Jack B. Nimble – A Mother Goose Fantasy Explained

Jack B. Nimble – A Mother Goose Fantasy is an LP album by Bing Crosby made for children by Golden Records in 1957. It was a story of a small boy in search of his name. The music was by Dean Fuller and the lyrics and book by Marshall Barer.^[1]

The album was issued on CD by Drive Entertainment in 2001 (catalogue No. PUR0951).

Background

In April 1957, Golden Records recorded a number of new children's records. Bing Crosby was enlisted to read and sing four of the stories and in addition to Jack B. Nimble – A Mother Goose Fantasy, there were Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, A Christmas Story - An Axe, An Apple and a Buckskin Jacket, and Never Be Afraid.^[2]

Reception

Billboard reviewed it saying: “An engrossing fable, interlaced with delightful songs, is narrated by Crosby with warmth and charm. Mixed chorus and ork shine. Flip features suite based on the tunes; moppets won’t enjoy it but parents may. The first side is worth the price, however.”^[3]

Track listing

Side One

1. "Once upon a Time"
2. "One Early Afternoon"
3. "Medley: Old King Cole / Sing a Song of Sixpence / Mistress Mary / Humpty Dumpty / Little Boy Blue"
4. "We Don’t Know Where We’re Going"
5. "For Want of a Nail"
6. "Star Light, Star Bright"
7. "Jack B. Nimble"

Side Two
A Musical Suite based on the Themes and Mother Goose Melodies in "Jack B. Nimble" by Dean Fuller – played by the Golden Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Arthur Norman.

1. "The Candlestick Suite"
2. "The Candlestick Suite"
3. "The Candlestick Suite"

Notes and References

1. Book: Reynolds. Fred. The Crosby Collection 1926-1977. John Joyce. 231–232. Part Four: 1951-1960.
2. Web site: BING magazine. BING magazine. August 19, 2015.
3. Billboard. Billboard. April 28, 1958.