Record #0707: Ting-a-Ling / Wonder Where My Baby’s Gone – THE CLOVERS

Atlantic 969 (original 78 rpm) USA, June 1952
Words & Music by:  Side A – Nugetre; Side B – Bill Harris, Lou Krefetz
Musicians: John “Buddy” Bailey (lead vocals), Matthew McQuater (tenor vocals), Harold Lucas (baritone vocals), Harold Winley, (bass vocals), Bill Harris (guitar), others unknown
Recording sessions: New York City, NY, on 18. March 1952
Highest chart positions:  Side A - US R&B #1; Side B - US R&B #7

This was the Clovers’ third and final #1 hit in the R&B charts. That doesn’t mean their success went downhill from there. After this they released 14 singles that went to Top 10 during 1952-1956.

Side A is credited for “Nugetre”, which is Ertegun backwards; the song was written by Ahmet Ertegun, the co-founder of Atlantic Records.

Buddy Holly recorded his cover version of “Ting-a-Ling” in Nashville, TN, on 15. November 1956. After Holly’s death, his band, the Crickets recorded their cover in 1960.

List price:  Les Docks’ value guide lists this for $50-$80