WJJD was the original Top 40 station in Chicago. They switched to Top 40 music from Country in 1956, and after WLS started playing Top 40 music in 1960 they switched to an adult standards format before going back to country. They’re now WYLL, a 50,000 watt religious broadcaster. Anyway, let’s see what was on the charts on my first birthday…
#10 – The Del-Vikings, "Come Go With Me": Written by C. E. Quick, the bass vcalist for the group, and Norman Wright sang lead. It was released shortly after they signed with Dot Records and reached #4 on the national chart.
#9 – Terry Gilkyson & Easy Riders, "Marianne": Back in the ’50’s it was not uncommon to have the same song done by multiple acts on the chart at the same time. In this case, The Hilltoppers also had done a version of "Marianne," and, as was the custom back then, WJJD listed them as also being at #9. It was written by calypso singer Roaring Lion. Gilkyson’s version of the song went to #4, while The Hilltoppers’ cover went to #3.
#8 – Tommy Sands, "Teenage Crush": Chicago-born actor and singer Tommy Sands sang this song on Kraft Television Theater in January 1957, where he was billed as "The Singing Idol." The appearance helped boost the song to #2 on the Hot 100 and #1 on Cash Box. He had been married to Nancy Sinatra from 1960 to 1965, after which his career took a nosedive (rumors had it that Nancy’s father had something to do with that, although all parties denied it).
#7 – Buddy Knox, "Party Doll": "Party Doll" was Buddy’s first and most successful single, reaching #2 on the Hot 100 and #3 on the R&B chart. He had one other Top 20 hit, "Hula Girl," later that year.
#6 – Eddie Cochran, "Sittin’ In The Balcony": The song was written by John D. Loudermilk and recorded by him as Johnny Dee, so both were on the WJJD chart at #6, although Cochran was the only one with a hit. Cochran’s reached #18 on the Hot 100 and #7 on the "Most Played By DJ’s" chart.
#5 – Ferlin Husky, "Gone": One of the early Country stars, Ferlin Husky reached #4 on the Hot 100 and #1 on the Country chart with this song.
#4 – Charlie Gracie, "Butterfly": "Butterfly" was rocker Charlie Gracie’s first song on Cameo Records and his most successful record, reaching #1 on the Hot 100 and #12 in the UK.
#3 – Jimmy Bowen, "I’m Stickin’ With You": Jimmy wrote this song with Buddy Knox, and originally it was the B side of Knox’s "Party Doll." It reached #9 on the R&B chart and #14 on the Pop chart.
#2 – The Diamonds, "Little Darlin’": a Canadian quartet who had 16 Billboard hits in the ’50’s and ’60’s. This rose to #2 on the Hot 100 and R&B charts and #3 in the UK.
#1 – Perry Como, "Round And Round": Perry was still a major force on the Top 40 throughout the ’50’s and ’60’s and into the early ’70’s. "Round and Round" reached #1 nationally and was certified Gold.
Back with K tomorrow!
During April, my Monday A to Z posts will serve double duty as my Monday’s Music Moves Me posts.
Monday’s Music Moves Me is sponsored by Marie, Cathy, Alana, and Stacy, so be sure and visit them, where you can also find the Linky for the other participants.
Hi John – I don’t know these so well … but I will enjoy re-listening and learning … all the best Hilary
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Hope you like them!
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I think this might be the first time I’ve picked #1 as my #1. But it is a great song.
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Perry Como, you mean? That’s a good one.
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My mom was into Perry Como and I remember hearing him singing Round and Round, a lighthearted and optimistic song. I just listened to it again and it still makes me smile. Guess early 1957 was the calm before the storm of recession and early build up to a “conflict” in Vietnam.
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You’re probably right there. He had an incredible recording career… Always liked him…
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I was secretly hoping you’d spotlight 🎵 “KJR, Seattle, channel 95” 🎶 … I don’t know if they exist anymore, actually, I haven’t lived in Washington State for years upon years, and yet I can still recall their jingle. I’d sing it for ya, if I could… but I had to settle for putting it in quotation marks.
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They’re still on the air, now doing sports-talk: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KJR_(AM) And the survey site I use has a lot of surveys for them. Interesting: at one time they were owned by Marshall Field, who also owned Frederick & Nelson. Field is a huge name in Chicago history…
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I’m happy to hear they are still on the air! And thanks for including the link… I followed it and learned all sorts of information!
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I went into kindergarten in 1957, and I knew many (not all) of these. I think you reversed the order of your songs in your narrative vs your playlist i.e. your playlist #10 was your narrative’s #1, or am I confused? Anyway, I thought the live performance of the Diamonds on American Bandstand was absolutely hysterical. Oh, those were the days – performing in suits. Can you imagine that happening now? “Come Go with Me” is another favorite of mine.
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I see what you’re saying. Yes, the #10 song on the survey is the first song on the playlist, and #1 is the last. I “count down” to #1. I’ve always done it that way…
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This marks the year my hubby was born! I enjoyed listening to these too because I thought of my mom who loved listening to the 50s music because the 50s were wonderful years for her.
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It’s fun going that far back. You end up hearing a lot of music you wouldn’t otherwise.
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I only know a couple of these, at least from the titles. I’ll have to listen after I do my “real” work!
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Maybe you can play the list while you’re getting the work done….
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Unfortunately it’s typing so I have to listen to the doctor 🙂
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John, can I be honest with you? I friggin’ hate your site. It’s the rabbit hole to end all rabbit holes. Not to mention ear worm to end all ear worms. Your header sneakily claims this post would be a 2 minute read. Sure, if all I’m able to do is read it. Who could only read your intro and the blurbs for each song without also listening to the music??? Thanks for 2 minutes of great reading and approximately 25 minutes of even greater music!
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I’ll try nt to be quite so interesting… 😉
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A lot of great memories connected to that group’
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Aren’t there, though?
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Some great music in this eclectic selection!
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A little bit of everything: doo-wop, calypso, rockabilly, country, rock & roll, and easy listening…
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I enjoy a mix of different types of music, and easy listening – entertaining and relaxing.
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John,
I think I missed your birthday last month. Gee, happy belated birthday!! In 1957 I was the farthest from my parents mind. My mother was only 12 years old and my daddy 19. It’s interesting only three years after they were married something that was totally normal for folks who lived in a rural community. I was born late 1961. Your song picks are before my time. “Little Darlin'” I’m familiar with but I’m not sure if it’s The Diamonds version I heard. Also, I recognize Perry Como’s “Round and Round”. Nice playlist!
Stop by when you can to take a peek at my newest Looney Tunes Art Sketch. Foghorn’s joke-advise/”>. Happy A2Zing!!
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Thanks for the belated wishes! I think The Diamonds’ “Little Darlin'” is the only one, and if it isn’t, it’s most likely the one you remember.
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Ferlin Husky, now he’s a blast from the past. I remember On the wings of a snow-white dove ♫♫♪ … I loved that song. As always, great to relive the memories and seeing your count downs.
Have a great day.
Cheers,
Crackerberries
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Glad you enjoyed it!
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