Remember this guy?
In 1959 they were pushing him as a new great singer. He had a single on Columbia with these 2 sides.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q12J0SSAgCA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6v3jDSxhiGE
Here's an article from Cash Box:
Once in A While A Great New Singer Comes Along
By: Gene Fadley, Pres. (TENDER RECORDS, INC.)
About two years ago when I first started in the recording business, I decided I would discover only new talent. My first aim was to get the greatest new potentials available, talent whose real value had not yet been realized. Now everyone knows that only
rarely “A GREAT SINGER GOMES ALONG”
Well, when they write his story in years to come, I hope they mention me because I discovered him. MORTON DOWNEY, JR. His new recording for us is the wonderful million-record seller of yesteryear, RAGS TO RICHES, backed with another hit side penned by
the artist himself. LOVE BUG.
Some people have told us that MORTON DOWNEY, JR. sings with the same easy style as Dean Martin, now that’s no crime however we think even Mr.
Martin will agree that he has a new sound all his own that will be around for the next twenty years.
As a matter of fact of fact let me Quote Dean MARTIN’S remark made on a national Television Show some weeks ago, “The day is at hand when this young man (MORTON DOWNEY, JR.) will step out and be recognized as one of the great new singers.” DEAN
MARTIN take note that day is here. RAGS TO RICHES is done in the big beat style that made it a hit some years ago, only many new ingredients have been added. The swinging orchestra of DON RALKE gives it the Cha Cha beat it so needed for today’s market,
MORTON DOWNEY JR. does the rest. As many people in the business now know Morton is the new Director of recording for our label, and I might add Vice President of the Corporation. I for one am glad to welcome him into the fold, and you the reader and
purchaser of records will not only be glad he is singing for us but also will be responsible for many new hits we promise to give you. We are going to be the new HOT label in the industry. MORTON DOWNEY, JR. is the new HOT singer and his new songs both
sung by, written by or directed by MORTON DOWNEY,‘.JR. will not necessarily follow a musical Trend but will set one.
I hope all you swinging people have a great time at the convention, and
when you go home start those orders rolling in for RAGS TO RICHES and
LOVE BUG, by MORTON DOWNEY, JR. on CONTENDER LABEL #1317.
P. S. WATCH OUT FOR “BIGMOUTH”. READ ON. THAT’S OUR AD BELOW . . . THANKS, GENE
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