The Billboard Singles chart for March 12, 1957 was notable for having four records with double versions in the top twenty. The most popular was "Young Love" by Tab Hunter. It was in its fourth of six weeks in the top spot. Hunter was an actor working for Warner Brothers when he was approached by Dot records to record a "pop version" of Sonny James' "Young Love." Ironically, the James' version not only reached #1 on the country chart, but also crossed over to the pop chart and reached as high as #2 on the "juke box" chart. Hunter's music career was short lived but James went on to great success as a country singer with his style defined by "Young Love" -- his version being the more recognized as one of the classic songs of the late 1950's.
"Banana Boat" was another dual hit. Harry Belafonte's version would top out at #5, while The Tarrier's record would reach as high as #4. The two versions are the same song, but the arrangements are quite different. In this case, Belafonte's is probably best remembered.
"Marianne" was originally recorded in the late 1940's. Both Terry Gilkyson and the Hilltoppers took advantage of the calypso craze in 1957 to produce top ten records of the song.
"Butterfly" was a #1 record for both Andy Williams (Top 100 and disk jockey) and Charlie Gracie (juke box). Gracie recorded for Cameo records in Philadelphia and for a time was a regular on American Bandstand. His success faded after 1957. Williams would go on to great success as a balladeer with "Butterfly" very unrepresentative of his singing style. Ironically, it was his only #1 record.
Other songs from the March 9 chart that had #1 credentials: "Too Much," "Don't Forbid Me," "Round and Round," and "Singing the Blues." |
