The Number One Hits of 1925

December 6, 1924 – January 9, 1925
Paul Whiteman
Somebody Loves Me
Paul Whiteman (1890-1967) was an American bandleader and orchestral director known as the “King of Jazz.”
Written by George Gershwin, Ballard MacDonald, and Buddy DeSylva, the song became a jazz standard covered by numerous artists.
January 10, 1925 – February 6, 1925
Al Jolson
All Alone
Al Jolson (1886-1950) was an influential American singer, comedian, and actor, often referred to as “The World’s Greatest Entertainer.”
Composed by Irving Berlin in 1924, “All Alone” is a popular ballad about longing for a lost love.
February 7, 1925 – February 27, 1925
Paul Whiteman
All Alone
Whiteman’s impact on American music has been widely recognized, and he was posthumously inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1993.
Other artists who recorded the song included Cliff Edwards, Abe Lyman, Ben Selvin, and Lewis James.
February 28, 1925 – March 20, 1925
Marion Harris
Tea For Two
Marion Harris (1896-1944) was an American singer and actress known for her jazz and blues-infused vocal style.
“Tea For Two” is a popular song from the 1925 musical “No, No, Nanette,” with music by Vincent Youmans and lyrics by Irving Caesar.
March 21, 1925 – April 3, 1925
John McCormack
All Alone
John McCormack (1884-1945) was an Irish tenor and opera singer celebrated for his powerful voice and flawless technique.
April 4, 1925 – May 22, 1925
Isham Jones with Ray Miller’s Orchestra
I’ll See You In My Dreams
Isham Jones (1894-1956) was an American bandleader, saxophonist, and songwriter known for his dance band tunes.
Composed by Jones with lyrics by Gus Kahn, “I’ll See You In My Dreams” became a popular jazz standard.
May 23, 1925 – May 29, 1925
Ted Lewis
O! Katharina
Ted Lewis (1890-1971) was an American jazz bandleader and clarinetist known for his showmanship and trademark top hat.
“O! Katharina” is a lively and upbeat tune showcasing Lewis’s distinctive style.
May 30, 1925 – July 3, 1925
Vernon Dalhart
The Prisoner’s Song
Vernon Dalhart (1883-1948) was an American country singer known for pioneering genre contributions. Dalhart initially pursued a career in opera, but he transitioned to popular music and adopted the stage name “Vernon Dalhart” after two Texas towns.
“The Prisoner’s Song” is a country ballad that became one of the best-selling records of the 1920s.
July 4, 1925 – July 31, 1925
Ben Bernie
Sweet Georgia Brown
Ben Bernie (1891-1943) was an American jazz violinist, bandleader, and radio personality, known as “The Old Maestro.”
Composed by Ben Bernie, Maceo Pinkard, and Kenneth Casey, “Sweet Georgia Brown” became a jazz standard and the Harlem Globetrotters’ theme song.
August 1, 1925 – September 11, 1925
Eddie Cantor
If You Knew Susie
Eddie Cantor (1892-1964) was an American singer, comedian, dancer, and actor known for his lively stage presence and unique vocal style.
Written by Buddy DeSylva and Joseph Meyer, “If You Knew Susie” is an upbeat and catchy tune that became a signature song for Cantor.
September 12, 1925 – October 30, 1925
Gene Austin
Yes Sir! That’s My Baby
Gene Austin (1900-1972) was an American singer and songwriter known for his warm, crooning vocal style.
Composed by Walter Donaldson with lyrics by Gus Kahn, “Yes Sir! That’s My Baby” is a lively and popular song from the Roaring Twenties.
October 31, 1925 – November 20, 1925
Ben Selvin and the Cavaliers
Oh, How I Miss You Tonight
Ben Selvin (1898-1980) was an American bandleader and violinist who recorded extensively during the 1920s and 1930s.
The song is a sentimental ballad about missing a loved one, written by Benny Davis, Joe Burke, and Mark Fisher.
November 21, 1925 – December 18, 1925
Ben Selvin and the Knickerbockers
Manhattan
Ben Selvin was an American bandleader and violinist who became a popular and influential figure in the early years of recorded music during the 1920s and 1930s. Over his career, he recorded with various ensembles under different names, including the Knickerbockers.
Written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart, “Manhattan” is a popular song from the 1925 musical “The Garrick Gaieties.”
December 19, 1925 – December 25, 1925
Isham Jones
Remember
Born on January 31, 1894, in Coalton, Ohio, Jones began his career as a saxophonist in various bands before forming his orchestra in 1915. The Isham Jones Orchestra quickly gained fame for its smooth dance music and innovative arrangements.
“Remember” is a song by Irving Berlin in 1925, featuring a romantic and nostalgic theme.
December 26, 1925 – February 12, 1926
Vernon Dalhart
The Prisoner’s Song
Vernon Dalhart, born Marion Try Slaughter on April 6, 1883, in Jefferson, Texas, was an American singer and songwriter who gained popularity during the early 20th century. He is known for contributing to country and popular music and is considered one of the first country music stars. 
The song was a massive commercial success and became one of the best-selling records of the era, with sales estimates ranging between 6 to 10 million copies. It is often regarded as one of the earliest country and hillbilly hits and played a significant role in popularizing this genre of music.

The Biggest Pop Artists of 1925 include:
Gene Austin, Benson Orchestra of Chicago, Ben Bernie and His Orchestra, Henry Burr, Eddie Cantor, Frank Crumit, Vernon Dalhart, Cliff “Ukelele Ike” Edwards, Carl Fenton, Marion Harris, Lewis James, Al Jolson, Isham Jones and His Orchestra, Ted Lewis and His Band, Vincent Lopez and His Orchestra, Nick Lucas, John McCormack, Ray Miller, Billy Murray, Ben Selvin, Nat Shilkret and The Victor Orchestra, Bessie Smith, Aileen Stanley, Fred Waring’s Pennsylvanians, Paul Whiteman and His Orchestra

Charts based on Billboard music charts.

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