The Number One Hits of 1948

Dec 13, 1947 – Feb 20, 1948
Vaughn Monroe and His Orchestra
Ballerina
Vaughn Monroe was also an actor, appearing in films such as “Meet the People” (1944) and “Carnegie Hall” (1947).
“Ballerina” was featured in the 1948 film noir “The Dark Past,” starring William Holden and Nina Foch.
Feb 21, 1948 – Mar 12, 1948
Art Mooney and His Orchestra
I’m Looking Over a Four-Leaf Clover
Art Mooney was a big band leader in the 1940s and 1950s, known for his “sweet” music style.
“I’m Looking Over a Four Leaf Clover” was originally composed in 1927 by Harry M. Woods and Mort Dixon and became a hit for Art Mooney in 1948.
Mar 13, 1948 – May 14, 1948
Peggy Lee
Mañana (Is Soon Enough for Me)
Peggy Lee was an American jazz and popular music singer, songwriter, and actress with six decades of career.
“Mañana (Is Soon Enough for Me)” was written by Peggy Lee and her husband, Dave Barbour, becoming a chart-topping hit in 1948.
May 15, 1948 – Jul 2, 1948
King Cole
Nature Boy
King Cole, also known as Nat King Cole, was an American jazz pianist and vocalist who led the King Cole Trio before launching a successful solo career.
“Nature Boy” was written by Eden Ahbez and is a song that tells the story of an encounter with a mysterious, enchanted boy.
Jul 3, 1948 – Aug 13, 1948
Kay Kyser and His Orchestra
Woody Wood-Pecker
Kay Kyser, known as the “Ol’ Professor,” was a popular American bandleader and radio personality of the 1930s and 1940s.
“Woody Wood-Pecker” was written by George Tibbles and Ramey Idriss as the theme song for the famous cartoon character created by Walter Lantz.
Aug 14, 1948 – Aug 27, 1948
Al Trace and His Orchestra
You Call Everybody Darlin’
Al Trace was an American musician, bandleader, and songwriter who scored several hits in the 1940s.
“You Call Everybody Darlin'” was written by Al Trace, Clem Watts, and Sam Martin and became a popular hit in 1948.
Aug 28, 1948 – Oct 8, 1948
Pee Wee Hunt and His Orchestra
Twelfth Street Rag
Pee Wee Hunt was a jazz trombonist, vocalist, and bandleader known for his Dixieland jazz style.
“Twelfth Street Rag” was a popular jazz instrumental by Euday L. Bowman in 1914, and Pee Wee Hunt’s version became a hit in 1948.
Oct 9, 1948 – Oct 22, 1948
Margaret Whiting
A Tree in the Meadow
Margaret Whiting was an American popular singer and actress known for her distinctive voice and success in various music genres.
“A Tree in the Meadow” was written by Billy Reid and became a major hit for Margaret Whiting in 1948.
Oct 23, 1948 – Nov 6, 1948
Pee Wee Hunt and His Orchestra
Twelfth Street Rag
Pee Wee Hunt, a native of Ohio, began his music career with the Paul Whiteman Orchestra before forming his band.
The 1948 “Twelfth Street Rag” recording by Pee Wee Hunt and His Orchestra was one of the first to use the echo effect, created by recording in a large, empty room.
Nov 6, 1948 – Jan 7, 1949
Dinah Shore
Buttons and Bows
Dinah Shore was also a television personality, hosting several variety shows in the 1950s and 1960s, such as “The Dinah Shore Chevy Show” and “The Dinah Shore Show.”
“Buttons and Bows” was written by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans for the 1948 film “The Paleface,” starring Bob Hope and Jane Russell. The song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

The Biggest Pop Artists of 1948 include:
The Andrews Sisters, Tex Beneke, Frankie Carle and His Orchestra, Buddy Clark, Nat ‘King’ Cole, Perry Como, Bing Crosby, Vic Damone, Ella Fitzgerald, Dick Haymes, Eddy Howard, Red Ingle and the Natural Seven, Spike Jones and His City Slickers, Sammy Kaye, Stan Kenton and His Orchestra, Evelyn Knight, Frankie Laine, Peggy Lee, Art Lund, Gordon MacRae, Vaughn Monroe, Art Mooney, Frank Sinatra, Jo Stafford, The Three Suns, Jimmy Wakely, Margaret Whiting

Charts based on Billboard music charts.

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