NOMINEES for the Traditional Pop Hall of Fame
Scar...@searchhawkmail.com
My picks:
AGAIN - Gordon Jenkins Orch. with Joe Graydon, vocal (Recorded in 1949,
but on the charts in 1950. Peaked at #2. In the first few years of
the decade it seemed like Gordon Jenkins had a corner on hit records:
whether solo or backing someone else (like the Andrews Sisters, The
Weavers, et al.). I chose AGAIN because I think it is one of the
greatest romantic ballads ever recorded, and because it turns up on
various 40s and 50s compilation albums that I grew up with.)
APRIL LOVE - Pat Boone (#1 for 6 weeks, on the charts for 19. Whitburn
lists this as # 41 of "The Top 100 Records 1955-1991. It's also the
title song from a Pat Boone movie -- a pretty good one, too. As the
second biggest artist of the early rock era, Pat Boone deserves a place
in the HoF (He deserves one in the R'N'R HoF as well). APRIL LOVE is a
beautiful pop ballad, and my all-time favorite Pat Boone song.)
AUF WIEDERSEH'N SWEETHEART - Vera Lynn (#1. Technically a British
song, but since it charted in the U.S. I don't think it needs to be
voted for in a separate British only category. This song has been one
of my top favorites since I first heard a clip from it on an Adam VIII
commercial back in the 70s -- it was one of the first albums I bought.)
BE MY LOVE - Mario Lanza (#1. Lanza briefly ruled the charts in the
early part of the decade. A film and television star as well, he
certainly deserves at least one song in the HoF. Technically an opera
singer who alternated between recordings of Classical/Opera and
Opera-influenced Pop, he's also considered to be one of the best -- if
not THE best -- tenor of all time.)
CATCH A FALLING STAR - Perry Como (Gold Record. #1 for 1 week, on the
charts for 16. You can't have a 50s HoF without Como, who was one of
the biggest and best loved artists of the 20th century. I first heard
this record at a pretty young age, on the car radio, although, I'd
known the lyrics for as long as I can remember, since my father used to
sing it around the house.)
CHANCES ARE - Johnny Mathis (#1 for 1 week, on the charts for 22. I
think this is Mathis' most perfect song. MISTY is close -- it has more
complex lyrics -- but CHANCES ARE is like a perfectly cut diamond.
Mathis first showed up later in the decade and his songs were popular
with the rock audiences as well.)
CRY - Johnnie Ray and The Four Lads (Gold Record -- to put it mildly.
#1. It sold a grand total of 35 million copies over the years (3
million on its initial release). Randy's Billboard/Cash Box derived
chart lists it as the Top song of 1952. The first r'n'r song? Could
be. It's certainly one of the biggest hits of the decade, and one of
the defining songs of the era. I grew up associating it with the 50s,
as it was one of the songs used repeatedly on the soundtrack of HAPPY
DAYS for their first few seasons.)
A DREAMER'S HOLIDAY - Buddy Clark & The Girlfriends (Recorded in
1949, this was Clark's last, posthumous, hit. It wasn't as big as
Perry Como's version, but it's Buddy's only song to chart in the
50s. Should Buddy Clark be included in the 50s HoF when he died before
the decade began? Well this song meets the criteria set forth in the
guidelines. But more importantly -- to me -- I've always thought of
Clark as a 50s singer. At least one of his songs has, incorrectly,
turned up on one of my 50s compilation albums, and since I knew some of
his duets with Doris Day and Dinah Shore, I estimated his music to date
from the late 40s/early 50s. As I've noted in the past, it's only
recently that I've been able to find information on many 50s singers. I
was unaware of Buddy's death in a plane crash, and assumed that his
career faded out as r'n'r became more popular.)
THE GLOW-WORM - The Mills Brothers (#1. This song is inexplicably
popular among many of the members of this NG who otherwise seem to
favor r&b (but, hey, I'm not complaining). It's been one of my
favorite Mills Brothers songs since I first heard it on one of their
greatest hits albums -- back when I was in my teens. Plus one of my
favorite songwriters, Johnny Mercer, wrote the lyrics -- including that
infamous "Mazda/Fazda" rhyme.)
GOODNIGHT, IRENE - The Weavers (#1. This has never been a heavy
favorite of mine, though I've grown to appreciate it more and more
over the years. It's been on numerous various artist collections
I've owned since my early teens, so I consider its lasting impact to be
as great as its initial domination of the charts. ON TOP OF OLD SMOKY
-- which included another of my favorite songwriters, Terry Gilkyson,
who sat in with The Weavers for this recording -- wasn't quite as big,
but is a huge favorite of mine that I hope to see inducted as well.)
HALF AS MUCH - Rosemary Clooney (#1. It's probably my favorite
Clooney song -- and she, obviously, should be represented. THIS OLE
HOUSE, MAMBO ITALIANO and especially COME ON-A MY HOUSE are strong
contenders as well. Clooney is included among the ranks of an elite
handful of artists embraced by the current day jazz fans, so her place
in musical history appears to be assured.)
HARBOR LIGHTS - Sammy Kaye (#1. Although the post-war -- pre-rock era
is often noted as the time when vocalists rose to the forefront of the
music scene, in the first few years of the decade, the sweet bands
seemed to have equal space on the charts. This song is one of the
sweetest.)
HE'LL HAVE TO GO - Jim Reeves (#2 on the Pop charts, and on them for 20
weeks. Technically, Jim Reeves was a country singer, but many of his
hits were at least as much Pop as they were Country -- and, as in this
case, performed better on the Pop charts than on the Country ones.)
HERE IN MY HEART - Al Martino (9 weeks at #1, 18 weeks on the chart.
Also the #1 record on the first year of the British charts. Al was a
boyhood friend of Mario Lanza, and his somewhat operatic rendition of
this song stands well alongside of Lanza's records. I've known it
since childhood from an old 78.)
I CAN DREAM, CAN'T I - The Andrews Sisters (#1. Recorded in 1949 but
charted in 1950. It's a strong contender for my all-time favorite
Andrews Sisters song -- although they've got several I really love.
They're more strongly associated with the 40s, but this song was a big
hit, and their early 50s presence was significant enough for them to
appear as guests on Frank Sinatra's t.v. show -- I saw a great clip the
other day where Sinatra, Como and Laine lip synch to the Andrews'
recording of SONNY BOY, in drag, which ends when the Sisters come on
stage from the audience and attack them.)
I GET IDEAS - Tony Martin (#3. Tony Martin scored several big hits in
the early 50s, but this is one that I'm my local radio station used to
play it all the time. It's got a tango rhythm to it, but Tony sings it
slow and quite beautifully -- turning what could easily be a novelty
number into a romantic ballad.)
KISS OF FIRE - Georgia Gibbs (#1. Georgia's biggest hit -- and one of
the biggest hits of the era. For many years it was the only GG song I
could ever find in stores -- although it was included on most of the
50s compilations I've seen. I first heard this song when I was 12 or
so and absolutely flipped. It still gets me almost 30 years later.)
A KISS TO BUILD A DREAM ON - Louis Armstrong. (I'm having trouble
finding chart information on this song, but I'm sure it did chart --
not that charting is a requisite. The Billboard/Cash Box chart listed
it as #64 out of the Top 100 songs of 1952. It's one of
Armstrong's greatest songs -- and, as Louis is enjoying a renaissance
these days (canonized by Jazz fans), it's got a great deal of lasting
significance.)
LET ME GO, LOVER - Joan Weber (#1. I first learned this song from an
old 78 -- though not Weber's version. I've since heard several
versions of it and have to admit that I love them all (especially a
lesser known one by Herbie Layne's orchestra with Eileen Scott on
vocal). I'd like to see them all inducted, but I'll settle for the
biggest hit version.)
LITTLE THINGS MEAN A LOT - Kitty Kallen (#1. Another of the hits that
has always defined the 50s for me -- and one that turns up on various
compilation albums. It's the #1 song of 1954 according to the
Billboard/Cash Box chart. One great thing about this song is that it
isn't necessarily limited to a romantic relationship. It could equally
apply to a family member or a friend. The song's climatic moment -- in
the second chorus when Kitty pleads to her lover to "Give my your hand"
-- is as thrilling the 300th time I've heard it as the 1st.)
LOVE IS A MANY SPLENDORED THING - The Four Aces (#1 for 6 weeks, on the
charts for 21. Whitburn lists this as # 33 of "The Top 100 Records
1955-1991. The movie wasn't so great, but the song is a classic. The
Four Aces are my favorite 50s group. Their recording of the title song
for THREE COINS IN THE FOUNTAIN is another one I'd like to see honored
in the Hall of Fame.)
LOVE ME TENDER - Elvis Presley (#1 for 5 weeks, on the charts for 19.
Whitburn lists this as # 61 of "The Top 100 Records 1955-1991. To me,
this was always *the* Elvis song. Whitburn lists other Elvis songs
above it, but this is the one that I heard the most when I was young.
It's also the one I remember the radio stations playing the most when
he died -- more likely, it was the Elvis song I was searching for on
the radio when he died ... but I was able to find quite a lot of
stations that were playing it.)
THAT LUCKY OLD SUN - Frankie Laine (Gold Record. #1 on the charts.
Recorded in 1949 but still charting in 1950. This was the toughest
call for me, as Laine had many huge hits in the 50s, including MULE
TRAIN, CRY OF THE WILD GOOSE, JEZEBEL, JALOUSY, HIGH NOON, MOONLIGHT
GAMBLER and I BELIEVE. But if I were to be only have one song
representing Laine in the Hall's first year, it would have to be this
one -- a favorite of mine for as far back as I can remember. In fact,
it was the first grown-up song I learned all the lyrics to -- I first
sang it when I was 2-going-on-3 years old. It's remained a favorite of
mine throughout my life, and, as I've stated before -- I simply cannot
imagine the world without it.)
OH! MY PAPA (O MEIN PAPA) - Eddie Fisher (#4. This has always been one
of my favorite Eddie Fisher songs ... I've just gotten a double cd of
his hits and he's risen dramatically on my list of all time favorites.
He had a long string of big hits in the early 50s, and I hope he'll
have quite a few in the HoF as well.)
ON THE STREET WHERE YOU LIVE - Vic Damone (#4. On the charts for 16
weeks. Probably the best known of Vic's songs today and the most
frequently played -- at least in my neck of the woods. It also shows
his voice off to the fullest.)
POOR PEOPLE OF PARIS - Les Baxter (Gold Record (presented to Baxter by
Frankie Laine). #1 for 6 weeks, on the charts for 20. Whitburn lists
this as # 35 of "The Top 100 Records 1955-1991. Besides, I figured
Steve would be voting for it.)
RAG MOP - The Ames Brothers (#1. Many cite this as an important
forerunner of r'n'r, and I can easily see why. YOU, YOU, YOU was
even bigger, but I think that the r'n'r link gives this one a bit
more significance. It's also rumored to be the first song that a
young Professor Dintenfass took notice of.)
RAGS TO RICHES - Tony Bennett (#1 Like Lanza, Fisher, Mitchell and
Ray, Bennett also briefly ruled the charts when he first appeared in
the early 50s. This is my favorite of his songs, although COLD, COLD
HEART, STRANGER IN PARADISE and others deserve a place in the Hall as
well. And, as Carmine "The Big Ragu" Raguso used to sing it regularly
on LAVERNE & SHIRLEY, it's another song that has come to signify the
50s for me.)
RETURN TO ME - Dean Martin (18 weeks on the charts, peaked at #4. Gold
Record. Okay, THAT'S AMORE is probably the biggest Dino hit --
certainly the best known -- but this one is my favorite. I'd
certainly vote for THAT'S AMORE, which should almost inevitably find
its way into the Hall, but I'm voting based on both significance and my
personal preference.)
THE ROVING KIND - Guy Mitchell (#4. Gold Record. My favorite Guy
Mitchell song, not his biggest, but big enough. It's also one of the
two songs that launched his career ... after Frank Sinatra turned them
down. I first heard this song on an album almost 30 years ago, and
have never tired of it.)
SECRET LOVE - Doris Day (#1. I've loved Doris Day's music since I
was little -- loved her movies too. She's got several songs that
unquestionably deserve to be in the Hall, but since I know that Bruce
is voting for this one, the choice was pretty simple.)
SINCERELY - The McGuire Sisters (#1 for 10 weeks, on the charts for 21.
Whitburn lists this as # 3 of "The Top 100 Records 1955-1991. Plus,
each vote for this song counts as a kick to Chucky Rogan's backside.)
SINGIN' IN THE RAIN - Gene Kelly (I'm not sure if this was released as
a single at the time, but who can forget Kelly's performance of it in
the film? I had a copy of the song on an 8-track of MGM numbers, so it
was released as a record as far back as the 70s. Even if MGM didn't
release it at the time, it's still one of the best known songs of the
decade.)
SIXTEEN TONS - Tennessee Ernie Ford (#1 and on the charts for 19 weeks.
This was the only Tennessee Ernie Ford song I knew for many years --
and, as his best known song, it's the obvious choice to represent him.
It's a great song and Ford's rendition is the definitive one -- it even
beats Frankie Laine's.)
SMOKE GETS IN YOUR EYES - The Platters (#1 for 3 weeks, 16 weeks on the
charts. It's my favorite Platters song. The Platters are generally
considered to be a rock group, although they mostly sang old standards.
I consider them to be the later 50s substitute for The Ink Spots.)
THE SONG FROM MOULIN ROUGE - Percy Faith Orch. with Felicia Sanders,
vocal (#1. Another one that turns up on 4 out of 5 compilation albums.
I've known this one forever as well -- and Felicia Sanders was a
wonderful, and under appreciated, singer.)
STANDING ON THE CORNER - The Four Lads (18 weeks on the charts, peaked
at #3. One of the first songs I remember liking on the radio -- a
classic dashboard-style Coloradio yet! Dean Martin also had a hit with
this, but I like the Lads' version much better.)
TAMMY - Debbie Reynolds (#1 for 5 weeks, on the charts for 23.
Whitburn lists this as # 59 of "The Top 100 Records 1955-1991. It was
the #3 song of the year, 1957, according to the Billboard/Cash Box
chart. It's also one of the most beautiful songs around.)
TENNESSEE WALTZ - Patti Page (#1. The biggest selling record of the
decade. When it comes to reasons for including songs in a Hall of
Fame, that one beats 'em all.)
TILL I WALTZ AGAIN WITH YOU - Teresa Brewer (#1. This is the first
record I got hooked on -- and launched my lifelong love affair with the
50s. Teresa Brewer has several songs that diverse inclusion here,
including MUSIC! MUSIC! MUSIC! -- which is going to be the title of the
book on 50s music that I'm currently writing.)
TOO YOUNG - Nat "King" Cole (#1. I'm only nominating one song per
artist, and MONA LISA is already in the other Hall, or I'd probably go
with it. Cole has quite a few songs that deserve inclusion in the
Hall, but this is definitely one of them. It's also one of my biggest
favorites.)
TRUE LOVE - Bing Crosby and Grace Kelly (22 weeks on the charts,
peaking at #3. Bing Crosby isn't generally thought of as a 50s
artist, but he had quite a few songs topping the charts in the first
few years of the decade. In fact, he was *the* top artist of 1950
according to my calculations from the Cash Box lists. This is another
beautiful love song. It's also one of Cole Porter's best -- partly
because he keeps it simple.)
UNCHAINED MELODY - Roy Hamilton (16 weeks on the charts, peaking at 6.
The Righteous Brothers' version from the 60s is the most popular
version today -- due largely to its having been featured in the popular
movie, GHOST -- but it was also a big 50s hit, and deserving of
inclusion in our Hall.)
VAYA CON DIOS - Les Paul and Mary Ford (#1. My favorite LP & MF song.
Well we all know that Les Paul's invention of the solid body electric
guitar pretty much made r'n'r possible, and many of his songs have a
r'n'r feel to them. This is one of his more traditional songs.)
THE WAYWARD WIND - Gogi Grant (#1 for 8 weeks, on the charts for 22.
Whitburn lists this as # 14 of "The Top 100 Records 1955-1991. Gogi
Grant came on the scene a little too late to have the stellar career
she deserved, but she managed to rule the charts with this song in
1956. It's been a favorite of mine for close to 25 years now.)
WHO'S SORRY NOW - Connie Francis (On the charts for 15 weeks, peaked at
#4. This one's been a favorite for about 30 years. Originally, I
considered it r'n'r song, but couldn't help liking it anyway.)
THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE - Kay Starr (Gold Record. #1. I recently got a
double cd of Kay's greatest hits at Capitol, and there are plenty I'd
like to see get inducted here. ALLEZ-VOUS-EN is a huge favorite, but
WHEEL OF FORTUNE is just too big -- and too fantastic -- not to
nominate.)
WISHING RING - Joni James (Joni James had bigger hits than this --
I'm not sure of it's chart position, but it was the flip side to
HAVE YOU HEARD, which was an even bigger hit. Joni's got several
songs that deserve inclusion here, but WISHING RING has been a favorite
of mine since around the same time I first heard TILL I WALTZ AGAIN
WITH YOU.)
WITCHCRAFT - Frank Sinatra (On the charts for 14 weeks, peaked at #6.
Of course Sinatra has to be included in any HoF. This is one of my
favorites of his, though he's got quite a few songs that will probably
-- and deservedly -- end up being inducted.)
YOU BELONG TO ME - Jo Stafford (#1. The #4 song of 1952 according to
the Billboard/Cash Box chart list. This is another of those
era-defining songs that no 50s HoF should be without. I've always
thought it a forerunner of r'n'r as well.)
*******
Bruce's picks:
1. All My Love - Patti Page
2. Auf Wiedersehn, Sweetheart - Vera Lynn
3. Because of You - Tony Bennett
4. Blue Tango - Leroy Anderson Orchestra
5. Chattanoogie Shoe Shine Boy - Bing Crosby
6. Cry - Johnnie Ray
7. Earth Angel - The Crew-Cuts
8. Goodnight Irene - Weavers
9. Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight - The McGuire Sisters
10. Harbor Lights - Sammy Kaye Orchestra
11. Have You Heard - Joni James
12. Hey There - Rosemary Clooney
13. I Can Dream, Can't I - Andrews Sisters
14. If I Give My Heart to You - Doris Day
15. If I Give My Heart to You - Denise Lor
16. It's Almost Tomorrow - The Dream Weavers
17. Kiss of Fire - Georgia Gibbs
18. Little Things Mean a Lot - Kitty Kallen
19. The Little White Cloud that Cried - Johnnie Ray
20. Lollipop - The Chordettes
21. Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing - The Four Aces
22. Make Love to Me - Jo Stafford
23. Mockin' Bird Hill - Patti Page
24. Moments to Remember - The Four Lads
25. Mona Lisa - Nat King Cole
26. Mr. Sandman - The Chordettes
27. Mule Train - Frankie Laine
28. Music! Music! Music! - Teresa Brewer
29. My Heart Cries for You - Guy Mitchell
30. My Love, My Love - Joni James
31. Oh My Pa-Pa - Eddie Fisher
32. Secret Love - Doris Day
33. Sh-Boom - The Crew-Cuts
34. Sincerely - The McGuire Sisters
35. Something's Gotta Give - The McGuire Sisters
36. The Song from Moulin Rouge (Where Is Your Heart) - Percy Faith
Orchestra
37. Tenderly - Rosemary Clooney
38. Tennessee Waltz - Patti Page
39. There's No Tomorrow - Tony Martin
40. The Third Man Theme - Anton Karas
41. Three Coins in the Fountain - The Four Aces
42. Till I Waltz Again with You - Teresa Brewer
43. Too Young - Nat King Cole
44. Unchained Melody - Les Baxter
45. Unchained Melody - Al Hibbler
46. Vaya con Dios - Les Paul & Mary Ford
47. Whatever Will Be, Will Be (Que Sera, Sera) - Doris Day
48. Wheel of Fortune - Kay Starr
49. Why Don't You Believe Me - Joni James
50. You Belong to Me - Jo Stafford
British songs:
1. Dreamboat - Alma Cogan
2. Give Me the Moonlight, Give Me the Girl - Frankie Vaughan
*******
Justafingerpicker's picks:
Tennessee Waltz - Patt Page, 1950
White Christmas - Bing Crosby, 1950
Mockin' Bird Hill - Patti Page, 1951
The Glow Worm - The Mills Brothers, 1952
Unforgetable - Nat "King" Cole, 1952
You Belong to Me - Jo Stafford, 1952
Pretend - Nat "King" Cole, 1953
Stranger in Paradise - Tony Bennett, 1953
Hernando's Hideaway - Archie Bleyer, 1954
Hey There - Rosemare Clooney, 1954
Mr. Sandman - The Chordettes, 1954
Sh-Boom - The Crew Cuts, 1954
Teach Me Tonight - The DeCastro Sisters, 1954
Autumn Leaves - Roger Williams, 1955
Cherry Pink and Apple Blossum White - Perez Prado, 1955
Memories Are Made of This - Dean Martin, 1955
Moments to Remember - The Four Lads, 1955
Only You - The Platters, 1955
Sincerely - The McGuire Sisters, 1955
Sixteen Tons - Tennesse Ernie Ford, 1955
Allegheny Moon - Patti Page, 1956
Great Pretender - The Platters, 1956
My Prayer - The Platters, 1956
Rock and Roll Waltz - Kay Starr, 1956
Tonight You Belong to Me - Patience & Prudence, 1956
Wayward Wind - Gogi Grant, 1956
Banana Boat (Day-O) - Harry Bellafonte, 1957
Bye Bye Love - The Everly Brothers, 1957
Chances Are - Johnny Mathis, 1957
Great Balls of Fire - Jerry Lee Lewis, 1957
Hound Dog - Elvis Presley, 1957
Jamaica Farewell - Harry Bellafonte, 1957
Jingle Bell Rock - Bobby Helms, 1957
Little Darlin' - The Diamonds, 1957
Love Is Strange - Micky & Sylvia, 1957
Old Cape Cod - Patti Page, 1957
Peggy Sue - Buddy Holly & the Crickets, 1957
Shangri-La - The Four Coins, 1957
Since I Met You Baby - Ivory Joe Hunter, 1957
So Rare - Jimmy Dorsey & his Orchestra, 1957
Walkin' After Midnight - Patsy Cline, 1957
26 Miles (Santa Cataline) - The Four Preps, 1958
Book of Love - The Monotones, 1958
Do You Wanna Dance - Bobby Freeman, 1958
Endless Sleep - Jody Reynolds, 1958
Fever - Peggy Lee, 1958
Get A Job - The Silhouettes, 1958
Johnny B. Goode - Chuck Berry, 1958
La Bamba - Ritchie Valens, 1958
Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu (Volare) - Domenico Modugno, 1958
The Stroll - The Diamonds, 1958
That Old Black Magic - Louis Prima & Keely Smith, 1958
Tom Dooley - The Kingston Trio, 1958
Twilight Time - The Platters, 1959
Among My Souvenirs - Connie Francis, 1959
The Big Hurt - Miss Toni Fisher, 1959
Don't You Know - Della Reese, 1959
I Only Have Eyes For You - The Flamingos, 1959
Kansas City - Wilbert Harrison, 1959
Love Potion #9 - The Clovers, 1959
Mack the Knife - Bobby Darin, 1959
Misty - Johnny Mathis, 1959
Sea Cruise - Frankie Ford, 1959
Sea of Love - Phil Phillips with The Twilights, 1959
Smoke Gets In Your Eyes - The Platters, 1959
Bill Bugge
By the Platters:
Mercury 70633 - Only You (And You Alone) / - 1955
Mercury 70753 - The Great Pretender / I'm Just A Dancing Partner - 1955
Mercury 70819 - (You've Got) The Magic Touch / Winner Take All - 1956
Mercury 70893 - My Prayer / Heaven On Earth - 1956
Mercury 70948 - You'll Never Know / It Isn't Right - 1956
Mercury 71011 - One In A Million / On My Word Of Honor - 1956
Mercury 71032 - I'm Sorry / He's Mine - 1957
Mercury 71093 - My Dreams / I Wanna - 1957
Mercury 71184 - Only Because / The Mystery Of You - 1957
Mercury 71246 - Helpless / Indifferent - 1957
Mercury 71289 - Twilight Time / - 1958
Mercury 71320 - You're Making A Mistake / My Old Flame - 1958
Mercury 71353 - I Wish / - 1958
Mercury 71383 - Smoke Gets In Your Eyes / - 1958
Mercury 71427 - Enchanted / - 1959
Mercury 71467 - Remember When / Love Of A Lifetime - 1959
Mercury 71502 - Where / - 1959
Mercury 71538 - My Secret / What Does It Matter - 1959
From "The Platters" LP (Mercury 7112):
Someone To Watch Over Me
Why Should I
Five Keys:
Wisdom Of A Fool
Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind
Also:
Banana Boat (Day-O) - Harry Belafonte, 1957
Bye Bye Love - The Everly Brothers, 1957
Great Balls of Fire - Jerry Lee Lewis, 1957
Jingle Bell Rock - Bobby Helms, 1957
Love Is Strange - Micky & Sylvia, 1957
Book of Love - The Monotones, 1958
Do You Wanna Dance - Bobby Freeman, 1958
Endless Sleep - Jody Reynolds, 1958
Get A Job - The Silhouettes, 1958
Johnny B. Goode - Chuck Berry, 1958
Maybellene- Chuck Berry
I Only Have Eyes For You - The Flamingos, 1959
Kansas City - Wilbert Harrison, 1959
Love Potion #9 - The Clovers, 1959
Sea Cruise - Frankie Ford, 1959
Sea of Love - Phil Phillips with The Twilights, 1959
Bill
Bruce
I never yet got a response to my question about whether I cam make a
change to my original list. I think that, if we are in a two stage
process (nominate and vote later) then I want to submit a list which
would omit some items that would already be nominated anyway, so my
list of nominees could include a few I left out but would like to see
considered.
Sav...@aol.com
What???? no "Bo Diddley?"
>
> I Only Have Eyes For You - The Flamingos, 1959
> Kansas City - Wilbert Harrison, 1959
> Love Potion #9 - The Clovers, 1959
>
> Sea Cruise - Frankie Ford, 1959
> Sea of Love - Phil Phillips with The Twilights, 1959
>
> Bill
I changed the name of the thread in honor of the Deja Vu feeling that
this hall of fame gives me....reminds me of the Bill Murray
flick..."Ground Hog Day."
Mark Dintenfass
<Sav...@aol.com> wrote:
Only twice as funny.
--
--md
_________
Remove xx's from address to reply
Effie...@hotmail.com
> Have you removed Effie's list?
Clearly he has. Evidently the old guard like Scarlotti and SavoyBG
have no use for someone like me in their club.
Love,
Effie
Sav...@aol.com
Effie, you still need to send in your cedentials to Pendragon before
you can be declared elgible to vote in this survey.....but don't worry,
you have forever, because it's Ground Hog Day."
Scar...@searchhawkmail.com
You've already made your "nominations" ... and been disqualified for
trolling.
Better luck next year.
Scar...@searchhawkmail.com
According to the guidelines, a poster must meet certain requirements
regarding identity in order to be eligible to vote. Effie has failed
to meet those requirements.
I think it should be okay to alter your nominations. Final nominations
won't be tallied until 3/31/05, so we should all feel free to make
changes up to that date.
adir...@gmail.com
Bill Bugge wrote:
> My nominations follow:
>
> By the Platters:
Sorry to see you've been banned, Bill. This has to be one of the best,
little known tunes ever, and in waltz-time no less! "Do you hold them
all until they're breathless?; do you always find nice things to say?"
Too good. Maybe next year.
Bob
Sav...@aol.com
> Recorded in 1949 but still charting in 1950.
Barely.
It was on the chart for 19 weeks in 1949 and just 3 weeks in 1950. Why
not save it for where it belongs, the 1940s wing of your hall. You can
have a pre-50s wing like Bob has. Putting it into a 50s hall of fame is
an insult to the song. It was # 1 in October & November of 1949.
Scar...@searchhawkmail.com
Even so, it still qualifies.
Frankie sings it on his first television show (1950) and introduces it
as a new song that he hopes will be a round for a very long time. And
it appears on several 50s collections that I have.
But you know... I'd like to expand the Hall to include songs from 1946
- 1964, and not as separate wings but as part of one complete year that
covers the entire Golden Age of Popular Music.
When making the guidelines I'd concentrated on the 50s (since this is a
50s newsgroup), but if those who plan on participating would like to
expand it, I'd be happy to do so.
Sav...@aol.com
Music, Music, Music - Ames Brothers
Skokian - Ray Anthony
Kiss Of Fire - Kay Arden
Cry - Ruth Casey
Here In My Heart - Tony Bennett
Syncopated Clock - Boston Pops Orchestra
Music, Music, Music - Carmen Cavallaro
Watermelon Weather - Perry Como & Eddie Fisher
Sparrow In The Tree Top - Bing Crosby & the Andrews Sisters
Mona Lisa - Dennis Day
Boom Boom Boomerang - DeCastro Sisters
On Top Of Old Smoky - Percy Faith & Burl Ives
Alabama Jubilee - Ferko String Band
Harbor Lights - Ralph Flanagan
Mule Train - Tennesssee Ernie Ford
Mister sandman - Four Aces
I Believe - Jane Froman
Cuddle Me - Ronnie Gaylord
Roses - Dick Haymes
Cry - Four Knights
Eighteenth Variation - William Kapell
I've Got A lovely Bunch Of Coconuts - Danny Kaye
Dearie - Lisa Kirk & Fran Warren
Hign Noon - Tex Ritter
Kiss Of Fire - Billy Eckstine
Septemebr Song - Liberace
Tennessee Waltz - Guy Lombardo
Mona Lisa - Art Lund
Earth Angel - Gloria Mann
Music Music Music - Freddy Martin
Kiss Of Fire - Tony Martin
Chinatown, My Chinatown - Bobby Maxwell
Mockin' Bird Hill - Russ Morgan
The Tennessee Waltz - Anita O'Day
Beacuse Of You - Jan Peerce
Mood Indigo - Norman Petty Trio
The Ballad Of Davy Crockett - Walter Schumann
The Tennessee Waltz - Jo Stafford
Hey, Mr, Banjo - Sunnysiders
Unchained Melody - June Valli
Oh, Happy Day - Lawrence Welk
Autumn Leaves - Steve Allen with George Cates
Autumn Leaves - Ray Charles Singers
Love Is A Many Splendored Thing - Woody Herman
Memories Are Made Of This - Mindy Carson
Five - Sammy Davis Jr.
Johnny Casanova - Jaye P. Morgan
Red Sails In The Sunset - Tab Hunter
I'm Serious - Hilltoppers
Volare (Nel Blu Di Pinto Di Blu) - McGuire Sisters
Bruce Grossberg
Sav...@aol.com
Well I've already named it for you, the Post War, Pre-Pot Puffing, Pop
Palace Of Prestige.
Scar...@searchhawkmail.com
I'm guessing 3.
However, they meet the criteria, and you would be free to nominate them
. . . if you weren't also already disqualified for trolling. (I'd have
thought you'd realized that as a matter of course. After all, you've
done more trolling than bug, and he's out.)
Btw: What's WATERMELON WEATHER by Eddie Fisher and Perry Come doing on
this list? I thought it was a hit.
Scar...@searchhawkmail.com
MADNESS?
Bill Bugge
> Sorry bug,
>
> You've already made your "nominations" ... and been disqualified for
> trolling.
>
You mean you change the rules and you don't give voters the chance to change
their selections? Just another indication of how poorly this thing is being
run.
Just call me "Trollbug." But watch out. I might try to organize the R&B
obscurantists to nominate the Rock & Roll tunes you've accepted as valid
nominations from Justafingerpicker's list. You'd have to invent multiple new
personalities to overcome that. No, wait. You're permitting votes by e-mail,
so all you'll have to do is lie about the votes.
--
Trollbug
Sav...@aol.com
Many of the records I nominated were bigger chart hits than "Watermelon
Weather"
Every record that I nominated was a hit, except for the Ruth Casey
original version of "Cry." and the fact that you don't know that should
disqualify you as the commisioner of this project, as you are obviously
unqualified to make decisions on which nominations are valid (they are
nominations Mike, not nominees).
Sav...@aol.com
Bill Bugge wrote:
> Scar...@searchhawkmail.com wrote:
> > Sorry bug,
> >
> > You've already made your "nominations" ... and been disqualified
for
> > trolling.
> >
>
>
> You mean you change the rules and you don't give voters the chance to
change
> their selections? Just another indication of how poorly this thing is
being
> run.
>
> Just call me "Trollbug."
I object, that's too close to my name.
How about Bugtroll?
Cathy D
<wlas...@optonline.net.invalid> wrote:
> Scar...@searchhawkmail.com wrote:
> > Sorry bug,
> >
> > You've already made your "nominations" ... and been disqualified for
> > trolling.
> >
>
>
> You mean you change the rules and you don't give voters the chance to change
> their selections? Just another indication of how poorly this thing is being
> run.
Only you. The others are being given a chance to change their
nominations. Totally unfair!
> Just call me "Trollbug." But watch out. I might try to organize the R&B
> obscurantists to nominate the Rock & Roll tunes you've accepted as valid
> nominations from Justafingerpicker's list. You'd have to invent multiple new
> personalities to overcome that. No, wait. You're permitting votes by e-mail,
> so all you'll have to do is lie about the votes.
Ah, but he reserves the right to disqualify any songs he chooses. So,
for now they might be acceptable, but I have a feeling they will never
make it into their HoF, even if they were actually to be voted in.
Rock and Roll songs are only acceptable IF they are by traditional pop
artists. At least, that's how I read the rules. IOW, if a R&R song by a
pop singer like Connie Francis were to be nominated it would be
disqualified as she is not a "Traditional" pop singer.
Cathy :)
--
-------------------------------------------------
e-mail address: cathyd at empire1.net
Naturally the 'at' should be changed! :) The number also needs to be spelled
out. :)
----== Posted via Newsfeeds.Com - Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet News==----
http://www.newsfeeds.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 120,000+ Newsgroups
----= East and West-Coast Server Farms - Total Privacy via Encryption =----
Sav...@aol.com
Scar...@searchhawkmail.com wrote:
> So Trollberg, how many of your "nominations" have you actually heard?
>
> I'm guessing 3.
>
> However, they meet the criteria, and you would be free to nominate
them
> . . . if you weren't also already disqualified for trolling. (I'd
have
> thought you'd realized that as a matter of course. After all, you've
> done more trolling than bug, and he's out.)
As the director, I figured you needed something to do, since tallying
up the nominations is not exactly a monumental undertaking. I figured
I'd let you use your self-appointed unilateral executive privilege veto
powers to disqualify my nominations, and thereby justify that you are
actually doing something today as the director of this withering waste
of words.
Scar...@searchhawkmail.com
Sav...@aol.com wrote:
> > Btw: What's WATERMELON WEATHER by Eddie Fisher and Perry Come doing
> on
> > this list? I thought it was a hit.
>
> Many of the records I nominated were bigger chart hits than
"Watermelon
> Weather"
>
> Every record that I nominated was a hit, except for the Ruth Casey
> original version of "Cry." and the fact that you don't know that
should
> disqualify you as the commisioner of this project, as you are
obviously
> unqualified to make decisions on which nominations are valid (they
are
> nominations Mike, not nominees).
I'm sorry, Trollberg. I should have phrased that question better.
While the versions of CRY, KISS OF FIRE, MULE TRAIN, etc., you pick
were also hits, they were not the most popular/most famous versions of
these songs.
WATERMELON WEATHER by Eddie and Perry, is the best known version of
this song. At least, it's the only version that I'm familiar with.
Was there a bigger, better known version?
Scar...@searchhawkmail.com
the R&B
obscurantists to nominate the Rock & Roll tunes you've accepted as
valid
nominations from Justafingerpicker's list. You'd have to invent
multiple new
personalities to overcome that. No, wait. You're permitting votes by
e-mail,
so all you'll have to do is lie about the votes.
Scarlotti: You're "bug" -- quit trying to ride on Trollberg's coattails.
Scar...@searchhawkmail.com
nominations. Totally unfair!
Scarlotti: It's perfectly fair. Bug's votes have never been sincere.
Cathy: Ah, but he reserves the right to disqualify any songs he
chooses. So,
for now they might be acceptable, but I have a feeling they will never
make it into their HoF, even if they were actually to be voted in.
Scarlotti: I've already stated my feelings on this issue. I believe
that 39 of Justafingerpicker's songs would qualify. I am allowing a
lot of leeway with the guidelines, but archetypal Rock songs like HOUND
DOG are obviously ruled out.
Justafingerpicker can nominate them (which is in itself a form of
honor). But they won't be accepted. He also has the option of
nominating 11 other songs that would qualify under the guidelines.
Cathy: Rock and Roll songs are only acceptable IF they are by
traditional pop
artists. At least, that's how I read the rules. IOW, if a R&R song by a
pop singer like Connie Francis were to be nominated it would be
disqualified as she is not a "Traditional" pop singer
Scarlotti: Bingo!
This is the Traditional Pop Hall of Fame. It's for Traditional Pop
songs. Eddie Fisher's DUNGAREE DOLL is (IMO) a rock song -- but it's
also Traditional Pop (IMO) as well. In the case of DUNGAREE DOLL, I'd
make an exception.
But I won't be making many exceptions, because this isn't a "Rock and
Traditional Pop Hall of Fame."
Cathy D
<Scar...@searchhawkmail.com> wrote:
> This is the Traditional Pop Hall of Fame. It's for Traditional Pop
> songs. Eddie Fisher's DUNGAREE DOLL is (IMO) a rock song -- but it's
> also Traditional Pop (IMO) as well. In the case of DUNGAREE DOLL, I'd
> make an exception.
A R&R song is a R&R song and not a Traditional Pop song. If you are
going to disqualify R&R songs by non-traditional Pop singers you should
also disqualify them by Traditional Pop singers. That's only fair.
Scar...@searchhawkmail.com
Cathy D wrote:
> A R&R song is a R&R song and not a Traditional Pop song. If you are
> going to disqualify R&R songs by non-traditional Pop singers you
should
> also disqualify them by Traditional Pop singers. That's only fair.
It's definitely a tough call.
My reasons for accepting "R'N'R" songs by Traditional Pop artists, is
that many people consider these songs to be Traditional Pop (or at
least to not be R'N'R).
I think that DUNGAREE DOLL is a good case in point. The song could
easily fall under either category, but since it's by Traditional Pop
singer, Eddie Fisher, I'm placing it in the Traditional Pop category.
Other songs are going to be tougher. While Pat Boone is not recognized
as a "R'N'R" singer by many of today's rock fans, I consider him to
have started out as a R'N'R singer in the 50s. As such, his "cover"
versions of rock songs wouldn't qualify, but his Traditional Pop songs
(APRIL LOVE, LOVE LETTERS IN THE SAND, FRIENDLY PERSUASION) would.
Several of his songs are going to fall right on the line, and will
require a personal judgement call.
Georgia Gibbs' R'N'R songs will also be close calls. While she's a
Traditional Pop singer, she was also considered a rock artist and her
version of GREAT BALLS OF FIRE is too much straight R'N'R to qualify.
TWEEDLE DEE, otoh, is right on the line, and in that case, I'd qualify
it as a R'N'R song by a Traditional Pop artist.
In cases like these, the rule helps to serve as a guideline for
determining my decision.
I don't believe that these exception is going to allow any undisputed
rock songs in. It's more for the rock-influenced Pop songs that many
Traditional Pop artists recorded in the latter half of the decade.
Sav...@aol.com
Scar...@searchhawkmail.com wrote:
> Sav...@aol.com wrote:
>
> I'm sorry, Trollberg. I should have phrased that question better.
> While the versions of CRY, KISS OF FIRE, MULE TRAIN, etc., you pick
> were also hits, they were not the most popular/most famous versions
of
> these songs.
>
> WATERMELON WEATHER by Eddie and Perry, is the best known version of
> this song. At least, it's the only version that I'm familiar with.
>
> Was there a bigger, better known version?
No, I just like watermelon.
Sav...@aol.com
And his nickname doesn't even get capitalized.....
Sav...@aol.com
Scar...@searchhawkmail.com wrote:
>
> Georgia Gibbs' R'N'R songs will also be close calls. While she's a
> Traditional Pop singer, she was also considered a rock artist and her
> version of GREAT BALLS OF FIRE is too much straight R'N'R to qualify.
FUCK ME!!!
I wanted to nominate that next year.
cordially, as always,
Trollberg
Bruce
>But you know... I'd like to expand the Hall to include songs from 1946
>- 1964, and not as separate wings but as part of one complete year
that
>covers the entire Golden Age of Popular Music.
This would, of course, also make your selection of "Again" more
appropriate. However, there are several other 1940s songs I would have
nominated if I expected a broader-based HoF.
Bruce
>I think it should be okay to alter your nominations. Final
nominations
>won't be tallied until 3/31/05, so we should all feel free to make
>changes up to that date.
I've removed two from my original list, not because I don't think they
belong in the HoF, but because they are otherwise nominated. (There are
other duplications, but I only needed two slots to add ones I think
belong that missed nominations.
Here is my final list of nominees:
1. All My Love - Patti Page
2. Auf Wiedersehn, Sweetheart - Vera Lynn
3. Because of You - Tony Bennett
4. Blue Tango - Leroy Anderson Orchestra
5. Chattanoogie Shoe Shine Boy - Bing Crosby
6. Earth Angel - The Crew-Cuts
7. Goodnight Irene - Weavers
8. Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight - The McGuire Sisters
9. Harbor Lights - Sammy Kaye Orchestra
10. Have You Heard - Joni James
11. Hey There - Rosemary Clooney
12. High Hopes - Frank Sinatra
13. I Can Dream, Can't I - Andrews Sisters
14. If I Give My Heart to You - Doris Day
15. If I Give My Heart to You - Denise Lor
16. It's Almost Tomorrow - The Dream Weavers
17. Little Things Mean a Lot - Kitty Kallen
18. The Little White Cloud that Cried - Johnnie Ray
19. Lollipop - The Chordettes
20. Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing - The Four Aces
21. Make Love to Me - Jo Stafford
22. Mockin' Bird Hill - Patti Page
23. Moments to Remember - The Four Lads
24. Mona Lisa - Nat King Cole
25. Mr. Sandman - The Chordettes
26. Mule Train - Frankie Laine
27. Music! Music! Music! - Teresa Brewer
28. My Heart Cries for You - Guy Mitchell
29. My Love, My Love - Joni James
30. Oh My Pa-Pa - Eddie Fisher
31. Secret Love - Doris Day
32. Sh-Boom - The Crew-Cuts
33. Sincerely - The McGuire Sisters
34. Something's Gotta Give - The McGuire Sisters
35. The Song from Moulin Rouge (Where Is Your Heart) - Percy Faith
Orchestra
36. Tenderly - Rosemary Clooney
37. Tennessee Waltz - Patti Page
38. There's No Tomorrow - Tony Martin
39. The Third Man Theme - Anton Karas
40. Three Coins in the Fountain - The Four Aces
41. Till I Waltz Again with You - Teresa Brewer
42. Too Young - Nat King Cole
43. Unchained Melody - Les Baxter
44. Unchained Melody - Al Hibbler
45. Vaya con Dios - Les Paul & Mary Ford
46. Whatever Will Be, Will Be (Que Sera, Sera) - Doris Day
47. Wheel of Fortune - Kay Starr
48. Why Don't You Believe Me - Joni James
49. You Belong to Me - Jo Stafford
50. Young at Heart - Frank Sinatra
British songs:
1. Dreamboat - Alma Cogan
2. Give Me the Moonlight - Frankie Vaughan
Scar...@searchhawkmail.com
If you'd also prefer going with a broader set of years, please let me
know, and I'll expand them.
(As noted above, you are free to change your nominations until March
31st.)
Bruce
>If you'd also prefer going with a broader set of years, please let me
>know, and I'll expand them.
>(As noted above, you are free to change your nominations until March
>31st.)
This NG is a '50s group, so I sort of think perhaps we ought to keep
the thing '50s, but I'm willing to change my nominations list IF there
is sentiment from others.
Bruce
Scarlotti did his. But because of time constraints, not all in one
posting.
1. All My Love - Patti Page
Patti Page's FIRST #1 hit. That alone makes it worthy of the HoF, as it
really foreshadowed her reign as the most popular singer of the early
1950s.
2. Auf Wiedersehn, Sweetheart - Vera Lynn
Also a first, the first #1 hit on the US charts by a non-US singer. And
certainly a major hit of its time.
3. Because of You - Tony Bennett
A lot of Tony Bennett hits qualify. I think, though, that this was one
of the biggest. I think that any song that hit #1 on either Billboard
or Cash Box should be at least CONSIDERED, and that alone means we
should look at this one. 7 weeks at #1 on Cash Box makes it an
important hit in my belief.
4. Blue Tango - Leroy Anderson Orchestra
Another #1 hit, and one that stayed on the charts a long time. Hugo
Winterhalter also had a hit with this one, and I might have been
tempted to nominate this one too, but for the 50-nomination limit.
5. Chattanoogie Shoe Shine Boy - Bing Crosby
Bing Crosby needs to be included, though his biggest hits were in the
1940s. This was a big enough hit to be my way of getting Bing
nominated. It was #1 for 4 weeks on Cash Box, according to Randy's
site.
6. Earth Angel - The Crew-Cuts
The R&B people will scream at my nominating this; they hate pop covers
of R&B songs. But I think that they served to make the songs appeal to
pop oriented listeners, and this is one of the biggest of that type of
song to chart.
7. Goodnight Irene - Weavers
TEN WEEKS at #1, that should be enough to make it worth consideration!
8. Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight - The McGuire Sisters
Despite Rogan, the McGuires were a major female group of the 1950s.
This song wasn't their biggest (but was still a big hit).
9. Harbor Lights - Sammy Kaye Orchestra
One of the biggest hits by one of the few remaining big bands of the
1950s. Five weeks at #1 on the Cash Box charts.
10. Have You Heard - Joni James
Joni James had a lot of big hits. I picked three to nominate ("My Love,
My Love" and "Why Don't You Believe Me" were the others), but it was
hard to cut it to three, and I didn't want to nominate more than 3 by
one artist.
JayePMorganSucks---KimWildeRocks
Bruce wrote:
> I'm going to explain some of my nominations (hopefully, all of them)
as
> Scarlotti did his. But because of time constraints, not all in one
> posting.
>
> 1. All My Love - Patti Page
>
> Patti Page's FIRST #1 hit. That alone makes it worthy of the HoF, as
it
> really foreshadowed her reign as the most popular singer of the early
> 1950s.
>
Even if she WAS the most popular singer of the '50s, she's very
forgotten today. And her first #1 is one of her worst tunes, because
its a country girl attempting tango. BAD!
> 2. Auf Wiedersehn, Sweetheart - Vera Lynn
>
> Also a first, the first #1 hit on the US charts by a non-US singer.
And
> certainly a major hit of its time.
>
I should be proud of the fact that this was the first British artist to
top the charts, but it is so sickingly sweet, I can't be proud of it.
> 3. Because of You - Tony Bennett
>
> A lot of Tony Bennett hits qualify. I think, though, that this was
one
> of the biggest. I think that any song that hit #1 on either Billboard
> or Cash Box should be at least CONSIDERED, and that alone means we
> should look at this one. 7 weeks at #1 on Cash Box makes it an
> important hit in my belief.
Whatever you say about this tune, it is overblown, like most early '50s
songs.
>
> 4. Blue Tango - Leroy Anderson Orchestra
>
> Another #1 hit, and one that stayed on the charts a long time. Hugo
> Winterhalter also had a hit with this one, and I might have been
> tempted to nominate this one too, but for the 50-nomination limit.
>
Mediocre instrumental.
> 5. Chattanoogie Shoe Shine Boy - Bing Crosby
>
> Bing Crosby needs to be included, though his biggest hits were in the
> 1940s. This was a big enough hit to be my way of getting Bing
> nominated. It was #1 for 4 weeks on Cash Box, according to Randy's
> site.
This song is ridiculous and stupid. Don't like it.
>
> 6. Earth Angel - The Crew-Cuts
>
> The R&B people will scream at my nominating this; they hate pop
covers
> of R&B songs. But I think that they served to make the songs appeal
to
> pop oriented listeners, and this is one of the biggest of that type
of
> song to chart.
Absolutely. R&B covers SUCK, and the Crew-Cuts suck!
>
> 7. Goodnight Irene - Weavers
>
> TEN WEEKS at #1, that should be enough to make it worth
consideration!
Slow, boring, and lifeless.
>
> 8. Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight - The McGuire Sisters
>
> Despite Rogan, the McGuires were a major female group of the 1950s.
> This song wasn't their biggest (but was still a big hit).
So what if they were a major female group? Their songs really, really,
really suck. I don't judge songs by popularity, I judge songs by how
they sound to me. And, to me, every one of their songs is beyond
terrible.
>
>
> 9. Harbor Lights - Sammy Kaye Orchestra
>
> One of the biggest hits by one of the few remaining big bands of the
> 1950s. Five weeks at #1 on the Cash Box charts.
Mediocre, like most big band tunes.
>
> 10. Have You Heard - Joni James
>
> Joni James had a lot of big hits. I picked three to nominate ("My
Love,
> My Love" and "Why Don't You Believe Me" were the others), but it was
> hard to cut it to three, and I didn't want to nominate more than 3 by
> one artist.
The tunes I've heard by her are pretty mediocre.
Sav...@aol.com
Bruce wrote:
> I'm going to explain some of my nominations (hopefully, all of them)
as
> Scarlotti did his. But because of time constraints, not all in one
> posting.
> 5. Chattanoogie Shoe Shine Boy - Bing Crosby
>
> Bing Crosby needs to be included, though his biggest hits were in the
> 1940s. This was a big enough hit to be my way of getting Bing
> nominated. It was #1 for 4 weeks on Cash Box, according to Randy's
> site.
Gilson. you know very well that Cash Box at that time listed SONGS on
their charts, not particular versions of songs. If 7 people had a
version of a song out, all 7 people were listed underneath the song's
title, which only took up one spot on the charts.
"Chattanoogie Shoe Shine Boy" by Bing Crosby was not any # 1 song. It
was a cover of the monster # 1 Red Foley hit, and was listed below Red
Foley's name as another artist who had a version of the song out. On
bIllboard, whose chart listed the top "records," rather than the top
"songs," Crosby's lame version only reached # 9 on their sales chart,
and # 4 on one of their other charts (jukebox plays or DJ plays).
Why not noiminate the True # 1 version by Red Foley?
Bruce
>Why not noiminate the True # 1 version by Red Foley?
Because that was a C&W recording, not a Traditional Pop recording.
Bruce
11. Hey There - Rosemary Clooney
Clooney, of course, had a lot of hits, and it's hard to pick only
three. But I think most will agree that this was certainly one of her
biggest, and another long-time #1 hit.
12. High Hopes - Frank Sinatra
An Oscar-winning song, one of the songs that became a Sinatra
trademark; certainly a big hit.
13. I Can Dream, Can't I - Andrews Sisters
Another one picked primarily because it was a long-term #1 hit. It was
also the only 1950's hit for a group better known in the 1940s, but
belonging in any HoF featuring Traditional Pop songs of the 1950's.
14. If I Give My Heart to You - Doris Day
Not her biggest hit, but a top 10 pick anyway, and one of her nicest
(though that's not why I nominate songs here). The song itself made a
top 10 slot in 2 different versions (on Billboard, which DID count
separate versions separately!) and obviously each version worked
against the other's popularity.
15. If I Give My Heart to You - Denise Lor
And this, of course, was the other competing version. Denise Lor's ONLY
hit, and thus necessarily her biggest. And to make Billboard's top 10
when a powerhouse like Doris Day had a competing version was quite an
accomplishment!
16. It's Almost Tomorrow - The Dream Weavers
I gave my reasons for nominating this one in another post. But to
recapitulate:
"Note that 'It's Almost Tomorrow' seems to be pretty obscure these
days,
but it did reach #1 in the UK as well as top-10 here and that's pretty
good for a couple of guys who wrote it in high school, sang it in
college, and thus have to be considered among the first people to
succeed as both songwriters and singers! (Though some fairly big
artists like Jo Stafford covered the song, as well)"
17. Little Things Mean a Lot - Kitty Kallen
Another big hit for an artist who had not that many. As Scarlotti
posted, the biggest song of 1954 on both Billboard and Cash Box. An
obvious pick.
18. The Little White Cloud that Cried - Johnnie Ray
I don't like Johnnie Ray. But this song, almost as much as "Cry,"
defined his career, and it has to be considered worthy of a HoF.
19. Lollipop - The Chordettes
Was this, or "Mr. Sandman," their biggest hit? I don't know, but I've
nominated both because they both were big.
20. Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing - The Four Aces
Another song that both was a long-term #1 and an Oscar-winner. No
chance I'd leave that one out!
Bruce
11. Hey There - Rosemary Clooney
Clooney, of course, had a lot of hits, and it's hard to pick only
three. But I think most will agree that this was certainly one of her
biggest, and another long-time #1 hit.
12. High Hopes - Frank Sinatra
An Oscar-winning song, one of the songs that became a Sinatra
trademark; certainly a big hit.
13. I Can Dream, Can't I - Andrews Sisters
Another one picked primarily because it was a long-term #1 hit. It was
also the only 1950's hit for a group better known in the 1940s, but
belonging in any HoF featuring Traditional Pop songs of the 1950's.
14. If I Give My Heart to You - Doris Day
Not her biggest hit, but a top 10 pick anyway, and one of her nicest
(though that's not why I nominate songs here). The song itself made a
top 10 slot in 2 different versions (on Billboard, which DID count
separate versions separately!) and obviously each version worked
against the other's popularity.
15. If I Give My Heart to You - Denise Lor
And this, of course, was the other competing version. Denise Lor's ONLY
hit, and thus necessarily her biggest. And to make Billboard's top 10
when a powerhouse like Doris Day had a competing version was quite an
accomplishment!
16. It's Almost Tomorrow - The Dream Weavers
I gave my reasons for nominating this one in another post. But to
recapitulate:
"Note that 'It's Almost Tomorrow' seems to be pretty obscure these
days,
but it did reach #1 in the UK as well as top-10 here and that's pretty
good for a couple of guys who wrote it in high school, sang it in
college, and thus have to be considered among the first people to
succeed as both songwriters and singers! (Though some fairly big
artists like Jo Stafford covered the song, as well)"
17. Little Things Mean a Lot - Kitty Kallen
Another big hit for an artist who had not that many. As Scarlotti
posted, the biggest song of 1954 on both Billboard and Cash Box. An
obvious pick.
18. The Little White Cloud that Cried - Johnnie Ray
I don't like Johnnie Ray. But this song, almost as much as "Cry,"
defined his career, and it has to be considered worthy of a HoF.
19. Lollipop - The Chordettes
Was this, or "Mr. Sandman," their biggest hit? I don't know, but I've
nominated both because they both were big.
20. Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing - The Four Aces
Scar...@searchhawkmail.com
Bruce wrote:
> I'm going to explain some of my nominations (hopefully, all of them)
as
> Scarlotti did his. But because of time constraints, not all in one
> posting.
>
> 1. All My Love - Patti Page
>
> Patti Page's FIRST #1 hit. That alone makes it worthy of the HoF, as
it
> really foreshadowed her reign as the most popular singer of the early
> 1950s.
Is she the most popular singer, or the most popular *female* singer?
I've always heard the latter. I haven't finished tallying up all the
chart scores yet (it's a long-term project), but I would think that
Como, Laine, Fisher, Cole, and a few other male vocalists had her beat.
As to Rogan's comments, Patti Page only sounded country on her country
singles -- there's absolutely no trace of country in this recording.
It's a beautiful song, and one I'd eventually nominate myself (but,
since I only nominated one song per artist, I *had* to go with
TENNESSEE WALTZ).
> 2. Auf Wiedersehn, Sweetheart - Vera Lynn
>
> Also a first, the first #1 hit on the US charts by a non-US singer.
And
> certainly a major hit of its time.
And one of my all-time favorites. I first had it on 2 various artist
lps that I got back in the 70s -- and the clip from it that they played
on tv was the reason why I *had* to buy the first lp (the first lp I'd
ever bought).
> 3. Because of You - Tony Bennett
>
> A lot of Tony Bennett hits qualify. I think, though, that this was
one
> of the biggest. I think that any song that hit #1 on either Billboard
> or Cash Box should be at least CONSIDERED, and that alone means we
> should look at this one. 7 weeks at #1 on Cash Box makes it an
> important hit in my belief.
Both this and AUF WIEDERSEH'N SWEETHEART were on a tv lp called
"SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY" that I sent for back in the 70s. I've still got
it, although one of the songs (ANYTIME) got scratched and no longer
plays. This is purely a subjective approach, but the songs I've known
for 30-odd years are the ones that most strongly represent the 50s for
me -- regardless of how popular they were on the charts.
> 4. Blue Tango - Leroy Anderson Orchestra
>
> Another #1 hit, and one that stayed on the charts a long time. Hugo
> Winterhalter also had a hit with this one, and I might have been
> tempted to nominate this one too, but for the 50-nomination limit.
I've never been crazy about this song -- even as an instrumental.
True, I generally prefer vocals, but there are some instrumentals that
I really love (SLEEPY LAGOON, RUBY, THE THIRD MAN THEME, ARTISTRY IN
RHYTHM, CHERRY PINK & APPLE BLOSSOM WHITE, 40 MILES OF BAD ROAD, NIGHT
TRAIN), but I tend to agree with Chuckie on this one.
I'd eventually vote for it on the grounds that it was such a big hit,
though.
> 5. Chattanoogie Shoe Shine Boy - Bing Crosby
>
> Bing Crosby needs to be included, though his biggest hits were in the
> 1940s. This was a big enough hit to be my way of getting Bing
> nominated. It was #1 for 4 weeks on Cash Box, according to Randy's
> site.
I haven't heard Bing's version, but agree that he needs to be included.
TRUE LOVE, DEAR HEARTS AND GENTLE PEOPLE, WHITE CHRISTMAS (which
charted during the 50s), PLAY A SIMPLE MELODY and a few others are all
songs I'd like to see inducted.
As to Red Foley's version, I'd also consider that as being eligible
(it sounds as much Pop as Country to me and was a big Pop hit). Also,
I'd always just assumed that the song was drawn from CHATTANOOGA CHOO
CHOO which also features a shoe shine boy.
> 6. Earth Angel - The Crew-Cuts
>
> The R&B people will scream at my nominating this; they hate pop
covers
> of R&B songs. But I think that they served to make the songs appeal
to
> pop oriented listeners, and this is one of the biggest of that type
of
> song to chart.
Let 'em scream! :D The Crew-Cuts deserve a prominent place in the
Rock HoF as well
> 7. Goodnight Irene - Weavers
>
> TEN WEEKS at #1, that should be enough to make it worth
consideration!
This songs turns up on just about every various artist collection I
have. It's also extremely significant for its role in bringing
elements of Folk music into mainstream Pop.
> 8. Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight - The McGuire Sisters
>
> Despite Rogan, the McGuires were a major female group of the 1950s.
> This song wasn't their biggest (but was still a big hit).
Over the years, it's one of the big songs that I've come to associate
with the early r'n'r years -- always played as a "closer" and dances,
skating rinks, radio shows, etc. The r&b crowd will bark... er, balk
at this, but I consider this to be the definitive version of the song.
> 9. Harbor Lights - Sammy Kaye Orchestra
>
> One of the biggest hits by one of the few remaining big bands of the
> 1950s. Five weeks at #1 on the Cash Box charts.
I prefer the vocal versions of this song, but even without the words
it's still beautiful.
> 10. Have You Heard - Joni James
>
> Joni James had a lot of big hits. I picked three to nominate ("My
Love,
> My Love" and "Why Don't You Believe Me" were the others), but it was
> hard to cut it to three, and I didn't want to nominate more than 3 by
> one artist.
I haven't heard (no pun intended) MY LOVE, MY LOVE, but agree that Joni
belongs in the Hall. I'd vote for this because of its popularity (and
because I like), but I still prefer WISHING RING.
Bruce
This song and "Secret Love" kept swapping #1 positions in 1954.
Obviously both were major hits, but they couldn't both be #1 at the
same time. As a result, neither one had the long stay at #1 that some
of them had. Still, I think both songs really belong.
22. Mockin' Bird Hill - Patti Page
One of 3 #1 songs Patti Page had in a period of just over a year, with
"All My Love" and "Tennessee Waltz." I can't see leaving any of those
three out.
23. Moments to Remember - The Four Lads
I'm not sure this was the Lads' biggest hit, but it certainly was one
of their biggest. And the group was certainly one of the big male
groups of '50s traditional pop.
24. Mona Lisa - Nat King Cole
I can't see leaving this out just because it made the other HoF...
rather, if even the anti-Trad Pop majority of this group could not
ignore this song, it has to be considered great.
25. Mr. Sandman - The Chordettes
The first big hit of the group, and I think also their biggest. An
obvious choice.
26. Mule Train - Frankie Laine
I guess I have to do something that I didn't like Scarlotti doing,
nominating a late-1940s song that managed to be still on the charts at
the beginning of 1950. But it's the song I always associate with
Frankie Laine, and has to be included. If any Frankie Laine song
belongs here, this one has to.
27. Music! Music! Music! - Teresa Brewer
The song that made Teresa. A big multi-week #1.
28. My Heart Cries for You - Guy Mitchell
This song ONLY made #2 on Billboard. But when you figure that there
were 7 other versions that made the top 30, it had to fight against
them. It still has to be considered a big hit.
29. My Love, My Love - Joni James
Another big Joni James hit; see what I said for "Have You Heard."
30. Oh My Pa-Pa - Eddie Fisher
Eddie Fisher's BIGGEST hit, many weeks at #1.
Bruce
>> Joni James had a lot of big hits. I picked three to nominate ("My
Love,
>> My Love" and "Why Don't You Believe Me" were the others), but it was
>> hard to cut it to three, and I didn't want to nominate more than 3
by
>> one artist.
>I haven't heard (no pun intended) MY LOVE, MY LOVE, but agree that
>Joni belongs in the Hall. I'd vote for this because of its popularity
(and
>because I like), but I still prefer WISHING RING.
Shame that you havem't heard "My Love, My Love" -- I think I like it
best of the three Joni James songs I nominated, but I like all three
(though, as I said earlier, I'm not just basing my nominations on what
I like).
Bruce
>> One of the biggest hits by one of the few remaining big bands of the
>> 1950s. Five weeks at #1 on the Cash Box charts.
>I prefer the vocal versions of this song, but even without the words
>it's still beautiful.
Actually, this version does have a vocal (done by Don Cornell); it's
one of those big-band type arrangements with the vocal on the end.
Bruce
>On bIllboard, whose chart listed the top "records," rather than the
top
>"songs," Crosby's lame version only reached # 9 on their sales chart,
>and # 4 on one of their other charts (jukebox plays or DJ plays).
Neither #9 nor #4 is "obscure" to my way of thinking. Any song that
reaches the top 10 is still a pretty big hit.
Bruce
>> Bing Crosby needs to be included, though his biggest hits were in
the
>> 1940s. This was a big enough hit to be my way of getting Bing
>> nominated. It was #1 for 4 weeks on Cash Box, according to Randy's
>> site.
>I haven't heard Bing's version, but agree that he needs to be
included.
>TRUE LOVE, DEAR HEARTS AND GENTLE PEOPLE, WHITE CHRISTMAS
> (which charted during the 50s), PLAY A SIMPLE MELODY and a few others
are all
>songs I'd like to see inducted.
Bing's version is on some CD's. I have it in my collection. (I haven't
heard Red Foley's in a very long time, probably not since 1950!) but I
consider two of the songs you list to really be 1940s songs: "Dear
Hearts and Gentle People" and "White Christmas." I'd also like to put
Bing's version of "Dear Hearts and Gentle People" into even a
broader-time-frame HoF only if Dinah Shore's version (which I've heard
more often) is also inducted.
>As to Red Foley's version, I'd also consider that as being eligible
>(it sounds as much Pop as Country to me and was a big Pop hit). Also,
>I'd always just assumed that the song was drawn from CHATTANOOGA
>CHOO CHOO which also features a shoe shine boy.
Well, since I've resigned from that post, you're the one whe declares
eligibility. I'd disagree, for myself. As to the relationship to
"Chattanooga Choo Choo," I don't know. You'd have to ask the lyricist
(who's probably dead by now!)
Scar...@searchhawkmail.com
Scar...@searchhawkmail.com
they definitely qualify. Unfortunately, it doesn't list which was the
bigger hit. Crosby's is the one I'm more familiar with, having had it
on a Bing Crosby greatest hits album I bought back in the 70s.
WHITE CHRISTMAS is also eligible as it was re-used as the title song of
a 50s movie. And LYRICS WORLD has it listed as reaching #5 on
BILLBOARD in 1950.
I'm getting interested in the genesis of CHATTANOOGA SHOE SHINE BOY and
will see if I can uncover anything over the next few days....
Scar...@searchhawkmail.com
Bruce wrote:
> The second installment of my list of explanations:
>
> 11. Hey There - Rosemary Clooney
>
> Clooney, of course, had a lot of hits, and it's hard to pick only
> three. But I think most will agree that this was certainly one of her
> biggest, and another long-time #1 hit.
This song has never been a favorite of mine (not even by Johnnie Ray).
But it certainly belongs in the Hall.
> 12. High Hopes - Frank Sinatra
>
> An Oscar-winning song, one of the songs that became a Sinatra
> trademark; certainly a big hit.
A HOLE IN THE HEAD is a very underappreciated film. I'd seen it on tv
several times when I was 9 or 10, but never as an adult. I liked it
quite a bit at the time, but then I've always been a fan of Capra
films. Oddly, the film is usually ignored when discussing both Capra
and Sinatra fims (and Edward G. Robinson films as well).
> 13. I Can Dream, Can't I - Andrews Sisters
>
> Another one picked primarily because it was a long-term #1 hit. It
was
> also the only 1950's hit for a group better known in the 1940s, but
> belonging in any HoF featuring Traditional Pop songs of the 1950's.
I may be wrong on this, but I'm pretty sure that I WANNA BE LOVED was a
hit in the 50s as well.
> 14. If I Give My Heart to You - Doris Day
>
> Not her biggest hit, but a top 10 pick anyway, and one of her nicest
> (though that's not why I nominate songs here). The song itself made a
> top 10 slot in 2 different versions (on Billboard, which DID count
> separate versions separately!) and obviously each version worked
> against the other's popularity.
Another one I grew up with -- it's on the only Doris Day album that was
available (in S. Jersey at any rate) when I was a teenager.
> 15. If I Give My Heart to You - Denise Lor
>
> And this, of course, was the other competing version. Denise Lor's
ONLY
> hit, and thus necessarily her biggest. And to make Billboard's top 10
> when a powerhouse like Doris Day had a competing version was quite an
> accomplishment!
I haven't heard this one yet.
> 16. It's Almost Tomorrow - The Dream Weavers
>
> I gave my reasons for nominating this one in another post. But to
> recapitulate:
> "Note that 'It's Almost Tomorrow' seems to be pretty obscure these
> days,
> but it did reach #1 in the UK as well as top-10 here and that's
pretty
> good for a couple of guys who wrote it in high school, sang it in
> college, and thus have to be considered among the first people to
> succeed as both songwriters and singers! (Though some fairly big
> artists like Jo Stafford covered the song, as well)"
I'm afraid I'll have to second its current "obscure" status, as it's
another one I'm unfamiliar with.
> 17. Little Things Mean a Lot - Kitty Kallen
>
> Another big hit for an artist who had not that many. As Scarlotti
> posted, the biggest song of 1954 on both Billboard and Cash Box. An
> obvious pick.
>
> 18. The Little White Cloud that Cried - Johnnie Ray
>
> I don't like Johnnie Ray. But this song, almost as much as "Cry,"
> defined his career, and it has to be considered worthy of a HoF.
It's also one of the hit songs that he wrote.
> 19. Lollipop - The Chordettes
>
> Was this, or "Mr. Sandman," their biggest hit? I don't know, but I've
> nominated both because they both were big.
I've always considered The Chordettes to be a rock group -- although I
now recognize them as one of the key artists in the crossover from
traditional pop to rock. (And I'd say that both of these songs would
be eligible.)
> 20. Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing - The Four Aces
>
> Another song that both was a long-term #1 and an Oscar-winner. No
> chance I'd leave that one out!
Me either. :)
Bruce
> Hmm... perhaps I'm confusing it with Lombardo?
Perhaps. I'm not familiar with Lombardo's version; I have the Sammy
Kaye version and one (obviously done much later) done by Billy Vaughn.
Bruce
>Both versions of DEAR HEARTS were #1 on the CASH BOX chart for 1950,
so
>they definitely qualify. Unfortunately, it doesn't list which was the
>bigger hit. Crosby's is the one I'm more familiar with, having had it
>on a Bing Crosby greatest hits album I bought back in the 70s.
Crosby sings "There's a place I'd like to go, and it's back in Idaho"
while Shore sings "There's a place I'd like to be, and it's back in
Tennessee." Just on the basis of the fact that her lyric seems the more
familiar, I probably heard her version more than his. The site at
http://www.republika.pl/uktop40/index1b.html seems (if I read it
correctly) to give Crosby the bigger hit. So Crosby probably had the
bigger hit, but Shore's was big too, and is the one _I_ remember best.
Scar...@searchhawkmail.com
I've either got (or had) versions of it by Tony Martin and The
Platters.
Bruce
>> 15. If I Give My Heart to You - Denise Lor
>> And this, of course, was the other competing version. Denise Lor's
>> ONLY hit, and thus necessarily her biggest. And to make Billboard's
top 10
>> when a powerhouse like Doris Day had a competing version was quite
an
>> accomplishment!
> I haven't heard this one yet.
Too bad. Suffice it to say that although I am a BIG BIG Doris Day fan,
and I thing this song by Doris is one of those I like best, I like the
Denise Lor version almost as much. And it WAS a major hit for her. (#3
for Doris Day, #8 for Denise Lor, so both in the Top 10. The combined
strength of both, of course, made the song score higher on Cash Box).
>> 16. It's Almost Tomorrow - The Dream Weavers
>> I gave my reasons for nominating this one in another post. But to
>> recapitulate: "Note that 'It's Almost Tomorrow' seems to be pretty
>> obscure these days, but it did reach #1 in the UK as well as top-10
>> here and that's pretty good for a couple of guys who wrote it in
high
>> school, sang it in college, and thus have to be considered among the
>> first people to succeed as both songwriters and singers! (Though
>> some fairly big artists like Jo Stafford covered the song, as well)"
>I'm afraid I'll have to second its current "obscure" status, as it's
>another one I'm unfamiliar with.
Well it is a song I like a lot, but I nominated it primarily because of
the reasons I cited. The song is available on CDs now
(see, for example,
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00000JYP2/qid%3D1110558797/103-9460536-9634238
)
Bruce
31. Secret Love - Doris Day
Though it's my all-time favorite, it is being nominated for two
reasons: a #1 song for several weeks in 1954 (on and off alternating
with Jo Stafford's "Make Love to Me") and an Oscar for Best Song. Those
two alone qualify it for this HoF.
32. Sh-Boom - The Crew-Cuts
Pretty much for the same reason as "Earth Angel." And with the same
response, I imagine, from the R&B crowd. But it was certainly one of
their big hits, and I think it belongs.
33. Sincerely - The McGuire Sisters
34. Something's Gotta Give - The McGuire Sisters
The same comments apply here as to "Goodnight Sweetheart Goodnight." I
won't repeat them for these two.
35. The Song from Moulin Rouge (Where Is Your Heart) - Percy Faith
Orchestra
Another case of a song that is a big favorite of mine, but it belongs
because of its high chart positions, not just because I like it!
36. Tenderly - Rosemary Clooney
Not, perhaps, Rosemary's biggest hit, but the one that became her
trademark.
37. Tennessee Waltz - Patti Page
Patti Page's biggest hit of all, and so if the biggest hit by the 50s'
biggest female singer doesn't belong, NOTHING does!
38. There's No Tomorrow - Tony Martin
I believe this was Tony's biggest hit; and certainly it was a major
hit for him.Scarlotti nominated "I Get Ideas," which is not a bad
choice, but I think this song deserves to get in ahead of that one, or
at the same time.
39. The Third Man Theme - Anton Karas
A big hit on two continents!
40. Three Coins in the Fountain - The Four Aces
I'm not sure whether this or "Love Is a Meny-Splendored Thing" was
bigger, but both belong.
JayePMorganSucks---KimWildeRocks
Bruce wrote:
> The next group:
>
> 31. Secret Love - Doris Day
>
> Though it's my all-time favorite, it is being nominated for two
> reasons: a #1 song for several weeks in 1954 (on and off alternating
> with Jo Stafford's "Make Love to Me") and an Oscar for Best Song.
Those
> two alone qualify it for this HoF.
Doris' ode to servicing yourself? The lyrics need to be rewritten.
>
> 32. Sh-Boom - The Crew-Cuts
>
> Pretty much for the same reason as "Earth Angel." And with the same
> response, I imagine, from the R&B crowd. But it was certainly one of
> their big hits, and I think it belongs.
The Crew-Cuts suck, no matter what they do.
>
> 33. Sincerely - The McGuire Sisters
> 34. Something's Gotta Give - The McGuire Sisters
>
> The same comments apply here as to "Goodnight Sweetheart Goodnight."
I
> won't repeat them for these two.
Like "Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight", everything they do is beyond
horrible.
>
> 35. The Song from Moulin Rouge (Where Is Your Heart) - Percy Faith
> Orchestra
>
> Another case of a song that is a big favorite of mine, but it belongs
> because of its high chart positions, not just because I like it!
Boring!
>
> 36. Tenderly - Rosemary Clooney
>
> Not, perhaps, Rosemary's biggest hit, but the one that became her
> trademark.
Don't know it, don't care.
>
> 37. Tennessee Waltz - Patti Page
>
> Patti Page's biggest hit of all, and so if the biggest hit by the
50s'
> biggest female singer doesn't belong, NOTHING does!
It may have been the decade's biggest hit, but it is certainly not the
best.
>
> 38. There's No Tomorrow - Tony Martin
>
> I believe this was Tony's biggest hit; and certainly it was a major
> hit for him.Scarlotti nominated "I Get Ideas," which is not a bad
> choice, but I think this song deserves to get in ahead of that one,
or
> at the same time.
OVERBLOWN!
>
> 39. The Third Man Theme - Anton Karas
>
> A big hit on two continents!
Fine.
>
> 40. Three Coins in the Fountain - The Four Aces
>
> I'm not sure whether this or "Love Is a Meny-Splendored Thing" was
> bigger, but both belong.
The Four Aces are terrible.
Bruce
these great records. :)
Bruce
> Bruce wrote:
> > Scarlotti wrote:
I've heard the Platters' version, I'm sure. Tony Martin's is one I do
have, but forgot about. But I think it was made much later. It's on a
CD of stuff he made late enough that "Aquarius" is one of the songs in
the collection.
JayePMorganSucks---KimWildeRocks
No, I am not reading "bad" as "good". I am definitely not using the
'80s slang term of "bad". When I say these tunes are horrible, I mean
it.
Scar...@searchhawkmail.com
I had it on an 8 track (long gone), but it didn't list the date. I'd
always thought it was from the 30s. Can't find any info on the
internet except that, as you've noted, a version appears on a cd with
AQUARIUS.
I tried listening to the clip, and it sounds fairly similar to how I
remember it, but it's not necessarily the same song. I've got 2
versions of TO EACH HIS OWN by him. It's also unclear if all the songs
on that cd are recent or if it's a mix from various eras.
Unfortunately, there's no complete discography of Tony Martin music
online.
Bruce
>As to Red Foley's version, I'd also consider that as being eligible
>(it sounds as much Pop as Country to me and was a big Pop hit).
Just listened to it this morning. (It's on a "Hits of '50" CD I own,
but I never listened to that track.)
Maybe you're right.
Scar...@searchhawkmail.com
This song and "Secret Love" kept swapping #1 positions in 1954.
Obviously both were major hits, but they couldn't both be #1 at the
same time. As a result, neither one had the long stay at #1 that some
of them had. Still, I think both songs really belong.
Scarlotti: For some inconceivable reason, many r'n'r "historians" claim
that r&b and r'n'r all about sex -- in alleged contrast to pre-r'n'r
pop which was G-rated (inevitably citing DOGGIE IN THE WINDOW as an
example). The title alone of Stafford's song is more than enough to
dismiss their arugment as a load of hogwash.
>22. Mockin' Bird Hill - Patti Page
One of 3 #1 songs Patti Page had in a period of just over a year, with
"All My Love" and "Tennessee Waltz." I can't see leaving any of those
three out.
Scarlotti: IMO Patti Page had a lot of hits that are absolute *musts*
for the Hall of Fame: along with these three, there's the already
mentioned DOGGIE, WITH MY EYES WIDE OPEN I'M DREAMING (which was still
charting in 1950), I'LL NEVER BE FREE (with Tennessee E. Ford), WOULD I
LOVE YOU LOVE YOU LOVE YOU, MISTER AND MISSISSIPPI, I WENT TO YOUR
WEDDING, CHANGING PARTNERS (I can't decide which version I like better
-- hers or Kay Starr's), CROSS OVER THE BRIDGE, DETOUR, CROCE DI ORO,
ALLEGHENY MOON, MAMA FROM THE TRAIN, OLD CAPE COD, LEFT RIGHT OUT OF
YOUR HEART, as well as some non-or-lesser charting songs like I STAYED
TOO LONG AT THE FAIR, LOVE FOR SALE, I'M AFRAID THE MASQUERADE IS OVER,
ONE OF US (WILL WEEP TONIGHT), DOWN THE TRAIL OF ACHIN' HEARTS....
>23. Moments to Remember - The Four Lads
I'm not sure this was the Lads' biggest hit, but it certainly was one
of their biggest. And the group was certainly one of the big male
groups of '50s traditional pop.
Scarlotti: STANDING ON THE CORNER is my favorite of their hits (not
including their work with Johnnie Ray and Frankie Laine of course).
WHO NEEDS YOU is another favorite. I'd personally put all 3 in the
Hall (and probably several others as well).
> 24. Mona Lisa - Nat King Cole
I can't see leaving this out just because it made the other HoF...
rather, if even the anti-Trad Pop majority of this group could not
ignore this song, it has to be considered great.
Scarlotti: Agreed -- if our Hall is going to remain separate from the
R&B one (and, though I'd prefer uniting them, it looks like they're not
destined to do so). Like Page, I can see Cole having a lot of songs in
the Hall as well (some of my favorites - can't vouch for whether
they're all 50s, offhand): UNFORGETTABLE, TOO YOUNG, AROUND THE WORLD,
THE RUBY AND THE PEARL, DARLING JE VOUS AIME BEAUCOUP, A BLOSSOM FELL,
NON DI MENTICAR, MAKE HER MINE, FASCINATION, THERE'S A GOLDMINE IN THE
SKY, PRETEND, SMILE, IF I MAY, SOMEWHERE ALONG THE WAY, FOR SENTIMENTAL
REASONS, THE CHRISTMAS SONG (remake), STARDUST, WHEN I FALL IN LOVE,
LOVE LETTERS, OUR LOVE IS HERE TO STAY...
>25. Mr. Sandman - The Chordettes
The first big hit of the group, and I think also their biggest. An
obvious choice.
Scarlotti: And an important song in the development of rock and roll.
>26. Mule Train - Frankie Laine
I guess I have to do something that I didn't like Scarlotti doing,
nominating a late-1940s song that managed to be still on the charts at
the beginning of 1950. But it's the song I always associate with
Frankie Laine, and has to be included. If any Frankie Laine song
belongs here, this one has to.
Scarlotti: Definitely -- especially as Will Friedwald has rightly
called it the first modern pop song (and one which it is impossible to
think of r'n'r developing without).
But, of course, I'd like to see quite a few Frankie Laine songs in the
Hall. I can't imagine leaving out the likes of such 50s standards as
SATAN WEARS A SATIN GOWN, SWAMP GIRL, THE GIRL IN THE WOOD, JEZEBEL,
JALOUSIE, THAT LUCKY OLD SUN, CRY OF THE WILD GOOSE, HIGH NOON,
MOONLIGHT GAMBLER, RAWHIDE, ROSE ROSE I LOVE YOU, I BELIEVE, ANSWER ME
O LORD, GRANADA A WOMAN IN LOVE, RAIN RAIN RAIN, COOL WATER, GUNFIGHT
AT THE OK CORRAL, THE KID'S LAST FIGHT (huge Brit hit), HEY JOE!, or
LOVE IS A GOLDEN RING. Plus dozens of my personal favorites that
weren't necessarily on the charts: ROCKIN' CHAIR, GET HAPPY, MUSIC
MAESTRO PLEASE, DREAM A LITTLE DREAM OF ME, ISLE OF CAPRI, A MAN GETS
AWFULLY LONELY, ONE FOR MY BABY, NECESSARY EVIL, MY OHIO HOME, LOVE IS
SUCH A CHEAT, DRILL YE TARRIERS, THE SWAN SONG, RAMBLIN' MAN, WHEN ITS
SLEEPY TIME DOWN SOUTH, SNOW IN LOVERS LANE, I'M JUST A POOR BACHELOR,
TONIGHT YOU BELONG TO ME, REMEMBER ME, I FEEL THAT MY TIME AIN'T LONG,
WHERE THE WINDS BLOW, BLOWING WILD, WILLOW WEEP FOR ME, THE GREATER
SIN, NEW ORLEANS, OLD SHOES, LONG DISTANCE LOVE, DO YOU KNOW WHAT IT
MEANS TO MISS NEW ORLEANS, THE LITTLE BOY AND THE OLD MAN, STRANGE LADY
IN TOWN, MY FRIEND, THE LONESOME ROAD, YOU KNOW HOW IT IS, I HAVE TO
CRY, ROCKIN' MOTHER, ANNABEL LEE, ST. JAMES INFIRMARY, LA PALOMA, MY
JOURNEYS END, MY LITTLE LOVE, EL DIABLO, VALLEY OF A HUNDRED HILLS,
MIDNIGHT ON A RAINY MONDAY, ROCKS AND GRAVEL, BECAUSE, BLUE MOON,
CARELESS LOVE, ON A MONDAY, AND DOESN'T SHE ROLL .... Yes all of these
and MANY more!
>27. Music! Music! Music! - Teresa Brewer
The song that made Teresa. A big multi-week #1.
Scarlotti: And the song I'm planning on using as the title of my 50s
music book!
>28. My Heart Cries for You - Guy Mitchell
This song ONLY made #2 on Billboard. But when you figure that there
were 7 other versions that made the top 30, it had to fight against
them. It still has to be considered a big hit.
Scarlotti: Guy Mitchell is another singer I'd love to have multiple
songs inducted by (not quite so many as FL, but quite a few
nevertheless). I only knew a handful of Guy Mitchell songs until
fairly recently, and he's since climbed even higher up my list of all
time favorite vocalists as a result. Other Guy Mitchell inductions
(IMO) would include: THE ROVING KIND, MY TRULY TRULY FAIR, PITTSBURGH
PA, SPARROW IN THE TREETOP, SINGING THE BLUES, A BEGGAR IN LOVE, DAY OF
JUBILO, YOU'LL NEVER BE MINE, HOOT OWL and A DIME AND A DOLLAR.
>29. My Love, My Love - Joni James
Another big Joni James hit; see what I said for "Have You Heard."
Scarlotti: I haven't heard this one -- Joni James is one of the 50s
artists I need to brush up on (meaning I only know a few of her hits).
>30. Oh My Pa-Pa - Eddie Fisher
Eddie Fisher's BIGGEST hit, many weeks at #1.
Scarlotti: Eddie Fisher's another one who's moved up significantly on
my all time favorite lists as of late. We can't leave out such Eddie
Fisher hits as: TURN BACK THE HANDS OF TIME, BRING BACK THE THRILL,
ANYTIME, TELL ME WHY, EVEN NOW, THINKING OF YOU, FORGIVE ME, I'M
WALKING BEHIND YOU, MANY TIMES, FANNY, HEART, DUNGAREE DOLL and
EVERYBODY'S GOT A HOME BUT ME (I really love this last one!).
JayePMorganSucks---KimWildeRocks
JayePMorganSucks---KimWildeRocks
Do you know how many of all those tunes you've listed here I've
actually heard? A very small minority, and absolutely nothing will
induce me to listen to them.
Scar...@searchhawkmail.com
actually heard? A very small minority, and absolutely nothing will
induce me to listen to them.
Scarlotti: If ignorance is bliss...
JayePMorganSucks---KimWildeRocks
Same goes for you as you refused to look at the Human League websites I
offered you. You did, however, look at Kim Wilde's website.
Bruce
40. Three Coins in the Fountain - The Four Aces
A #1 song (well, only #2 on Billboard, helped to #1 on Cash Box by the
fact that Sinatra's cover was added in to the total) and an Oscar
winner. That's enough to make it worth a spot in the HoF.
41. Till I Waltz Again with You - Teresa Brewer
Perhaps not as big a hit as "Music! Music! Music!" but still a big hit
for Teresa. It reached #1 on Billboard for 7 weeks.
42. Too Young - Nat King Cole
Another big Nat Cole hit. I think it was probably more memorable than
"Mona Lisa," but both really belong in there.
43. Unchained Melody - Les Baxter
44. Unchained Melody - Al Hibbler
I think I heard Al Hibbler's version a lot more than Les Baxter's,
though the Baxter version seems to have charted higher in all the lists
I've consulted. I think both belong in there.
45. Vaya con Dios - Les Paul & Mary Ford
To me, the most memorable of LP&MF's work. #1 for ELEVEN weeks on
Billboard, probably the biggest of their hits.
46. Whatever Will Be, Will Be (Que Sera, Sera) - Doris Day
Another Oscar winner and the song that became her trademark. It's far
from my favorite Doris Day song, but because she herself seems to have
chosen it as her trademark, it has to be one of the songs representing
her in the HoF.
47. Wheel of Fortune - Kay Starr
Obviously the biggest hit for Kay Starr, the one everyone thinks of
when they think of her.
48. Why Don't You Believe Me - Joni James
Actually, as I mentioned, I found it hard to pick the song most
representative of Joni James, so I nominated three. See what I said in
my earlier posting.
49. You Belong to Me - Jo Stafford
I don't know if this was her absolute biggest hit (as opposed, say, to
"Make Love to Me") but it was one of hers, and really the song I
forever associate with Jo Stafford.
50. Young at Heart - Frank Sinatra
As I've mentioned above, Oscar winners are featured in my picks, which
was why "High Hopes" was nominated for Sinatra. But I think that "Young
at Heart" was actually a bigger hit for him.
JayePMorganSucks---KimWildeRocks
Bruce wrote:
> The final group of songs in my list:
>
> 40. Three Coins in the Fountain - The Four Aces
>
> A #1 song (well, only #2 on Billboard, helped to #1 on Cash Box by
the
> fact that Sinatra's cover was added in to the total) and an Oscar
> winner. That's enough to make it worth a spot in the HoF.
Frank Sinatra's version is a lot better than the Four Aces' horrendous
version.
>
> 41. Till I Waltz Again with You - Teresa Brewer
>
> Perhaps not as big a hit as "Music! Music! Music!" but still a big
hit
> for Teresa. It reached #1 on Billboard for 7 weeks.
Teresa Brewer sucks. Nothing by her is worthwhile.
>
> 42. Too Young - Nat King Cole
>
> Another big Nat Cole hit. I think it was probably more memorable than
> "Mona Lisa," but both really belong in there.
Cole wasn't too bad.
>
> 43. Unchained Melody - Les Baxter
> 44. Unchained Melody - Al Hibbler
>
> I think I heard Al Hibbler's version a lot more than Les Baxter's,
> though the Baxter version seems to have charted higher in all the
lists
> I've consulted. I think both belong in there.
As I've said here before and will say it again, the Righteous Brothers
MADE that song.
>
> 45. Vaya con Dios - Les Paul & Mary Ford
>
> To me, the most memorable of LP&MF's work. #1 for ELEVEN weeks on
> Billboard, probably the biggest of their hits.
Unexciting, boring, and very monotonous. Not listening.
>
> 46. Whatever Will Be, Will Be (Que Sera, Sera) - Doris Day
>
> Another Oscar winner and the song that became her trademark. It's far
> from my favorite Doris Day song, but because she herself seems to
have
> chosen it as her trademark, it has to be one of the songs
representing
> her in the HoF.
The hit version is terrible, but the movie version is a lot better.
>
> 47. Wheel of Fortune - Kay Starr
>
> Obviously the biggest hit for Kay Starr, the one everyone thinks of
> when they think of her.
It may be her biggest hit, but it is not a really great tune. It's
really insipid.
>
> 48. Why Don't You Believe Me - Joni James
>
> Actually, as I mentioned, I found it hard to pick the song most
> representative of Joni James, so I nominated three. See what I said
in
> my earlier posting.
It's not a great song at all though. Why don't you believe me when I
say that?
>
> 49. You Belong to Me - Jo Stafford
>
> I don't know if this was her absolute biggest hit (as opposed, say,
to
> "Make Love to Me") but it was one of hers, and really the song I
> forever associate with Jo Stafford.
Unlistenable to me and I immediately change the station if it comes on.
But it is a great song when compared to the McGuires, Jaye P. and Gale
(as are all of the other songs here).
>
> 50. Young at Heart - Frank Sinatra
>
> As I've mentioned above, Oscar winners are featured in my picks,
which
> was why "High Hopes" was nominated for Sinatra. But I think that
"Young
> at Heart" was actually a bigger hit for him.
Sinatra's tunes were always half-decent, as was this one.
Scar...@searchhawkmail.com
JayePMorganSucks---KimWildeRocks wrote:
> Bruce wrote:
> > The final group of songs in my list:
> >
> > 40. Three Coins in the Fountain - The Four Aces
> >
> > A #1 song (well, only #2 on Billboard, helped to #1 on Cash Box by
> the
> > fact that Sinatra's cover was added in to the total) and an Oscar
> > winner. That's enough to make it worth a spot in the HoF.
>
> Frank Sinatra's version is a lot better than the Four Aces'
horrendous
> version.
Sinatra's is good (one of his best songs) ... but the Aces' is better.
> > 41. Till I Waltz Again with You - Teresa Brewer
> >
> > Perhaps not as big a hit as "Music! Music! Music!" but still a big
> hit
> > for Teresa. It reached #1 on Billboard for 7 weeks.
>
> Teresa Brewer sucks. Nothing by her is worthwhile.
Teresa Brewer is great. (None of your opinions are worthwhile.)
> > 42. Too Young - Nat King Cole
> >
> > Another big Nat Cole hit. I think it was probably more memorable
than
> > "Mona Lisa," but both really belong in there.
>
> Cole wasn't too bad.
>
> > 43. Unchained Melody - Les Baxter
> > 44. Unchained Melody - Al Hibbler
> >
> > I think I heard Al Hibbler's version a lot more than Les Baxter's,
> > though the Baxter version seems to have charted higher in all the
> lists
> > I've consulted. I think both belong in there.
>
> As I've said here before and will say it again, the Righteous
Brothers
> MADE that song.
Wrong decade, dummy.
> > 45. Vaya con Dios - Les Paul & Mary Ford
> >
> > To me, the most memorable of LP&MF's work. #1 for ELEVEN weeks on
> > Billboard, probably the biggest of their hits.
>
> Unexciting, boring, and very monotonous. Not listening.
No, Kim ... those adjectives are better suited to your posts.
> > 46. Whatever Will Be, Will Be (Que Sera, Sera) - Doris Day
> >
> > Another Oscar winner and the song that became her trademark. It's
far
> > from my favorite Doris Day song, but because she herself seems to
> have
> > chosen it as her trademark, it has to be one of the songs
> representing
> > her in the HoF.
>
> The hit version is terrible, but the movie version is a lot better.
It's one of my favorites.
> > 47. Wheel of Fortune - Kay Starr
> >
> > Obviously the biggest hit for Kay Starr, the one everyone thinks of
> > when they think of her.
>
> It may be her biggest hit, but it is not a really great tune. It's
> really insipid.
You're insipid, Chuck. The song is fantastic!
> > 48. Why Don't You Believe Me - Joni James
> >
> > Actually, as I mentioned, I found it hard to pick the song most
> > representative of Joni James, so I nominated three. See what I said
> in
> > my earlier posting.
>
> It's not a great song at all though. Why don't you believe me when I
> say that?
Because you've proven yourself to be a pathological liar with multiple
personalities who changes his opinions depending on which member of the
group he wants to impress...
> > 49. You Belong to Me - Jo Stafford
> >
> > I don't know if this was her absolute biggest hit (as opposed, say,
> to
> > "Make Love to Me") but it was one of hers, and really the song I
> > forever associate with Jo Stafford.
>
> Unlistenable to me and I immediately change the station if it comes
on.
> But it is a great song when compared to the McGuires, Jaye P. and
Gale
> (as are all of the other songs here).
For someone who doesn't like this music, you sure talk about it a lot.
> > 50. Young at Heart - Frank Sinatra
> >
> > As I've mentioned above, Oscar winners are featured in my picks,
> which
> > was why "High Hopes" was nominated for Sinatra. But I think that
> "Young
> > at Heart" was actually a bigger hit for him.
>
> Sinatra's tunes were always half-decent, as was this one.
Wasn't just a week or two ago that you were telling Steve how you hated
Sinatra???
JayePMorganSucks---KimWildeRocks
Bruce wrote:
> The second installment of my list of explanations:
>
> 11. Hey There - Rosemary Clooney
>
> Clooney, of course, had a lot of hits, and it's hard to pick only
> three. But I think most will agree that this was certainly one of her
> biggest, and another long-time #1 hit.
Not exciting at all. Boring and slow.
>
> 12. High Hopes - Frank Sinatra
>
> An Oscar-winning song, one of the songs that became a Sinatra
> trademark; certainly a big hit.
Sinatra sings the song with a CHILDREN'S CHORUS! Ewwww....
>
> 13. I Can Dream, Can't I - Andrews Sisters
>
> Another one picked primarily because it was a long-term #1 hit. It
was
> also the only 1950's hit for a group better known in the 1940s, but
> belonging in any HoF featuring Traditional Pop songs of the 1950's.
It should be a Patty Andrews solo hit. Very boring, though.
>
> 14. If I Give My Heart to You - Doris Day
>
> Not her biggest hit, but a top 10 pick anyway, and one of her nicest
> (though that's not why I nominate songs here). The song itself made a
> top 10 slot in 2 different versions (on Billboard, which DID count
> separate versions separately!) and obviously each version worked
> against the other's popularity.
Not listening.
>
> 15. If I Give My Heart to You - Denise Lor
>
> And this, of course, was the other competing version. Denise Lor's
ONLY
> hit, and thus necessarily her biggest. And to make Billboard's top 10
> when a powerhouse like Doris Day had a competing version was quite an
> accomplishment!
Haven't heard this version.
>
> 16. It's Almost Tomorrow - The Dream Weavers
>
> I gave my reasons for nominating this one in another post. But to
> recapitulate:
> "Note that 'It's Almost Tomorrow' seems to be pretty obscure these
> days,
> but it did reach #1 in the UK as well as top-10 here and that's
pretty
> good for a couple of guys who wrote it in high school, sang it in
> college, and thus have to be considered among the first people to
> succeed as both songwriters and singers! (Though some fairly big
> artists like Jo Stafford covered the song, as well)"
Slow, boring, and extremely monotonous. Who cares if the artists wrote
the song?
>
> 17. Little Things Mean a Lot - Kitty Kallen
>
> Another big hit for an artist who had not that many. As Scarlotti
> posted, the biggest song of 1954 on both Billboard and Cash Box. An
> obvious pick.
Terrible. Very, very terrible. Utterly cringe-inducing.
>
> 18. The Little White Cloud that Cried - Johnnie Ray
>
> I don't like Johnnie Ray. But this song, almost as much as "Cry,"
> defined his career, and it has to be considered worthy of a HoF.
B-side to my old "Cry" 78. I don't own it anymore, nor do I like this
tune anymore.
>
> 19. Lollipop - The Chordettes
>
> Was this, or "Mr. Sandman," their biggest hit? I don't know, but I've
> nominated both because they both were big.
Silly and stupid. But its a masterpiece when compared to any McGuire
hit.
>
> 20. Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing - The Four Aces
>
> Another song that both was a long-term #1 and an Oscar-winner. No
> chance I'd leave that one out!
Overblown and extremely lifeless. Typical of '50s songs.