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.

• Category

  Music

[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]

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!

[vccstudents]

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

[19RC64]

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

[Fersomling]

This is hilarious!

[Jeff J]

Love this song!Remember hearing it on the Dr.Demento Radio Show back in the 70's.What a riot it is to hear it again for the first time in what must be 35 years!Thanks for posting it!

[Andrew Winters Bell]

REALLY

[DinosaurJesus]

This song especially recalls the Jimmy Dean song "Big Bad John" for me. Songs like this actually got played on Adult Contemporary stations back on those days? That's astonishing, given the generally boring nature of the format. They would never play anything as laugh-inducing these days on those stations.

[OtisWild]

Really!!

[Julia Booth]

This still makes me laugh.

[reyguel]

Yes! I remember this on the old K-Tel record "Dumb Ditties". And it used the words you said. Its amazing how i can STILL recite the words to this!

[Michael Rush]

A Classic



[radioman970]

Was just listening to this on an old Dr. D show. What a hoot! "Irving's gun was there but Irving was gone......big HELP Irving..." LOLOLOL!