Sometimes a song just seems to take on a life of its own. It catches on and the listening public can’t get enough of it. Artist after artist records the song and the song can remain on the charts for months if not years. While you don’t see this happen very often these days back in the pop standards era—1946 to 1964—it happened all the time. It was not uncommon for a song to on the charts several times each version sung by a different singer but with virtually the same arrangement as the other versions.
This is exactly what happened in the summer of 1946 with “To Each His Own.” The music was written by Jay Livingston, the lyrics by Ray Evans published in 1946.
The first to record and chart the song was Eddy Howard. Released by Majestic Records as catalog number 7188 and 1070, it hit the Billboard chart on July 11, 1946 and lasted 19 weeks on the chart, five weeks at number one.
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Not to be outdone, RCA Victor Records released their version, catalog number 20-1921, by Freddy Martin and his Martinmen. It hit the Billboard chart on August 8, 1946 and lasted 12 weeks on the chart spending two weeks at number one knocking Eddy Howard’s version out of the top spot.
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Mercury Records also released a version of the song, catalog number 3022, sung by actor and pop standards singer Tony Martin. The song hit the Billboard chart at the same time as Freddy Martin’s version, August 8, 1946 and lasted 12 weeks on the chart, peaking at the number four spot.
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Not wanting to be left out of all the fun, Decca Records released their version of “To Each His Own” but this time by the popular singing group The Ink Spots. Their version first reached the Billboard chart on August 29, 1946 and lasted 11 weeks on the chart, peaking at number one.
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Now just when you think that would be all that one song could do, something unexpected happens to prove you wrong. The Ink Spots were pushed out of the number one spot by Frank Sinatra who in turn was edged out of the top stop by none other that Eddy Howard’s original version of “To Each His Own.” You just don’t see things like that happen these days!
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Only have heard the Ink Spots version which I really like but I must say the Eddy Howard version is pretty good too. Thanks for the music and the stories about the performers and songs.
You’re welcome John.
I have to admit Eddy Howard’s version of “To Each His Own” has that earthy down home feel to it which makes it seem more real if you know hat I mean.
This is probably why it was able to jump back up to the number 1, knocking Frank Sinatra out of the top spot, after all the other versions had their chance to top the charts.
I’m but a mere youngster, but I really appreciate what you’re doing.
I can’t say that I’m into all the great music you post here, but you give me a perfect opportunity to become “enlightened”.
Your layout and user-interface are just perfect. And I really like how you present the music with a bit of info.
I wish you well!
Cheers, Mikael
john Rivera is the old one here….
I’m not sure how old you are but I’m not to far out of my 20’s…
I started to collect records when I was a child. we didn’t have much money but we always had music. I didn’t get my first set of Legos or Lincoln Logs till I was 11 years old but I already had like 200 lps.
They were my toys and they still are.
Thanks for stopping by.