15 Best Songs From 1946

1946 was a year filled with iconic hits that defined a golden age of music. From the smooth crooning of Frank Sinatra to the enchanting melodies of Nat “King” Cole, these classic tracks continue to captivate listeners even decades later.

This blog post has compiled a list of the best songs from 1946.

“Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” by Vaughn Monroe

Song Year: 1946

“Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” by Vaughn Monroe is a timeless holiday classic that has remained popular for over seven decades. Written in July 1945 by Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne, this song was originally recorded by Monroe and his orchestra at the end of that year.

This festive tune embodies the spirit of winter with its upbeat melody and joyful lyrics. The song's popularity remains constant every year during the holiday season, with people often singing along to its catchy chorus.

“Prisoner Of Love” by Perry Como

Song Year: 1946

“Prisoner of Love” by Perry Como is a timeless classic that still resonates with music lovers today. As one of the most popular hits in 1946, this romantic ballad showcases Como's smooth and tender voice, which helped solidify his position as a top crooner.

This song was originally composed by Russ Columbo and Clarence. Still, Como's rendition alongside Russ Case and his Orchestra on RCA records truly made “Prisoner of Love” famous.

Released in March 1946, it quickly rose through the charts and landed among the top 30 songs listed in Peatman's survey for that year.

“Christmas Song“ by Nat “King” Cole

Song Year: 1946

“The Christmas Song” is a timeless classic that has become a staple of the holiday season. First recorded by Nat “King” Cole in 1946 with his trio, the song's soft and melodic vocals have been a favorite for generations.

Written by Mel Torme' and Bob Wells, this song was arranged beautifully by The King Cole Trio.

Since its release over seventy years ago, “The Christmas Song” remains one of the most popular and beloved holiday tunes ever made. With its message of peace and joy during the festive season, this classic still touches hearts today as it did back then.

“The Gypsy” by Ink Spots

Song Year: 1946

The Gypsy, a classic hit song from 1946, was performed by the iconic vocal group the Ink Spots. This talented quartet featured Bill Kenny, Bill Bowen, Charlie Fuqua, and Herb Kenny.

As part of their career-defining album “Their Greatest Hits,” The Gypsy showcased everything fans had grown to love about this incredible musical group. With memorable lyrics and smooth transitions between harmonies and solos, it's no wonder this track has continued to resonate with music lovers decades later.

“To Each His Own” by Eddy Howard

Song Year: 1946

Released in 1946, “To Each His Own” by Eddy Howard together with his Orchestra and became an iconic song of the year. The romantic ballad resonated with audiences as it spent about five non-consecutive weeks at number one on the pop chart in the U.S., solidifying its place among the best songs from that era.

Eddy Howard's rich vocals brought life to this timeless classic, which was later included in a list of 100 greatest songs from 1946. In addition to “To Each His Own,” Howard found success with other chart entries like “It's No Sin” in 1951 – showcasing his immense talent in delivering soulful melodies that touched hearts across America.

“Five Minutes More” by Frank Sinatra

Song Year: 1946

“Five Minutes More” was one of Frank Sinatra's early hits, and it quickly became a fan favorite in 1946. Written by Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne, this pop song is known for its upbeat swing rhythm, perfectly showcasing Sinatra's crooning voice.

The song is about wanting more time with your loved one, even if it's just five minutes.

Despite being released as a B-side for some of Sinatra's singles, “Five Minutes More” remains an enduring hit popular today.

“Oh! What It Seemed To Be” by Frankie Carle

Song Year: 1946

In 1946, one of the biggest hits was “Oh! What It Seemed to Be” by the talented Frankie Carle. The song tells the story of a love affair that ended too soon and has been recorded numerous times.

Not only did it become a popular hit for Carle, but also for Frank Sinatra, who covered it in his unique style.

This song stands out because of its captivating melody and exquisite vocal performance by Carle and Marjorie Hughes. It's easy to see why this song became such an instant classic during an era when big band music reigned supreme.

“Doctor, Lawyer, Indian Chief” by Betty Hutton

Song Year: 1946

“Doctor, Lawyer, Indian Chief” was a catchy and upbeat song popular in 1945-46. The music was composed by Hoagy Carmichael, while Paul Francis Webster wrote the lyrics.

This foot-tapping song features Hutton singing about her search for true love. “Doctor, Lawyer, Indian Chief” is an entertaining mix of big band jazz and pop music styles that captures the essence of mid-1940s American culture.

“Surrender” by Perry Como

Song Year: 1946

The song “Surrender” by Perry Como is regarded as one of the best songs to come out of 1946. Bennie Benjamin and George David Weiss co-wrote this classic hit, and it became an instant sensation with its romantic lyrics and soaring melody.

What's more interesting about “Surrender” is that it spent 17 weeks at number one on the US Billboard charts. Such was its popularity that it was covered numerous times by various artists in different genres over the years.

“Personality” by Johnny Mercer and The Pied Pipers

Song Year: 1946

“Personality” by Johnny Mercer and The Pied Pipers is a swing music hit song topped the charts in 1946. It was written by Johnny Mercer, one of the most successful songwriters of his time.

The Pied Pipers were a musical group known for their exceptional vocal harmony and lent their talents to “Personality.”

“The Gypsy” by Dinah Shore

Song Year: 1946

One of the most popular songs from 1946 was “The Gypsy” by Dinah Shore. The song, originally written by Sammy Kaye, became a hit for Shore with her signature smooth vocal style.

In addition to “The Gypsy,” Dinah Shore had other hits like “Buttons and Bows” and “Dear Hearts and Gentle People.” She was known for her warm and inviting stage presence, which endeared her to nationwide audiences.

“Ole Buttermilk Sky” by Kay Kyser~

Song Year: 1946

“Ole Buttermilk Sky” is a classic swing music number popular among vintage music fans today. The legendary Hoagy Carmichael and Jack Brooks wrote the song in 1946 and recorded by Kay Kyser and His Orchestra.

The song's popularity has endured over the years, with many covers, including one by Hoagy Carmichael, backed up by his orchestra. Some historians consider “Ole Buttermilk Sky” one of the top songs from its time, demonstrating just how beloved it remains today.

“I Don’t Know Enough About You“ by Peggy Lee

Song Year: 1946

“I Don’t Know Enough About You” by Peggy Lee was one of the hit songs of 1946, reaching number seven on the popular music charts. It was a song that showcased Lee's unique and sultry voice, which made her stand out as an American jazz and popular music singer.

Peggy Lee herself had a long and successful career in music, with many hits like “Fever,” “Black Coffee,” and “Is That All There Is?” to her name. She was also an actress who appeared in several films throughout her career.

“Oh! What It Seemed To Be” by Frank Sinatra

Song Year: 1946

One of the most memorable songs from 1946 was “Oh! What It Seemed to Be” by Frank Sinatra. This classic crooner ballad captured the essence of swing music and showcased Sinatra's sentimental singing style.

“Oh! What It Seemed to Be” wasn't just one of Sinatra's first hit solo songs but became one of his signature tunes over time. The melody and sentimentality in his voice made it an absolute favorite among fans, and even today, it remains a precious piece among those who appreciate golden-age classics.

“To Each His Own” by Freddy Martin

Song Year: 1946

Freddy Martin's “To Each His Own” is a timeless classic from 1946 and still resonates with modern audiences. The song features soothing vocals, Big Band music, and well-arranged instrumental sections that make it stand out from other hits of the time.

Interestingly enough, this iconic tune was also part of the soundtrack for the biopic “The Jolson Story,” which focused on Al Jolson's life. Jolson rerecorded many old hits throughout his career to cater to changing audience tastes.

Top Songs From 1946, Final Thoughts

1946 was a great year for music lovers. The top songs from Perry Como, Eddy Howard, Frank Sinatra, and Dinah Shore are just some of the classics that continue to inspire us even today.

From jazz to swing and big band, these top songs from 1946 take us back to a golden era when crooners and vocalists reigned supreme. It's always fun to look back at the pop culture of yesteryear and see how it has shaped our musical tastes over time.