So Rare-Jimmy Dorsey-1957

[sweatysock9]

I blush to admit this, but I actually had a stripper dance to this song in Anno Domini 2011.

[sauquoit13456]

On this date in 1957 {Feb. 23rd} "So Rare" entered Billboard's Top 100; eventually it peaked at #2 {for 4 weeks} and spent 38 weeks in the Top 100, was also the groups debut record on the charts.

Ranked 5th on Billboard's Year-End Hot 100 Singles of 1957 chart...

Was Mr. Dorsey's last Top 10 record; his 1st was in 1941, "Amapola (Pretty Little Poppy)"...

[k777444]

I dedicate this to my mom who left this earth in 1993, She was so rare. Love u mom and miss your beautiful smile.

[PacRimJim]

This song reminds me of my hardworking, loving parents.

How I miss them.

[11115gary]

This song always sends me ! I think of the good ole black and white days of the 50's. , seemed so happy . Loved the DOG & SUDS pics so few of them left here in Indiana.

[hdsnake33881]

Probably the greatest sax solo in the Big Band era. Jimmy Dorsey was smooth.

[recovering16]

I remember this well - summer of 1957, I believe. Yep, good memories. I like the slide show too!

[wth3211]

I was in the navy then and loved this song like so many others from the 50's.It was a great time to grow up

[25Amagi]

Perfection !!!

[1400deadwood]

FANTASTIC VIDEO!!! One of the greatest songs ever written & played, along with some really neat fotos to give it just the right atmosphere. You did a superb job in assembling this video and I will put it among my faves.

Keep up the good work!

[sauroid1]

Killer sax, makes me want to go out and buy one.

[akytilop]

Thanks for posting this great song. I clearly remember Jimmy's funeral procession as it passed through my home town on the way to his burial at the Irish cemetary in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania. I remember a yellow Cadillac convertible loaded with flowers and the customary black hearse. Since Tommy and Jimmy were both born in the area we all knew their music. There is a plaque in Shenandoah at the main square honoring them.

[MGattorney]

Thanks so much for this favorite instrumental.  And the Dog N Suds pics! There is one establishment that was totally forgotten until now.

[jACK39234]

A classic, one of my all time favorites.!

[gib9230]

Even if JD was only about seven months away from the grave, he still impresses and inspires! Wish that he could have cut the remaining titles on his contract in early 1957 before he became too sick to play, instead of the band completing them after his death. As it is, we have this gem, and he remained innovative until the end!

[geegeetwo1]

By '57, the big bands were all but extinct. Notice the down sizing

of Dorsey's orchestra?

[windstorm1000]

What can one say about Mr. Dorsey's scorching yet swinging solo? Its one for all time. And the 50's arrangement with choir and brassy band is first class all the way. Great way for the Big Bands to go out--except for ONE thing: they've NEVER gone out of style with America and the world. Glen Miller O. still travels--and all their concerts are sell outs to this day.

[windstorm1000]

Great song, of course--and you're right--it rocks. And THANK YOU for sharing your wonderful family and other pictures. Patricia Neal looks like your Mom--bet she was told that many times. Such memories of America!!

[beverleye]

terrific i remember the tune well 1957 i was 15  i have just downloaded this tune to my ipod -- love the photos too -- thanks for posting,

[losenut6]

Great song, alto sax, nice pictures, great arrangement, a plus...

[margie25461]

jimmy is so rare

[MegaCrowman]

I remember this as the martian national Anthem on Dickie Goodman's "Flying Saucer II" cool to hear the whole thing.

[MrRJDB1969]

Jimmy was battling cancer when he went into the recording studio to cut SO RARE. Sadly, it's "hit" status was probably something he never really got to enjoy. Great record ! Jimmy was one of the best.

[mistressofaminer]

Sorry Jimmy&Tommy, I meant Dorsey instead of Dorcey.

[mistressofaminer]

JDorcey had 11 no.1's, not counting the two he shared with the brothers orchestra leaving an indellible musical achievement in his scant 53 years, dying of throat cancer in 1957."Amapola"," Green Eyes", "Tangerine",'Maria Elena" were some of the huge hits.Ironically, with all the devastation caused by the tornadoes, his last concert was was said to have been in Joplin,Missouri.

[mistressofaminer]

@dahsuerk; come to think of it, you're probably right on that one.

[dahsuerk]

The last big band hit?

[boomerang905]

This reminds of the peaceful and beautiful times of my childhood. And yes, this backup singers sound like angels. Very few songs in this genre can compare. Thanks!

[gotantwo]

@boomerang905 This could be the 'Soundtrack' of my childhood.....Have forgotten many things, however the sound of that sexy Saxophone will always make me SMILE.

[boomerang905]

@gotantwo So true. : )

[margie2546]

I LOVE YOU MR. DORSEY

[Ginger32000]

I remember when they played this song on the early, early days of Bandstand with Dick Clark. This was probablly before Dick had the Show , I think. It was not American Bandstand yet. The original host was Bob Horn. This was before everything was pure rock-and-roll and there was a mixture of early '50s and rock music. By the way, the Bandstand theme was by another big band-Les Elgart. It was called Bandstand Boogie. Does anyone remember besides me?

[MrRJDB1969]

@Ginger32000 : "Bandstand Boogie" by Les Elgart.... ya, I've been trying to find that one on record for the last few years. Great tune.

[williamhhobbs]

@Ginger32000 Yes, I remember, we are showing our age...lol

[mauirascal]

I had the pleasure as a teenager in the 40's of seeing Jimmy Dorsey, Bob Eberley and Helen O'Connell at the Orpheum Theater in Los Angeles...what a time! Each Saturday a friend and I would take the red car to LA to see a variety of great big bands...the cost? A movie and the big band...50 cents! Each week a new band and a new movie! I am still a big band fan...I play keyboard by ear.

[tallpaul521]

Always loved the tune and this collection of photos. I was born in 1958. My father and mother loved the Dorseys -- as do I. My father passed away two weeks ago at 93.

[sue1699]

@tallpaul521 sorry for your loss

[sladedude44]

I lived in that era.heaven!

[Annettesmusic]

I agree with what you said in the details about this song. This song cooks! My family had it on 78 when I was a kid. Loved it then and I love it now, even more so. I remember reading on wikipedia that Jimmy wanted to do this song but his brother Tommy frowned upon the style of it. I'm glad Jimmy followed his heart. A lot of us are.

[bnking1969]

Fantastic song!  Thanks for posting!

[fgonzalezcuba2008]

beautiful intro by sax great jimmy , too bAD HE DIED SOON AFTER THIS SONG!! THanks for the clip

[cynthia6637]

Love this song!!!

The SAX was the sound for this song, But it's a good song all the way !!

Good slow dance!!! Yes love the photos, just the right pictures for this songs!!!

[lcar4000]

Interesting how the song, played by a famous 30's and 40's big band, has somewhat of a 50's studio sound--an odd but appealing mix. I agree, the sax is phenomenal.

[ScouserSniiper]

Hello thiis is a great song and one of the Pictures is of my Brother and i lost this when my mother died the picture is on 56 seconods (of the School Kids ) in Liverpool. if you would be able to send this to eliot138@blueyonder.co.uk Thanks.

[swain199]

Wow, what a song. He could make that sax sing! The ending is just plain fantastic!

[belairfed]

Great song, great pictures. my favorite big band song - when music required musicians!

[Gogogrammy]

thanks for that. I love it!

[HoundmanV]

Heard this on a radio show, and had to come find it. Hadn't heard it in Ages...

[amalfi348]

Love this great tune... makes you smile from ear to ear, and the photos add to the joy of every note! Thanks for making it all happen again!

[jsbach15]

Wow! This is a riot! My Mother's kid sister (who lived with us) use to play this song all the time when she was a teenager. Almost forgot about this gem. Great pictures. Thanks for uploading this terrific song!

[perla51]

Great !!!!!!!! Perla.

[pakee64]

Love that song!!!!! I remember "Dog & Sud's" when I was a kid in Ohio!!!

[FB1BB1BB1]

Love the Heavy Metal Sax!!

[nighthawk552001]

glad to see it back on here, why in hell did they delete it before?

[789pequignot]

awsome song

[cruiser1947]

Great song!! I love the old pictures too. Thanks for posting.

[dakotajim11378]

Hey thanks, my other version was recently deleted by YT so this really comes in handy, Take care, Jimmy

[John1948One]

Hey Buddy! Great song and great job with the photos. Were any of the photos from your own family album?

[74sodapop]

Love this thing John, just 3 of them. I can get some more. This song always gets to me.

[gotantwo]

@74sodapop Me too, it reminds me of everything GOOD....Love it..

[Rodrigoteacher]

Great Song and very nice pics.

Tanks!!

[nipsterstang]

Man what an Awesome song! Great pictures of yesteryear! Thanks!