You’ve heard it in a million TV shows and commercials, but have you ever seen the real thing?
“Mr. Sandman, bring me a dream. Make him the cutest that I’ve ever seen.” The year is 1958. Eisenhower is the President, and rock-and-roll as we know it is starting to take shape. But don’t tell that to the Chordettes. The harmonizing girls from Sheboygan–Janet, Alice, Lynn, and Jinny—wowed the airwaves with their mostly a cappella renditions of “Mr. Sandman” and “Lollipop.”...
Often compared to a barbershop quartet, the Chordettes strut their stuff in this live TV performance. Remember all of those ‘bum-bum-bums” in the song? You’ll be amazed to see that each “bum” is sung in quick succession by an individual member of the group. How’d they done that without missing a beat?
In their long, proper gowns and charm, these women evoke a sense of past properness even as the lyrics, racier than you might think, urge Mr. Sandman to bring them a cute man with whom to go to bed.
In one funny bit added just for this performance, Mr. Sandman himself appears onscreen to answer their call, and boy is he young and handsome. You’ll chuckle at this insert shot even as you swoon to the sound of the legendary “Mr. Sandman.”
Did you know that singer Janet’s daughter married Phil Everly of The Everly Brothers? It was undoubtedly a match made in musical heaven. The Chordettes also appeared on the first nationally broadcast episode of American Bandstand, securing their place in American music history.
Despite their fame, the fabulous Chordettes weren’t the first to record this song. The first rendition was indeed done by a man, Vaughn Monroe &His Orchestra, in 1954. But he couldn’t hold a candle to the Chordettes’ inspired version recorded later that same year.
“No cuss words? No drops? No over the top beats? No non-understandable gibberish? No, auto-tune? So pure,” wrote one nostalgic viewer.
“My grandma used to sing this to me when I was a little kid. I love hearing about her stories of being a wild teen in the ‘50s. She’s my best friend, and I’m glad I inherited her love for the ‘50s,” wrote another viewer who enjoyed this trip down memory lane.
The Chordettes, kind of like a barbershop quartet, totally nail their classic hit “Mr. Sandman” during this live TV show. It’s a performance you won’t forget! The way the group syncs up and nails those vocals is just mesmerizing. Don’t you just love those classic “bum-bum-bums” in the song? Seeing each member nail their part in quick succession, without skipping a beat, really shows off their amazing talent and teamwork.
Dressed in stylish gowns and radiating charm, the Chordettes really capture that mid-century vibe. But if you look a little closer, you’ll find a cheeky confidence in the lyrics, playfully asking Mr. Sandman to deliver a dashing guy to share their dreams—and maybe even their bed. The mix of properness and playful fun really boosts the performance’s lasting charm.
With a playful twist, a charming “Mr. Sandman” pops up unexpectedly on screen, answering the Chordettes’ call. His entrance is pretty funny and just right, adding a charming visual touch to the lovely melodies. Fans can’t resist laughing at the fun banter while getting lost in the group’s iconic singing.
The Chordettes’ link to music history goes way beyond just their performances. Did you know that Janet Ertel, one of the members of the group, has a cool connection to another legendary act? Her daughter tied the knot with Phil Everly from The Everly Brothers, which is pretty much a “match made in musical heaven.” How awesome is that? The Chordettes really made their mark in American pop culture when they showed up on the very first nationally broadcast episode of American Bandstand, locking in their legacy in music history.
Fun fact: the Chordettes weren’t actually the first ones to put “Mr. Sandman” on tape. Vaughn Monroe and His Orchestra dropped their version of the song in 1954, but honestly, it just didn’t have the same spark that the Chordettes added to theirs later that year. Their fresh spin on the track, marked by its clarity and accuracy, really raised the bar and solidified the song’s place as a classic.
The Chordettes’ tunes still hit home for listeners, bringing back those warm memories and a wave of nostalgia. One viewer really nailed it, saying, “No cuss words?” No drops, huh? No flashy beats? No confusing nonsense? No auto-tune, huh? Totally pure. Someone else chimed in with a sweet story: “My grandma would sing this to me when I was a little kid.” I’m all about those tales of her wild teenage days back in the ’50s. She’s my best friend, and I’m really happy I picked up her love for the ‘50s.
The Chordettes, with their unique style, charm, and catchy harmonies, really shaped a whole era of music. Their influence still resonates today, bringing joy and a sense of nostalgia to listeners across generations. Their take on “Mr. Sandman” is just a classic gem, mixing great vocals with a fun story vibe.
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