The Little Darlin’ Sound of Bobby Helms

The year 1957 was big for Bobby Helms, who was basically a three-hit wonder in what might be called the genre of “Popabilly.”

As a backup singer for Ernest Tubb, Helms caught his break when the Texas Troubadour recommended Decca Records give him a listen. Helms’ career skyrocketed with “Fraulein,” a Country Pop crossover hit that topped both charts and was followed by another chart topper, “My Special Angel.” But Helms, who died in 1997, will always be remembered for his ’57 seasonal hit “Jingle Bell Rock,” one of the biggest selling secular Christmas songs ever record-ed. His career spanned 50 years and while signed at Little Darlin’ Records, Helms recorded the music re-released on this CD, which includes his two hits and covers of songs by Hank Williams, Glenn Campbell and others.—Gus Walker