My Boy Lollipop (2:00)

“My Boy Lollipop” is a song written in the mid-1950s and usually credited to Robert Spencer, Morris Levy and Johnny Roberts. It was originally recorded by the American singer Barbie Gaye and became a minor Rhythm & Blues hit in late 1956, spelled “My boy lollypop” on the original 78 record label. It is most famous, however, for the 1964 recording by Jamaican singer Millie Small which is considered the first international ska hit.

The song was discovered by Chris Blackwell, who was trying to find songs for Millie Small to record. Millie’s version was recorded in a ska/bluebeat-style, and became her breakthrough blockbuster hit in Britain, reaching #2. It also went to #1 in Ireland and #2 in the United States. “My Boy Lollipop” was the first record to help Blackwell’s Jamaican label, Island Records, make millions. With over seven million copies sold, it remains one of the best-selling reggae/ska hits.

The record’s arrangement is credited to Ernest Ranglin, who also plays guitar on the recording. A persistent rumor claims the not yet famous Rod Stewart performed the harmonica solo on the recording; Contrary to legend, the harmonica player was not Rod Stewart but Pete Hogman of The Pete Hogman Blues Band and Hoggie & The Sharpetones. Hogman told us: “The backing for ‘My Boy Lollypop’ was recorded live in the studio. I played harmonica and Ernest Ranglin played a black Gibson. Several people have claimed to have played the harmonica break but I can promise you it was me, and it was all recorded in London.