The Three Bells

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"The Three Bells" is a song made popular by The Browns in 1959. The single reached number one on the U.S. country and pop charts, outperforming a competing version by Dick Flood. It was based on the 1946 French song "Les trois cloches" by Jean Villard and Marc Herrand. The English lyrics were written by Bert Reisfeld and first recorded by Melody Maids in 1948.

Among the many artists who covered the song are Les Compagnons de la chanson (who also recorded the original French version),Tina Arena, The Tremeloes, Ray Charles, Nana Mouskouri, Roy Orbison, Floyd Cramer, Daniel O'Donnell, and Elaine Paige. It is also recorded in Dutch, as "De drie klokken" and "Bim bam".

Dick Manning used part of the tune for his song "While the Angelus Was Ringing", recorded by Margaret Whiting, Dick Haymes, Frank Sinatra, Guy Lombardo, Tommy Dorsey, and Anne Shelton – all in 1949.

Preceded by "A Big Hunk o' Love" by Elvis Presley	Billboard Hot 100 number one single August 24, 1959	Succeeded by "Sleep Walk" by Santo & Johnny