“Mr. Sandman, bring me a dream…”
In 1958, as President Dwight D. Eisenhower led the United States and early rock ’n’ roll was beginning to reshape popular music, another sound was still captivating radio audiences: close-harmony vocal groups. Among the most beloved of them were The Chordettes, a four-woman ensemble from Sheboygan, Wisconsin, known for their precise harmonies and polished style.
The group — Janet Ertel, Alice Mae Buschmann, Lynn Evans, and Jinny Osborn — became household names with hits such as Mr. Sandman and Lollipop. Their performances, often compared to a female barbershop quartet, showcased remarkable vocal control and timing.
In one memorable live television appearance, the singers delivered their famous “bum-bum-bum-bum” sequence with flawless coordination. Each note was sung by a different member in rapid succession, creating the illusion of a single, fast-moving voice. The technical precision behind the effect remains impressive even by modern standards.
The visual presentation reflected the era’s formality: elegant floor-length gowns, composed stage presence, and carefully choreographed movements. A playful skit was added to the broadcast in which “Mr. Sandman” himself appears, portrayed as a young, handsome character answering their musical request, adding light humor to the performance.
More than six decades later, Mr. Sandman continues to evoke the innocence and optimism of post-war America, preserving the legacy of The Chordettes as one of the defining vocal groups of the late 1950s.