To Each His Own (Jay Livingston and Ray Evans song)

"To Each His Own" is a popular song with music written by Jay Livingston and lyrics by Ray Evans. It is the title song of the movie of the same name and was published in 1946 by Paramount Music.

"To Each His Own (Jay Livingston and Ray Evans song)"
Song

Original 1946 recordings

In 1946, three different versions hit number one on the Billboard charts in the United States. Two other versions reached number three and number four.

On the Billboard "Most Played" chart for August 24, 1946, and again on September 7, September 14 and October 5, all five versions appeared simultaneously in the Top Ten.[1][2][3][4] While many popular songs of the pre-rock period had multiple hit versions — for example, Dinah had nine Top-Ten covers over the years, and fifteen versions of "St. Louis Blues" charted between 1916 and 1953 — according to its co-composer Ray Evans, "To Each His Own" is the only song to take up half the slots on the Top Ten at the same time.

Eddy Howard reached number one after debuting on the chart with his version of the song on July 11, 1946. Released by Majestic Records as catalog number 7188 and 1070, the single lasted nineteen weeks on the chart, reaching the top spot on August 10 for three weeks and returning for two more weeks on October 5.[5] The two Howard releases had different B sides — Cynthia's in Love on Majestic 7188 and Careless on Majestic 1070.[6]

Freddy Martin & his Orchestra, featuring vocals by Stuart Wade, and Tony Martin both had their versions debut on the chart on August 8, 1946, with each remaining on the chart for twelve weeks. While Freddy Martin, whose version was released by RCA Victor Records, was able to top the chart for two weeks, while Tony Martin's version, released by Mercury Records, peaked at number four.[5]

The next version to reach the Billboard charts was performed by The Modernaires with Paula Kelly. Released by Columbia Records, together they debuted on the chart on August 15, 1946, lasting fourteen weeks on the chart and peaking at number three.[5]

The third recording to reach number one was by The Ink Spots, which was released by Decca Records. Reaching the charts on August 29, 1946, it remained on the chart for fourteen weeks, and topped it on September 21.[5]

Other recordings

Margie Rayburn released a version of the song as a single in 1958, but it did not chart.[7]

The Platters covered "To Each His Own" in 1960, their version reaching number 21 (US).

Sam Cooke recorded the song for his 1965 LP Try a Little Love.

Jerry Vale recorded it for his 1968 LP You Don't Have to Say You Love Me.

Frankie Laine had a minor revival with the song in 1968, reaching number two on the Billboard Easy Listening chart.[8]

Johnny Hartman included a version on his 1959 And I Thought About You album.

Keely Smith recorded it for her 1962 Dot LP, Cherokeely Swings.

Ronnie Dove recorded the song for his Right or Wrong album in 1964.

Frankie Laine's 1968 version reached #82 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. It also spent four weeks at number two on the Easy Listening chart.[9]

The song was also performed in the 1990 film The Godfather Part III by Al Martino's character, Johnny Fontane.

References
  1. "Records Most Played on the Air" (PDF). Billboard. October 5, 1946. p. 24. Retrieved May 14, 2016.
  2. "Records Most Played on the Air" (PDF). Billboard. September 14, 1946. p. 26. Retrieved March 27, 2017.
  3. "Records Most Played on the Air" (PDF). Billboard. September 7, 1946. p. 28 and 116. Retrieved March 27, 2017.
  4. "Records Most Played on the Air" (PDF). Billboard. August 24, 1946. p. 28 and 112. Retrieved March 27, 2017.
  5. Whitburn, Joel (1973). Top Pop Records 1940–1955. Record Research.
  6. "Records Most Played on the Air" (PDF). Billboard. October 5, 1946. p. 24. Retrieved May 14, 2016.
  7. "Margie Rayburn, "To Each His Own" Single Release". Retrieved December 16, 2016.
  8. Whitburn, Joel (2002). Top Adult Contemporary: 1961–2001. Record Research. p. 140.
  9. Whitburn, Joel (1993). Top Adult Contemporary: 1961–1993. Record Research. p. 134.
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