20, this okay little nugget about finding romance. But "doobie doobie dum, wo-oh" just doesn't quite stick with you the way "a-wimoweh, a-wimoweh" does, does it?
22 - "You Can Depend on Me," Brenda Lee
Little Miss Dynamite kept up her run of Top Tens with this aching declaration that she will always be there for her beloved, even though he's with someone else at the moment. I think it would have been cool if Jim Steinman had written and produced a comeback single for her in the 80s. She might have out Bonnie Tylered Bonnie Tyler.
21 - "That Old Black Magic," Bobby Rydell
Philly teen idol Rydell just missed the Top 20 with this cover of the 1942 Harold Arlen/Johnny Mercer standard. He croons like the Elvis wannabe he is over a typical teenybop arrangement of the time. Initially, I was resistant, preferring the smoother, more adult takes provided by Frank, Ella, and many others. But this grew on me halfway through. I can't say I loved that spin he put me in, but I liked it a bit.
In Part Two: mothers, a second-generation star, and music to search for a dead body by.
40 - "Halfway to Paradise," Tony Orlando
Michael Cassavitis, born in New York to a Greek father and a Puerto Rican mother, adopted his two middle names as his stage moniker when he began his singing career, and at 17, he scored his first hit with this orchestrated pop song about what the kids these days call "being stuck in the friend zone." Been there, Tone. After this, he picked up one more solo hit and another with a group called Wind before settling into a career behind-the-scenes in the industry for a couple years. But then he was pulled back into the studio to record a song called "Candida" with a group that was given the name "Dawn," and suddenly he was back and bigger than ever. Can't imagine the 70s without him. But this early brush with success may have been his best record.
39 - "(I Don't Know Why) But I Do," Clarence "Frogman" Henry
New Orleans R&B man Henry, nicknamed for his "croaky" singing voice, scored his biggest pop hit with this soulful lament about a woman he covets for reasons he can't understand. This is just good, good, good. All there is to say.
38 - "Little Egypt (Ying-Yang)," The Coasters
These L.A. doo-woppers, best known for comedy hits such as "Yakety Yak" and "Charlie Brown." had their last pop Top 40 with this tale (written, like most of their hits, by the legendary team of Jerry Lieber and Mike Stoller) of a man who sees the titular "hoochie koochie" dancer performing "wearing nothing but a button and a bow." It was quite a performance, apparently, but in the last verse, we are informed that Ms. Egypt no longer dances, because the song's narrator married her, and they now have seven children. Ying-yang, indeed. Silly fun, but for my money, their best tune is "Along Came Jones."
37 - "Exodus," Eddie Harris
Chicago saxophonist Harris scored his only major pop hit with this cool jazz version of the theme of the 1960 Paul Newman film based on the events leading to the creation of the state of Israel. Not going to get into the politics of that, because we all know them. I'll just say that I prefer this to the version by Ferrante and Teicher, and greatly prefer it to the one with lyrics by Pat Boone (although I do enjoy the little bit of it Bill Needle performs in Maudlin's Eleven: "This land is miiieeeiiieeeiiieeiiieeeine!") Also, I finally know just who the "Eddie Harris" The Beastie Boys mention in "So What'cha Want" is.
36 - "What a Surprise," Johnny Maestro
Maestro, born John Mastrangelo, was the Italian-American menber of the interracial doo-wop group The Crests, who we encountered last week. His first solo hit was this made-for-the-malt-shop ballad on which Maestro thinks his girlfriend has stood him up to not only go with his best friend, but to throw a party and invite everyone but him. He's naturally upset, so he finally bursts into her house to confront her, only to find that she was throwing a birthday party for him all along. Silly boy. And silly song.
35 - "I'm a Fool to Care," Joe Barry
Barry, a purveyor of "swamp pop" who hailed from the village of Cut Off, Louisiana, had his only major pop hit with this cover of a 1954 Les Paul and Mary Ford hit. This sounds a lot like many of Fats Domino hits, but for Barry's thick Cajun accent. Cool little record.
34 - "Tossin' and Turnin'," Bobby Lewis
Detroit's Lewis had the biggest of his two pop hits with R&B raveup about a sleepless night that went all the way to #1. A staple of oldies radio, and deservedly so.
33 - "Those Oldies but Goodies (Reminds Me of You)," Little Caesar and the Romans
Speaking of the term "oldies," I'm not sure, but I think that term in relation to music may have been first popularized by this song, the lone hit for an L.A. band that were known as The Cubans until the botched U.S. "Bay of Pigs Invasion" of a certain island nation made that name somewhat less marketable. Despite its grammatical incorrectness, it's a sweet little bit of soulful slowdance fodder for couples in a reminiscing mood.
32 - "The Writing on the Wall," Adam Wade
Wade, a onetime laboratory assistant for polio vaccine developer Dr. Jonas Salk, turned to singing and scored three Top Ten singles, the highest-charting of which was this peppy pop song about knowing that a relationship is ending. Another song where the musical arrangement and the lyrical sentimental don't quite match up, but Wade had a pleasant pop voice, which is likely what sold this.
31 - "Bonanza," Al Caiola
Caiola, a major session guitarist who played on records by Elvis, Sinatra, and many, many others, picked up his two biggest hits under his own name this year in the form of versions of the theme from the movie The Magnificent Seven and the title ditty of the Lorne Greene/Michael Landon Western TV series. This isn't the version that you've heard if you've watched the show; the guitar has more of a Duane Eddyish twang on this one. The original is the one to stick with if you want to remember Ben, Hoss, Little Joe, and all the girlfriends they had who died shortly after hooking up with the Cartwrights. Those guys had the worst luck with women.
30 - "Peanut Butter," The Marathons
This group evolved from a group called the Jay Hawks, and their only hit under this name was an R&B song that is literally about that ever-popular legume paste. According to the song, this "sticky sticky goo." comes in "creamy" and "chunky" varieties, is good on toast and crackers, but can make those who eat it "look like they got the mumps." An interesting choice of subject for a pop song, which makes it this week's Uneasy Rider.
29 - "Triangle," Janie Grant
I couldn't find a lot of information on Ms. Grant, other than the fact that she was from New Jersey and was 16 when she had her only Top 40 hit, this "her or me" pop ultimatum. And that she's probably better known these days for the novelty song she released around this time, a tune about the use and abuse of hair product called "That Greasy Kid Stuff."
28 - "Take Good Care of Her," Adam Wade
Wade again, this time pleading with the man whom the love of his life left him for not to take her for granted. I like this one better, and it's pretty clear where the Johnny Mathis comparisons came from. In the 70s, he would go on to act in films such as Shaft and Across 110th Street, and he would also become the first African-American game show host on a show called Musical Chairs.
27 - "Just for Old Times' Sake," The McGuire Sisters
Ohio siblings Christine, Dorothy and Phyllis McGuire began hitting the charts with their old-school harmony pop in 1954, scoring #1s that decade with "Sincerely" and "Sugartime." Their 19th and final Top 40 was this bland number about wanting an ex to come back and give it another try. The most interesting thing about the group is probably youngest sister Phyllis' alleged relationship with notorious Chicago mobster Sam "Momo" Giancana.
26 - "Blue Moon," The Marcels
Named after a wavy hairstyle, this interracial Pittsburgh doo-wop group went to #1 with their first hit, a doo-wop version of a Rodgers and Hart ballad from the 30s about a wish for a lover that came true. And now, very few people can even imagine the song without thinking of "Bom ba ba bom a dang a dang dang a ding a dong ding...BLUUUUUUUUE MOOOOOOOOON!" I'm guessing that this was the version that inspired Manchester City fans to adopt this as their club song.
25 - "You Always Hurt the One You Love," Clarence "Frogman" Henry
The Frogman's second appearance this week with this cover of a song that was originally a hit for The Mills Brothers in 1944. Sounds very similar to "But I Do." Okay, but the only version I really need to hear ever again is the one by Spike Jones. "Ka-RUNCH!"
24 - "Lullaby of Love," Frank Gari
New Yorker Gari had three hits in 1961, the biggest being this charming pop number in the Paul Anka vein. He has a very strong voice. Gari would go on to form a group called The City Surfers with future Byrd Roger McGuinn, and would then begin a lucrative career writing theme music for TV news shows. Well, you knew somebody did that, didn't you?
23 - "Tonight I Fell in Love," The Tokens
These Brooklyn doo-woopers followed up their #1 debut hit "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" with what would be their only other Top 20, this okay little nugget about finding romance. But "doobie doobie dum, wo-oh" just doesn't quite stick with you the way "a-wimoweh, a-wimoweh" does, does it?
22 - "You Can Depend on Me," Brenda Lee
Little Miss Dynamite kept up her run of Top Tens with this aching declaration that she will always be there for her beloved, even though he's with someone else at the moment. I think it would have been cool if Jim Steinman had written and produced a comeback single for her in the 80s. She might have out Bonnie Tylered Bonnie Tyler.
21 - "That Old Black Magic," Bobby Rydell
Philly teen idol Rydell just missed the Top 20 with this cover of the 1942 Harold Arlen/Johnny Mercer standard. He croons like the Elvis wannabe he is over a typical teenybop arrangement of the time. Initially, I was resistant, preferring the smoother, more adult takes provided by Frank, Ella, and many others. But this grew on me halfway through. I can't say I loved that spin he put me in, but I liked it a bit.
In Part Two: mothers, a second-generation star, and music to search for a dead body by.
Monday, May 13, 2013
May 2, 1960 Part Two
Closing out 1960.
20 - "Fame and Fortune," Elvis Presley
On March 20 of this year, just 18 days after completing his two-year stint in the U.S. Army, Elvis went into a Nashville studio and made his return to recording. One of the songs he recorded in this session was this sultry ballad about how a woman's love means more to him than wealth and adulation. The pipes were still golden as ever, and although I could do without the contributions of the Jordaniares (as usual), this is a good one. And it was just a B-side. The A-side we'll encounter later.
19 - "Cherry Pie," Skip and Flip
This duo (real names Clyde Battin and Gary Paxton) met at the University of Arizona, and had two #11 pop hits, the second of which being this cover of a 1954 R&B hit by Marvin and Johnny. The lyrics are on the surface about pastry and sugar plums and Little Jack Horner, but they and the tame pop arrangement may mask something a bit more suggestive. Okay little song, but I'm listening to the original, and just a few seconds in, I pronounce it better in every way. As for Skip and Flip, Battin would go on to play in bands like The Byrds and The Flying Burrito Brothers, while Paxton would produce the novelty hits "Alley Oop" and "Monster Mash."
18 - "Footsteps," Steve Lawrence
Born Sidney Liebowitz in Brooklyn, Lawrence began his recording career in 1952, and scored more than a dozen Top 40 hits both solo and with Eydie Gormé, whom he married in 1957. The third of his five Top Tens was this song about a lover leaving him. But the jaunty arrangement, the bubbly backup singers, and Lawrence's laid back lead vocal don't make it seem like he's too broken up about it. The whole thing is just off.
17 - "Step by Step," The Crests
This four-man New York doo-wop group was unusual in that they contained two African-Americans, a Puerto Rican, and an Italian-American. They broke through in 1959 with the #2 smash "16 Candles,", and their follow-up was this nice pop song about the development of a romance. The group would score three more Top 40s, but none reached the heights of the first two. Interesting note: before they hit it big, they had a fifth member, a woman named Patricia Van Dross, whose younger brother Luther would later adjust the presentation of his surname and go on to do one or two things in music.
16 - "Puppy Love," Paul Anka
Born in 1941 in Ottawa (home of the second-round bound Senators), Anka first broke through at 16 with the international smash "Diana," and was still in his teens when he scored his fifth U.S. Top Five with this ballad about how adults belittle his teenage romance. His voice on this is big and operatic, and puts Donny Osmond's later version to shame. I may not be a fan of his 70s MOR period, but when he was young, he was one of pop's leading lights. And he wrote a lot of those early hits too, which was a rarity at the time.
15 - "Cathy's Clown," The Everly Brothers
Harmonizing siblings Phil and Don Everly were radio staples between 1958 and 1962 with their county-pop-rockabilly sound. Their third and final pop #1 was this gem about finally getting up the nerve to dump a girl who isn't treating one right. They had many fantastic hits, but this is their masterpiece.
14 - "White Silver Sands," Bill Black's Combo
Memphis native Black played bass in Elvis Presley's band from 1954 to 1958, then formed his own group and had a number of Top 40 singles, the biggest of which being this instrumental cover of a 1957 Don Rondo hit about making love on a beach. A cool little groove
13 - "I Love the Way You Love," Marv Johnson
On the heels of Barrett Strong came another hit for Motown from Detroiter Johnson, a peppy R&B love song co-written by Berry Gordy himself. It hasn't had the staying power of "Money," but it's still pretty damn good.
12 - "He'll Have to Go," Jim Reeves
And here's Gentleman Jim himself, the Texas-born country legend, with the smash ballad about catching a lover cheating that Jeanne Black answered with "He'll Have to Stay." Smooth, simple, superb.
11 - "Stairway to Heaven," Neil Sedaka
The third Top 40 for the pop singer-songwriter was this bouncy pop confection about how Neil has to build a set of steps up to the clouds because that's where his true love dwells. Figuratively, I think. And no, I wasn't at all surprised not to hear about pipers and laughing forests and bustles in hedgerows on this song. Though it did make me wonder...
Say kids, what time is it? It's Top Ten Time!
10 - "Sweet Nothin's," Brenda Lee
Little Miss Dynamite's first Top Ten sees her belting out that powerhouse voice on a rockabilly jam about the things her boyfriend whispers in her ear. Later this year, she'd top the charts with her signature tune, "I'm Sorry," but as great as that is, if your really want to hear where her nickname came from, ya gotta hear this.
9 - "Theme from A Summer Place," Percy Faith
Toronto-born composer/conductor Faith had his biggest hit with his version of the love theme from a teen romance starring Troy Donahue and Sandra Dee. The song is much more well-remembered thatn the film. Apparently there are versions with lyrics, but the only one I want to hear is the one Jasper sang while auditioning for Chief Wiggum's spot in The Be Sharps.
8 - "Let the Little Girl Dance," Billy Bland
The only mark on pop made by one-hit wonder Bland was this little gem on which he requests that the other people on the dance floor make way for a "little wallflower" who wants to cut a rug with him. He sounds kind of like a poor man's Jackie Wilson on this, and that's a compliment.
7 - "Cradle of Love," Johnny Preston
Earlier in the year, Texan Preston had hit #1 with the tragic tale of doomed romance among Native Americans "Running Bear" (which featured backing vocals by the recently passed country legend George Jones). His follow-up, this rockabilly reinterpretation of both "Rock-a-bye Baby" and three popular nursery rhymes, was his only other Top Ten. A fun little nugget.
6 - "Night," Jackie Wilson
Although released as the B-side of "Doggin' Around," this dramatic ballad based on an aria from the opera Samson and Delilah by French composer Camille Saint-Saens became the bigger hit of the two. A suitably operatic performance, and proof of the man's versatility.
5 - "The Old Lamplighter," The Browns
Arkansas siblings Jim, Maxine and Bonnie Brown were a country-folk trio who scored numerous country hits and three pop Top 40s, including the 1959 #1 "The Three Bells." Their other pop Top Five was this version of a song that had been recorded multiple times since it was published in 1946. It's literally about an old man who used to go around lighting lamps throughout a town, and after he died, he became the one responsible for turning the stars on at night. Cute. And even though it's kind of hard to get my bearings to this time period sufficiently, I'm going to go ahead and name this this week's Uneasy Rider.
4 - "Sink the Bismark." Johnny Horton
Texan country star Horton scored the second of three pop Top Tens with this rousing, martial-sounding tale of the sinking of the German battleship Bismarck by the British Navy in 1941. I especially enjoy the rasp in Horton's voice when he sings "Hit the decks a-runnin', boys!" Sadly, Horton would perish in a car accident just six months later.
3 - "Sixteen Reasons," Connie Stevens
The singer-actress born Concetta Ingoglia, best known for her TV roles on 77 Sunset Strip and Hawaiian Eye, had her biggest hit with this ballad outlining the reasons she loves her man, from "the way you hold my hand" to "your freckled nose" to "your crazy clothes." Okay, but not nearly as fun as her earlier hit with Strip costar Edd Byrnes, "Kookie, Kookie (Lend Me Your Comb)."
2 - "Greenfields," The Brothers Four
By far the biggest hit for this unrelated Seattle folk quartet, this is a white-bread harmony number about reminiscences of lost love. Rock and roll had yet to completely erase this kind of too clean, too bland pop from the charts.
And at #1 53 years ago was...
1 - "Stuck on You," Elvis Presley
If there was any doubt that young Presley's legions of fans were still with him after his two years in the military, it was quickly quashed when this swaggering song about how he's going to "stick like glue " to the object of his affection shot straight to the top of charts all over the world. He was back and smouldering as ever. And the hysteria picked up right where it left off.
Thus begins our journey into the 1960s. In a couple weeks or so, we'll move on to 1961.
20 - "Fame and Fortune," Elvis Presley
On March 20 of this year, just 18 days after completing his two-year stint in the U.S. Army, Elvis went into a Nashville studio and made his return to recording. One of the songs he recorded in this session was this sultry ballad about how a woman's love means more to him than wealth and adulation. The pipes were still golden as ever, and although I could do without the contributions of the Jordaniares (as usual), this is a good one. And it was just a B-side. The A-side we'll encounter later.
19 - "Cherry Pie," Skip and Flip
This duo (real names Clyde Battin and Gary Paxton) met at the University of Arizona, and had two #11 pop hits, the second of which being this cover of a 1954 R&B hit by Marvin and Johnny. The lyrics are on the surface about pastry and sugar plums and Little Jack Horner, but they and the tame pop arrangement may mask something a bit more suggestive. Okay little song, but I'm listening to the original, and just a few seconds in, I pronounce it better in every way. As for Skip and Flip, Battin would go on to play in bands like The Byrds and The Flying Burrito Brothers, while Paxton would produce the novelty hits "Alley Oop" and "Monster Mash."
18 - "Footsteps," Steve Lawrence
Born Sidney Liebowitz in Brooklyn, Lawrence began his recording career in 1952, and scored more than a dozen Top 40 hits both solo and with Eydie Gormé, whom he married in 1957. The third of his five Top Tens was this song about a lover leaving him. But the jaunty arrangement, the bubbly backup singers, and Lawrence's laid back lead vocal don't make it seem like he's too broken up about it. The whole thing is just off.
17 - "Step by Step," The Crests
This four-man New York doo-wop group was unusual in that they contained two African-Americans, a Puerto Rican, and an Italian-American. They broke through in 1959 with the #2 smash "16 Candles,", and their follow-up was this nice pop song about the development of a romance. The group would score three more Top 40s, but none reached the heights of the first two. Interesting note: before they hit it big, they had a fifth member, a woman named Patricia Van Dross, whose younger brother Luther would later adjust the presentation of his surname and go on to do one or two things in music.
16 - "Puppy Love," Paul Anka
Born in 1941 in Ottawa (home of the second-round bound Senators), Anka first broke through at 16 with the international smash "Diana," and was still in his teens when he scored his fifth U.S. Top Five with this ballad about how adults belittle his teenage romance. His voice on this is big and operatic, and puts Donny Osmond's later version to shame. I may not be a fan of his 70s MOR period, but when he was young, he was one of pop's leading lights. And he wrote a lot of those early hits too, which was a rarity at the time.
15 - "Cathy's Clown," The Everly Brothers
Harmonizing siblings Phil and Don Everly were radio staples between 1958 and 1962 with their county-pop-rockabilly sound. Their third and final pop #1 was this gem about finally getting up the nerve to dump a girl who isn't treating one right. They had many fantastic hits, but this is their masterpiece.
14 - "White Silver Sands," Bill Black's Combo
Memphis native Black played bass in Elvis Presley's band from 1954 to 1958, then formed his own group and had a number of Top 40 singles, the biggest of which being this instrumental cover of a 1957 Don Rondo hit about making love on a beach. A cool little groove
13 - "I Love the Way You Love," Marv Johnson
On the heels of Barrett Strong came another hit for Motown from Detroiter Johnson, a peppy R&B love song co-written by Berry Gordy himself. It hasn't had the staying power of "Money," but it's still pretty damn good.
12 - "He'll Have to Go," Jim Reeves
And here's Gentleman Jim himself, the Texas-born country legend, with the smash ballad about catching a lover cheating that Jeanne Black answered with "He'll Have to Stay." Smooth, simple, superb.
11 - "Stairway to Heaven," Neil Sedaka
The third Top 40 for the pop singer-songwriter was this bouncy pop confection about how Neil has to build a set of steps up to the clouds because that's where his true love dwells. Figuratively, I think. And no, I wasn't at all surprised not to hear about pipers and laughing forests and bustles in hedgerows on this song. Though it did make me wonder...
Say kids, what time is it? It's Top Ten Time!
10 - "Sweet Nothin's," Brenda Lee
Little Miss Dynamite's first Top Ten sees her belting out that powerhouse voice on a rockabilly jam about the things her boyfriend whispers in her ear. Later this year, she'd top the charts with her signature tune, "I'm Sorry," but as great as that is, if your really want to hear where her nickname came from, ya gotta hear this.
9 - "Theme from A Summer Place," Percy Faith
Toronto-born composer/conductor Faith had his biggest hit with his version of the love theme from a teen romance starring Troy Donahue and Sandra Dee. The song is much more well-remembered thatn the film. Apparently there are versions with lyrics, but the only one I want to hear is the one Jasper sang while auditioning for Chief Wiggum's spot in The Be Sharps.
8 - "Let the Little Girl Dance," Billy Bland
The only mark on pop made by one-hit wonder Bland was this little gem on which he requests that the other people on the dance floor make way for a "little wallflower" who wants to cut a rug with him. He sounds kind of like a poor man's Jackie Wilson on this, and that's a compliment.
7 - "Cradle of Love," Johnny Preston
Earlier in the year, Texan Preston had hit #1 with the tragic tale of doomed romance among Native Americans "Running Bear" (which featured backing vocals by the recently passed country legend George Jones). His follow-up, this rockabilly reinterpretation of both "Rock-a-bye Baby" and three popular nursery rhymes, was his only other Top Ten. A fun little nugget.
6 - "Night," Jackie Wilson
Although released as the B-side of "Doggin' Around," this dramatic ballad based on an aria from the opera Samson and Delilah by French composer Camille Saint-Saens became the bigger hit of the two. A suitably operatic performance, and proof of the man's versatility.
5 - "The Old Lamplighter," The Browns
Arkansas siblings Jim, Maxine and Bonnie Brown were a country-folk trio who scored numerous country hits and three pop Top 40s, including the 1959 #1 "The Three Bells." Their other pop Top Five was this version of a song that had been recorded multiple times since it was published in 1946. It's literally about an old man who used to go around lighting lamps throughout a town, and after he died, he became the one responsible for turning the stars on at night. Cute. And even though it's kind of hard to get my bearings to this time period sufficiently, I'm going to go ahead and name this this week's Uneasy Rider.
4 - "Sink the Bismark." Johnny Horton
Texan country star Horton scored the second of three pop Top Tens with this rousing, martial-sounding tale of the sinking of the German battleship Bismarck by the British Navy in 1941. I especially enjoy the rasp in Horton's voice when he sings "Hit the decks a-runnin', boys!" Sadly, Horton would perish in a car accident just six months later.
3 - "Sixteen Reasons," Connie Stevens
The singer-actress born Concetta Ingoglia, best known for her TV roles on 77 Sunset Strip and Hawaiian Eye, had her biggest hit with this ballad outlining the reasons she loves her man, from "the way you hold my hand" to "your freckled nose" to "your crazy clothes." Okay, but not nearly as fun as her earlier hit with Strip costar Edd Byrnes, "Kookie, Kookie (Lend Me Your Comb)."
2 - "Greenfields," The Brothers Four
By far the biggest hit for this unrelated Seattle folk quartet, this is a white-bread harmony number about reminiscences of lost love. Rock and roll had yet to completely erase this kind of too clean, too bland pop from the charts.
And at #1 53 years ago was...
1 - "Stuck on You," Elvis Presley
If there was any doubt that young Presley's legions of fans were still with him after his two years in the military, it was quickly quashed when this swaggering song about how he's going to "stick like glue " to the object of his affection shot straight to the top of charts all over the world. He was back and smouldering as ever. And the hysteria picked up right where it left off.
Thus begins our journey into the 1960s. In a couple weeks or so, we'll move on to 1961.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
May 2, 1960 Part One
And now, we go back a whopping 53 years to the spring of 1960. The day before the date of this chart, the Soviet Union shot down American spy plane pilot Francis Gary Powers, eventually giving a group of Irishmen the inspiration to call their rock band "U2." But before that happened (and in fact, just eight days before Bono was even born), this is what America's popular music chart looked like.
40 - "Teddy," Connie Francis
Newark, New Jersey native Concetta Franconero broke through on the pop charts in 1957 with "Who's Sorry Now," and had charted consistently ever since. This song, the B-side of a hit we'll encounter later, is just a basic, orchestrated pop ballad about how much she loves a guy named Teddy. No twist at the end that she's talking about a stuffed bear, no revelation that Teddy died, nothin'. Still, Francis' voice is pretty and clear, and a pleasure to hear.
39 - "Just One Time," Don Gibson
North Carolinian Gibson was a consistent presence on the country charts for nearly 25 years, and he wrote songs that were huge hits for Patsy Cline ("Sweet Dreams") and Ray Charles ("I Can't Stop Loving You"). His first and biggest pop hit as an artist was 1958's "Oh Lonesome Me," but he would crack the Top 40 three more times, including this wish to see an old flame just once more. He borders on yodelling on the choruses, and it works. Solid, well-crafted C&W.
38 - "Fannie Mae," Buster Brown
This Georgia-born singer (whose name, which he shared with a popular comic-strip character/children's shoe mascot, may or may not have been the one he was born with) was nearly 50 when he cracked the 40 and topped the R&B charts with this blues raveup on which he just wants the title lady to come home. The harmonica solo is terrific.
37 - "He'll Have to Stay," Jeanne Black
Early in the year, country star Jim Reeves released "He'll Have to Go," a song about calling a lover and learning that she's in the company of another man. The song was a smash, so much so that then-unknown singer Black recorded an answer record from the woman's point of view. Singing to the tune of the original, Black declares that because the man on the phone has been away for so long, she's found a new beau and she's not giving him up. Black really wasn't that good a singer to these ears, and she didn't have any major hits after this, so it's safe to say that this tune's success was mainly powered by the gimmick. Still, I'll take this battle of the sexes over the Eamon/Frankee war of '04
36 - "Mountain of Love," Harold Dorman
Mississippian Dorman had his only hit of consequence with this soul-pop number about a man looking down form on high on a city in which his ex is currently marrying someone else. A great song that's been covered multiple times (most successfully by Johnny Rivers and Charley Pride), but for me, the original is the one to seek out.
35 - "Doggin' Around," Jackie Wilson
Born in Detroit in 1934, Wilson's electrifying vocals and stage performances earned him the nickname "Mr. Excitement." Here, he chastises a cheating lover for her philandering, saying that if she continues "I'm gonna put you down." Whether he means he's going to leave her or do something more...drastic, I can't say. But a fine song regardless.
34 - "Paper Roses," Anita Bryant
The biggest hit for this onetime Miss Oklahoma was that uses fake flowers as a metaphor for romantic insincerity. I first became aware of her as a child in commercials for Florida oranges. It wasn't until later I learned about the anti-homosexual campaigning that pretty much ended her showbiz career. Overall, not a fan. And speaking completely objectively, Marie Osmond's version of this song is better.
33 - "Love You So," Ron Holden
This Seattle singer's only major hit was this R&B ballad. Not lyrically innovative, but a simple, romantic number made that surely was slow-danced to by millions of teenagers at the time. Good, solid stuff.
32 - "Big Iron," Marty Robbins
The pride of Phoenix, Arizona, Robbins was a country legend, amassing 16 #1 country hits (including the 1959 pop charttopper "El Paso"), during a thirty-year career that ended with his death in 1982. This song tells the Old West story of an "Arizona Ranger" who comes to a town intending to kill a wanted outlaw named "Texas Red." Eventually, the two meet in an old-fashioned gunfight, and the Ranger, to the surprise of everyone but the listener, is faster on the draw and shoots down the bad guy. Robbins voice is a pleasure, and the song is basically a Hollywood Western epic condensed into four minutes of goodness.
31 - "Apple Green," June Valli
Bronx-born Valli first gained fame in the 50s singing on the game show Stop the Music and the pre-Casey countdown TV series Your Hit Parade. Both of her Top 40 hits peaked at #29, the second being this old-school pop ballad about how wonderful the world seems "when you're 17 and in love." Her voice is sultrier than I imagined. I was pleasantly surprised.
30 - "The Madison," Al Brown's Tunetoppers
The Madison was a dance invented in Columbus, Ohio, and was a nationwide craze for a couple of years. It was performed in a line, and involved called steps that could include such moves as the "Birdland" and the "Boss Turn," both of which are mentioned it this, one of two Madison-themed Top 40 hits (the other being "Madison Time" by The Ray Bryant Combo). Other steps not mentioned here includet the "Rifleman," the "Basketball," and the "Jackie Gleason." A fun little artifact "for kids from 8 to 83."
29 - "Don't Throw Away All Those Teardrops," Frankie Avalon
Philadelphia's Francis Avallone had a brief run as one of rock n' roll's top teen heartthrobs, mainly during Elvis Presley's stint in the Army. On his penultimate Top 40 hit, he blandly sings about how he's going to make a girl trade all her tears for smiles. Not sure how that works. Anyway, he was much cooler later on in the "Beach Party" movies with the recently passed Annette Funicello. And he was all right in Grease, too.
28 - "Money (That's What I Want)," Barrett Strong
Mississippi-born Strong gave the fledgling Motown label its first major hit with this rollicking soul raveup about how wealth may not be the only thing in life, but it sure helps. The Beatles and The Flying Lizards both later cut memorable takes on this, but Strong, who would go on to co-write several major hits for other artists on the label, still has the definitive version.
27 - "Angela Jones," Johnny Ferguson
All I could find out about the one-hit wonder behind this gentle, folkish number about high school romance is that he was a DJ in the 50s. However, I did learn that the songwriter, John D. Loudermilk, wrote a few pop hits, most famously the Paul Revere and the Raiders smash "Indian Reservation." I like this one better
26 - "What Am I Living For," Conway Twitty
Mississippian Harold Jenkins, who took his stage name from two towns in Arkansas and Texas, respectively, broke on the scene in 1958 with the quality Elvis soundalike "It's Only Make Believe." He'd score a handful of pop hits after that, including this rockabilly ballad about the only woman he could possibly imagine loving. The heartache in his voice is palpable, so it's hardly surprising that he'd eventually turn to country music, where he ended up being one of the most prolific hitmakers of the 70s and 80s.
25 - "Lonely Weekends," Charlie Rich
Before he was country's "Silver Fox," Arkansan Rich recorded rockabilly for Memphis music mogul Sam Phillips of Sun Records fame. His first major hit was another Elvis soundalike about how his loneliness particularly upsets him on Saturdays and Sundays. Okay, but his country hits are better.
24 - "Clementine," Bobby Darin
The versatile pop star born Walden Robert Cassotto had a hit with this swinging version of the 19th century folk song about a miner's daughter. In this version, Clementine weighs "two-ninety-nine," and her girth causes her to collapse a bridge and drown. Later, Darin jokes that sailors might mistake her corpse for a whale. This sounds quite a bit like his earlier smash "Mack the Knife," but it hasn't aged nearly as well.
23 - "Wild One," Bobby Rydell
A Philly-based teen idol like Frankie Avalon, Rydell's biggest hit was this sax-heavy teen romp about trying to tame a girl who's "got a new baby every day." Disposable pop for the kids, and that always has a place on the pop charts.
22 - "Mama," Connie Francis
The A-side of "Teddy" was this g ballad about how missing one's mother after she's passed. It was originally written in Italian, and Francis sings in both Italian and English. The kind of big emotional showcase she excels at.
21 - "Mr. Lucky," Henry Mancini
The legendaty film and TV composer had his first Top 40 single with the theme song to a short-lived TV-series about a professional gambler who runs a floating casino. This is a smooth orchestral number, and while I like the organ on this, it doesn't really stand out like some of his more famous compositions.
In Part Two: puppies, clowns, and a deadly battle on the high seas.
40 - "Teddy," Connie Francis
Newark, New Jersey native Concetta Franconero broke through on the pop charts in 1957 with "Who's Sorry Now," and had charted consistently ever since. This song, the B-side of a hit we'll encounter later, is just a basic, orchestrated pop ballad about how much she loves a guy named Teddy. No twist at the end that she's talking about a stuffed bear, no revelation that Teddy died, nothin'. Still, Francis' voice is pretty and clear, and a pleasure to hear.
39 - "Just One Time," Don Gibson
North Carolinian Gibson was a consistent presence on the country charts for nearly 25 years, and he wrote songs that were huge hits for Patsy Cline ("Sweet Dreams") and Ray Charles ("I Can't Stop Loving You"). His first and biggest pop hit as an artist was 1958's "Oh Lonesome Me," but he would crack the Top 40 three more times, including this wish to see an old flame just once more. He borders on yodelling on the choruses, and it works. Solid, well-crafted C&W.
38 - "Fannie Mae," Buster Brown
This Georgia-born singer (whose name, which he shared with a popular comic-strip character/children's shoe mascot, may or may not have been the one he was born with) was nearly 50 when he cracked the 40 and topped the R&B charts with this blues raveup on which he just wants the title lady to come home. The harmonica solo is terrific.
37 - "He'll Have to Stay," Jeanne Black
Early in the year, country star Jim Reeves released "He'll Have to Go," a song about calling a lover and learning that she's in the company of another man. The song was a smash, so much so that then-unknown singer Black recorded an answer record from the woman's point of view. Singing to the tune of the original, Black declares that because the man on the phone has been away for so long, she's found a new beau and she's not giving him up. Black really wasn't that good a singer to these ears, and she didn't have any major hits after this, so it's safe to say that this tune's success was mainly powered by the gimmick. Still, I'll take this battle of the sexes over the Eamon/Frankee war of '04
36 - "Mountain of Love," Harold Dorman
Mississippian Dorman had his only hit of consequence with this soul-pop number about a man looking down form on high on a city in which his ex is currently marrying someone else. A great song that's been covered multiple times (most successfully by Johnny Rivers and Charley Pride), but for me, the original is the one to seek out.
35 - "Doggin' Around," Jackie Wilson
Born in Detroit in 1934, Wilson's electrifying vocals and stage performances earned him the nickname "Mr. Excitement." Here, he chastises a cheating lover for her philandering, saying that if she continues "I'm gonna put you down." Whether he means he's going to leave her or do something more...drastic, I can't say. But a fine song regardless.
34 - "Paper Roses," Anita Bryant
The biggest hit for this onetime Miss Oklahoma was that uses fake flowers as a metaphor for romantic insincerity. I first became aware of her as a child in commercials for Florida oranges. It wasn't until later I learned about the anti-homosexual campaigning that pretty much ended her showbiz career. Overall, not a fan. And speaking completely objectively, Marie Osmond's version of this song is better.
33 - "Love You So," Ron Holden
This Seattle singer's only major hit was this R&B ballad. Not lyrically innovative, but a simple, romantic number made that surely was slow-danced to by millions of teenagers at the time. Good, solid stuff.
32 - "Big Iron," Marty Robbins
The pride of Phoenix, Arizona, Robbins was a country legend, amassing 16 #1 country hits (including the 1959 pop charttopper "El Paso"), during a thirty-year career that ended with his death in 1982. This song tells the Old West story of an "Arizona Ranger" who comes to a town intending to kill a wanted outlaw named "Texas Red." Eventually, the two meet in an old-fashioned gunfight, and the Ranger, to the surprise of everyone but the listener, is faster on the draw and shoots down the bad guy. Robbins voice is a pleasure, and the song is basically a Hollywood Western epic condensed into four minutes of goodness.
31 - "Apple Green," June Valli
Bronx-born Valli first gained fame in the 50s singing on the game show Stop the Music and the pre-Casey countdown TV series Your Hit Parade. Both of her Top 40 hits peaked at #29, the second being this old-school pop ballad about how wonderful the world seems "when you're 17 and in love." Her voice is sultrier than I imagined. I was pleasantly surprised.
30 - "The Madison," Al Brown's Tunetoppers
The Madison was a dance invented in Columbus, Ohio, and was a nationwide craze for a couple of years. It was performed in a line, and involved called steps that could include such moves as the "Birdland" and the "Boss Turn," both of which are mentioned it this, one of two Madison-themed Top 40 hits (the other being "Madison Time" by The Ray Bryant Combo). Other steps not mentioned here includet the "Rifleman," the "Basketball," and the "Jackie Gleason." A fun little artifact "for kids from 8 to 83."
29 - "Don't Throw Away All Those Teardrops," Frankie Avalon
Philadelphia's Francis Avallone had a brief run as one of rock n' roll's top teen heartthrobs, mainly during Elvis Presley's stint in the Army. On his penultimate Top 40 hit, he blandly sings about how he's going to make a girl trade all her tears for smiles. Not sure how that works. Anyway, he was much cooler later on in the "Beach Party" movies with the recently passed Annette Funicello. And he was all right in Grease, too.
28 - "Money (That's What I Want)," Barrett Strong
Mississippi-born Strong gave the fledgling Motown label its first major hit with this rollicking soul raveup about how wealth may not be the only thing in life, but it sure helps. The Beatles and The Flying Lizards both later cut memorable takes on this, but Strong, who would go on to co-write several major hits for other artists on the label, still has the definitive version.
27 - "Angela Jones," Johnny Ferguson
All I could find out about the one-hit wonder behind this gentle, folkish number about high school romance is that he was a DJ in the 50s. However, I did learn that the songwriter, John D. Loudermilk, wrote a few pop hits, most famously the Paul Revere and the Raiders smash "Indian Reservation." I like this one better
26 - "What Am I Living For," Conway Twitty
Mississippian Harold Jenkins, who took his stage name from two towns in Arkansas and Texas, respectively, broke on the scene in 1958 with the quality Elvis soundalike "It's Only Make Believe." He'd score a handful of pop hits after that, including this rockabilly ballad about the only woman he could possibly imagine loving. The heartache in his voice is palpable, so it's hardly surprising that he'd eventually turn to country music, where he ended up being one of the most prolific hitmakers of the 70s and 80s.
25 - "Lonely Weekends," Charlie Rich
Before he was country's "Silver Fox," Arkansan Rich recorded rockabilly for Memphis music mogul Sam Phillips of Sun Records fame. His first major hit was another Elvis soundalike about how his loneliness particularly upsets him on Saturdays and Sundays. Okay, but his country hits are better.
24 - "Clementine," Bobby Darin
The versatile pop star born Walden Robert Cassotto had a hit with this swinging version of the 19th century folk song about a miner's daughter. In this version, Clementine weighs "two-ninety-nine," and her girth causes her to collapse a bridge and drown. Later, Darin jokes that sailors might mistake her corpse for a whale. This sounds quite a bit like his earlier smash "Mack the Knife," but it hasn't aged nearly as well.
23 - "Wild One," Bobby Rydell
A Philly-based teen idol like Frankie Avalon, Rydell's biggest hit was this sax-heavy teen romp about trying to tame a girl who's "got a new baby every day." Disposable pop for the kids, and that always has a place on the pop charts.
22 - "Mama," Connie Francis
The A-side of "Teddy" was this g ballad about how missing one's mother after she's passed. It was originally written in Italian, and Francis sings in both Italian and English. The kind of big emotional showcase she excels at.
21 - "Mr. Lucky," Henry Mancini
The legendaty film and TV composer had his first Top 40 single with the theme song to a short-lived TV-series about a professional gambler who runs a floating casino. This is a smooth orchestral number, and while I like the organ on this, it doesn't really stand out like some of his more famous compositions.
In Part Two: puppies, clowns, and a deadly battle on the high seas.
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