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'Shivers down the backbone....'
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Rockin' Rollin' Diaries
February '55 - '62
The charts in UK and USA, the releases and other important events
Birthdays this month:Billy Jack Wills - 1 February, 1926 (Memphis, Hall County, TX)
Died 2 March, 1991, CaliforniaDon Everly - 1 February, 1937 (Brownie, KY)
Harold Bradley - 2 February, 1926 (Nashville, TN)
Red Prysock - 2 February, 1926 (Greensboro, NC)
Died 19 July, 1993, Chicago, ILClarence Quick (Del-Vikings) - 2 February, 1937 (Brooklyn, NYC)
Died 5 May, 1983Rusty Kershaw - 3 February, 1938 (Tiel Ridge, LA)
Varetta Dillard - 3 February, 1933 (Harlem, NYC)
Died 4 October, 1993, Brooklyn, NYCJohnny "Guitar" Watson - 3 February, 1935 (Houston, TX)
Died 17 May, 1996, Yokohama, JapanJohnny Cymbal - 3 February, 1945 (Ochiltree, Scotland)
Died 16 March, 1993, Nashville, TNPaul Burlison - 4 February, 1929 (Brownsville, TN)
Gil Bernal - 4 February, 1931 (Watts, CA)
Hal Blaine - 5 February, 1929 (Holyoke, MA)
Claude King - 5 February, 1923 (near Keithville, LA)
Jackie Lee Cochran - 5 February, 1934 (Dalton, GA)
Died 15 March, 1998, Burbank, CABarrett Strong - 5 February, 1941 (Westpoint, MS)
Leon Rene - 6 February, 1902 (Covington, LA)
Died 30 May, 1982 (Los Angeles, CA)Fabian - 6 February, 1943 (Philadelphia, PA)
Warren Smith - 7 February, 1933 (Humphreys County, MS)
Died 30 January, 1980, Longview, TXKing Curtis - 7 February, 1934 (Fort Worth, TX)
Died 13 August, 1971, Manhattan, NYCEarl King - 7 February, 1934 (New Orleans, LA)
Pappy Daily - 8 February, 1902 (Yoakum, TX)
Died 5 December, 1987, Houston, TXLonnie Johnson - 8 February, 1889 (New Orleans, LA)
Died 16 June, 1970, Toronto, CanadaFloyd Dixon - 8 February, 1929 (Marshall, TX)
Tracy Pendarvis - 8 February, 1936 (Shamrock, FL)
Died 25 January, 1997, Gainesville, FLLarry Verne - 8 February, 1936 (Minneapolis, MN)
Ray Sharpe - 8 February, 1938 (Fort Worth, TX)
Ernest Tubb - 9 February, 1914 (Crisp, TX)
Died 6 September, 1984, Nashville, TNBarry Mann - 9 February, 1939 (Brooklyn, NYC)
Brian Bennett - 9 February, 1940 (London, England)
Jivin' Gene (Bourgeois) - 9 February, 1940 (Port Arthur, TX)
Carole King - 9 February, 1942 (Brooklyn, NYC)
Joe Ely - 9 February, 1947 (Amarillo, TX)
Bennie Hess - 10 February, 1914 (Chriesman, TX)
T.V. Slim (Oscar Wills) - 10 February, 1916 (Houston, TX)
Died 21 October, 1969, Klingman, AZRockin' Dopsie (Alton Rubin) - 10 February, 1932 (Carencro, LA)
Died 26 August, 1993, Opelousas, LADon Wilson (Ventures) - 10 February, 1937 (Tacoma, WA)
Ral Donner - 10 February, 1943 (Chicago, IL)
Died 6 April, 1984, ChicagoGene Vincent - 11 February, 1935 (Norfolk, VA)
Died 12 October, 1971, Saugus, CAGerry Goffin - 11 February, 1939 (Queens, NYC)
Bobby "Boris" Pickett - 11 February, 1940 (Somerville, MA)
Gene McDaniels - 12 February, 1935 (Kansas City, KS)
Charles "Hungry" Williams - 12 February, 1935 (New Orleans, LA)
Died 10 May, 1986, New OrleansTennessee Ernie Ford - 13 February, 1919 (Bristol, TN)
Died 17 October, 1991, Los Angeles, CABoudleaux Bryant - 13 February, 1920 (Shellman, GA)
Died 25 June, 1987, Knoxville, TNMurray the K (Murray Kaufman) - 14 February, 1922 (Richmond, VA)
Died 21 February, 1982, Los Angeles, CAMagic Sam (Sam Maghett) - 14 February, 1937 (Grenada, MS)
Died 1 December, 1969, Chicago, ILLillie Bryant (Billy and LIllie) - 14 February, 1940 (Newburg, NY)
Kokomo Arnold - 15 February, 1901 (Lovejoy's Station, GA)
Died 8 November, 1968, Chicago, ILHank Locklin - 15 February, 1918 (McLellan, FL)
Jimmy Wakely - 16 February, 1914 (Mineola, AR)
Died 23 September, 1982, Mission Hills, CABill Doggett - 16 February, 1916 (Philadelphia, PA)
Died 13 November, 1996, Manhattan, NYCSonny Bono - 16 February, 1935 (Detroit, MI)
Died 5 January, 1998, near Lake Tahoe, CAThe Kalin Twins - 16 February, 1934 (Port Jervis, NY)
Tommy Edwards - 17 February, 1922 (Richmond, VA)
Died 22 October, 1969, Henrico County, VANoble "Thin Man" Watts - 17 February, 1926 (DeLand, FL)
Bobby Lewis - 17 February, 1933 (Indianapolis, IN)
Johnny Bush - 17 February, 1935 (Houston, TX)
John Leyton - 17 February, 1939 (Frinton-on-Sea, Essex, England)
Gene Pitney - 17 February, 1941 (Hartford, CT)
Pee Wee King - 18 February, 1914 (Abrams, WI)
Died 7 March, 2000, Louisville, KYWarren Storm - 18 February, 1937 (Vermilion Parish, LA)
Irma Thomas - 18 February, 1941 (Ponchatoula, LA)
Smokey Robinson - 19 February, 1940 (Detroit, MI)
Jimmy Yancey - 20 February, 1898 (Cook County, Chicago, IL)
Died 17 September, 1951, ChicagoBobby Charles - 21 February, 1938 (Abbeville, LA)
Spade Cooley - 22 February, 1910 (Grande, OK)
Died 23 November, 1969, Vacaville, CABig Al Sears - 22 February, 1910 (Macomb, IL)
Died 23 March, 1990, Long Island, NYErnie K-Doe - 22 February, 1936 (New Orleans, LA)
Bobby Hendricks - 22 February, 1938 (Columbus, OH)
Buck Griffin - 23 February, 1923 (Corsicana, TX)
Don Law - 24 February, 1902 (London, England)
Died 20 December 1982, LaGrange, TXGeorge Harrison - 24 February, 1943 (Liverpool, England)
Faron Young - 25 February, 1932 (Shreveport, LA)
Died 10 December, 1996, Nashville, TNFats Domino - 26 February, 1928 (New Orleans, LA)
Johnny Cash - 26 February, 1932 (Kingsland, AK)
Orion (Jimmy Ellis) - 26 February, 1945 (Orrville, AL)
Died 12 December, 1998, OrrvilleMitch Ryder - 26 February, 1945 (Hamtramck, MI)
Clarence Garlow - 27 February, 1911 (Welsh, LA)
Died 24 July, 1986, Beaumont, TXHardrock Gunter - 27 February, 1925 (near Birmingham, AL)
Guy Mitchell - 27 February, 1927 (Detroit, MI)
Died 1 July, 1999, Las Vegas, NVRoy Montrell - 27 February, 1928 (New Orleans, LA)
Died 17 May, 1979, Amsterdam, NetherlandsJoe South - 28 February, 1940 (Atlanta, GA)
Eddie Cash - 28 February, 1941 (Memphis, TN)
February 1955
UK Top Ten (first week of the month):
1. Mambo Italiano - Rosemary Clooney
2. Finger Of Suspicion - Dickie Valentine
3. Softly Softly - Ruby Murray
4. Shake Rattle And Roll - Bill Haley
5. Naughty Lady Of Shady Lane - Dean Martin
6. Give Me Your Word - Tennessee Ernie Ford
7. Let Me Go Lover - Teresa Brewer
8. Mobile - Ray Burns
9. A Blossom Fell - Dickie Valentine
10. Mr Sandman - Chordettes
US Top Ten (first week of the month):
1. Let Me Go Lover - Joan Weber
2. Mr Sandman - Chordettes
3. Hearts Of Stone - Fontane Sisters
4. Naughty Lady Of Shady Lane - Ames Brothers
5. Sincerely - McGuire Sisters
6. Melody Of Love - Billy Vaughn
7. That’s All I Want From You - Jaye P. Morgan
8. No More - Dejohn Sisters
9. Make Yourself Comfortable - Sarah Vaughan
10. Teach Me Tonight - De Castro Sisters
US R&B chart toppers this month:
Sincerely - The Moonglows
Pledging My Love - Johnny Ace
US Country chart toppers this month:
Let Me Go Lover - Hank Snow
In The Jailhouse Now - Webb Pierce
Some UK single 45 releases:
Love Me/Don’t You Hear Me Calling You - Fats Domino
Dim, Dim The Lights/Happy Baby - Bill Haley
Time Waits For No One- Hilltoppers
Clink, Clank (In My Piggy Bank) - Two-Ton Baker
Penny Candy - Jim Reeves
Cracked Ice - Earl Bostic
Someday Sweetheart/Song In Blue - Les Paul & Mary Ford
Tennessee Mambo - Bonnie Lou
If You Believe - Johnnie Ray
Back In Circulation - Norman Brooks
Itsy Witsy Bitsy Me - Jim Edward Brown & Maxine Brown
Indian Moon - Ginny Wright
Melody Of Love - Ink Spots
Sorry About The Whole Darned Thing - Woody Herman & The New Third Herd
A Blossom Fell - Nat King Cole
When The Saints Go Marching In - Rosalind Paige
You Can’t Have Your Cake And Eat It Too - Don, Dick & Jimmy
S’posin’ - Frank Sinatra
Hearts Of Stone - Goofers
Happy Days And Lonely Nights - Ruby Murray
I Love Onions - Washboard Joe & His Scrubbers
Important events:
Britain is set to enter the jukebox age. Recently freed from restrictive controls, the industry manufacturing these public record players is poised to emulate its success in America, where the number of boxes in operation is said to number half a million - one for every 300 of the population. On a visit to Japan, John Haddock, owner of the leading US manufacturer AMI, said an ideal location for juke boxes would be the coffee houses which have become a London institution and are rapidly spreading to the provinces. "In the States," he points out, "music is usually associated with refreshment."
Weighing in with his version of "You’ll Never Walk Alone", former boxer Roy Hamilton is tipped as a new contender for the heavyweight ballad crown.
Orchestra leader Ray Anthony is engaged to sultry film actress Mamie Van Doren.
On tour in Australia, Winifred Atwell is feted wherever she goes. Said one reporter: "England may have won the Ashes, but we’ll be more than happy to keep Winifred Atwell."
Seven of America’s current top 15 pop best sellers have their roots in the rhythm & blues field. Produced primarily for the black market, the songs have hit a responsive chord with white teenagers - but they are rushing to buy not the original versions but duplications by white acts who benefit from airplay on US radio stations, most of which are racially segregated. This means that while The McGuire Sisters reign at number one with "Sincerely", the original recorded by The Moonglows is nowhere to be seen. Similarly, The Charms’ R&B climber "Hearts Of Stone" stands at no. 2 in a version by The Fontane Sisters, while Perry Como and The Crew Cuts are riding high with "Ko Ko Mo", originally cut by Gene & Eunice. The exception to the trend is "Earth Angel", where the original disc by The Penguins is outselling a replica by The Crew Cuts. Suffering from what they see as unfair competition are not only the black artists, but also their record companies - mostly small independent operations without the power and influence of the majors. Atlantic, the top selling R&B label for the past three years, is particularly angry about the proliferation of white copies, or "cover versions" as they are known. "Radio stations are falling over themselves to play the Georgia Gibbs version of "Tweedle Dee", while listeners aren’t given an chance to hear the original by LaVern Baker. Consequently, Georgia Gibbs has the hit," says Atlantic executive Jerry Wexler, who also saw The Crew Cuts "obliterate" The Chords’ novel waxing "Sh’Boom".
On February 19th, Dot Records announce the signing of their new singing sensation, Pat Boone.
Two months after the singer had shot himself dead playing Russian Roulette, Johnny Ace’s "Pledging My Love" has reached #1 on the R&B charts.
Articles in this February’s issues of N.M.E.:
Hunting Lions, He Found a Hit. Story of Stuart Hamblen- prize-fighter to bronco-buster to songwriter.
The NME Scores a Great Century. Sales of NME exceed 100,000 - largest circulation in the world of a musical paper.
Straight Actor Johnnie Ray Launches New Disc on TV. Ray appears on CBS drama and introduces "Paths of Paradise"……. And Scores a Big Hit in His Latest Film…. "There's No Business Like Show Business".
U.S. Star-Studded Variety 'Invasion' is On Its Way!. Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, Ames Brothers, Jeff Chandler and others to perform at the London Palladium this year.
'I Do Not Copy Patti Page!'. Lita Roza responds to NME reader criticism.
Pye-Polygon Record Merger- Official. Details plans of the newly-made record company.
Other events:
February 9: Mr Georgi Malenkov, 53, yesterday resigned his position as Prime Minister of the Soviet Union, which he assumed in March 1953 after the death of Mr Stalin. Marshal Nikolai Bulganin, 59, hitherto Minister of Defence, was appointed in his place.
As part of a £212 million road improvement programme, two national motorways were announced, the first to be built in Britain. The first motorway is planned to run from London to Yorkshire and later, a similar road will be built from Birmingham to Preston.
February 16: A £300 million industrial atomic energy programme for the construction of 12 full-scale nuclear power stations within the next 10 years was announced in a White Paper on atomic energy published yesterday. It is the first programme of its kind and size in the world. The types of pile to be used are inherently safe and could not blow up. Nevertheless, they will probably be sited away from centres of population to allay possible public anxiety.
February 18: "Bo’sun", the 18-year-old mongrel dog of "Mrs Dale’s Diary" died on Wednesday. Listeners to the Diary yesterday heard Mrs Dale say, "We are going to miss him terribly". Today he will be buried under an oak tree in the family’s garden.
February 1956
UK Top Ten (first week of the month):
1. Sixteen Tons - Tennessee Ernie Ford
2. The Ballad of Davy Crockett - Bill Hayes
3. Love Is A Tender Trap - Frank Sinatra
4. Love And Marriage - Frank Sinatra
5. The Ballad of Davy Crockett - Tennessee Ernie Ford
6. Rock-a-Beatin’ Boogie - Bill Haley
7. Rock Island Line - Lonnie Donegan
8. When You Lose The One You Love - David Whitfield
9. Love Is A Many Splendoured Thing - Four Aces
10. Rock Around The Clock - Bill Haley
US Top Ten (first week of the month):
1. Memories Are Made Of This - Dean Martin
2. The Great Pretender - Platters
3. Sixteen Tons - Tennessee Ernie Ford
4. Lisbon Antigua - Nelson Riddle
5. Rock And Roll Waltz - Kay Starr
6. Band Of Gold - Don Cherry
7. See You Later, Alligator - Bill Haley
8. It’s Almost Tomorrow - Dream Weavers
9. Dungaree Doll - Eddie Fisher
10. I Hear You Knockin’ - Gale Storm
US R&B chart toppers this month:
At My Front Door - El Dorados
US Country chart toppers this month:
Sixteen Tons - Tennessee Ernie Ford
Why Baby Why - Red Sovine & Webb Pierce
I Forgot To Remember To Forget - Elvis Presley
Some UK single 45 releases:
Well Now Dig This - Jodimars
Cry Me A River - Julie London
Honey, Honey Bee Ball- Hank Thompson & His Brazos Valley Boys
Diggin’ My Potatoes/Bury My Body - Lonnie Donegan
Thirty Days - Ernest Tubb
Yellow Roses - Jimmy Wakley
Last Minute Love - Snooky Lanson
Young And Foolish - Dean Martin
Rock And Roll Waltz - Kay Starr
Memories Are Made Of This - Dean Martin
Memories Are Made Of This - Gale Storm
The Great Pretender - Jimmy Parkinson
Magic Melody - Les Paul & Mary Ford
Dungaree Doll - Dickie Bennett
Gee Whittakers - Pat Boone
Rock A Boogie Baby - Bill Darnel
Guilty - Four Knights
Let Her Go, Let Her Go - Ken Carson
Nothin’ To Do - Archie Bleyer
My Boy Flat Top - Frankie Vaughan
Have You Ever Been Lonely? - Jaye P. Morgan
Not One Goodbye - Jaye P. Morgan
A Good Man Is Hard To Find - Teresa Brewer
Chain Gang - Jimmy Young
Love And Marriage - Alma Cogan
Important events:
Having recently banned Gale Storm's recording of 'Teenage Prayer" because the title has 'religious connotations', the BBC has now banned the theme from Frank Sinatra's much acclaimed movie "The Man With The Golden Arm" - recorded by 'The Man With The Golden Trumpet', Eddie Calvert. Despite the fact that this is an instrumental disc, a BBC spokesman says : 'The ban is due to its connection with a film about drugs' Paradoxically, Billy May's version of the very same tune, cleverly re-titled 'Main Theme', has been approved for transmission.
In less than a year as manager of EMI's Parlophone label, George Martin has achieved quite a feat in steering three discs into the British Top 20 frame at the same time. Dick James has hit the mark with 'Robin Hood', Eve Boswell has broken through with 'Pickin' A Chicken', and TV's What's My Line? anchorman Eamonn Andrews has scored a hit with his cover of 'The Shifting Whispering Sands'.
The success of Lonnie Donegan's skiffle disc "Rock Island Line", has taken everybody by surprise - not least Lonnie himself. Until this month, he was the banjo player in Chris Barber's trad jazz band, and only picked up the guitar to sing a few blues songs during the skiffle intermission they incorporated into their set. But now Glasgow-born Lonnie has decided to strike out on his own and form a permanent skiffle group for personal appearances and recording. Within days of his disc entering the chart, the Nixa label offered the 24 year-old a solo contract, which he accepted. He cuts his first single for them shortly. Meanwhile, 'Rock Island Line"- which Lonnie learned from a recording by the veteran blues singer Huddie 'Leadbelly' Ledbetter - is stirring up considerable interest in the States.
Without a British outlet, The Platters must watch cover versions of their songs climb the British chart: "Only You" by The Hilltoppers and "The Great Pretender" by Jimmy Parkinson.
On February 4, James Brown and His Famous Flames cut their first single, "Please, Please, Please", for Federal in the USA.
Two tracks recorded by The Everly Brothers last November are released as their first single, "Keep A’Lovin Me"/"The Sun Keeps Shining", for Columbia.
Screamin’ Jay Hawkins records the original "I Put A Spell On You" in New York.
Jerry Lee Lewis and his father, having financed the 300-mile trip through the sale of 33-dozen eggs, arrive in Memphis to demand an audition at Sun Records. Sam Philips is away, but an assistant lets the determined Lewis in to make a demo.
Bounding up the charts with torrid instrumental "Zambesi", is Lou Busch - aka US pianist Joe "Fingers" Carr.
Billy Cotton and Ronnie Ronalde have released versions of "Happy Trails", the theme of ATV’s weekly "Roy Rogers" series.
Articles in this February’s issues of N.M.E.:
Lena Horne in Europe, won't go to Britain - I Will Not Sing in Britain!
Through South Africa with Johnnie Ray - Vic Lewis discusses his tour with Johnnie Ray
Ronnie Scott's New Band Makes Its Bow
Two 'Robin Hoods' Fight a Record Battle - Dick James, Gary Miller success stories
British Tour Offered to Bill Haley and the Comets - Bill Haley and the Comets are offered to tour Britain
Winifred Atwell Sensation - Atwell refuses to appear on American TV show
Other events:
A.A.Milne, creator of the "Winnie The Pooh" books has died at the age of 74.
The Duke of Edinburgh has decided to sponsor an award for young people, initially confined to boys, to be known as "The Duke Of Edinburgh’s’ Award". Brigadier Sir John Hunt, leader of the triumphant Everest expedition, will advise and assist in promoting the award.
Mr W.H. Auden has won a closely contested election for the Professorship of Poetry at Oxford with 216 votes and a majority of 24. It is the first time an American, Mr Auden having changed his nationality in 1946, has been elected to the chair. He succeeds his friend and contemporary, Mr C. Day Lewis. His salary is £300 per year.
New recruits to the recently partially re-armed West German army will not have to goose-step in parade ground manoeuvres.
February 1957
UK Top Ten (first week of the month):
1. Garden Of Eden - Frankie Vaughan
2. Singing The Blues - Guy Mitchell
3. Singing The Blues - Tommy Steele
4. Friendly Persuasion - Pat Boone
5. True Love - Bing Crosby & Grace Kelly
6. St Theresa Of The Roses - Malcolm Vaughan
7. Blueberry Hill - Fats Domino
8. Don’t You Rock Me Daddy-O - Lonnie Donegan
9. Moonlight Gambler - Frankie Laine
10. Hound Dog - Elvis Presley
US Top Ten (first week of the month):
1. Singing The Blues- Guy Mitchell
2. Young Love - Sonny James
3. Don’t Forbid Me/Anastasia - Pat Boone
4. Young Love - Tab Hunter
5. Moonlight Gambler - Frankie Laine
6. Banana Boat Song - Tarriers
7. Blueberry Hill - Fats Domino
8. Green Door - Jim Lowe
9. Banana Boat Song - Harry Belafonte
10. Love Me Tender - Elvis Presley
US R&B chart toppers this month:
Blue Monday - Fats Domino
US Country chart toppers this month:
Young Love - Sonny James
Some UK single 45 releases:
Mystery Train/Love Me - Elvis Presley
Lonesome Train/Honey Hush - Johnny Burnette Trio
Don’t Knock The Rock/Calling All Comets - Bill Haley & His Comets
Don’t Knock The Rock - Art Baxter & His Rock’n’Roll Sinners
Hook, Line & Sinker/Goofin’ Around - Bill Haley & His Comets
I’m Not A Juvenile Delinquent - Frankie Lymon & Teenagers
You Can’t Catch Me/Havana Moon- Chuck Berry
Blue Monday/What’s The Reason I’m Not Pleasing You? - Fats Domino
Shame, Shame, Shame - Smiley Lewis
Jim Dandy/Tra La La - Lavern Baker & The Gliders
Rock’n’Roll Boogie/Teeners Canteen - Alan Freed & His Rock’n’Roll Band
Would I Be Crying - Flamingos
I Knew From The Start/Over And Over Again - Moonglows
Every Day Of The Week - Amos Milburn
Rock, Rock, Rock/The Big Beat - Jimmy Cavello & His House Rockers
The Wisdom Of A Fool - Five Keys
The Wisdom Of A Fool - Ronnie Carroll
Freight Train - Chas McDevitt
Sugaree - Jordanaires
The Girl Can’t Help It/Rock Around The Rockpile - Ray Anthony Orchestra
The Money Tree - Anisteen Allen
I Never Had A Sweetheart - Connie Francis
Would You Ever/Baby Can Rock - Dorothy Collins
Drink Up And Go Home - Mitchell Torok
Don’t Knock The Rock - Alan Dale
Knee Deep In The Blues - Guy Mitchell
Knee Deep In The Blues - Tommy Steele
The Big Beat/Rock, Rock, Rock - Tony Crombie & His Rockets
Lonesome Train/We’re Gonna Rock Tonight - Tony Crombie & His Rockets
We’re Gonna Rock Tonight - Three Chuckles
Around The World With Elvin Pretzel - Lee Tully
Young Love -Tab Hunter
Rock, Pretty Baby - Ivy Schulman & The Bowties
Garden Of Eden - Matt Monro
Tra La La - Georgia Gibbs
Tra La La - Rose Brennan
By You, By You, By You - Jim Lowe
Gonna Get Along Without Ya Now - Patience & Prudence
Let’s Rock’n’Roll Medley - Winifred Atwell
The Banana Boat Song - Harry Belafonte
The Banana Boat Song - Shirley Bassey
The Banana Boat Song - Sarah Vaughan
The Banana Boat Song - Fontane Sisters
The Banana Boat Song - Inia Te Wiata
Applejack - Dave Appell & His Applejacks
The Man Who Plays The Mandolino - Dean Martin
Green Grow The Lilacs - Tex Ritter
Important events:
From "New Musical Express":
It seemed that half the population turned out to welcome Bill Haley to Britain. As soon as he and his Comets had disembarked from the liner Queen Mary, a chartered train -'The Bill Haley Rock'n'Roll Special' - whisked them from Southampton to London. All along the route, people waved from windows, stood in gardens and on railway embankments, and hung precariously over bridges. On arrival at Waterloo, the whole forecourt was crammed with over 4000 Haley worshippers, making a noise which rapidly reduced Glasgow's famous Hampden Roar to a whisper. Nobody could do much with that crowd, least of all the police. Once in the middle, Haley's chauffeur driven car was powerless - he was hemmed in for a full 20 minutes while fans clamoured and cheered. But that was nothing compared with the band's opening concert at the Dominion Cinema. You've seen them in their films and heard them on your record players - but how can one possibly describe or explain it, that deafening, devastating EXTRA roar of enthusiasm which greeted and sustained Haley and his Comets that night? The Comets' overwhelming triumph became an undeniable, exultant fact from the opening bars of their very first number, a short but ferociously emphatic version of the familiar 'Razzle Dazzle'.
In his down-to-earth announcements, unpretentious vocals and friendly demeanour, Bill looks and sounds like the homespun fellow whom his fans have pictured in their minds - and one can legitimately add that every member of The Comets represents a denial of the so-called 'delinquency' label attached by some killjoys to rock'n'roll, in that their total performance, measured by the yardstick of family entertainment, is as wholesome and forthright as a Billy Cotton Band Show.
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The BBC are making an all-out drive to capture U.K. teenagers when the 'extra hour' television begins on February 16. Rock'n'roll and traditional jazz will be two staple ingredients of a new Saturday night show, "Six-Five Special", which is being specifically aimed at the 16-25 age group. A number of artists have already been booked in for the first programmes, including Tommy Steele & His Steelmen (for the first four), Lonnie Donegan, Humphrey Lyttelton, Kenny Baker and the King Brothers. Star comedians and sportsmen will also appear on the shows, which will be hosted by Pete Murray and Josephine Douglas and will feature dancing teenagers. Commercial television are also hoping to impress the teenage audience with their new series, "Cool For Cats".
Critics agree that "The Girl Can’t Help It", released this month, is the best rock’n’roll film so far.
In Los Angeles, between February 12 and 15, the Coasters record four songs under the direction of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. Two of them, both written by the producers, will make up their first million-selling single: "Young Blood"/"Searchin’".
On February 24 and 25, in Clovis, New Mexico, Buddy Holly and his band (now minus Sonny Curtis) cut their first tracks under Norman Petty’s supervision. One of the new recordings is a harder, crisper version of the song they recorded six months previously in Decca’s Nashville studio, "That’ll Be The Day". The other track recorded is "I’m Looking For Someone To Love".
Capitol Records have been deluged by an unexpected half a million advance orders for Tommy Sands’ debut disc, "Teenage Crush".
It has been announced that leading folk-blues singer, Big Bill Broonzy, is to visit Great Britain next month.
"New Musical Express" headlines this month:
Shirley Bassey is a Big Hit at Las Vegas.
Yana has 'em Tingling in the Aisles!
Welcome Back, Guy Mitchell!
Eve Boswell Rocks Those 'Bobbin' Boats.
"Young Love" is in Season - Thanks to Tab Hunter
The American Invasion is On! - and now it's Mitchell Torok.
Tony Martin Tells you the Secrets of a Pop Star.
Other events:
The United Nations Assembly calls upon South Africa to reconsider its apartheid policy and to "co-operate in a constructive approach" to the racial question.
February 1958
UK Top Ten (first week of the month):
1. Jailhouse Rock - Elvis Presley
2. The Story Of My Life - Michael Holliday
3. Great Balls Of Fire - Jerry Lee Lewis
4. Oh Boy - Buddy Holly
5. All The Way - Frank Sinatra
6. Ma, He’s Making Eyes At Me - Johnny Otis Show
7. Peggy Sue - Buddy Holly
8. Kisses Sweeter Than Wine - Jimmie Rodgers
9. My Special Angel - Malcolm Vaughan
10. The Story Of My Life - Gary Miller
US Top Ten (first week of the month):
1. At The Hop - Danny & The Juniors
2. Get A Job - Silhouettes
3. Don’t/ I Beg Of You - Elvis Presley
4. Stood Up/Waitin’ In School - Ricky Nelson
5. Sail Along Silvery Moon/Raunchy - Billy Vaughn
6. Peggy Sue - Buddy Holly
7. Great Balls Of Fire - Jerry Lee Lewis
8 April Love - Pat Boone
9. Sugartime - McGuire Sisters
10. The Stroll - Diamonds
US R&B chart toppers this month:
Get A Job - Silhouettes
US Country chart toppers this month:
Ballad Of A Teenage Queen - Johnny Cash
Some UK single 45 releases:
Don’t/I Beg Of You - Elvis Presley
Maybe Baby/Tell Me How - Crickets
Good Golly Miss Molly/Hey-Hey-Hey-Hey - Little Richard
You Win Again/I’m Feelin’ Sorry - Jerry Lee Lewis
Listen To Me/I’m Gonna Love You Too - Buddy Holly
Walkin’ Home From School/I Got A Baby - Gene Vincent
Mary Mary Lou - Bill Haley
Thumb Thumb - Frankie Lymon
Should We Tell Him/This Little Girl Of Mine - Everly Brothers
Love Bug Crawl - Jimmy Edwards
Love Bug Crawl - Wee Willie Harris
Cast Iron Arm/You’ve Got Love - Peanuts Wilson
Maybe - Chantels
All I Want Is Your Love/The Light Still Shines In My Window - Johnny Otis Show
Oh Julie - Crescendos
From Me To You/Whippety Whirl - Gene Vincent
To Be Loved - Jackie Wilson
La Dee Dah - Billy & Lillie
Short Shorts - Royal Teens
Short Shorts - Four Winds
Sing Boy Sing - Tommy Sands
A New Love - Ruth Brown
Popcorn - Plas Johnson Orchestra
Get A Job - Silhouettes
Get A Job - Mills Brothers
Hey! Little Girl - Techniques
Buzz Buzz Buzz - Rusty Draper
Buzz Buzz Buzz - Johnny Luck
Swingin’ Daddy - Buddy Knox
Wild Child/The Stroll - Donny Elbert
Let The School Bell Ring Ding-A-Ling/La Dee Dah - Bonny Lou & Rusty York
Don’t Let Go - Roy Hamilton
Don’t Let Go - Billy Williams
Don’t Let Go - Jim Dale
Who’s Sorry Now - Connie Francis
Goodnight Irene - Johnny Duncan & The Blue Grass Boys
Shoppin’ Around - Joel Grey
The Stroll - Diamonds
Nairobi/Neon Sign - Tommy Steele
All Of The Monkeys Ain’t In The Zoo - Tommy Collins
I’m Going To Wrap Up All Of My Heartaches - Something Smith & The Redheads
Penny Loafers And Bobby Socks - Joe Bennett & The Sparkletones
Penny Loafers And Bobby Socks - Southlanders
The Gospel Train - Laurie London
You’re The Greatest - Billy Scott
Dumplin’s - Don Bagby
Dumplin’s - Ernie Freeman
Dumplin’s - Tony Crombie & His Rockets
Baby Of Mine - Chordettes
Sugartime - Alma Cogan
Miss Me Just A Little - Johnny Ray
Jo-Ann - Twin-Tones
Bewitched - Les Paul
Baby Lover - Little Johnny & The Three Teenagers
Hey! Baby - Four Jacks
Dede Dinah - Frankie Avalon
Sugartime/Banana Split - McGuire Sisters
6-5 Jive - King Brothers
What A Shame - Don Rondo
I Walk Down The Street - Dene Boys
Not Too Old To Rock And Roll - Deep River Boys
Will I Find My Love Today?/Wish I Knew - Spike Milligan
I’ll Never Have A Sweetheart - Matt Monro
Little Blue Man - Betty Johnson
The Golden Ladder - Gogi Grant
Dugga Dugga Boom Boom - Winifred Atwell
Colonel Bogey - Edmundo Ros Orchestra
Baby Of Mine - Gloria March
Come Dance With Me - Mario Lanza
Important events:
The latest US teen movie is "The Big Beat", featuring The Diamonds, The Del-Vikings and Fats Domino
The Crickets, due to visit Britain next month, are currently touring Australia - along with Paul Anka, Jerry Lee Lewis, Jodie Sands and home-grown rocker Johnny O’Keefe.
British TV’s popular disc programme, "Cool For Cats", is now presented by Kent Walton; meanwhile, "Six-Five Special" producer Jack Good has left the BBC.
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From "New Musical Express":
The latest British musical personality to fill theatres is Decca recording artist Wee Willie Harris - the man with the famous pink hair! Whether it is this, his voice, or his flamboyant stage behaviour, we don't know - but he has certainly captured the imagination of the teenage public.
'My gimmick goes everywhere with me, even to bed', he says. 'As long as I keep my thatch nice and rosy, my future will be the same!'. Formerly a pudding mixer at Peak Frean's London bakery, 24year-old Harris turned professional after realizing he could make more money singing. 'People say I sound like Little Richard,' he says, 'but one thing's for certain - I won't be giving up show business to become an evangelist!'
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The best selling R&B hit in America is 'Get A Job' by The Silhouettes - but according to NME reviewer, Keith Fordyce, its chances of scoring over here look slim. 'This is one of the worst rock'n'roll discs I have ever heard,' says Keith. 'I'm no square, but I do ask that pop music should be entertaining. This opens with a fair imitation of hens clucking, but is monotonous, meaningless, miserable mumble jumble.'
The Royal Teens’ novelty record "Short Shorts" enters the US charts. Two members of the group have distinguished futures: Bob Gaudio will later join The Four Seasons, co-writing most of their famous hits, while fifteen-year-old Al Kooper will go on to session work, arranging, playing the keyboards on Bob Dylan’s albums "Highway 61 Revisited" and "Blonde On Blonde", and then taking a pivotal role in the formation of the group Blood, Sweat and Tears.
"New Musical Express" headlines this month:
Bing Crosby says…I’ve sold 130 million records
Jim Dale will star in Skiffle film
Jerry Lewis signs for Palladium; First top American name to be starring a variety show at the London Palladium.
All-Concert visit for Paul Anka; 32-day tour of Britain will be all "one night stands".
A British band in the Hit Parade again; Ken Mackintosh’s "Raunchy" hits 26 on best seller list.
Four page write up of the movie "Disk Jockey Jamboree".
Jerry Lee ‘fires’ fans!; Jerry Lee Lewis is going to be the next Elvis
Charlie won us over; Charlie Gracie’s appearance in "Dick Jockey Jamboree"
Domino Has Quality. Fats Domino is more popular that Little Richard in America, but opposite is true in England.
Slim revives oldies; Slim Whitman achieved stardom on "two songs written 3 decades ago."
Born with a guitar; Carl Perkins can’t remember a time when he didn’t play guitar.
Timing Meant Everything. "Disc Jockey Jamboree" took eleven days to film. A movie about "today’s music and musical stars."
Join the ladies; Connie Francis and Jodie Sands in the movie.
Spotlight on Jimmie Rodgers; he will make $200,000 this year
Cliff Adams has three major singing groups but he’ll only swing with one; Stargazers, Adams singers and Granadiers.
In this corner Perry Como, and ready to fight back is Ronnie Hilton; once on the same label, now rivals in the disc world.
Frankie Lymon should ‘Thumb’ his way to the charts; song "Thumb Thumb."
New Frankie Vaughan film planned; major TV dates in New York; his third film in London.
Two tele-shows for Holly, Crickets; Buddy Holly and the Crickets on "Palladium"
Johnny Otis package plan April debut here!; 10-day visit to Britain
Johnnie Ray’s pitch truer since ear operation. Five new tunes since ear operation.
TOMMY STEELE replies; Tommy blamed for poor test results at a technical school.
First-time hello and a welcome back to the charts: Louis Prima, Ricky Nelson, Bill Justis, David Whitfield, Eddie Calvery, The McGuire Sisters, and Valerie Masters.
Marvin Rainwater’s ‘Whole Lotta Woman’ will cause a stir; commands attention.
Meet Pat’s Brother; Pat Boone’s 22 year old brother Nick thinks of a stage name.
Frankie Vaughan voted showland’s top personality; the Variety Club of Great Britain votes due to TV, film and recording successes.
Liberace to open Palladium 1958 variety season; Tommy Steele couldn’t do it so Liberace will.
Dickie’s co-star is Jill Day; Jill Day and Dickie Valentine in "Hit the Headlines" a musical written for BBC.
Billie Holiday follows June Christy at Festival Hall. 2 American jazz greats at London Festival Hall.
Tour Troubles; Al Hibbler’s British tour canceled
Grappelly on Paris ‘6.5’ show; Stephane Grappelly plays on BBC
Kayes for first Blackpool season; The Kaye Sisters
Scots’ pop on TV; Scotland gets music TV show called "Dance Party"
Hicks with Platters; Steele's little brother tours Italy.
Gracie’s return still likely; Charlie Gracie will do second British tour.
Steele to appear in person not on television; stage and film, not TV for Tommy.
Michael Holliday tell you what happens when you top the Hit Parade
Sam’s salary soars; Sam Cooke makes $5,000 a week.
Buddy Holly and the Crickets; come back to Britian with Paul Anka.
Big Beat Boys launch new attack; Elvis, Steele, Laurie London release records
How low can you fly?; Tommy Steele sails to Africa due to plane crash
Johnnie Ray Palladium’s third variety headliner; again at the Palladium, reports on his hearing after operation.
Pul Anka for ‘6.5’; Anka to appear on BBC’s ‘6.5 Special"
Shirley Bassey…I want my own folk to judge me;personal affairs, effects on career.
Harry gets his gold disc; Harry Belafonte gets a gold record for "Mary’s Boy Child."
The 6.5 special is all steamed up for another year’s run; beginning year remembered, current run extended.
Other events:
Seven players and three officials of Manchester United football team were among the 21 people who lost their lives when the British European Airways Elizabethan airliner bringing the team home from Belgrade crashed at Munich airport. Matt Busby, the team manager, and eight players are in hospital. Busby, who is also Scotland’s World Cup team manager, has been put in an oxygen tent in a critical condition.
Colonel Nasser has been elected as President of the United Arab Republic of Egypt and Syria.
The emission of dark smoke from chimneys will be an offence punishable by fines of up to £100 after June 1. An Order bringing in the remaining provisions of the Clean Air Act on that date was presented to Parliament on February 6.
An Atlas inter-continental ballistic missile was fired by the United States Air Force from the launching pad at Cape Canaveral, Florida, today, but it blew up after 2min 20 sec, soon after the powered phase of its flight had ended. A spokesman said "The cause of the malfunction is not available."
The Lord Chancellor has refused a licence for public performance of "End Game", the latest play by Samuel Beckett, author of "Waiting For Godot". The principal objection by the censor is to the scene of about 30 lines in which three of the characters are seen in prayer. The official view is that this is blasphemous.
Princess Arthur of Connaught, 66, is suffering from pneumonia. She is 17th in order of succession to the Throne.
Dame Christabel Pankhurst, one of three militant suffragettes whose names were synonymous with the movement in the early part of the century (the others were here mother, Emmeline, and her sister Sylvia) has died in Los Angeles at the age of 77.
February 1959
UK Top Ten (first week of the month):
1. I Got Stung/One Night - Elvis Presley
2. Baby Face - Little Richard
3. To Know Him Is To Love Him - Teddy Bears
4. Kiss Me Honey - Shirley Bassey
5. Problems - Everly Brothers
6. As I Love You - Shirley Bassey
7. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes - Platters
8. The Day The Rains Came - Jane Morgan
9. It’s Only Make Believe - Conway Twitty
10. High School Confidential - Jerry Lee Lewis
US Top Ten (first week of the month):
1. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes - Platters
2. All American Boy - Bill Parsons
3. Donna - Ritchie Valens
4. Sixteen Candles - Crests
5. Stagger Lee - Lloyd Price
6. My Happiness - Connie Francis
7. Gotta Travel On - Billy Grammer
8. Lonely Teardrops - Jackie Wilson
9. A Lover’s Question - Clyde McPhatter
10. Goodbye Baby - Jack Scott
US R&B chart toppers this month:
Try Me - James Brown & The Famous Flames
Stagger Lee - Lloyd Price
US Country chart toppers this month:
Billy Bayou - Jim Reeves
Don’t Take Your Guns To Town - Johnny Cash
Some UK single 45 releases:
It’s Late/Never Be Anyone Else But You - Ricky Nelson
It Doesn’t Matter Any More/Raining In My Heart - Buddy Holly
Donna/La Bamba - Ritchie Valens
Goodbye Baby - Jack Scott
The Bluebird, The Buzzard & The Oriole - Bobby Day
Don’t Take Your Guns To Town/I Still Miss Someone - Johnny Cash
Plain Jane/While I’m Gone - Bobby Darin
My Life - Chuck Willis
Don’t Pity Me - Dion & The Belmonts
When I Call On You - Dee Clark
The All American Boy - Bill Parson Orchestra
The Auctioneer -Chuck Miller
I’ve Had It - Bell Notes
Conga Rock - Kingsmen
Beatnik - Champs
How Could You - Del Vikings
Bill Bailey, Won’t You Please Come Home - Brenda Lee
French Poodle - Sam Butera & The Witnesses
Chop Suey - Red Prysock
Chinchilla - X-Rays
Feelin’ Fine - Drifters (Shadows)
Donna - Marty Wilde
Rocka-Conga - Applejacks
Dark Hollow - Jimmy Skinner
Knoxville Girl - Louvin Brothers
My Happiness - Connie Francis
Please Mr Sun - Jimmy Edwards
If I Could Only Live My Life Again - Jane Morgan
Manhattan Spiritual - Reg Owen Orchestra
Long John - John Barry Seven
Dream Big - Sonny James
Sermonette - Della Reese
Cool Baby - Sarah Vaughan
Are You Lonesome Tonight - Jaye P. Morgan
My Happiness Cha-Cha - Tab Smith
Don’t Take Your Love From Me - Keely Smith & Louis Prima
Early To Bed - Poni-Tails
No Other Arms, No Other Lips - Chordettes
The Riddle Of Love - Four Preps
Wiggle Wiggle - Don Lang
The Railroad Song - Vince Eager
Lots More Love - Cuddly Dudley
Crazy Bells - Gerry Dorsey (Engelbert Humperdinck)
Crazy Little Daisy - Neville Taylor
I’ve Had It/Rockaroo - Cutters
Johnny Blue - Nancy Whiskey
Tomboy - Perry Como
I’m A Man - Fabian
When’s Your Birthday Baby - Johnnie Ray
Passion Flower - Fraternity Brothers
The Hucklebuck - Georgia Gibbs
Side Saddle - Russ Conway
Angelina - Barry Cryer
Does Your Chewing Gum Lose Its Flavour - Pinky & Perky
Important events:
February 3: Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens were killed in a plane crash on their way to a concert in the early hours of the morning. The three stars had entertained over 1,000 teenagers at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, then chartered a light aircraft to take them on to their next concert at Moorhead, Minnesota. Word of their death broke on Tuesday morning when the plane, a four-seater Beechcraft Bonanza, was found in a snow-covered field six miles north of Mason City airport, from where it had taken off.
Ricky Nelson has been dating 18-year-old Sharon Sheeley, who composed the hit "Poor Little Fool".
Among the r&b artists currently storming the US charts are The Crests, LaVern Baker, Clyde McPhatter, Fats Domino, Lloyd Price and Jackie Wilson.
Marty Wilde has signed to make his screen debut in "Jet Stream", a dramatic production set aboard a doomed transatlantic airliner.
"New Musical Express" headlines this month:
Interview with Conway Twitty. He admires Elvis.
From Doom to Boom - Jerry Lee Lewis is back on the charts even after his "child bride" scandal.
The girls dominate the pop scene with ballads and rock. New releases hit the charts by lots of ladies.
Richard-Anka hopeful for Palace season. Cliff and Paul will spend 2 weeks at London’s Palace Theatre.
Buddy Holly Package show was coming here. Holly, Valens and Big Bopper Die in Plane Crash.
My Buddy; Paul Anka talks about touring and being friends with Buddy Holly.
Harry Robinson in dispute over "Lord Rockingham" name; "Oh boy!" musical director Harry Robinson consulted solicitors about the name.
Billy Eckstine’s "Gigi" is so richly romantic! after 18 months, Billy is back on the hit parade.
Elvis likes girls with nice parents; starts dating Margrit Durgin.
Boy or girl the Bevs will buy a drum for Joy’s baby! Beverley sisters hit the top sellers with "Little Drummer Boy" and Joy is pregnant.
Boone compared to Presley but Boone does Ballads.
Cliff Richard; My lost weekend; he got sick and slept for a weekend.
Connie and Johnnie in same TV show! London Palace Theater with Connie Francis and Johnnie Ray.
Lloyd Price stacks up a hit with "Stagger Lee"; hits the charts and predicted to stay there.
My Boss – Perry Como by Rosemary June; endless love for Como
Lonnie Donegan found "gum" in Boy Scout book; Most of his songs come from memory
Barber sells million: strikes ‘gold’ twice; Chris Barber Disc success in US and Canada.
Paul Anka to star in Hollywood film, then to tour British cities; musical then a tour.
Little Richard waxed ‘Baby Face’ for teenagers’ mums and pops! both teens and grownups like this tune.
Other events:
February 19: Britain, Greece and Turkey ended nearly four years of conflict over Cyprus by initialling an agreement in Room 325 at the London Clinic occupied by Mr Menderes, Turkish Prime Minister.
Mr Butler, Lord Privy Seal, Home Secretary, and leader of the House of Commons, will be in charge of the Government during the absence of the Prime Minister in Russia.
The first Underground railway to be built in London since 1907 will run as straight as possible between stations and, unlike existing lines in Central London, will not follow roadways. The line will run 11.5 miles from Victoria to Walthamstow through part of the West End.
More than £300,000 has been realised by the Church Commissioners from the sale of freehold of Hampstead Garden Suburb. The Commissioners drew about £16,000 a year from houses paying ground rents.
Mr Macmillan’s talks with Mr Kruschev in Kiev have come to an end. They have been completely negative.
Mr Sandys, Minister of Defence, announced that men born in the last three months of 1939 need not expect to register for National Service. The Minister’s announcement removes the shadow of National Service from about 70,000 youths of 19, the estimated size of the last "class" of 1939.
Australia have won the fourth Test Match in Adelaide by 10 wickets and so retrieved the Ashes which they had surrendered at the Kennington Oval five and a half years earlier. Australia 476 (McDonald 170; Burke 66; O’Neill 56; Benaud 46; Davidson 43; Trueman 4-90; Statham 3-83) and 36-0; England 240 (Cowdrey 84; Graveney 41; May 37; Benaud 5-91) and 270 (May 59; Graveney 53; Richardson 43; Watson 40; Benaud 4-82)
Newport 35pts. Oxford University 8pts
February 1960
UK Top Ten (first week of the month):
1. Why? - Anthony Newley
2. A Voice In The Wilderness - Cliff Richard
3. Starry Eyed - Michael Holliday
4. Way Down Yonder - Freddie Cannon
5. Heartaches By The Number - Guy Mitchell
6. Poor Me - Adam Faith
7. What Do You Want To Make Those Eyes At Me For? - Emile Ford & The Checkmates
8. Expresso Bongo (E.P.) - Cliff Richard
9. Pretty Blue Eyes - Craig Douglas
10. Summer Set - Acker Bilk
US Top Ten (first week of the month):
1. Running Bear - Johnny Preston
2. Teen Angel - Mark Dinning
3. El Paso - Marty Robbins
4. Where Or When - Dion & The Belmonts
5. Go Jimmy Go - Jimmy Clanton
6. Why? - Frankie Avalon
7. Handy Man - Jimmy Jones
8. The Big Hurt - Timi Yuro
9. Way Down Yonder - Freddie Cannon
10. Pretty Blue Eyes - Steve Lawrence
US R&B chart toppers this month:
Smokie (Part 2) - Bill Black’s Combo
Baby (You’ve Got What It Takes) - Dinah Washington & Brook Benton
US Country chart toppers this month:
El Paso - Marty Robbins
He’ll Have To Go - Jim Reeves
Some UK single 45 releases:
Baby/I Got it - Little Richard
My Heart/I’ve Got To Get You Yet - Gene Vincent
Colette/Baby How I Cried - Billy Fury
Bonnie Came Back/Movin’ ‘n’ Groovin’ - Duane Eddy
Let The Good Times Roll - Ray Charles
Mumblin’ Mosie - Johnny Otis Show
Sadie’s Back In Town - Sonny Burgess
Rockin’ Little Angel - Ray Smith
Honey Hush - Joe Turner
Lady Luck - Lloyd Price
Baby, Baby - Larry Williams
Respectable - Isley Brothers
Forever - Little Dippers
A Year Ago Tonight - Crests
Hot Dog - Dale Hawkins
My Blue Heaven/I Don’t Want To - Bobby Day
That’s My Girl - Jesse Lee Turner
Baby (You’ve Got What It Takes) - Brook Benton & Dinah Washington
Sweet Nuthin’s/Weep No More My Baby - Brenda Lee
A Thousand Guitars - Tracy Pendarvis
Evening Dreams - Bill Doggett
No Love Have I - Webb Pierce
Teensville - Chet Atkins
Too Much Tequila - Champs
I Want A New Girl Now - Ben Hewitt
Junk Village - Red Tyler & The Gyros
I Don’t Know What It Is - Bluenotes
Lonely Blue Boy - Conway Twitty
Lonely Blue Boy - Vince Eager
Little Susie Parts 2 & 4 - Ray Bryant Trio
Paradise - Sammy Turner
Happy In Love - Sam Cooke
California, Here I Come - Freddy Cannon
You, You, You - Ernestine Anderson
Running Bear -Smiley Wilson
Running Bear - Gary Mills
Buttercup - Mickey & Kitty
Juarez Town - Dorsey Burnette
Answer Me - Ray Peterson
Rancho - Jackie Lee
The Darktown Strutters’ Ball/Swagger - Joe Brown
Hit And Miss - John Barry Seven
Time After Time/I Want To Be Your Man - Frankie Ford
Wild One - Bobby Rydell
Wild One - Wee Willie Harris
Sugar Blues - Ann Henry
A Six Pack To Go - Hank Thompson & His Brazos Valley Boys
Why Do I Love You So - Johnny Tillotson
Wouldn’t It Be Wondeful/Wonderful One - Four Esquires
Froggy Went A’ Courtin’ - Bob Gallion
The Same Old Me - Guy Mitchell
Blue Rain - Islanders
Tell Her For Me - Adam Wade
Time And The River- Nat King Cole
All Over This World - Wally Whyton
Any Time - Johnny Duncan
Who Could Be Bluer? - Jerry Lordan
I Finally Found You - Ronnie Baxter
Teen Angel - Alex Murray
Clementine - Jan & Dean
Sink The Bismarck - Johnny Horton
Sink The Bismarck - Don Lang
Just Too Late - Peter Jay
Big Beat Boogie - Bert Weedon
I Can’t Say Goodbye - Fireflies
Middle Hand Road - Rusty Richards
Midnite Special - Paul Evans
Beat Me Daddy Eight To The Bar - Ella Fitzgerald
Doodlin’ - Dizzy Gillespie Orchestra
Jive At Five - Oscar Peterson Quartet
I’ll Know Her/Love Walked In - Matt Monro
With These Hands - Shirley Bassey
Delaware - Perry Como
Green Grasses - Kingston Trio
He’ll Have To Go - Jim Lowe
Youthful Years - Danny Williams
Alvin’s Orchestra - Chipmunks
Fings Ain’t Wot They Used T’Be - Max Bygraves
Looking High, High, High - Bryan Johnson
Alone In The Night - Paul Raven
Important events:
West Coast r&b star, Jesse Belvin (27), his wife Jo Ann and driver Charles Shackleford were among the five victims to perish when the rented Cadillac carrying Belvin’s party suddenly swerved at great speed across the centre-line of U.S. Route 67, near Fairhope, Arkansas, to crash headlong into an oncoming car. Belvin was en route from a Little Rock concert he’d played with Jackie Wilson and Little Willie John to the next evening’s appearance in Dallas, Texas. He will best be remembered as the composer of The Penguins’ multi-million selling doo-wop anthem "Earth Angel", and his own recording of "Goodnight My Love" which became the signing-off song for dj Alan Freed’s radio show.
The John Barry Seven have released "Hit And Miss", the theme from BBC-TV’s "Juke Box Jury"
Innovative British producer Joe Meek has launched his own Triumph label with "Just Too Late" by drummer Peter Jay.
The Everly Brothers have left Cadence for the just-launched Warner Brothers label and debut with "Cathy’s Clown".
Jack Good, who soared to fame as the producer of the pioneering all-live rock’n’roll British TV show "Oh Boy!" is currently enjoying success with his latest presentation "Boy Meets Girls". Asked about public criticism of singer Billy Fury’s erotic gyrations on "Boy Meets Girls", Good said, "I fully agree that anything suggestive should be avoided - though, of course, these things are partially in the minds of individual viewers. Frankly there are one or two things that Billy Fury does that I would rather he didn’t. I have, in fact, suggested so to Billy who does tend to get carried away by his performance."
Almost four years after receiving her first recording contract, Brenda Lee, now aged 15, has entered the top 40 for the first time with "Sweet Nothin’s".
"New Musical Express" headlines this month:
"They died too soon" (Buddy Holly, Big Bopper, Ritchie Valens)
"Diana’s album is red hot" (Diana Dors)
"‘Relaxed? Not me’ declares Michael Holliday"
"Welcome back Pat Boone"
"Everly’s pass on ‘Big Orchestra’ test"
"Is Bobby Darin better than Frank Sinatra"
"Emilie Ford’s motto is- ‘Make others happy’"
"Frank Ifield wins fame all over again"
"First-time success for Lance Fortune"
"Johnny Kidd has got ‘What it Takes’ too"
"I’m lucky I’ve got the best TV producer of all says Marty Wilde"
"Johnny Ray stops weeping"
"Jerry Lordon owes everything to a uke"
"Cliff Richard tell you about his big American thrills"
February 1961
UK Top Ten (first week of the month):
1. Are You Lonesome Tonight? - Elvis Presley
2. Sailor - Petula Clark
3. Pepe - Duane Eddy
4. Rubber Ball - Bobby Vee
5. Poetry In Motion - Johnny Tillotson
6. You’re Sixteen- Johnny Burnette
7. Portrait Of My Love - Matt Monro
8. Sailor -Anne Shelton
9. Counting Teardrops - Emile Ford
10. Rubber Ball - Marty Wilde
US Top Ten (first week of the month):
1. Will You Love Me Tomorrow? - Shirelles
2. Calcutta - Lawrence Welk
3. Exodus - Ferrante & Teicher
4. Wonderland By Night - Bert Kaempfert
5. Shop Around - Miracles
6. Angel Baby - Rosie & The Originals
7. Calendar Girl - Neil Sedaka
8. Emotions - Brenda Lee
9. Rubber Ball - Bobby Vee
10. Are You Lonesome Tonight? - Elvis Presley
US R&B chart toppers this month:
Shop Around - Miracles
US Country chart toppers this month:
North To Alaska - Johnny Horton
Don’t Worry - Marty Robbins
Some UK single 45 releases:
Walk Right Back/Ebony Eyes - Everly Brothers
Over And Over/Gee Whiz - Bobby Day
I Count The Tears - Drifters
Havin’ Fun/North East End Of The Corner - Dion
Riders In The Sky - Ramrods
Riders In The Sky - Scorpions
Wait A Minute - Coasters
Shop Around - Miracles
Baby, Oh Baby - Shells
Ram-Bunk-Shush - Ventures
Flamingo Express - Royaltones
Once In A While - Chimes
Emotions - Brenda Lee
The Tear Of The Year - Jackie Wilson
Gee Whiz - Innocents
Theme For A Dream/Mumblin’ Mose - Cliff Richard
Ja-Da- Johnny & The Hurricanes
Like Makin’ Love - Billy Sherrill
Pony Time - Chubby Checker
Hully Gully Twist - Bill Doggett
Don’t Believe Him, Donna - Lenny Miles
African Waltz - Johnny Dankworth Orchestra
Trambone - Krew Kats
Wheels - String-A-Longs
Wheels - Billy Vaughn Orchestra
Wheels - Johnnie Spence Orchestra
What Am I Gonna Do? - Jimmy Clanton
Give Me A Little Kiss (Will Ya, Huh?) - Thelma Carpenter
My Last Date -Dick Lory
Take Good Care Of Her - Adam Wade
Enormity In Motion - Simon Crum
All In My Mind - Maxine Brown
Sound Off - Titus Turner
One Love - Chas McDevitt & Shirley Douglas
Don’t Treat Me Like A Child - Helen Shapiro
Cherokee - Cherokees
For My Baby - Brook Benton
Swingin’ Low - Outlaws
Marie, Marie - Johnny Lonesome
Love My Life Away - Vince Eager
Who Am I?/This Is It - Adam Faith
Beneath The Willow - Lonnie Donegan
Today’s Teardrops - Laurie London
All In My Mind - Linda Hopkins
Whispering Hope - Jim Reeves
Entry Of The Gladiators - Nero & The Gladiators
Why Can’t We - Ricky Valance
Yes, I’m Lonesome Tonight - Dodie Stevens
You Came A Long Way From St Louis - Jerry Lordan
Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien - Edith Piaf
Till There Was You - Anita Bryant
What Am I Gonna Do? - Emile Ford
Are You Sure? - Allisons
The Magnificent Seven - Al Caiola Orchestra
Pinetop’s Boogie Woogie - Little Brother Montgomery
Don’t Believe Him, Donna - Russ Sainty
Keep Your Hands Off Him - Damita Jo
Utopia - Frank Gari
Samantha - Kenny Ball
Dream Girl - Mark Wynter
Wings Of A Dove - Paul Clayton
Big Wheel - Gerry Dorsey
Ten Little Lonely Boys - Vernons Girls
The ‘Ooter Song - Sid James
Important events:
Elvis Presley has made his first public appearance in four years, playing two 50-minute shows before 10,000 ecstatic fans at the Ellis Auditoreum, Memphis, Tennessee. The receipts of $51,612 were split between 27 local charities.
Jackie Wilson, the 25-year-old R&B hitmaker of "Reet Petite", "Lonely Teardrops" and "Doggin’ Around", and on whom it is said that Elvis Presley first modelled both his singing style and extrovert stage antics, has been shot and seriously wounded at his New York apartment. His assailant was a female acquaintance, 28-year-old Juanita Jones. Wilson, whose in-person appearances trigger off scenes of female mass hysteria, first came to fame by replacing Clyde McPhatter in Billy Ward’s Dominoes when still only 17.
Tony Williams, who left The Platters to go solo back in June of last year, is at the root of a dispute that has escalated into litigation. Because Mercury have chosen not to accept and release new Platters’ tracks which don’t feature ex-lead singer Williams, the group are taking legal action. Their manager, Buck Ram, claims The Platters’ contract with Mercury doesn’t stipulate that Williams has to be the featured solo voice. According to the group themselves, when Williams was a member of the act, it was common for any one of the other four singers to take over the lead.
The first of three "Festival du Rock" extravaganzas has been staged amid some of the wildest scenes ever experienced in the French capital, at the Palais des Sports de Paris. Featured artists included Bobby Rydell (USA), Emile Ford & The Checkmates (UK), plus local top rockers Johnny Halliday, Frankie Jordan and Les Chaussettes Noires featuring Eddy Mitchell. However, it was the concert headlined by Vince Taylor & The Playboys and Dick Rivers & Les Chats Sauvages which turned into a full-scale rock’n’roll riot, to which the local gendarmerie were called to give the more excited fans a practical display of modern police tactics.
Tamla records has had its first million-selling single with The Miracles "Shop Around"
"My brother Dorsey and I first got to know Elvis Presley when he went to Humes High and we went to the Catholic High…..Elvis would tote his guitar on his back when he rode past on his motor-cycle on his way to school. He would see us and always wave" - Johnny Burnette.
Gene Pitney has made his U.S. chart debut with "(I Wanna) Love My Life Away". Buoyed with the success of his compositions "Rubber Ball" and "Today’s Teardrops" (hits for Bobby Vee and Roy Orbison), Pitney has quit university and recorded the song on a four-track at a cost of $30, singing all the parts and playing most of the instruments.
Frank Sinatra was the main event at President John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Ball in Washington.
Matt Monro has won ITV’s "British Song Contest" with "My Kind Of Girl".
Helen Shapiro, a mature-voiced 14-year-old London schoolgirl, has launched a successful disc career with "Don’t Treat Me Like A Child".
"New Musical Express" headlines this month:
America’s ‘Big Six’ Ready to invade London’s Pigalle. Patti Page, Tony Bennett, Peggy Lee, Betty Hutton, Steve Lawrence, Eydie Gorme. First visit to London.
U.S. Bonds helps teenagers save. Increase sale in Government Bonds.
Should the Shadows part from Cliff?
Andy Stewart marches in.
Marty Wilde comes back - and how!
Bobby Rydell says rock curbs crime. Brief history, interview, tool to overcome delinquency,
At last! Britain gives Alma Cogan a cabaret break
A great day in the Sedaka Diary. Neil Sedaka, first appearance, profile, other songs
Teenagers have every right to form our own ideas. Bobby Vee, interview, previous hits
Life lines of Anne Shelton. Biography
My holiday in America. Russ Conway, visit to America.
Big week for newcomers to the charts. Allisons, Ramrods, String-a-longs, Benny Hill
Welcome Brenda!. 16yr old Brenda Lee, profile, success
Life lines of Jess Conrad. Biography
February 1962
UK Top Ten (first week of the month):
1. The Young Ones - Cliff Richard
2. Rock-a-Hula Baby/Can’t Help Falling In Love - Elvis Presley
3. Multiplication - Bobby Darin
4. Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen - Neil Sedaka
5. Stranger On The Shore - Acker Bilk
6. Let’s Twist Again - Chubby Checker
7. Forget Me Not - Eden Kane
8. I’d Never Find Another You - Billy Fury
9. Walk On By - Leroy Van Dyke
10. Let There Be Drums - Sandy Nelson
US Top Ten (first week of the month):
1. Peppermint Twist - Joey Dee & The Starlighters
2. Can’t Help Falling In Love - Elvis Presley
3. The Twist - Chubby Checker
4. Norman - Sue Thompson
5. I Know - Barbara George
6. The Wanderer - Dion
7. Duke Of Earl - Gene Chandler
8. Baby It’s You - Shirelles
9. Break It To Me Gently - Brenda Lee
10. The Lion Sleeps Tonight - Tokens
US R&B chart toppers this month:
I Know - Barbara George
Duke Of Earl - Gene Chandler
US Country chart toppers this month:
Big Bad John - Jimmy Dean
Some UK single 45 releases:
Listen To Me/Words Of Love - Buddy Holly
If You Gotta Make A Fool Of Somebody - James Ray
Baby, It’s You - Shirelles
Dream Baby/The Actress- Roy Orbison
Cry To Me - Solomon Burke
Be A Leader - Lloyd Price
I Know - Barbara George
I’m Blue (The Gong-Gong Song) - Ikettes
Letter Full Of Tears/Magic Eyes - Billy Fury
The Greatest Hurt - Jackie Wilson
Hey! Baby - Bruce Channel
Hurry On Back To Love - Johnny Kidd
Do-Re-Mi - Lee Dorsey
Duke Of Earl - Gene Chandler
Twistin’ The Night Away /One More Time - Sam Cooke
Imagination - Quotations
Room Full Of Tears - Drifters
Turn On Your Love Light - Bobby Bland
Chip Chip - Gene McDaniels
Dear Lady Twist - Gary "U.S." Bonds
Daddy Cool - Mel Turner & The Bandits
It’s Just A Matter Of Time - Mike Berry & The Admirals
I Gotta Have You - Bobby Angelo
The Breaking Point - Chuck Jackson
Foxy - Mar-Keys
Little Miracles - Crests
Funny How Time Slips Away - Jimmy Elledge
Wonderful Land - Shadows
That’s My Pa - Sheb Wooley
Bandit Of My Dreams - Eddie Hodges
A Little Too Much - Clarence "Frogman" Henry
Chatanooga Choo Choo - Floyd Cramer
Percolator - Billy Joe & The Checkmates
Tequila Twist - Champs
Twistin’ All Night Long - Danny & The Juniors & Freddy Cannon
B’wanina - Tokens
Dreamy Eyes - Johnny Tillotson
From Here To There To You - Floyd Cramer
Please Don’t Ask About Barbara - Bobby Vee
The Door Is Open - Tommy Hunt
Searchin’ - Jack Eubanks Orchestra
Pretty Hair And Angel Eyes - Robb Storme
I’ve Got Bonnie - Bobby Rydell
I’ll See You In My Dreams - Pat Boone
Love Me Warm And Tender - Paul Anka
Satan Never Sleeps - Timi Yuro
Jenny From Missouri - Johnny Angel
Over And Over - Bobby Shafto
Alone Too Long - Frank Ifield
Pretty Girl - Perry Como
Everybody’s Twisting Down In Mexico - Billy Vaughn Orchestra
Tears And Laughter - Dinah Washington
Mama’s Doin’ The Twist - Linda Hopkins
Never Goodbye - Karl Denver
Big Feet - Stonehenge Men
Lizzie Borden - Chad Mitchell Trio
Tell Me What He Said - Helen Shapiro
Try To Forget Her - Ricky Valance
I Wonder Who’s Kissing Her Now - Emile Ford
Heaven’s Plan - Mark Wynter
Ring-A-Ding Girl - Ronnie Carroll
Theme From "Z-Cars" - Johnny Keating
March Of The Siamese Children - Kenny Ball
Fanlight Fanny - Clinton Ford
The Hole In The Ground - Bernard Cribbins
Drake’s Progress - Charlie Drake
Important events:
Chuck Berry is finally sentenced to two years’ imprisonment in Indiana on the charges brought against him more than two years before - for transporting a girl across state lines for immoral purposes.
"One of the least reported of all friendships was mine with the late, great Buddy Holly. I had known Buddy for some time before he died, and I always regretted that I did not see him as often as I would have liked. Almost the last occasion we met was when he was in London for concerts, and he appeared on "Sunday Night At The London Palladium". That evening, I called on him in his dressing room and we chatted about music - Buddy had a great knowledge of this subject. He knew as much about the modern jazz scene as he did about what was happening in rock and blues and country. I saw him only twice more for fleeting moments before I was shattered by the news of his death. It’s just a pity that we never did get to record something together" - Dave Brubeck
"Twist Around The Clock" only cost $250,000 to make, but in less than six months it grossed six million - so of course I’m gonna make more Twist movies" - Sam Katzman
The Twist dance craze has finally hit the U.K. Both "The Twist" and "Let’s Twist Again" are re-issued and the latter wins out, going to #2. Chubby Checker flies in to promote the records and show how it’s done on TV.
Dune Eddy has married singer Miriam Johnson.
Everly Brother Don has married movie starlet Venetia Stevenson.
Ricky Nelson has officially dropped the "y" from his christian name.
Bobby Vee, Tony Orlando, Clarence "Frogman" Henry and The Springfields have been touring the UK together.
The Beach Boys’ minor success with "Surfin’" is not enough to keep Al Jardine away from dentistry college. David Marks comes in on rhythm, Brian Wilson switches to bass, and Dennis Wilson is confirmed as the drummer.
"New Musical Express" headlines this month:
Presenting new label in the U.K. Liberty, artists
Neil Sedaka introduced the Tokens, new instrumental group
Now Helen takes a vital step. Helen Shapiro, style
4000 Fans welcome Cliff Richard back. Shadows, concert review
John Loudermilk used to record to sell songs but now he sings to sell himself
Welcome back Bobby Rydell. Recent profile
Sandy Nelson musn’t record too often. Former Shadows drummer speaks
When Elvis was called the ‘Hillbilly Johnnie Ray’
Eden’s ready to start again. Eden Kane, career plans
The man behind Bobby Vee’s big hits. Snuffy Garett, manager
Billy Fury reveals his film set secrets. Billy Fury, movies
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