Halfway to Paradise explained

Halfway to Paradise
Cover:Billy Fury Halfway to Paradise.jpg
Type:single
Artist:Billy Fury
Album:Halfway to Paradise
B-Side:Cross My Heart
Released:28 April 1961[1]
Recorded:9 April 1961[2]
Studio:Decca Studios, London
Genre:Pop
Length:2:24
Label:Decca
Producer:
Prev Title:Don't Worry
Prev Year:1961
Next Title:Jealousy
Next Year:1961

"Halfway to Paradise" is a popular song written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin. In the United States, the song was originally recorded in 1961 by Tony Orlando where it peaked at No. 39 on the Hot 100.[3] In Canada, the song reached No. 3 in the CHUM Charts.[4]

Billy Fury version

"Halfway to Paradise" was recorded by Billy Fury with Fury's version reaching No.3 on the British singles chart in 1961[5] and remaining on the chart for 23 weeks. It became the tenth best-selling single of 1961 in the UK .[6] "Halfway to Paradise" became known as Fury's signature tune and was one of his most popular singles.

Fury's single was a big production for both Fury and Decca and involved a whole orchestra, conducted by Ivor Raymonde.[7] Its success made Fury known for his big ballad numbers, although he began in rock and roll and was always thought of more as a rock musician. The song also marked the beginning of Fury's burst at the top of the charts that would only begin to slow down on the arrival of fellow Liverpudlian act, the Beatles.

Later versions

Notes and References

  1. 29 April 1961. Billy Fury gets 208 series. Disc. 9. 25 August 2021.
  2. Web site: Halfway To Paradise. 2021-08-25. www.nic.fi.
  3. Book: Whitburn, Joel . Joel Whitburn's Top Pop Singles, 14th Edition: 1955-2012 . Joel Whitburn . 2013 . Record Research . 632.
  4. Web site: CHUM Hit Parade - June 5, 1961.
  5. Web site: The Official Charts Company - Billy Fury - Halfway To Paradise . . 13 May 2009.
  6. Web site: The 100 Best-Selling Singles of 1961 . 29 November 2014.
  7. Web site: Billy Fury - Halfway To Paradise (7") at Discogs . . 1961 . 13 May 2009.
  8. Book: Whitburn, Joel . Top Adult Contemporary: 1961-2001. Joel Whitburn . 2002 . Record Research . 250.
  9. Web site: RPM Top 100 Singles - August 26, 1968.