The Number One Hits Of 1942

December 27, 1941 – January 6, 1942
Glenn Miller and His Orchestra with Tex Beneke and the Four Modernaires
Chattanooga Choo Choo
Tex Beneke was an American saxophonist, singer, and bandleader who became a prominent Glenn Miller’s Orchestra member.
“Chattanooga Choo Choo” was written by Mack Gordon and Harry Warren for the 1941 movie “Sun Valley Serenade” and became a major hit.
February 7, 1942 – February 13, 1942
Glenn Miller and His Orchestra
A String of Pearls
Glenn Miller was an American trombonist, composer, and bandleader who led one of the most popular big bands of the Swing Era.
“A String of Pearls” was composed by Jerry Gray and became one of the signature instrumentals of Glenn Miller and His Orchestra.
February 14, 1942 – February 20, 1942
Woody Herman and His Orchestra with Woody Herman
Blues in the Night (My Mama Done Tol’ Me)
Woody Herman was an American clarinetist, saxophonist, singer, and big band leader known for his versatility and energetic performances.
“Blues in the Night” was composed by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer and became a blues standard, popularized by Woody Herman’s rendition.
February 21, 1942 – February 27, 1942
Glenn Miller and His Orchestra
A String of Pearls

Despite his untimely death in 1944, Miller’s music continued to be popular after World War II, with the Glenn Miller Orchestra re-formed under the leadership of Tex Beneke.

“A String of Pearls” has been covered by various artists over the years, but Glenn Miller’s original version remains the most famous and beloved interpretation. The song has also been featured in numerous films, television shows, and commercials, contributing to its lasting popularity and status as a jazz standard. In 2003, Glenn Miller’s “A String of Pearls” recording was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, recognizing its historical significance and enduring appeal.

February 28, 1942 – May 8, 1942
Glenn Miller and His Orchestra with Ray Eberle and the Modernaires
Moonlight Cocktail
Ray Eberle was an American singer who gained fame as a vocalist for Glenn Miller’s Orchestra and was known for his smooth, romantic style.
“Moonlight Cocktail” was written by Kim Gannon and Luckey Roberts, becoming a hit for Glenn Miller’s Orchestra and showcasing Eberle’s voice.
May 9, 1942 – June 19, 1942
Jimmy Dorsey and His Orchestra with Bob Eberly and Helen O’Connell
Tangerine
Jimmy Dorsey was an American jazz clarinetist, saxophonist, and bandleader who led one of the most popular big bands of the 1940s.
“Tangerine” was composed by Victor Schertzinger and Johnny Mercer, becoming a chart-topping hit for Jimmy Dorsey’s Orchestra.
June 20, 1942 – July 17, 1942
Harry James and His Orchestra
Sleepy Lagoon
Harry James was an American trumpeter and bandleader known for his technical skill and for leading one of the top swing bands of the 1940s.
“Sleepy Lagoon” was composed by Eric Coates and Jack Lawrence, and the instrumental version by Harry James became a big hit.
July 18, 1942 – September 11, 1942
Kay Kyser and His Orchestra with Harry Babbitt, Julie Conway, and the Group
Jingle Jangle Jingle
Kay Kyser was an American bandleader and radio personality who led a popular big band known for its novelty tunes and comedic style.
“Jingle Jangle Jingle” was composed by Frank Loesser and Joseph J. Lilley, becoming a hit for Kay Kyser’s Orchestra and featured in the 1942 film “The Forest Rangers”.
September 12, 1942 – October 30, 1942
Glenn Miller and His Orchestra with Tex Beneke, Marion Hutton, and the Modernaires
(I’ve Got a Gal In) Kalamazoo

Miller began his musical career playing the trombone in various bands and orchestras, including the Ben Pollack Orchestra and the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra.

“(I’ve Got a Gal In) Kalamazoo” was written by Mack Gordon and Harry Warren for the 1942 film “Orchestra Wives” and was a hit for Glenn Miller’s Orchestra.

October 31, 1942 – January 15, 1943
Bing Crosby with the Ken Darby Singers and John Scott Trotter and His Orchestra
White Christmas
Bing Crosby was an American singer and actor known for his warm bass-baritone voice, he became one of the best-selling recording artists of the 20th century.
“White Christmas” was composed by Irving Berlin and became one of Bing Crosby’s signature songs, featured in the 1942 film “Holiday Inn”.

The Biggest Pop Artists of 1942 include:
The Andrews Sisters, Connee Boswell, Bing Crosby, Jimmy Dorsey and His Orchestra, Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra, Benny Goodman and His Orchestra, Glen Gray and the Casa Loma Orchestra, Woody Herman and His Orchestra, Horace Heidt and His Orchestra, Harry James and His Orchestra, Spike Jones and His City Slickers, Dick Jurgens and His Orchestra, Sammy Kaye, Kay Kyser and His Orchestra, Jimmie Lunceford and His Orchestra, Freddy Martin and His Orchestra, The Merry Macs, The Glenn Miller Orchestra, Vaughn Monroe, Alvino Rey and His Orchestra, Dinah Shore, Freddie Slack and His Orchestra, Kate Smith, Charlie Spivak and His Orchestra

Charts based on Billboard music charts.

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