The 5 Keys

The Glory of Love
Written by Billy Hill and first recorded by Benny Goodman in 1936, The Glory of Love was reimagined as an R&B hit by The 5 Keys in 1951. Their rendition topped the Billboard R&B charts for four non-consecutive weeks. Despite selling over a million copies, the original 1951 pressing is considered rare and highly collectible.

Rosemary Clooney

Come On-a My House
This song was written in 1939 by Ross Bagdasarian and his cousin, William Saroyan, both of Armenian descent. While initially unsuccessful, Come On-a My House became a hit when Rosemary Clooney recorded it in 1951. The song reflects the Armenian tradition of offering guests food, and Clooney’s sultry delivery suggests more than just the candy mentioned in the lyrics.

Tony Bennett

Blue Velvet
Written by Bernie Wayne and Lee Morris in 1951, Blue Velvet became a hit for Tony Bennett before achieving greater fame when Bobby Vinton’s 1963 rendition topped the charts. Bennett’s version laid the groundwork for the song’s legacy as a pop standard.

Perry Como

Hello, Young Lovers
This song, from Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musical The King and I (1951), was based on the book Anna and the King of Siam by Margaret Landon. The book had previously been adapted into a non-musical film in 1946 starring Rex Harrison. In the musical, Hello, Young Lovers is sung by Anna, reflecting on her late husband and the young love she sees around her. Perry Como’s recording became one of the most notable renditions of this beloved classic.

Nat King Cole

Unforgettable
Written by Irving Gordon in 1951, this song was originally titled Incomparable before the publisher suggested Unforgettable. Nat King Cole’s smooth delivery made it one of his most famous recordings. He re-recorded the song in 1961, but its 1991 duet version, featuring his daughter Natalie Cole, revived its popularity. This posthumous collaboration won three Grammy Awards: Song of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance. Unforgettable was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2000.

Mario Lanza

Be My Love
Written by Sammy Cahn (lyrics) and Nicholas Brodszky (music) in 1950, Be My Love was introduced in the film The Toast of New Orleans by Kathryn Grayson and Mario Lanza. It became a million-seller and reached No. 1 on the Billboard charts. Mario Lanza, born Alfredo Arnold Cocozza, was discovered by MGM’s Louis B. Mayer and became a major star despite his tumultuous career. He passed away in 1959 at the age of 38 from a pulmonary embolism, leaving behind a legacy as one of the era’s most powerful voices.

Louis Armstrong

A Kiss to Build a Dream On
Composed by Bert Kalmar, Harry Ruby, and Oscar Hammerstein II in 1935, this song gained fame in the 1951 film The Strip. In the movie, it was performed by Louis Armstrong, Mickey Rooney, and others. Armstrong’s recording became the definitive version, cementing its place in American music history.

Debbie Reynolds and Carleton Carpenter

Aba Dabba Honeymoon
Written by Arthur Fields and Walter Donovan in 1914, Aba Dabba Honeymoon was revived in the 1950 movie Two Weeks with Love. The song reached No. 3 on the Billboard charts in 1951. It reappeared in the 1959 Three Stooges film Have Rocket, Will Travel and was later used in the 1970s TV show Laverne & Shirley in the episode “The Shotz Talent Show.”