First recorded (as “Cerisiers Roses et Pommiers Blancs”) by André Claveau (1950).
Also recorded by Tino Rossi (1950), Léo Marjane (1950).
Hit versions by Perez Prado (US #1/UK #1 1955), Eddie Calvert (UK #1 1955), Alan Dale (US #14 1955), Modern Romance (UK #15 1982).
Advertisement for “Cerisier Roses et Pommier Blanc”, ca. 1950, recorded by André Clabeau.
From the wiki: “‘Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White’ (aka ‘Cerezo Rosa’, ‘Ciliegi Rosa’, ‘Chanson rumba’ or ‘Gummy Mambo’) is the English-language version of ‘Cerisiers Roses et Pommiers Blancs’, a popular French song with music by Louiguy (Luis Guglielmi, best known for composing ‘La Vien Rose’), written by him with lyrics by Jacques Larue. First recorded in France by André Claveau in 1950, ‘Cerisiers Roses …’ was also recorded the same year by Tino Rossi, and Léo Marjane.
“The song crossed the Atlantic Ocean via its inclusion in the soundtrack to the adventure motion picture Underwater!, released by RKO Films in February 1955, appearing first in the opening credits as a lush orchestral instrumental arranged by Roy Webb; later in the movie performed by ‘mambo king’ Perez Prado Y Su Orchestra while star Jane Russell is seen dancing.
“It was this instrumental arrangement, featuring trumpeter Billy Regis’ ‘sliding’ trumpet, that ranked ‘Cherry Pink …’ as the most memorable song of 1955 according to Billboard magazine, spending 10 weeks at #1 on Hot 100. The most popular vocal version in the US the same year was by Alan Dale, using an arrangement that mirrored Prado’s recording – ‘sliding’ trumpet, included – peaking #14 on the chart in 1955.
“In the United Kingdom, two versions of the song went to number one in 1955. The first was the version by Prado, which reached #1 for two weeks. Less than a month later, a version by the British trumpeter Eddie Calvert reached #1 on the UK Singles chart for four weeks.
“In 1982, the British pop group Modern Romance (featuring John Du Prez on trumpet) had a UK Top 20 hit with the vocal version of the song based on the Prado Perez arrangement.”
Tino Rossi, “Cerisiers Roses et Pommiers Blancs” (1950):
Léo Marjane, “Cerisiers Roses et Pommiers Blancs” (1950):
Opening theme, “Cherry Pink (and Apple Blossom White)” from the motion picture Underwater! (1955):
Perez Prado, “Cherry Pink (and Apple Blossom White)” (1955):
Alan Dale, “Cherry Pink (and Apple Blossom White)” (1955):
Eddie Calvert, “Cherry Pink (and Apple Blossom White)” (1955):
Modern Romance, “Cherry Pink (and Apple Blossom White)” Top of the Pops TV performance (1982):