Songs from the 1920s
This page lists the top songs of the 1920s in the
source charts. The way that the
various charts are combined to reach this final list is described on the
in the site generation page.
After the "Great War" there was an explosion of popular music, especially in the US.
The chart data for this period is sparse, and mostly focused on the USA, this is actually
fair since that was where most music revenue was being generated.
# |
Artist |
Song Title |
Year |
Chart Entries |
1 |
Al Jolson |
Swanee |
1920 |
US Billboard 1 - May 1920 (18 weeks), US invalid BB 1 of 1920, Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998 (1920), POP 1 of 1920, nuTsie 1 of 1920s, Library of Congress artifact added 2004 (1920), Brazil 5 of 1921, Music Imprint 8 of 1910s, Europe 22 of the 1930s (1920), RIAA 124, Acclaimed 912 (1919), aceterrier.com 100 of the 1920s (1920), RYM 5 of 1920 |
2 |
George Gershwin |
Rhapsody in Blue |
1924 |
Grammy Hall of Fame in 1974 (1927), ASCAP song of 1924, Library of Congress artifact added 2002 (1924), US Billboard 3 - Oct 1924 (8 weeks), US invalid BB 3 of 1924, POP 3 of 1924, nuTsie 3 of 1920s, Europe 10 of the 1930s (1924), Brazil 28 of 1928, Acclaimed 763 (1924), aceterrier.com 50 of the 1920s (1924) |
3 |
Paul Whiteman |
Whispering |
1920 |
US Billboard 1 - Oct 1920 (20 weeks), Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998 (1920), Music Imprint 1 of 1920s, ASCAP song of 1920, US invalid BB 3 of 1920, POP 3 of 1920, Brazil 12 of 1921, nuTsie 17 of 1920s, US CashBox 32 - Aug 1954 (4 weeks), RIAA 330, Acclaimed 1594 (1920), RYM 7 of 1920 |
4 |
Jimmie Rodgers |
T For Texas (Blue Yodel No 1) |
1928 |
Grammy Hall of Fame in 1985 (1928), Library of Congress artifact added 2004 (1927), US Billboard 2 - 1928 (11 weeks), nuTsie 5 of 1920s, Daily Deuce 7, US invalid BB 11 of 1928, POP 11 of 1928, Music Imprint 12 of 1920s, Brazil 62 of 1928, RIAA 331, Acclaimed 600 (1928), aceterrier.com 16 of the 1920s (1927), RYM 4 of 1928, Guardian Folk/ World 5 |
5 |
Bessie Smith |
Down Hearted Blues |
1923 |
US Billboard 1 - Jun 1923 (12 weeks), Grammy Hall of Fame in 2006 (1923), Library of Congress artifact added 2002 (1923), Music Imprint 2 of 1920s, US invalid BB 6 of 1923, POP 8 of 1923, Daily Deuce 16, nuTsie 19 of 1920s, Brazil 33 of 1925, RIAA 315, Acclaimed 852 (1923), RYM 1 of 1923, one of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 500 |
6 |
Gene Austin |
Bye Bye, Blackbird |
1926 |
US Billboard 1 - Jul 1926 (12 weeks), Grammy Hall of Fame in 2005 (1926), ASCAP song of 1926, US invalid BB 5 of 1926, Music Imprint 9 of 1920s, POP 16 of 1926, Brazil 18 of 1927, nuTsie 25 of 1920s, Daily Deuce 27, RIAA 189, Acclaimed 1339 (1926), RYM 22 of 1926 |
7 |
Ben Bernie |
Sweet Georgia Brown |
1925 |
US Billboard 1 - Jun 1925 (13 weeks), US invalid BB 1 of 1925, POP 1 of 1925, ASCAP song of 1925, Music Imprint 7 of 1920s, Brazil 17 of 1926, nuTsie 35 of 1920s, RIAA 54, RYM 7 of 1925 |
8 |
Vernon Dalhart |
The Prisoner's Song |
1925 |
US Billboard 1 - Dec 1925 (12 weeks), Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998 (1925), US invalid BB 4 of 1926, POP 4 of 1926, Brazil 7 of 1925, nuTsie 7 of 1920s, Music Imprint 8 of 1920s, DMDB 91 (1925), RIAA 345, Acclaimed 1048 (1925), aceterrier.com 29 of the 1920s (1924), RYM 9 of 1926, Global 33 (5 M sold) - 1924 |
9 |
Fanny Brice |
My Man |
1922 |
US Billboard 1 - Feb 1922 (9 weeks), Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999 (1922), Library of Congress artifact added 2005 (1921), US invalid BB 6 of 1922, POP 6 of 1922, Brazil 16 of 1922, Daily Deuce 30, nuTsie 38 of 1920s, Acclaimed 1866 (1922), aceterrier.com 52 of the 1920s (1921) |
10 |
Eddie Cantor |
Makin' Whoopee |
1929 |
ASCAP song of 1929, US Billboard 2 - 1929 (10 weeks), US invalid BB 2 of 1929, POP 2 of 1929, nuTsie 10 of 1920s, Music Imprint 14 of 1920s, Brazil 16 of 1929, Daily Deuce 26, RIAA 126, Acclaimed 1362 (1928), RYM 8 of 1928 |
11 |
Isham Jones |
It Had to Be You |
1924 |
US Billboard 1 - Jul 1924 (15 weeks), Grammy Hall of Fame in 2007 (1924), US invalid BB 2 of 1924, POP 2 of 1924, Music Imprint 5 of 1920s, nuTsie 15 of 1920s, Brazil 20 of 1925, RIAA 81, RYM 4 of 1924 |
12 |
Al Jolson |
California, Here I Come |
1924 |
US Billboard 1 - May 1924 (12 weeks), US invalid BB 1 of 1924, Grammy Hall of Fame in 2005 (1924), POP 1 of 1924, Brazil 24 of 1925, nuTsie 27 of 1920s, RYM 12 of 1924 |
13 |
Hoagy Carmichael |
Stardust |
1927 |
Grammy Hall of Fame in 1995 (1927), ASCAP song of 1927, Library of Congress artifact added 2004 (1927), Music Imprint 10 of 1920s, Jazz Standard 12, nuTsie 31 of 1920s, RIAA 40, DMDB 43 (1929), Acclaimed 654 (1927), RYM 13 of 1928 |
14 |
Bessie Smith |
St Louis Blues |
1925 |
Grammy Hall of Fame in 1993 (1925), US Billboard 3 - Jun 1925 (6 weeks), Brazil 5 of 1926, POP 6 of 1925, nuTsie 8 of 1920s, Jazz Standard 20, Acclaimed 1036 (1925), Visconti song of 1925, aceterrier.com 2 of the 1920s (1925), RYM 1 of 1925, Guardian Jazz 5 |
15 |
Gene Austin |
My Blue Heaven |
1927 |
US Billboard 1 - 1927 (26 weeks), Grammy Hall of Fame in 1978 (1928), US invalid BB 2 of 1927, POP 3 of 1927, nuTsie 12 of 1920s, Brazil 15 of 1928, DMDB 53 (1927), aceterrier.com 8 of the 1920s (1927), RYM 13 of 1927 |
16 |
Louis Armstrong |
West End Blues |
1928 |
Grammy Hall of Fame in 1974 (1928), nuTsie 2 of 1920s, US Billboard 8 - 1928 (6 weeks), US invalid BB 14 of 1928, POP 14 of 1928, Daily Deuce 21, Acclaimed 479 (1928), Jazz Standard 648, aceterrier.com 4 of the 1920s (1928), RYM 1 of 1928, Guardian Jazz 7, one of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 500 |
17 |
Duke Ellington |
Black & Tan Fantasy |
1927 |
Grammy Hall of Fame in 1981 (1928), Peel list 2 of 1927, US invalid BB 8 of 1928, POP 8 of 1928, US Billboard 15 - 1928 (3 weeks), Daily Deuce 20, nuTsie 21 of 1920s, Acclaimed 1268 (1927), aceterrier.com 61 of the 1920s (1927), RYM 2 of 1927 |
18 |
Fats Waller |
Ain't Misbehavin' |
1929 |
Grammy Hall of Fame in 1984 (1929), Library of Congress artifact added 2004 (1929), nuTsie 4 of 1920s, Music Imprint 16 of 1920s, US Billboard 17 - 1929 (1 week), Daily Deuce 22, RIAA 41, Acclaimed 778 (1929), RYM 1 of 1929, Song of 1936 |
19 |
Helen Kane |
I Wanna Be Loved By You |
1928 |
Grammy Hall of Fame in 2009 (1928), US Billboard 2 - 1928 (11 weeks), US invalid BB 6 of 1928, POP 6 of 1928, Music Imprint 15 of 1920s, nuTsie 58 of 1920s, Brazil 80 of 1929, RIAA 128, aceterrier.com 27 of the 1920s (1928) |
20 |
Pinetop Smith |
Pinetop's Boogie Woogie |
1928 |
Grammy Hall of Fame in 1983 (1928), Daily Deuce 1, POP 9 of 1928, US invalid BB 15 of 1929, nuTsie 16 of 1920s, US Billboard 20 - 1929 (1 week), Jazz Standard 965, Acclaimed 1478 (1928), aceterrier.com 13 of the 1920s (1928), RYM 12 of 1928, one of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 500 |
21 |
Al Jolson |
April Showers |
1922 |
US Billboard 1 - Jan 1922 (17 weeks), US invalid BB 1 of 1922, POP 1 of 1922, Brazil 9 of 1922, nuTsie 42 of 1920s, aceterrier.com 56 of the 1920s (1921), RYM 41 of 1922 |
22 |
Mamie Smith |
Crazy Blues |
1920 |
Grammy Hall of Fame in 1994 (1920), Library of Congress artifact added 2005 (1920), US Billboard 3 - Dec 1920 (11 weeks), nuTsie 11 of 1920s, Daily Deuce 29, Acclaimed 1496 (1920), aceterrier.com 6 of the 1920s (1920), RYM 1 of 1920, Guardian Folk/ World 1 |
23 |
Paul Whiteman |
Three O'Clock in The Morning |
1922 |
US Billboard 1 - Nov 1922 (20 weeks), ASCAP song of 1922, US invalid BB 2 of 1922, POP 4 of 1922, Brazil 11 of 1923, nuTsie 67 of 1920s, RYM 42 of 1922 |
24 |
Al Jolson |
Toot Toot Tootsie (Goodbye) |
1922 |
US Billboard 1 - Dec 1922 (10 weeks), Peel list 2 of 1922, US invalid BB 3 of 1923, POP 3 of 1923, Brazil 18 of 1923, nuTsie 34 of 1920s, RYM 12 of 1922 |
25 |
Paul Robeson |
Ol' Man River |
1928 |
Grammy Hall of Fame in 2006 (1928), US invalid BB 3 of 1928, POP 3 of 1928, US Billboard 7 - 1928 (4 weeks), nuTsie 9 of 1920s, AFI 24, Brazil 86 of 1929, Song of 1932 |
26 |
Frankie Trumbauer |
Singin' the Blues |
1927 |
Grammy Hall of Fame in 1977 (1927), Library of Congress artifact added 2005 (1927), US invalid BB 5 of 1927, POP 5 of 1927, US Billboard 9 - 1927 (6 weeks), nuTsie 49 of 1920s, Acclaimed 1917 (1927), RYM 49 of 1927 |
27 |
Ethel Waters |
Am I Blue? |
1929 |
US Billboard 1 - 1929 (15 weeks), Grammy Hall of Fame in 2007 (1929), US invalid BB 8 of 1929, POP 8 of 1929, Brazil 19 of 1930, nuTsie 41 of 1920s, aceterrier.com 31 of the 1920s (1929) |
28 |
Blind Willie McTell |
Statesboro Blues |
1928 |
Grammy Hall of Fame in 2017 (1928), Library of Congress artifact added 2015 (1928), Peel list 4 of 1928, Daily Deuce 9, nuTsie 23 of 1920s, Acclaimed 1233 (1928), RYM 7 of 1928, one of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 500 |
29 |
Al Jolson |
Sonny Boy |
1928 |
US Billboard 1 - 1928 (19 weeks), Grammy Hall of Fame in 2002 (1928), US invalid BB 7 of 1928, POP 7 of 1928, nuTsie 13 of 1920s, Brazil 29 of 1929, RYM 19 of 1928 |
30 |
Isham Jones |
Swingin' Down the Lane |
1923 |
US Billboard 1 - Aug 1923 (15 weeks), ASCAP song of 1923, US invalid BB 9 of 1923, Brazil 11 of 1924, POP 14 of 1923, nuTsie 81 of 1920s, RYM 68 of 1923 |
31 |
Arthur Gibbs & his Gang |
Charleston |
1924 |
US Billboard 1 - Jan 1924 (7 weeks), Brazil 2 of 1925, Music Imprint 3 of 1920s, US invalid BB 4 of 1924, POP 6 of 1924, RIAA 103, RYM 17 of 1924 |
32 |
The Carter Family |
Wildwood Flower |
1928 |
Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999 (1929), Library of Congress artifact added 2006 (1928), US Billboard 3 - 1928 (10 weeks), Daily Deuce 19, nuTsie 48 of 1920s, Acclaimed 906 (1929), aceterrier.com 12 of the 1920s (1928), RYM 6 of 1928 |
33 |
Billy Jones |
Yes! We Have No Bananas |
1923 |
US Billboard 1 - Jul 1923 (13 weeks), Music Imprint 4 of 1920s, US invalid BB 5 of 1923, POP 6 of 1923, Brazil 18 of 1924, nuTsie 32 of 1920s, RIAA 304 |
34 |
Jack Smith |
Me & My Shadow |
1927 |
US Billboard 1 - 1927 (14 weeks), US invalid BB 4 of 1927, POP 4 of 1927, Music Imprint 11 of 1920s, Brazil 24 of 1927, nuTsie 80 of 1920s, RIAA 289 |
35 |
Marion Harris |
I Ain't Got Nobody |
1921 |
US invalid BB 1 of 1921, POP 1 of 1921, US Billboard 3 - Jun 1921 (7 weeks), Brazil 18 of 1922, nuTsie 45 of 1920s, RYM 21 of 1921 |
36 |
Ma Rainey |
See See Rider Blues |
1925 |
Grammy Hall of Fame in 2004 (1925), Library of Congress artifact added 2004 (1923), US Billboard 14 - Jan 1925 (1 week), nuTsie 22 of 1920s, Acclaimed 1475 (1925), RYM 2 of 1925, Guardian Jazz 4 |
37 |
Paul Whiteman |
Parade of the Wooden Soldiers |
1923 |
US Billboard 1 - Apr 1923 (13 weeks), US invalid BB 2 of 1923, POP 2 of 1923, Brazil 8 of 1924, nuTsie 91 of 1920s, RYM 40 of 1923 |
38 |
Nora Bayes |
Make Believe |
1921 |
US Billboard 1 - Jun 1921 (10 weeks), ASCAP song of 1921, Brazil 7 of 1922, US invalid BB 13 of 1921, POP 16 of 1921 |
39 |
Ted Lewis & his Orchestra |
When My Baby Smiles At Me |
1920 |
US Billboard 1 - May 1920 (18 weeks), US invalid BB 2 of 1920, POP 2 of 1920, Brazil 13 of 1920, nuTsie 39 of 1920s |
40 |
Eddie Cantor |
If You Knew Susie (Like I Know Susie) |
1925 |
US Billboard 1 - Jul 1925 (12 weeks), US invalid BB 4 of 1925, POP 4 of 1925, Brazil 12 of 1926, nuTsie 70 of 1920s, aceterrier.com 74 of the 1920s (1925), RYM 12 of 1925 |
41 |
George Olsen |
Always |
1926 |
US Billboard 1 - Apr 1926 (10 weeks), US invalid BB 2 of 1926, POP 2 of 1926, Brazil 22 of 1926, nuTsie 52 of 1920s |
42 |
Van & Schenck |
Ain't We Got Fun? |
1921 |
US Billboard 1 - Aug 1921 (9 weeks), US invalid BB 2 of 1921, POP 2 of 1921, Brazil 23 of 1922, nuTsie 79 of 1920s |
43 |
Blind Willie Johnson |
Dark Was the Night, Cold Was the Ground |
1927 |
Grammy Hall of Fame in 2011 (1927), Library of Congress artifact added 2010 (1927), Peel list 4 of 1927, Acclaimed 1799 (1927), aceterrier.com 57 of the 1920s (1927) |
44 |
Al Jolson |
My Mammy |
1928 |
Grammy Hall of Fame in 2011 (1927), US Billboard 2 - 1928 (7 weeks), US invalid BB 4 of 1930, nuTsie 18 of 1920s, Brazil 35 of 1922, RYM 61 of 1928 |
45 |
Blind Lemon Jefferson |
Matchbox Blues |
1927 |
Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999 (1927), Library of Congress artifact added 2014 (1928), Daily Deuce 5, nuTsie 24 of 1920s, Acclaimed 1061 (1927), RYM 1 of 1927, one of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 500 |
46 |
Marion Harris |
Tea For Two |
1925 |
US Billboard 1 - Jan 1925 (11 weeks), US invalid BB 2 of 1925, POP 2 of 1925, Brazil 6 of 1925, RYM 30 of 1924 |
47 |
Bix Beiderbecke |
In a Mist |
1927 |
Grammy Hall of Fame in 1980 (1927), US invalid BB 10 of 1927, POP 10 of 1927, US Billboard 20 - 1928 (1 week), nuTsie 28 of 1920s, Acclaimed 1477 (1927), aceterrier.com 60 of the 1920s (1927), RYM 7 of 1927 |
48 |
Charley Patton |
Pony Blues |
1929 |
Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999 (1929), Library of Congress artifact added 2006 (1929), Daily Deuce 23, nuTsie 51 of 1920s, Acclaimed 903 (1929), RYM 10 of 1929 |
49 |
Jan Garber |
Baby Face |
1926 |
US Billboard 1 - Sep 1926 (12 weeks), US invalid BB 3 of 1926, Brazil 4 of 1927, POP 5 of 1926, nuTsie 36 of 1920s |
50 |
Cliff Edwards (Ukelele Ike) |
Singin' in the Rain |
1929 |
US Billboard 1 - 1929 (12 weeks), US invalid BB 3 of 1929, POP 3 of 1929, Brazil 8 of 1930, nuTsie 54 of 1920s |
51 |
Ben Selvin |
Dardanella |
1920 |
US Billboard 1 - Jan 1920 (24 weeks), Brazil 5 of 1920, US invalid BB 5 of 1920, POP 8 of 1920, nuTsie 14 of 1920s, RYM 8 of 1920 |
52 |
Paul Whiteman |
I'll Build a Stairway to Paradise |
1922 |
US Billboard 1 - Dec 1922 (9 weeks), US invalid BB 1 of 1923, POP 1 of 1923, RYM 23 of 1922 |
53 |
The Carter Family |
Keep on the Sunny Side |
1928 |
Grammy Hall of Fame in 2006 (1928), Daily Deuce 3, US Billboard 9 - 1928 (5 weeks), Scrobulate 93 of best mouth in rock, Acclaimed 1648 (1928), RYM 21 of 1928, Guardian Folk/ World 8 |
54 |
Al Jolson |
I'm Sitting On Top of the World |
1926 |
US Billboard 1 - Mar 1926 (11 weeks), US invalid BB 8 of 1926, POP 8 of 1926, Europe 20 of the 1930s (1925), Brazil 25 of 1926 |
55 |
Al Jolson |
When the Red, Red Robin Comes Bob-Bob-Bobbin' Along |
1926 |
US Billboard 1 - Sep 1926 (8 weeks), US invalid BB 1 of 1926, POP 3 of 1926, nuTsie 82 of 1920s, RYM 50 of 1926 |
56 |
Bertolt Brecht |
Mack the Knife |
1928 |
US invalid BB 1 of 1928, POP 1 of 1928, ASCAP song of 1928 |
57 |
Gertrude Lawrence |
Someone to Watch Over Me |
1927 |
Grammy Hall of Fame in 2008 (1927), US Billboard 2 - 1927 (11 weeks), US invalid BB 3 of 1927, POP 7 of 1927, nuTsie 77 of 1920s |
58 |
Eddie Cantor |
Margie |
1921 |
US Billboard 1 - Feb 1921 (12 weeks), Brazil 7 of 1921, US invalid BB 11 of 1921, POP 12 of 1921, nuTsie 90 of 1920s, RYM 55 of 1920 |
59 |
Ruth Etting |
Love Me Or Leave Me |
1928 |
Grammy Hall of Fame in 2005 (1928), US Billboard 2 - 1929 (11 weeks), Brazil 71 of 1929, nuTsie 75 of 1920s, aceterrier.com 91 of the 1920s (1928), RYM 63 of 1928 |
60 |
Paul Whiteman |
The Birth of the Blues |
1926 |
US Billboard 1 - Nov 1926 (12 weeks), US invalid BB 10 of 1926, POP 10 of 1926, Brazil 16 of 1927, nuTsie 72 of 1920s, RYM 87 of 1926 |
61 |
Paul Whiteman |
Valencia |
1926 |
US Billboard 1 - Jun 1926 (17 weeks), US invalid BB 14 of 1926, POP 14 of 1926, Brazil 31 of 1926, nuTsie 46 of 1920s, RYM 48 of 1926 |
62 |
Nick Lucas |
Tip Toe Thru' The Tulips With Me |
1929 |
US Billboard 1 - 1929 (19 weeks), US invalid BB 4 of 1929, Brazil 17 of 1930, POP 17 of 1929, nuTsie 55 of 1920s |
63 |
Rudy Vallee & his Connecticut Yankees |
Honey |
1929 |
US Billboard 1 - 1929 (15 weeks), US invalid BB 7 of 1929, POP 7 of 1929, Brazil 43 of 1930, nuTsie 89 of 1920s |
64 |
Fred Waring & the Pennsylvanians |
Sleep |
1924 |
US Billboard 1 - Dec 1923 (11 weeks), US invalid BB 6 of 1924, POP 11 of 1924, Brazil 40 of 1925, nuTsie 88 of 1920s |
65 |
Fanny Brice |
Second Hand Rose |
1921 |
Library of Congress artifact added 2005 (1921), POP 2 of 1922, US Billboard 3 - Feb 1922 (7 weeks), US invalid BB 3 of 1921 |
66 |
Ted Weems |
Somebody Stole My Gal |
1924 |
US Billboard 1 - Feb 1924 (14 weeks), US invalid BB 9 of 1924, POP 9 of 1924, Brazil 35 of 1925, nuTsie 66 of 1920s |
67 |
Al Jolson |
All Alone |
1925 |
US Billboard 1 - Jan 1925 (9 weeks), US invalid BB 10 of 1925, POP 10 of 1925, Brazil 21 of 1925, nuTsie 93 of 1920s |
68 |
Isham Jones & Ray Miller |
I'll See You in My Dreams |
1925 |
US Billboard 1 - Mar 1925 (16 weeks), US invalid BB 11 of 1925, POP 11 of 1925, Brazil 18 of 1925, nuTsie 53 of 1920s |
69 |
Sophie Tucker & Ted Lewis |
Some of These Days |
1927 |
US Billboard 1 - 1927 (12 weeks), US invalid BB 12 of 1927, POP 12 of 1927, Brazil 20 of 1927, RIAA 314 |
70 |
Marion Harris |
St Louis Blues |
1920 |
US Billboard 1 - Aug 1920 (9 weeks), US invalid BB 4 of 1920, POP 6 of 1920, Brazil 16 of 1921, RYM 15 of 1920 |
71 |
Paul Whiteman |
Among My Souvenirs |
1928 |
US Billboard 1 - 1928 (13 weeks), US invalid BB 15 of 1928, POP 15 of 1928, Brazil 81 of 1928, nuTsie 95 of 1920s |
72 |
Guy Lombardo |
Charmaine |
1927 |
US Billboard 1 - 1927 (15 weeks), US invalid BB 18 of 1927, POP 18 of 1927, Brazil 32 of 1928, nuTsie 83 of 1920s |
73 |
Red Nichols |
Ida, Sweet As Apple Cider |
1927 |
US Billboard 1 - 1927 (15 weeks), US invalid BB 19 of 1927, POP 19 of 1927, Brazil 43 of 1928, nuTsie 63 of 1920s |
74 |
Ben Bernie |
Ain't She Sweet? |
1927 |
US Billboard 1 - 1927 (12 weeks), US invalid BB 1 of 1927, POP 2 of 1927 |
75 |
Louis Armstrong |
When You're Smiling |
1929 |
US invalid BB 1 of 1929, POP 1 of 1929, US Billboard 15 - 1929 (2 weeks), RYM 35 of 1929, Song of 1932 |
76 |
Paul Whiteman |
Hot Lips |
1922 |
US Billboard 1 - Sep 1922 (11 weeks), US invalid BB 5 of 1922, POP 9 of 1922, Brazil 13 of 1923, RYM 43 of 1922 |
77 |
Paul Whiteman |
Stumbling |
1922 |
US Billboard 1 - Jul 1922 (12 weeks), US invalid BB 4 of 1922, POP 17 of 1922, Brazil 25 of 1924, RYM 25 of 1922 |
78 |
Edith Day |
Alice Blue Gown |
1920 |
US Billboard 1 - Apr 1920 (9 weeks), US invalid BB 8 of 1920, POP 14 of 1920, Brazil 21 of 1924, aceterrier.com 95 of the 1920s (1920) |
79 |
Paul Whiteman |
Song of India |
1921 |
US Billboard 1 - Aug 1921 (14 weeks), US invalid BB 4 of 1921, POP 4 of 1921, Brazil 31 of 1922 |
80 |
Maurice Chevalier |
Louise |
1929 |
US Billboard 3 - 1929 (10 weeks), US invalid BB 6 of 1929, POP 6 of 1929, nuTsie 30 of 1920s, Brazil 87 of 1930, aceterrier.com 82 of the 1920s (1929) |
81 |
John Steel |
The Love Nest |
1920 |
US Billboard 1 - Aug 1920 (10 weeks), US invalid BB 6 of 1920, POP 10 of 1920, Brazil 35 of 1921, RYM 29 of 1920 |
82 |
Bob Haring & his Orchestra |
Pagan Love Song |
1929 |
US Billboard 1 - 1929 (11 weeks), US invalid BB 5 of 1929, POP 5 of 1929, Brazil 37 of 1930 |
83 |
Al Jolson |
I've Got My Captain Working For Me Now |
1920 |
US Billboard 1 - Dec 1919 (7 weeks), US invalid BB 9 of 1920, Brazil 17 of 1920, POP 18 of 1920, RYM 13 of 1920 |
84 |
Eddie Cantor |
No, No Nora |
1923 |
US Billboard 1 - Nov 1923 (9 weeks), US invalid BB 10 of 1923, Brazil 16 of 1924, POP 16 of 1923, RYM 69 of 1923 |
85 |
Paul Whiteman |
Bambalina |
1923 |
US Billboard 1 - Jun 1923 (8 weeks), US invalid BB 11 of 1923, Brazil 13 of 1924, POP 18 of 1923, RYM 67 of 1923 |
86 |
Ernest Van Stoneman |
The Titanic |
1925 |
Grammy Hall of Fame in 2013 (1924), US Billboard 3 - May 1925 (10 weeks), US invalid BB 9 of 1925, POP 9 of 1925, RYM 39 of 1925 |
87 |
Paul Whiteman |
Linger Awhile |
1924 |
US Billboard 1 - Feb 1924 (10 weeks), US invalid BB 11 of 1924, POP 12 of 1924, Brazil 27 of 1925, RYM 39 of 1923 |
88 |
Paul Whiteman |
The Japanese Sandman |
1920 |
US Billboard 1 - Nov 1920 (12 weeks), US invalid BB 11 of 1920, POP 20 of 1920, Brazil 21 of 1921, RYM 7 of 1920 |
89 |
Marion Harris |
Look For The Silver Lining |
1921 |
US Billboard 1 - Apr 1921 (10 weeks), US invalid BB 12 of 1921, POP 14 of 1921, Brazil 34 of 1922, RYM 22 of 1921 |
90 |
Paul Whiteman |
Do it Again |
1922 |
US Billboard 1 - Jun 1922 (9 weeks), US invalid BB 11 of 1922, POP 18 of 1922, Brazil 30 of 1924, RYM 24 of 1922 |
91 |
Gene Austin |
Yes Sir! That's My Baby |
1925 |
US Billboard 1 - Aug 1925 (17 weeks), US invalid BB 13 of 1925, POP 14 of 1925, Brazil 34 of 1926, RYM 37 of 1925 |
92 |
Ben Selvin |
Blue Skies |
1927 |
US Billboard 1 - 1927 (9 weeks), US invalid BB 6 of 1927, POP 6 of 1927, Brazil 37 of 1927 |
93 |
Paul Whiteman |
Say it With Music |
1921 |
US Billboard 1 - Nov 1921 (14 weeks), US invalid BB 15 of 1921, POP 20 of 1921, Brazil 29 of 1922, RYM 10 of 1921 |
94 |
Art Hickman |
Hold Me |
1920 |
US Billboard 1 - Jun 1920 (14 weeks), US invalid BB 7 of 1920, Brazil 8 of 1920, POP 12 of 1920 |
95 |
Fiddlin' John Carson |
Little Old Log Cabin in the Lane |
1923 |
Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998 (1923), US Billboard 9 - Dec 1923 (2 weeks), Daily Deuce 18, Acclaimed 874 (1923), aceterrier.com 34 of the 1920s (1923), RYM 4 of 1923 |
96 |
Isham Jones |
Remember |
1925 |
US Billboard 1 - Dec 1925 (8 weeks), US invalid BB 16 of 1925, POP 20 of 1925, Brazil 50 of 1927, RYM 72 of 1925 |
97 |
Al Jolson |
There's a Rainbow Round My Shoulder |
1928 |
US Billboard 1 - 1928 (13 weeks), US invalid BB 19 of 1928, POP 19 of 1928, Brazil 38 of 1929, RYM 19 of 1928 |
98 |
Gene Austin |
Jeannine (I Dream of Lilac Time) |
1928 |
US Billboard 1 - 1928 (15 weeks), US invalid BB 18 of 1928, POP 18 of 1928, Brazil 52 of 1929, RYM 60 of 1928 |
99 |
Fred Waring & the Pennsylvanians |
Laugh, Clown, Laugh! |
1928 |
US Billboard 1 - 1928 (12 weeks), US invalid BB 17 of 1928, POP 17 of 1928, Brazil 94 of 1928, RYM 94 of 1928 |
100 |
Vincent Lopez |
Always |
1926 |
US Billboard 1 - May 1926 (9 weeks), POP 2 of 1926, Brazil 8 of 1926, RYM 20 of 1926 |
|
The comments here are from the the MusicID impact site site. This version is not able to accept comments yet
16 Jul 2022
Unknown Song - Does this ring a bell?
I used to remember more of this song that my grandmother used to sing bits of. Some years ago I found a 1940s version by the same woman artist who sang it in the teens or 20s on Youtube.
The only lyrics I now remember are possibly, "I know you love me so" or "You know I love you so." And the refrain, "Oomph, fa da ta."
Does this ring a bell? Eric
14 Jun 2021
The flower girl
My mother sang this as a girl in a duet at a concert in 1920's
Buy a flower pretty lady
Stand aside and let me pass, can't you see I'm at titled lady I don't talk to common class
Common class you call me, I can see by your face, all your riches and your jewels you have gained them by disgrace. + ETC
4 Mar 2021
yoo+
thanks for the list, really helping me to search popular songs from 1920s
29 Dec 2020
Song lyrics
My Mom used to sing a song about the days of the week.... Today is Monday, Today is Monday, Monday bread and butter, Tuesday ..... Wednesday.....Thursday.....Friday fish...everybody happy and I should say.....do you know the title of the sing ANF what was served each day? Thankyou so much, Carol Bhear
28 Sep 2020
Harvest Song pre 1950
I'm looking for the word to a song that starts: +When it's harvest time in NewEngland and the leaves are turning red & gold. +Beneath the (apple?) I woo you tenderly, your sweet and shining _____ of silvertone(?). +Beneath the ____we'll wonder, when its Harvest time in New England sweetheart, will make our dreams come true. +HELP !
14 Jun 2020
Decade Lists
Is it possible to extract a longer list for each decade - say 200 or 300?
Download the CSV data, then you can work out the top 800 or so for each decade (from 1950s-2000s anyway)
5 Apr 2020
Old Parlor Song
I found a copy of this song at one point but now don't remember where. My mother used to sing it to me and I have been singing it to my grandchildren .+ I think the name is "Dorothy Dimple" +It goes.... I've broken my doll and I'mfeeling so sorry, Oh dear I don't know what to do. +I let Susie Smith hold her just for a moment to try on her new satin shoes...… +Thank you!+
7 Sep 2019
old old song when I was 10 years old
Just one more waltz with you, before the night is through and after we will play while love does find its way and now the night is thru, we must say adeau there' s happyness in your caress Just one more waltz with you
20 Jun 2019
The Train Song
I think the song you're after is 'In the Baggage Coach Ahead'. I have a 78r.p.m. of Vernon Dalhart singing it which I haven't listened to (or even seen) for years, but I'm fairly certain that was the gist of it.
1 Apr 2019
Old song
I'm looking for an old song for my 103 year old mother in law, with the words, pull up your legs [or dress] and show your pretty knees. I hope you can help me. Barb
27 Mar 2019
The train song
Also, want lyrics from a song about a young man on a train with a baby who iscrying and the people complain until he tells them the mother of the baby is dead and in the next car?? Grandma sang this one to us also.+
27 Mar 2019
Burglar Bold
My grandma used to sing us a song about a burglar who tried to rob an oldmaid's house. We are not sure if it was burglar "bold", "beau", or "bo"?? Can you help us?
16 Mar 2019
Does anyone know these song titles?
I am trying to find the titles of two songs that my parents sang to me. Thelyrics of the first are "I'm building a rainbow, to put on your finger" The second is a song that goes "He can mend any kind of shoe Popanicolini, he's your friend when your feeling blue, Popanicolini, people send all the troubles too, Popanicolini, he can mend all your heartaches and blues" I would love to know their title names if anyone has that info, thanks kindly, Debbie (New Zealand)
12 Sep 2018
Song Title
I only know that some of the lyrics go "Well you do".
11 Dec 2017
song words
Includes the words "when Madeline dances with me - holy g:
1 Oct 2017
saving my pennies to see my daddy ....
Does anyone know the song with the words ..."Saving all my pennies for the weekend to see my daddy again .......
21 Sep 2017
song title search
Looking for my granduncle Max's favourite song. +He was very little (born 1928) and all he can remember was the phrase "Mackie macadoo, summedai summedoo, everybody....." He sang it so much, was named "Max doo" Please help
We suspect this is "Johnny McEldoo" which we think is a traditional Irish song
5 Dec 2016
little orphan girl freezes to death at the rich man`s door
does anyone know this song? +I used to listen to it on anold victrola when Iwas very young.
18 Nov 2016
looking for song
trying to fine the title of a song from the 1920/30s, lyrics "Who'll bite yourneck when my lips are gone." the song is referenced in "The Last Flapper"
14 Oct 2016
Sunday
Sunday. + Caise that's the one day when I'm with you.
24 Sep 2016
Sad song
My dad used. To sing this song. + I know you will remember cos you've gotremembering eyes ,this world was mad for gladness & not for sad goodbyes , though seas may roll between us ,there's no need for tears or sighs , I know you will remember cos you've got remembring eyes .+ ++ ++ Shame if this song dies
23 Aug 2016
Silly Hobo Cooking Song from the 20s
My grandma used to sing a hobo cooking song with the lyrics, "so throw in somerags and some old paper bags" ... wish I could remember the rest. Anyone?
9 Jun 2016
Song Lyrics
Looking for lyrics to "Who'll bite your neck when my teeth are gone?" thissong is referenced in a book about F. Scott Fitzgerald.
This site is a list of chart entries, we have no lyrics here
20 May 2016
a boys mother who is dead comes to see him at night to comfort him. the first words are "When nurse has tucked the bedclothes in and stamped across the floor thesrs someone comes to see us then and stamped across the floor
6 Apr 2016
By the sea by the sea by the beautiful sea you and i you and I oh how happy we'll be.......
I would like to know all of the words please.
This site lists song charts, no lyrics here at all
12 Mar 2016
I Like You
Heard this sond last week...guessing it's from the 20-30 era...lyrics andother info, please
21 Dec 2015
song search
Greetings!
I was hoping to get some sheet music and choregraphy for the song 67 singlesets of shop soiled sheets, can anyone help me out?
14 Sep 2015
more
I wish that they had a bigger list and some songs would still like of the1920s a song that would make kids say I wish people still listen to that and can the list have all genres please thanks
Did you look at the CSV file?
And no, the list cannot have all the genres (because we think there is no such thing) why don't you do that work and publish it?
11 Sep 2015
waltz
I'M dancing with tears in my eyes- who wrote it? or who ade it popular?
We have no data about who wrote it. In 1930 it was a minor hit for Ben Selvin, Regent Club Orchestra, and Ruth Etting, the biggest success (in 1930) was Nat Shilkret. Since then that title has been a hit for Mantovani, Ultravox, Don Caballero and Novaspace.
Wesley Tuttle and Uriah Heep have both had hits with songs called "Tears In My Eyes"
27 Aug 2015
old song
love to know more words to "If you can't tell the world she's a good littlegirl then "Just say nothing at all." Don't tell the world what you know of her life. Some day she may make a wonderful wife.
27 Aug 2015
roll 'em girlies roll'em
+some of the words Don't let people tell you that it's shocking, put yousweeties picture in your stocking, roll 'em etc.
5 Jul 2015
A song I'm looking for +... If I could turn the clock back only just one year+
Been trying to find the words and who sang this song , our mother used to singit can you help me year must have been back in the 20/30/40 +thank you+
13 May 2015
song called Yvonne
Lyrics... Yvonne my Yvonne what am I to do now you're gone.......
21 Apr 2015
male vocalist+
1920-30 + Not sure of title + - It's a+ fine thing to sing - are the beginning?
29 Jan 2015
Response to Jan 3
"Two Sleepy People" by Hoagy Carmichael
3 Jan 2015
Need title of an old song
Words: "Here we are, out of cigarettes ++ ++ +Holding hands and yawning ++ ++ +Look how late it gets... ++ ++ +Two sleepy, by dawn's early light ++ ++ +And too much in love to say "Good NIght!"
Not sure of era or composer..just know it is "old!" THanks, Mary
28 Sep 2014
Song not on the list
The name of the song is "It's the Boy" and my sister and I used to sing and dance to the music of that song. +Does anyone remember it? +We were about 6 at the tome so it had to be in 1927
15 Sep 2014
THIS IS ONLY 60!!!!
I looked up for them to give me 100 top songs of the 1920s and this website only gave me 60!! This is not ok!!
7 Sep 2014
Reply to 14 August email
https://library.indstate.edu/about/units/rbsc/kirk/PDFs/sm1923_last.pdf
18 Aug 2014
song lyrics
My father sings this song- Roll 'em roll 'em roll 'em down and show your pretty knees'.He is 100 years old, we would like to know the complete lyrics, if possible. Thank you.
14 Aug 2014
Please help me find the name of this song and who sings it+
Oh I loved her in the morning and I loved her at night Yes I loved Yes I loved When the stars shine so bright
Oh I loved her in the spring time And I loved her in the fall But last night on the back porch I loved her best of all
Oh I+ love my Marianna When she plays the grand piana She's a pusha she's a pumpa with the feet She's got lips that taste so finea Use to like Italian winea She's a dolly she's a dolly she's a sweet
Oh she calls me her papa When she starts a lovin there's no stoppin With eyes so big so bright But last night she got +cholic When she at a lot of garlic And I loved her best of all+
13 Aug 2014
name of song
trying to find a song but don't know the name of it. +some of the words in it are playmates won't you come out & play & sliding down the cellar door.
11 Jul 2014
songs children would sing
Can you tell me what song children or young persons might have sung in the1920's? My town is holding a special anniversary and as part of it would like to do a tribute to childhood having people of all ages perform. Thank you so much.
That is a good question, which we don't know the answer to.
"The Ovaltineys" started in 1930, try looking them up on YouTube
8 Jul 2014
song title
I am looking for the title of a song my grandmom used to sing. I don't know ifit is from the 20's or 30's. It goes: Smile a while and kiss me sad adew, when the clouds roll by I'll come to you, when the sky turn to blue I'll meet you down in lovers lane my darling. This is all I remember. I hope you can help. Thank you
6 Apr 2014
13 Dec 2013
Responding to 12 Dec 2013, I believe those lyrics are from the light opera "The Vagabond King", sung by the second lead.
"Never try to bind me. Never make me stay. +Take me as you find me; love then go away. +All the loves you leave behind you die and fade away. +Never mind, you will be mine today."
Can't remember the name of the character. +Leif Ericson played the title role in the Hollywood Bowl production in 1950 or 1951.
Thanks for the suggestion
23 Mar 2014
llatin songs 1920s
Besides &* tea for two* can you tell me of other famous latin songs in this era?
2 Feb 2014
Betty Co-ed
My mother sang this to me I would like to have the lyrics
We have no lyrics here, just listing of hits. The song "Betty Coed" was a hit for (in 1930) for Rudy Vallee & his Connecticut Yankees and Bob Haring & his Orchestra.
30 Jan 2014
Lost artist
There is a song from the 30's (tea for two) that the waring girls sang, Was that a one hit wonder? I tried to search them and I cannot find the girls anywhere on the internet!
The song "Tea for Two" was a hit for many people. Never heard of the Waring Sisters
13 Dec 2013
lover take me as you find me.....never try to bind me
lover take me as you find me.....never try to bind me
6 Oct 2013
Old song
Is there any old song that includes the words (My wife she fights with me all day) Thanks Mike
28 Jun 2013
When we build our little home
Hello, can you please help me locate a song of the 1920/30's when we build our little home, also when my ship comes in.
Many thanks. N.P.Ciccone
Neither song was a hit
15 Jun 2013
I'm surprised George Gershwin is not on this list
From what I had heard from various sources I thought he was very popular during this time, didn't you say in an earlier post that you also used the sales figures of sheet music.
In this list we have the peformer not the author, that matches the way music charts worked from the 1950s onward. Gershwin wrote a lot of hits in this period but didn't perform them
11 Jun 2013
The year Honey was written
When was the song... From the 1920's HONEY written?
27 Apr 2013
river stay away from my door
river stay away from my door
The song "River Stay 'Way From My Door" was a hit for Frank Sinatra in 1960 (in the UK, Canada and the US) and for Paul Robeson in 1931
27 Feb 2013
A Place To Do It
A friend of mine shared an old song with me about "finding a place to do it." He believes it dates to 1920-1926 but I have no luck finding the artist. Has anyone here ever heard of it?
Thanks, Jeff
9 Feb 2013
song # 57 by Louis Armstrong
You say it is the Muscrat Ramble.. But I believe the correct word is The MUSCAT ramble..Check it out..
26 Jan 2013
Song of 1920's Poss early 30's
The song was called 'Daddy' The lyrics started off "Put your head on my shoulder daddy" It was a young boy singing to his daddy after his mothers death. I remember it as a child and it was on a 78" record.
24 Oct 2012
#31 Tea for Two
The title of this song is simply Tea for Two. It was re-arranged in the 1950s to a Cha Cha tempo and was titled as such, but the 1925 version and the original title of the song is just Tea for Two.
Your assertion looks correct. We have changed the titles of all versions to just "Tea for Two" to make sure that people will find them all together. While this means that the 1950s versions "should" be "Tea for Two (Cha Cha)" we think that this will make it easiest for most users.
Thanks for the suggested fix.
8 Oct 2012
when june comes and the roses bloom again+
The only song that is close to your lyrics is by Peggy Lee & Benny Goodman "When the Roses Bloom Again". I hope that helps.
21 Sep 2012
1920s songs
Would you please send me the words and music of these songs or tell me where I can purchase them. I need it for a skit I am putting on for charity.
thank you
We don't have lyrics or actual music files here (either for sale or for download). All we have are chart positions.
We would suggest iTunes or Amazon (but other good sources are available)
25 Jun 2012
song
looking for the words to a song my mum used to sing to us in the 1960s It start susie green was sweet16 and never had been kissed what she never had she new she never missed. i think it was called i want a boy
9 Apr 2012
lost song
i am looking for a song i have only herd my family sing pre 40s ? words when june comes and the roses bloom again when june comes youl be in my arms and then we'll soon forget we parted in september as arm in arm we stroll down lovers lane when june comes and the roses bloom again
9 Apr 2012
song
when june comes and the roses bloom again
8 Sep 2011
song identification?
I only remember part of the song: "How high's the water mama? 6 feet high and rising. How high's the water papa?" I've had this stuck in my head for years! Can you identify?
The song actually is "Five Feet High & Rising" which was written by Johnny Cash (apparently based on his childhood home in Arkansas which was flooded twice).
Cash had a minor hit with the song in 1959.
2 Sep 2011
Lost Song ... my Father used to sing
I am looking for a song that my father used to sing when I was a child in the 1950's. I believe the song may have been in the 1920's (or prior) or later to the 1940's.
The title, I do not know but the lyrics are along this line:
"I want to say hello, I want to see you smile, I want to hold you in my arms again ..... I want to do the little things we used to do before, Honey, I can't live without you anymore"
unfortunately, that is all that I can recollect
Please help me .... thank you
5 Apr 2011
missing Page yr1920.htm
Hi: I've tried to read yr1920.htm and can't find it.
Very good site -- Thanks.
We've checked the file "/music/yr1920.htm" and it looks OK to us.
5 Sep 2010
song
Who was the lady who sang "We'll meet again" in the early 1900s.
The most famous song with that title was written in 1939 (by Ross Parker & Hughie Charles) and was a hit for many including the Ink Spots, Guy Lombardo, Peggy Lee and (of course) Vera Lynn
We don't have any record of a hit from before 1939 with that title.