MOLLY MAE, The Crests, (Coed #511) 1959

MOLLY MAE, The Crests, (Coed #511) 1959
Flipside: FLOWER OF LOVE - Here is another really great unknown ballad from my music collection. The Crests had 10 songs charted nationally on Billboard. Their biggest and considered their signature song was “16 CANDLES” (Coed #506). It charted February 1959 for 21 weeks and reached #2, staying #2 for 2 weeks. It was a giant hit for Johnny Maestro & The Crests!

Billie Dawn Smith (from Brooklyn, New York), co-owner of Hull records (1955) and Coed Records (1958), was also a singer/songwriter and arranger.

He had over 700 songs to his credit, including “STEP BY STEP” which he co-wrote. Other Crests’ songs he has credits for: “THE ANGELS LISTENED IN” & “TROUBLE IN PARADISE”. Some notable artists who recorded Billie Dawn Smith’s songs were Nat King Cole, Perry Como, Aretha Franklin, The Heartbeats, The Passions, The Avons, The Platters and Percy Sledge.

The late Johnny Maestro was a dear friend, and I had the privilege of producing him and The Brooklyn Bridge many times in my 40 plus years in the music business. I was the first promoter/producer to bring them to Atlantic City, New Jersey to headline in the Casino showrooms. Some very special memories for me.

“MOLLY MAE” is one of Mrs. Mint’s favorite ballads by Johnny Maestro & The Crests. This upload is dedicated to her. We both have very fond memories of Johnny Maestro & The Brooklyn Bridge members. Johnny, Fred and Les, you are all sadly missed!

Enjoy this really great unknown ballad “MOLLY MAE” by The Crests with the unmistakable lead voice of the late “GREAT” Johnny Maestro!