(The Hit Hammer is where I'm reviewing each #1 song on the Billboard Hot 100. Starting from when the chart started in 1958 and eventually working my way to the present. To see my inspiration and more information about this blog, please refer to the "Poor Little Fool" post)
Louis Armstrong - "Hello, Dolly!"
Hit Number 1: May 9, 1964
Stay at Number 1: 1 Week
Everyone knew that the Beatles' initial run at #1 couldn't last forever, but I bet not many people were expecting anything by Louis Armstrong being the song to dethrone them for the time being. Armstrong, of course, is known by many to be the "What a Wonderful World" guy, but for those who know more about music, know that he is also one of if not THE best trumpet players of all time. His career dates all the way back to the 1920s, and is one of the key figures of the New Orleans, rhythm and blues sound. In 1964, he had a #1 hit on the Hot 100, but it wasn't anything that the public had ever heard from Armstrong. Instead, his lone #1 hit, "Hello, Dolly!" is a very happy and jumpy song about love, that probably slides more into the still-developing soul sound rather than the R&B sound.
Of course, it's pretty obvious that this song was meant for the musical of the same name. Upon his manager's request, Armstrong recorded the song as a demo for the song's publisher to use to help promote the musical. When it opened in New York City in January 1964, it became a major success. Not long after, Armstrong's demo recording was released as an official single. Armstrong, as we all know, had a very gritty voice, that was basically perfect for the soul genre. That likely helped the song even more, along with the popularity of the show it was associated with, and the positive vibes the song gives off. It barely exists as a song, only existing because of the show, but if a musical had to have a song that went with it, "Hello, Dolly!" does the trick. It's only there for the show, and that's just fine.
When "Hello, Dolly!" became a #1 hit, Armstrong became the oldest artist to have a #1 song, at 62 years of age. He dethroned Lawrence Welk, who hit #1 in 1961 with "Calcutta" at 58 years of age. Armstrong still holds the record today, and to be honest, I don't think it will ever be broken. I mean he was 62, who in the last 30 years has even been close to that age with a #1 hit! So even the song that knocked the Beatles off the #1 spot (for right now) has a significant note tied to it. Go figure.
GRADE: 6/10
JUST MISSED:
Of course, the Beatles intense popularity in 1964 wasn't going to go away quietly. Their song, and one of the few to feature George Harrison on lead vocals, "Do You Want to Know a Secret" peaked at #2 behind "Hello, Dolly!". It's a 9.
Comments