Benny Bell: “Sadie and Sammy” (Year Unknown)
Benny Bell, born Benjamin Zamberg, was a pioneer in the field of Jewish comedy who sang in English, Yiddish and Hebrew. During a prolific run in the 1930’s and 40’s he released self-produced, self-written albums–on his own record label, no less.
Well after Bell’s peak of popularity, the nationally syndicated Dr. Demento radio program began playing his 1946 song “Shaving Cream”, which led to notoriety beyond New York City for the first time in his career.
It also led to a re-release of the song in 1975, making Benny Bell the most unlikely one-hit wonder since Tiny Tim. “Shaving Cream” reached #30 in the US charts.
Bell continued to perform live into his 90’s.
