I Sold My Heart to the Junkman

1946

I Sold My Heart to the Junkman is written by Leon René rhythm and blues song that was first recorded in 1946 by the Basin Street Boys along with Ormonde Wilson for Exclusive Records. After litigation, the girl group The Blue Belles may market their version of 1964 original composition.

The title learned after the first recording some new recordings, including 1957 by the Silhouettes. 1962 saw the girl group The Starlets from Chicago that consumed for Newtown Records. Its president Harold Robinson led but with the Ordettes as author a group from Philadelphia. The Ordettes changed their name again, first in The Blue Belles and then Patti LaBelle and Her Blue Belles. As The Blue Belles in 1964 under Harold Robinson's Guide published its own version, reached the number 15 on the Billboard charts, a dispute erupted over copyright between the Blue Belles and the Starlets. Although it was unclear whether Robinson on the track replaced the whole group or only Patti LaBelle vocals, manager of the starlets could still sue for $ 5000 for each singer.

To date, Pattie Labelle and the Bluebelles apply as author of I Sold My Heart to the Junkman.