Lollipop lollipop, oh lolli lolli lolli
Lollipop lollipop, oh lolli lolli lolli
Lollipop lollipop, oh lolli lolli lolli
Lollipop — pop!
Ever get these lyrics stuck in your head? They were written by songwriters Beverly Ross and Julius Dixon for the duo, Ronald and Ruby. Ross was better known as the “Ruby” of the group. When “Lollipop” was recorded by the Chordettes in 1958, the catchy tune reached No. 2 on the pop charts.
Born in South Carolina, Dixon served in the Army during World War II. He was assigned to Special Services in Germany and hosted the weekly radio broadcast “Variety Jive,” then moved to New York City to work as a professional songwriter. Ross and Dixon first hit the charts in 1955 with the song, “Dim, Dim the Lights (I Want Some Atmosphere),” which Bill Haley recorded as his follow-up to “Shake, Rattle and Roll.”
Dixon died on Jan. 30. Cause of death was not released. He was 90.
March 15, 2004 by
Julius Dixon
Categories: Musicians
I’ve been singing
“Lollipop lollipop, oh lolli lolli lolli
Lollipop lollipop, oh lolli lolli lolli
Lollipop lollipop, oh lolli lolli lolli
Lollipop — pop!”
all my life and am singing it now. You can’t sing those words without moving.
Thanks for the great happy jingle.
Julius Dixson was my father but also a great songwriter. One of the best tributes that anyone could pay to this man would be to set some of the record straight on his songwriting accomplishments. He would hate when published information was wrong.
Dim Dim The Lights, recorded by Bill Haley and The Comets did reach the Top Ten on The Variety Charts in 1955. The Variety Charts were more prestigous than BillBoard or Cash Box back in those days. However, Dim Dim The Lights did make it to the R&B Charts, Top Ten at that, becoming not only Bill Haley’s first R&B hit but the first hit on the R&B charts by a white artist period.
In fact Alan Freed called Dim Dim The Lights the grand daddy song of Rock n’ Roll. It opened the door for Rock Around The Clock to get another shot at the charts. The song was first released in the Spring of 54′ only staying one week on the charts at Number 33 or thereabouts. This time Rock Around The Clock went all the way to Number One in July of 1955.
The significant thing that most people miss about Lollipop is that it went Number One in most of the free world. England had its version of Lollipop by The Mudlarks. The American Version and The Mudlarks version were on the Top Ten in England at the same time.
Lastly, I make note of his instrumental composition The Clouds, the one hit wonder by The Spacemen. My father released The Clouds on his own label, Alton Records. In 1960 The Clouds went all the way to number one on the R&B charts. What is significant about this accomplishment is that it is the first song attaining number one on any chart released by an African American owned independent label.
There is more to this man but space and time are not enough here. I would often tell my father that he just didn’t know how I would be hyping his poo. Still hyping his mess. Gots to. He will always be my dad.
Julius, Jr.
Hay Julius JR if you still out there this is Kevin May old friend you are a hard person to track down I’m 55 now still working out still with Kathy we live in NJ like to here from from you my cell is 732-744-4425 text me I never answer the phone
Julius Dixon used to come to my house in Amityvile and spend time with my son, Jonathan Marquette Floyd. I have a couple of letters he wrote to him. I last saw him in New York City one Easter. He will be missed. He was working with my ex-husband on some songs. One in particular was called “Study Long”. He was talented and knew he could write more hits. I respected him, loved him, and always made him feel like part of my family.
Ramona Floyd
Julius Dixon was a wonderful,caring person. I had the good fortune to meet him with my vocal group, the Roy-L’s, in the latter part of 1960. We were from the Trenton, N.J. area and were to record a male version of “Lollipop” for Mr. Dixon. We made a demo with Alton Records, but due to unforseen circumstances, my group broke up. I was then going to record solo for Mr Dixon. I re-arranged the song in following Chubby Checker’s lead,to a twist style and Mr. Dixon named it “Lollipop Twist”. We made a demo the end of 1961 with Audiosonic. I received a letter that Audiosonic had moved and lost the tape in January, 1962. Mr. Dixon and I continued to correspond unitl May of 1962 when it was time for me to continue college. I regret to this day that I was not able to follow thru and re-release “Lollipop” as the “Lollipop Twist” with Mr. Dixon. I am positive, now in hindsight, that it would have been a hit.
Julius Dixon was a special individual, and integral to the development and history of Rock n’ Roll. He is missed.
-Roy L. Lovesky, Englewood, Florida.
I’m just seeing this.
Julius Jr.
I noticed Mr.Julius Dixon Jr signed in. If he sees this message can he contact me at bestdjservice@aol.com I host a radio show here in New Haven, CT and would like to learn more about his father. The show can be heard online at http://www.wnhu.net from 6pm to 8pm east coast time USA on Tuesdays. Yes, we play his fathers songs.
not really a tribute although he was a very talented man – I’m looking for a picture of him to be posted in the Life In Legacy website – a website that honors celebrites and puts a face to the name as well as a few lines of remembrance. If you’re interested you can get in touch with them via their website.
Losing your father is something you never quite get over. Keep his memory alive in anything you can do.
Julius
Your pops was a great man and did not have to leave us in this way. I know he is up there with the Heavenly Father making hits, the way he always did. He will always be in my heart and the hearts of everyone who has met or come in contact with him. Lolli Pops are forever sweet.
God bless you and yours