Paul Evans, American singer-songwriter and guitarist

Paul Evans, born on March 5, 1938, carved out a notable niche for himself as an American rock and roll singer and songwriter, making his most significant mark throughout the vibrant music scene of the 1950s and 1960s. His enduring talent brought several memorable tunes to the airwaves, captivating audiences with his distinctive style and songwriting prowess.

Early Chart Success and Signature Hits

Evans quickly rose to prominence as a performer, delivering hits that resonated deeply with the burgeoning rock and roll culture. His biggest commercial success came in 1959 with the catchy "Seven Little Girls Sitting in the Backseat," a playful tune recorded with The Curls that soared to an impressive No. 9 spot on the highly influential Billboard Hot 100 chart. This track solidified his status as a hitmaker, but it was far from his only contribution to the era's soundtrack. Other well-received songs like "Midnight Special" and the upbeat "Happy-Go-Lucky Me" further showcased his versatility and appeal to a broad audience, becoming staples of the early rock and roll sound.

A Later Resurgence with a Different Flavor

Demonstrating a remarkable ability to adapt and connect with listeners across different genres, Evans found renewed success almost two decades later. In 1978 and 1979, he scored a sizeable hit in the UK and Australia with the intriguing and somewhat somber country song, "Hello, This is Joanie." Known by a slightly varied title, "Hello, This is Joannie (The Telephone Answering Machine Song)," on its Spring Records release, the track garnered significant attention. The New Zealand pressing, released by Polydor Records, carried the title "Hello, This is Joanie." Adding another layer of depth to this memorable recording, Evans revealed in a 2004 interview that the evocative voice of "Joanie" was skillfully provided by acclaimed country artist Lea Jane Berinati, underscoring the collaborative talent behind its success.

Canadian Recognition and Minor Chart Appearances

Beyond his major international successes, Paul Evans also registered a presence on North American charts with several minor hits that highlighted his ongoing musical output. In Canada, his song "After the Hurricane" made a significant impact, reaching No. 2 on Vancouver's CFUN chart on April 8, 1961, illustrating his appeal across the border. Additionally, "Feelin' No Pain" managed to climb to No. 23 on the Canadian CHUM charts, further cementing his reputation as a consistent and respected artist with a knack for crafting engaging tunes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Paul Evans

Who is Paul Evans?

Paul Evans is an American rock and roll singer and songwriter, best known for his hits in the 1950s and 1960s, and a later country hit in the late 1970s.

When was Paul Evans born?

Paul Evans was born on March 5, 1938.

What are some of Paul Evans' most famous songs?

His most famous songs include "Seven Little Girls Sitting in the Backseat," "Midnight Special," "Happy-Go-Lucky Me," and "Hello, This is Joanie" (also known as "Hello, This is Joannie (The Telephone Answering Machine Song)").

When did "Seven Little Girls Sitting in the Backseat" chart?

It reached No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1959.

Did Paul Evans have international success?

Yes, "Hello, This is Joanie" was a sizeable hit in the UK and Australia in 1978-79.

Who provided the voice of "Joanie" on "Hello, This is Joanie"?

The voice of Joanie was provided by country artist Lea Jane Berinati.

What Canadian charts did Paul Evans appear on?

He had a No. 2 hit with "After the Hurricane" on Vancouver's CFUN chart and "Feelin' No Pain" reached No. 23 on the Canadian CHUM charts.