Throwing back to the week of December 27, 1955, we find Tennessee Ernie Ford’s ‘Sixteen Tons’ in its fifth week at #1, where it would remain for another three weeks.
At #2 that week was Dean Martin’s ‘Memories Are Made of This,’ which would enjoy its own five-week stint at #1 in early 1956. The song was written by Terry Gilkyson, Richard Dehr, and Frank Miller, a trio of singer-songwriters who performed as The Easy Riders. The Easy Riders sang backup for Martin on this recording.
Three different versions of this song received radio play and bounced around the charts in 1955. This first was by singer Mindy Carson with the Ray Conniff Orchestra. Another, by actress/singer Gale Storm, was released around the same time as Martin’s.
The Dean Martin version was by far the most successful, giving the crooner his first #1 hit, and one of only two in his career (the other was his 1964 recording of ‘Everybody Loves Somebody,’ which I covered on a Throwback Weekend last August).
The sweet, sweet memories you’ve given me
You can’t beat the memories you’ve given me
[Verse 1]
Take one fresh and tender kiss
Add one stolen night of bliss
One girl, one boy, some grief, some joy
Memories are made of this
[Verse 2]
Don’t forget a small moonbeam
Fold it lightly with a dream
Your lips and mine, two sips of wine
Memories are made of this
[Bridge]
Then add the wedding bells
One house where lovers dwell
Three little kids for the flavor
Stir carefully through the days
See how the flavor stays
These are the dreams you will savor
[Verse 3]
With His blessings from above
Serve it generously with love
One man, one wife, one love through life
Memories are made of this
[Outro]
Memories are made of this
Meet Me In Montauk 