The Phono Project

Exploring the history of the groove

“Paper Roses” by Lola Dee

Although not a household name today, Lola Dee was a popular country singer throughout the 1950’s. Her song, “Paper Roses”, was a popular ballad that received high critical praise when it was released in November of 1955. In an issue of Billboard Magazine, one critic called the #47 hit song “a forthright hunk of a country weeper”. It has a bouncing, up tempo rhythm, despite its depressing lyrics about a woman wronged. Dee was one of many to bring country music into the popular mainstream. Music was not her only contribution, as she has spent years doing charity work and was the Illinois chairperson for the ALS Association. Jack Hollaran orchestrated the track, and he has worked with icons from Ray Charles to Frank Sinatra.

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