Record #0530: Rambling / Devil Train – THE RAMBLERS

Addit 1257 (original) USA, Jul. 1960
Music by:  Side A – Burton, Mike Borchetta, Vince Rissolo, Mike Anthony; Side B – Kip Martin, Borchetta
Musicians: Kip Martin (lead guitar), Mike Spremulli (sax), Larry Robertson (rhythm guitar), Chuck Tenney (bass), Vince Rissolo (drums)
Recording sessions: CT (?), 1960
Highest chart positions:  US #73

It was fairly hard to find information about this group and this record. Apparently they were all school kids, teenagers, when they released this. Three different listings show that this was the only record they made.

The group toured for a while with Chuck Berry, The Tokens and Dion & The Belmonts. They also performed in American Bandstand on Sep. 27, 1960.

Kip Martin later became a TV producer and a theater director.

List price:  Very Good+ is $15, Near Mint is $30

Record #0529: Because You're Mine / I'm Never Satisfied – NAT KING COLE

Capitol F2212 (original) USA, Sep. 1952
Words & Music by:  Side A – Sammy Cahn, Nicholas Brodsky; Side B – Herb Perry
Musicians: Nat Cole (vocals), Robert Lawson (sax), Pete Candoli & Carlton McBeath (trumpets), Francis Howard, Paul Tanner, Ed Kusby & Si Zentner (trombones), Ann Mason Stockton (harp), Buddy Cole (piano), John Collins (guitar), Charlie Harris (bass), Lee Young (drums), Jack Costanzo (bongos) and a string section. Orchestra conducted by Nelson Riddle.
Recording sessions: Capitol Recording Studio, Hollywood, CA, Jul. 31, 1952
Highest chart positions:  Side A - US #16, UK #6; Side B - US #22

The title song was taken from a 1952 musical film "Because You're Mine". Two versions of the song were recorded and released that year; one by Mario Lanza and one by Cole. Lanza's version did a bit better in the charts (US #7, UK #3). Lanza had an advantage as he starred in the movie.

Sammy Cahn wrote and co-wrote many hit songs. One of the best known of those is "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!".

List price:  Very Good+ is $5, Near Mint is $10

Record #0528: Jambalaya (On the Bayou) / Window Shopping – HANK WILLIAMS

MGM K11283 (original) USA, Jul. 1952
Words & Music by:  Side A – Hank Williams; Side B – Marcel Joseph
Musicians: Hank Williams (vocals), Samuel "Sammy" Pruett (lead guitar), Eddie Hill (rhythm guitar), Don Helms (steel guitar), Ernie Newton or Cedric Rainwater (bass), Fred Rose or Owen Bradley (piano), Jerry Rivers (fiddle)
Recording sessions: Castle Studio, The Tulane Hotel, Nashville, TN, Jun. 13, 1952
Highest chart positions:  US #20, US Country #1

This was Hank Senior's biggest hit. "Jambalaya" was one of the 11 songs he had at the top of US Country chart. It also got him his highest chart position in Billboard's Hot 100. Furthermore, it is probably his most covered and internationally best known song. The cover versions that had the most chart success were recorded by Jo Stafford (US #3, UK #11 in 1952), Fats Domino (US #30, UK #41 in 1961), John Fogerty (US #16, US AC #11, US Country #66 in 1972) and The Carpenters (UK #12 in 1974). In Finland it was a hit for Brita Koivunen in 1959. :)

List price:  Very Good+ is $15, Near Mint is $30

Record #0527: Settin' the Woods On Fire / You Win Again – HANK WILLIAMS

MGM K11318 (original) USA, 1952
Words & Music by:  Side A – Ed G. Nelson, Fred Rose; Side B – Hank Williams
Musicians: Hank Williams (vocals), Samuel "Sammy" Pruett (lead guitar), Eddie Hill (rhythm guitar), Don Helms (steel guitar), Ernie Newton or Cedric Rainwater (bass), Fred Rose or Owen Bradley (piano), Jerry Rivers (fiddle)
Recording sessions: Castle Studio, The Tulane Hotel, Nashville, TN, Side A - Jun. 13; Side B - Jul. 11, 1952
Highest chart positions:  Side A - US Country #2; Side B - US Country #10

This was Williams' second last single release in his lifetime.

The record is a country classic where the Drifting Cowboys provide a solid backing for Hank, Sr.
The title song was later covered by George Jones, Johnny Burnette and few other artists. The most successful covers of "You Win Again" have been recorded by Tommy Edwards (US #13 in Dec. 1952), Jerry Lee Lewis (US #95, US Country #4 in 1958), Fats Domino (US #22 in 1962) and Charley Pride (US Country #1 in 1980).

"Settin' the Woods On Fire" was recorded in the same session as Williams' biggest hit, "Jambalaya". That single will be the next post in the blog.

List price:  Very Good+ is $15, Near Mint is $30

Record #0526: This Year's Santa Baby / Hey Jacque – EARTHA KITT

RCA Victor 47-5914 (original, promo) USA, Nov. 1954
Words & Music by:  Side A – Tony Springer, Philip Springer, Joan Javits; Side B – Wayne Shanklin, Eden Ahbez
Musicians: Eartha Kitt (vocals) and an orchestra conducted by Henri René
Recording sessions: RCA Studios, New York, NY, 1954
Highest chart positions:  did not hit Top 100 in national charts

RCA tried to repeat the success that Kitt had with "Santa Baby" the year before, but that didn't quite work. There's nothing wrong with the performance, though. The old bag just didn't deliver the goods anymore.

Merry Christmas / Happy Holidays to all!

List price:  Very Good+ is $10, Near Mint is $20

Record #0525: Whole Lot of Shakin' Going On / It'll Be Me – JERRY LEE LEWIS

Sun 267 (original) USA, Mar. 15, 1957
Words & Music by:  Side A – Dave Williams, Sunny David (=James "Roy" Hall); Side B – Jack Clement
Musicians: Jerry Lee Lewis (vocals and piano), Roland Janes (guitar), Jimmy Van Eaton (drums)
Recording sessions: Produced by Sam Phillips and Jack Clement at Sun Studio, Memphis, TN, Feb. 1957
Highest chart positions:  US #3, US R&B #1, US Country #1, UK #8

This classic single was the breakthrough for Jerry Lee. It was the first of his five US Country #1 hits and his only US R&B #1.

Jerry Lee's version of "Whole Lot of Shakin' Going On" was elected to the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.

Legend has it that only one take was needed to get this hit song done. Well, that could be, but Jerry Lee had played it before in at least two other studio sessions.

The song was originally recorded by Big Maybelle in 1955.

List price:  Very Good+ is $20, Near Mint is $40

Record #0524: I Hear You Knocking / Black Bill – DAVE EDMUNDS

MAM 3601 (original) USA, Dec. 1970
Words & Music by:  Side A – Earl King, Dave Bartholomew; Side B – Dave Edmunds
Musicians: Dave Edmunds (everything except the bass), John (David) Williams (bass)
Recording sessions: Produced by Dave Edmunds at his 8-track home studio, Rockfield, Monmouthshire, Wales, 1970
Highest chart positions:  US #4, UK #1

This was Edmunds' debut solo single. He had had a taste of success already with his band Love Sculpture and their single "Sabre Dance" (UK #5) in 1968.

The title song is a Smiley Lewis original from 1955. The flip is a nice roots instrumental.

List price:  Very Good+ is $4, Near Mint is $8

Record #0523: Move It On Over / (Last Night) I Heard You Crying In Your Sleep – HANK WILLIAMS

MGM K10033 (original 7") USA, 1950
Words & Music by:  Side A – Hank Williams; Side B – Williams
Musicians: Hank Williams (vocals), James "Zeke" Turner (lead guitar), Louis Innis (rhythm guitar), Dale Lohman (steel guitar), Bronson Reynolds (bass), Tommy Jackson (fiddle)
Recording sessions: Castle Studio, The Tulane Hotel, Nashville, TN, Apr. 21, 1947
Highest chart positions:  US Country #4 (in 1947)

"Move It On Over" is one of my favorite Hank Williams songs. Absolutely great! Many elements of rock'n'roll music can be heard in this song and it's widely considered to have been very influential to the early steps of the genre.

The session was run very early in Williams' recording career; his first session with a full band was just about four months before this. Yet, that doesn't show in any way here. It's like Hank was a full pro from the get-go.

Gotta love the slap bass during the first solo! :)

The original 78 rpm issue of this record came out already on Jun. 6, 1947. It was the first US Country Top 10 hit for Hank Senior.

A cover by Travis Tritt & George Thorogood went to US Country #66 in 1999.

List price:  Very Good+ is $25, Near Mint is $50

Record #0522: Stop Beatin' Round the Mulberry Bush / Real Rock Drive – BILL HALEY WITH HALEY'S COMETS

Essex 310 (original, first pressing) USA, 1952
Words & Music by:  Side A – Bickley Reichner, Clay Boland; Side B – Bill Haley
Musicians: Bill Haley (vocals and rhythm guitar), Danny Cedrone (lead guitar), Marshall Lytle (upright bass), Billy Williamson (steel guitar), Johnny Grande (piano) Billy Gussak (drums)
Recording sessions: WVCH Radio Station Studio, Chester, PE, Nov. or Dec. 1952
Highest chart positions:  none in national charts

These two tracks were recorded about 6 months before the group's first hit, "Crazy Man, Crazy". This is the first release to title Haley's backing as "Comets". In the preceding releases they were "The Saddlemen".

The title song is based on a 19th century English nursery rhyme "Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush".

This is a fairly rare piece. Too bad that my copy is a tad worn-out, but it's a little blue gem anyway.

List price:  Very Good+ is $75, Near Mint is $150. Orange label is listed at $80 for NM.

Record #0521: Silhouettes / Daddy Cool – THE RAYS

Cameo 117 (re-issue) USA, 1963?
Words & Music by:  Side A – Frank Slay, Bob Crewe; Side B – Slay, Crewe
Musicians: Harold Miller (lead vocals), David Jones (tenor), Walter Ford (tenor), Harry James (baritone), others unknown
Recording sessions: New York, NY, 1957
Highest chart positions:  (for the original release in 1957) US #3, US R&B #3

The original release of this was the debut single of The Rays.
It was also the first chart success for the songwriters Slay & Crewe, whose later hits included "La Dee Dah" (US #9 for Billy & Lillie in 1958) and several hits for Freddy Cannon, like "Tallahassee Lassie" (US #6 in 1959), "Jump Over" (US #28 in 1960), "Buzz Buzz A-Diddle It" (US #51 in 1961). It seems that the two writers split in 1962 and Crewe started writing songs for The Four Seasons with Bob Gaudio. Crewe & Gaudio wrote many of the group's biggest hits in the 60's, including the US #1 hits "Big Girls Don't Cry" (1962), "Walk Like a Man" (1963) and "Rag Doll" (1964).

"Silhouettes" was covered by Herman's Hermits in 1965 (US #5, UK #3). "Daddy Cool" (as a medley with "The Girl Can't Help It") was covered by The Darts in 1977 (UK #6). It was also covered by a Finnish singer, Tapani Kansa in 1978 ("Rokkivaari Hotanen" ... Finnish lyrics, generic session musicians). :P

List price:  This early re-issue is not listed in Goldmine's catalog.

Record #0520: Lou Be Doo / Love Charms – SANFORD CLARK

Dot 15585 (original) USA, May 8, 1957
Words & Music by:  Side A – George Motola, John Marascalco, Lester Sill; Side B – Ray Stanley
Musicians: Sanford Clark (vocals), Al Casey (lead guitar), Duane Eddy (rhythm guitar), others unknown
Recording sessions: Produced by Lee Hazlewood in Hollywood, CA, Apr. 1957
Highest chart positions:  none

Clark had his only entries in the national charts in 1956 with "The Fool" and "A Cheat" (US #74). Supported by a great producer and very solid musicians, he had a great opportunity to make it big, but things just didn't go that way.

Ray Stanley also wrote the song "Glendora" in 1956.

List price:  Very Good+ is $12.50, Near Mint is $25

Record #0519: Teenage Boogie / I'm Really Glad You Hurt Me – WEBB PIERCE

Decca 9-30045 (original) USA, Sep. 1956
Words & Music by:  Side A – Webb Pierce; Side B – Pierce
Musicians: Webb Pierce (vocals), Hank Garland (guitar), Harold Bradley (guitar), Sonny Burnette (steel guitar), Lightnin' Chance (bass), Dale Potter (fiddle), Tommy Jackson (fiddle), Jack Kay (fiddle), Buddy Harman (drums)
Recording sessions: Owen Bradley Studio, Nashville, TN, Aug. 12, 1956
Highest chart positions:  US Country #10 (both sides)

As Elvis was becoming a huge star, many country artists also tuned their style towards rockabilly; some more, some less. Pierce was in the latter group. He released a couple of singles where he tried the new style out, and this was one of them. While "Teenage Boogie" still sounds a lot like western swing, I guess it can be categorized as rockabilly already.

The song was covered by quite a many bands during the European rockabilly revival of the late 70's and early 80's.

The flip-side is 100% pure country.

List price:  Very Good+ is $20, Near Mint is $40

Record #0518: In the Jailhouse Now / I’m Gonna Fall Out of Love With You – WEBB PIERCE

Decca 9-29391 (original) USA, 1955

I already posted a different pressing of this record here before. Also posted a promo pressing here.

Record #0517: Transfusion / Dig – NERVOUS NORVUS

Dot 15470 (original, first pressing) USA, May 1956
Words & Music by:  Side A – Jimmy Drake; Side B – Drake
Musicians: Jimmy Drake (vocals and guitar), others unknown (if any)
Recording sessions: Los Angeles, CA, 1956
Highest chart positions:  US #8

"Pass the crimson to me, Jimson" ... both Elvis and Jimmy "Nervous Norvus" Drake used to be truck drivers before their singing careers, but that's pretty much where their similarities end. As Elvis was starting his stardom with RCA, Norvus made his nervous debut, which became an unexpected US Top 10 hit in the summer of 1956.

Drake wrote both of these hilarious tracks. Unfortunately his fame was short-lived and he released only four more singles and then returned to truck driving. He doesn't qualify as a one-hit-wonder, though, as his follow-up single "Ape Call" ("Wild Dog of Kentucky" as the flip) reached US #24.

"Transfusion" went to #8 in the States despite the fact that some radio station banned it.

"Put a gallon in me, Alan." :)

List price:  Very Good+ is $25, Near Mint is $50. Second pressings have black labels, $30 for NM.

Record #0516: I'm Movin' On / With This Ring I Thee Wed – HANK SNOW

RCA Victor 48-0328 (original) USA, 1950
Words & Music by:  Side A – Hank Snow; Side B – Steve Nelson, Edward Nelson, Jr., Jack Rollins
Musicians: Hank Snow (vocals and guitar), Joseph Talbot III (steel guitar), Ernie Newton (bass), Tommy Waden (fiddle)
Recording sessions: Produced by Stephen Sholes at Brown Radio Productions, Nashville, TN, Mar. 28, 1950
Highest chart positions:  US Country #1

Based on the label numbering, "I'm Movin' On" (48-0328B) was originally intended as the flip side of this record, but the radio stations must have immediately realized which of the two tracks really had the hit potential in it.

"I'm Movin' On" spent 21 weeks on the top of US Country charts. It's a definite country classic which has later been covered by many artists, including The Rolling Stones, Ray Charles, Elvis Presley, Led Zeppelin, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Steppenwolf and George Thorogood.

List price:  Very Good+ is $20, Near Mint is $40. Black vinyls are re-issues and $20 for a Near Mint.

Record #0515: The Love That I'm Giving To You / You're Only Young Once – FABIAN

Chancellor 1079 (original) USA, May 1961
Words & Music by:  Side A – Peter DeAngelis, James Wisner; Side B – Bob Marcucci, Bill Faith
Musicians: Fabian Forte (lead vocals), The Fabulous Four (backing vocals) and an orchestra conducted by Peter DeAngelis
Recording sessions: Produced by Bob Marcucci and Bill Faith in Philadelphia (?), PA, 1961
Highest chart positions:  didn't hit any national charts

Fabian's charting singles were a thing of the past when this single was released. His final entry in Billboard Hot 100 was "A Kissin' and a Twistin'" which hit US #91 about six months before this release.

Around 1963 he put his singing career on a pause for 10 years and concentrated on his acting career.

List price:  Very Good+ is $7.50, Near Mint is $15

Record #0514: South / Frankie and Johnnie – BENNIE MOTEN'S KANSAS CITY ORCHESTRA / BUNNY BERIGAN AND HIS ORCHESTRA

RCA Victor 47-2956 (original in this format) USA, Aug. 1949
Words & Music by:  Side A – Bennie Moten, Thamon Hayes; Side B – trad.
Musicians: Side A - an orchestra conducted by Bennie Moten; Side B - an orchestra conducted by Bunny Berigan
Recording sessions: USA, Side A - 1928; Side B - 1937
Highest chart positions:  unknown

RCA was the first label to release records in the 7 inch, 45 rpm vinyl format. They started to release these in the summer of 1949, so this is about as old as they can be. The label chose two old jazz standards for this release.

List price:  Not listed in Golmine's catalog. This seems to be quite rare, but not in high demand, thus not worth more than a couple of bucks.

Record #0513: Every Little Thing I Do / A Lover's Prayer – DION AND THE BELMONTS

Laurie 3035 (original) USA, Aug. 1959
Words & Music by:  Side A – Mike Anthony, Stanley Lebowsky; Side B – Ernest Maresca
Musicians: Dion DiMucci (lead vocals), Carlo Mastrangelo (bass/baritone), Angelo D'Aleo (first tenor), Fred Milano (second tenor), others unknown
Recording sessions: New York, NY, 1959
Highest chart positions:  Side A - US #48; Side B - US #73

This was the follow-up single for the group's biggest hit "A Teenager In Love" (US #5, UK #28). Now they stepped into mainstream pop and had a string section on the background.

List price:  Very Good+ is $12.50, Near Mint is $25

Record #0512: It Could Happen To You / The Age of Miracles – DINAH WASHINGTON

Mercury 71560 (original) USA, Mar. 1960
Words & Music by:  Side A – Johnny Burke, Jimmy Van Heusen; Side B – Clyde Otis, Murray Stein, Belford Hendricks
Musicians: Dinah Washington (lead vocals), Joe Zawinul (piano on side B), Belford Hendricks Orchestra
Recording sessions: New York, NY, Side A - Apr. 7, 1959; Side B - Sep. 28, 1959
Highest chart positions:  US #53

The title song was originally performed by Dorothy Lamour in a 1944 film "And the Angels Sing".

This release was wedged between two of Washington's hit singles, "Unforgettable" (US #17, US R&B #15 in late 1959) and "This Bitter Earth" (US #24, US R&B #1 in Jul. 1960).

List price:  Very Good+ is $5, Near Mint is $10

Record #0511: Nature Boy / Look For My True Love – BOBBY DARIN

ATCO 6196 (original) USA, 1961

Looks like I have two copies of this single. Both are original, but they are different pressings / variants of it. The other post is here.

Record #0510: I'm Gonna Do What They Do To Me / Losing Faith In You – B. B. KING

BluesWay 61018 (original) USA, Jun. 17, 1968
Words & Music by:  Side A – B. B. King; Side B – King
Musicians: B. B. King (vocals and Lucille), others unknown, possibly including: Irving Ashby (guitar), David Allen, Jr. (bass), Jesse Sailes (drums)
Recording sessions: Produced by Lou Zito and Johnny Pate in the USA, 1968
Highest chart positions:  US #74, US R&B #26

Both songs are from King's 1968 album "Blues on Top of Blues" (BluesWay BLS-6011).

Unfortunately I couldn't find these in YouTube. Neither did I find any recording details, but as this is not a Kent release, it is likely that the songs were recorded the year they were released.

List price:  Very Good+ is $5, Near Mint is $10

Record #0509: Hang 'Em High / Over Easy – BOOKER T. AND THE M.G.'S

Stax 0013 (original) USA, Oct. 1968
Music by:  Side A – Dominic Frontiere; Side B – Jones, Cropper, Dunn, Jackson
Musicians: Booker T. Jones (keyboards), Steve Cropper (guitars), Donald "Duck" Dunn (bass), Al Jackson, Jr (drums)
Recording sessions: Produced by Booker T. & the M.G.'s at Stax Studios, Memphis, TN, 1968
Highest chart positions:  US #9, US R&B #35, US AC #39

The title song is a cover of the theme song of a 1968 western movie, "Hang 'Em High", starring Clint Eastwood.

This was the group's first US Top 10 song since their 1962 hit "Green Onions". Their next release, "Time Is Tight" did even better in 1969 (US #6, US R&B #7, UK #4).

List price:  Very Good+ is $4, Near Mint is $8

Record #0508: Lover, Come Back To Me! / That's All – NAT KING COLE

Capitol F2610 (original) USA, 1953
Words & Music by:  Side A – Sigmund Romburg, Oscar Hammerstein III; Side B – Alan Brandt, Bob Haymes
Musicians: Nat Cole (lead vocals), Side A - Billy May's Orchestra: Willie Smith (alto sax), Ted Nash (tenor sax), Richard Clay (tenor sax), Charles Deremo, Robert Dawes (clarinet/saxes), Conrad Gozzo, Tony Facciuto, Robert McKinzie, Andre Peele, Jack Laubach (trumpets), Si Zentner, Dick Nash, Karl De Karske, Robert Reisiger (trombones), Cliff Fishback (piano), John Collins (guitar), Jack Agee (bass), Ralph Pena (bass), John Markham (drums), Jack Costanzo (bongos/congas), unknown chorus; Side B - Nelson Riddle's Orchestra: Gerald Vinci, Mischa Russell, Victor Bay, Harry Bluestone, Walter Edelstein, Alex Beller, Nathan Ross, Marshall Sosson, Anatole Kaminsky (violins), David Sterkin, Stanley Harris (violas), Cy Bernard, James Arkatov (cellos), John Cave, Vince de Rosa (french horns), Milt Bernhart, Jimmy Priddy (trombones), Kathryn Julyie (harp), Ted Nash, Harry Klee, James Williamson (flutes), Charlie Harris (bass), John Collins (guitar), Buddy Cole (piano), Lee Young (drums)
Recording sessions: Capitol Recording Studio, Hollywood, CA, Side A - Jan. 14, 1953; Side B - Jan. 20, 1953
Highest chart positions:  none

This was one of the very few Cole's singles that failed to chart in the 50's. As a matter of fact, also his next single "The Little Boy That Santa Claus Forgot" / "Mrs. Santa Claus" didn't make it either. The one after that ("Answer Me My Love") went to US #6.

The title song is from the musical "New Moon".

List price:  Very Good+ is $5, Near Mint is $10

Record #0507: Love Potion No. 9 / Stay Awhile – THE CLOVERS

United Artists 180 (original) USA, Aug. 1959
Words & Music by:  Side A – Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller; Side B – Leiber, Stoller
Musicians: John "Buddy" Bailey (lead vocals), Billy Mitchell (tenor), Matthew McQuater (tenor), Harold Lucas (baritone), Harold Winley (bass vocals), King Curtis (tenor sax), Mike Stoller (piano), unknown guitarist, bassist & drummer
Recording sessions: Produced by Leiber & Stoller in New York, NY, Jun. 8, 1959
Highest chart positions:  US #23, US R&B #23

This sounds a bit like The Coasters and the reason for it is rather simple; at the time both groups were produced by Leiber & Stoller, who also wrote many of The Coasters' hit songs. "Love Potion No. 9" was the only hit they wrote for The Clovers. Another common nominator here is King Curtis, who also played in many recording sessions with The Coasters.

List price:  Very Good+ is $12.50, Near Mint is $25

Record #0506: The Pink Panther Theme / Dear Heart – HENRY MANCINI AND HIS ORCHESTRA

RCA Victor 447-0739 (re-issue) USA, around 1965-68
Words & Music by:  Side A – Henry Mancini; Side B – Mancini, Jay Livingston, Ray Evans
Musicians: Plas Johnson (tenor sax on side A), Abraham Laboriel (bass) and others in an orchestra conducted by Henry Mancini. An unknown chorus on side B
Recording sessions: Produced by Joe Reisman at RCA Studios, Hollywood, CA, Side A - Sep. 16, 1963; Side B - Jun. 8, 1964
Highest chart positions:  (for the original release in 1964) US #31, US AC #10

There are two things on "The Pink Panther Theme" that make it one of my favorite movie themes. Those two are Plas Johnson's great sax and Abraham Laboriel's fabulous walking bass line.

List price:  Not listed in Goldmine's catalog

Record #0505: The Lion Sleeps Tonight / Tina – THE TOKENS

RCA Victor 47-7954 (original) USA, Oct. 1961
Words & Music by:  Side A – George David Weiss, Hugo Peretti, Luigi Creatore; Side B – Marion Roberts
Musicians: Jay Siegel (lead falsetto), Mitch Margo (first tenor), Hank Medress (tenor), Phil Margo (baritone), Joe Venneri (guitar), with an orchestra and chorus conducted by Sammy Lowe
Recording sessions: Produced by Hugo Peretti and Luigi Creatore at RCA Recording Studio, New York, NY, Jul. 27, 1961
Highest chart positions:  US #1, US R&B #7, UK #11

I didn't use to dig this song much, but with age I've grown to like it a tad more. Especially the lead falsetto part is great (not the female falsetto ... still don't dig that one).

This was the only #1 and Top 10 hit for The Tokens.

The title song was originally "Mbube" and it was written by Solomon Linda, who also did the original recording in South Africa in 1939. This single doesn't show any credit for him. There were some copyright issues around this.

List price:  Very Good+ is $12.50, Near Mint is $25

Record #0504: Running Bear / My Heart Knows – JOHNNY PRESTON

Mercury 71474 (original) USA, Jun. or Aug. 1959
Words & Music by:  Side A – J. P. Richardson (The Big Bopper); Side B – Richardson, Johnny Preston
Musicians: Johnny Preston (lead vocals), Hal Harris (guitar), Buck Henson (bass), Link Davis (sax), Doc Lewis (piano), Bill Kimbrough (drums), Bill Hall, George Jones & The Big Bopper (Indian chants on side A)
Recording sessions: Produced by Bill Hall at Gold Star Studio, Houston, TX, Dec. 1958
Highest chart positions:  US #1, US R&B #3, UK #1

After Preston's band had performed at Richardson's club, he offered Preston his songs to be recorded. The songs became Preston's debut and biggest hit single.

Richardson died in a plane crash with Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens on Feb. 3, 1959. This caused some delay in getting this single released.

List price:  Very Good+ is $12.50, Near Mint is $25

Record #0503: Trouble In Paradise / Always You – THE CRESTS

Coed 531 (original) USA, May 1960
Words & Music by:  Side A – Billy Dawn Smith, Allyson P. Khent; Side B – J. Kett
Musicians: Johnny Mastrangelo (lead vocals), J.T. Carter (vocals), Talmoudge Gough (vocals), Harold Torres (vocals), others unknown.
Recording sessions: New York, NY, May 4, 1960
Highest chart positions:  US #20

This was a rush release by The Crests. "Trouble In Paradise" was the group's last US Top 40 entry.
I posted their preceding release here before.

List price:  Very Good+ is $12.50, Near Mint is $25

Record #0502: Mule Skinner Blues / Torture – THE FENDERMEN

Soma 1137 (original) USA, May 1960
Words & Music by:  Side A – Jimmie Rodgers; Side B – Jim Sundquist, Phil Humphrey
Musicians: Phil Humphrey (lead vocals and Fender Telecaster), Jim Sundquist (lead guitar, Fender Stratocaster), nobody else
Recording sessions: Produced by Amos Heilicher at Kay Bank Studio, Minneapolis, MN, Apr. 1960
Highest chart positions:  US #5, US Country #16

"Mule Skinner Blues" was originally recorded by Jimmie Rodgers in 1930. The Fendermen re-arranged the song and got their only hit with it. Their version was later covered by Flash Cadillac and the Continental Kids on their first single in 1972 (Epic 10930). I recall that Flash Cadillac's version was used in a toothpaste TV commercial in Finland in the late 70's.

The Fendermen first released these two songs for Cuca label (Cuca 1003) in January 1960, but the recordings were from an earlier session, thus this Soma release is not a re-issue. Cuca 1003 is quite rare and listed at $200 in a near mint condition.

List price:  Very Good+ is $12.50, Near Mint is $25

Record #0501: Don't Be Cruel / Hound Dog – ELVIS PRESLEY

RCA Victor 47-6604 (original, 1st pressing) USA, Jul. 13, 1956
Words & Music by:  Side A – Otis Blackwell, Elvis Presley; Side B – Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller
Musicians: Elvis Presley (lead vocals and rhythm guitar), Scotty Moore (lead guitar), Bill Black (upright bass), D.J. Fontana (drums), Shorty Long (piano on side A), Gordon Stoker (piano on side B), The Jordanaires (backing vocals)
Recording sessions: Produced by Steve Sholes at RCA Studios, New York, NY, Jul. 2, 1956
Highest chart positions:  Side A - US #1, US R&B #1, US Country #1; Side B - US #1, US R&B #1, US Country #1, UK #2

How about a cross-over #1 hit on both sides of the single. I wonder how many artists have been able to do that. This classic was the biggest selling single recorded in 1956 and it sold over 6 million copies by 1961.

"Don't Be Cruel" was actually all Blackwell song, but he granted 50% credit to Elvis to ensure that he recorded it. Not a bad deal.

The UK release (HMV POP249, Nov. 1956) had "Hound Dog" as the A-side. Later US pressings (2nd pressing onwards) also featured picture sleeves, where "Hound Dog" was on top of "Don't Be Cruel".

Elvis' "Hound Dog" was a great cover, but still I prefer Big Mama Thornton's original from 1952. Even Elvis couldn't produce that amount of energy in his version. :)

List price:  Very Good+ is $15, Near Mint is $30. If you have the first or second pressing picture sleeve, that's a keeper. 1st pressing is $200 and the 2nd pressing is $100 for a Near Mint.

Record #0500: Black Slacks / Boppin' Rock Boogie – JOE BENNETT AND THE SPARKLETONES

Sparton 464 (original) Canada, Jul. 1957
Words & Music by:  Side A – Joe Bennett, Jimmy Denton; Side B – Bennett, Wayne Arthur
Musicians: Joe Bennett (vocals and guitar), Howard Childress (vocals and guitar), Wayne Arthur (bass), Jimmy Denton (drums), Paul Anka (uncredited backing vocals on side A)
Recording sessions: Produced by Don Costa at Bell Sound Studios, New York, NY, Jun. 10, 1957
Highest chart positions:  US #17, US R&B #11

Joe Bennett & The Sparkletones was a fairly unknown rockabilly group, but they recorded one classic of the genre featured here as the title song of this Canadian release. After this single they got two other songs in the charts: "Penny Loafers and Bobby Socks" (US #43) and "Boys Do Cry" (US #105).

500 records down in the blog; still quite many to go ...

List price:  Canadian pressings (nor 78 rpms) not in Goldmine catalog.

Record #0499: Charlie Brown / Three Cool Cats – THE COASTERS

Atco 6132 (original) USA, Jan. 19, 1959
Words & Music by:  Side A – Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller; Side B – Leiber, Stoller
Musicians: Carl Gardner (tenor, co-lead on side A, lead on side B), Billy Guy (baritone), Will "Dub" Jones (bass vocals), Cornel Gunter (tenor, co-lead on side A), Adolph Jacobs (guitar), Don Arnone (guitar on side A), Clifton Best (guitar on side B), Allan Hanlon (guitar on side B), Milt Hinton (bass on side A), Lloyd Trotman (bass on side B), King Curtis (tenor sax), Mike Stoller (piano), Belton Evans (drums on side A), Joe Marshall (drums on side B), Francisco Pozo (bongos on side B)
Recording sessions: Produced by Leiber & Stoller in New York, NY, Side A - Dec. 11; Side B - Mar. 17, 1958
Highest chart positions:  US #2, US R&B #2, UK #6

This was a very nice follow-up for The Coasters' previous charting single "Yakety Yak" (US #1, US R&B #1, UK #12). They did have one non-charting release ("The Shadow Knows") in between, though.

The flip was recorded in the group's first New York session, where they also recorded both sides of single "Yakety Yak" and "Stewball", which was the flip-side of a 1960 release "Wake Me, Shake Me".

The Beatles (with Pete Best on drums) covered "Three Cool Cats" when they auditioned for Decca UK on Jan. 1, 1962.

List price:  Very Good+ is $12.50, Near Mint is $25. Stereo copies are $60 for NM.

Record #0498: I Love You So / Gee – THE CROWS

Rama 5 (original) USA, May 1953
Words & Music by:  Side A – William Davis, Viola Watkins; Side B – Watkins, Davis
Musicians: Daniel "Sonny" Norton (lead), William "Bill" Davis (baritone), Mark Jackson (tenor and guitar), Gerald Hamilton (bass vocals), Viola Watkins (piano), others unknown
Recording sessions: Produced by George Goldner (?), New York, NY, Apr. 1953
Highest chart positions:  Side B - US #14, US R&B #2

Here's another bird group of doo-wop / R&B. The Crows was a one-hit-wonder as this was their only release that charted.

The label was first pushing "I Love You So" as the A-side, but the radio stations started flipping the record and it was "Gee" that became the hit song of the release.

The Crows was backing Viola Watkins in the studio when these two songs were included in the session. Reportedly Davis wrote "Gee" during the session in less than 10 minutes.

"Gee" was covered by Jan & Dean in 1960 (US #81), The Hollywood Flames in 1961 (US R&B #26) and The Pixies Three in 1964 (US #87).

List price:  Very Good+ is $35, Near Mint is $70. Blue label, red vinyl is $400 for a Near Mint ... I only wish I had it.

Record #0497: (Night Time Is) The Right Time / Tell All the World About You – RAY CHARLES

Atlantic 2010 (original, promo) USA, Dec. 1958
Words & Music by:  Side A – Napoleon "Nappy" Brown, Ozzie Cadena, Lew Herman; Side B – Ray Charles
Musicians: Ray Charles (lead vocals and piano), Marcus Belgrave (trumpet), John Hunt (trumpet on side A), Lee Harper (trumpet on side B), David Newman (tenor sax), Bennie Crawford (baritone sax on side A), Emmett Dennis (baritone sax on side B), Edgar Willis (bass), Teagle Fleming (drums on side A), Richie Goldberg (drums on side B), The Raelettes (backing vocals)
Recording sessions: Produced by Ahmet Ertegün and Jerry Wexler, Side A - New York, NY, Oct. 28, 1958; Side B - New York, NY, Feb. 20, 1958
Highest chart positions:  US #95, US R&B #5

This is a top notch R&B single, an absolutely great piece.

Charles still had to wait for few months before he got his first cross-over hit with "What'd I Say" (US #6, US R&B #1).

The flip was included on Charles' 1959 album "What'd I Say". "The Right Time" was put onto his 1960 LP "The Genius Sings the Blues".

List price:  Very Good+ is $7.50, Near Mint is $15. Promo not listed in the catalog.

Record #0496: My Girl / (Talking 'Bout) Nobody But My Baby – THE TEMPTATIONS

Gordy 7038 (original) USA, Dec. 21, 1964
Words & Music by:  Side A – Smokey Robinson, Ronald White; Side B – Norman Whitfield, Edward Holland, Jr.
Musicians: David Ruffin (lead tenor on side A), Eddie Kendricks (tenor/falsetto, lead on side B), Paul Williams (baritone), Melvin Franklin (bass vocals), Otis Williams (baritone), Elbridge Bryant (tenor on side B), Robert White (lead guitar), James Jamerson (bass), Benny Benjamin (drums), and other members of The Funk Brothers, plus Detroit Symphony Orchestra (strings on side A); not sure about instrumentation line-up on side B.
Recording sessions: Side A - produced by Smokey Robinson and Ronald White at Hitsville USA, Detroit, MI, Sep. 25, Nov. 10 and 17, 1964; Side B - produced by Norman Whitfield at Hitsville USA, Detroit, MI, Feb. 22, 1963
Highest chart positions:  US #1, US R&B #1, UK #43 (1992 re-release went to #2 in the UK)

"My Girl" was the first Temptations single with David Ruffin on lead vocals. The idea came from Smokey Robinson, who also co-wrote and co-produced the song. The song was included on the group's 1965 album "The Temptations Sing Smokey", which was also produced by Robinson.

The flip is a lesser-known track which wasn't released on any of their albums.

List price:  Very Good+ is $7.50, Near Mint is $15. If you have the picture sleeve for this, lucky you. That's $120 for a Near Mint one.

Record #0495: Mona Lisa / Heavenly – CONWAY TWITTY

MGM K12804 (original) USA, Jul. 1959
Words & Music by:  Side A – Ray Evans, Jay Livingston; Side B – Jack Nance, Conway Twitty
Musicians: Conway Twitty (lead vocals), Al Bruno (guitar), Ray Edenton (guitar), Harold Bradley (bass guitar), Lightnin' Chance (bass), Jack Nance (drums), Floyd Cramer (piano), unknown chorus
Recording sessions: Produced by Jim Vienneau at Bradley Studios, Nashville, TN, Side A - Feb. 18; Side B - Mar. 23, 1959
Highest chart positions:  US #29, UK #5

Here's one from Twitty's rock'n'roll years. A nice piece where he was backed by a set of very solid musicians.

List price:  Very Good+ is $12.50, Near Mint is $25

Record #0494: When You Ask About Love / Deborah – THE CRICKETS

Brunswick 9-55153 (original) USA, Oct. 1959
Words & Music by:  Side A – Jerry Allison, Sonny Curtis; Side B – Allison, Curtis
Musicians: Earl Sinks (vocals and rhythm guitar), Sonny Curtis (lead guitar), Joe Mauldin (bass), Jerry Allison (drums)
Recording sessions: Produced by Jack Hansen at Bell Sound Studio, New York, NY, Side A - May 20; Side B - May 27, 1959
Highest chart positions:  UK #27, didn't chart in the US

This was the second single that The Crickets released without Buddy Holly, who died in a plane crash on Feb. 3, 1959. Holly actually left the group already in 1958.

This is a fine piece that shows that the group was able to stand on their own, without their leading star.

An English rockabilly band, Matchbox covered the title song in 1980.

List price:  Very Good+ is $20, Near Mint is $40

Record #0493: Have I Told You Lately That I Love You / Be-Bop Baby – RICKY NELSON

Imperial 5463 (original, 2nd pressing) USA, Sep. 1957
Words & Music by:  Side A – Scotty Wiseman; Side B – Pearl Lendhurst
Musicians: Ricky Nelson (lead vocals), Bob Bain (guitar), Howard Roberts (guitar), Ray Siegel (bass), Roger Renner (piano), Earl Palmer (drums), The Four Preps (backing vocals)
Recording sessions: Produced by Jimmie Haskell and Ozzie Nelson at Master Recorders, Hollywood, CA, Aug. 16, 1957
Highest chart positions:  Side A - US #29; Side B - US #3, US R&B #5

This is one of Nelson's early singles, recorded at the time when he didn't have a band of his own, yet. He was backed by (fine) session musicians in these songs.

List price:  Very Good+ is $12.50, Near Mint is $25. Red label (first pressing) is $50 for a NM. Picture sleeves are $80 for NM.

Record #0492: Great Balls of Fire / You Win Again – JERRY LEE LEWIS

Sun 281 (original), USA, Nov. 1957

Apparently I have two copies of this. The first one was already posted as record #0021.

Record #0491: Apache / Echo Boogie – JØRGEN INGMANN AND HIS GUITAR

Atco 6184 (original) USA, Dec. 1960
Music by:  Side A – Jerry Lordan; Side B – Jørgen Ingmann
Musicians: Jørgen Ingmann (guitar), others unknown
Recording sessions: Copenhagen (?), Denmark, 1960
Highest chart positions:  US #2, US R&B #9, Canada #1, Germany #6

"Apache" was originally recorded and released by The Shadows in July 1960 (UK release). Their record went to #1 in the UK, but failed to chart in the States. It amazes me how ABC-Paramount failed to make a US hit out of it (ABC 10138). Instead, ATCO was able to make a big hit out of this inferior cover version by a Danish jazz guitarist (sorry ... inferior, but still not bad).

Undoubtedly Ingmann was a very good guitarist, especially his own work on the flip-side shows that.

List price:  Very Good+ is $7.50, Near Mint is $15

Record #0490: It's Up To You / I Need You – RICK NELSON

Imperial 5901 (original) USA, Nov. 1962
Words & Music by:  Side A – Jerry Fuller; Side B – Baker Knight
Musicians: Rick Nelson (lead vocals), James Burton (lead guitar), Glen Campbell (guitar and backing vocals), Joe Osborn (bass), Richie Frost (drums), Allen Harris (piano on side A), Ray Johnson (piano on side B), John Audino (trumpet on side A), Tony Terran (trumpet on side A), Dave Burgess (backing vocals on side A), Jerry Fuller (backing vocals on side A)
Recording sessions: Produced by Jimmie Haskell at Western Recorders, Hollywood, CA, Side A - Jun. 13; Side B - Nov. 15, 1962
Highest chart positions:  Side A - US #6, US AC #4, US R&B #24, UK #22; Side B - US #83

Here's Ricky with one of his Jerry Fuller -penned hit songs.

Billy J. Kramer & The Dakotas recorded a good cover of the title song in 1964.

List price:  Very Good+ is $10, Near Mint is $20

Record #0489: Loop De Loop Mambo / Framed – THE ROBINS

Spark 107 (original) USA, Sep. 1954
Words & Music by:  Side A – Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller; Side B – Leiber, Stoller
Musicians: Carl Gardner (tenor, lead on side A), Bobby Nunn (bass vocals, lead on side B), Billy Richard (tenor), Roy Richard (baritone), Ty Terrell (tenor), others probably: Chuck Norris (guitar), Mike Stoller (piano), Gil Bernal (tenor sax), Ralph Hamilton (bass), Jesse Sailes (drums)
Recording sessions: Master Recorders, Los Angeles, CA, late summer 1954
Highest chart positions:  Didn't chart nationally, but was a local hit in the L.A. area.

This is a nice classic by one of the early "bird groups" of doo-wop / R&B. The Robins was also the first one to record a Leiber & Stoller song ("That's What the Good Book Says", 1951).

Gardner and Nunn left the group to form The Coasters in October 1955. Leiber and Stoller stayed with them and wrote many of The Coasters' songs.

List price:  78 rpm records not listed in Glodmine catalog. These go for about $30 in eBay.

Record #0488: Just Married / Stairway of Love – MARTY ROBBINS

Columbia 41143 (original) USA, Mar. 10, 1958
Words & Music by:  Side A – Barry De Vorzon, Al Allen; Side B – Sid Tepper, Roy Bennett
Musicians: Marty Robbins (lead vocals), Ray Conniff's orchestra: Tony Mottola (guitar), Billy Mure (guitar), Don Arnone (guitar), Frank Carroll (bass), Ed Shaughnessy (drums), The Ray Conniff Singers (chorus)
Recording sessions: Produced by Mitch Miller at Columbia Recording Studio, New York, NY, Feb. 26, 1958 (7 pm - 10 pm)
Highest chart positions:  Side A - US #26, US Country #1; Side B - US #68, US Country #2

This single had one of Robbins' sixteen US Country #1's and two of his 47 Top 10 hits in the chart.

The session also included songs "Ain't I the Lucky One" (Columbia 41282) and "Foolish Decision" (unreleased until 1991).

List price:  Very Good+ is $10, Near Mint is $20

Record #0487: Reveille Rock / Time Bomb – JOHNNY AND THE HURRICANES

Warwick 513 (original, 1st pressing) USA, Oct. 1959
Music by:  Side A – Tom King (Harry Balk), Ira Mack (Irving Micahnik), Carl Conatser; Side B – King, Mack
Musicians: Johnny Paris (sax), Paul Tesluk (organ), Dave Yorko (guitar), Lionel Mattice (bass), Bill Savich (drums)
Recording sessions: Produced by Morty Craft in New York, NY, 1959
Highest chart positions:  US #25, US R&B #17, UK #14

This was the follow-up single for their only million-seller, "Red River Rock". The group had a fresh new instrumental sound of their own, carrying them in the US charts for a couple of years and in the UK charts for a couple of years more.

The group was managed by Harry Balk and Irving Micahnik, who wrote many of their hit songs under pseudonyms "Tom King" and "Ira Mack".

List price:  Very Good+ is $12.50, Near Mint is $25. Stereo release is $50 for a Near Mint.

Record #0486: Burning Bridges / Oh, Little One – JACK SCOTT

Top Rank 2041 (original) USA, Mar. 1960
Words & Music by:  Side A – Walter Scott; Side B – Jack Scott
Musicians: Jack Scott (lead vocals), The Chantones (backing vocals) and an orchestra arranged by Bill Sanford
Recording sessions: Produced by Sonny Lester at Bell Sound Studio, New York, NY, Side A - Dec. 21, 1959; Side B - Nov. 25, 1959
Highest chart positions:  Side A - US #3, US R&B #5, UK #32; Side B - US #34

This single has one of Jack Scott's four US Top 10 hits.

The flip-side was recorded in his first session for Top Rank. The session included the songs for his first Top Rank single, "What In the World's Come Over You"/"Baby Baby" (US #5, US R&B #7, UK #11).

Jack Scott performed in Helsinki, Finland on Aug. 10, 2013. I took the picture below in the event.

List price:  Very Good+ is $12.50, Near Mint is $25. Stereo release is $60 for a Near Mint.

Record #0485: Drugstore Rock and Roll / Will You, Willyum – JANIS MARTIN

RCA Victor 47-6491 (original) USA, Apr. 1956
Words & Music by:  Side A – Janis Martin; Side B – Carl Barefoot, Carl Stutz
Musicians: Janis Martin (vocals), Chet Atkins (lead guitar), Grady Martin (rhythm guitar), Floyd Cramer (piano), Bob Moore (bass), Buddy Harman (drums)
Recording sessions: Produced by Chet Atkins and/or Steve Sholes at RCA Victor Studio, Nashville, TN, Mar. 8, 1956 (7 pm - 10 pm)
Highest chart positions:  US #35

Here's the 15-year-old Janis Martin backed by the Nashville A-Team. RCA billed her as "The Female Elvis". While that may be kind of silly, she did have a great big voice - especially for a girl of that age.

The session also included songs "One More Year To Go" (released as the flip of her next single, "Ooby Dooby", RCA 47-6560) and "Let's Elope, Baby" (the A-side of her 4th single, RCA 47-6744).

Carl Stutz co-wrote "Little Things Mean a Lot", which was a US #1 hit for Kitty Allen in 1954.

List price:  Very Good+ is $20, Near Mint is $40

Record #0484: I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter / Date With the Blues – BILLY WILLIAMS

Coral 9-61830 (original) USA, May 5, 1957
Words & Music by:  Side A – Joe Young, Fred Ahlert; Side B – Hal Gordon, Herman Fairbanks
Musicians: Billy Williams (lead vocals) with chorus and orchestra conducted by Dick Jacobs
Recording sessions: New York, NY, 1957
Highest chart positions:  US #3, US R&B #9, UK #22

The title song was a revival of Fats Waller's 1935 hit recording (US #5). Many other cover versions have been recorded by artists/groups such as Bill Haley and His Comets, Frank Sinatra, Fabian, Dean Martin, Willie Nelson and Nat "King" Cole.
The song was lyricist Joe Young's last work.

This single was Williams' only million-seller and the title song was his only US Top 10 entry.

List price:  Very Good+ is $6, Near Mint is $12

Record #0483: Catch a Falling Star / Magic Moments – PERRY COMO

RCA Victor 47-7128 (original) USA, Dec. 1957
Words & Music by:  Side A – Paul Vance, Lee Pockriss; Side B – Hal David, Burt Bacharach
Musicians: Perry Como (lead vocals) with Mitchell Ayres Orchestra and The Ray Charles Singers
Recording sessions: Produced by Joe Reisman in New York (?), NY, 1957
Highest chart positions:  Side A - US #1, UK #9; Side B - US #4, UK #1

A dead person was described as "He was as calm as a Perry Como groupie" by Sledge Hammer in an 80's TV series "Sledge Hammer!". It wasn't so funny if there wasn't a (large) seed of truth in it. This guy was the king of "easy listening" and elevator music - if Como would've ever recorded "The Girl From Ipanema", that would have been the pinnacle of elevator music. :)

Having said that, apparently Como knew what he was doing as he had fourteen #1 hits in US, three #1's in US AC and two of his songs topped the UK chart. A whopping 108 of his songs made it to US Top 40!

The UK release (RCA 1036, Jan. 1958) was flipped over to have "Magic Moments" as the A-side.
The flip is an early songwriting work of Bacharach and David. They penned their first #1 hit "The Story of My Life" for Marty Robbins in 1957. "Magic Moments" was the second one in line and more was to come, especially in the late 60's and early 70's.

List price:  Very Good+ is $6, Near Mint is $12. Orange label is a re-issue from 1969 and listed for $8 for a NM.

Record #0482: My Secret / What Does It Matter – THE PLATTERS

Mercury 71538 (original) USA, Oct. 1959
Words & Music by:  Side A – Buck Ram; Side B – Seymour Gottlieb, Herb Weiner
Musicians: Tony Williams (lead tenor), Herb Reed (bass vocals), Zola Taylor (contralto), David Lynch (2nd tenor), Paul Robi (baritone), and an orchestra conducted by Eddie Beal, who possibly also played the piano in the session
Recording sessions: Produced by Buck Ram in Los Angeles, CA, Aug. 27, 1959
Highest chart positions:  didn't chart

Around the time when this single was released, Williams pursued a solo career. He had just issued his first solo LP "A Girl Is a Girl Is a Girl" the month before. Sales-wise the LP was a flop. One reason could be that he had some bad publicity due to a lawsuit (on a morals charge) that autumn. The Platters had also a quite slow year in terms of chart success in 1959, with just one US Top 40 hit ("Enchanted").

List price:  Very Good+ is $10, Near Mint is $20