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The Gypsy (song)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"The Gypsy" is a popular song written by Billy Reid and published in 1945. The ballad tells the story of a person who visits a Gypsy fortune teller and is reassured that their partner is faithful. Though they both know it to be untrue, the narrator resolves to return, "'Cause I want to believe the Gypsy".

History

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"The Gypsy" was originally introduced in the United Kingdom by Billy Reid's orchestra and vocalist Dorothy Squires, who was also his partner. In the United States, the song was recorded by Bill Kenny & The Ink Spots, Dinah Shore, and Sammy Kaye's orchestra, and was a hit for all three.

  • The song was also recorded by Guy Lombardo featuring the female cabaret star Hildegarde singing. It was released by Decca Records as catalog number 23511 in March, 1946. This version was regarded as a musical "flop", however.[4]
  • The recording by Dinah Shore was released by Columbia Records as catalog number 36964. It first reached the Billboard charts on May 2, 1946 and lasted 15 weeks on the chart, peaking at No. 2. This recording was a two-sided hit, with the flip side, "Laughing on the Outside (Crying on the Inside)," reaching No. 3 the same year.[2]
  • The recording by Sammy Kaye was released by RCA Victor Records as catalog number 20-1844. It first reached the Billboard chart on May 9, 1946 and lasted 10 weeks on the chart, peaking at No. 4.[2]

Other recordings

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  • The Ink Spots' recording of the song appears on the soundtrack of the 2008 film Revolutionary Road.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Gilliland, John (197X). "Show 15" (audio). Pop Chronicles. University of North Texas Libraries.
  2. ^ a b c Whitburn, Joel (1973). Top Pop Records 1940-1955. Record Research.
  3. ^ Whitburn, Joel (2004). Top R&B/Hip-Hop Singles: 1942-2004. Record Research. p. 275.
  4. ^ "Billy Reid's The Gypsy". Retrieved 8 November 2012.
  5. ^ "www.discogs.com". www.discogs.com. Retrieved July 23, 2024.