Lollipop (1958 song)

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"Lollipop"
Single by Ronald & Ruby
B-side "Fickle Baby"
ReleasedFebruary 1958
Recorded1957
Genre Pop rock, doo-wop, Novelty song
Length2:14
Label RCA
Songwriter(s) Beverly Ross, Julius Dixson
Producer(s) Julius Dixson
Ronald & Ruby singles chronology
"Lollipop"
(1958)		"Lohr Byron Birds"
(1959)

"Lollipop" is a pop song written by Julius Dixson [1] and Beverly Ross in 1958. It was first recorded by the duo Ronald & Ruby, with Ross performing as "Ruby." It was covered more successfully by the Chordettes whose version reached No. 2 in the US, and the Mudlarks in the UK.

Contents

Origins

According to Julius Dixson, the song originated when he was late for a songwriting session with Beverly Ross. He explained that his daughter had gotten a lollipop stuck in her hair, and that had caused him to be late. Ross was so inspired by the word "lollipop" that she sat down at the piano and produced a version of the song on the spot. As in many rock and roll songs, the lyrics contain some hints and innuendos relating to sex. [2] Beverly Ross recorded a demo with Ronald Gumm (or Gumps), a 13-year-old neighbor of Dixson, under the name Ronald & Ruby. Ross's mother insisted that she use a pseudonym for safety reasons, because they were an interracial duo. [3]

RCA got hold of it and Dixson, who owned the master and had produced the demo, agreed to let them release it. Ronald and Ruby's version rose up the chart, reaching No. 20. [1]

The Chordettes version

"Lollipop"
Single by the Chordettes
B-side "Baby Come-A Back-A"
ReleasedFebruary 1958
Recorded1958
Genre Pop, doo-wop
Length2:09
Label Cadence
Songwriter(s) Beverly Ross, Julius Dixson
Producer(s) Archie Bleyer
The Chordettes singles chronology
"Photographs"
(1957)		"Lollipop"
(1958)		"Zorro"
(1958)

"Lollipop" was then covered in the United States by female vocal quartet the Chordettes. Their version featured the sounds of rhythmic hand claps heard at the beginning, and a distinctive popping sound created by one of the Chordettes putting her finger into the mouth and flicking it out. [4] It also featured a male chorus singing the "Boom Booms". The Chordettes' version reached No. 2 and No. 3 on the Billboard pop and R&B charts, respectively. [5] The song became a worldwide hit, reaching No. 6 in the UK, which is their highest charting song in the UK. [6]

Charts

Chart (1958)Peak
position
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders) [7] 18
Canada (CHUM Hit Parade) [8] 1
Netherlands (Single Top 100) [9] 14
UK Singles (OCC) [6] 6
US Top 100 Sides (Billboard) [10] 2
US R&B Best Sellers in Stores (Billboard) [11] 3

Other versions

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Sisario, Ben (March 4, 2004). "Julius Dixon, 90, Songwriter Known for the 1958 Hit 'Lollipop'". The New York Times. p. 16.
  2. ↑ Briggs, Melissa (April 23, 2024). "The Meaning Behind The Song: Lollipop by The Chordettes". Musician Wages. Retrieved April 16, 2025.
  3. ↑ Beverly Ross (13 January 2012), "Lollipop" story behind the song, archived from the original on 6 May 2012, retrieved 23 April 2012
  4. ↑ Dean, Maury (2003). Rock and Roll: Gold Rush. Algora Pub. p. 140. ISBN   9780875862279.
  5. ↑ Whitburn, Joel (2004). Top R&B/Hip-Hop Singles: 1942-2004. Record Research. p. 119.
  6. 1 2 "The Chordettes: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company.
  7. ↑ "The Chordettes – Lollipop" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50.
  8. ↑ "CHUM Hit Parade, week of March 31, 1958". Chumtribute.com.
  9. ↑ "The Chordettes – Lollipop" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
  10. ↑ "Best Sellers in Stores". Billboard. March 31, 1958. p. 38.
  11. ↑ "R&B Best Sellers in Store". Billboard. April 7, 1958. p. 53.
  12. ↑ "Mudlarks". The Official Charts Company.
  13. ↑ "DELL - Lollipop "Treats" commercial HQ" . Retrieved 2023-05-27– via YouTube.
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