THEME = Remake Wednesday: original (The Marvelettes) & cover (The Carpenters)

Today’s feature is “Please Mr. Postman”, with a bonus recording….

#1 (original)
Written by George Dobbins, William Garrett, Freddie Gorman, Brian Holland & Robert Bateman, this song was The Marvelettes’ 1st release on the Tamla (Motown) label. Debuting 08/21/1961, this song claimed #1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 & R&B charts, becoming the 1st Motown song to reach the top of the BH100. This group’s version also appears in a scene in the 1973 film ‘Mean Streets’, directed by Martin Scorsese.

#2 (cover)
While The Beatles were 2nd to record this song (1963), the next successful recording was The Carpenters’ version, which hit the airwaves 11/08/1974 & claimed #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 & Adult Contemporary charts in early 1975. Their rendition, resembling a 1950s rock’n’roll tune, also claimed #1 in Australia & Canada, & reached #2 in England.

#3 (bonus)
The short-lived TV series “Rags To Riches” featured a slightly-rewritten version in the TV movie pilot, 03/09/1987, about the time of my 2nd open heart surgery. The series aired until 01/15/1988 with the cast featuring Joseph Bologna & Douglas Seale.