Dave "Baby" Cortez - "The Happy Organ"
Hit Number 1: May 11, 1959
Stay at Number 1: 1 Week
At first glance, I know exactly what you guys might think this song is about. But it turns out, this song isn't about anything. Yes, we have gotten to the first instrumental to hit the top spot on the charts. And it's a freaking banger too. "The Happy Organ" is not a very long song, however. Most from around the late 50s weren't very long anyway, which is usually a good thing, cause that way they don't overstay their welcome. There will be a few songs that we will eventually get to, that are good for the first couple minutes, but then they just get boring, and you get tired of the song. But that's a story for a different time.
Dave "Baby" Cortez, who was born as David Cortez Clowney, was convinced by his father to pursue a musical career. He had started playing the piano for 10 years, but eventually switched to the organ instead. And then just a couple years down the line, he had a #1 hit on his hands. His song "The Happy Organ" is a very energetic and fun instrumental, and is revolved around fun hooks and a kickass guitar solo. The guitar solo is played by Wild Jimmy Spruill, who was featured on many other fun songs, and songs that will eventually appear in this blog. Honestly, there really isn't a whole lot more to say about "The Happy Organ", other than it's just a fun song, and you can't help but feel good when you listen to it.
I have to say, I have no idea why Cortez went with "Baby" as part of his stage name, but anyway, the "baby" didn't have any other massive hits in his career. He did hit the top 10 in 1962 with "Rinky Dink" which peaked at #10 exactly. If you consider that a "massive hit". ("Rinky Dink" is not as great as "The Happy Organ". It's a 4.) But nonetheless, I'm happy for the guy getting his week of glory.
GRADE: 8/10
THE TWOS:
The Impalas' "Sorry (I Ran All the Way Home)" peaked at #2 behind "The Happy Organ". It's a 6.
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