Who sung "Now Is The Hour" in the 40's?

Wayne Carver · Post by **Wayne Carver** » 22 Aug 2003 6:05 pm

I was wondering who made this song famous. I know a lot of different people have sung it over the years.

Gene Jones · Post by **Gene Jones** » 22 Aug 2003 6:35 pm

Bing Crosby

NOW IS THE HOUR
(Scott, Kaihau)

Bing recorded "Now is the Hour" and "Silver Threads Among the Gold" on Nov. 8, 1947, accompanied by the voices of the Ken Darby Choir, which at the time included future Lawrence Welk champaign lady Norma Zimmer. "Now is the Hour" climbed to the top of the pop charts in 1948, where it stayed for 3 weeks. The song remained on the charts an amazing 23 weeks. "Now is the Hour" is based on a traditional New Zealand song "Hearere Ra." The song turned out to be Bing's 42nd and last single to reach the top spot on the pop charts. No one before or since has been able to come close to this achievement. [This message was edited by Gene Jones on 23 August 2003 at 07:38 PM.]

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 22 Aug 2003 9:27 pm

The song was written before WWI, when the Hawaiian craze in this country was at it's peak. It was recorded by so many artists, that it hard to tell who's vocal version was first. Crosby's version (about 1948) was probably the first really popular vocal version in this country (instrumental versions abound from the '20s and '30s, and were quite popular). Hank Snow had a popular version too, and also did a good job with this song, but I don't believe he recorded it until about 1955.

Wayne Carver · Post by **Wayne Carver** » 23 Aug 2003 7:36 am

Thanks for the replys. I have an Alfred Apaka version and also have heard a Burl Ives version with some nice steel work on it.

Smiley Roberts · Post by **Smiley Roberts** » 23 Aug 2003 8:55 am

Gracie Fields,London Records,1945. This was one of my mother's favorite records,& I still have it,somewhere in my collection.

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Jody Carver · Post by **Jody Carver** » 23 Aug 2003 2:41 pm

Smiley
Was the gals first name Vera? something like
that? I remember it was on London Records and
it was the best rendition I have heard. I beleive it was the very first release.

Jody Carver · Post by **Jody Carver** » 23 Aug 2003 3:03 pm

NOW IS THE HOUR (19)
Maewa Kaihan, Clement Scott and Dorothy Stewart
Based on traditional New Zealand song Hearere Ra

I found this.This was on the Lucky Strike Hit Parade # 1 for 19 weeks. 1948. The listed are the writers.

Courtesy of Bill Hamner Forumite Supreme.

Erv Niehaus · Post by **Erv Niehaus** » 23 Aug 2003 4:11 pm

This song was first recorded as a Hawaiian song. Does anyone remember what it was called then? You'll have to excuse me, I'm having a senior momemt!
Erv

Paul Graupp · Post by **Paul Graupp** » 23 Aug 2003 5:27 pm

Jody: I'm thinking the big record was by Vera Lynn (sp ??) !!

Regards, Paul

Jim Vogan · Post by **Jim Vogan** » 23 Aug 2003 5:38 pm

Maori Farewell Song

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Jim Vogan
Carter D10, 8&5 with BCT
G.D. Walker Stereo Steel Combo
Bakelite Ric
Hilton volume pedal

Jody Carver · Post by **Jody Carver** » 24 Aug 2003 5:22 am

by Vera Lynn (sp ??) !!

PAUL YOU ARE RIGHT...I knew the first name was Vera...Thank You.

There'll Be Bluebirds Over The White Cliffs
of Dover,Someday Just You Wait And See. Another great one by Vera Lynn..Thanks Paul.

edited for spelling.[This message was edited by Jody Carver on 24 August 2003 at 07:16 AM.]

Erv Niehaus · Post by **Erv Niehaus** » 24 Aug 2003 5:35 am

Thank you, Jim! I think it is the same melody as "Cleanse Me'. A Christian gospel song.
Erv[This message was edited by Erv Niehaus on 24 August 2003 at 06:36 AM.]

Ricky Davis · Post by **Ricky Davis** » 24 Aug 2003 7:44 am

We perform this song in our Hawaiian Group called "The Island Echoes"...and of course play it in the Hawaiian style that Marty Robbins recorded it as.
I had no idea the song was that old....cool.

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Ricky Davis

My Homepage
Rebel™ and Ricky's Audio Clips
www.mightyfinemusic.com
Email Ricky: sshawaiian@aol.com

Wayne Carver · Post by **Wayne Carver** » 25 Aug 2003 4:33 am

I downloaded a version by Vera Lynn and Margaret Whiting. My wife preferred the Vera Lynn version and I liked the Margaret Whiting version, maybe because it has some steel in it. Vera Lynn's version does have more verses in it though.

Erv Niehaus · Post by **Erv Niehaus** » 25 Aug 2003 5:34 am

If anybody would like a tabbed out copy of "Now is the Hour" or "Cleanse Me". I have it available FREE for the asking. It is done in E9th chromatic.
Erv