Mr. Sandman was one of the most popular songs in the 1950s. Written by Pat Ballard and originally recorded by Vaughn Monroe & his Orchestra. The more popular version though, the one everyone recognizes, was recorded by the Chordettes, reaching number one on Cash Box’s chart of “The Nation’s Top Ten JukeBox Tunes”. It stayed number one for a whopping seven weeks. “The Chordettes were Jinny Osborn, Nancy Overton, Lynn Evans and Carol Buschmann. This song is an excellent example of their main form, singing in close harmony a cappella with minimal accompaniment. The Chordettes kept up the wholesome sweet-as-angels image throughout the ’50s and into the ’60s; their second-biggest hit was “LolliPop” in 1959.” (SongFacts)
The song is a play on the mythical character, The Sandman, who puts people to sleep and dusts their eyes with his magical sand that gives them inspiring dreams. They ask him over and over in the song to “bring them a dream”. Mr. Sandman is widely known for its appearances in the movies Halloween II and Back to the Future. This popular song is known for its head boppy rhythm and its overall happy feel. Although it is meant to be a happy go lucky song about magic and good dreams, it is portrayed differently throughout the world because of its appearances in said movies. Because of its appearance in Halloween II, this song is horrifying to many people and they can never unhear the creepy discord of Micheal Myers.
Mr. Sandman, no matter the origin of your first hearing, is a great song, like no other. The Chordettes did an amazing job of producing one of the most recognizable melodies of all time.
Rowan University student studying to be a teacher. Excited to learn and grow from this experience.