About the song
“Blueberry Hill,” a timeless American classic, was first published in 1940 and has since become a staple of American music history. Composed by Vincent Rose with lyrics by Larry Stock and Al Lewis, the song initially faced rejection from various publishers before being bought and released by Chappell & Company. The tune’s journey from obscurity to prominence is a testament to its enduring appeal and the evolving nature of popular music.
The song’s early recordings in 1940 by artists such as Sammy Kaye, Gene Krupa, and Mary Small set the stage for its rise to prominence. However, it was Glenn Miller’s version, featuring Ray Eberle on vocals, that truly captured the public’s attention, reaching number two on the US charts. Miller’s orchestral arrangement, recorded in Chicago and released on RCA Bluebird Records, highlighted the song’s potential and laid the groundwork for future renditions.
Louis Armstrong’s 1949 recording with Gordon Jenkins provided a fresh perspective and a new level of popularity for “Blueberry Hill.” Armstrong’s rendition, which charted in the Billboard Top 40, was instrumental in inspiring Fats Domino to create his iconic version in 1956. Domino’s take on “Blueberry Hill” became a rock and roll standard, propelling the song to international fame. His version, characterized by its vibrant rhythm and heartfelt delivery, topped the R&B Best Sellers chart for eight non-consecutive weeks and reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100. This rendition was so influential that it was later ranked number 82 on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
The song’s cultural impact extends beyond the music charts. It has been featured in numerous films and TV shows, including *The Singing Hill* (1941), *Let the Good Times Roll* (1973), and *12 Monkeys* (1995). Its prominence in popular culture is further exemplified by its inclusion in the television show *Happy Days*, where it was the favorite song of Richie Cunningham, and by the naming of Joe Edwards’ Blueberry Hill restaurant in St. Louis, a frequent venue for Chuck Berry.
In a noteworthy example of its enduring appeal, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin even performed a cover of “Blueberry Hill” in 2010 to support a children’s charity, demonstrating the song’s global resonance and timeless charm. The song continues to captivate audiences and inspire artists, making it a cornerstone of American musical heritage.
Video
Lyrics
I found my thrill
On Blueberry Hill
On Blueberry Hill
When I found you
The moon stood still
On Blueberry Hill
And lingered until
My dream came true
The wind in the willow played
Love’s sweet melody
But all of those vows you made
Were never to be
Though we’re apart
You’re part of me still
For you were my thrill
On Blueberry Hill
The wind in the willow played
Love’s sweet melody
But all of those vows we made
Were only to be
Though we’re apart
You’re part of me still
For you were my thrill
On Blueberry Hill