Have you ever experienced the real deal—something you’ve only heard through commercials and classic TV shows?
“Mr. Sandman, bring me a dream…” The year is 1958. Dwight D. Eisenhower is President, and rock & roll is just beginning to find its voice. But don’t tell that to The Chordettes. This talented group from Sheboygan—Janet, Alice, Lynn, and Jinny—took the airwaves by storm with sweet harmonies in hits like “Mr. Sandman” and “Lollipop,” delivering mostly a cappella performances that enchanted listeners.
In a rare televised appearance, The Chordettes—often compared to a barbershop quartet—showcase their pitch-perfect synchronization. Remember those iconic “bum-bum-bums”? Each “bum” was sung by a different member in rapid-fire succession. The precision? Incredible.
While the playful lyrics coyly ask Mr. Sandman to deliver a dreamy, handsome companion, the group’s graceful presence and elegant gowns evoke a nostalgic charm and refined glamour of a bygone era.
In a whimsical twist for the performance, a youthful and charming “Mr. Sandman” actually appears on screen to answer their call—a humorous visual that contrasts delightfully with the romantic tune.
A fun bit of trivia: Phil Everly of The Everly Brothers later married the daughter of Chordette Janet. A true match made in musical heaven. The Chordettes also earned a special place in pop culture history when they appeared on the very first nationally televised episode of American Bandstand.
Although their version of “Mr. Sandman” became the most beloved, it wasn’t the original. That credit goes to Vaughn Monroe and his orchestra, who recorded it in 1954. But The Chordettes’ rendition, recorded later that same year, became the definitive version—charming, catchy, and utterly timeless.
One viewer put it perfectly: “No profanity. No blaring beats. No auto-tune. Just pure music.”
Another reminisced, “My grandma used to sing this to me. She’d share stories of being a wild teenager in the ’50s. She’s my best friend—and I’m grateful I inherited her love for that era.”
