Here are a few vocal renditions of songs that are usually delivered instrumentally.
Margie Singleton - Magic Star (Tel-Star) (1:47) - Believe it or not, Bobby Rydell also cut a vocal version of this one.
Sonny James - Apache (2:37) - For the unadulterated story of Apache and all its cultural implications go check out the amazing write-up posted on Soul Sides a couple of years back. The one Apache wrinkle that goes unexplored there, though, is the lyrical approach taken by Sonny James on this 1961 RCA release.
Bill Doggett (with vocal by Tommy Brown) - Honky Tonk (2:25) - Tommy Brown was a major player on the R&B scene in Atlanta in the early 1950s, right alongside legends like Little Richard and Billy Wright. Angel Baby and Dick Blackburn did a mighty fine interview with vocalist Brown for a Lost In Paradise podcast, which you can listen to over here.
See also Sammy Davis Jr. singing the Hawaii Five-O theme.
http://apps.wbez.org/blog/?p=4227
Posted by: Andy Lester | July 29, 2009 at 01:01 AM
Andy - that was great.....thanks for the tip!
Posted by: Listener Greg G. | July 29, 2009 at 08:37 AM
There's also a spectacular vocal version of Telstar (called "The Haunting Theme from Mondo Video") by Julius LaRosa (with, um, different lyrics) over the end credits of Michael O'Donahue's "Mr. Mike's Mondo Video." There's a brief excerpt of the song during the opening to, about 3:10 into this clip:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Uzyd4Yv8PQ
Posted by: Jeff Gee | July 29, 2009 at 09:51 AM
Crap. You ube started playing another clip while I was posting and I ended up posting the wrong URL. It's actually:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEcj4RJcSs
Posted by: Jeff Gee | July 29, 2009 at 09:56 AM
Despite what that Soul Sides writer said, Geronimo was never commanded to jump on it in Apache (Jump On It). The people who were to jump on it were Tonto, Kemo Sabe, Custer, and Apache.
Posted by: Listener Ralphine | July 29, 2009 at 10:41 AM
The Fat Boys did a rap version of Wipe Out, with lyrics, and backing vocals from the Beach Boys.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gt0LBlH3dAc
Posted by: Donnie B. | July 29, 2009 at 12:26 PM
James Brown's "Let's Make It" is another vocal version of "Honky Tonk."
Posted by: Douglas | July 29, 2009 at 12:29 PM
You should all get a copy of Gaylord's 2006 Marathon Premium AT A LOSS FOR WORDS, which collects 27 of these obscurities, including the aforementioned SAmmy version of Hawaii 5-0 and my fave, the Mission Impossible Theme by the Kane Triplets.
Posted by: jhhl | July 29, 2009 at 09:47 PM
Don't forget Nick the Lounge Singer's vocal version of "Star Wars" (you know, live From the Powder Room at Beautiful Meatloaf Mountain…)
Posted by: Brian C. | July 30, 2009 at 10:55 AM
Some of Link Ray's instros got lyric-isized: Adam & The Ants turned "Rumble" into "Killer In The Home," and The Cramps' "Sunglasses After Dark" was originally Link's "Fat Back."
Posted by: Mr Fab | July 30, 2009 at 01:30 PM
There is also a version of Telstar/ Magic Star by the Double IV.
Posted by: spacebrother | July 31, 2009 at 04:02 PM
I've heard a version of Cliff Nobles and Co.'s "The Horse" w/ words. Wish I had a copy.
Posted by: Matt | August 04, 2009 at 02:48 PM
A less obscure (and less awful) example is NRBQ's version of Wild Weekend, originally an instrumental by the Rockin' Rebels.
Posted by: Seth | August 04, 2009 at 04:09 PM
How can I get a copy of the Bill Doggett Vocal Honky Tonk? Can't find it anywhere.
Posted by: Ray Rivera | July 16, 2010 at 06:22 PM
Betsy Brye did a vocal version of sleepwalk !
Posted by: John Dolan | December 07, 2012 at 09:22 AM
A few more vocal instrumentals ...
Walk dont run Tommy Leonetti
Moonlight serenade The Rivieras
Stranger on the shore Andy Williams
Because theyre young Jimmy Darren
My last date with you Skeeter Davis
Soft summer Breeze The Diamonds
Posted by: John Dolan | December 07, 2012 at 09:29 AM