The Number One Hits Of 1946

Dec 29, 1945 – Jan 4, 1946
Sammy Kaye and His Orchestra
Chickery Chick
Sammy Kaye was an American bandleader and songwriter known for his “swing and sway” style.
The lyrics of “Chickery Chick” are playful and nonsensical, featuring made-up words.
Jan 5, 1946 – Jan 18, 1946
Freddy Martin and His Orchestra
Symphony
Freddy Martin was a saxophonist and bandleader known for adapting classical music into big band arrangements.
“Symphony” was adapted from the classical piece “Symphony No. 1” by French composer Alain Romans.
Jan 19, 1946 – Jan 25, 1946
Bing Crosby and Carmen Cavallaro
I Can’t Begin to Tell You
Carmen Cavallaro was an American pianist known as the “Poet of the Piano” for his romantic and lush arrangements.
“I Can’t Begin to Tell You” was featured in the 1945 film “The Dolly Sisters.”
Jan 26, 1946 – Mar 1, 1946
Vaughn Monroe and His Orchestra
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
Vaughn Monroe was a trumpeter, bandleader, and baritone vocalist, often called “The Voice with Hairs on its Chest.”
The song was written by lyricist Sammy Cahn and composer Jule Styne in 1945 during a heatwave in Hollywood.
Mar 2, 1946 – Mar 8, 1946
Betty Hutton
Doctor, Lawyer, Indian Chief
Betty Hutton was an actress and singer known for her energetic performances and comedic roles in 1940s and 1950s films.
The song is a playful, upbeat tune with clever wordplay and catchy rhythms.
Mar 9, 1946 – Mar 15, 1946
Johnny Mercer and The Pied Pipers
Personality
The Pied Pipers were a popular vocal group in the 1940s, originally formed to sing backup for Tommy Dorsey’s orchestra.
“Personality” was composed by Johnny Burke and Jimmy Van Heusen and became a hit in 1946.
Mar 16, 1946 – Apr 26, 1946
Frankie Carle and His Orchestra
Oh! What It Seemed to Be
Frankie Carle was a pianist and bandleader known for his light, rhythmic piano style and hit recordings in the 1940s.
The song was a romantic ballad co-written by Frankie Carle, Bennie Benjamin, and George David Weiss.
Apr 27, 1946 – May 3, 1946
Sammy Kaye and His Orchestra
I’m a Big Girl Now

Sammy Kaye’s birth name was Samuel Zarnocay Jr., but he later changed it to Kaye to make it more appealing in show business.

“I’m a Big Girl Now” was written by Al Hoffman, Milton Drake, and Jerry Livingston, and it became a hit for Sammy Kaye in 1946.

May 4, 1946 – May 24, 1946
Perry Como
Prisoner of Love
Perry Como was an American singer and television personality known for his smooth baritone voice and easygoing charm.
“Prisoner of Love” was written by Russ Columbo, Leo Robin, and Clarence Gaskill and became one of Como’s early hits.
May 25, 1946 – Aug 2, 1946
The Ink Spots
The Gypsy
The Ink Spots were an influential African American vocal group known for their tight harmonies and distinctive sound.
“The Gypsy” was composed by Billy Reid and became one of The Ink Spots’ biggest hits.
Aug 3, 1946 – Aug 9, 1946
Perry Como
Surrender
Perry Como was a popular American singer and television personality born May 18, 1912, in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania.
“Surrender” was written by Bennie Benjamin and George David Weiss and showcased Como’s romantic vocal style.
Aug 31, 1946 – Sep 13, 1946
Freddy Martin and His Orchestra
To Each His Own

The band appeared in several Hollywood films, including “Melody Cruise” (1933), “Swing Fever” (1943), and “Stage Door Canteen” (1943).

“To Each His Own” was written by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans, and it became a popular hit with multiple artists in 1946.

Sep 14, 1946 – Sep 20, 1946
Frank Sinatra
Five Minutes More
Frank Sinatra was an American singer and actor known for his smooth, crooning voice and charismatic stage presence.
“Five Minutes More” was written by Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne and became one of Sinatra’s popular hits in 1946.
Sep 21, 1946 – Sep 27, 1946
The Ink Spots
To Each His Own
The Ink Spots were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1999. The Ink Spots’ music has appeared in several video games, including the “Fallout” series and “BioShock 2.”

Sep 28, 1946 – Oct 4, 1946
Frank Sinatra
Five Minutes More

Frank Sinatra’s first hit, “All or Nothing at All,” came in 1940 while he was with the Harry James Band. He signed with Columbia Records in 1943, launching his solo career and solidifying his status as a teen idol.

Oct 5, 1946 – Oct 18, 1946
Eddy Howard and His Orchestra
To Each His Own
Eddy Howard was a vocalist and bandleader known for his smooth ballads and romantic lyrics in the 1940s and 1950s.
Oct 19, 1946 – Dec 13, 1947
Frankie Carle and His Orchestra
Rumors Are Flying

Frankie Carle was born Francis Nunzio Carlone on March 25, 1903, in Providence, Rhode Island.

“Rumors Are Flying” was written by Bennie Benjamin and George David Weiss, and it became a hit for Frankie Carle in 1946.

Dec 14, 1946 – Jan 10, 1947
Vaughn Monroe and His Orchestra
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
Vaughn Monroe was an American baritone singer, trumpeter, and big band leader, often called “The Voice with Hairs on its Chest.”
“Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” was written by lyricist Sammy Cahn and composer Jule Styne during

The Biggest Pop Artists of 1946 include:
The Andrews Sisters,Count Basie and His Orchestra, Tex Beneke, Connee Boswell, Les Brown and His Orchestra, Frankie Carle and His Orchestra, Hoagy Carmichael, Nat ‘King’ Cole, Perry Como, Bing Crosby, Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra, Helen Forrest, Artur Godfrey, Dick Haymes, Phil Harris, Woody Herman and His Orchestra, Eddy Howard, The Ink Spots, Harry James and His Orchestra, Louis Jordan, Sammy Kaye, Stan Kenton and His Orchestra, Peggy Lee, Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians, Tony Martin, Johnny Mercer, Vaughn Monroe, Pied Pipers, Dinah Shore, Frank Sinatra, Jo Stafford, Margaret Whiting

Charts based on Billboard music charts.

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