Songs and monologues of Stanley Holloway

The English comic singer, monologist and actor, Stanley Holloway (1890–1982), had a 54-year recording career, beginning in the age of acoustic recording, and ending in the era of the stereophonic LP. He mainly recorded songs from musicals and revues, and he recited many monologues on various subjects.[1] Most prominent among his recordings (aside from his participation in recordings of My Fair Lady) are those of three series of monologues that he made at intervals throughout his career. They featured Private Sam Small, young Albert Ramsbottom and his family, and historical events such as the Battle of Hastings, Magna Carta and the Battle of Trafalgar.[1] In all, his discography runs to 130 recordings, spanning the period 1924 to 1978.[2] A review in The Gramophone of one of his 1957 albums containing recordings of his old "concert party" songs commented, "what a fine voice he has and how well he can use it – diction, phrasing, range and the interpretative insight of the artist".[3]

An elderly man sitting at a chess board wearing glasses smiling broadly at the camera
Stanley Holloway in 1974

Recordings

NumberDetailsRecent album on which featuredYear Recorded
The Missus and IBy John C. Holloway. from The Co-OptimistsHighlights From The Co-Optimists (2008)1922[4]
The CobblerBy Herman Lohr. from The Co-OptimistsHighlights From The Co-Optimists (2008)1923
Tommy The WhistlerBy Ernest Melvin. from The Co-OptimistsHighlights From The Co-Optimists (2008)1923
The Wheel TapperBy Wolseley Charles. from The Co-OptimistsHighlights From The Co-Optimists (2008)1923
Pirate SongBy H F Gilbert. from The Co-OptimistsHighlights From The Co-Optimists (2008)1923
Cloze propsBy Wolseley Charles. from The Co-OptimistsHighlights From The Co-Optimists (2008)1924
AlouetteBy E. Melvin. Duet With Gilbert Childs from The Co-OptimistsHighlights From The Co-Optimists (2008)1924
London TownBy Melville Gideon. from The Co-OptimistsHighlights From The Co-Optimists (2008)1924[5]
In an old World GardenDuet With Melville Gideon.Highlights From The Co-Optimists (2008)1924[6]
Memory StreetBy, and sung in duet with, Elsa Macfarlane. from The Co-OptimistsHighlights From The Co-Optimists (2008)1924[7]
Down Love LaneBy, and sung in duet with, Elsa Macfarlane. from The Co-OptimistsHighlights From The Co-Optimists (2008)1924[4]
Till the Wheel Comes OffFrom The Co-OptimistsHighlights From The Co-Optimists (2008)1925[8]
Roundabouts and SwingsFrom The Co-OptimistsHighlights From The Co-Optimists (2008)1925[8]
Sometimes I'm Happy, Sometimes I'm BlueBy Vincent Youmans from the musical Hit the DeckStanley Holloway At His Very Best (2008)1927
Join the NavyFrom Hit the DeckStanley Holloway At His Very Best (2008)1927
Fancy Me Just Meeting YouFrom Hit the Deck1927
Sam, Sam, Pick oop thy MusketBy Stanley HollowayStanley Holloway:The Essential Collection (2007)1928
Song of the SeaFrom the musical Song of the SeaStanley Holloway The Best Of (2002)1928
Lovely ladiesDuet with Claude Hulbert from Song of the Sea1928[9]
Rude SailorFrom Song of the Seac.1929[10]
Little Palc.1929[10]
My Old DutchOriginally performed by Albert ChevalierBeat The Retreat (2008)c.1929[11]
Come to the Cookhouse Doorc.1929[12]
Coalingc.1929[12]
Old SamBy Stanley HollowayStanley Holloway:The Essential Collection (2007)1930
Alt! Who Goes There?By Stanley HollowayStanley Holloway:The Essential Collection (2007)1930
I Thowt Mebbe I Would And I DidBy Ernest MelvinStanley Holloway At His Very Best (2008)1930
What Care I?By Billy MayerlStanley Holloway:The Essential Collection (2007)1930
Beat the Retreat on thy DrumBy R. P. Weston and Bert LeeStanley Holloway:The Essential Collection (2007)1931
One Each Apiece All RoundBy Stanley HollowayStanley Holloway:The Essential Collection (2007)1931
Brahn BootsBy Weston and LeeStanley Holloway:The Essential Collection (2007)1931
The Lion and AlbertBy Marriott EdgarStanley Holloway:The Essential Collection (2007)1932
Hi-De-HiStanley Holloway The Best Of (2002)1932
Penny On The DrumBy Stanley HollowayPenny On The Drum (2006)1932
Three Ha'pence a FootBy Marriott EdgarStanley Holloway:The Essential Collection (2007)1932
A Dinder CourtshipBy Frederic Weatherly and Eric CoatesBeat The Retreat (2008)1932
Onaway awake BelovedFrom Hiawatha's Wedding Feast music by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor based on the poem The Song of Hiawatha by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow1932
Pass Everyman1932
King JohnBy Stanley Holloway1933
Sam's MedalBy Mabel Constanduros and Michael HoganStanley Holloway:The Essential Collection (2007)1933
Old Sam's PartyBy Mabel ConstandurosStanley Holloway:The Essential Collection (2007)1933
Runcorn FerryBy Marriott EdgarStanley Holloway:The Essential Collection (2007)1933
Many Happy ReturnsBy Archie de BearStanley Holloway:The Essential Collection (2007)1933
Radio Stars In A JamHolloway attempts to recite "Pick oop thy Musket" but is interrupted by, amongst others, Clapham & Dwyer, Elsie & Doris Waters, Will Hay and Tommy Handley1933[13]
Gunner JoeBy Marriott EdgarStanley Holloway:The Essential Collection (2007)1933
With Her Head Tucked Underneath Her ArmBy R.P Weston and Bert LeeStanley Holloway:The Essential Collection (2007)1934
Marksman SamBy Marriott Edgar and Stanley HollowayStanley Holloway:The Essential Collection (2007)1934
Sam Goes to ItBy Stanley HollowayStanley Holloway:The Essential Collection (2007)1934
Signalman SamBy Stanley Holloway1934
The Return of AlbertBy Marriott EdgarStanley Holloway:The Essential Collection (2007)1934
Hand in HandBy Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II from the musical Three SistersPenny On The Drum (2006)1934
Keep SmilingBy Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II from the musical Three SistersStanley Holloway - Keep Smiling (2006)1934
Sam's ParrottBy V.F. Stevens and Lauri Bowen1934
The BeefeaterBy Weston and LeeStanley Holloway:The Essential Collection (2007)1934
The Famous Name of SmallBy V.F. Stevens and Lauri Bowen1935
Sam Drummed Outby Weston and LeeStanley Holloway:The Essential Collection (2007)1935
Sam's SturgeonBy Ashley SterneStanley Holloway:The Essential Collection (2007)1935
Sam Small at WestminsterBy Stanley HollowayBeat The Retreat (2008)1935[14]
St. George and the DragonBy Weston and Lee1935
Down BelowBy Sydney Carter1936
Mr. & Mrs. Ramsbottom Went OffBy Marriott Edgar; accompanied by Carroll Gibbons1936
The Jubilee SovrinBy Marriott EdgarStanley Holloway:The Essential Collection (2007)1937
The 'Ole in the ArkBy Marriott EdgarStanley Holloway:The Essential Collection (2007)1937
Albert and the 'EadsmanBy Marriott EdgarStanley Holloway:The Essential Collection (2007)1937
The Battle of HastingsBy Marriott Edgar1937
Jonah and the GrampusBy Marriott EdgarStanley Holloway:The Essential Collection (2007)1937
My Word, You Do Look QueerBy R. P. Weston and Bert Lee1938
The Parson of PuddleBy Greatrex NewmanStanley Holloway:The Essential Collection (2007)1938
Green-Eyed DragonBy Greatrex Newman and Wolseley Charles1939
Old Sam's Christmas PuddingBy Marriott Edgar. Written especially for the 1939 Christmas pantomime Mother Goose in which Holloway was starringStanley Holloway:The Essential Collection (2007)1939
The Recumbent PostureBy Marriott EdgarStanley Holloway:The Essential Collection (2007)1939
The Negro PreacherStanley Holloway:The Essential Collection (2007)1939
Albert EvacuatedBy Stanley Holloway. Tells the story of child evacuation during the warStanley Holloway:The Essential Collection (2007)1940
Yorkshire Pudden!By Weston and LeePenny On The Drum (2006)1940
Careless TalkDuet with Leslie HensonStanley Holloway:The Essential Collection (2007)1940
Marksman SamBy Marriott EdgarPenny On The Drum (2006)1940
Pukka SahibBy Reginald Purdell, based on The Green Eye of the Yellow God by J. Milton Hayes1940
The Return of AlbertBy Stanley LupinoStanley Holloway:The Essential Collection (2007)1940
Sam's Christmas ShoppingBy Pulham J. Sherman1940
The Food demonstrationRecorded on behalf of the British government in aid of the war effortc.1940
Lend to DefendRecorded on behalf of the British government in aid of the war effortc.1940
Save your way to VictoryRecorded on behalf of the British government in aid of the war effort1940
Sam Goes to ItBy Marriott EdgarStanley Holloway At His Very Best (2008)1941
No Like-a da WarPiano accompaniment by W.T. BestStanley Holloway At His Very Best (2008)1941
UppardsBy Marriott EdgarStanley Holloway:The Essential Collection (2007)1941
The Future Mrs 'awkinsOriginally performed by Albert Chevalier, 1898Stanley Holloway:The Essential Collection (2007)1942
Guarding the GasworksBy Stanley HollowayStanley Holloway:The Essential Collection (2007)1942
My MissusStanley Holloway:The Essential Collection (2007)1943
Don't waste breadby Stanley Holloway. Recorded on behalf of the British government in aid of the war effort1943
Albert and His SavingsBy Marriott Edgar. Recorded on behalf of the British government in aid of the war effortStanley Holloway:The Essential Collection (2007)1944
How long hast thou been Grave MakerBy William Shakespeare with Laurence Olivier. Taken from the film Hamlet released the same yearStanley Holloway:The Essential Collection (2007)1948
Albert Down UnderBy Stanley Holloway especially for his tour of Australia.[15]Not released1948
Sam's Guggle BoxBy Stan Masters and Harry Stogden1951
A Midsummer Nights DreamBy William Shakespeare. Audiobook, featuring Moira Shearer, Robert Helpmann and Micheal BenthallA Midsummer Nights Dream by William Shakespeare (2009)1954
Going To The DerbyUnknownStanley Holloway: Champagne Charlie (2011)1954
My Lord TomnoddyBy R. H. Barham c.1820Stanley Holloway: Champagne Charlie (2011)1954
Act on the Square BoysWritten and originally performed by Alfred Vance in 1866Stanley Holloway: Champagne Charlie (2011)1954
If I Had A DonkeyUnknownStanley Holloway: Champagne Charlie (2011)1954
The Workhouse BoyUnknownStanley Holloway: Champagne Charlie (2011)1954
Married To A MermaidBy James Thomson and David Mallet c.1740Stanley Holloway: Champagne Charlie (2011)1954
A Motto For Every ManBy D.K.Gavan; first performed by Harry CliftonStanley Holloway: Champagne Charlie (2011)1954
Shelling Green PeasWritten and performed by Harry Clifton in 1865Stanley Holloway: Champagne Charlie (2011)1954
Hey! Betty MartinUnknownStanley Holloway: Champagne Charlie (2011)1954
All Around My HatUnknown c.1820Stanley Holloway: Champagne Charlie (2011)1954
Poor Old HorseBy Billy Patterson, 1868Stanley Holloway: Champagne Charlie (2011)1954
Champagne CharlieWritten and performed by George Leybourne in 1867Stanley Holloway: Champagne Charlie (2011)1954
With a Little Bit of LuckBy Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe, from My Fair LadyMy Fair Lady Soundtrack (Original Cast) - 19951956
Get Me to the Church on TimeBy Lerner and Loewe, from My Fair LadyMy Fair Lady Soundtrack (Original Cast) - 19951956
Long Ago In Alcala[3]Written by Frederic Edward Weatherly & Adrian Ross. Music by André Messager. For the 1894 opera Mirette. With Arthur Lief (conductor and pianist) and the Concert Party Four. Recorded in New York, November 1957.The Concert Party -19581957
On Strike[3]By Charles Pond 1906. With Arthur Lief (conductor and pianist) and the Concert Party Four. Recorded in New York, November 1957.The Concert Party -19581957
Captain Mac[3]By P.J. O'Reilly and Wilfred Sanderson. With Arthur Lief (conductor and pianist) and the Concert Party Four. Recorded in New York, November 1957.The Concert Party -19581957
The Floral Dance[3]By Kate Emily Barkley ("Katie") Moss. With Arthur Lief (conductor and pianist) and the Concert Party Four. Recorded in New York, November 1957.The Concert Party -19581957
The Christening[3]By George Randell. With Arthur Lief (conductor and pianist) and the Concert Party Four. Recorded in New York, November 1957.The Concert Party -19581957
Albert's Reunion[3]By Stanley Holloway. With Arthur Lief (conductor and pianist) and the Concert Party Four. Recorded in New York, November 1957.The Concert Party -19581957
The Trumpeter[3]By J. Francis Barron and J. Airlie Dix. With Arthur Lief (conductor and pianist) and the Concert Party Four. Recorded in New York, November 1957.The Concert Party -19581957
The King Who Wanted Jam For Tea[3]By Greatrex Newman and Wolseley Charles. With Arthur Lief (conductor and pianist) and the Concert Party Four. Recorded in New York, November 1957.The Concert Party -19581957
I Thought Mebbe I Would-an' I Did[3]By Ernest Melvin (1922). Previously recorded by Holloway In 1930. With Arthur Lief (conductor and pianist) and the Concert Party Four. Recorded in New York, November 1957.The Concert Party -19581957
The Street Watchman's Story[3]By Charles J. Winter 1910; first recorded by Bransby Williams c.1914. With Arthur Lief (conductor and pianist) and the Concert Party Four. Recorded in New York, November 1957.The Concert Party -19581957
The Green-Eyed Dragon[3]By Greatrex Newman and Wolseley Charles. With Arthur Lief (conductor and pianist) and the Concert Party Four. Recorded in New York, November 1957.The Concert Party -19581957
Up From Somerset[3]By Frederic Edward Weatherly. With Arthur Lief (conductor and pianist) and the Concert Party Four. Recorded in New York, November 1957.The Concert Party -19581957
Sam's Christmas Pudding[3]By Marriott Edgar. Previously recorded by Holloway in 1939. With Arthur Lief (conductor and pianist) and the Concert Party Four. Recorded in New York, November 1957.The Concert Party -19581957
Four Jolly Sailormen[3]By Edward German. With Arthur Lief (conductor and pianist) and the Concert Party Four. Recorded in New York, November 1957.The Concert Party -19581957
Bouncing BallBy Milton Kaye; with the Gobblegook Symphony OrchestraGobbledegook Songs (1957)1957
The GobbledegookBy Milton Kaye; with the Gobblegook S. OGobbledegook Songs (1957)1957
The Lion TamerBy Milton Kaye; with the Gobblegook S. OGobbledegook Songs (1957)1957
Sven SvensenBy Milton Kaye; with the Gobblegook S. OGobbledegook Songs (1957)1957
The Frog, The Duck, The FishBy Milton Kaye; with the Gobblegook S. OGobbledegook Songs (1957)1957
Wooden ShoesBy Milton Kaye; with the Gobblegook S. OGobbledegook Songs (1957)1957
Ump-Diddle-DiddleBy Milton Kaye; with the Gobblegook S. OGobbledegook Songs (1957)1957
The Elephant AlphabetBy Milton Kaye; with the Gobblegook S. OGobbledegook Songs (1957)1957
Pete Petersen's HouseBy Milton Kaye; with the Gobblegook S. OGobbledegook Songs (1957)1957
The Longest TrainBy Milton Kaye; with the Gobblegook S. OGobbledegook Songs (1957)1957
Why the Giraffe LaughedBy Milton Kaye; with the Gobblegook S. OGobbledegook Songs (1957)1957
The Dancing BearBy Milton Kaye; with the Gobblegook S. OGobbledegook Songs (1957)1957
I Live In Trafalgar Square[16]By C.W. Murphy, first performed by Morny Cash in 1908Let's Have A Banana (2009)1958
Hello! Hello! Who's Your Lady Friend?[16]By David Worton & Bert Lee; sung by Harry Fragson, 1911Let's Have A Banana (2009)1958
The Little Shirt My Mother Made for Me[16]First recorded by Marty RobbinsLet's Have A Banana (2009)1958
You Can Do a Lot of Things at the Seaside[16]Written and originally performed by Mark Sheridan, 1901Let's Have A Banana (2009)1958
It'll All be the Same (A Hundred Years from Now)[16]Unknown. Written in 1884Let's Have A Banana (2009)1958
My Word, You Do Look Queer[16]By Weston and LeeLet's Have A Banana (2009)1958
And Yet I Don't Know![16]by R. P. Weston and Bert Lee – 1922Let's Have A Banana (2009)1958
I'm Shy, Mary Ellen, Im Shy[16]Written and performed by Jack Pleasants in 1912Let's Have A Banana (2009)1958
Sweeney Todd the Barber[16]By Weston and Lee, 1935Let's Have A Banana (2009)1958
Oh, I Must Go Home Tonight![16]First performed by Billy Williams in 1908Let's Have A Banana (2009)1958
Eving's Dorg Ospital[16]By Stanley HollowayLet's Have A Banana (2009)1958
Harry Champion Medley[16]Includes "I'm Henery the Eighth, I Am", "Any Old Iron", "A Little Bit of Cucumber" and "Boiled Beef and Carrots"Let's Have A Banana (2009)1958
The Spaniard That Blighted My Life[16]First recorded by Billy Merson in 1911Let's Have A Banana (2009)1958
Let's All Go Down the Strand[16]Words and music by Harry Castling and C. W. MurphyLet's Have A Banana (2009)1958
My Old DutchBy A.C. Ingle, first performed by Albert Chevalier in 1910Stanley Holloway At His Very Best (2008)1958
Phrenology[17]By W.S.GilbertBab Ballads And Cautionary Tales (1958)1959
The Yarn of the Nancy Bell[17]By W.S.GilbertBab Ballads And Cautionary Tales (1958)1959
The Sensation Captain[17]By W.S.GilbertBab Ballads And Cautionary Tales (1958)1959
Babette's Love[17]By W.S.GilbertBab Ballads And Cautionary Tales (1958)1959
Ben Allah Achmet[17]By W.S.GilbertBab Ballads And Cautionary Tales (1958)1959
Peter the Wag[17]By W.S.GilbertBab Ballads And Cautionary Tales (1958)1959
The Ape and the Lady[17]By W.S.GilbertBab Ballads And Cautionary Tales (1958)1959
A Dark Girl Dressed in BlueBy Harry Clifton (1868)1959
Growing Old1959
MacbethBy William Shakespeare. Featuring Anthony Quayle, Ian Holm and Robert HardyMacbeth by William Shakespeare ( 2012)1960
Petticoat LanePerformed by HollowayEMI Comedy Classics: Stanley Holloway (1991)1960
Sing a Song of LondonWritten and originally performed by Ambrose1960
Tommy the WhistlerBy Ernest Melvin. This Co-Optimists song was previously recorded by Holloway in 1923EMI Comedy Classics: Stanley Holloway (1991)1960
If I Should Plant a Tiny Seed of loveFirst performed by Frank Summers (1909)Stanley Holloway At His Very Best (2008)1960[18]
Any Old IronBy Charles Collins and Terry Sheppard first performed by Harry Champion in 1911Stanley Holloway At His Very Best (2008)1960
A Bachelor GayBy James W. Tate (1916).Stanley Holloway At His Very Best (2008)1960
Where Did You Get that HatWords and music by James Rolmaz, c.1888Stanley Holloway At His Very Best (2008)1960
If You Were the Only Girl in the WorldBy Clifford Grey recorded by George Robey in 1916Stanley Holloway At His Very Best (2008)1960
Two Lovely Black EyesPerformed by Charles Coborn 1886Stanley Holloway At His Very Best (2008)1960
The Galloping MajorOriginally performed by George Bastow 1906Stanley Holloway At His Very Best (2008)1960
Join in the Chorus/Lily of LagunaBy Leslie Stuart, originally performed by Eugene Stratton in 1898Stanley Holloway At His Very Best (2008)1960
While Strolling in the ParkBy Alfred Vance in 1868Stanley Holloway At His Very Best (2008)1960
Down at the Old Bull and BushBy Billy Murray. Popularised by Florrie Forde. The song was written about The Old Bull and Bush public house in Hampstead Heath, LondonStanley Holloway At His Very Best (2008)1960
With Aspect SternFrom "The Mikado" By W.S.Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan; with Groucho MarxGroucho Marx in the Mikado (2012)1960
The Criminal CriedFrom "The Mikado" By W.S.Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan; with Groucho Marx and Sharon RandalGroucho Marx in the Mikado (2012)1960
The Flowers That Bloom In The SpringFrom "The Mikado" By W.S.Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan; with Groucho Marx, Barbara Meister, Robert Rounseville and Sharon RandalGroucho Marx in the Mikado (2012)1960
Pick a pocket or twoFrom Oliver!, words and music by Lionel Bart; with studio castOliver! London Studio Cast Soundtrack (1993) - LP1961
Reviewing the SituationFrom Oliver!', words and music by Lionel Bart; with studio castOliver! London Studio Cast Soundtrack (1993) - LP1961
Be Back SoonFrom Oliver!', words and music by Lionel Bart; with studio castOliver! London Studio Cast Soundtrack (1993) - LP1961
I'd do AnythingFrom Oliver!, words and music by Lionel Bart; with studio castOliver! London Studio Cast Soundtrack (1993) - LP1961
The Third SamBy Stanley Holloway1962[19]
Hello, Dolly!by Jerry Herman1965
As Time Goes ByBy Herman Hupfeld1965
London PrideBy Noël CowardMore Monologues and Songs (2002)1965
I'm Old FashionedBy Johnny Mercer and Jerome Kern1965
FishingBy Leslie Sarony1965
That's Entertainment!By Arthur Schwartz and Howard Dietz1965
Comedy Tonightfrom A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum by Stephen Sondheim; originally performed by Zero MostelEMI Comedy Classics: Stanley Holloway (1991)1965
The King's New ClothesBy Frank Loesser1965
Try to RememberBy Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt1965
Burlington BertieBy Harry B. NorrisMore Monologues and Songs (2002)1965
Summer Green - Winter WhiteBy Cyril Ornadel and Norman Newell1965
Hey, Look Me OverBy Carolyn Leigh and Cy Coleman1965
It Were All Green HillsBy Stanley Holloway1974
My Word, You Do Look QueerPreviously recorded by Holloway in 19581975
Marksman SamBy Marriott Edgar and Stanley Holloway. Previously recorded by Holloway in 19341975
The Parson Of PuddleBy Greatrex Newman. Previously recorded by Holloway in 19381975
Gunner JoeBy Marriott Edgar. Previously recorded by Holloway in 19331975
Hand In HandBy Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II. Previously recorded by Holloway in 19341975
And Yet I Don't KnowPreviously recorded by Holloway in 19581975
Albert's ReunionBy Stanley Holloway. Previously recorded by Holloway in 19571975
The Magna CharterBy Marriott Edgar1975
Recumbent PostureBy Marriott Edgar. Previously recorded by Holloway in 19391975
Life Is What You Make It1975

Original albums

Compilation albums

See also

References