Annette Funicello - Tall Paul

The "sweetheart" of TV's The Mickey Mouse Club, American entertainer Annette Funicello began performing at age 10. The Disney people themselves sensed that Funicello had star quality, building several musical numbers around her on The Mickey Mouse Club and fashioning her own Club show-within-a-show miniseries, appropriately titled "Annette." Funicello's post-Mickey Mouse career was far more successful than that of many of her fellow Mouseketeers--and the reasons cannot be charged up to looks alone. She also was guest-starred on the Disney TV series Zorro and Wonderful World of Color, and was given sizeable roles in such Disney theatrical features as The Shaggy Dog (59) and Babes in Toyland (61).
While still under contract to Disney, Funicello began appearing in American-International's Beach Party series, usually co-starring with Frankie Avalon. Though these films were distinguished by undulating, bikinied females, Walt Disney decreed that Funicello never be involved in any "suggestive" sequences--nor were her two-piece bathing suits permitted to uncover her navel. After playing an extended cameo role as Davy Jones' sweetheart in The Monkees' film vehicle Head (68), Funicello cut down on her professional appearances, preferring to spend time with her family. During the 1970s, she became spokeswoman for a popular brand of peanut butter, her commercial appearances constituting the bulk of her on-camera time during this period. In 1987, she and onetime cohort Frankie Avalon co-financed and starred in the nostalgic musical film Back to the Beach.
In recent years, Funicello has been struggling against the ravages of multiple sclerosis; her courage and high spirits in the face of intense pain and decreasing mobility have been inspirational, as well as beneficial in helping to raise funds for further research of degenerative diseases. In 1994, Annette Funicello published her autobiography, the tone of which perfectly reflected the actress herself: discreet, ladylike and boundlessly cheerful. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
PLEASE NOTE: I divided my uploads among multiple channels, Bookmark this link in your browser for instant access to an index with links to all of John1948's oldies classics. LINK: john1948.wikifo...

[@dtwelloh1]

RIP Annette, you were much loved by a whole generation.

[@jennilu123]

I always get the biggest kick out of this song. RIP, Annette. You'll ALWAYS be America's sweetheart!!

[@gringopaez3236]

Y tenia una bonita voz

[@TimothyForbesXXI]

Definitely an interesting video from 55 years ago. Sad that both people here are no longer with us, but the music remains!

[@MrShopngo]

Annette was the one I would hug my pillow for when I was 10. lol She was a living doll!

[@TheHManShow]

The first song written by The Sherman Brothers! Thanks for everyone who embraced this super catchy tune that led to the career of this incredible songwriting duo

[@williamwaldrip9987]

I didn't know that the Sherman brothers wrote that song. I thought she wrote the song LoL 😂.

[@jettcarlburg356]

@@williamwaldrip9987 The Sherman Bros also wrote "You're Sixteen" for Johnny Burnett, later covered by Ringo Starr.

[@williamwaldrip9987]

@@jettcarlburg356 Cool. Ringo Starr is awesome

[@lestoil]

I was in almost complete disbelief when I saw what happened to this beautiful woman and her body in the last ten years when I watched "Annette's Story" on W5. I just couldn't believe it, Annette lived to dance. She's joined the angels now.

[@PtolemyJones]

How cute... she had a sweet voice.

[@ethelpotato2170]

PtolemyJones that wasn’t her real voice. Some other person sang it.

[@kencollins2186]

Awsame

[@HurricaneRhonda]

@@ethelpotato2170 No, that's her. Why would you even make that comment?

[@timothythorne9464]

PtolemyJones Annette was adorable. And she had enough charm to make even a poor song like this enjoyable!

[@sauquoit13456]

On this day in 1959 {March 27th} Annette performed "Tall Paul" on the Dick Clark's 'American Bandstand'... Two months earlier on January 5th it entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart; eventually it peaked at #7 and spent 15 weeks on the Top 100... Between 1959 and 1961 she had ten Top 100 records; with this one being her highest charted hit, she had one other Top 10 success {"O Dio Mio" reached #10 in 1960}... R.I.P. Mr. Clark {1929 - 2012} and may God bless Ms. Funicello...

[@Gnillob802]

With "Tall Paul," Annette became the very first female rock-and-roll idol. It reached #7 on Billboard. She would have five more top songs over the next 2-1/2 years making her one of the most successful rock-and-roll performers as well.

[@TheCliffandPhilShow]

Rest in peace Annette. Always the sweetheart.

[@harvest1734]

I was so in love with her as a Mouseketeer!

[@recentlychanged]

You, me, and thousands of others. I can't (won't) believe she's dead :(

[@davidwesley2525]

@@recentlychanged Millions of MALE baby boomers had a high crush on ANNETTE FUNICELLO.🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@Petunia7xx]

This was part of my childhood. Lovely to look back & remember how simple life was as a kid. She was an inspiration to us pre-teens "way back then".

[@EdwPt]

One of my favorite female singers. I have over 40 of her recordings from the 50's and 60's She is now at peace and out of pain.

[@LMHS63]

Two class acts Dick Clark wearing "White Bucks" which were the rage for guys back then, and lovely Annette another classy lady who passed on way too soon. After school; it was Bandstand on Channel 7 in NYC and I think on Friday afternoons the Mickey Mouse Club.

[@Hubs88]

Happy birthday Annette RIP.

[@HermaphroditeMormon]

I Have Been Crying All Day And I Still Dont Feel Any Better ... Love you Annette

[@ftsjr]

RIP, Annette. You were my first girlfriend (although I was only four).

[@gregorysharp]

Wow. She’s amazing. ❤ forever in my heart.

[@ruthiekumar8770]

My husband and 2 kids used to drive up to Oregon and stay at The Salishan Lodge. I liked to play this during the trip...my little girl got sick of it and threw m cassette out the window and I can't find another one.

[@MegaEvalee]

happy birthday ANNETTE!

[@alwrig]

She no longer has to suffer...RIP Annette....

[@chi69201]

God bless Annette! RIP! :(

[@timothyball4906]

GOD B-less Annette, is this what you want?

[@myrnlynn1117]

RIP DEAR ANNETTE FUNICELLO....

[@jszoradi8650]

Who seen Annette in her last days? Unrecognizable!

[@agelessfem-gem1985]

how cool is this with the graphics....way back when....amazing.....rip the best of the fifties.....

[@johnryan1798]

I always sang it; "Blood on the sidewalk, teeth on the curb, Everybody knows it, haven't you heard? Call Saul call Saul, better call Saul, he'll take care of it all"

[@999manman]

Heard this for the first time last week on an oldies station...how I missed this all these years is beyond me. I was listening and thought "Did she say ...TALL Paul???" Love this tune1

[@John1948OneB]

Chalk on the sidewalk Writin' on the wall Everybody knows it I love Paul Tall Paul, tall Paul Tall Paul, he's-a my all Chalk on the sidewalk (chalk on the sidewalk) 'nitials on a tree ('nitials on a tree) Ev'rybody knows it (ev'rybody knows it) Paul loves me (Tall Paul) With the king-size arms (Tall Paul) With the king-size charms (Tall Paul) With the king-size kiss (He's my all) He's my all!! (Tall Paul is my love, tall Paul is my dream) (He's the captain of the high school football team) He's my mountain He's my tree We go steady Paul and me Tall Paul (with the great big smile) Tall Paul (with the great big eyes) Tall Paul, (with the great big kiss) He's my all Tall Paul, tall Paul Tall Paul, he's my all

[@garytheroux9526]

@@John1948OneB It's a reference to Annette's romantic relationship at the time with Paul Anka.

[@MegaEvalee]

i love you annette!

[@johnjurkewicz9925]

The songs are so beautiful and I love it

[@efrem1]

It might have been corny, but this was when music was fun. RIP Annette.

[@judycoleman1543]

😢miss her ❤Love Song 🎶 😊

[@MadameLil]

** sigh ** ... now they're both gone. We'll never have that kind of sweetness again ...

[@mespinozamorales]

princess forever

[@WendyKS93]

vreynolds56 I completely agree. She was poise class grace and elegance and a beautiful gift to us from above. Being a child of the fifties and a teen of the sixties I grew up watching her. She is truly forever in our hearts.

[@barrysutton4589]

👍👍👍👍

[@vreynoldson56]

One of the classiest ladies of our time.R.I.P. Miss Funicello.Those of us who grew up with you will always have you in our hearts and memories.

[@ProudKansan08]

I love this song. I love this a lot. When my youngest daughter was pregnant earlier this year, and found out she was having a boy, she was trying to think of names that could be translated into Spanish, since the father of the baby is Colombian, and I said, how about Paul, so I can lip synch "Tall Paul" to him, and she looked at me. She wasn't on board with that.

[@billygoatbaa3350]

😂😂 I love the story

[@amcgee0668]

Thinking of you Annette💔, & thanks for sharing this John:)

[@lilgiggler35]

While Annette didn't do overly suggestive scenes, she didn't have the no navel clause. Her navel is clearly visible in one of the pictures where she is surfing in a white net bikini. Donna Loren however did have a no navel clause in her contract. She was appearing in commercials as the Dr. Pepper girl. They wanted her to maintain a clean cut wholesome image for their product.

[@Robert4770]

I know what you mean Annette brought so much love and happiness to this world and has been sick for sooooooo long.

[@DebiNga]

TODAY IS A SAD DAY...REST IN PEACE ANNETTE

[@tubecrazy65]

I love this I am an oldies guy a funny little story about this when I was growing up I played this a lot here's the funny party my grandmother hated this song because it had cowbells in it I can still see her getting mad granny was a really sweet lady and we miss her

[@solartiger346]

rest in peace Annette

[@bobweber1681]

Visited our school in ct. when she was 14 never forgot it ,She was with the mouseketeers on a promo trip,.so sad to see her gone,.Bob W.

[@radioscott1]

man i wish i would've been living Back In 1959

[@FLAPPERFROM]

Annette was such a sensation. My mom liked this song. Sounds like there's a message in it! LOL!

[@tangobango9653]

Who knew what this cute girl had to endure. Glad she had this taste of joy.

[@KerryManderbach]

The things one had to do to be in showbiz, tsk tsk. But she did the ridiculous stuff with grace and determination, a true professional.

[@billbright1755]

Like a puppet on a string. She came up a little short in this number. I love how it sounds like a kid with a BB gun in tin can ally.

[@tallp4ul]

A song about me!! :-P love it!!

[@Mr82winsbeyond]

Makes me feel proud to be a tall guy named Paul. RIP Annette.

[@Highlanddragon]

R.I.P Annette a lady of Strength and Grace

[@ncfeline1959]

The Birth of Music Video! RIP Annette and Dick!

[@snsdsonesoshi]

Annette and Paul anka were a thing back then. They looked so happy together

[@John1948OneB]

I have been around this stuff my whole life and I didn't know that. I looked it up and you're sure right. Thank you, Helen!

[@snsdsonesoshi]

John1948OneB yeah, they were dating.. but people we’re against it because they wanted Paul and Annette to focus on their careers & thought they were too young. And then Paul wrote a song call “Puppy Love”. I think they’d be a great couple. Have you seen Paul’s and Annette’s “16 going on 17” duet? It’s so precious!

[@QuaaludeCharlie]

R.I.P Annette :( QC

[@ThePattycake1313]

Happy Birthday to Annette. I wish we could tell her.

[@theIzzyfurreal]

This song was supposedly written with Paul Anka in mind - he and Annette were an "item" then. Paul Anka was all of 5'-6" on his best day and for Annette to think that was tall she must have been seated when making that observation. Of course she was supposed to be around 5'-3" so that may have had a hand in it. He wrote "Puppy Love" with her in mind so maybe it was tit-for-tat. They don't make songs or videos like this anymore and there are those cynics who would argue that's a good thing.

[@Butterflypoo]

This is hilarious, thanks for posting :)

[@dannovak9298]

That's such a cute video. Back then ,they only showed it only once ,unless it was summer stock.

[@garyrasberryjr.552]

In the movie "Troop Beverly Hills" Annette and Frankie Avalon have a cameo as a jogging couple with Annette singing the opening verse.

[@aussiedigger9265]

Hot 100 Billboard US Charts (1959). #76

[@cyf195]

I remember back then. My real name is Psul. I was 4 years old and my teenage sisters sang it to me. And I'm tall.

[@PapagenoMF]

I'm sorry you're tall. You are far more likely to have back problems with that abnormality.

[@blooop9693]

Hairy Mo lol WTF

[@John1948OneB]

Dick Clark was a pretty good dancer too, wasn't he?

[@severusscorpus1175]

She was a real doll 🔥

[@HEIGHTSIXFIVE]

Whoa. I got nicknamed Tall Paul every now and then (look at my user name and you'll know why.) Then someone asked me if I ever heard this song. I said no, and now I have. I feel . . . awkward doesn't quite cut it. Neither does being weirded out. This is . . . oh crud. I feel sick.

[@shmuli9]

I love the primordial rap.

[@dalerussellsullivan9373]

Tall Paul has king size arms, and king size charms😜. Whatta guy! 😂

[@mysticrottie]

Rest in peace my fav mouseketeer,

[@lonrgrrl59]

I was born that year, in June, had recently celebrated my 54th.

[@MegaEvalee]

I DONT LOVE PAUL! ,I LOVE ANNETTE! RIP,,TO THE BEST MOUSKETEER EVER!

[@landrykkb]

You could catch him off-guard dancing once in a while on American Bandstand,even though he claimed that he couldn't dance.

[@Bones469]

RIP Annette.

[@jondoe8889]

I was thinking about Annette's songs. Yes, she was America's sweetheart, and we all loved her. I was 9 when this was released, and I somehow remember many of the lyrics. But was she any good? They used everything but autotune to make her sound good. Or, better. I'm sure she could sing well enough. These early songs belong with teenage innocence. She was a product of those times. 6 years later the Beatles would come along and change music we listened to.

[@thanhnguyet6983]

Who thinks this song is about Paul Anka? Only me?

[@leomickey4321]

He's not tall though haha

[@ethelpotato2170]

It is about Paul Anka.

[@gemini834]

Lia Custodinho No it’s not.

[@gemini834]

thanh nguyet It’s not about Paul Anka.

[@ethelpotato2170]

Mackenzie Keels then who is it about??

[@GOTHIad]

Orgins Of rock n roll.

[@TotoFrancey]

Even by 1950's standards, this is an incredibly bizzare video.

[@monicshastings8945]

I don't see what's Bizarre about it. Just a cute little bit where Annette is pretending to be a marionette and Dick Clark puppet master pulling the strings. It's called being in show business and having a routine. Being creative and entertaining

[@srercrcr]

in my personal collection

[@ChuChu353]

RIP Dick Clark

[@John1948OneB]

@WWEChampion16 Well that's Dick Clark operating the puppet strings so it had to be his show. The record came out in 1959 so it had to be either American Bandstand or The Dick Clark Saturday Night Beech-Nut Show Jubilee USA.

[@joshdiana1]

Funett Anabella is great music artist 😀

[@John1948OneB]

You're very welcome. I enjoy sharing.

[@fcontitwo]

,,,pull harder' on the garter belt',,, and ease' on' down' the trail' !!!

[@FLAPPERFROM]

Cool!

[@kalinakimble5660]

With the king size.....ENOUGH ANNETTE!

[@tinasan3870]

"Paul" is Paul Anka....who she dated

[@dolson5036]

someone hacked lyrics sung after king sized arms… “kisses” replaced by another 2-syllable word that starts with p. A certain night talk shower’d beam!

[@buyvital]

I can see the strings.

[@mickymartin4008]

Lol 😄😍

[@rapman5791]

Jeeeeeeezuz Christ !!!!!

[@zorvarious]

me too...

[@Alatena]

I've known her in "Zorro".

[@thewonderfulworldofderek6087]

Disneyland magic morning oascr. Awesome awards bast years Tcm t.v. shows

[@krackkorn8282]

My name paul I'm pretty tall *dabs unironically*

[@krackkorn8282]

I'm also cringy 13 year old so that's pretty

[@inspectorcritic]

This I think is the fourth song I wrote I wanted to be loved I was homeless orphan boy traveling. Her name is not Fun I Cello she she told me she was nick named that at an audition when they asked what they wanted for lunch she said they made fun her request Lettuce and Jello!

[@paulgill8980]

My little cousin called me tall Paul

[@FLAPPERFROM]

So 50s!

[@SuperC888]

That looks like Dick Clark as the puppeteer

[@GOTHIad]

dirk clark or bobby vee?

[@ruthiekumar8770]

And a king size....

[@MichaelMosesHammer]

Is that Dick Clark on the strings? ha ha.

[@John1948OneB]

I had to remove an otherwise positive comment due to it containg profanity. I stick pretty close to what the FCC allowed on broadcast TV in 1960 - zero tolerance.

[@alanwilson6117]

John1948OneB screw u