The Kirby Stone Four (1958) - Baubles, Bangles And Beads

Born in New York City on April 27, 1918, Kirby (whose real name was Herbert), formed Herby Stone And His Pebbles shortly after the end of WWII, which by 1947 had evolved into The Kirby Stone Quintette (later shortened to Quintet). The line-up consisted of Kirby (trumpet), Art Cow Eyes Engler (saxophone), Michael Gardner (piano), Bernie Doc Mandel (bass) and Gene Thaler (later replaced by Eddie Hall) (drums). Within a few short years, the group had become a four piece featuring Kirby, Michael, Eddie and first rate impressionist Larry Foster. The Quintet had become a Quartet and then simply a Four, and it was with this line-up that Kirby found his greatest success, including a Grammy nomination in 1958 for the song Baubles, Bangles And Beads (taken from Kismet).

Although the group re-recorded the song in 1964, and again in 1968, it is the 1958 version, issued on the Columbia label, that shows the group at its peak (and is regarded by many as the ultimate version of this Wright & Forrest classic).

As well as recording, The Kirby Stone Four appeared on television and in nightclubs across the USA (including their own Kirby Stone Fourum club in New York City), and toured overseas.

In the latter half of the 1960s, Larry left the group to once more pursue a solo career as an impressionist, and he was replaced by Jimmy Hassell. However, this line-up was fairly short-lived, and by the end of the decade the Kirby Stone Four had disbanded. Kirby, however, continued touring and recording into the 1970s, with Kirby Stone & The Ethnic Family and The Kirby Stone Company. He passed away on July 13, 1981, aged 63.

This clip features a chronological history of Kirby, the groups he led, and the recordings he made. Enjoy!

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Bangles And Beads Kismet

[HelenRuth31]

Would I violate copyright laws?There is no karaoke discs you can buy for this song except frank sinatra's karaoke which is not as good background music!!

[NBCRecords]

@HelenRuth31 I'm no expert on copyright, however, many postings on YouTube would have copyright implications. A couple of things to note:

- videos I post are not for any commercial gain, but to pay tribute to and promote the artist

- In many parts of the world, copyright expires after 50 years, so depending on where you live, this song may be out of copyright, as it was recorded in 1958

[HelenRuth31]

I would love to sing this song on u-tube using your music as a background.Would you let me???

[NBCRecords]

@HelenRuth31 Hi Helen Ruth - glad you like this song. It's not 'my' music to give, but I sure would like to hear your rendition.....................­.......

[rainbowstew46]

Does anyone have a copy of their recording of "Clyde'? I had it on a 45 years ago. WMCA used it as the theme for their "Clyde Award" back in the 50's.

[NBCRecords]

Hi!

Dan The Music Man has posted a copy on the vinylvend channel here on youtube. Just search for Kirby Stone Four and Clyde and you should find it fairly easily.

[popgems]

One of the best "feel good" songs of all time!!!

[USRoute66]

This has to be not only best version of this song ever recorded, but one of the best vocal groups of all-time. Sadly, they are not to so well known today, but they still shine like a diamond in the night.

[stormygal121]

@joannegmurphy....I know which guy you are referring to, because I used to see him in Roslyn all the time in a bank....I knew him because I knew Kirby Stone in the late 50's when I sang with a well known sister group....He was the one with the black framed glasses, and he told me he was in the insurance business....a very talented group

[69ssrszl1]

love 50's doo wop

[centralparocker]

A ring ting a ling ling....I'll go for that....

[centralparocker]

Always loved this song....

[PetrusRuppert]

Let me add to the reminiscing! I heard this ONCE in 1958 in a store in West Hempstead, New York where TV's and stereos were sold, my mother was buying an Andrea B&W TV, and this was playing on a stereo there at the store entrance, and I couldn't forget it. Thanks for posting this, it is TIMELESS!!! By the way, the Andrea TV was a headache forever after, but she kept the cabinet, like everybody else, and still has it.

[Wolfsky9]

This was one of my Dad's all-time favorite songs--Jan-Feb., of '58. Timeless, & classic. Wolfsky9

[jdollinter]

Back in the 60's and 70's I remember grocery stores and pharmacies selling easy listening, adult contemporary records but nothing this good.

[steve7138]

Used to hear this every day as a kid on easy listening radio in Texas back in 1964!

[ian3150]

what a great version of baubles...........this is far better than the 64 version of this song

[Joannegmurphy]

When I was a kid we lived for a couple of years in a home built by one of these guys. 27 Dogwood Road, Searington NY. It broke my mom's heart to move out of that house....it was gorgeous!