Did you know that Conway Twitty was not his real name? Conway was born Harold Lloyd Jenkins, named for the famous silent film star Harold Lloyd, in 1933 in Friars Point, Mississippi. Harold had his choice of several careers. He … Continue reading →
How many people know that a vice-president of the United States wrote a song that became a number one hit? It’s only happened once in the history of music. Now, Joe Biden could break that record by writing a song … Continue reading →
After the success of “All I Have to do Is Dream,” the boys released “Bird Dog” which was their second number one in succession. The song was written by Boudleaux Bryant who along with his wife had written “All I … Continue reading →
The Elegants have the second song in succession that is a one-hit wonder. Domenico Modugno had just the one hit and never hit again. The Elegants did the same thing with “Little Star” The Elegants members Vito Picone and Arthur … Continue reading →
“Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu” or as it’s sometimes known as, “Volare,” is the only Italian song to top the American pop charts. The song was written by Domenico Modugno and two others, Franco Migliacci and Mitchell Parish. In English, … Continue reading →
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005MR587G “Poor Little Fool” was Ricky Nelson’s first number one, but his sixth hit overall. In 1958, Billboard changed the way it displayed the hits. Before this there were several charts, one for jukebox play, one for radio play, and … Continue reading →
There’s not much to say about “Patricia.” The music was written by Perez Prado and the lyrics by Bob Marcus, although this version of the song has no lyrics. It is pure instrumental. Billboard Magazine was in the process in … Continue reading →
Today, we think of the consummate instrument that most closely represents “rock and roll” is the guitar. But, when I was growing up in the Fifties, I thought the saxophone more closely represented what rock and roll was. I even … Continue reading →
Elvis was in the army when “Hard Headed Woman” hit the top of the charts. The song was from his latest movie King Creole. He had filmed the movie and completed the soundtrack before he was called up to serve. … Continue reading →
1958 was a year for novelty songs. I think people were happier back then. We had “Witch Doctor” a couple songs ago and now there is “The Purple People Eater” by Sheb Wooley. Sheb Wooley was born in 1920 in … Continue reading →