Cradle of Love (Johnny Preston song)

"Cradle of Love" is a song released in 1960 by Johnny Preston written by Jack Fautheree & Wayne Gray.

Background

The lyrics of "Cradle of Love" quote several well known nursery rhymes with variations that tie them to the song's title. The song's chorus quotes Rock-a-bye Baby, the first verse quotes Jack Be Nimble, the second verse quotes Hey Diddle Diddle, and the third verse quotes Jack and Jill.

Chart performance

• In the US, the song spent 15 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at No. 7, and No. 15 on Billboards Hot R&B Sides.
• Outside the US, it went to No. 2 in the United Kingdom, No. 4 on Canada's CHUM Hit Parade, No. 5 on Norway's VG-lista, No. 7 in Australia, and No. 15 in Japan.

Cover versions

• Using the name "Bobby Stevens", Ray Pilgrim recorded a version of the song in 1960.
• Ronnie & Robyn (then Detroit-area high-school kids, b. respectively Robert Arquette and JoAnn Casey) recorded a forceful arrangement in 1966 on HBR 489.

References