Please bring me a dream, Mr. Sandman. Make him the most charming thing I’ve ever laid eyes on. It’s 1958, with President Eisenhower in office and the modern rock & roll scene starting to take shape. But let’s keep that from the Chordettes. The Sheboygan girls—Janet, Alice, Lynn, and Jinny—have captivated radio audiences with their mostly a cappella renditions of “Mr. Sandman” and “Lollipop.”
In this live television performance, the Chordettes, often compared to a barbershop quartet, showcase their talents. Remember all those “bum-bum-bums” in the song? You’ll be amazed to find out that each member of the group sings a single “bum” in quick succession. How did they pull that off so seamlessly?
Despite the suggestive lyrics asking Mr. Sandman for a handsome man to join them in bed, the women’s charm and elegant gowns evoke a sense of bygone propriety.
In a playful segment created just for this performance, Mr. Sandman himself appears on screen to take their request, looking incredibly attractive and youthful. As you enjoy the classic sounds of “Mr. Sandman,” you’ll also find yourself chuckling at this amusing moment.