19 – THE GREAT 1950’S POP STARS
At the beginning of the rock era in 1956, a new wave of entertainers emerged, following the well established formulas laid down by the artists of The Sing Era. The secrets to their success in weathering the rock era were accessibility, adaptability and staying power. Some more than others also had the ability to incorporate rock and roll elements into their sound without sounding ridiculous. Several artists such as Pat Boone and Connie Francis were considered teen idols at the beginning of their career yet they also appealed to a wider age group. Others would inevitably be categorized as easy listening or what would later be known as M.O.R. (middle of the road).
Their downfall came in the mid 1960's with the complete domination of the charts by rock and soul, and although their pop chart visibility diminished, many of these entertainers thrived in the club scene, on TV and on the concert circuit.
EDDIE FISHER
- Howard Andrew Williams (Dec. 3, 1928 – )
- Singer born in Wall Lake, Iowa.
- Formed a vocal quartet, The Williams Brothers with his brothers and moved to Los Angeles.
- May, 1944 - They sang on the #1 Bing Crosby hit, Swinging On A Star."
- 1944 - Andy supplied the singing voice for Lauren Bacall in the film, "To Have And Have Not."
- During the mid 1940's, appeared regularly with comedienne Kay Thompson.
- 1952 - Went solo.
- 1952-1955 - A regular on Steve Allen's "Tonight Show" on TV.
- June, 1962 - His recording of "Moon River," although never charting, became his theme song.
- 1962-1967 - Hosted his successful TV variety series on NBC.
- 1964 - Appeared in the film, "I'd Rather Be Rich."
- 1969-1971 - Hosted another NBC TV variety series.
- Married for a time to actress/singer Claudine Longet.
- Hits include "Canadian Sunset"(Aug., 1956)#7, "Butterfly"(Feb., 1957)#1-3 wks., "Are You Sincere"(Feb., 1958)#3, "Lonely Street" (Sept., 1959)#5, "The Village Of St. Bernadette"(Dec., 1959)#7, "Can't Get Used To Losing You"(March, 1963)#2, "Days Of Wine And Roses"(March, 1963#26, "A Fool Never Learns"(Jan., 1964)#13 and "(Where Do I Begin) Love Story"(Feb., 1971)#9.
- Charles Eugene Patrick Boone (June 1, 1934 – )
- Singer/actor born in Jacksonville, Florida.
- A direct descendant of frontiersman Daniel Boone.
- His younger brother was recording artist Nick Todd.
- Nov. 7, 1953 - Married Shirley Foley, the daughter of C&W recording artist Red Foley.
- Father of singer Debby Boone (Sept. 22, 1956 – ).
- 1954 - He won on both "Ted Mack's Amateur Hour" and "Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts" TV shows.
- July, 1955 - His cover version of Fats Domino's "Ain't That A Shame" went to #1-2 wks.
- 1957-1960 - Hosted his own TV variety series.
- Famous for his mellow vocal style, his trademark was his white buck shoes.
- 1961 - Wrote the lyrics for the instrumental hit, "Exodus," calling it "The Exodus Song."
- Appeared in 15 films including "Bernadine"(1957), "Journey To The Center Of The Earth"(1959) and "State Fair"(1962).
- 1970 - Became involved in modern Christian music, performing with his wife Shirley and daughters as The Boone Family.
- 1997 - After releasing his controversial "In A Metal Mood: No More Mr. Nice Guy" album featuring classic hard rock songs, Boone was dropped by The Trinity Broadcasting Network after thousands of viewers complained.
- Hits include "I'll Be Home"(Feb., 1956)#4, "I Almost Lost My Mind"(June., 1956)#1-4 wks., "Don't Forbid Me"(Dec., 1956)#1, "Love Letters In The Sand"(May, 1957)#1-7 wks., "April Love" (Oct., 1957)#1-6 wks., "Moody River"(May, 1961)#1 and "Speedy Gonzales"(June, 1962)#6.
- (Sept. 30, 1935 – )
- Singer born in San Francisco, California.
- 1945 - Age 10, his father, a former vaudeville artist began teaching him songs.
- 1948-1955 - Studied opera.
- He had originally planned to be a physical education teacher.
- 1956 - Managed by Helen Noga, he was signed by George Avakian of Columbia Records.
- Originally signed as a jazz recording artist, Columbia A&R executive Mitch Miller switched him over to pop ballads.
- Noted for his unique tonal quality and impeccable phrasing.
- He has since enjoyed over 60 charted entries on Billboard's Top Album Charts.
- It has been said that Johnny Mathis has made more contributions to romantic situations than any other vocalist.
- Hits include "Wonderful Wonderful"(Feb., 1957)#5, "It's Not For Me To Say"(April, 1957)#5, "Chances Are"(Sept., 1957)#1, "The Twelfth Of Never"(Oct., 1957)#9, "A Certain Smile"(June, 1958) #14, "Misty"(Oct., 1959)#12, "Maria"(May, 1960)#78, "Gina"(Sept., 1962)#6, "What Will Mary Say"(Jan., 1963)#9 and "Too Much Too Little Too Late"(April, 1978)#1 (with Deniece Williams).
- Sidney Leibowitz (July 8, 1935 – )
- Singer/pianist/saxophonist/arranger/actor born in Brooklyn, New York.
- 1952 - Won on "The Arthur Godfrey Talent Scouts" TV show.
- 1952 - Began his solo recording career.
- June, 1952 - His recording of "Poinciana" on King Records went to #21.
- A regular on "Steve Allen's Tonight Show" for 5 years.
- Dec. 29, 1957 - Married singer Eydie Gorme.
- Together, they became major fixtures on the nightclub and concert circuits.
- Solo hits include "Party Doll"(Feb., 1957)#5, "Pretty Blue Eyes" (Nov., 1959)#9, "Footsteps"(March, 1960)#7, "Portrait Of My Love" (March, 1961)#9 and the million selling "Go Away Little Girl" (Nov., 1962)#1-2 wks.
- (Aug. 16, 1931 – )
- Singer born in The Bronx, New York.
- After high school, worked as a Spanish interpreter.
- During the late 1940's, sang with Tommy Tucker and Tex Beneke's bands. 1952 - Went solo.
- 1953 - Appeared regularly on TV's "Steve Allen's Tonight Show."
- Dec. 29, 1957 - Married singer Steve Lawrence.
- Together, they became major fixtures in the nightclub and concert circuits.
- Solo hits include "Fini"(Jan., 1954)#19, "You Need Hands"(May, 1958)#11, "Blame It On The Bossa Nova"(Jan., 1963)#7 and "Tonight I'll Say A Prayer"(Nov., 1969)#45.
- Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme.
- Hits together include "I Want To Stay Here"(July, 1963)#28 and "I Can't Stop Talking About You"(Dec., 1963)#35.
- Delloreese Patricia Early (July 6, 1931 – )
- Singer/actress born in Detroit, Michigan.
- 1945-1949 - Sang with Mahalia Jackson's gospel troupe.
- During the early 1950's, sang with Erskine Hawkins' band.
- 1957 - Went solo.
- Aug., 1957 - Her recording of "And That Reminds Me" went to #12.
- 1960 - She became the first black artist to sing "The Star Spangled Banner" at the annual all-star baseball game.
- Film appearances include "Let's Rock"(1958) and "Harlem Nights" (1989).
- Appeared in several TV series including "Della," "Chico And The Man" and "The Royal Family."
- 1997 - Hit paydirt on TV with her role of Tess on "Touched By An Angel."
- Renowned jazz and gospel singer, noted for her deep, resonant, sensual voice, impeccable phrasing and direct delivery.
- Hits include "Don't You Know"(Sept., 1959)#2, "Not One Minute More"(Dec., 1959)#16 and "Someday"(March, 1960)#56.
- Recommended album - "Black Is Beautiful" featuring a preachy version of Joe South's "The Games People Play."
- Benjamin Franklin Peay (Sept. 19, 1931 - April 9, 1988)
- Singer/songwriter born in Camden, South Carolina.
- Began performing in The Camden Jubilee Singers.
- 1948 - He was a member of Bill Langford's Langfordaires in New York.
- 1951 - Sang with The Jerusalem Stars.
- 1953 - Went solo.
- Jan., 1959 - Clyde Otis persuaded Mercury Records to sign Benton.
- Composer of the hits, "A Lover's Question," "The Stroll," "Endlessly" and "It's Just A Matter Of Time."
- Singer with a warm, silky smooth baritone voice.
- July, 1965 - Signed with RCA.
- April 9, 1988 - Died in New York City of spinal meningitis.
- Hits include "It's Just A Matter Of Time"(Jan., 1959)#3, "Endlessly"(April, 1959)#12, "So Many Ways"(Oct., 1959)#6, "Baby (You've Got What It Takes)"(Jan., 1960)#5 (with Dinah Washington), "Kiddio"(Aug., 1960)#7, "Hotel Happiness"(Nov., 1962)#3 and "Rainy Night In Georgia"(Jan., 1970)#4.
- (March 13, 1939 – )
- Singer/songwriter/pianist born in Brooklyn, New York.
- At Abraham Lincoln High School, he was selected by pianist Arthur Rubenstein as one of the 7 most talented classical pianists in New York City.
- 1952 - Began composing songs.
- Helped form The Tokens (originally The Linc-Tones) who went on to have a major hit with "The Lion Sleeps Tonight"(Nov., 1961)#1-3 wks.
- While in high school, he formed a songwriting team with lyricist Howard Greenfield. Later, they became a fixture at the famous Brill Building. The partnership lasted for more than 20 years (see The Brill Building).
- Dec., 1958 - His recording of "The Diary" went to #14.
- During the late 1950's and early 1960's, Sedaka released some of pop music's catchiest material.
- 1958 - Connie Francis had a massive hit with Sedaka's "Stupid Cupid."
- 1974 - After a career slump, he signed with Elton John's Rocket Records.
- 1975 - His career was revitalized when Captain And Tennille had a monster hit with his song, "Love Will Keep Us Together." In fact, Toni Tennille can be heard singing "Sedaka is back" at the end of the recording.
- Jan. 18, 1978 - Granted a gold star on Hollywood Boulevard's "Footpath Of Fame."
- Hits include "Oh Carol"(Oct., 1959)#9, "Stairway To Heaven" (March, 1960)9, "Calendar Girl"(Dec., 1960)#4, "Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen"(Nov., 1961)#6, "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do"(June, 1962)#1-2 wks., "Next Door To An Angel"(Oct., 1962)#5, "Laughter In The Rain"(Oct., 1974)#1, "Bad Blood"(Sept., 1975)#1-3 wks. (with Elton John) and "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do"(Dec., 1975)#8 (a new slow version of his original hit).
- Concetta Rosa Maria Franconero (Dec. 12, 1938 – )
- Singer born in Newark, New Jersey.
- 1950 - Age 12, began a 4 year stint singing on NBC radio's "Startime Kids."
- 1954 - Age 16, signed with MGM Records and for 3 years, all of her releases flopped.
- 1958 - Her father suggested she record an old standard from 1923 called "Who's Sorry Now." In March, 1958, after exposure on "American Bandstand," it climbed to #4 nationally.
- 1959 - She was the top female recording star in polls conducted by Cashbox, Billboard and New Musical Express.
- She became the only artist with 10 solo discs which sold 1 million each in a space of 2 years.
- From 1958 to the mid 1960's, she was the top female recording artist in the world.
- 1961 - Made her film debut in "Where The Boys Are."
- By 1967, she had sold over 35 million records.
- Nov. 8, 1974 - She was raped in her hotel room. Consequently, she lost her voice and stopped performing.
- 1978 - Made several unsuccessful comeback attempts.
- Francis possessed a strong crystal clear voice, tempered with a sob.
- Hits include "Stupid Cupid"(July, 1958)#14, "My Happiness"(Dec., 1958)#2, "Lipstick On Your Collar"(May, 1959)#5, "Among My Souvenirs"(Nov., 1959)#7, "Everybody's Somebody's Fool"(May, 1960)#1-2 wks., "My Heart Has A Mind Of Its Own"(Aug., 1960)#1-2 wks., "Many Tears Ago"(Nov., 1960)#7, "Where The Boys Are"(Jan., 1961)#4, "Don't Break The Heart That Loves You"(Feb., 1962)#1 and "Vacation" (July, 1962)#9.
During the first half of the century, Canadian artists visible in the international market were few and far between. Guy Lombardo's world famous dance orchestra was the country's major success story and the only act indicative of Canada's musical identity.
The Canadian airwaves were monopolized completely by U.S. artists. Canadian entertainers were often considered inferior to Americans in their own country while the rest of the world tended to view home-grown Canadian music as folksy and rustic.
By the 1950's, an invasion of sorts was in progress. Several acts broke through onto the American charts, finally managing to grasp that illusive brass ring of success. In order to achieve notoriety, many Canadian entertainers were forced to leave their own country, eventually becoming American citizens.
Canadian vocal groups like The Crew-Cuts and The Diamonds entered the charts by dabbling in the "cover artist" market, whitewashing current black R&B hits for the mainstream market. Later, superstar Paul Anka put Canada on the musical map with several monster hits and an impressive collection of self-penned songs including "She's A Lady" (recorded by Tom Jones), "My Way" (recorded by Frank Sinatra) and his biggest money-maker, "The Tonight Show Theme."
By the late 1960's, Canada witnessed the birth of its own self contained music industry, later bulging at the seams and overflowing south of the border. With the emergence of high profile artists such as The Guess Who, Gordon Lightfoot, Neil Young, Anne Murray, Joni Mitchell, Rush and Bryan Adams, Canada proudly took her place in the international music market.
The following performers were the ground breaking pioneers of Canadian pop music.
- Gisele LeFleche (Jan. 10, 1927 – )
- Singer/violinist born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
- During the 1940's, she hosted her own CBC radio program.
- 1951 - Began pursuing a career in the U.S.
- 1953-1957 - Starred weekly on TV's "Your Hit Parade" and "Club 15."
- June, 1955 - Her recording of "Hard To Get" went to #4.
- 1957-1958 - Hosted her own TV variety show.
- 1963-1964 - Became a regular on TV's "The Sid Caesar Show."
- Hits include "Pepper Hot Baby"(Nov., 1955)#60 and "The Star You Wished Upon Last Night"(Nov., 1956)#42.
- (April 7, 1908 - Feb. 9, 1976)
- Orchestra leader/arranger born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Studied at The Toronto Conservatory.
- 1933 - Staff conductor for the Canadian Broadcasting Company.
- 1940 - Moved to the U.S., becoming the musical director of "The Contented Hour" radio series.
- 1950 - Became arranger/conductor for Columbia Records, working with such artists as Tony Bennett, Rosemary Clooney, Doris Day, Guy Mitchell and Frankie Laine..
- 1953 - His recording of "Song From Moulin Rouge" with singer Felicia Sanders went to #1-10 wks.
- Famous for his lush string arrangements.
- Feb. 9, 1976 - Died of cancer.
- Hits include "All My Love"(Sept., 1950)#7, "Delicado"(April, 1952)#1 and "The Theme From A Summer Place"(Jan., 1960)#1-9 wks.
- Vocal quartet formed in Toronto, Ontario, Canada after all four had been choirboys at St. Michael's Cathedral.
- Consisting of Corrado "Connie" Codarini (bass), Frank Busseri (baritone), Bernard Toorish (second tenor) and featured the high soaring tenor vocals of James Arnold.
- 1950 - Signed with Columbia Records in the U.S. as session vocalists.
- Oct., 1951 - Sang backup on Johnny Ray's smash hits, "Cry" and "The Little White Cloud That Cried."
- 1952 - Went solo on Columbia Records.
- 1959 - Disbanded.
- Hits include "Istanbul"(Oct., 1953)#10, "Skokian"(Sept., 1954)#7, "Moments To Remember"(Sept., 1955)#2, "No Not Much"(Jan., 1956) #3, "Standing On The Corner"(April, 1956)#3, "Put A Light In The Window"(Dec., 1957)#8 and "Enchanted Island"(June, 1958)#12.
- 1952 - Vocal quartet formed in Toronto, Ontario, Canada as The Four Tomes.
- Later, sang spirituals as The Canadaires.
- Consisting of John Perkins (Aug. 28, 1931 – ) (lead), Rudi Maugeri (Jan. 27, 1931 – ) (baritone), Pat Barrett (Sept. 15, 1933 – ) (tenor) and Ray Perkins (Nov. 28, 1932 – ) (bass). John and Ray Perkins were brothers.
- 1954 - Cleveland DJ Bill Randle suggested changing the group's name to The Crew-Cuts because of their hairstyles.
- 1954 - Signed to Mercury Records in the U.S.
- Specializing in cover recordings, their biggest hit was a cover of The Chords' "Sh-Boom"(July, 1954)#1-9 wks.
- 1963 - Disbanded.
- Hits include "Crazy 'Bout Ya Baby"(May, 1954)#8, "Ko Ko Mo"(Jan., 1955)#6, "Earth Angel"(Feb., 1955)#3 and "Angels In The Sky" (Dec., 1955)#11.
- 1953 - Vocal quartet formed in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Consisting of Dave Somerville (lead), Bill Reed (bass), Ted Kowalski (tenor) and Phil Levitt (baritone).
- All attended De Lasalle School in Toronto.
- Aug., 1955 - Mike Douglas replaced Levitt before recording.
- 1955 - Cleveland DJ Bill Randle helped them obtain a contract with Mercury Records in the U.S.
- The group specialized in cover recordings.
- Kowalski and Reed were replaced by Evan Fisher and John Felton.
- 1957 - Appeared in the film, "The Big Beat."
- 1961 - After many personnel changes, they disbanded, later reforming as country artists in 1987.
- Hits include "Why Do Fools Fall In Love"(Feb., 1956)#12, "Little Darlin'"(March, 1957)#2, "Silhouettes"(Nov., 1957)#10, "The Stroll"(Dec., 1957)#4, "High Sign"(April, 1958)#37 and "She Say (Oom Dooby Doom)"(Jan., 1959)#18.
- (July 30, 1941 – )
- Singer/songwriter born in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
- Age 12, formed his own trio while at Fisher Park High School.
- Age 14, he went to New York with a tape of 4 songs he'd written including "Diana", a love song about 20 year old Diana Ayoub.
- Don Costa (A&R chief at ABC Paramount) signed him to a long term contract.
- July, 1957 - His recording of "Diana" went to #1. It sold an estimated 9 million globally. Over a 6 year period, there were 320 recordings of the song in 22 countries.
- 1961 - Appeared in and wrote the theme song for the film, "The Longest Day."
- He has written over 400 songs including "She's A Lady" for Tom Jones, "My Way" for Frank Sinatra, "It Doesn't Matter Anymore" for Buddy Holly and the theme song for "The Tonight Show" ($30,000 annual royalty).
- He has had 53 charted singles.
- By 1970, he had sold over 40 million records globally.
- 1973 - Hosted his own TV variety series.
- Hits include "You Are My Destiny"(Jan., 1958)#7, "Lonely Boy" (June, 1959)#1-4 wks., "Put Your Head On My Shoulder"(Aug., 1959) #2, "It's Time To Cry"(Nov., 1959)#4, "Puppy Love"(Feb., 1960)#2, "(You're) Having My Baby"(July, 1974)#1-3 wks. (with Odia Coates) and "Times Of Your Life"(Nov., 1975)#7.
JACK SCOTT
- Robert Allen Curtola (April 17, 1944 – )
- Singer born in Port Arthur (now Thunder Bay), Ontario, Canada.
- 1960 - His first single, "Hand In Hand With You," recorded at a Toronto radio station, went to #1 in Winnipeg.
- March, 1960 - Appeared on "The Bob Hope Show."
- 1962 - Bob Keene, president of Del-Fi Records in Los Angeles signed him and became his American manager.
- During the 1970's, he was a regular fixture in the Las Vegas lounge circuit.
- In the 1980's, he changed his name to Bobby Curtola.
- Hits include "Fortune Teller"(May, 1962)#41, "Three Rows Over" (1962), "Aladdin"(Oct., 1962)#92, "Indian Giver"(1965) and "Walking With My Angel"(1965).
- Anita Bryant - "Paper Roses"(April, 1960)#5.
- Tommy Edwards - "It's All In The Game"(Aug., 1958)#1-6 wks.
- Paul Evans - "Seven Little Girls"(Sept., 1959)#9.
- Earl Grant - "The End"(Sept., 1958)#7.
- Al Hibbler - "Unchained Melody"(April, 1955)#3.
- Domenico Modugno - "Volare"(Aug., 1958)#1-5 wks.
- David Seville - "Witch Doctor"(April, 1958)#1-3 wks.
- Connie Stevens - "Sixteen Reasons"(Feb., 1960)#3.
- Dodie Stevens - "Pink Shoe Laces"(Feb., 1959)#3.
- Billy Williams - "I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter"(June, 1957)#3.
ALSO SEE
- Chapter 9: The Sing Era
- Chapter 18: Teen Idols
- Chapter 20: The Brill Building
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