IT'S IN THE BOOK by Johnny Standley - Veddy Funny 1952

IT'S IN THE BOOK by Johnny Standley - Humor at it's best. A British sounding comedian on an American label on a record made in Japan. Enjoy!
Released in the U.S. on Capitol #2249 in 1952. This was a landmark release, being the first humor record to sell over 1 million copies! Must have really gob-smacked a lot of people.

[@mukashi911]

OH MY GOD I listended to this when I was a little kid. Oh the memories. Thank You!!!

[@groovygranny5565]

As a teen I would listen to this record over and over with my family, absolutely in stitches. We adopted some of the refrains, "It's in the book", "It's reasonable" complete with same intonation and loved singing (more like yelling) Grandma's Lye Soap together. I discovered upon listening to this on KZbin, I could almost repeat the whole song from memory. Great flashback. Thanks.

[@shelleyandbryan]

Groovy Gran

[@sandybreyer7923]

Me too, I was 4 when this came out

[@janetstonerook4552]

Boy, that took me back! Isn't it odd! I.knew every word from that song but I couldn't really tell you what I had for dinner last night? Life in my 70s!!

[@relvar3158]

“You’ll find your books on the backs of your seats”...classic. This just puts a smile on my face.

[@joedavis4150]

In 1952, on a Kansas farm, when I was 10, I loved hearing this song on the radio. Making fun of a church service, it was daring and sophisticated, as well as really funny. I saw nothing like it until Mad Magazine came along.

[@panther105]

I have my parents' vintage vinyl collection. This is a classic....

[@sandravey9024]

My dad had a wonderful sence of humor. we would listen to this and laugh until we cried. bless you for a lovely memory. Sandra Hapgood Vey

[@epsoldestone]

oh what great memories this brings back for me!! My Dad, now 95, is going to love hearing this again...He loved it when I was a kid!

[@paulinecowie1237]

gosh its been so long since I heard Johnny Standley mum had the record way back in the 60's :D

[@bonazzoli2]

I listened to this when I was in High School and never saw church the same way again.

[@joedavis4150]

Me too!... and thus gave me a sense of humor that ruined me for church for life!! Oh Woe Is Us! Now I listen to Terence McKenna on the internet.

[@roybo1930]

This became popular again in 1970, It was used in the movie "The Last Picture Show"! I LOVE IT!

[@johnedwards7899]

I first heard this when I was about 4 or 5 years of age. I particularly loved Grandmas lyesol. The rhythm of spiritual singing waa very clever and catchy That was 70 years ago and its still as funny as...

[@suzanneeder9888]

Lye soap, not Lysol.

[@1939PK]

I’m at Chris’ & we are listening to some old songs I remember & it made me think of the record your dad had when we were kids in the early 50’s which has us laughing at the stupidity. Don’t know if you’ve ever heard this but it might give you a laugh.

[@StuartBrogden]

I have this 45 that my father bought new in 1953. Love it!

[@treasajackson6318]

I haven't heard this since I was a child! But still remember the words! LMBO 🤣

[@jeromenewberry1463]

I remember this recording from when I was about 14 years old. Never forgot it. FUNNY !

[@rafhenlow]

Absolutely Brilliant! Points out the obvious, but, 'It's in the book'. Best part though is the tails wagging & behind them.

[@jackiesundstrom2618]

I just love this....I've listened to this most of my life...so funny...thanks for bringing this one back

[@Labaron26]

Holy Crap...I havent heard this since I was 17 yrs old.....I actually had this 78 RPM record.......I cant believe I found this....thanks for posting.

[@georgesedares8036]

All time favorite novelty song !

[@andywindibank]

Used to listen to this recording , in the UK, on AFN (American Forces Network) from Germany in the 50's. Listeners had to pledge money to charity and the DJ would play their request. It's in the book was played so often he would demand higher and higher amounts before he would play it.

[@graemebr]

I just found his 'Clap Your Hands' album while retrieving 'It's In The Book'. Both are 78's. Thank you.

[@pixieduster914]

my favorite record when I was a kid. wore it out!

[@cdbpdx]

He does it very well... Thanks!

[@Elisabeth4844]

This was a British comedian (?) & the original recording was apparently made in Seven Sisters Road, in Holloway, North London, back in the 1940s, I believe. I used to have that recording & knew all the words & the song by heart by the time I was six, when this version was put out on this international (!!) label.

[@Elisabeth4844]

Sorry, Johnny Standley came from Milwaukee, but the rest above is true, as far as I know.

[@graemebr]

Yes, definitely an American. With a unique voice.

[@Kelvo-wl5rl]

I have this on 78 at home. I'll have to have a look at the record label to see where it comes from.

[@graemebr]

Very funny! I have my Dad's original 78. On two sides of the record.

[@dlsofsetx]

A favorite from my grade school days.

[@sturdle]

made my night....thanks.....

[@TerryUniGeezerPeterson]

When he says, "that's reasonable isn't it", he sounds just like Richard Burton.

[@Garr1984]

Johnny Standley was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. The accent was part of the schtick.

[@sturdle]

reminds me of good happy times...is he still alive? nothing on google re himself..

[@qitrodz]

He'd likely be 100 or so.

[@djblue43]

He died in '92 at 79 years old in LA.