Previous Vocal Group Record of the Week
(Week of 12/9/00 - 12/15/00)


"Rumors Are Flying"
by The Two Tones (Bennie and George)
on Cosmo 504
released in 1946



Photo of Bennie Benjamin and George Weiss

Above: Photo of The Two Tones, (L) Bennie Benjamin and (R) George Weiss, ca 1946.

This duo wrote many popular songs over their long careers. Together, they composed "I Want To Thank Your Folks" (Ink Spots), "Wheel Of Fortune" (Cardinals), "Cross Over The Bridge" (Flamingos) and "Can Anyone Explain" (Savannah Churchill). Benjamin also contributed to "I Don't Want To Set The World On Fire" (Ink Spots) and "When The Lights Go On Again" (Herb Kenny & Comets). Weiss later became president of The Songwriters Guild Of America.

From Billboard Magazine July 1950: "The songwriting team of Benny Benjamin and George Weiss have been inked to do a pair of sides for Mercury. Team will do two of their own songs with organ and vocal group backing. Tunes are 'Can Anyone Explain' and 'It All Begins And Ends With You'."


Cosmo Label-Rumors Are Flying-The Two Tones-1946 Cosmo Label-I Left My Heart In Mississippi-The Two Tones-1946
Above: Both sides of Cosmo 504. In 1946, Benjamin-Weiss collaborated in writing two #1 hits, "Rumors Are Flying" (both the Les Paul and Frankie Carle versions reached #1) and "Surrender" (Perry Como). Other versions of "Rumors..." released in 1946 were by The Brown Dots (see below), Andrews Sisters, Three Suns, Billy Butterfield, Betty Jane Rhodes, and Tony Martin.

Interestingly, the flip was not composed by them. "I Left My Heart..." was also released by The Ginger Snaps in 1946 (see below).

Click on an option below to listen to "Rumors Are Flying" using Windows Media Player.

G2 Streaming Play
G2 Download Play
(file size=492KB)

Click on an option below to listen to "I Left My Heart In Mississippi" using Windows Media Player.

G2 Streaming Play
G2 Download Play
(file size=438KB)


Manor Label-Rumors Are Flying-The Brown Dots-1946 RCA Victor Label-I Left My Heart In Mississippi-The Ginger Snaps-1946
Above: Here are the "R&B" versions for comparison.
Left: "Rumors Are Flying" - The Brown Dots - Manor 1040-A - 1946
Right: "I Left My Heart In Mississippi" - The Ginger Snaps - RCA Victor 20-1960-A - 1946

Click on an option below to listen to "Rumors Are Flying" using Windows Media Player.

G2 Streaming Play
G2 Download Play
(file size=508KB)

Click on an option below to listen to "I Left My Heart In Mississippi" using Windows Media Player.

G2 Streaming Play
G2 Download Play
(file size=390KB)


Cosmo Label
The Cosmo label was "Manufactured By Cosmopoliton Records, Inc." in New York City.

Information from George Moonoogian:
Cosmopolitan Records, Inc.
745 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY (10/45)
Moved to 545 Fifth Avenue (ca 1947)

President: Harry Bank
A & R: Herb Hendler
Sales: Eddie Heller

Cosmo recorded pop, rhythm & blues, country & western, and jazz.


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