#1 for week of May 9th, 1964.
How do you follow up three Beatles classics in a row? How about one a latter period song by one of the greatest jazz musicians and trumpet players of all time. As someone who has been playing trumpet for over fifteen years and who also appeared in a stage production of the play Hello, Dolly many years ago, I have some sentimental attachment to this song. What is it about this song though that was so good, it managed to knock the biggest rock group off the top of the charts? Let's find out.
Just like The Beatles, the backstory of Louis Armstrong would take up a whole book and I won't bore you with that. Needless to say, his role in the development of New Orleans Jazz, coupled with his one of a kind voice have ensured that his musical legacy lives on to this very day. Louis passed away in 1971 but even in the 1960's, he still gave us some timeless tunes. In 1967, we got what could perhaps be his swan song "What A Wonderful World" and in late 1963, he recorded a version of Jerry Herman's showtune "Hello, Dolly!". While this was initially meant just as a demo, it was soon released to the general public who brought enough copies to ensure the song's success.
Despite this being one of Louis' more contemporary songs, there is still enough of his classic New Orleans sound present. Most prominently is his superb trumpet solo which is what is sorely lacking in "What A Wonderful World". The other instruments include a very prominent dixieland-esque banjo and trombone. To ensure that this song was a hit on the adult contemporary charts as well, there is a laid back orchestral section that is quite buried in the mix. And of course, you have the Satchmo's vocals that give the song his signature sound.
There are a couple of reasons why I think "Hello, Dolly!" hit number one. First, the musical of the same name had opened in January 1964 to rave reviews. Second, having the title track recorded by someone who was a beloved singer/trumpet player would have been more than enough draw for people to purchase the record. Needless to say, it became Louis Armstrong's biggest hit and for all that he went through in his early life, I'd say the song's success was well deserved.
Final Verdict - A timeless classic song by an acclaimed jazz legend. What's not to like?
Coming Up Next - "My Guy" by Mary Wells.
Until Next Time - "Ba-bi-de-ba-ba-ba-booom", I'm Dr. Rock -
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