1949 in Music

Eddie Fisher is discovered. Ravi Shankar becomes musical director on Indian radio. Bob Hope suggests Anthony Benedetto change his name to Tony Bennett. Frankie Laine releases “Mule Train”, which some consider the first rock song.

I disagree, but decide for yourself…

Mule Train by Frankie Laine:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrludWIux8M

And some of the other songs of 1949:

Christmas songs seem to last forever.

All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth by Spike Jones:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sgpSDTuLys

The greatest song of the year! An all-time classic!

(Ghost Riders) In the Sky by Vaughn Monroe:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHo6ug6yAmw

Big year for country music and Laine.

The Lucky Old Sun by Frankie Laine:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELm86kwJUMc

Somewhat outdated by 1949.

I Can Dream Can’t I? by the Andrews Sisters:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pto68TqHxKg

1947 in music

The music industry continued on in 1947 much in the way it did in 1946. Jazz was changing in Charlie Parker’s wake.  George Jones began his career and Patti Page signed a record deal.  Overall, 1947 was a rather drab year in music.

Near You by Francis Craig

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbZLpAMnclQ

Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah by James Baskett

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bWyhj7siEY

Ballerina by Vaughn Monroe

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKALVe6P7oE

Always by Frank Sinatra

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLh-m1Z_feY

April Showers by Al Jolson

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMCU7OF3sVM
 

1946 in Music

Big Band music helped Americans through World War II.  The jazz scene dramatically changed the following year. Charlie Parker released “Ko-Ko” ushering in a revolution in jazz. The genre became less viable commercially and more artist driven. As a result, people gravitated toward pop and away from jazz. It was a defining moment that helped lead to rock n roll because pop was boring and Jazz unlistenable. On a side note,  B.B. King, Bill Haley, and Chet Atkins all began their careers in 1946.

Ko-Ko by Charlie Parker:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_ZajJd-1kY

Prisoner of Love by Perry Como:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbNPg_Rp0ws

Five Minutes More by Frank Sinatra:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvWEigjXVsI

Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! By Vaughn Monroe:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kbb3skLR0Bo

To Each His Own by the Ink Spots:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pRarUQD3L8

The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jODKhUoFxzA