Harlem: Week of 4/14/08 - Open The Door, Richard!

Every Hit Version of The Song....

Open The Door, Richard

In the late 1940's, the phrase, "Open The Door, Richard" was on everyone's lips. The song of the same name began as a comic routine, but blew up to the point where it sent four different versions to #2 on the R&B charts. This week HARLEM uncovers as many versions, sequels and answer records as it can to represent this historical record. You'll hear versions of "Open The Door, Richard" by Jack McVea, Dusty Fletcher, Louis Jordan, Count Basie, The Charioteers, The Pied Pipers, The Three Flames and even the Hit Paraders. Matt The Cat will also give you the story behind who wrote it and who got sued over it. This is one HARLEM not to miss. So put down that beer and OPEN THE DOOR, RICHARD!

Harlem Airs on XM-5:
Monday 4/14 @ 1pm EST
Tuesday 4/15 @ 9pm over LA and Midnight over NYC
Friday 4/18 @ 6pm over Baltimore
Sunday 4/20 @ 11am over Newark

I hope you enjoy this evolution of a song.

-MTC