Download Instrumental    The original version of this song was pretty sappy, I’ll admit.  And the introduction was waaaaaay too long.  And the music itself was simplistic and rather boring.  So why did this tune stick in all our heads?  Can’t tell ya… but it might have something to do with really great lyrics and coming out at a much more innocent time.  And almost anyone can sing it… that helps.

“Mr. Blue” was recorded by “The Fleetwoods” in 1959 and was their second chart-topping hit of that year (the first was “Come Softly To Me”).  Pat Boone had a semi-hit with it later but he brought out those insane backup vocals even more.  “Wah-oo-wah-ooo”?  Please stop!  Bob Dylan even recorded it – didn’t even bother to listen to that one – I can imagine.  Frankie Avalon did it – ‘course, he covered everything.  Then Garth Brooks saved the day in 1990 on his album No Fences.  He kicked up the tempo a bit which made it way more interesting.  AND (drum roll, please) there are no backup vocals!!!

I kept the intro in but made it much shorter.  You don’t want your audience nodding off before you get into the meat of the song.  Give this one a try – it’s on the Pop/Rock List.  Oh.. and the Country List – sorry, Garth.