A Bushel and a Peck

"A Bushel and a Peck" is a popular song written by Frank Loesser and published in 1950. The song was introduced in the Broadway musical Guys and Dolls, which opened at the 46th Street Theater on November 24, 1950. It was performed on stage by Vivian Blaine, who later reprised her role as Miss Adelaide in the 1955 film version of the play. "A Bushel and a Peck," however, was not included in the film, and instead replaced by a new song, titled "Pet Me, Poppa."

A popular recording by Perry Como and Betty Hutton (made on September 12, 1950 and released by RCA Victor Records as catalog number 47-3930) first reached the Billboard magazine charts on October 27, 1950 and lasted 18 weeks on the chart, peaking at #6.[1]

Another contemporary recording that had some popularity was by Margaret Whiting and Jimmy Wakely (recorded on September 13, 1950 and released by Capitol Records as catalog number 1234). The record first reached the Billboard magazine charts on October 20, 1950 and lasted 13 weeks on the chart, peaking at #13.[1]

Doris Day's recording (made on September 13, 1950 and released by Columbia Records as 78rpm catalog number 39008 and 45rpm catalog number 6-838) made the chart on January 5, 1951 at #30 for one week.[1] Many other recording artists also did versions of the song.

On Cash Box magazine's Best-Selling Record charts, where all versions of the song are combined, the song reached #5 on December 2, 1950.

The song gained so much popularity before the musical actually opened that it was moved from its original spot at the start of the second act into the first act.

The number, in context of the show, can be performed either as "Miss Adelaide and her Chick Chick Chickedies," where the girls are dressed in yellow feathers, or as "Miss Adelaide and the Hot Box Farmerettes," where skimpy plantation outfits are worn (often jean cutoffs and checkered racing shirts or short gingham sundresses).

Recorded versions

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Whitburn, Joel (1973). Top Pop Records 1940-1955. Record Research.