Mr. Lee (song)

Last updated
"Mr. Lee"
Single by The Bobbettes
B-side "Look at the Stars"
Released 1957
Genre Doo-wop [1]
Length2:14
Label Atlantic
Songwriter(s)
  • Emma Ruth Pought
  • Helen Gathers
  • Jannie Pought
  • Laura E. Webb
  • Reather E. Dixon

"Mr. Lee" is a 1957 single by The Bobbettes. The song peaked at #1 on the CHUM Chart [2] in Canada and on national R&B charts in the United States in 1957. It was included in Robert Christgau's "Basic Record Library" of 1950s and 1960s recordings, published in Christgau's Record Guide: Rock Albums of the Seventies (1981). [3]

Contents

Background

"Mr. Lee" was written about a schoolteacher members of the group had. Contrary to popular belief, the song was originally written not to ridicule but to describe their former teacher factually. Upon meeting executives from Atlantic Records, Atlantic had the lyrics of "Mr. Lee" changed to create a love song. [4] Atlantic demanded the original lyric "ugliest teacher" to be changed to "handsomest sweetie". [5]

Recording

The Bobbettes recorded "Mr. Lee" during a recording session with Atlantic Records in 1957. Emma Pought and Reather Dixon shared the lead vocals on the recording. Emma Pought and Helen Gathers wrote three other songs during the session. [6]

Composition

The music of "Mr. Lee" was built around a blues sequence and had Jesse Powell on tenor saxophone alongside boogie-woogie music. [7]

Chart performance

"Mr. Lee" became the first recording to simultaneously become a Top Ten hit single—peaking at #6 on pop charts from Billboard, Cashbox and Music Vendor [8] —and reach #1 on the R&B charts in the United States. [9]

Diana Ross's cover peaked in the UK at #58 in 1988. [10]

Legacy

In 1959, The Bobbettes recorded an answer song to "Mr. Lee" called "I Shot Mr. Lee" with Atlantic Records. After Atlantic decided to shelve the song, The Bobbettes redid the song the following year with Triple-X Records. [11] "I Shot Mr. Lee" peaked at #52 on The Hot 100. [12] A lawsuit was later declared in July 1960 after Atlantic sued Triple-X for copyright infringement. [13] A ruling ordered the seizure of copies of the Triple-X recording. [14] "Mr. Lee" was #79 on Billboard's list of 100 Greatest Girl Group Songs of All Time. [15]

Certifications and awards

"Mr. Lee" sold 2 million copies [16] and led The Bobbettes to be awarded with platinum records by Atlantic Records. [17]

"Mr. Lee" was featured in the soundtrack for Stand By Me and included in the 1987 film The Big Town . [17]

It also appeared in an episode of The Cosby Show . Clair (Phylicia Rashad) and her high school friend (Leslie Uggams) put on wigs and danced around the room as they sang it.

In the United Kingdom, the song was used in the CITV Saturday Morning TV Show Ministry of Mayhem . It was used as the theme song to introduce the character Mr Lee, who would deliver the ringtones for the Name That Tone game. Mr. Lee was played by Vincent Wong.

In 1985, it was used in the soundtrack of the Miami Vice episode, Golden Triangle-Part 2.

DJ Frank E. Lee of WXRT in Chicago used "Mr. Lee" as his show intro.

Charts

The Bobbettes version

Chart (1957)Peak
position
Canada (CHUM) [18] 1
Best Sellers in Stores (Billboard) [19] 7
Most Played By Jockeys (Billboard) [20] 6
Most Played R&B by Jockeys (Billboard) [21] 1
R&B Best Sellers in Stores (Billboard) [22] 2
Top Rhythm and Blues Records (Billboard) [23] 5

Diana Ross version

Chart (1988)Peak
position
UK Singles (OCC) [10] 58

See also

Related Research Articles

<i>Born in the U.S.A.</i> 1984 studio album by Bruce Springsteen

Born in the U.S.A. is the seventh studio album by the American singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen, released on June 4, 1984, by Columbia Records. Co-produced by Springsteen, Jon Landau, Steven Van Zandt, and Chuck Plotkin, the album was recorded in New York City with the E Street Band over two years between January 1982 and March 1984. Some of the songs originated from the same demo tape that yielded the solo effort Nebraska (1982), while others were written after that album's release. The sessions yielded between 70 and 90 songs; some were released as B-sides while others later saw release on compilation albums.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Shirelles</span> African American girl group

The Shirelles were an American girl group formed in Passaic, New Jersey in 1957. They consisted of schoolmates Shirley Owens, Doris Coley, Addie "Micki" Harris, and Beverly Lee.

<i>Bleach</i> (Nirvana album) 1989 studio album by Nirvana

Bleach is the debut studio album by American rock band Nirvana, released on June 15, 1989, by Sub Pop. After the release of their debut single "Love Buzz" on Sub Pop in November 1988, Nirvana rehearsed for two to three weeks in preparation for recording a full-length album. The main recording sessions for Bleach took place at Reciprocal Recording in Seattle, Washington between December 1988 and January 1989. It is the only Nirvana album released on the Sub Pop label and their only studio album to feature drummer Chad Channing.

<i>The Cars</i> (album) 1978 studio album by the Cars

The Cars is the debut studio album by American new wave band the Cars, released on June 6, 1978, by Elektra Records. The album was managed by longtime producer Roy Thomas Baker, and spawned several hit singles, including "Just What I Needed", "My Best Friend's Girl", and "Good Times Roll", as well as other radio and film hits such as "Bye Bye Love" and "Moving in Stereo". The Cars peaked at number 18 on the US Billboard 200 albums chart, and has been certified six-times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

<i>Brandy</i> (album) 1994 studio album by Brandy

Brandy is the debut studio album by American singer Brandy. It was released on September 27, 1994, by Atlantic Records. Chiefly produced by Keith Crouch, the album contains a range of contemporary genres, including hip-hop, pop-soul, and R&B. Aside from Crouch, Norwood worked with a range of other writers and producers, including R&B group Somethin' for the People, Arvel McClinton, and Damon Thomas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Bobbettes</span> American R&B girl group

The Bobbettes were an American R&B girl group who had a 1957 top 10 hit song called "Mr. Lee". The group initially existed from 1955 to 1974 and included Jannie Pought (1945–1980), Emma Pought, Reather Dixon (1944–2014), Laura Webb (1941–2001), and Helen Gathers (1942–2011).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maybe (The Chantels song)</span>

"Maybe" is a song with words and music originally credited to End Records owner George Goldner and "Casey". The co-writing credit was later transferred to Richard Barrett. Arlene Smith, lead singer of the Chantels, is believed to be an uncredited co-writer. The song was first recorded by the Chantels on October 16, 1957, in a doo-wop style with Barrett playing piano, and released in December 1957. It climbed the charts in January 1958, reaching No. 15 in the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 2 in the Billboard R&B chart. It was subsequently described as "arguably, the first true glimmering of the girl group sound". Rolling Stone ranked it No. 199 on its list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. It was also included in Robert Christgau's "Basic Record Library" of 1950s and 1960s recordings, published in Christgau's Record Guide: Rock Albums of the Seventies (1981).

<i>Head Games</i> (album) 1979 studio album by Foreigner

Head Games is the third studio album by the British-American rock band Foreigner, released on 11 September 1979 by Atlantic Records. Recorded at Atlantic Studios in New York, with additional recording and whole mixing taking place at Cherokee Studios in Los Angeles, it was the only Foreigner album co-produced by Roy Thomas Baker, best known for working on Queen's classic albums. It marked the first appearance of new bass guitarist Rick Wills who replaced Ed Gagliardi, and was the last album with founding members Ian McDonald and Al Greenwood, who would leave the band after the recording. Head Games is also the last Foreigner album to feature a lead vocal by guitarist Mick Jones.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Only You (And You Alone)</span> Pop song composed by Buck Ram

"Only You (And You Alone)" (often shortened to "Only You") is a pop song composed by Buck Ram. It was originally recorded by The Platters with lead vocals by Tony Williams in 1955.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Please Mr. Postman</span> 1961 song by the Marvelettes

"Please Mr. Postman" is a song written by Georgia Dobbins, William Garrett, Freddie Gorman, Brian Holland and Robert Bateman. It is the debut single by the Marvelettes for the Tamla (Motown) label, notable as the first Motown song to reach the number-one position on the Billboard Hot 100 pop singles chart. The single achieved this position in late 1961; it hit number one on the R&B chart as well. "Please Mr. Postman" became a number-one hit again in early 1975 when The Carpenters' cover of the song reached the top position of the Billboard Hot 100. "Please Mr. Postman" has been covered several times, including by the British rock group the Beatles in 1963. The 2017 song "Feel It Still" by Portugal. The Man draws on "Please Mr. Postman" and includes a credit for Brian Holland.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fever (Little Willie John song)</span> 1956 single by Little Willie John

"Fever" is a song written by Eddie Cooley and Otis Blackwell, who used the pseudonym "John Davenport". It was originally recorded by American R&B singer Little Willie John for his debut album, Fever (1956), and released as a single in April of the same year. The song topped the Billboard R&B Best Sellers in the US and peaked at number 24 on the Billboard pop chart. It was received positively by music critics and included on several lists of the best songs when it was released.

The Chantels are a pop music group and are the third African-American girl group to enjoy nationwide success in the United States, preceded by The Teen Queens and The Bobbettes. The group was established in the early 1950s by students attending St. Anthony of Padua Church and school in the Bronx.

"Wind Beneath My Wings" is a song written in 1982 by Jeff Silbar and Larry Henley.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Soldier Boy (The Shirelles song)</span> 1962 single by The Shirelles

"Soldier Boy" is a song written by Luther Dixon and Florence Greenberg and made famous by the girl group the Shirelles. Released as a single in 1962, it met with great success, topping the US Billboard Hot 100 for three consecutive weeks. Billboard ranked it as the No. 10 song for 1962.

"Susie Q" is a rockabilly song co-written and performed by American musician Dale Hawkins released in 1957. The song was a commercial success, and became a classic of the early rock and roll era being recorded by many other performers in subsequent years.

The Fireflies were an American doo-wop group from Long Island, New York, from the late 1950s to early 1960s. They were one of the first groups in which all band members both sang and played instruments. In addition, they were the first all-white vocal harmonizing group to appear at The Apollo Theater.

"Catch a Falling Star" is a song written by Paul Vance and Lee Pockriss. It was made famous by Perry Como who recorded and released his version in late 1957.

"Little Darlin'" is a popular Top 40 song, made famous by the Diamonds.

"Uptown" is a 1962 single by the Crystals. On the Cash Box Top 100, the song peaked at #10. On the Billboard charts, "Uptown" reached #13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #18 on the Billboard R&B Sides chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">He's Sure the Boy I Love</span> 1962 single by The Crystals

"He's Sure the Boy I Love" is a 1962 single by The Crystals. It was originally recorded by The Blossoms but credited to The Crystals. On the Billboard charts in 1963, "He's Sure the Boy I Love" peaked at No.11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No.18 on the Hot R&B Singles.

References

  1. ↑ Molanphy, Chris (May 18, 2024). "Be My Baby Baby Baby Edition". Hit Parade | Music History and Music Trivia (Podcast). Slate . Retrieved May 21, 2024.
  2. ↑ "CHUM Hit Parade - September 23, 1957".
  3. ↑ Christgau, Robert (1981). "A Basic Record Library: The Fifties and Sixties". Christgau's Record Guide: Rock Albums of the Seventies . Ticknor & Fields. ISBN   0899190251 . Retrieved March 16, 2019– via robertchristgau.com.
  4. ↑ Clemente, John (2013). Girl Groups: Fabulous Females Who Rocked the World. Authorhouse. p. 62. ISBN   9781477276334 . Retrieved 7 July 2017.
  5. ↑ Gaar, Gillian G. (2002). She's a Rebel: The History of Women in Rock and Roll (Expanded Second ed.). Seal Press. p. 27. ISBN   1580050786 . Retrieved 12 July 2017.
  6. ↑ Clemente 2013, p. 62.
  7. ↑ Warwick, Jacqueline (2007). Girl Groups, Girl Culture: Popular Music and Identity in the 1960s. Routledge. p. 28. ISBN   978-0415971126 . Retrieved 12 July 2017.
  8. ↑ Whitburn, Joel (2015). The Comparison Book 1954-1982. Record Research Inc. p. 52. ISBN   978-0-89820-213-7.
  9. ↑ Warner, Jay (2006). American Singing Groups: A History from 1940s to Today . Hal Leonard. p.  80. ISBN   0634099787 . Retrieved 12 July 2017.
  10. 1 2 "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  11. ↑ Gaar 2002, p. 27.
  12. ↑ "The Bobbettes - Chart history". Billboard. Retrieved 12 July 2017.
  13. ↑ "'Mr Lee' Tune Keys Lawsuit". Billboard. 11 July 1960. pp. 3, 28. Retrieved 11 July 2017.
  14. ↑ "Suit Enjoins Triple-X Disk". Billboard. 18 July 1960. p. 42. Retrieved 11 July 2017.
  15. ↑ "100 Greatest Girl Group Songs of All Time: Critics' Picks". Billboard. 10 July 2017. Retrieved July 11, 2017.
  16. ↑ Jancik, Wayne (1998). The Billboard Book of One-hit Wonders (2nd revised ed.). Billboard Books. p. 39. ISBN   9780823076222 . Retrieved 12 July 2017.
  17. 1 2 Clemente 2013, p. 66.
  18. ↑ "CHUM Chart Archives". Archived from the original on 10 March 2006. Retrieved 7 February 2018.
  19. ↑ "Best Sellers in Stores". Billboard. 23 September 1957. p. 53. Retrieved 11 July 2017.
  20. ↑ "Most Played By Jockeys". Billboard. 23 September 1957. p. 53. Retrieved 11 July 2017.
  21. ↑ "Most Played R&B by Jockeys". Billboard. 30 September 1957. p. 60. Retrieved 11 July 2017.
  22. ↑ "R&B Best Sellers in Stores". Billboard. 16 September 1957. p. 58. Retrieved 11 July 2017.
  23. ↑ "Top Rhythm and Blues Records". Billboard. 11 November 1957. p. 74. Retrieved 11 July 2017.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.