Before she became The Queen of the Box Office, Doris Day was once the Queen of the 1950's Jukebox. In fact, sometimes, she had a #1 Hit Single on the Nation's jukeboxes, and it didn't even place in the Top 20 on sales charts (instead of buying the records, fans just pumped coins into the jukeboxes to hear them whenever they wanted to). There were also times when songs from her best selling albums were released as singles for the juke box market; such was the case with the songs from the 1950 film, "Young Man With A Horn", the #1 selling album she recorded with Harry James. In that movie, Doris sang 4 songs; all of them were top ten jukebox hits but not big single sellers: *The Very Thought of You, Too Marvelous For Words, I May Be Wrong, and With A Song in My Heart.
Here, for your enjoyment, we present either links or audio files of Doris' biggest jukebox hits, arranged from A-Z. In many cases she had several big hits that started with the same letter; such is not the case with "U", "X" and "Z", which are omitted from the list. ENJOY!!!
A Letter "A" gave Doris 6 top jukebox hits:
"A GUY IS A GUY" Also a #1 Top Charted Hit and a Million Seller in 1952. Doris is noted for her ballads and jazz songs, but she was always one of the very best when it came to singing a novelty tune; this is a prime example.
"A PURPLE COW" It may be silly, but it was very big on jukeboxes! If little kids love a song, Mom and Dad will give them lots of nickels to play it.
"AGAIN" This one also topped the charts and was a million seller, in 1949. Doris recorded many love songs; this was one of her best, recorded with The Mellomen.
"ANYONE CAN FALL IN LOVE" On the jukeboxes, this was almost as popular as the flip side, "If I Give My Heart To You". Of the two sides, Doris actually preferred this one.
"ANYWAY THE WIND BLOWS"
From "Please Don't Eat The Daisies", this was one of those big jukebox hits that did not get the chart history it deserved. It is delightful. It came right after her "monster hit" (Everybody Loves A Lover); it should have been just as big!
"AREN'T YOU GLAD YOU'RE YOU"
One of the many hits Doris had as vocalist with the Les Brown Band. This version had fewer sales than the Bing Crosby Single, but it was bigger on the jukeboxes.
"A GUY IS A GUY" Also a #1 Top Charted Hit and a Million Seller in 1952. Doris is noted for her ballads and jazz songs, but she was always one of the very best when it came to singing a novelty tune; this is a prime example.
"A PURPLE COW" It may be silly, but it was very big on jukeboxes! If little kids love a song, Mom and Dad will give them lots of nickels to play it.
"AGAIN" This one also topped the charts and was a million seller, in 1949. Doris recorded many love songs; this was one of her best, recorded with The Mellomen.
"ANYONE CAN FALL IN LOVE" On the jukeboxes, this was almost as popular as the flip side, "If I Give My Heart To You". Of the two sides, Doris actually preferred this one.
"ANYWAY THE WIND BLOWS"
From "Please Don't Eat The Daisies", this was one of those big jukebox hits that did not get the chart history it deserved. It is delightful. It came right after her "monster hit" (Everybody Loves A Lover); it should have been just as big!
"AREN'T YOU GLAD YOU'RE YOU"
One of the many hits Doris had as vocalist with the Les Brown Band. This version had fewer sales than the Bing Crosby Single, but it was bigger on the jukeboxes.
B 9 songs by Doris starting with this letter found their way on the jukebox circuit:
"BABY DOLL" This was the flip side of "OOPS"; both sides were equally popular. This one peaked at # 34 in Doris' record single sales year, 1952.
"BEFORE I LOVED YOU" from 1950 was another of those beautiful ballad/love songs that Doris does so well, primarily because she likes to sing them best. This one also had much radio play. (click player below)
"BABY DOLL" This was the flip side of "OOPS"; both sides were equally popular. This one peaked at # 34 in Doris' record single sales year, 1952.
"BEFORE I LOVED YOU" from 1950 was another of those beautiful ballad/love songs that Doris does so well, primarily because she likes to sing them best. This one also had much radio play. (click player below)
"BEWITCHED, BOTHERED AND BEWILDERED" From "Pal Joey", this one by Doris reached the Top Ten on the Charts and #1 in sheet music sales and on the jukeboxes. It is the definitive version of the song.
"THE BEST THING FOR YOU WOULD BE ME" One of the many songs by Doris that came from a Broadway show, in this case "Call Me Madam". This one found its way on the jukebox in 1950, the same year as her big ballad song "Bewitched". It was the flip side of the bigger hit, "A Bushel and A Peck."
"THE BLACK HILLS OF DAKOTA" So many of the songs from 1953's movie "Calamity Jane" were popular on the jukeboxes because the picture was a gigantic hit and so was all the music. This one was no exception, and it even reached the Top Ten on the UK Charts.
"BLAME MY ABSENT-MINDED HEART" The ballad from Doris Day's Third film ("It's A Great Feeling") hit the jukebox circuit in 1949. It should have been a much bigger single hit; the song deserves it!
"(THERE'S A ) BLUEBIRD ON YOUR WINDOWSILL" The reason why this song was so popular is evident on a first listen. The Doris Day personality shines throughout the entire song, which is reminiscent of another popular tune (Evelyn Knight's "A Little Bird Told Me"). That song got more popular; this one is far better. This one reached the Top Twenty on the Sales Charts; its flip side, "The River Seine", was more popular on the radio. The year was 1949.
"A BUSHEL AND A PECK" Another Broadway tune by Doris, this one comes from "Guys and Dolls". Doris competed for record sales with a version by Perry Como and Betty Hutton, but this version got the majority of jukebox plays. The flip side, also popular in 1950 and also from the show, was "I've Never Been in Love Before".
"BY THE LIGHT OF THE SILVERY MOON" Another Title Tune, this time from the 1953 film of the same name, a sequel to the earlier film which also produced a jukebox hit, "On Moonlight Bay", Doris' recordings of title tunes from ALL of her films were popular on the jukeboxes.
"THE BEST THING FOR YOU WOULD BE ME" One of the many songs by Doris that came from a Broadway show, in this case "Call Me Madam". This one found its way on the jukebox in 1950, the same year as her big ballad song "Bewitched". It was the flip side of the bigger hit, "A Bushel and A Peck."
"THE BLACK HILLS OF DAKOTA" So many of the songs from 1953's movie "Calamity Jane" were popular on the jukeboxes because the picture was a gigantic hit and so was all the music. This one was no exception, and it even reached the Top Ten on the UK Charts.
"BLAME MY ABSENT-MINDED HEART" The ballad from Doris Day's Third film ("It's A Great Feeling") hit the jukebox circuit in 1949. It should have been a much bigger single hit; the song deserves it!
"(THERE'S A ) BLUEBIRD ON YOUR WINDOWSILL" The reason why this song was so popular is evident on a first listen. The Doris Day personality shines throughout the entire song, which is reminiscent of another popular tune (Evelyn Knight's "A Little Bird Told Me"). That song got more popular; this one is far better. This one reached the Top Twenty on the Sales Charts; its flip side, "The River Seine", was more popular on the radio. The year was 1949.
"A BUSHEL AND A PECK" Another Broadway tune by Doris, this one comes from "Guys and Dolls". Doris competed for record sales with a version by Perry Como and Betty Hutton, but this version got the majority of jukebox plays. The flip side, also popular in 1950 and also from the show, was "I've Never Been in Love Before".
"BY THE LIGHT OF THE SILVERY MOON" Another Title Tune, this time from the 1953 film of the same name, a sequel to the earlier film which also produced a jukebox hit, "On Moonlight Bay", Doris' recordings of title tunes from ALL of her films were popular on the jukeboxes.
C This letter calls to mind 5 big jukebox hits for Doris, one of which was enormously popular, remaining on jukeboxes for over a year or more.
"CANADIAN CAPERS (CUTTIN' CAPERS)" This was a biggie. From the film, "My Dream Is Yours", its use in the film was also as a prominently featured song on a jukebox. In this case, Art predicted true life.
"CANDY LIPS" Columbia teamed its two top selling artists, Doris and Johnny Ray, for more than one song. All of them charted and were big sellers, and all were jukebox hits. This was one of their biggest songs together.
"CONFESS" Doris Day's first million selling single and gigantic jukebox hit once she left the Les Brown Band came even before her first film. She was teamed with then very popular star Buddy Clark. The flip side, "LOVE SOMEBODY", was a phenomenal hit, but this side pulled in many jukebox nickels as well. The year was 1947.
"CHOO CHOO TRAIN" (ch -ch - foo) Another minor single seller, this was big on jukeboxes because kids loved it!
"CROCODILE TEARS" Doris ventured several times into the world of country music. This time, she teamed up with "Her Country Cousins" for several songs that reached the Hit Parade and Top Jukebox Favorites. This one peaked at #25 and was a favorite in 1949.
"CANADIAN CAPERS (CUTTIN' CAPERS)" This was a biggie. From the film, "My Dream Is Yours", its use in the film was also as a prominently featured song on a jukebox. In this case, Art predicted true life.
"CANDY LIPS" Columbia teamed its two top selling artists, Doris and Johnny Ray, for more than one song. All of them charted and were big sellers, and all were jukebox hits. This was one of their biggest songs together.
"CONFESS" Doris Day's first million selling single and gigantic jukebox hit once she left the Les Brown Band came even before her first film. She was teamed with then very popular star Buddy Clark. The flip side, "LOVE SOMEBODY", was a phenomenal hit, but this side pulled in many jukebox nickels as well. The year was 1947.
"CHOO CHOO TRAIN" (ch -ch - foo) Another minor single seller, this was big on jukeboxes because kids loved it!
"CROCODILE TEARS" Doris ventured several times into the world of country music. This time, she teamed up with "Her Country Cousins" for several songs that reached the Hit Parade and Top Jukebox Favorites. This one peaked at #25 and was a favorite in 1949.
D One would think that with such an alliterative name as Doris Day, she would record many songs that have the letter "D". Such was not the case. She had some minor hits with "Domino", "Do Not Disturb" and "Do Do Do", but they were not jukebox biggies. These were:
"DAY BY DAY" Once again, from her days as vocalist with the Les Brown Band, it was this version of the song that was the biggest hit on the jukeboxes and was in the top 10 in single record sales as well. This song would be the title of and lead off the selections in one of Doris' biggest selling albums, but it was this version from the mid-1940's that topped jukebox plays.
"DEADWOOD STAGE" From the enormously popular film, CALAMITY JANE, there were many hits and a big hit album as well. "Windy City" and "Secret Love" were bigger overall hits, but this was one of the most popular of all recordings on 1953 jukeboxes, as were most of the songs from the soundtrack album. In 1953-4, nothing was bigger on jukeboxes than "Secret Love".
"DAY BY DAY" Once again, from her days as vocalist with the Les Brown Band, it was this version of the song that was the biggest hit on the jukeboxes and was in the top 10 in single record sales as well. This song would be the title of and lead off the selections in one of Doris' biggest selling albums, but it was this version from the mid-1940's that topped jukebox plays.
"DEADWOOD STAGE" From the enormously popular film, CALAMITY JANE, there were many hits and a big hit album as well. "Windy City" and "Secret Love" were bigger overall hits, but this was one of the most popular of all recordings on 1953 jukeboxes, as were most of the songs from the soundtrack album. In 1953-4, nothing was bigger on jukeboxes than "Secret Love".
E This letter of the alphabet gave Doris one of her all time biggest jukebox hits, as well as what some have in error called her last hit.
"EVERYBODY LOVES A LOVER" This was as big as any previous jukebox hit for Doris with the exception of "Sentimental Journey", "Secret Love" and "Que Sera, Sera". Some sources call this Doris' last hit, not entirely true. It was her last TOP TEN HIT, but it was not her last jukebox or single hit. That would come years later. But in 1958, this was a BIG RECORD right next to Peggy Lee's "Fever".
"ENJOY YOURSELF (IT'S LATER THAN YOU THINK)" This one competed for sales with a version by Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians. On the jukebox, Doris took the crown.
"EVERYWHERE YOU GO" Peaking at #22 on the sales charts, this one was also fairly popular on the jukeboxes in 1949 because it was a "happy" song and reminded people of Doris. It deserved to be a bigger hit.
"EVERYBODY LOVES A LOVER" This was as big as any previous jukebox hit for Doris with the exception of "Sentimental Journey", "Secret Love" and "Que Sera, Sera". Some sources call this Doris' last hit, not entirely true. It was her last TOP TEN HIT, but it was not her last jukebox or single hit. That would come years later. But in 1958, this was a BIG RECORD right next to Peggy Lee's "Fever".
"ENJOY YOURSELF (IT'S LATER THAN YOU THINK)" This one competed for sales with a version by Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians. On the jukebox, Doris took the crown.
"EVERYWHERE YOU GO" Peaking at #22 on the sales charts, this one was also fairly popular on the jukeboxes in 1949 because it was a "happy" song and reminded people of Doris. It deserved to be a bigger hit.
F This was an elusive letter for Doris singles, although there were many songs beginning with "F" on her albums.
"(I WANT A) FULL TIME JOB" Another Jukebox biggie for Doris with Johnny Ray, this time in 1952. That was a VERY BIG year for Doris on the singles charts as well as on the jukeboxes. She did popular duets with many other Columbia artists as well as her own top pops. At one point, she had 15 songs on the jukebox at the same time that year. This was a cover song for Doris and Johnnie of a popular country hit in 1952.
"FOOLISHLY YOURS" peaked at #25 in record sales in 1955, the same year that Doris had the top selling album of the year, as well as gigantic hits like "I'll Never Stop Loving You". Other biggies that year were: "Choo Choo Train" and "Ooh-Bang, Jiggly Jang". The flip side of this record was the more popular of the two, "TWO HEARTS, TWO KISSES".
"(I WANT A) FULL TIME JOB" Another Jukebox biggie for Doris with Johnny Ray, this time in 1952. That was a VERY BIG year for Doris on the singles charts as well as on the jukeboxes. She did popular duets with many other Columbia artists as well as her own top pops. At one point, she had 15 songs on the jukebox at the same time that year. This was a cover song for Doris and Johnnie of a popular country hit in 1952.
"FOOLISHLY YOURS" peaked at #25 in record sales in 1955, the same year that Doris had the top selling album of the year, as well as gigantic hits like "I'll Never Stop Loving You". Other biggies that year were: "Choo Choo Train" and "Ooh-Bang, Jiggly Jang". The flip side of this record was the more popular of the two, "TWO HEARTS, TWO KISSES".
G Three jukebox hits for Doris began with this letter. One was the flip side of a more popular recording, and the other was primarily popular on the jukeboxes and not in record sales.
"GENTLY, JOHNNY" was the "B" side of Doris' duet with Guy Mitchell, another of Columbia's most popular male singers in 1952. The "A" side was the chart single "A Little Kiss Goodnight". It was unfortunate that this is the only record the two of them did together; they blended together beautifully.
"GLASS BOTTOM BOAT" was big on jukeboxes but not in sales. Here was another song that the kids loved, and they played it all the time (just not at home).
"THE GAME OF BROKEN HEARTS" Another venture by Doris into the country music world with Her Country Cousins. She had 4 songs that charted with them in 1950. This was the prettiest, and it also reached #25 on the Hit Charts. Many jukebox spins for this one.
"GENTLY, JOHNNY" was the "B" side of Doris' duet with Guy Mitchell, another of Columbia's most popular male singers in 1952. The "A" side was the chart single "A Little Kiss Goodnight". It was unfortunate that this is the only record the two of them did together; they blended together beautifully.
"GLASS BOTTOM BOAT" was big on jukeboxes but not in sales. Here was another song that the kids loved, and they played it all the time (just not at home).
"THE GAME OF BROKEN HEARTS" Another venture by Doris into the country music world with Her Country Cousins. She had 4 songs that charted with them in 1950. This was the prettiest, and it also reached #25 on the Hit Charts. Many jukebox spins for this one.
H This letter also provided three jukebox hits for Doris. All three of them were big on national jukeboxes, and they were on the best selling singles charts as well.
"HOW IT LIES! HOW IT LIES! HOW IT LIES!" is a great song that Doris should have re-recorded in later years. On the national jukeboxes, Doris had the top version, but surprisingly, the song was not a big hit for Doris. It was, however, a 1949 top-forty hit for Connie Haines and for Kay Starr. It was written by Sonny Burke and Paul Francis Webster (who would write Doris Day's #1 hit Secret Love in 1954). This one features her with the Mellomen.
"HOOP DEE DOO" was a Top Twenty Hit for Doris in 1950. She competed in sales with a version by Perry Como. They also competed for jukebox spins.
"HOLD ME IN YOUR ARMS" the ballad from the 1954 film, "Young at Heart" held its own on the nation's jukeboxes and in record sales that year, with the flip side, "Ready, Willing and Able" also climbing the charts. Doris was competing with herself that year which produced some of her biggest records in her career, including: "Secret Love" and "If I Give My Heart To You".
"HOW IT LIES! HOW IT LIES! HOW IT LIES!" is a great song that Doris should have re-recorded in later years. On the national jukeboxes, Doris had the top version, but surprisingly, the song was not a big hit for Doris. It was, however, a 1949 top-forty hit for Connie Haines and for Kay Starr. It was written by Sonny Burke and Paul Francis Webster (who would write Doris Day's #1 hit Secret Love in 1954). This one features her with the Mellomen.
"HOOP DEE DOO" was a Top Twenty Hit for Doris in 1950. She competed in sales with a version by Perry Como. They also competed for jukebox spins.
"HOLD ME IN YOUR ARMS" the ballad from the 1954 film, "Young at Heart" held its own on the nation's jukeboxes and in record sales that year, with the flip side, "Ready, Willing and Able" also climbing the charts. Doris was competing with herself that year which produced some of her biggest records in her career, including: "Secret Love" and "If I Give My Heart To You".
I This letter of the alphabet became one of Doris' luckiest. Not only did all the songs that started with it become best sellers, three of them were nominated for an academy award and one became one of the biggest sellers in 1954. ALL were big jukebox hits.
"I DIDN'T SLIP-I WASN'T PUSHED-I FELL" (again with The Mellomen). This SHOULD have been a monster hit, but once again, fans nickled it to death on the jukeboxes instead of buying it and taking it home. It peaked at #17 on the charts, but was #1 in jukebox sales as well as on deejay lists. Everyone loved it. Some songs are infectious for various reasons. In this case, you can't beat the orchestral arrangement.
"I MAY BE WRONG (BUT I THINK YOU'RE WONDERFUL)" is another of the songs that came from the 1950 film and #1 soundtrack album "Young Many With A Horn" featuring Harry James and his trumpet. It is one of the all-time jazz songs, and this rendition matches any of the other recordings. Jukeboxes kept it on for years.
"I SAID MY PAJAMAS" Few people could do a novelty tune like Doris did (she could do it all). But when she did novelty tunes, they usually were BIG sellers. (Think "A Guy is A Guy", "Purple Cow", "Orange-Colored Sky", etc.). This one hit the Top Twenty Charts in 1950, and pulled in lots of nickels on the national jukeboxes.
"I SPEAK TO THE STARS" From the film, "Lucky Me", this was one of four big hits for Doris in 1954. This song was one of the few things that uplifted what was not one of her more popular box office efforts (primarily because of the plot silliness). The song was the next recording to follow the gigantic hit she had with "Secret Love". Whatever followed that would be a hit, as this was. On the jukeboxes, it garnered almost as many plays as its predecessor.
"IF I GIVE MY HEART TO YOU" This was one of the two biggest jukebox songs of 1954, and one of the longest runs on a jukebox for a song, along with "Secret Love", both from the same year. There was no question that Doris Day reigned supreme on the coin machines in 1954.
"IF I WERE A BELL" from the Broadway show "Guys and Dolls", this was a big jukebox song for Doris in 1950, and it was also very popular with radio deejays. The chart hit version was by Frankie Laine, but once again, Doris was Queen of the Jukebox Version.
"I'LL NEVER SLIP AROUND AGAIN" Another trip by Doris and her Country Cousins with the answer record to "Slippin' Around" (a biggie at the time). This was a popular jukebox offering in 1949.
"I'LL NEVER STOP LOVING YOU" was featured in the film, "Love Me Or Leave Me", the film most folks say should have garnered Doris an Oscar. She did not get an Oscar, but this song was nominated for an Oscar, and the soundtrack of the film became the biggest selling album of 1955, and one of the longest selling albums by a female artist in music history. On the jukeboxes, there were two versions of the song. The one that charted in the Top Ten in 1955, a lush version with the Percy Faith Orchestra, and another version, from the soundtrack of the film, accompanied only by piano. Both are outstanding.
HERE IS THE ALTERNATE VERSION: CLICK.
"IT'S MAGIC" From Doris Day's debut film, "Romance on the High Seas", this is one of Miss Day's Signature Songs. Actually, it is the first record she had that sold a million copies on which she was the only singer. It topped the hit parade and the jukeboxes and was nominated for an Oscar. Doris actually sang the song at the Academy Award Ceremonies that year (1948). It and the flip side ("Put 'Em in a Box") were two of the biggest jukebox songs that year.
"IT'S A GREAT FEELING" The title song of the 1949 film, this also was a popular seller and was nominated for an Academy Award. It was a top jukebox song that year for adults and kids alike...it's just a happy song so well delivered by Happy Doris!
"IT'S A LOVELY DAY TODAY" is a song from the Broadway Show, "Call Me Madam" (which starred Ethel Merman). Doris and Perry Como both had versions of the song that hit the Top 30 on the record charts, but Doris had the most popular version on the national jukeboxes.
"I DIDN'T SLIP-I WASN'T PUSHED-I FELL" (again with The Mellomen). This SHOULD have been a monster hit, but once again, fans nickled it to death on the jukeboxes instead of buying it and taking it home. It peaked at #17 on the charts, but was #1 in jukebox sales as well as on deejay lists. Everyone loved it. Some songs are infectious for various reasons. In this case, you can't beat the orchestral arrangement.
"I MAY BE WRONG (BUT I THINK YOU'RE WONDERFUL)" is another of the songs that came from the 1950 film and #1 soundtrack album "Young Many With A Horn" featuring Harry James and his trumpet. It is one of the all-time jazz songs, and this rendition matches any of the other recordings. Jukeboxes kept it on for years.
"I SAID MY PAJAMAS" Few people could do a novelty tune like Doris did (she could do it all). But when she did novelty tunes, they usually were BIG sellers. (Think "A Guy is A Guy", "Purple Cow", "Orange-Colored Sky", etc.). This one hit the Top Twenty Charts in 1950, and pulled in lots of nickels on the national jukeboxes.
"I SPEAK TO THE STARS" From the film, "Lucky Me", this was one of four big hits for Doris in 1954. This song was one of the few things that uplifted what was not one of her more popular box office efforts (primarily because of the plot silliness). The song was the next recording to follow the gigantic hit she had with "Secret Love". Whatever followed that would be a hit, as this was. On the jukeboxes, it garnered almost as many plays as its predecessor.
"IF I GIVE MY HEART TO YOU" This was one of the two biggest jukebox songs of 1954, and one of the longest runs on a jukebox for a song, along with "Secret Love", both from the same year. There was no question that Doris Day reigned supreme on the coin machines in 1954.
"IF I WERE A BELL" from the Broadway show "Guys and Dolls", this was a big jukebox song for Doris in 1950, and it was also very popular with radio deejays. The chart hit version was by Frankie Laine, but once again, Doris was Queen of the Jukebox Version.
"I'LL NEVER SLIP AROUND AGAIN" Another trip by Doris and her Country Cousins with the answer record to "Slippin' Around" (a biggie at the time). This was a popular jukebox offering in 1949.
"I'LL NEVER STOP LOVING YOU" was featured in the film, "Love Me Or Leave Me", the film most folks say should have garnered Doris an Oscar. She did not get an Oscar, but this song was nominated for an Oscar, and the soundtrack of the film became the biggest selling album of 1955, and one of the longest selling albums by a female artist in music history. On the jukeboxes, there were two versions of the song. The one that charted in the Top Ten in 1955, a lush version with the Percy Faith Orchestra, and another version, from the soundtrack of the film, accompanied only by piano. Both are outstanding.
HERE IS THE ALTERNATE VERSION: CLICK.
"IT'S MAGIC" From Doris Day's debut film, "Romance on the High Seas", this is one of Miss Day's Signature Songs. Actually, it is the first record she had that sold a million copies on which she was the only singer. It topped the hit parade and the jukeboxes and was nominated for an Oscar. Doris actually sang the song at the Academy Award Ceremonies that year (1948). It and the flip side ("Put 'Em in a Box") were two of the biggest jukebox songs that year.
"IT'S A GREAT FEELING" The title song of the 1949 film, this also was a popular seller and was nominated for an Academy Award. It was a top jukebox song that year for adults and kids alike...it's just a happy song so well delivered by Happy Doris!
"IT'S A LOVELY DAY TODAY" is a song from the Broadway Show, "Call Me Madam" (which starred Ethel Merman). Doris and Perry Como both had versions of the song that hit the Top 30 on the record charts, but Doris had the most popular version on the national jukeboxes.
J 1956 was a rare year for Doris. Two songs rocked the jukeboxes that year...both were nominated for Academy Awards. One became the song most associated with her today, "Que Sera, Sera". But for the letter "J", it was the title tune from the film, "Julie", a hauntingly beautiful ballad which surprisingly was very popular with deejays and on the country's coin machines, as well as another popular tune from the 1953 film, "Calamity Jane".
"JULIE" From the film of the same name, it was nominated for a Best Song Oscar, but lost to "Secret Love", certainly no surprise.
"JULIE" From the film of the same name, it was nominated for a Best Song Oscar, but lost to "Secret Love", certainly no surprise.
"JUST BLEW IN FROM THE WINDY CITY" Another of the gigantically popular songs by Doris from the 1953 film, "Calamity Jane". The kids loved this one!
K The letter "K" gave us two very different jukebox listening experiences. One was a beautiful and sexy ballad, as only Doris can sing them. The other was another fun, novelty song, a sound that was a new one for Doris.
"KISS ME AGAIN, STRANGER" became a Top 30 song in 1953, and it was very popular on the radio and on the jukeboxes all across the country.
"KAY-MULETA" And here comes another Doris Day novelty, It sounds more like something Rosemary Clooney would sing, but Mitch Miller probably tapped Doris first. At any rate, Doris ventures South of the Border for this one with a definite latin flavor. It was funny, the kids liked it, and the nickels kept it hopping on the jukeboxes. Not a big seller on the singles market. The flip side was Doris' take on a country tune called "Someone Else's Roses" which got its own share of jukebox spins.
"KISS ME AGAIN, STRANGER" became a Top 30 song in 1953, and it was very popular on the radio and on the jukeboxes all across the country.
"KAY-MULETA" And here comes another Doris Day novelty, It sounds more like something Rosemary Clooney would sing, but Mitch Miller probably tapped Doris first. At any rate, Doris ventures South of the Border for this one with a definite latin flavor. It was funny, the kids liked it, and the nickels kept it hopping on the jukeboxes. Not a big seller on the singles market. The flip side was Doris' take on a country tune called "Someone Else's Roses" which got its own share of jukebox spins.
L This is a special letter for Doris Day Music, especially when talking about her reign as Queen of the 50's Jukeboxes. It is significant to note that her film soundtrack album, "Love Me or Leave Me", was the #1 selling album of 1955. In that respect, ALL of the songs from that soundtrack album were on jukeboxes that year as some coin machines also featured the new longplay albums. With that in mind, we herewith list the songs from that LP, although not all begin with the letter "L":
1. IT ALL DEPENDS ON YOU
2. YOU MADE ME LOVE YOU
3. STAY ON THE RIGHT SIDE, SISTER (CHECK AUDIO PLAYER BELOW)
4. EVERYBODY LOVES MY BABY
5. MEAN TO ME
6. SAM, THE OLD ACCORDIAN MAN
7. SHAKING THE BLUES AWAY
8. TEN CENTS A DANCE
9. NEVER LOOK BACK
10. I'LL NEVER STOP LOVING YOU (FILM VERSION WITH PIANO ONLY)
11. AT SUNDOWN
12. LOVE ME OR LEAVE ME/FINALE
1. IT ALL DEPENDS ON YOU
2. YOU MADE ME LOVE YOU
3. STAY ON THE RIGHT SIDE, SISTER (CHECK AUDIO PLAYER BELOW)
4. EVERYBODY LOVES MY BABY
5. MEAN TO ME
6. SAM, THE OLD ACCORDIAN MAN
7. SHAKING THE BLUES AWAY
8. TEN CENTS A DANCE
9. NEVER LOOK BACK
10. I'LL NEVER STOP LOVING YOU (FILM VERSION WITH PIANO ONLY)
11. AT SUNDOWN
12. LOVE ME OR LEAVE ME/FINALE
Stay on the Right Side Sister - Doris Day
OTHER JUKEBOX HITS BY DORIS FOR THE LETTER "L":
"LET IT RING" This one from 1956 was not the usual song for Doris; on this, she displayed her sexuality with this great tune that got lots of jukebox plays but only reached the minor rungs of the Top 100 on the single sellers charts.
"A LITTLE KISS GOODNIGHT" This was the hit selling side of her duet with Guy Mitchell in 1952, a top 50 hit in sales, but it got lots of jukebox plays. Listeners particularly liked the chemistry between the two singers. Mitchell calls her by one of her petnames, "Dodo".
"LOVE SOMEBODY" The first #1 Million Selling Single in Doris' Record Career as a single artist after she left the Les Brown Band. It was a duet with Buddy Clark, the flip side of "Confess", which was also a big hit on the country's jukeboxes in 1947. In fact, many music historians say it was the biggest jukebox single and one of the biggest hits of the year. A true classic.
"LULLABY OF BROADWAY" Recorded with Harry James and His Orchestra, it was the flip side of the record ("Would I Love You, Love You, Love You") that hit the Top Ten in singles sales, but it was THIS side that was one of the biggest jukebox records of 1951. And it holds up beautifully today...No one has ever made a better version of this classic.
M Six hot jukebox songs by Doris began with the letter "M",,,,
"MA SAYS, PA SAYS" Another 1952 jukebox hit for Doris with Johnny Ray. She liked this song so much she sang it on radio with various people, including Gordon MacRae and Bob Hope.
"MISTER TAP TOE" A TOP 10 HIT from 1953, this won brought in lots of nickels for jukebox operators. It is a happy, sparkling song, as only Doris could sing them.
"MY DARLING, MY DARLING" This one peaked at #7 on the nation's jukeboxes, another of the many hits Doris had dueting with Buddy Clark. Before his death in 1949, they shared jukebox winners over and over again.
"MY DREAMS ARE GETTING BETTER ALL THE TIME" This one goes back to Doris' days as vocalist with the Les Brown Band. After "Sentimental Journey", this was the second biggest record of 1945, both in sales and on the nation's jukeboxes.
"MY LOVE AND DEVOTION" Still another hit song for Doris in 1952, one of her most prolific years in record, sheet music and jukebox sales. She had competition for single sales on this one with Perry Como (her version peaked in the top 30's), but on the jukebox, Doris captured the crown. This was also a very popular recording in the UK.
"MY LIFE'S DESIRE" Another beautiful ballad as only Doris can sing them, this one reached the Top 20 in 1951 and was another big jukebox song.
"MA SAYS, PA SAYS" Another 1952 jukebox hit for Doris with Johnny Ray. She liked this song so much she sang it on radio with various people, including Gordon MacRae and Bob Hope.
"MISTER TAP TOE" A TOP 10 HIT from 1953, this won brought in lots of nickels for jukebox operators. It is a happy, sparkling song, as only Doris could sing them.
"MY DARLING, MY DARLING" This one peaked at #7 on the nation's jukeboxes, another of the many hits Doris had dueting with Buddy Clark. Before his death in 1949, they shared jukebox winners over and over again.
"MY DREAMS ARE GETTING BETTER ALL THE TIME" This one goes back to Doris' days as vocalist with the Les Brown Band. After "Sentimental Journey", this was the second biggest record of 1945, both in sales and on the nation's jukeboxes.
"MY LOVE AND DEVOTION" Still another hit song for Doris in 1952, one of her most prolific years in record, sheet music and jukebox sales. She had competition for single sales on this one with Perry Como (her version peaked in the top 30's), but on the jukebox, Doris captured the crown. This was also a very popular recording in the UK.
"MY LIFE'S DESIRE" Another beautiful ballad as only Doris can sing them, this one reached the Top 20 in 1951 and was another big jukebox song.
N Two songs for this letter were jukebox biggies for Doris (and big sellers, too...)
"NO TWO PEOPLE" A great duet (also from 1952, Doris' year for many pop duets), this one teamed her with Donald O'Connor. Too bad they only did it one time! This one peaked in the Top 30's in record sales as well.
"(WHERE ARE YOU) NOW THAT I NEED YOU" A top 20 hit from 1949, this was extremely popular on the radio and on the nation's jukeboxes. The Mellomen backed Doris on this one.
"NO TWO PEOPLE" A great duet (also from 1952, Doris' year for many pop duets), this one teamed her with Donald O'Connor. Too bad they only did it one time! This one peaked in the Top 30's in record sales as well.
"(WHERE ARE YOU) NOW THAT I NEED YOU" A top 20 hit from 1949, this was extremely popular on the radio and on the nation's jukeboxes. The Mellomen backed Doris on this one.
O Four Doris jukebox hits began with the letter "O", all of them popular single sellers as well.
"(LET'S TAKE AN) OLD FASHIONED WALK" The ONLY time Doris recorded a song with Frank Sinatra. No one knows why there were no others considering this was a Top 20 Hit and very popular on the radio and on the country's jukeboxes.
"OOH BANG, JIGGLY JANG" This is a perfect example of how jukebox plays and single record sales do not often match up. The single only reached the Top 100, but it was tremendously popular on the radio and on the jukeboxes. Kids loved this one, too.
"OOPS" Another cute song by Doris. This one reached the Top 50 in sales but was very popular on the radio with deejays and on the nation's jukeboxes. See audio file below.
"ORANGE-COLORED SKY" Single sales competition for Doris on this one from Nat King Cole, but once again, on the jukebox circuit, Doris' version reigned supreme in 1950.
"(LET'S TAKE AN) OLD FASHIONED WALK" The ONLY time Doris recorded a song with Frank Sinatra. No one knows why there were no others considering this was a Top 20 Hit and very popular on the radio and on the country's jukeboxes.
"OOH BANG, JIGGLY JANG" This is a perfect example of how jukebox plays and single record sales do not often match up. The single only reached the Top 100, but it was tremendously popular on the radio and on the jukeboxes. Kids loved this one, too.
"OOPS" Another cute song by Doris. This one reached the Top 50 in sales but was very popular on the radio with deejays and on the nation's jukeboxes. See audio file below.
"ORANGE-COLORED SKY" Single sales competition for Doris on this one from Nat King Cole, but once again, on the jukebox circuit, Doris' version reigned supreme in 1950.
P Five big jukebox entries for Doris began with this letter of the alphabet:
"PAPA, WON'T YOU DANCE WITH ME" After leaving the Les Brown Band as his vocalist, Doris signed her first contract with Columbia Records in New York City. It only took 3 records for her to reach the Top 20 as a single artist. This was the one that did the trick, and it was immensely popular on the jukebox and at many local wedding receptions as well.
"THE PARTY'S OVER" In the same year that "Que Sera, Sera" topped the charts and the nation's jukeboxes and won an academy award, this one was often played as a "bar closer" on the jukeboxes. It has been used many times as a closer song on record compilations. A beautiful ballad by Doris from the Broadway Show, "The Bells Are Ringing", which reached the Top 50 in sales, as well.
"PILLOW TALK" A movie title song that hit the charts for Doris in 1959, it was another of those bouncy DD songs that everyone seemed to like. The movie was an enormous hit at the box office.
"POWDER YOUR FACE WITH SUNSHINE" Another big hit for Doris in a duet with Buddy Clark from 1949 before his death. This one also hit the Top 20 and was very popular in jukebox circles.
"PUT 'EM IN A BOX, TIE 'EM WITH A RIBBON" This was the flip side of Doris' enormous hit with "It's Magic", both from her first film, "Romance on the High Seas". She recorded this one with The Page Cavanaugh Trio, who also appeared with her in the movie. On the jukeboxes, both songs were enormous hits, along with "It's You Or No One For Me" (audio file below), and "I'm In Love" (recorded with Buddy Clark.)
It's You Or No One (1948 ROMANCE ON HIGH SEAS) - Doris Day, here's another version of It's You Or No One
"PAPA, WON'T YOU DANCE WITH ME" After leaving the Les Brown Band as his vocalist, Doris signed her first contract with Columbia Records in New York City. It only took 3 records for her to reach the Top 20 as a single artist. This was the one that did the trick, and it was immensely popular on the jukebox and at many local wedding receptions as well.
"THE PARTY'S OVER" In the same year that "Que Sera, Sera" topped the charts and the nation's jukeboxes and won an academy award, this one was often played as a "bar closer" on the jukeboxes. It has been used many times as a closer song on record compilations. A beautiful ballad by Doris from the Broadway Show, "The Bells Are Ringing", which reached the Top 50 in sales, as well.
"PILLOW TALK" A movie title song that hit the charts for Doris in 1959, it was another of those bouncy DD songs that everyone seemed to like. The movie was an enormous hit at the box office.
"POWDER YOUR FACE WITH SUNSHINE" Another big hit for Doris in a duet with Buddy Clark from 1949 before his death. This one also hit the Top 20 and was very popular in jukebox circles.
"PUT 'EM IN A BOX, TIE 'EM WITH A RIBBON" This was the flip side of Doris' enormous hit with "It's Magic", both from her first film, "Romance on the High Seas". She recorded this one with The Page Cavanaugh Trio, who also appeared with her in the movie. On the jukeboxes, both songs were enormous hits, along with "It's You Or No One For Me" (audio file below), and "I'm In Love" (recorded with Buddy Clark.)
It's You Or No One (1948 ROMANCE ON HIGH SEAS) - Doris Day, here's another version of It's You Or No One
Q Most of the time, the letter "Q" would not be a letter of distinction. In Doris' case, it is EXTREMELY SIGNIFICANT. As we have indicated on other pages, she had hundreds of hits, both in single and in album sales, sheet music and on jukeboxes. But nothing in her career AS A SINGLE SINGER (after "Sentimental Journey") got her any more spectacular notice than the song for which she will be remembered for posterity. It has become not only her major signature song but a perfect example of her philosophy of life. When the song is played or mentioned, even young people know it is Doris Day. Of course, the song is:
"QUE SERA, SERA (WHATEVER WILL BE, WILL BE)"
In 1956, when this song rocked the jukeboxes, it was up against the initial songs that began to establish rock and roll as a major genre, and it battled artists as popular as Elvis Presley and Pat Boone for top status on the charts. In sheet music sales, it was #1. On the jukeboxes across the country, it was by far the most popular song of 1956, and of course, it also won the Oscar.
"QUICKSILVER" The other song by Doris that began with this letter was one of her first ventures into the world of Country Music. She competed with Bing Crosby & The Andrews Sisters for sales of this song, but on the jukeboxes, it was Doris all the way. (Her Country Cousins were with her, too.) Our apologies for all the surface noise. So...here is a clearer version; the record deserves to be heard pristine in sound:
Quicksilver - Doris Day
"QUE SERA, SERA (WHATEVER WILL BE, WILL BE)"
In 1956, when this song rocked the jukeboxes, it was up against the initial songs that began to establish rock and roll as a major genre, and it battled artists as popular as Elvis Presley and Pat Boone for top status on the charts. In sheet music sales, it was #1. On the jukeboxes across the country, it was by far the most popular song of 1956, and of course, it also won the Oscar.
"QUICKSILVER" The other song by Doris that began with this letter was one of her first ventures into the world of Country Music. She competed with Bing Crosby & The Andrews Sisters for sales of this song, but on the jukeboxes, it was Doris all the way. (Her Country Cousins were with her, too.) Our apologies for all the surface noise. So...here is a clearer version; the record deserves to be heard pristine in sound:
Quicksilver - Doris Day
R Two up-tempo, happy tunes for Miss Day began with this letter, both of which she can call her own.
"READY, WILLING AND ABLE" comes from the soundtrack of the film, "Young at Heart". The flip side, "Hold Me in Your Arms", is a beautiful ballad as only Doris can sing them, and it reached the Top 40 on its own in 1954. "READY" peaked at #31 but hit the top ten in the UK that year. This is one of those years when Doris remained on top of the jukeboxes with song after song after song.
(SECRET LOVE/ IF I GIVE MY HEART TO YOU, ANYONE CAN FALL IN LOVE, etc.) Sheet music sales were brisk for "Ready", and the jukeboxes loved it.
"RICKETY RACKETY RENDEVOUS" This one came out in 1957. It was not a big single seller in the US, but in Canada, it reached #7 in sales for that year. On the jukeboxes, Doris was still reigning Queen, so it got lots of plays.
"READY, WILLING AND ABLE" comes from the soundtrack of the film, "Young at Heart". The flip side, "Hold Me in Your Arms", is a beautiful ballad as only Doris can sing them, and it reached the Top 40 on its own in 1954. "READY" peaked at #31 but hit the top ten in the UK that year. This is one of those years when Doris remained on top of the jukeboxes with song after song after song.
(SECRET LOVE/ IF I GIVE MY HEART TO YOU, ANYONE CAN FALL IN LOVE, etc.) Sheet music sales were brisk for "Ready", and the jukeboxes loved it.
"RICKETY RACKETY RENDEVOUS" This one came out in 1957. It was not a big single seller in the US, but in Canada, it reached #7 in sales for that year. On the jukeboxes, Doris was still reigning Queen, so it got lots of plays.
S This letter is extremely important to Doris Day's career because among others, it begins two of the most important songs in her repertoire and two of the biggest songs in music history, "Sentimental Journey" and "Secret Love".
"SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY" This is the record by Doris that has become the biggest and most lasting of her entire career, and she recorded it many times. The big one, though, was the one she recorded with Les Brown and His Orchestra when she was his major vocalist. It is the song which started her spiral climb, and the rest is history. #1 in sales for the entire year of 1945, it was not only the biggest record on the national jukeboxes, but it is still one of the most important records in music history and garnered a Grammy Hall of Fame Award as well. (It is often listed in 1944 as well because the record had its start then, but it climbed quickly to the top of the charts where it remained for over four months until it was overtaken by the other big song by Doris and Les, "My Dreams Are Getting Better All The Time". Most music critics say it is the most important record of the "War Years".
"SECRET LOVE" Both an Oscar and a Grammy distinguish this #1 Top Single Seller in 1954 (which began its climb on the charts in 1953, after being featured in the film "Calamity Jane".) Where there are jukeboxes around today, if Doris is still included, this record (along with "Sentimental Journey" and "Que Sera, Sera") are the ones most likely to be available for your coins. It has been called "the most beautiful ballad of all time". Of all the songs she recorded (over 600) and of all the songs she ever sang (innumerable), this remains Doris' most favorite. As to why she never recorded it a second time: the story is that she went to the studio one afternoon, recorded it in one take with the orchestra and was told it could never be done any better. Fans agree...not by anyone.
"(WHY DID I TELL YOU I WAS GOING TO) SHANGHAI"
This song dominated the jukeboxes in 1951, and was a big seller in record sales,sheet music, and another million seller by Doris ... one of those tunes that firmly classify her as a jazz/swing artist. The song peaked at #7 on the charts and was also a big one on the jukeboxes that year.
"SOMEONE ELSE'S ROSES" Still another song from 1954, the year that Doris dominated record, sheet music and jukebox sales ("Secret Love", "If I Give My Heart To You", etc., etc.), this one peaked at #30 on the charts. Another venture by Doris into the world of country music, this was a very popular jukebox play at the time.
"SOMEONE LIKE YOU" Here is a song from 1949 that was unique. It came from the film, "My Dream is Yours", Doris' second film, and was the flip side of the title tune song. On the jukeboxes, it was an enormous hit, as it was in the bar circuit. It has even been used recently in the television Ceasar Dog Food commercials. It's hard to keep a good song down. Besides, how does one compete with "cute"?
"SOUND OF MUSIC" Not many artists would compete on this song with either Mary Martin (the Broadway Original) or Julie Andrews (from the film version), but Doris included it in her 1959 SHOWTIME album backed by Frank DeVol and His Orchestra. And this one was so popular with disc jockeys that Columbia was forced to release it as a single. At the end of the year, it was nominated for a Grammy as the Best Performance by a Female in a single recording. On the jukeboxes, it was THIS version that was the most popular, and it was this version that radio listeners heard the most. Perhaps Doris should have been the movie's star!
"SUGARBUSH" Another of the many single records that Doris released in 1952. In the course of that year, she had over 20 songs on the chart and on the nation's jukeboxes. Of those, over 6 were duets with other Columbia Artists of the time. This one with Frankie Laine was immensely popular on jukeboxes all over. It peaked at #7 in the U.S. AND in the UK. In fact, it appeared on the very first list of Top 10 Popular Records in the United Kingdom. Another one that the kids loved; in fact, they say everyone did.
"SWINGIN' ON A STAR" From the film "Going My Way", one would expect the biggest version of this song to be by the film's star, Bing Crosby. And that is correct. In fact: a little special note here. The background singers on Bing's version of this tune were The Williams Brothers, including famous brother Andy. Such was the case with the single version of the tune in 1944...but on the jukeboxes, the most popular plays of this tune were for Doris and Les. The record also features an assist from band member Butch Stone.
"SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY" This is the record by Doris that has become the biggest and most lasting of her entire career, and she recorded it many times. The big one, though, was the one she recorded with Les Brown and His Orchestra when she was his major vocalist. It is the song which started her spiral climb, and the rest is history. #1 in sales for the entire year of 1945, it was not only the biggest record on the national jukeboxes, but it is still one of the most important records in music history and garnered a Grammy Hall of Fame Award as well. (It is often listed in 1944 as well because the record had its start then, but it climbed quickly to the top of the charts where it remained for over four months until it was overtaken by the other big song by Doris and Les, "My Dreams Are Getting Better All The Time". Most music critics say it is the most important record of the "War Years".
"SECRET LOVE" Both an Oscar and a Grammy distinguish this #1 Top Single Seller in 1954 (which began its climb on the charts in 1953, after being featured in the film "Calamity Jane".) Where there are jukeboxes around today, if Doris is still included, this record (along with "Sentimental Journey" and "Que Sera, Sera") are the ones most likely to be available for your coins. It has been called "the most beautiful ballad of all time". Of all the songs she recorded (over 600) and of all the songs she ever sang (innumerable), this remains Doris' most favorite. As to why she never recorded it a second time: the story is that she went to the studio one afternoon, recorded it in one take with the orchestra and was told it could never be done any better. Fans agree...not by anyone.
"(WHY DID I TELL YOU I WAS GOING TO) SHANGHAI"
This song dominated the jukeboxes in 1951, and was a big seller in record sales,sheet music, and another million seller by Doris ... one of those tunes that firmly classify her as a jazz/swing artist. The song peaked at #7 on the charts and was also a big one on the jukeboxes that year.
"SOMEONE ELSE'S ROSES" Still another song from 1954, the year that Doris dominated record, sheet music and jukebox sales ("Secret Love", "If I Give My Heart To You", etc., etc.), this one peaked at #30 on the charts. Another venture by Doris into the world of country music, this was a very popular jukebox play at the time.
"SOMEONE LIKE YOU" Here is a song from 1949 that was unique. It came from the film, "My Dream is Yours", Doris' second film, and was the flip side of the title tune song. On the jukeboxes, it was an enormous hit, as it was in the bar circuit. It has even been used recently in the television Ceasar Dog Food commercials. It's hard to keep a good song down. Besides, how does one compete with "cute"?
"SOUND OF MUSIC" Not many artists would compete on this song with either Mary Martin (the Broadway Original) or Julie Andrews (from the film version), but Doris included it in her 1959 SHOWTIME album backed by Frank DeVol and His Orchestra. And this one was so popular with disc jockeys that Columbia was forced to release it as a single. At the end of the year, it was nominated for a Grammy as the Best Performance by a Female in a single recording. On the jukeboxes, it was THIS version that was the most popular, and it was this version that radio listeners heard the most. Perhaps Doris should have been the movie's star!
"SUGARBUSH" Another of the many single records that Doris released in 1952. In the course of that year, she had over 20 songs on the chart and on the nation's jukeboxes. Of those, over 6 were duets with other Columbia Artists of the time. This one with Frankie Laine was immensely popular on jukeboxes all over. It peaked at #7 in the U.S. AND in the UK. In fact, it appeared on the very first list of Top 10 Popular Records in the United Kingdom. Another one that the kids loved; in fact, they say everyone did.
"SWINGIN' ON A STAR" From the film "Going My Way", one would expect the biggest version of this song to be by the film's star, Bing Crosby. And that is correct. In fact: a little special note here. The background singers on Bing's version of this tune were The Williams Brothers, including famous brother Andy. Such was the case with the single version of the tune in 1944...but on the jukeboxes, the most popular plays of this tune were for Doris and Les. The record also features an assist from band member Butch Stone.
T 7 jukebox hits by Doris began with the letter "T" and all of them were more popular on the jukebox and in radio and sheet music sales than they were as single records.
"TEACHER'S PET" Many of Doris' comedies were introduced by a song she sang over the title before the film began. The song was generally released as a single record and often reached the Top 40 in sales. Such was the case with this song from the 1958 film which also starred Clark Gable.
"THAT CERTAIN PARTY" Another of those hit duets by Doris with Buddy Clark which became staples on the jukeboxes in 1947-1949, before his death in an airplane crash. This one was a popular duet with local performers in club circuits as well. This one topped jukebox plays in 1948.
"TILL THE END OF TIME" Perry Como, Dick Haymes and Les Brown with Doris on the vocal competed for sales on this tune in 1945. It was a battle royal but no one outdid the other, and all three recordings were in the Top 5. On the jukeboxes, it was Les and Doris who claimed top prize.
"TOO MARVELOUS FOR WORDS" Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful ballads ever recorded by Doris with Harry James and His Orchestra, this one was featured prominently in the 1950 hit film, "Young Man With A Horn", and was also included in the top Selling Album that year from the film. Released as a single recording for jukebox and airplay as well, it was also tremendously popular with the coin box crowd.
"TUNNEL OF LOVE" A top 50 single for Doris in 1958, this was another movie title tune. In this case, the song was more popular than the film (rare in her case!). It was a big jukebox hit, and very popular with jitter buggers of the 50's.
"TWELVE O'CLOCK TONIGHT" A great little record by Doris that should have been a lot more popular than it was. Granted, by 1957, when it was released, it was getting increasingly more difficult for pop artists to compete with the world of rock and roll and rockabilly. It did fairly well in record sales (Top 60). It got lots of jukebox plays, and is another example of how well DD can handle a tune that best fits the jazz mode.
"TWO HEARTS, TWO KISSES (MAKE ONE LOVE)" In 1955, Doris topped the music world with albums (LOVE ME OR LEAVE ME) and all kinds of singles. In her career, she "covered" very few hits by other artists because she was generally the one with the original hit. This is one of those times that she covered a rock tune that originated with Otis Williams and the Charms. The major record companies could not hop on it quickly enough. Dot got there first with a version by Pat Boone, which began his illustrious career. Frank Sinatra covered the song on Capitol Records, and Doris covered it for Columbia. Although Pat had the major single hit in sales, Doris gave him a run for his money as radio deejays preferred the swing version by Doris. On jukeboxes, Pat and Doris competed neck and neck.
"TEACHER'S PET" Many of Doris' comedies were introduced by a song she sang over the title before the film began. The song was generally released as a single record and often reached the Top 40 in sales. Such was the case with this song from the 1958 film which also starred Clark Gable.
"THAT CERTAIN PARTY" Another of those hit duets by Doris with Buddy Clark which became staples on the jukeboxes in 1947-1949, before his death in an airplane crash. This one was a popular duet with local performers in club circuits as well. This one topped jukebox plays in 1948.
"TILL THE END OF TIME" Perry Como, Dick Haymes and Les Brown with Doris on the vocal competed for sales on this tune in 1945. It was a battle royal but no one outdid the other, and all three recordings were in the Top 5. On the jukeboxes, it was Les and Doris who claimed top prize.
"TOO MARVELOUS FOR WORDS" Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful ballads ever recorded by Doris with Harry James and His Orchestra, this one was featured prominently in the 1950 hit film, "Young Man With A Horn", and was also included in the top Selling Album that year from the film. Released as a single recording for jukebox and airplay as well, it was also tremendously popular with the coin box crowd.
"TUNNEL OF LOVE" A top 50 single for Doris in 1958, this was another movie title tune. In this case, the song was more popular than the film (rare in her case!). It was a big jukebox hit, and very popular with jitter buggers of the 50's.
"TWELVE O'CLOCK TONIGHT" A great little record by Doris that should have been a lot more popular than it was. Granted, by 1957, when it was released, it was getting increasingly more difficult for pop artists to compete with the world of rock and roll and rockabilly. It did fairly well in record sales (Top 60). It got lots of jukebox plays, and is another example of how well DD can handle a tune that best fits the jazz mode.
"TWO HEARTS, TWO KISSES (MAKE ONE LOVE)" In 1955, Doris topped the music world with albums (LOVE ME OR LEAVE ME) and all kinds of singles. In her career, she "covered" very few hits by other artists because she was generally the one with the original hit. This is one of those times that she covered a rock tune that originated with Otis Williams and the Charms. The major record companies could not hop on it quickly enough. Dot got there first with a version by Pat Boone, which began his illustrious career. Frank Sinatra covered the song on Capitol Records, and Doris covered it for Columbia. Although Pat had the major single hit in sales, Doris gave him a run for his money as radio deejays preferred the swing version by Doris. On jukeboxes, Pat and Doris competed neck and neck.
V Only one song by Doris began with this letter, but it was significant.
"THE VERY THOUGHT OF YOU" Another of those songs from the 1950 film, "Young Man With A Horn", which topped the jukeboxes that year. Since then, whenever the song is listed anywhere, and it has become a classic standard, it is Doris' version that gets the top nod. Such was the case on the jukeboxes then as well. This version is unbeatable.
"THE VERY THOUGHT OF YOU" Another of those songs from the 1950 film, "Young Man With A Horn", which topped the jukeboxes that year. Since then, whenever the song is listed anywhere, and it has become a classic standard, it is Doris' version that gets the top nod. Such was the case on the jukeboxes then as well. This version is unbeatable.
W The letter "W" brought us some true Doris Day Classics, all of which had terrific jukebox runs in their respective years, all of which also populated the top of the music sales charts.
"WHEN I FALL IN LOVE" Lots of folks (from Nat King Cole to The Lettermen and more recently Celine Dion) get notable credit for this song. But true credit goes to the original, and in the case of this song, that means the Doris version from 1952. It reached the Top 20 on the sales charts and music sheet sales were tremendous, as were air and jukebox plays in one of Doris' biggest years for music sales.
"WHEN THE RED RED ROBIN COMES BOB BOB B0BBIN' ALONG" Here is one by Doris from 1953 that was so popular with deejays that they often used the first few bars of the record to wake up morning radio listeners. It is a lively reading of this great standard and was big on the national jukebox circuit.
"THE WHOLE WORLD IS SINGING MY SONG" Certainly a truism, when Doris recorded this song with The Les Brown Band, she was the most popular female band singer in the world. As many people came to see her sing as they did to watch Les Brown's Band play. And by that time, she was just getting ready to leave the band for a single career on her own. The song could easily refer to the gigantic successes she had with "Sentimental Journey" and "My Dreams Are Getting Better". For sure, the whole world was singing her songs, this one included, especially on the radio and on jukeboxes.
"WITH A SONG IN MY HEART" Another big jukebox hit in 1951 by Doris with Harry James and His Orchestra, a jukebox single released from the film and the highly successful album of "Young Man With A Horn". It has been said that Doris Day has the truly definitive version of this song. Most discerning listeners would agree.
"WOULD I LOVE YOU, LOVE YOU, LOVE YOU" With a latin beat and the harmonious blend of Doris voice against Harry James and his trumpet, it is very difficult to find anything better than this flipside of "Lullaby of Broadway", which was also one of the biggest jukebox songs of 1951. This side of the two-sided hit was no exception. A Top Ten Hit, it competed with a version by Patti Page, which this version leaves clamoring in the dust.
"WHEN I FALL IN LOVE" Lots of folks (from Nat King Cole to The Lettermen and more recently Celine Dion) get notable credit for this song. But true credit goes to the original, and in the case of this song, that means the Doris version from 1952. It reached the Top 20 on the sales charts and music sheet sales were tremendous, as were air and jukebox plays in one of Doris' biggest years for music sales.
"WHEN THE RED RED ROBIN COMES BOB BOB B0BBIN' ALONG" Here is one by Doris from 1953 that was so popular with deejays that they often used the first few bars of the record to wake up morning radio listeners. It is a lively reading of this great standard and was big on the national jukebox circuit.
"THE WHOLE WORLD IS SINGING MY SONG" Certainly a truism, when Doris recorded this song with The Les Brown Band, she was the most popular female band singer in the world. As many people came to see her sing as they did to watch Les Brown's Band play. And by that time, she was just getting ready to leave the band for a single career on her own. The song could easily refer to the gigantic successes she had with "Sentimental Journey" and "My Dreams Are Getting Better". For sure, the whole world was singing her songs, this one included, especially on the radio and on jukeboxes.
"WITH A SONG IN MY HEART" Another big jukebox hit in 1951 by Doris with Harry James and His Orchestra, a jukebox single released from the film and the highly successful album of "Young Man With A Horn". It has been said that Doris Day has the truly definitive version of this song. Most discerning listeners would agree.
"WOULD I LOVE YOU, LOVE YOU, LOVE YOU" With a latin beat and the harmonious blend of Doris voice against Harry James and his trumpet, it is very difficult to find anything better than this flipside of "Lullaby of Broadway", which was also one of the biggest jukebox songs of 1951. This side of the two-sided hit was no exception. A Top Ten Hit, it competed with a version by Patti Page, which this version leaves clamoring in the dust.
Y Only one song by Doris for this letter as a jukebox hit contender, but a good one.
"YOU WON'T BE SATISFIED (UNTIL YOU BREAK MY HEART)" From 1946 comes another of the hits by Doris as vocalist with the Les Brown Band before she left for a career as a single performer. At the top of her form, this record had competition from versions by Perry Como as well as a duet by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. Doris and Les had the top version in sales as well as on the national jukeboxes.
"YOU WON'T BE SATISFIED (UNTIL YOU BREAK MY HEART)" From 1946 comes another of the hits by Doris as vocalist with the Les Brown Band before she left for a career as a single performer. At the top of her form, this record had competition from versions by Perry Como as well as a duet by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. Doris and Les had the top version in sales as well as on the national jukeboxes.
Looks like Doris is singing along to one of her songs. The woman in the photograph with Doris is Jean Metcalfe, a BBC presenter on radio in the 50's. Every Sunday she was the London link of a program called Two Way Family Favourites. When Doris arrived in the UK to begin filming for Hitchcock, Jean insisted on meeting her. "I just HAD to meet the owner of that wonderful voice I had played so many times on the air". DD and she became firm friends and stayed in touch for decades.
Doris, in fact, never kept track of how her music progressed, never kept her eyes
on the chart or the hit parade, like so many stars did (and still do). She just took
her turn at the studio, reported for "duty" (so to speak), and always gave one
hundred percent (whether she liked a song or not). Could be the reason why
she became the most consistent female recording artist of the 50's, despite the
fact that all of her songs were not #1. (We think of 1952, for example. She had a
big #1 song with a novelty, "A Guy is a Guy", but she also had 15 other songs that charted that year, and some of them in the Top Ten, and she always had three or four songs pulling in coins on the 50's jukeboxes.) That's our girl!!!
Special thanks to Ian Harries for identifying this photo for us!
