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Venus in Blue Jeans

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Wikipedia article




"'Venus in Blue Jeans'" is a 1962 song written by Howard Greenfield and Jack Keller. It was recorded in 1962 by Jimmy Clanton and reached on the Billboard charts, and on the CHUM Chart in Toronto.

The song was also recorded that year by Mark Wynter who released the song in the UK where it reached No. 4.

Background



The song was written by Howard Greenfield and Jack Keller, although Neil Sedaka is often miscredited as one of the writers. The song was first recorded by Bruce Bruno in 1961 and released as the B-side to a single titled "Dear Joanne" on Roulette Records, but the single failed to chart.

In 1962, Jimmy Clanton went to New York after pausing his career to serve with the National Guard for a year, and got in touch with Greenfield and Sedaka to record songs. He found "Venus in Blue Jeans" found in a pile of rejected demos and liked the opening bars, although Greenfield dismissed the song as it had been rejected by many singers. Clanton, however, did not find other suitable songs and so recorded "Venus in Blue Jeans" as a throwaway song. Carole King was the arranger of the song, and used the distinctive horn section for the opening of the song as they had already paid for the musicians.

The song was originally listed as the "B" side to the record with "Highway Bound" listed as the "A" side. Radio disc jockeys preferred the "B" side and it became a hit. The early pressings of the single listed in error Greenfield and Sedaka as the writers.

Mark Wynter version



Mark Wynter recorded a version soon after and his release succeeded in reaching on the UK chart,Bruce Elder. [ "Mark Wynter: Biography"], AllMusic.[https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/jack-keller-490248.html "Jack Keller"], 'The Independent' (May 11, 2005). and No. 8 in New Zealand in 1962.

References



Category:1962 singles

Category:Jimmy Clanton songs

Category:Songs with lyrics by Howard Greenfield

Category:Songs written by Jack Keller (songwriter)

Category:1962 songs

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