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Topic History of: HAIRSPRAY Max. showing the last 5 posts - (Last post first)
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JK2006
Ah but DJ, in 1949 Some Enchanted Evening from South Pacific topped the charts by Perry Como.
Unfortunately there were no UK charts - that was in the USA, the year singles started (as opposed to 78 rpm shellack discs for windup players). Singles didn't really hit the UK until 8 years later.
It - and numerous other covers - sold millions and millions and millions.
Hits are not just a phenomenon of today or even yesterday.
They existed the day before yesterday too.
And give me one Some Enchanted Evening over all this year's Number Ones combined any day - both artistically and commercially.
DJones
The only song out of "South Pacific" I remember charting is "Happy Talk" by Captain Sensible (early 80s).
The phenomenon of many cover versions of one song has (I think) more to do with the structure of the music industry than with the quality of the music. Until the 60s publishers were the driving force in the music business. Labels copied hits on other labels with their artists to participate.
This changed with the advent of rock. Since the late 50s the specific interpretation, the "original" version, is much more important.
JK2006
You should hear my wonderful Cuban Boys version of Drink, Mart - still a potential giant hit one day.
You are showing your age you young thing - your musicals are all far too recent.
I remember the days when several cover versions of one song from a hit musical charted in the top ten! Stranger in Paradise? It had SIX top twenty hits at the same time in 1955. Now that's what I call a hit.
By the way, Googling is allowed (it doesn't help; Google is too young too).
Mart
Ok, no googling at all.
We`ve gone for any Lloyd Webber/Rice and Godspell.
Godspell I reckon there were three genuine hits.
Jesus Christ Superstar , three as well.
Cats there are two.
I really couldnt say about Oliver and South Pacific as I heard the records so much as a kid they all sounded like hits to me.
Every musical has a showstopper or it doesnt work, I wouldnt mind betting the song begins the script idea, which is what I found interesting about the little Rocky Horror Show comment.
Whilst on musicals, Mario Lanza from the Student Prince`s, "Drink Drink Drink" is a classic, and I will play my copy in the morning.
JK2006
OK - weekend list.
Which musicals provided the most chart hits?
South Pacific? The King And I? My Fair Lady? Oliver?