Album No. 1 - James Darren

Sweet Lorraine

Album No. 1
James Darren
Cover Photo: Bob Coburn
Colpix A Division Of Columbia Pictures Corp.
Packaged by Helm Graphic, New York
CP 406
1959

From the back cover: If it hadn't been for a chance ride in a New York City elevator, James Darren might be lead-footing it these days behind the wheel of a racing sports car instead of being one of the finest rising young motion picture stars and recording artists in America

That first fast rise that resulted in the one he is now enjoying took place in the Brill Building, the caption of New York's Tin Pan Alley, and it was a chance meeting with Miss Joyce Selznick, the Columbia Pictures eastern talent director, on that ride that is responsible for the fact that Jimmy's black hair and brown eyes are exposed for all to see and not covered by a crash helmet and racing goggles.

Jim, who carries a muscular 170 on his 5 foot eleven inch frame, says that his love for sports car racing is so strong that he may have turned to it if he hadn't made it in show business.

But make it in show business he did and in big way.

From his chance meeting with Miss Selznick in the elevator came a contract with Columbia Pictures and a succession of increasingly more important roles, leading up to his starring role in the popular success, "Gidget". It was in "Gidget," too, that an important juncture in Jim's expanding career was reached.

Jonie Taps, who doubles as music executive for Columbia Pictures and general manager of the studio's Colpix Records, remembered that Jimmy had done some semi-pro singing in night clubs around his home town, Philadelphia. So Jimmy was given a song to sing in the film, a number called "There's No Such Thing." The immediate reaction from the music trade, disc jockeys and the public was so favorable that Colpix decided to rush out another Darren side. For this they chose the title song of the film, "Gidget."

"Gidget" took off where the first record left off and Jimmy Darren was now a triple threat star, because not only had he added recording to his acting but now the major television shows were bidding for his services. And as for those most discriminating critics, the fans, well, suffice to say that more than 2000 charters for local James Darren Fan Clubs have been applied for since the release of "Gidget."

Jimmy, who was born June 8, 1936, in Philadelphia and attended Southern High there, went to New York to study drama and had been at it only a few weeks when he was discovered on that fateful elevator ride. Sportscar driving must share some of his leisure time with tennis and Jim also names photography and painting among his favorite pastimes. And ranch life is another thing that ranks high with this city boy who some day hopes to spend a good part of his time on his own ranch. Meanwhile, he is working hard to realize his burins ambition to be recognized as a top actor and a leading singing star.

From Billboard: August 17, 1959: Jimmy Darren, the young chanter who became both a record start and a coming movie star with "Gidget," has turned out a very enjoyable album here, and one that is certain to appeal to his many fans. There is a close resemblance to Sinatra in his style, but it is not hard to take. And the arrangements are first-rate behind him. Songs include "Let's Fall In Love," "Love Among The Young," "Gidget" and "Let There Be Love." Cover is attractive, too.

Let's Fall In Love
Sophisticated Lady
Let There Be Love
The One I Love Belongs To Somebody Else
Sweet Lorraine
There's No Such Thing
Love Among The Young
Emaline
Gidget
Does Your Heart Beat For Me?
Mighty Pretty Territory
Walkin' My Baby Back Home