Kirby Stone founded the group and enrollled Eddie Hall, Mike Gardner and Larry Forsterand to complete the quartet.
The group began playing clubs in the New York area. They won slots on local television, including The Ed Sullivan Show, and soon after signed to Columbia Records. Several LPs followed, including Baubles, Bangles and Beads; their version of the song Baubles, Bangles and Beads became a hit in the U.S. in 1958.
Among the backing musicians that played on Kirby Stone Four albums were Jimmy Carroll's orchestra, the Kai Winding Quartet, Alvino Rey, Shelly Manne, and Al Klink. Their style, which melded swing jazz, vocalese, and early rock & roll was referred to as "The Go Sound."
Baubles bangles and beads
The Kirby Stone Four Lyrics
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Baubles, bangles, bright shiny beads
Sparkles, spangles, her heart will sing, singa-linga
Wearing baubles, bangles and beads
She'll glitter and gleam so
Make somebody dream so that
Some day I may buy her a ring, ringa-linga
Wearing baubles, bangles, and beads
She'll glitter and gleam so
Make somebody dream so that
Some day I may buy her a ring, ringa-linga
I've heard that's where it leads
Wearing baubles, bangles, and beads
The Kirby Stone Four's song "Baubles, Bangles, and Beads" is a catchy and witty number that explores the idea of materialism and how it can affect people's desires and relationships. The song's lyrics convey the notion that a woman's heart can be won over by the promise of shiny jewels, glittering baubles, jingling bangles, and sparkly beads. The repetition of the word "singa-linga" in the chorus adds to the playful and fun nature of the song, and creates a sense of whimsy and lightness.
The verses describe the allure of these objects and how they can be used to make someone dream and desire something more. The desire for jewelry is seen as a symbol of romantic commitment, as the singer hopes to someday buy his love interest a ring. However, the lyrics also hint at the fleeting nature of these material objects, suggesting that they are ultimately just a passing fancy, and that true love and commitment cannot be bought with mere baubles and beads.
Overall, the song is a clever and lighthearted commentary on materialism and its role in relationships, conveyed through catchy melodies and playful lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
Baubles, bangles, jing, jinga-linga
Various types of jewelry that tinkle, jingle, and make sounds
Baubles, bangles, bright shiny beads
Different kinds of eye-catching jewelry that are bright and shiny
Sparkles, spangles, her heart will sing, singa-linga
The sparkle and shine of the jewelry will make her happy and excited
Wearing baubles, bangles and beads
She is dressed in gorgeous jewelry consisting of trinkets, bracelets, and necklaces
She'll glitter and gleam so
She will look and shine so bright and luminescent
Make somebody dream so that
Impress someone or cause someone to have a certain dream or fantasy
Some day I may buy her a ring, ringa-linga
One day, the singer may purchase a ring for her, which is a symbol of love and commitment
I've heard that's where it leads
The song suggests that the purpose of jewelry is to ultimately lead to buying a ring, which is a larger symbol of love
Writer(s): Forrest George, Wright Robert Craig
Contributed by Josiah V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@usmale49
Oh how I love this song by the Kirby Stone Four...such a great sound and the STEREO is absolutely glorious! Fantastic song for 1958! Thank you for uploading and sharing!!
@USRoute66
This has to be not only best version of this song ever recorded, but one of the best vocal groups of all-time. Sadly, they are not to so well known today, but they still shine like a diamond in the night.
@jamescity1160
I agree!
@leedaniels7196
Absolutely!,😊
@chatman2a
This is the only version I grew up listening to. It was the first and is absolutely the best.
@wowjef
Agreed!
@usmale49
Yes, this is the very best version. However; Barbara Eden sang it in the TV production of "Kismet" which isn't too bad either!!
@lostsoul3154
Before all this COVID s**t, there was the late, great year of 1958 and the K.S.4 with this great, great sound.
@jeffmarshall9420
I have loved this since 1958 when I was 5 and mom had 1310 WRR Dallas on in the kitchen. I still love it.
@chrisn7259
One of those records where it all came together perfectly. The vocals, the driving arrangement, etc. After all these years it is as refreshing as a cool breeze.