They sang THIS hit in 1958. When I hear it 60 years later
A 1958 Musical Moment
“Bring me a dream, Mr. Sandman.” It’s 1958, Eisenhower is president,
and while rock & roll is emerging, the Chordettes dominate the airwaves with polished harmony and charm.
The Chordettes’ Sound
The Sheboygan quartet—Janet, Alice, Lynn, and Jinny—
captivated listeners with mostly a cappella hits like “Mr. Sandman” and “Lollipop.”
Often compared to a barbershop quartet, they impressed audiences with precision and sweetness.
Those Famous ‘Bum-Bum-Bums’
One highlight of the live TV performance is the rapid-fire
“bum-bum-bum” sequence. Each singer delivers a single “bum”
in quick succession, creating a seamless, astonishing effect.
Charm and Playful Humor
Despite lyrics asking Mr. Sandman to bring “a handsome man,”
the group’s elegant gowns and warmth reflect mid-century propriety.
A comedic appearance by Mr. Sandman himself adds a wink of humor to the iconic performance.
