You’ve probably heard it in countless shows and commercials, but have you ever seen the real thing?
“Mr. Sandman, bring me a dream. Make him the cutest that I’ve ever seen.” It’s 1958. Eisenhower’s in the White House, and rock-and-roll is making waves. But for the Chordettes—Janet, Alice, Lynn, and Jinny—straight out of Sheboygan, it’s all about perfect harmonies. With their a cappella takes on hits like “Mr. Sandman” and “Lollipop,” they took over the airwaves, giving listeners something fresh and magical.
In this vintage TV performance, the Chordettes deliver those iconic “bum-bum-bums” with precision, each member hitting her note in rapid succession. It’s barbershop quartet style, but with a twist only these harmonizing women could pull off.
In their elegant gowns and poised charm, they bring a sense of 1950s class—though the lyrics, a bit cheeky by the standards of the day, tell Mr. Sandman to bring them a dreamy man to share their nights.
For this special performance, there’s even a humorous twist: a dashing young “Mr. Sandman” appears on screen to answer their call, bringing a smile as you swoon to the timeless tune.
Here’s a fun fact: Janet’s daughter later married Phil Everly of the Everly Brothers—a perfect match in music royalty. And did you know the Chordettes also performed on the first nationally televised episode of *American Bandstand*, cementing their place in music history?
Though the Chordettes made “Mr. Sandman” famous, it was actually Vaughn Monroe & His Orchestra who first recorded it in 1954. Still, his version couldn’t quite capture the magic that the Chordettes brought to their rendition later that same year.
One nostalgic viewer wrote, “No cuss words? No drops? No over-the-top beats? So pure.” Another reminisced, “My grandma used to sing this to me when I was little. She’d tell me stories about being a ‘50s teen. She’s my best friend, and I’m so glad I inherited her love for that era.”
Watching the Chordettes, you can almost hear the crackling of old radios and feel the spirit of a simpler time.
