Songs That Accidentally Became Popular: Unexpected Hits
In the world of music, certain songs become popular unexpectedly, often due to circumstances that seem unrelated to their creation. These so-called accidental hits often find themselves climbing the charts after they were born as incidental tunes, add-on tracks, or even as background music. Let's explore some intriguing examples of such songs that became household names.
Edward Elgar's "Land of Hope and Glory"
British composer Edward Elgar originally composed “Pomp and Circumstance: March No. 1” as a wordless tune in the early 20th century. It wasn't until 1902 that A. C. Benson added lyrics, transforming the piece into the iconic “Land of Hope and Glory.”
A Melody for “The Prince of Tides”
The theme to the 1983 movie “The Prince of Tides” was so melodic that its director requested lyrics to be added to the melody. The result was a hit single from composer James Newton Howard, performed by Barbra Streisand. The song, titled a different title, eventually achieved significant popularity.
The Main Title to "Superman"
For the film "Superman," composer John Williams provided a memorable theme, but the partnership wasn't limited to just one song. The film's horn counter-melody was particularly appreciated, leading to the creation of another hit song titled “Can You Read My Mind.” Maureen McGovern lent her voice to this memorable tune.
Gustav Holst's "I Vow to Thee My Country"
Gustav Holst's "Jupiter: The Bringer of Jollity" from "The Planets" suite received a brief libretto in a slow section. This became the hymn-like excerpt famously known as “I Vow to Thee My Country,” a song that resonates with many to this day.
Ponchielli's "Dance of the Hours" with a New Life
Ponchielli's “Dance of the Hours” received a comical verbal commentary and was known as “A Letter from Camp.” Soon, these humorous lyrics were adapted into the popular phrase “Hello Mudder Hello Fadder.”
The Stripper: From 1958 to 1973
The song "The Stripper," originally recorded in 1958 by David Rose, was initially intended to be a B-side. However, due to Rose's unavailability, the office staff chose the 1958 track to fill in for the single. This song eventually went on to become a gold record, gaining renewed popularity in 1967-1973 as background music for Noxema's Medicated Shaving Cream commercials, featuring Miss Sweden Gunilla Knutsson as the spokesmodel.
A Boon for High Noon
The theme from the classic Western film “High Noon” initially struggled to achieve mainstream success. The movie itself didn't perform well during test screenings, leading the studio to shelve it. Determined to prevent his work from going to waste, composer Dimitri Tiomkin bought the rights to the tune and released it as a single. The popularity of this song ultimately convinced the studio to release the movie.
In conclusion, unexpected hits like these remind us that music is a versatile and powerful medium, and it has the ability to resonate with audiences in unexpected ways. Whether it's through commercials, film soundtracks, or even simple commercial success, these songs demonstrate the tenacity and widespread appeal of songwriting and performance.