A Bushel and a Peck

"A Bushel and a Peck" is a popular song written by Frank Loesser and published in 1950. The song was introduced in the Broadway musical Guys and Dolls, which opened at the 46th Street Theater on November 24, 1950. It was performed on stage by Vivian Blaine, who later reprised her role as Miss Adelaide in the 1955 film version of the play. "A Bushel and a Peck," however, was omitted from the film, and instead replaced by a new song, titled "Pet Me, Poppa."

"A Bushel and a Peck"
Song
Published1950
Songwriter(s)Frank Loesser

A popular recording by Perry Como and Betty Hutton (made on September 12, 1950, and released by RCA Victor first reached the Billboard magazine charts on October 27, 1950, and lasted 18 weeks on the chart, where it peaked at #6.[1]

Another contemporary recording that had some popularity was by Margaret Whiting and Jimmy Wakely (recorded on September 13, 1950, and released by Capitol Records. The record first reached the Billboard magazine charts on October 20, 1950, and lasted 13 weeks on the chart, peaking at #13.[1]

Doris Day's recording (made on September 13, 1950, and released by Columbia Records as 78rpm catalog number 39008 and 45rpm catalog number 6-838) made the chart on January 5, 1951, at #30 for one week.[1] Day's rendition of the song enjoyed a surge in popularity due to its usage in a 2017 State Farm Insurance TV commercial.[2]

Many other recording artists also did versions of the song.

On Cash Box magazine's Best-Selling Record charts, where all versions of the song are combined, the song reached #5 on December 2, 1950.

The song gained so much popularity before the musical actually opened that it was moved from its original spot at the start of the second act into the first act.

The number, in context of the show, can be performed either as "Miss Adelaide and her Chick Chick Chickadees," where the girls are dressed in yellow feathers, or as "Miss Adelaide and the Hot Box Farmerettes," where skimpy plantation outfits are worn (often jean cutoffs and checkered racing shirts or short gingham sundresses).

Recorded versions

References
  1. Whitburn, Joel (1973). Top Pop Records 1940-1955. Record Research.
  2. State Farm Insurance "Remodel"


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