When I was a tyke, my family used to trek over to Lake Ronkonkoma near Brookhaven (Smithtown and Islip form the other corners of the lake), NY (Long Island). The lake was formed from melting glaciers and was the largest lake on the Island. Most of the lake is about 15 feet deep, but along the shore, the water is somewhat shallower.
It was a long trip, taking about an hour each way. We’d head out on the Southern State Parkway, hooking up to the Vanderbilt Motor Parkway, until we reached the lake.
The lake had a small clubhouse, picnic benches, a sliding pond (in the lake itself)…In other words, it had tons of things for little kids to do. (I won’t bother going into how my mother drowned me (obviously, I didn’t die) at the lake.) My little buddies and I would crank up the jukebox to listen to tunes, in between our water escapades.
Which brings up one of the biggest songs that the jukebox catalog included the last time we went to the lake. It was written by this guy from Long Island.
His daughter had been wearing a two piece bathing suit for the first time. And, was nervous about coming out of the dressing room to enjoy the beach. Of course, this gal was all of two years old. And, once she did and played in the ocean, the bottom portion of the suit came off in the surf. Which gave the guy the idea for this really great song.
It wasn’t his first hit either. That was “Catch a Falling Star”, awarded a Grammy for Perry Como who sang it. I admit to liking Catch a Falling Star- but this new tune I loved. (This songsmith actually wrote some 300 songs, sung by the best crooners in the business.)
This particular song that he wrote about his daughter’s escapade was recorded by Brian Hyland (another Long Islander, then 16 years old) and hit number one. (Bryan also had another hit, two years later- “Sealed with a Kiss”- which was one of my favorites over the summer when I was at Camp Pokono-Ramona.)
So, what was the song highlighted in the title? Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini.
This song made Paul Vance (born Joseph Philip Florio) a lot of money, over the years.
Paul died on Memorial Day, with his daughter (yes, the one who wore that itsy bitsy bikini) by his side.
Thanks for the great memories, Paul Vance!
You picked two songs I love, especially Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot bikini. I so enjoyed the Dick Clark video. It was almost like they predicted rock videos back in 1960! (I also love the other hits Brian Hyland had. Let’s see, Gypsy Woman?) I never knew he was from Long Island or the story of Paul Vance. Thanks for the memory!
Glad it was one of your favorites. And, to let you know how Long Island folks brought smiles to your faces!