Blue Barron and His Orchestra - Are You Lonesome Tonight? (1950)

Charted at #19 in April 1950. Vocal by Bobby Beers and recitation by John McCormack (not the famous tenor but a fellow who was a disk jockey at the time of this recording). The recitation was used for the first time on this record. Original review as a Billboard Pick: "Side starts in nostalgic fashion as a slow sentimental ballad prettily warbled by Bobby Beers, then develops into a confidential-type recitation by one John McCormack, a disk jockey drafted for the occasion. In all, an effective side, not in bad taste, and likely to register".

Originally a #4 hit for Vaughn Deleath in 1927, and #10 for Henry Burr during the same year. Other charted versions over the years: #65 for Jaye P. Morgan in February 1959, #1 for Elvis Presley in November 1960 (also #1 UK, #22 Country, #3 R&B), #14 for Donny Osmond in November 1973 (#31 Adult Contemporary), #46 UK for Elvis Presley in September 1977, #25 UK for Elvis Presley in March 1982 (laughing version), #57 Country for John Schneider and Jill Michaels in 1983, #68 UK for Elvis Presley in August 1991 (live version) and #2 UK for Elvis Presley in February 2005.

Al Jolson recorded the song on April 28, 1950, also with the recitation.

Written by Lou Handman and Roy Turk.

B-side is "Penny Wise and Love Foolish".

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Blue
• Barron
• Orchestra
• are
• you
• lonesome
• tonight

[GSilverWorld]

Note that the pictured Blue Barron was only the proprietor of the orchestra, nothing to do with playing or singing.

Maybe you found this better copy at GrooveShark.

[CatsPjamas1]

@GSilverWorld I stated in the description underneath the video who the singer is, along with the disk jockey doing the spoken word part. Also, I have never heard of GrooveShark, but I have had a copy of this recording for at least 8 years.

[willpn100]

Wow! Nobody covered Elvis!!!!!

[tickyreal]

WOW....