Frank Gallop - The Ballad Of Irving (1966)

Charted at #34 on Billboard Hot 100 in April 1966, and #2 on Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. This is a parody of records which told Western stories, (such as "Ringo" by Lorne Greene), which were big hits at the time. It was also released on the album in the photo. Frank was a radio and television personality, and an announcer for Perry Como. Frank had charted on the Hot 100 previously in 1958 when "Got a Match" charted at #57.

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Music

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• ballad

[JubalCalif]

Heavens to Murgatroid! THANKS for posting this! I remember when a local country radio station played this in the late 60's. They pulled it after some local Jewish groups complained about "stereotypes" in the song. But it made me go out to buy the comedy album this appeared on: "When You're In Love, the Whole World is Jewish". Many very funny skits & songs on the album. And what a powerhouse cast! It included Frank Gallup, Lou Jacobi, Valerie Harper & Phil Leeds. You've MADE my day! :)

[TheLimePopsicle]

@JubalCalif You're very welcome! Thanks for commenting!

[TopshelfTom]

This version is different than the hit US 45 rpm version (which in turn is different than the Canadian 45 version -- there are 3 versions of this, this one is actually a different recording entirely with the original audience overdubs, the only difference between the US and UK 45 versions is one line in the song).

[TheLimePopsicle]

Very interesting!

[19RC64]

@uVueD2b The Dr. Demento 20th Anniversary Collection FTW!!!

[aspenrebel]

I remember a version which went "big sissy Irving", for when "his gun was there, but Irving was goine". OR maybe it went "big fat sissy Irving". Instead of "big help Irving" as in here.

[aspenrebel]

@dangerdantheone Moooooooooooooo! Moooooooooooooo! Mooooooooooooo!

"He always followed his mother's wishes. Even on the range, he used two sets of dishes."

I'm not Jewish, but I grew up in a mostly Jewish area, mostly Jewish friends and kids at school. These are the things they stick to. Question tho, would he have settled for 144? Who kept the Rankings? Were they WBA, IBF, WBC? Oi vay!!! Call your muthaaaa!!! A son should call his muthaaaaaa!!!

[dangerdantheone]

@aspenrebel Yes, there was one. The one where he drew a picture of a cow in that verse.

[Ersontilly]

I used to love this on Dr. Demento.

[vccstudents]

The other version some people may remember was when he said, "He came from the old bar maitzva spread, schlepping a salami and pumpernickel bread," instead of a ten-gallon yamika on his head.

[vccstudents]

A hundred and forty one could draw faster than he, but Irving was looking for 143! ROFL!

[glennsaiu]

Really!