The Number One Hits Of 1941

Dec 21, 1940 – Mar 14, 1941
Artie Shaw and His Orchestra
Frenesi
Artie Shaw, a clarinetist, and bandleader, was a leading figure in the swing era. “Frenesi” is an instrumental hit that showcases Shaw’s virtuosity on the clarinet.
Mar 15, 1941 – Mar 21, 1941
Glenn Miller and His Orchestra
Song of the Volga Boatmen
“Song of the Volga Boatmen” is an adaptation of a traditional Russian folk song that features Glenn Miller’s signature big band sound.
Mar 22, 1941 – Mar 28, 1941
Artie Shaw and His Orchestra
Frenesi
Born on May 23, 1910, in New York City, Shaw formed his first orchestra in 1936 and quickly gained fame for his exceptional talent as a clarinetist and innovative bandleader. He was known for his willingness to experiment with different musical styles and instrumentations, leading to a unique and captivating sound.
Mar 29, 1941 – Jun 6, 1941
Jimmy Dorsey and His Orchestra with Bob Eberly and Helen O’Connell
Amapola (Pretty Little Poppy)
Jimmy Dorsey was a prominent saxophonist and bandleader. “Amapola” is a romantic ballad featuring vocalists Bob Eberly and Helen O’Connell.

Jun 7, 1941 – Jun 13, 1941
Jimmy Dorsey and His Orchestra with Bob Eberly
My Sister and I

Jun 14, 1941 – Jun 20, 1941
Jimmy Dorsey and His Orchestra with Bob Eberly
Maria Elena
Jimmy Dorsey was an American jazz musician, composer, and bandleader who played both saxophone and clarinet. Born on February 29, 1904, in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, he was the older brother of Tommy Dorsey, another prominent jazz musician and bandleader. Jimmy Dorsey co-led the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra with his brother Tommy until they split in 1935 due to personal disagreements. After the split, Jimmy formed his own band, the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra.

Jun 21, 1941 – Jun 27, 1941
Swing and Sway with Sammy Kaye with the Kaye Choir
Daddy
Sammy Kaye was a bandleader known for his “sweet” dance music style. “Daddy” features the Kaye Choir, showcasing a light, catchy melody.
Jun 28, 1941 – Jul 4, 1941
Jimmy Dorsey and His Orchestra with Bob Eberly
My Sister and I

Jul 5, 1941 – Jul 11, 1941
Jimmy Dorsey and His Orchestra with Bob Eberly
Maria Elena

Bob Eberly, born on July 24, 1916, in Mechanicville, New York, was a popular American big band vocalist, known for his smooth, warm, and crooning style. In the late 1930s, Eberly joined the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra as its lead male vocalist, and his collaboration with the band contributed significantly to the group’s success.

Jul 12, 1941 – Aug 29, 1941
Swing and Sway with Sammy Kaye with the Kaye Choir
Daddy
Swing and Sway with Sammy Kaye was a popular big band led by bandleader and musician Sammy Kaye. Born Samuel Zarnocay Jr. on March 13, 1910, in Lakewood, Ohio, Kaye became one of the most successful bandleaders of the Swing Era. He started his music career at Ohio University, forming his first band, the Ohioans. After leaving college, he formed his own orchestra and adopted the name “Swing and Sway with Sammy Kaye.”

Aug 30, 1941 – Sep 26, 1941
Jimmy Dorsey and His Orchestra with Bob Eberly and Helen O’Connell
Green Eyes (Aquellos Ojos Verdes)

Sep 27, 1941 – Oct 3, 1941
Jimmy Dorsey and His Orchestra with Bob Eberly
Blue Champagne

The collaboration between Jimmy Dorsey and His Orchestra with Bob Eberly led to several hit songs during the Swing Era, including “Amapola,” “Green Eyes,” “Maria Elena,” “Blue Champagne,” and “Tangerine.” Bob Eberly often shared the stage with female vocalist Helen O’Connell, and their duets became some of the orchestra’s most memorable hits.

The partnership between Jimmy Dorsey, Bob Eberly, and the orchestra created a unique sound that blended Dorsey’s exceptional saxophone and clarinet playing with Eberly’s velvety voice, resulting in melodious and danceable music. Their collaboration helped to define the big band sound of the 1930s and 1940s, and their music continues to be cherished by fans of the Swing Era.

Oct 4, 1941 – Nov 28, 1941
Freddy Martin and His Orchestra
Piano Concerto in B Flat
Freddy Martin was a saxophonist and bandleader who often incorporated classical themes in his music. “Piano Concerto in B Flat”
Nov 29, 1941 – Dec 19, 1941
Glenn Miller and His Orchestra with Tex Beneke and the Four Modernaires
Chattanooga Choo Choo
“Chattanooga Choo Choo” is one of Glenn Miller’s most iconic hits. The song features Tex Beneke and the Four Modernaires, and its catchy melody and upbeat rhythm made it a favorite during the big band era.
Dec 20, 1941 – Dec 26, 1941
Glenn Miller and His Orchestra with Ray Eberle and the Modernaires
Elmer’s Tune
“Elmer’s Tune” is another popular hit from Glenn Miller’s Orchestra, with vocals by Ray Eberle and the Modernaires. The song features a catchy melody and the band’s signature sound.
Dec 27, 1941 – Jan 6, 1942
Glenn Miller and His Orchestra with Tex Beneke and the Four Modernaires
Chattanooga Choo Choo
Tragically, on December 15, 1944, Miller disappeared over the English Channel while traveling to Paris for a performance, and his body was never found. Despite his untimely death, Glenn Miller’s music has continued to captivate audiences worldwide, and his contributions to the big band era have left an indelible mark on the history of American music.

The Biggest Pop Artists of 1941 include:
The Andrews Sisters, Charlie Barnet and His Orchestra, Bing Crosby, Xavier Cugat and His Waldorf-Astoria Orchestra, Jimmy Dorsey and His Orchestra, Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman and His Orchestra, Horace Heidt and His Orchestra, Woody Herman and His Orchestra, The Ink Spots, Harry James and His Orchestra, Dick Jurgens and His Orchestra, Sammy Kaye, Hal Kemp and His Orchestra, Wayne King and His Orchestra, Gene Krupa and His Orchestra, Kay Kyser and His Orchestra, Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians, Freddy Martin and His Orchestra, The Glenn Miller Orchestra, Vaughn Monroe, Artie Shaw and His Orchestra, Dinah Shore

Charts based on Billboard music charts.

Scroll to Top