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The Song Spinners | |
|---|---|
| Origin | United States |
| Genres | Vocal |
| Years active | 1942–1944 |
The Song Spinners were an American singing quartet of two men and two women which began as a folk song group on radio in the 30's and then enjoyed a burst of popularity during the 1942–44 musicians' strike. They accompanied Dick Haymes on "You'll Never Know" and several other hits.[1] They had a #1 hit in 1943 with "Comin' In on a Wing and a Prayer".
They also had a hit with "Johnny Zero" (originally known as "Johnny Got a Zero") that peaked on #7 on Billboard chart. The song was inspired by John D. Foley (March 1, 1918 – December 21, 1999), who served in the United States Army Air Forces as a gunner during World War II and was popularly known as Johnny Zero.[2] In the song, Johnny does poorly in school, with the other children mocking him with "Johnny got a zero" every time he fails a test. However, when he grows up and becomes a fighter pilot, the words take on an entirely different meaning.[3]
In 1948, The Song Spinners recorded "My Happiness" as an a cappella with Ella Fitzgerald. In addition to frequent radio performances of popular songs, the Song Spinners composed and recorded numerous jingles and remained active in this field through the 1960s.
- ^ Whitburn, Joel (1986). Pop Memories 1890-1954. Record Research. ISBN 9780898200836.
- ^ "Johnny Got a Zero". National Museum of the United States Air Force. Archived from the original on October 15, 2012. Retrieved May 24, 2010.
- ^ Jones, John Bush (2006). The songs that fought the war: popular music and the home front, 1939-1945. Waltham, Massachusetts: Brandeis University. p. 175. ISBN 1-58465-443-0. Retrieved May 24, 2010.