The Number One Hits Of 1947

Dec 28, 1946 – Feb 14, 1947
Sammy Kaye and His Orchestra
The Old Lamp-Lighter
Sammy Kaye was a popular American bandleader and songwriter during the 1940s and 1950s, known for his “swing and sway” style.
“The Old Lamp-Lighter” was written by Charles Tobias and Nat Simon and told the story of an old lamp-lighter who modern streetlights have replaced.
Feb 15, 1947 – Feb 21, 1947
The King Cole Trio
(I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons
The King Cole Trio, led by the legendary pianist and vocalist Nat King Cole, played jazz and popular music.
“(I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons” is a popular song written by William “Pat” Best and Deek Watson. It became one of the trio’s most successful songs.
Feb 22, 1947 – Feb 28, 1947
Count Basie and His Orchestra
Open the Door, Richard
Count Basie was an influential American jazz pianist, organist, bandleader, and composer, leading one of the most important big bands in jazz history.
“Open the Door, Richard” is a comedic R&B song written by Jack McVea and Don Howell and was popularized by various artists, including Count Basie’s version.
Mar 1, 1947 – Mar 14, 1947
Freddy Martin and His Orchestra
Managua, Nicaragua
Freddy Martin was an American bandleader and saxophonist known for his smooth, melodic style.
“Managua, Nicaragua” was written by Irving Fields and Albert Gamse and became a hit for Martin’s orchestra during the 1940s.
Mar 15, 1947 – Jun 6, 1947
Ted Weems and His Orchestra
Heartaches
Ted Weems was an American bandleader and trombonist leading one of the most popular dance bands in the 1920s and 1930s.
“Heartaches” was composed by Al Hoffman and John Klenner and became a major hit for Ted Weems in 1947.
Jun 7, 1947 – Jun 20, 1947
Art Lund
Mam’selle
Art Lund was an American baritone singer who began his career with the Benny Goodman Orchestra before going solo.
“Mam’selle” was written by Edmund Goulding and Mack Gordon for the 1947 film “The Razor’s Edge.” The song became one of Lund’s most successful recordings.
Jun 21, 1947 – Jun 27, 1947
The Harmonicats
Peg o’ My Heart
The Harmonicats were an American harmonica-based trio formed by Jerry Murad, Al Fiore, and Don Les.
“Peg o’ My Heart” is a popular song composed by Fred Fisher and Alfred Bryan and was a major hit for The Harmonicats in 1947.
Jun 28, 1947 – Jul 18, 1947
Perry Como
Chi-Baba, Chi-Baba (My Bambino Go to Sleep)
Perry Como was an American singer and television personality with a warm, relaxed style that earned him the nickname “Mr. C.”
“Chi-Baba, Chi-Baba” was written by Mack David, Jerry Livingston, and Al Hoffman and became a popular hit for Perry Como in 1947.
Jul 19, 1947 – Aug 8, 1947
The Harmonicats
Peg o’ My Heart
The Harmonicats had several charting singles, including “Charmaine,” “Hair of Gold,” and “Malagueña.” Throughout their career, The Harmonicats recorded over 30 albums.
Aug 9, 1947 – Sep 19, 1947
Tex Williams
Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette)
Tex Williams was an American country singer and guitarist known for his talking blues style.
“Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette)” was co-written by Williams and Merle Travis and became a novelty hit in 1947. The song humorously addresses the addictive nature of cigarettes.
Sep 20, 1947 – Dec 12, 1947
Francis Craig and His Orchestra
Near You
Francis Craig was an American pianist, songwriter, and bandleader who led one of the most popular dance bands in the South during the 1930s and 1940s.
“Near You” was written by Francis Craig and Kermit Goell and became a major hit in 1947, staying at the top of the charts for several weeks.
Dec 13, 1947 – Feb 20, 1948
Vaughn Monroe and His Orchestra
Ballerina

Monroe starred in several films, including “Meet the People” (1944) and “Singing Guns” (1950).

“Ballerina” was composed by Carl Sigman and Bob Russell and became one of Monroe’s most successful hits, reaching the top of the charts in 1947.

The Biggest Pop Artists of 1947 include:
The Andrews Sisters, Count Basie and His Orchestra, Tex Beneke, Les Brown and His Orchestra, Frankie Carle and His Orchestra, Buddy Clark, Nat ‘King’ Cole, Perry Como, Bing Crosby, Vic Damone, Arthur Godfrey, Harmonicats, Phil Harris, Dick Haymes, Woody Herman and His Orchestra, Eddy Howard, Red Ingle and the Natural Seven, Harry James and His Orchestra, Louis Jordan, Sammy Kaye, Stan Kenton and His Orchestra, Frankie Laine, Peggy Lee, Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians, Johnny Mercer, Vaughn Monroe, Pied Pipers, Alvino Rey and His Orchestra, Dinah Shore, Frank Sinatra, Jo Stafford, The Three Suns, Martha Tilton, Ted Weems and His Orchestra, Margaret Whiting, Tex Williams

Charts based on Billboard music charts.

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