Saturday, January 26, 2013

Record #0249: Ringo / Bonanza – LORNE GREENE



RCA 47-8444 (original) USA, Oct. 1964
Words & Music by:  Side A – Don Robertson, Hal Blair; Side BJay Livingston, Ray Evans
Musicians: Lorne Greene (vocals) and an orchestra & chorus conducted by Don Ralke
Recording sessions: Produced by Joe Reisman at RCA Victor’s Music Center of the World, Hollywood, CA, 1964
Highest chart positions:  US #1, US Country #21, US AC #1, UK #22

Dun-da-da-dun ... BONANZA! Yes, the flip is the theme song of the TV series, but even though it was sung by Greene, I don’t think this version was ever played in the series.

Somewhat incredible as it may seem, “Ringo” reached US #1 (on Dec. 5, 1964), taking the place from The Shangri-Las “Leader of the Pack”. It stayed there for one week and was dropped by Bobby Vinton’s “Mr. Lonely”.

Both songs were also released on Greene’s 1964 album “Welcome To the Ponderosa” (US Album #35).

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

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