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 →
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005FNEYOA When “All I Have to Do Is Dream” came out in 1958, I listened to it in the record store and bought it immediately. It has since become one of my all-time favorite songs. This is the kind of … Continue reading →
David Seville’s real name was Ross Bagdasarian. Ross was born January 27, 1919 to grape farmers in Fresno, California. His father wanted him to follow in his footsteps and become a grape farmer also, but Ross had other ideas. He … Continue reading →
“Twilight Time” has quite a history. It was written by songwriter Samuel Buck Ram (they called him Buck) back in 1944. He wrote the words as a poem and then the music was supplied by the members of the instrumental … Continue reading →
Laurie London was born in 1944, in East London England, and I can’t find anything to imply that that is not his real name. He was about fourteen when he sang this big hit. He actually recorded the song when … Continue reading →
Elvis’ first number one of 1958 was the double sided hit “Don’t” backed with “I Beg of You.” “Don’t” is his first ballad since “Love Me Tender” back in 1956. On December 20, 1957, Elvis received his draft notice to … Continue reading →
“Catch a Falling Star,” written by Paul Vance and Lee Pockriss, was Perry Como’s last number one of his career. Of course, Perry Como kept right on singing and entertaining. His television show, Kraft Music Hall, lasted until 1967, So, … Continue reading →