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BERMUDA (Cynthia Strother) / Matrix: E1-VB-3860  
JUNE NIGHT (Cliff Friend - Abel Baer) / Matrix: E1-VB-3861
USA: RCA 47-4422 (45 rpm), 20-4422 (78 rpm)
Recording Date: November 12, 1951, 8:00 p.m. to 12 midnight

Session Information:

  • A&R Rep: Henri Rene
  • Leader: Jack Pleis
  • Orch. Mgr.: Dave Klein
  • Trombone: Ray Conniff, Pullman Pederson, Simon Zentner
  • Horns: V. de Rosa, J. Cave
  • Guitar: Alton Hendrickson
  • Piano: George Greeley
  • Bass: Larry Breen
  • Drums: Milton Holland
  • Saxes: Arthur Herfurt, Jules Kinsler, Ernest Theodore Romersa

"Bermuda" Chart History:

  • The Bell Sisters' version of "Bermuda" debuted on the Billboard charts on 01/05/1952 and remained on the charts for 16 weeks, peaking at #7 for "Jockey" (radio play), #8 for "Best Seller" (sales) and #8 for "Juke Box" (jukebox plays).
  • In certain territories, "Bermuda" charted higher, reaching #1 in Chicago in 01/26/1952 and #2 in Los Angeles in 01/19/1952 and #2 in Dallas in 03/08/1952.
  • Ray Anthony reached #24 on the Billboard chart on 02/23/1952, falling to #25 the next week and then leaving the chart.
  • Ten years later, Linda Scott reached #70 on the Billboard chart during a six-week run beginning 02/10/1962.

"Bermuda" Cover Releases:

  • Roberta Lee (Decca 27893 - 1951) AUDIO
  • Ray Anthony (Capitol 1956 - 1952) AUDIO
  • Jimmy Palmer (Mercury 5774 - 1952) AUDIO
  • Mimi Martel (with Nancy Brookes and Les Morgan Orchestra) (Tops 319 - 1952; also Waldorf A/B 108 (78A), EP) AUDIO
  • Maurice King & The Wolverines (Okeh 6868 - 1952) AUDIO
  • Harry Roy and His Orchestra (Nixa 7746 - 1952)
  • Bon-Aires (King 4975 - 1956)
  • The Peel Sisters (Remington 453 - 1957) AUDIO
  • Roger Smith (LP "Beach Romance", Warner 1305 - 1959) AUDIO
  • The Crew-Cuts (RCA 42-7577 - 1959) AUDIO
  • Dick Lee (MGM 12774 - 1959) AUDIO
  • Dick Estes (On LP "Bermuda Little Island", BLP2001 Bermuda Records - 1960s?)
  • Troy Walker (HiFi L1021 - 1960) AUDIO
  • Ray Sharpe (Jamie 1149 - 1960) AUDIO
  • The Four Seasons (Gone 5122 - 1962) AUDIO
  • Linda Scott (Canadian-American C-134 - 1962) AUDIO
  • Santo & Johnny (Canadian-American SCALP-1018 - 1965) AUDIO
  • Dick Sharp (Future 1008 - Unknown)
  • Kool Cad & The Tailfins (Crystal 45870 - 1979) AUDIO
  • Badomi De Cesare (CD "Do Ya Wanna Fall in Love", Self-Produced - 2001) AUDIO
  • Bric-a-Brac (CD "16 Luxury Units", Tchotchke Records - 2002) AUDIO

More About:

"Bermuda" on DVD:

  • Ray Anthony - Timeline 1952
    (Whirlwind WDVD 1952, Track 7 in "Audio Chapter")(U.S. Release: 2001)

"Bermuda" on CD:

  • Bell Sisters - Legends of Radio: The Bob Hope Show
    (20 CD Set, Radio Spirits 40044; also cassette 40042) (U.S. Release: September 2002)
  • Bell Sisters - The Bell Sisters - The 'Bermuda' Girls
    (2 CD Set, Jasmine Records JASCD 634) (U.K. Release: January 2003)
  • Bell Sisters - Wanderin'
    (BMG Special Products DRK1 2692) (U.S. Release: August 2001)
  • Bell Sisters - 50's Golden Jukebox: Stars In Your Eyes
    (Direct Source Special Products 042212) (U.S. Release: June 2000)
  • Bell Sisters - The Fabulous Fifties, Vol. 2
    (Warner Music Australia 8573837282) (Australia Release: September 2000)
  • Bell Sisters - Your Hit Parade: The '50s Forever
    (Time-Life HPD-31) (Release: Unknown)
  • Bell Sisters - Those Wonderful Years: Mr. Sandman (Vol. 14)
    (JCI 7014) (Release: 6/20/1995)
  • Bell Sisters - Popular Music of the 1950's, Volume 1
    (EMI CDBILL 261335) (Australia Release: 1991)
  • Peggy Lee - Peggy Lee: Live 1947 & 1952
    (Jazz Band 2115) (U.K. Release: 3/25/1994)
  • Ray Anthony - For Dancers & Romantics Only
    (Jasmine 351) (U.K. Release: 1999)
  • Ray Anthony - The Navy Show Broadcasts
    (Montpellier MONTCD 006) (U.K. Release: April 1998)
  • Linda Scott - Collected Hits of Linda Scott
    (Eric CD 11511) (U.S. Release: 9/26/2000)
  • Linda Scott - Best of Linda Scott, 1961-1962
    (Stardust 1002) (U.K. Release: 9/9/1996)
  • Linda Scott - Linda: Collector's Gold, Volume 40
    (Globe 3001/20) (Holland Release: 1994)
  • Linda Scott - Linda Scott - 24 Best Hits
    (A-Side AZ-8005) (Japan Release: 1994)
  • Ray Sharpe - Linda Lu
    (Bear 15888) (Germany Release: 10/10/1995)
  • Four Seasons - 24 Original Happening Hits
    (Telerad 9000) (Release: Unknown)
  • Four Seasons - Spotlite on Gone Records, Vol. 2
    (Collectables 5461) (U.S. Release: 3/21/1994)
  • Four Seasons - Whiter Shade of Doo-Wop
    (Sequel 75, NEM715) (U.K. Release: 1995)
  • Four Seasons - Best of the Popcorn Oldies, Vol. 6
    (BAR Records 144) (Belgium Release: Unknown)
  • Santo & Johnny - Mucho/Wish You Love
    (Unknown) (Import Release: 10/14/1999)
  • Troy Walker - Music for the Jet Set
    (Hifi/Tradition 1038) (U.S. Release: 11/5/1996)
  • Troy Walker - Hi-Fi Daze: Cocktail Nights, Vol. 1
    (Tradition 3003) (U.S. Release: 9/9/1997)
  • Badomi de Cesare - Wanna Fall in Love?
    (Self-Produced) (U.S. Release: September 2001)
  • Bric-a-Brac - 16 Luxury Units
    (Tchotchke Records 001) (U.S. Release: February 2002)

Note: Troy Walker recordings incorrectly list "Bermuda" as public domain. Belgian "Popcorn" release incorrectly attributes "Bermuda" to "Crewe/Gaudio."

Flip-Side Flipped:

  • According to hand-written notes on the session sheets, "June Night" was the original A-side of the disc, with "Bermuda" on the B-side.

"June Night" Chart History / Releases:

  • First charted 1924(*) by Ted Lewis and His Orchestra (#2 on Columbia 157), instrumental
  • Fred Waring's Pennsylvanians (#7 - Victor 19380), instrumental.
  • First successful revival of the song was a 1957 version by the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, conducted by Lee Castle, featuring Dick Stabile on sax and vocal by the Artie Malvin Singers (Fraternity 777). Charted on Billboard, #39 Top 100, #27 Sales, #21 Radio Airplay. This recording was the follow-up to the million-selling "So Rare" and was recorded five days after Dorsey died, explaining the non-Dorsey cast of participants.

(*) Pre-1940 "chart positions" are provided from Joel Whitburn's "Pop Memories."

BMI:

  • "Bermuda" was registered with BMI, Work #71446, on 12/21/1951, and was awarded the "Pop Award" in 1952, honored in January 1953 at a banquet dinner at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.
  • According to BMI, "Bermuda" has been performed in the U.S. over 567,618 times as of their most recent accounting period.

Foreign Release:

  • In July 1952, "Bermuda" was released in Australia with "Wheel of Fortune" as its B-side, on the HMV (His Master's Voice) label; HMV EA-4028 / 78 rpm.
  • The same combination was released in Britain as HMV B.10239.
  • In September 1952, "June Night" was released in Australia with "Poor Whip-Poor-Will" as its A-side on the HMV label; HMV EA-4074 / 78 rpm.

What RCA Heard:

  • Listen to the original "Bermuda" demo of Bell Sisters prepared for RCA, voice and piano, dated 10/31/1951 AUDIO )

Electrical Transcription Libraries:

  • Alan Holmes Orchestra, Associated
  • Henry Jerome Orchestra, Lang-Worth

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WHEEL OF FORTUNE (Benjamin - Weiss) / Matrix: E2-VB-5229  
THE POOR WHIP-POOR-WILL (MOVE OVER, MOVE OVER) (J. Kennedy - N. Simon) / Matrix: E2-VB-5228
USA: RCA 47-4520 (45 rpm), 20-4520 (78 rpm)
Recording Date: January 24, 1952, 8:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Session Information:

  • A&R Rep: Dave Kapp
  • Conductor: Henri Rene
  • Orch. Mgr.: Dave Klein
  • Trombone: Ray Conniff, Pullman Pederson, Simon Zentner
  • Trumpet: Ray Linn, C. Cathcart, L. Rowe
  • Guitar: Alton Hendrickson
  • Piano: Jack Pleis
  • Bass: Phil Stephens
  • Drums: Nick Fatool
  • Saxes: Arthur Herfurt, Jules Kinsler, Theodore M. Nash, Ernest Theodore Romersa, Jerome Kasper

"Wheel of Fortune" Chart History / Releases:

  • Wheel Of Fortune took months to catch on. The virtually unknown and uncharted 1951 original version was by Johnny Hartman, orchestra of Norman Leyden (RCA Victor 4349).
  • Eddie Wilcox Orchestra, with Sunny Gale (Derby 787) - taking off in early 1952. Charted Billboard Pop: Juke Box #13, Sales #14, Radio Airplay #22; Billboard R&B: Sales #2, Juke Box #3. Interestingly, Sunny Gale was white, despite the R&B success of the single.
  • The Cardinals (Atlantic 958), reaching Billboard R&B: #6 Sales.
  • Dinah Washington, orchestra of Jimmy Cobb (Mercury 8267) - Billboard R&B: Sales #3, Juke Box #5.
  • Kay Starr, orchestra of Harold Mooney (Capitol 1964) - Billboard Pop: #1 on all three charts, Sales (9 weeks), Juke Box (10), and Radio Airplay (9).
  • Bobby Wayne, orchestra of Joe Reisman (Mercury 5779) - Billboard Pop: Sales #13, Juke Box #13, Radio Airplay #6
  • Bell Sisters, orchestra of Henri Rene (RCA Victor 4520) - Billboard Pop: Juke Box #17, Radio Airplay #10. The Bells' version debuted on the Billboard charts on 03/01/1952 and remained for 11 weeks during the same period Kay Starr reached #1.

"Poor Whip-Poor-Will" Chart History / Releases:

  • No artist charted with "Poor Whip-Poor-Will". All versions of the song were released in 1952.
  • The Andrews Sisters (Decca 27979).
  • Ray Bloch (Coral 60668).
  • Rosemary Clooney, orchestra of Percy Faith (Columbia 39710). The flip-side of her million-selling "Half As Much."

Foreign Release:

  • In July 1952, "Wheel of Fortune" was released in Australia with "Bermuda" as its A-side on the HMV (His Master's Voice) label; HMV EA-4028 / 78 rpm.
  • The same combination was released in Britain as HMV B.10239.
  • In September 1952, "Poor Whip-Poor-Will" was released in Australia with "June Night" as its B-side on the HMV label; HMV EA-4074 / 78 rpm.

"They Might Be Giants" Connection:

  • Songwriters Nat Simon and Jimmy Kennedy, who wrote "Poor Whip-Poor-Will," also wrote the song "Istanbul (Not Constantinople)" which was first recorded by the Four Lads and later by the quirky pop band "They Might Be Giants."

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HAMBONE (Rod Saunders - Leon Washington) / Matrix: E2-VB-5274 
Bell Sisters With Phil Harris
USA: RCA 47-4584 (45 rpm), 20-4584 (78 rpm)
Recording Date: February 17, 1952, 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Session Information:

  • Piano-Leader: Jack Pleis
  • Orch. Mgr.: Harry P. Harris
  • Guitar: Alton Hendrickson
  • Bass: Phil Stephens
  • Steel Guitar: W. Wost (?)
  • Drums: Joe Siracuse, Sam Weiss
  • Harmonica: Jerry Adler

Note: B-side of released disc was Phil Harris only on "Mama's on the Warpath", recorded at separate session.

"Hambone" Chart History / Releases:

  • The Bell Sister/Phil Harris version of "Hambone" debuted on the Billboard charts on 03/15/1952 and remained on the charts for 6 weeks, peaking at #19 for "Jockey." It also reached #24 for "Juke Box."
  • The original recording by Red Saunders and His Orchestra, including vocal by Dolores Hawkins and the Hambone Kids, charted in 1952.
  • Frankie Laine/Jo Stafford had a version which reached the Top Ten charts in 1952.

Foreign Release:

  • In August 1952, "Hambone" was released in Australia with "Rutza Rutza" as its B-side on the HMV (His Master's Voice) label; HMV EA-4080 / 78 rpm.
  • In Britain, the original song combination was released as HMV B.10257.

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RUTZA, RUTZA (HURRY, HURRY)(Paul Laub - Sadie Hurwitz - Robert Conlan) / Matrix: E2-VB-5301  
BOO-HOO (Edward Heyman - Carmen Lombardo - John Jacob Loeb) / Matrix: E2-VB-5302
USA: RCA 47-4665 (45 rpm), 20-4665 (78 rpm)
Recording Date: March 29, 1952, 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Session Information:

  • A&R Rep: Henri Rene
  • Leader: Jack Pleis
  • Orch. Mgr.: Dave Klein
  • Trumpet: Ray Linn, C. Cathcart, L. Rowe
  • Trombone: Pullman Pederson, Ray Conniff, Simon Zentner
  • Piano: Edwin "Buddy" Cole
  • Sax: Arthur Herfurt, Jules Kinsler, Jerome Kasper, Ernest Theodore Romersa, Theodore M. Nash
  • Bass: Phil Stephens
  • Guitar: Barney Kessell
  • Drums: Alvin Stoller

"Rutza Rutza" Chart History / Releases:

  • The Bell Sisters' version of "Rutza Rutza" debuted on the Cash Box "Best Sellers" chart on 6/7/52 and peaked at #26 on 7/5/52.
  • Walter Schumann (Capitol 2089), did not chart.
  • Bobby Wayne/Jan August (Mercury 5857), did not chart.

"Boo-Hoo" Chart History / Releases:

  • "Boo-Hoo" was a #1 hit for Guy Lombardo in 1937. It has been well-known since, though never successfully revived as a charting song.

Foreign Release:

  • In Britain, "Rutza, Rutza" was released with "Boo-Hoo" as HMV B.10294.

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HANG OUT THE STARS (Jack Lawrence) / Matrix: E2-VB-5354  
WISE LITTLE ECHO (Dave Coleman) / Matrix: E2-VB-5355
Recording Date: June 18, 1952, 6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
USA: RCA 47-4844 (45 rpm), 20-4844 (78 rpm)

Session Information:

  • A&R Rep: Henri Rene
  • Leader: Jack Pleis
  • Orch. Mgr.: Dave Klein
  • Violin: Harry Bluestone, Mischa Russell, L. Raderman, Eudice Shapiro, M. Kellner, H. Hill, O. Vail, J. Casselin, Felix Slatkin
  • Viola: L. Kievman, A. Harshman
  • Cello: E. Slatkin, A. Kaproff
  • Trumpet: Rayy Linn, Emanuel Klein, Rubin Zarchy
  • Trombone: Pullman Pederson, Edward K. Kusby, Simon Zentner
  • Piano: Edwin "Buddy" Cole
  • Sax: Arthur Herfurt, Jules Kinsler, Theodore M. Nash, M.B. Friedman
  • Bass: Phil Stephens
  • Guitar: Alton Hendrickson
  • Bongo: M. Pacheco
  • Drums: Milton Holland

"Hang Out the Stars" / "Wise Little Echo" Releases:

  • There are no other versions released of either song.

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IF'N (Jody Evans - Jeff Davis - By Dunham) / Matrix: E2-VB-6960  
THERE'S A SHIP COMIN' IN (Van Alexander - Jay Sims) / Matrix: E2-VB-6961
Recording Date: August 29, 1952, 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
USA: RCA 47-4961 (45 rpm), 20-4961 (78 rpm)

Session Information:

  • A&R Rep: Henri Rene, A. Miller
  • Leader: Jack Pleis
  • Orch. Mgr.: Dave Klein
  • Trombone: Pullman Pederson, Ray Conniff, Edward K. Kusby
  • Piano: Paul T. Smith
  • Sax: Arthur Herfurt, Jules Kinsler, Jerome Kasper, Ernest Theodore Romersa
  • Bass: Phil Stephens
  • Guitar: Alton Hendrickson
  • Drums: Milton Holland

"If'n" Releases:

  • The only other version of the song "If'n" is by Dorothy Collins (Decca 28421), likely released in November-December 1952.

"There's a Ship Comin' In" Releases:

  • There are no other versions released of this song.

[ BACK TO BELL SISTERS WEBSITE ] SOCKO, THE SMALLEST SNOWBALL (Freddy Morgan) / Matrix: E2-VB-6985  
BARNYARD CHRISTMAS (Jack Stearn) / Matrix: E2-VB-6984
Bell Sisters with Spike Jones and his City Slickers
USA: RCA 47-5015 (45 rpm), 20-5015 (78 rpm)
Recording Date: September 19, 1952, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Session Information:

  • A&R Rep: Henri Rene, A. Miller
  • Leader: Lindley (Spike) Jones
  • Drums: Joe Siracusa
  • Trumpet: George Rock
  • Trombone: Joe Colvin
  • Sound Effects: Rurv Pullen
  • Banjo: Freddie Morgan
  • Sax: Bernie Jones
  • Bass: Roger Donley
  • Guitar: Dick Morgan
  • Piano: Paul Leu
  • Clarinet: Bill Depew, Lon Doty

Other U.S. Releases:

  • On RCA Y-461, the two songs were released on a 10" 78 rpm disc.
  • On RCA WY-461, the two songs were released on a 7" 45 rpm yellow vinyl disc with a picture sleeve. [Note: WY was RCA's prefix for the "Little Nipper" children's records series.]
  • On RCA Victor DJ-4875, the two songs were released on a special 78 rpm disc for DJs.
  • On RCA EYA-18, the song "Socko" was included on the EP "Christmas Fun With Spike Jones." [Note: EYA was a prefixed use for a special series of children's records.]

Foreign Releases:

  • In approximately November 1958, "Socko" and "Barnyard" were released in Australia on RCA 20131. This 45 rpm had a picture sleeve.

"Socko" / "Barnyard Christmas" Releases:

  • "Barnyard Christmas" appears on Betty Beltmore's "A Song in the Air," self-published Christmas CD, Canada 2002. Betty remembered the song from the Bell Sisters' recording when she was growing up.

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PIECE A-PUDDIN' (Coon - Keidel) / Matrix: E2-VB-6986  
HI-DIDDLE-DIDDLE (Rudolph Toombs) / Matrix: E2-VB-6987
Bell Sisters with Phil Harris
USA: RCA 47-4993 (45 rpm), 20-4665 (78 rpm)
Recording Date: September 22, 1952, 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Session Information:

  • A&R Rep: A. Miller
  • Leader: Jack Pleis
  • Contractor: Harry P. Harris
  • Trumpet: Ray Linn
  • Trombone: Ray Conniff
  • Violin: Harry Bluestone
  • Sax: Arthur Herfurt, Ernest Theodore Romersa
  • Guitar: Alton Hendrickson
  • Bass: Phil Stephens

"Piece A-Puddin'" Releases:

  • Jo Stafford & Frankie Laine (Columbia 39867 - around September 1952)
  • Red Saunders (Okeh 6914 - 1952)

"Hi-Diddle-Diddle" Releases:

  • George Cates (Coral 60546 - 1951)
  • Bill Davis Trio (Okeh 6836 - 1951)
  • Jake Porter and the Combonettes (Combo 74 - 1954)
  • Gene & Eunice (Aladdin 3351 - 1957)
  • Pee Wee King (Jaro 77025 - 1960)
  • Inex Fox (Symbol 924 - 1963)
  • The Three Jokers (Mercury 72345 - 1964)

Foreign Release:

  • In Britain, "Piece A-Puddin'" was released with "Hi-Diddle-Diddle" as its B-side as HMV B.10392.

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TALK, TALK, TALK (Lester Lee - Eddie Maxwell) / Matrix: E2-VB-7001  :
DO, DO, DO, DO, DO, DO, DO, DO IT AGAIN (Roy Jordan - Sid Bass) / E2-VB-7002
Recording Date: November 11, 1952, 2:15 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.

Session Information:

  • A&R Rep: Henri Rene, A. Miller
  • Leader: Jack Pleis
  • Contractor: Dave Klein
  • Trumpet: Ray Linn
  • Piano: Edwin "Buddy" Cole
  • Sax: Arthur Herfurt, Jules Kinsler, Jerome Kasper, Ernest Theodore Romersa
  • Bass: Phil Stephens
  • Guitar: Alton Hendrickson
  • Drums: Milton Holland

Never Released by Bell Sisters:

  • "Talk, Talk, Talk" was assigned a label number by RCA, in anticipation of release (with "Sin in Satin"), as the B-side of RCA 47-5312 / 45 rpm; RCA 20-5312 / 78 rpm, dated 5/1/1953. It went unreleased.
  • "Do It Again" was not released (artist's copy of "Talk" and "Do It Again" in family possession)

"Talk, Talk, Talk" Origin:

  • "Talk, Talk, Talk" was originally a Japanese song called "Sho-Jo-Ji," a children's song about a raccoon. "Sho-Jo-Ji" was covered by Eartha Kitt.

"Do It Again" Releases:

  • Four Tunes (Jubilee 5135 - Autumn 1954). Sid Bass, the Four Tunes regular music director, was one of the song's composers.

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(NOW AND THEN THERE'S) A FOOL SUCH AS I (Bill Trader) / Matrix: E2-VB-7059  
I'M TEACHING MY DOLLY TO PRAY (John Oliver - Allan Roberts) / Matrix: E2-VB-7060
RCA 47-5122 (45 rpm), 20-5122 (78 rpm)
Recording Date: December 18, 1952, 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Session Information:

  • A&R Rep: A. Miller
  • Leader: Jack Pleis
  • Contractor: Dave Klein
  • Piano: George Greeley
  • Guitar: Alton Hendrickson
  • Drums: Milton Holland
  • Bass: Phil Stephens
  • Cello: Cy Bernard
  • Violin: Harry Bluestone, Mischa Russell, Felix Slatkin, Eudice Shapiro

"A Fool Such As I" Chart History / Releases (Partial):

  • Hank Snow (RCA Victor 5034 - 1953). Billboard Country Charts, starting 12/27/1952 for 16 weeks, peaking at #3 Radio Play and Juke Box, #4 Singles Sales. Only version to chart Country until late 1970s.
  • Jo Stafford (Columbia 39930 - 1953). Billboard 2/21/1953 for 4 weeks, peaking at #16 Radio Play and Juke Box, #20 Singles Sales.
  • Tommy Edwards (MGM 11395 - 1953). Didn't appear on Billboard's short (20 positions at the time) chart. Cash Box clustered all versions of song together under one position (of 50 position chart) and Tommy's was consistently listed as second most popular after Stafford version for 3 month run.
  • Robins (RCA Victor 5175 - 1953)
  • Grady Martin (Decca 28588 - 1953)
  • Tommy Bishop (Wonder 101 - 1958)
  • Elvis Presley (RCA Victor 7506 - 1959). Billboard 3/23/1959 for 15 weeks, peaking at #2.
  • Bill Haley (Decca 30873 - 1959)
  • Slim Whitman (Imperial 8322 - 1959)
  • Pat O'Day (Argo 5325 - 1959)
  • Bob Dylan (Columbia 45982 - 1974). Latest charting version; Billboard 12/15/1973 for 7 weeks, peaking at #55.

"I'm Teaching My Dolly" Releases:

  • There are no other known versions of this song.

Bells "Dolly" on National Public Radio (NPR):

  • Approximately 30 seconds (the chorus) of the Bell Sisters' recording of "I'm Teaching My Dolly To Pray" was used as the closing music for an episode of the "This American Life" radio program (Pgm I.D. 00C13-00000-9).
  • The episode aired March 4/5, 2000 on NPR; and was titled "Dolls".

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THE DANCE OF LOVE (Al Hazan) / Matrix: E3-VB-0051  
SO LATE, SO EARLY (Cynthia Strother, Raymond Saar) / Matrix: E3-VB-0052
Recording Date: March 16, 1953, 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Session Information:

  • A&R Rep: A. Miller
  • Leader: Nelson Riddle
  • Orch. Mgr.: Dave Klein
  • Horn: John Grass, C.E. Sherry
  • Drums: Alvin Stoller
  • Violin: Walter Edelstein, Victor Bay, Ted Rosen, Lou Raderman
  • Cello: Edgar Lustgarten
  • Flute: Jack Klein, Dominick Mumulo
  • Piano: James Rowles
  • Trombone: Milton Bernhart, James Priddy
  • Bass: Edward Gilbert
  • Guitar: [Unknown]

Bells Performed, but Unreleased

  • Although the RCA recordings were never released, "The Dance of Love" was performed by the Bell Sisters on the April 30, 1953 Bing Crosby radio show, where Bing Crosby mentions it as the girls' "new recording"). Three demos of "So Late, So Early" exist, Cynthia with piano or guitar. [Demo 1 (Piano)] AUDIO [Demo 2 (Piano)] AUDIO [Demo 3 (Guitar)] AUDIO

"Dance of Love" / "So Late" Releases:

  • There are no other known versions of either song.

More About:

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SIN IN SATIN (Margie O'Neale) / Matrix: E3-VB-0080  
Recording Date: April 30, 1953, 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Session Information:

  • A&R Rep: Dave Kapp
  • Leader: Harry Geller
  • Contractor: Dave Klein
  • Piano: Marvin Wright
  • Drums: Alvin Stoller, Nestor Amaral, Sam Weiss
  • Bass: Larry Breen
  • Vocals: Jud Conlon, Clark Yocum, Charles Parlato, Mack McLain, Gloria Wood, Loulie Jean Norman
  • Sax: Morris L. Bercov, Harry Steinfield, Frank Chase
  • Trumpet: Rubin Zarchy, Conrad Gozzo, Emanuel Klein
  • Trombone: Pullman Pederson, Edward K. Kusby
  • Guitar: Vincent Terri
  • Steel Guitar: Alvino Rey

Bell Sisters Never Released:

  • "Sin in Satin" was assigned a label number by RCA, in anticipation of release (with "Talk, Talk, Talk"), as the A-side of RCA 47-5312 / 45 rpm; RCA 20-5312 / 78 rpm, dated 5/1/1953. It went unreleased.

"Sin in Satin" Releases:

  • Betty Clooney (Coral 61000 - mid-1953). Sister of Rosemary Clooney.

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HEARTLESS (Lori and Carl Ford) / Matrix: E3-VB-0166  
TAKE BACK YOUR GOLD (M. H. Rosenfeld) / Matrix: E3-VB-0165
- from the Paramount film "Those Redheads from Seattle"
RCA 47-5433 (45 rpm), 20-5433 (78 rpm)
Recording Date: July 30, 1953, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Session Information:

  • A&R Rep: Henri Rene
  • Conductor: Harry Geller
  • Contractor: Dave Klein
  • Sax: Wilbur Schwartz, Morris Bercov, Theodore M. Nash, Dale Issenhuth
  • Trumpet: Emanuel Klein, Conrad Gozzo, Vito Mangano
  • Trombone: Simon Zenther
  • Drums: Louis Singer
  • Guitar: Vincent Terri
  • Harmonica: Jerry Adler, Irving Fineman
  • Bass: Larry Breen
  • Piano: Edwin "Buddy" Cole
  • Vocals: Jud Conlon, Mack McLean, Clark Yocum, Charles Schrouder, Charles Parlato

"Take Back Your Gold" Releases:

  • May C. Hyers, KCTM [Kansas City Talking Machine] 222 (date unknown, 1898?).
  • Walter Morris, Columbia 15101 D, Record Date April 22, 1926.
  • George Jessel, "Tear Jerkers of the Not-So-Gay Nineties," Treasure LP-408, Side A, Track 5, 1960s.
  • Appeared on "Twelve Famous Songs and Waltzes," Varsity 6942 (6942A) (LP 74A), featuring Danny O'Neill, DeMarco Sisters, Ben Yost
  • Performed by Mary Martin on Bing Crosby's "Kraft Music Hall" on October 15, 1942
  • In 1898, versions of "Take Back Your Gold" were offered by Berliner, Edison, Columbia and the Kansas City Talking Machine Company). A song had to be popular to be offered by all four companies.

More About:

Wrong Film Title:

  • RCA session notes (and subsequently label of record) give title of film as "Those Sisters from Seattle," the movie's original working title. Film's title on release was "Those Redheads from Seattle."

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BOOM BOOM, MY HONEY (Milton Kellem)  
BABY COUNT TEN (Cynthia Strother - Raymond Saar)
Bermuda Records B-1000 (45 rpm)Bermuda Records B-1000 (45 rpm) Recording Date: 1956
Under the direction of Darrel Terwilliger
Bermuda Records B-1000 (45 rpm)

Session Information:

  • Session musicians unknown.

"Gonna Get Along Without Ya Now" Chart History / Releases:

  • Only the Bell Sisters used the alternate tite "Boom Boom, My Honey"
  • Roy Hogsed (Capitol 1854 - Late 1951). Original version.
  • Teresa Brewer (Coral 60676 - 1952). First charted version, Billboard 5/31/1952 for 2 weeks, peaking at #25 on Juke Box.
  • Janette Davis (Columbia 39689 - Spring 1952)
  • Patience & Prudence (Liberty 55040 - 1956). Billboard 12/1/1956 for 16 weeks, peaked at #11 Radio Airplay, #12 Singles Sales, #12 Top 100, #16 Juke Box.
  • Skeeter Davis (RCA Victor 8347 - 1964). Billboard Pop Chart 5/2/1964 for 7 weeks, peaking at #48 on Hot 100. Also Billboard Country Singles Chart 5/16/1964 for 14 weeks, peaking at #8.
  • Tracey Dey (Amy 901 - 1964). Billboard 4/25/64 for 8 weeks, peaking at #51 on Hot 100.
  • Vibrations (Okeh 7249 - 1966)
  • Trini Lopez (Reprise 0547 - 1967). Billboard 2/18/1967 for 3 weeks, peaking at #93 on Hot 100.
  • Sweet Rain (Polydor 15015 - 1971)
  • Viola Wills (Sugar Hill 754 - 1979)
  • The Cates (Ovation 1144 - 1980). Billboard Country Chart 5/24/1980 for 5 weeks, peaking at #72.

BMI:

  • "Baby Count Ten" was registered with BMI (Work #71446) on December 14, 1956.

Family Label:

  • The "Bermuda" label, in connection with "Bermuda Music Publishing" was an attempt by father Eugene to revive the career of the Bell Sisters. It was a vanity label that produced only a few records.

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HONEY BABY (Russ Regan) with Rex (their brother)  
SOMETHING JAPANESE (Eugene Strother - Cynthia Strother)
Brad Records B-2210 (45 rpm)
Recording Date: 1958
with Mauro Bruno and Orchestra

Session Information:

  • Arranger/Conductor: Mauro Bruno
  • Sax: William "Buddy" Collette, William Green
  • Drums: Bill Richmond
  • Bass: Keith "Red" Mitchell
  • Guitar: Tony Rizzi
  • Piano: Gerald Wiggins

BMI/Demo:

  • "Something Japanese" was registered with BMI (Work #1377908) on August 31, 1958 (demo recording of "Something Japanese" of Cynthia, voice and piano, dated 9/5/1956). AUDIO)

Brad Records:

  • The only other known release on the short-lived Brad Records label is Art August "I Lost My Love" / "Sad Love Affair" (Brad Records 2211 - released 1958)

[ BACK TO BELL SISTERS WEBSITE ] SCHOOL IS OVER (Cynthia Strother)  
THE BIG GOODBYE (Cynthia Strother)

Session Information:

  • Arranger/Conductor: Mauro Bruno
  • Sax: William "Buddy" Collette, William Green
  • Drums: Bill Richmond
  • Bass: Keith "Red" Mitchell
  • Guitar: Tony Rizzi
  • Piano: Gerald Wiggins

Note: From same 1958 Brad Records session as "Honey Baby" and "Something Japanese," but unreleased.

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More About:

Many musicians the Bell Sisters' worked and recorded with were either famous or would go on to famous careers. Read more about:

  • Jerry Adler: Harmonica-playing brother of famous Larry Adler.
  • Cy Bernard: Plays cello on records by Artie Shaw, Frank Sinatra, Billy Eckstine, Mel Torme and more.
  • Harry Bluestone
  • Mauro Bruno
  • Edwin "Buddy" Cole
  • William "Buddy" Collette
  • Ray Conniff
  • Jud Conlon: Leader of Jud Conlon's Rhythmaires, performed on many recordings with Bing Crosby.
  • Nick Fatool
  • Harry Geller: Led orchestra on hit records at Mercury, Capitol, RCA. Info on some of his TV work is at www.imdb.com
  • Conrad Gozzo
  • George Greeley: Piano player, moved to classical music and is featured on many albums.
  • Phil Harris
  • Al Hendrickson
  • "Spike" Jones
  • Dave Kapp. Later founded Kapp Records. Also worked at Decca Records, which was co-founded by his older brother Jack in 1934.
  • Barney Kessel
  • Jules Kinsler: Played sax with Frank Sinatra and Mel Torme.
  • Red Mitchell
  • Freddie Morgan: Of Spike Jones' band.
  • Loulie Jean Norman: A popular Hollywood session singer, sang on hundreds of recordings. Her voice dubbed for Diahann Carroll in the movie "Porgy and Bess."
  • Charles Parlato. Uncredited singing voice in the 1954 movie "Seven Brides For Seven Brothers," as well as lots of back-up singer work.
  • Jack Pleis: Conducted studio orchestras on many hit records.
  • Henri Rene
  • Alvino Rey
  • Nelson Riddle
  • Tony Rizzi
  • Eudice Shapiro: Violinist who appeared on records by such notables as Frank Sinatra, Mel Torme, Bobby Darin, Chet Baker.
  • Felix Slatkin
  • Gerald Wiggins
  • Gloria Wood: Former singer with Kay Kyser Orchestra, which introduced "The Woody Woodpecker Song" in a 1948 cartoon, "Wet Blanket Policy."
  • Clark Yocum
  • Simon Zentner

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