Jimmy Jones "Handyman"

Saturday Night Beech-Nut Show. January 23, 1960. Re-posted by request.

[@edwiles5258]

It was singers like Jimmy Jones, Jackie WIlson, and Clyde McPhatter and others that helped a young white teen, raised in the Ozarks of Arkansas (which had zero colored citizens in the 50s and 60s) get over the cultural dirven ideas that Americans of African descent were inferrior and different. These guys did more to integrate American that anything the government could mandate. I believe deeply that if it were not for the great Black perrormers of the 50s and 60s, the Civil RIghts acts and reforms which ensued, might have been delayed by many decades. You see how music was the universial connector and, white kids, as they grew to be voters, would no longer accept the falsehoods and misunderstandings driven into our upbringing. Music is a God given attribute which no man and no law can superceede! Thank God for these wonderful singers and the impact they had on all our lives. I just pray that some of them lived to realize the great difference they made.

[@nitaweitzel822]

1:36 my person fav is Jackie Wilson.

[@Mike-ny6sf]

I’m 76 years old. I was fixing something for my wife, and she said I was her handyman. I started singing this song that I hadn’t heard since the sixties. How is it that I (we) can remember the lyrics and tune from that long ago. I even hear the sound of his voice and the music in my mind. That stuff is still there in the deep recesses of our memory. Amazing

[@davidperry2306]

Because THAT is when REAL music was produced. The 60's were the best years ever.

[@lavenderhearts101]

I’m 71 years old and retired nurse. I can remember working with nonverbal Alzheimer’s, or dementia patients, who it out of the blue sing a popular song that they remembered from start to finish and didn’t miss a word. A beautiful mystery.❤️🎼🎶

[@CHAY-1]

@@lavenderhearts101 I'm 70 and we took care of my mom with Alzheimer's. We have a jukebox filled with music from the 50's to 70's. When a 50's song came on ,especially Elvis,she knew the words better than I. They say that music is one thing that retains in the minds of Alzheimer's patients.

[@lavenderhearts101]

Am Cheke ❤️ Beautiful

[@TheOriginalRick]

@@lavenderhearts101 We fixed up a number of CDs with artists such as Doris Day, Jo Stafford, Joni James, and many others from the 1950s for my mother-in-law to listen to. They were all her favorites as she was then a young wife and mother in her mid-20s, starting her family at that time. She constantly had them playing at her home. As she began slipping further into dementia a few years ago the songs became even more important. We made sure the people who were taking care of her knew the importance of letting her listen to that music, and having it available. She left us a year ago, and during much of the wake and funeral the CDs got a heavy workout. ❤

[@TheR1200clc]

This hands down is one of the coolest songs ever written and sung absolutely fantastic!

[@jamesbritton8783]

I agree with you wow that's a song 😊❤

[@bellestarr4040]

@@jamesbritton8783 back there those songs had a message

[@marbelz.p6018]

Cheers for the Video! Excuse me for butting in, I am interested in your thoughts. Have you considered - Rozardner Successful Handyman Reality (google it)? It is an awesome exclusive guide for how to start a handyman business without the normal expense. Ive heard some decent things about it and my close friend Aubrey got cool results with it.

[@racheltheehermit7314]

You have good taste, man.

[@rickrick5041]

It’s Handyman not Hands Down

[@alanwhite9797]

Jimmy Jones was one of the classiest fellows I ever met and he was a great, really thoroughly polished old school entertainer. Even tapped danced beautifully. Really nice guy too. He had many, many records released prior to "Handyman"and every time one would come out the record company would try to get him to give up the hot dog cart he owned in Times Square and go on the road. Each time the record failed and he had to reinstate the cart and start over. When "Handyman" hit they had to come down to the cart personally and actually show him the Billboard charts before he would tour. The agency I worked for represented him from about 1966-1968 and I booked him often. I have very fond memories of this great entertainer.

[@timliddell908]

Thanks for that, Alan. You were fortunate to have had him in your life. "Old school" artist, for sure.

[@NH1212c]

Thanks, Alan.

[@MarkInLA]

Geeez ! I sang and harmonised with my buddies in Manhattan in those days ! ! ! So wish I knew about the hot dog cart and went to met him !! Probably one those wonderful Sabrett carts. Mmmmmh, those juicy sauteed tomatoed onions on top...Wonderful days in the big Apple .....Mark Harris

[@QueenAnitaSoul1]

Alan White Hello ls he still alive ?

[@JL-lr2tr]

Great story. Thank you

[@mikehudson8884]

I've always liked Jimmy Jones's Good Timin' and Handyman, I'd never seen him perform before, his dancing is wonderful to watch.

[@TheDonnalovesmusic]

Yeah - seems like all those guys back then could really move!!

[@EJDD1233]

Wow, I always though he was white for some reason

[@karlmahlmann]

I remember the 1st time I head this in 1960. His singing style was so wild and different. It was just amazing. Jimmy Jones, a great artist.

[@Seraldx]

.. like this Handy Man ... :-) by Jimmy Jones * !!

[@dougwass8909]

Karl Mahlmann Yep... as well as "I Told You So" & "Ready For Love". Cheers; *(^_^)*

[@karlmahlmann]

Yes, and don't forget "Good Timin" - another great song with that wild singing style

[@65motowngirl]

Screw James Taylor! THIS is the way Handy Man was meant to be sung. Thank you Jimmy!

[@billthompson2300]

I too remember the 1st time I heard it, in a coffee bar, I like so many others was so lucky in my teens ,late 50s& through the 60s, great music(fab) then I got married. the end.

[@timliddell908]

A class act and dressed to the nines. It all says "I'm here to entertain you".

[@ASHMAN750]

What a voice man I tell you I have listen this song over and over so many times for the past few days I think we need to start pushing these old music to enlighten people

[@gankaru24]

I'm so happy my choir teacher showed me this man, This man happens to be the late father of my choir teacher! He (teacher) has the most passionate smile when talking about his dad and it brings joy to my heart that he would share his fathers music with me; What a guy! He has a spitting image to jones as well :D

[@65motowngirl]

How sweet! I'm so glad I found this. I loved this guys music. Timing was another one of his special songs. I wonder which came first?

[@brunonpaulbielinski6226]

Good Timin' was the follow-up.

[@alanfleming4555]

I play this song weekly on funfair and it gets the younger ones toe tapping

[@65motowngirl]

How sweet is that!

[@65motowngirl]

I should add. I always loved this version. I was 12 or 13 when it came out. James Taylor did not do this song justice. His version is slow and dull.

[@maryomnes9445]

I was just 14 years old when I first heard this song. It was so cool it had such a good beat. You could dance to this song very easily. Jimmy Jones was such a great singer. This song also reminds me of my best friend Mike because we use to go out to Mel's Diner for dinner. I was very excited that my parents would let me date at age 14. I had great parents and I miss them very much. RIP DAD and MOM. 🥲🥲😢😢 You will always be in my heart. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@Grifiki]

"First time I heard tyhis song, was in a Bar called the Commando Bar 1960 Nairobi Kenya."

[@jimreid6370]

May may veteran? 😅

[@brunonpaulbielinski6226]

Jimmy Jones began his career as a tap dancer. This was on the M-G-M R&B subsidiary label...Cub. He achieved something very few artists were able to pull off...two tunes in the British Top Ten. "Handy Man" was still there when "Good Timin'" moved in to join it. One of the most overlooked pop recordings of all time was "That's When I Cried."

[@Berre1008]

LOVE this man!!! GREAT song! Nice moves from a great looking guy!

[@idk-vb8ze]

Ikr

[@cathleenberreie9768]

He had such charisma...loved listening to him!

[@deanadiedrich9304]

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay Jimmy Jones!!!!!! Great song , great background, car, dressed pristine...looking like the millionaire!!!! But that dance ....got to have rhythm. I love Jimmy Jones!!!!

[@elamite66]

There have been some good versions of this song but the original was, is and always will be bumpin'

[@lordXAVIJAANBJERGNOG]

This isn't the first version by the way.

[@MarkInLA]

Oh yeah ?? !! What was, then !!? James Taylor's slow impotent version !!! ??

[@juandiego8168]

Which it was?

[@michaelserrurier9392]

@@juandiego8168 "Handy Man" is a song written by singer Jimmy Jones and songwriter Otis Blackwell.

[@velloremel]

I am literally today years old learning about this song. What a wonderful and delightful discovery! Thank you to the James Taylor fan who brought me here. I love this! A version I can dance to!

[@scatoni]

This was my 1st rock and roll song. Many memories

[@rljrl]

Brings back those early college days. Wonderful song. Thanks for the memories.

[@Target_Buster]

What a great time to be in college! Your high school years were filled with some of the world's greatest music as well!

[@josephkane392]

Just Brilliant single from Jimmy Jones Called Handyman such a great song to dance to on the Dance Floor in 1960

[@HeilEvilCupCake]

"I fix broken hearts I know I really can"

[@nancywood9531]

Oh man....my favorite song in my senior year of high school. Loved the beat! Great sing along song. Fantastic hustle song. Awww...memories@ it was always my song to request on KIOA radio show with DJ's Dick Youngsy. .....the 🎶❣🎶

[@geraldrembert8321]

I remember listening to this song on the Radio.i was around 9 or 10 years old. I"m 72 years old now.

[@deschutesmaple4520]

What a great song, I can see why James Taylor had to do his own cover of this original. Great dancing and voice! They sure don't make 'em like the used to, needless to say! Thanks for uploading :-)

[@rafaelsolorzano700]

I can hear this again and again,nice.......great song....

[@Roger.Coleman1949]

The first 45 I ever bought, aged 10 , a bright yellow MGM label, love this record to bits !

[@maryrawson4324]

+Roger Coleman I was also about 10..loved this

[@brunonpaulbielinski6226]

You must be outside the U.S. --- it was released on the Cub subsidiary label-- R&B

[@Roger.Coleman1949]

Yes Brunon, the UK.In July,1960, Jimmy would get a No.1 soon after over here with ' Good Timin ' ' for 3 weeks.I think ' Handy Man ' got to No.4 in the charts.It was very rare here then to hear ' Pop Music ' on the radio, and the first BBC radio programme for such music was called ' Pick Of The Pops ', late on Saturday nights, until it was moved to Sunday afternoons in 1962 when it became an ' mainstream ' to listen to.I still have the treasured record by the way !.

[@brunonpaulbielinski6226]

As an old CashBox man I can tell you Jimmy Jones achieved what only a few artists had been able to up until then..."Handy Man" and "Good Timin" were in the U.K. Top Ten simultaneously. I still enjoyone of his that missed..."That's When I Cried."

[@urdivine]

I've been singing this song since it was released. It's so fun to sing. I also didn't know he was black until the 70's.

[@marshallman1au]

I found this out today ..... Being 66 years old and coming from the Wide Brown Land "Down Under" ..... The good thing is .... The music was the thing .... Not the colour of the skin .... KZbin has given me so many surprises ..... ROFL!

[@darkridedracula]

This song is an absolute masterpiece.

[@sauquoit13456]

On this day in 1960 {July 1st} the 'Jocko's Rocket Ship Revue' show played at the Apollo Theater in the Harlem section of New York City... One of the five acts on the bill was Jimmy Jones; at the time his "Good Timin'" was at #9 on Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart; five weeks earlier on May 23rd, 1960 it had peaked at #3 {for 3 weeks} and it stayed on the chart for 15 weeks... And two days after the show on July 3rd it reached #1 {for 3 weeks} on the United Kingdom's Singles chart... Earlier in 1960 Jimmy Jones’ first Top 10 record, "Handy Man", peaked at #2* {for 1 week} on February 29th... R.I.P. to Mr. Jones {1937 - 2012}, Mr. Faith {1908 - 1976}, and radio personality Douglas ‘Jocko’ Henderson {1918 - 2000}… * The week "Handy Man" was at #2, the #1 record for that week was "The Theme from 'A Summer Place'" by Percy Faith and His Orchestra...

[@ronyates8927]

became a good friend, while performing on the jersey shore in the early 70s always crashed at my place in matawan.when he was in town miss you buddy .......ron yates

[@lindaselph1226]

I love hearing the music from the 50 & 60's! Now that I' m old I get to sit around listening to music all day long!

[@johnnyphillips3521]

16 years old and we danced to it at the sock hops in Fort Mill, SC

[@SPRITEPAL]

It's nice to see a performer move and do steps like this and like Jackie Wilson did !

[@miniroos1]

I was 18years old and I was dancing in a dansschool when these music was playing and I was dancing with a partner in de middle of the flor allone with many people around us. and she clapped to the music for us. Now Iam 81 year old . This is my memorie

[@sheilajackson5950]

Thank you for all the great records, I still have 45"s.

[@Muswell]

As it's the Beech Nut Show, I love the way that all the close-ups of the audience are of them chewing the gum. Ha! Anyone not chewing wasn't featured !

[@srercrcr]

I noticed how they were chewing gum, was gonna comment, and then saw it was The Beech Nut Show!! Funny!!

[@WytZox1]

And their ad slogan was "Beechnut Gum is flavor-ific!" So in late 1950s that IFIC button was the badge of kewl ... ☺

[@hf6150]

Probably like how hosts had to smoke in those days, if a cigarette company was the sponsor. KZbin has clips of Garry Moore doing it on "I've Got A Secret."

[@dianesmith3624]

Such beautiful memories of playing & dancing to this record.... 😍

[@felixmadison5736]

I'm so glad I was around when we had music and performers like this!! Today the music is something I can't even listen to. Sad.

[@ronaldtennant5939]

I completely agree with Oscar!

[@ethang147]

I wish I was around when this music was popular.

[@ShannonA739]

I was born in the late 60s, but grew up telling my parents I was born in the wrong decade since I love this music so much! Now that I’m older and know all of the problems from the 50s & 60s, I’m glad I wasn’t, but sooo want this music to make a comeback. I’ll never stop listening to this over today’s music ❤️

[@moshebenmor8754]

Totally agreed it was and still is my favorite song, every time I heard it. this song brings beautiful memories.

[@colonelb.wesley5845]

Awesome song from 1960! One of my favorites!...I remember this when he did this on TV!...Greatest decade ever!......the 1960's!

[@jondoe8889]

So many flashback elements in this song. A big hit I remember, one year away from being a teen. That car. Four years later, it would be my first car. And another year before I picked up a guitar, and (eventually) learned what a guitar solo was.

[@mels674]

We share the same b-day June 2nd what a great artist he was 💯 #teamgemimi♊️

[@penelopesnopes6852]

His dancing is hypnotic!

[@SG-ji5ij]

He looked as if he needed to go to the bathroom, really really bad.

[@garnettduke337]

Handsome, great singer, fabulous dancer and all said and done with style!! Wow, can’t top THAT!!!!

[@captaincrunch8523]

Doesn't get any better. I'm thankful I lived and experienced this during my 20's

[@ianmcnicol6425]

Makes me smile so much. What a song. And the whistling too...stroke of genius.

[@egbertsouce3895]

James Taylor picked a great tune to cover and put his own stamp on his version. But as good and as big a hit as his cover was, there's nothing like the original Jimmy Jones version !!!

[@juandiego8168]

Sorry. I not agree.

[@65motowngirl]

James Taylor screwed it up . He sounded like he was half dead singing this great Jimmy Jones tune. Taylor should stick to his own material . Thank You very much!

[@nack3218]

@@65motowngirl : - Totally agree . Jimmy Jones was THE man . Couldn't stand James Taylor .

[@65motowngirl]

Bullshit! James Taylor should be ashamed. What an insult his version is to what did not need to be done again. Baby. If it ain’t broke. Don’t fix it!

[@65motowngirl]

Steve fuck you baby! You think I’m black? Guess what you ignorant moron. I’m as white as snow. I grew up in Detroit is all. James Taylor SUCKS with his dead pan version of what was meant to be a happy , peppy song. Taylor sounds like he’s dying. Probably dead by now. So who really gives a fuck anyway.

[@MrGavinspoppop]

As a kid of 17 , the band I was in ( Beatles cover band ) backed Jimmy in NJ ... I was the one who knew the song and the chords .... he had another guy with him and I mean they could dance their asses off ....jumpin splits and all ... great show .

[@emersongomes4925]

musica nostalgia pura! maravilhosa.

[@grantchapman4760]

Absolutely fantastic!!!!!

[@philipsanders9192]

Dang! Michael stole his moves, especially That leg kick!

[@casamena1]

just love this song who remembers this ?

[@sixgunn98]

One of my favorites, I was nine when it was on the radio

[@MrHolzheim]

What a memory. In 1960 I was 14 and at ATC training camp in Hitchin. Down the road was the local cafe, strictly coffee and juke box in those days! but two records were constantly played, this one and Apache by the Shadows. Six pence in the box got you 2 plays. Eat your heart out all rappers.

[@robertsiebenrock3997]

This guy really knows how to sing and and has the best songs to do.

[@k8nyonyoutube487]

The one, the only and original Jimmy Jones. Remember well when this song was released around Christmas Time in 1959, I was 14 year old kid living in Brooklyn, NY. Thanks Jimmy for the great song much covered by others including brother James Taylor!!

[@murraydickson3920]

Great song, brilliant artist. Also happen to love the Beagle and the Jag.

[@murraydickson3920]

Sad about all the GUM Chewers in this clip. Love the music though.

[@glennmurray.]

Havent heard this one for years. Classic 🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸💎

[@JoeyDWild]

Fantastic voice.

[@joshron99]

"Rock 'n Roll" has been such a pernicious worm within America's architecture.

[@lawsonj39]

Huh? Nonsense.

[@manaxablam9648]

North American* go to study geography

[@RichardFeynmanRules]

What a great voice, what a great song.

[@rihanagrace1721]

First heard jimmy when i was about 9 here in australia ,have loved his music ever since

[@sandrineotteli2441]

@@rihanagrace1721 Dell Shannon is much better!Celtic Power dear🙏💜

[@audreyfreeman4208]

He was one of my favorite handymen loved his style wonder where is he now. a wonderful entertainer

[@untouchableraider1960]

Here to thank my Italian American family for introducing me and growing me up with good music!

[@bobbuch3459]

I am the original handy man. Been busy 24 hours a day for the last 50 years. ;-) Love me some old music.

[@molnya2]

Ahh, a Bassett Hound and a Triumph TR3A. Nice props for a great tune.

[@540rollerman]

I first saw Jimmy on Dick Clark's show, still love it. Thank you for this great music.

[@josephkane3215]

Another timeless Classic hit single from Jimmy Jones with his big Hit of Handyman

[@deanpowers9352]

This Was On The Day I Was Born........LOVE THIS SONG..:)..........

[@babytaylorm]

What a great voice!!!!! Thanks for sharing

[@davedawson141]

I remember this when I was a kid and now I'm old and I'm still a good handy man

[@RaulRodriguez-gt4dp]

Otra vez mas debo darle las gracias por estos hermosos momentos musicales. Continuare manana. Si el creador lo permite.

[@chazhernandez657]

So 1 year old. My dad took me crusin in his 1958 convertible Impala. This song came on. Then “Stay”. Remember it well. 🎶🎶🎶

[@carolmahala]

Another great song! Loved it as a senior in High School!

[@MrGavinspoppop]

In 1965 I was in a band that backed up Jimmy and his partner ... in a club in Newbergh NY .. the guy moved better that he did in this video .... jumpin splits together ... awesome show ... I was the only one who knew the chords to the songs ... thats my big thrill in giging in the 60's ... RIP JImmy

[@reneefuller5609]

I think he was nervous! Poor cat! 🎼♥️😋😁🌵

[@dorothycrawley3327]

Love this song..I'm 59 years old and this is the first time seeing him..very good looking ❤..

[@marymagee3124]

He was gorgeous, he could move, brillant singer.

[@muffinisis]

One of my all time favourites

[@MrTingrag]

jimmy jones was utter class.great falsetto

[@denniscarroll33]

Never saw him before,he had some moves ,imagine him @ the disco,way ahead of most performers@ the time,cool.

[@paulbrennan3996]

First class song my mum and dad used to jive to this number one of my mum's favourite songs her no 1 song by Jimmy Jones was Good timing and they always jived to that number.

[@bobsalmon121346]

I was in 8th grade in 1959. Kids came into the classroom every morning singing some new rock song that had just hit the radio waves the day before: "Comma, comma, comma . . . " "My momma told me, you got to shop around . . . " "Searchin' every whi-i-ich-a way, yeah, yeah." Those songs colored our lives. We listened to them on the radio and 45s, danced to them at parties and dances, sang them to each other. What a great time! About James Taylor's version, well, he's a very great music personality. Great singer, composer, guitarist. But his version of this song totally misses the point. He makes Handyman sound like a ballad, a love song. No, no, no! This is a mischievous fantasy song. It's about rhythm and blues with its focus on love and sexuality. And it touches on the 1950s teen obsession with cars, driving cars, working on cars -- the handyman, the mechanic. Jimmy Jones hit it square on the mark. Yes, the song is about sexuality, but the way he delivers it, it becomes an innocent, fun-loving, fantasy. That was the 50s!

[@adrinathegreat3095]

Interesting perspective on the lyrics, I'd always assumed it was a handyman, basically fixing things, hinges, leaky taps etc, never really even considered car's as something it was about, until seeing this clip and reading your comment

[@markherron1407]

Happy Birthday to Jimmy Jones REST IN POWER Blessings and Hugs 💖💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

[@johnruszala1054]

Great timing for this song to come out and the other hit came in just as handy at the time too...

[@j.conroy2011]

Jimmy Jones had been recording for 5 years prior to "Handy Man". He actually Recorded a different version of Handy Man in 1955 with a group he formed in the Army called the Berliners (they were stationed in Germany) Back in the states they became the Sparks Of Rhythm and signed with New Yorks Apollo Records after a name change to the Pretenders they signed with Rama Records for two releases in 1956, they also recorded for a number of other labels before he struck out on his own.

[@jimmymichaels6877]

I saw him at the carolina theater in winston salem nc back in the 60's, time flys by and he was really good

[@muffs55mercury61]

This and "Good Timin' " made Jimmy a legend. I was just 5 at the time but it was great to grow up in that era. Love the Austin-Healey. I remember seeing many when I was a kid.

[@ASHMAN750]

Am so young but I am so happy I got to listen this found it on jukebox oldie I love oldies and I won't ever stop loving them

[@brianpeacock-lc4du]

Sitting in the sun in Spain here on holiday and discovered this we song🎵. If they played this not a person would be seated. Class tune by a class artist 👌❤️

[@kyler591]

VERY INTERESTING ALAN WHITE THANK YOU FOR THE INPUT, I ENJOY STUFF LIKETHAT.....

[@RadicalforGod]

This man can sing! Very talented ❤️❤️❤️🔥🔥🔥

[@HitsTownUSA]

One of the few hit records that was released on the MGM sub label "CUB". This 45 single is mastered HOT!!

[@billsprague7429]

Why do 57 people dislike this?? It is a great song

[@tbkulavik]

Reminds me a lot of Jackie Wilson and James Brown.

[@darkamada]

CLASSIC SONG. CLASSIC TIMES, THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS.

[@grahamchambers9665]

I had forgot how much of a great singer jimmy jones was'' great to hear these old tunes'' they could sing in them days ''soulgray'

[@eamonstafford2056]

This is a great version. Like this one and Del's one =

[@josephkane4753]

Such Brilliant single form 1960 Called Handyman By Jimmy Jones a top 3 hit for him in this year

[@rickbensco9793]

WOW! I thought James Taylor wrote this. It is refreshing to see. Now I wonder what other James Taylor songs I like might be covers.

[@theressamurphy2996]

I have been married a very long time. My husband is a handyman. What a blessed life. He can fix anything mechanical. Fixing your heart by being with you in sickness and health.

[@TheDonnalovesmusic]

Loved this back in the day and still do today - listen to it a lot!!!!

[@peterthomas6486]

James Taylor brought be here! Love James's version, but this is so Happy and Uplifting, Love his Falsetto!