''The Greatest Songs of the Fifties'' is an album by American singer
Barry Manilow
Barry Manilow (born Barry Alan Pincus; June 17, 1943) is an American singer and songwriter with a career that spans seven decades. His hit recordings include "Could It Be Magic", " Somewhere Down the Road", " Mandy", "I Write the Songs", " Can ...
, released in the
United States
The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 states, a federal district, five major unincorporated territorie ...
on January 31, 2006. A significant album for Manilow, it finds the Brooklyn-born crooner taking on songs that were popular in his youth. The project also marked Manilow's return to his former label,
Arista, with the company's founder,
Clive Davis
Clive Jay Davis (born April 4, 1932) is an American record producer, A&R executive, record executive, and lawyer. He has won five Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a non-performer, in 2000.
From 1967 to 1 ...
, setting the singer up with 1950s pop classics much in the way that he steered
Rod Stewart
Sir Roderick David Stewart (born 10 January 1945) is a British rock and pop singer and songwriter. Born and raised in London, he is of Scottish and English ancestry. With his distinctive raspy singing voice, Stewart is among the best-selling ...
in the direction of jazzy standards in his successful ''
The Great American Songbook
The Great American Songbook is the loosely defined canon of significant early-20th-century American jazz standards, popular songs, and show tunes.
Definition
According to the Great American Songbook Foundation: The "Great American Songbook" is ...
'' project.
The album was a hit in the United States. It entered the Billboard 200 at No. 1, giving him the second chart-topping album of his career. His only other No. 1 album was ''
Barry Manilow Live
''Barry Manilow Live'' is the fifth album by the singer-songwriter Barry Manilow. The album was released in 1977, and it became Manilow's first to top the US ''Billboard'' 200.
Manilow also was among 1977 Special Tony Award winners Lily Tomlin ...
'', in 1977. This is also the highest-debuting album of his career, selling over 150,000 copies in its opening week and besting the No. 3 opening of ''
Ultimate Manilow
''Ultimate Manilow'' is a compilation of the greatest hits of Barry Manilow. Nearly every top 20 hit is included in this collection. This compilation is best known for setting the stage for a comeback for Manilow, as it debuted at No. 3 on the ch ...
'' in 2002.
Track listing
US Version
#"
Moments to Remember
"Moments to Remember" is a 1955 popular song about nostalgia recorded by Canadian quartet The Four Lads. The song was originally written by Robert Allen and Al Stillman for Perry Como but was turned down by Como's management.
The Four Lads recor ...
" - 3:34
#"
It's All in the Game" - 2:54
#"
Unchained Melody
"Unchained Melody" is a 1955 song with music by Alex North and lyrics by Hy Zaret. North wrote the music as a theme for the prison film '' Unchained'' (1955), hence the song title. Todd Duncan sang the vocals for the film soundtrack.Robert Rodri ...
" - 3:45
#"
Venus
Venus is the second planet from the Sun. It is sometimes called Earth's "sister" or "twin" planet as it is almost as large and has a similar composition. As an interior planet to Earth, Venus (like Mercury) appears in Earth's sky never fa ...
" - 2:26
#"
It's Not for Me to Say
"It's Not for Me to Say" is a 1957 popular song with music by Robert Allen and lyrics by Al Stillman. It was written for the 1957 movie ''Lizzie'' (starring Eleanor Parker), and was sung by Johnny Mathis in the film.
Mathis' recording of the s ...
" - 3:23
#"
Love Is a Many Splendored Thing" - 2:42
#"
Rags to Riches
Rags to riches refers to any situation in which a person rises from poverty to wealth, and in some cases from absolute obscurity to heights of fame, fortune and celebrity—sometimes instantly. This is a common archetype in literature and popula ...
" - 3:21
#"
Sincerely/
Teach Me Tonight
Teach Me Tonight is a popular song that has become a jazz standard. The music was written by Gene De Paul, the lyrics by Sammy Cahn. The song was published in 1953.
Early recordings
Five versions charted in 1954 and 1955:
*Janet Brace was appa ...
(Medley)" (Duet with
Phyllis McGuire
The McGuire Sisters were a singing trio in American popular music. The group was composed of three sisters:
* Ruby Christine McGuire (July 30, 1926 – December 28, 2018)
* Dorothy "Dottie" McGuire (February 13, 1928 – September 7, 2012)
* Ph ...
) - 3:18
#"
Are You Lonesome Tonight?" - 2:57
#"
Young at Heart" - 3:35
#"
All I Have to Do Is Dream
"All I Have to Do Is Dream" is a song made famous by the Everly Brothers, written by Boudleaux Bryant of the husband-and-wife songwriting team Felice and Boudleaux Bryant, and published in 1958. The song is ranked No. 141 on the ''Rolling Stone' ...
" - 2:48
#"
What a Diff'rence a Day Made
"What a Diff'rence a Day Made", also recorded as "What a Difference a Day Makes", is a popular song originally written in Spanish by María Grever, a Mexican songwriter, in 1934 with the title "Cuando vuelva a tu lado" ("When I Return to Your ...
" - 3:03
#"
Beyond the Sea" - 4:05
UK Version
#"
Moments to Remember
"Moments to Remember" is a 1955 popular song about nostalgia recorded by Canadian quartet The Four Lads. The song was originally written by Robert Allen and Al Stillman for Perry Como but was turned down by Como's management.
The Four Lads recor ...
" - 3:34
#"
It's All in the Game" - 2:54
#"
Unchained Melody
"Unchained Melody" is a 1955 song with music by Alex North and lyrics by Hy Zaret. North wrote the music as a theme for the prison film '' Unchained'' (1955), hence the song title. Todd Duncan sang the vocals for the film soundtrack.Robert Rodri ...
" - 3:45
#"
Venus
Venus is the second planet from the Sun. It is sometimes called Earth's "sister" or "twin" planet as it is almost as large and has a similar composition. As an interior planet to Earth, Venus (like Mercury) appears in Earth's sky never fa ...
" - 2:26
#"
It's Not for Me to Say
"It's Not for Me to Say" is a 1957 popular song with music by Robert Allen and lyrics by Al Stillman. It was written for the 1957 movie ''Lizzie'' (starring Eleanor Parker), and was sung by Johnny Mathis in the film.
Mathis' recording of the s ...
" - 3:23
#"
Love Is a Many Splendored Thing" - 2:42
#"
Rags to Riches
Rags to riches refers to any situation in which a person rises from poverty to wealth, and in some cases from absolute obscurity to heights of fame, fortune and celebrity—sometimes instantly. This is a common archetype in literature and popula ...
" - 3:21
#"
Sincerely/
Teach Me Tonight
Teach Me Tonight is a popular song that has become a jazz standard. The music was written by Gene De Paul, the lyrics by Sammy Cahn. The song was published in 1953.
Early recordings
Five versions charted in 1954 and 1955:
*Janet Brace was appa ...
(Medley)" (Duet with
Phyllis McGuire
The McGuire Sisters were a singing trio in American popular music. The group was composed of three sisters:
* Ruby Christine McGuire (July 30, 1926 – December 28, 2018)
* Dorothy "Dottie" McGuire (February 13, 1928 – September 7, 2012)
* Ph ...
) - 3:18
#"
Are You Lonesome Tonight?" - 2:57
#"
Young at Heart" - 3:35
#"
All I Have to Do Is Dream
"All I Have to Do Is Dream" is a song made famous by the Everly Brothers, written by Boudleaux Bryant of the husband-and-wife songwriting team Felice and Boudleaux Bryant, and published in 1958. The song is ranked No. 141 on the ''Rolling Stone' ...
" - 2:48
#"
What a Diff'rence a Day Made
"What a Diff'rence a Day Made", also recorded as "What a Difference a Day Makes", is a popular song originally written in Spanish by María Grever, a Mexican songwriter, in 1934 with the title "Cuando vuelva a tu lado" ("When I Return to Your ...
" - 3:03
#"
Beyond the Sea" - 4:05
#"
If You Love Me (Really Love Me) If You Love Me may refer to:
Albums
* ''If You Love Me'', by Dorothy Squires, 2008
* ''If You Love me'', by Nana Mouskouri, 1974
* ''If You Love Me'' by Richard Galliano, 2007
* ''If You Love Me / Si tu m'ami: 18th-Century Italian Songs'' by Cecili ...
" - 3:49
#"
As Time Goes By" - 3:45
Japanese Version
#"
Moments to Remember
"Moments to Remember" is a 1955 popular song about nostalgia recorded by Canadian quartet The Four Lads. The song was originally written by Robert Allen and Al Stillman for Perry Como but was turned down by Como's management.
The Four Lads recor ...
" - 3:34
#"
It's All in the Game" - 2:54
#"
Unchained Melody
"Unchained Melody" is a 1955 song with music by Alex North and lyrics by Hy Zaret. North wrote the music as a theme for the prison film '' Unchained'' (1955), hence the song title. Todd Duncan sang the vocals for the film soundtrack.Robert Rodri ...
" - 3:45
#"
Venus
Venus is the second planet from the Sun. It is sometimes called Earth's "sister" or "twin" planet as it is almost as large and has a similar composition. As an interior planet to Earth, Venus (like Mercury) appears in Earth's sky never fa ...
" - 2:26
#"
It's Not for Me to Say
"It's Not for Me to Say" is a 1957 popular song with music by Robert Allen and lyrics by Al Stillman. It was written for the 1957 movie ''Lizzie'' (starring Eleanor Parker), and was sung by Johnny Mathis in the film.
Mathis' recording of the s ...
" - 3:23
#"
Love Is a Many Splendored Thing" - 2:42
#"
Rags to Riches
Rags to riches refers to any situation in which a person rises from poverty to wealth, and in some cases from absolute obscurity to heights of fame, fortune and celebrity—sometimes instantly. This is a common archetype in literature and popula ...
" - 3:21
#"
Sincerely/
Teach Me Tonight
Teach Me Tonight is a popular song that has become a jazz standard. The music was written by Gene De Paul, the lyrics by Sammy Cahn. The song was published in 1953.
Early recordings
Five versions charted in 1954 and 1955:
*Janet Brace was appa ...
(Medley)" (Duet with Hiromi Iwasaki) - 3:18
#"
Are You Lonesome Tonight?" - 2:57
#"
Young at Heart" - 3:35
#"
All I Have to Do Is Dream
"All I Have to Do Is Dream" is a song made famous by the Everly Brothers, written by Boudleaux Bryant of the husband-and-wife songwriting team Felice and Boudleaux Bryant, and published in 1958. The song is ranked No. 141 on the ''Rolling Stone' ...
" - 2:48
#"
What a Diff'rence a Day Made
"What a Diff'rence a Day Made", also recorded as "What a Difference a Day Makes", is a popular song originally written in Spanish by María Grever, a Mexican songwriter, in 1934 with the title "Cuando vuelva a tu lado" ("When I Return to Your ...
" - 3:03
#"
Beyond the Sea" - 4:05
#"
Have I Told You Lately
"Have I Told You Lately" is a song written and recorded by Northern Irish singer and songwriter Van Morrison for his nineteenth studio album ''Avalon Sunset'' (1989). It is a romantic ballad that is often played at weddings, although it was ori ...
" - 4:17
Musicians
*Contractor: Joe Soldo
*Piano: Barry Manilow, Ron Pedley, Joe Melotti, Steve Welch
*Bass: Dave Carpenter, Dave Stone
*Guitar: Ken Berry, Mike Lent
*Drums: Russ McKinnon, John Robinson
*Percussion: Dan Greco
*Background Vocals: Randy Crenshaw (Contractor), Jon Joyce,
Gary Stockdale
Gary may refer to:
*Gary (given name), a common masculine given name, including a list of people and fictional characters with the name
*Gary, Indiana, the largest city named Gary
Places
;Iran
*Gary, Iran, Sistan and Baluchestan Province
;Unit ...
*Heavenly Choir on "Venus": Connie Nassios
*Violins: Assa Drori (Concert Master), Barbra Porter, Dynell Weber, Yan To, Liane Mautner, Johanna Krejci, Tereza Stanislav, Alyssa Park, David Stenske, Cynthia Moussas, Ronald Folsom, Irina Voloshina, Jennifer Munday,
Charlie Bisharat
Charlie Bisharat is an American violinist known as a member of Shadowfax and for his work in film and with other New Age Jazz artists. He was born in Inglewood, CA in 1963 to parents who immigrated to the United States from Palestine in the 1950 ...
, Ron Clark, Armen Garabedian, Jennifer Walton, Shari Zippert, Mario Deleon, Margaret Wooten, Olivia Tsui, Neel Hammond, Brian Benning, Yvette Devereaux, Rebecca Bunnell, Kevin Connolly
*Violas: Ken Burward-Hoy, Harry Shirinian, Caroline Buckman, Miguel Ferguson, Carrie Holzman, Sam Formicola, Ray Tischer, Kazi Pitelka, Rodney Hurtz
*Celli: Larry Corbett, Christina Soule, John Krovoza, David Speltz, Paula Hochhalter, Stephanie Fife, Vanessa F. Smith, Rowena Hammill
*Harp: Gayle Levant, Marcia Dickstein
*Saxophones / Woodwinds: Gary Foster, Dan Higgins, Gene Cipriano, Don Shelton, George Shelby, Greg Huckins
*Trumpets: Warren Leuning, Wayne Bergeron, Charlie Davis, Larry McGuire, Larry Lunetta, Chris Gray
*Trombones: Charles Loper, Chauncey Welsch, Stephen Baxter, Bryant Byers, Craig Gosnell
*French Horns: Steve Becknell, Jim Atkinson, Brad Warnaar, Paul Klintworth, Danielle Ondarza, Mark Adams
*Flute: Sheridan Stokes, Dave Shostac
*Oboe: Joe Stone, Earl Dumler
*Bassoon: John Mitchell
*Harmonica: Tommy Morgan
Charts
Weekly charts
Year-end charts
Certifications
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Greatest Songs Of The Fifties, The
Barry Manilow albums
2006 albums
Covers albums
Arista Records albums