"Cradle of Love" is a song released in 1960 by Johnny Preston written by Jack Fautheree & Wayne Gray.
Background The lyrics of "Cradle of Love" quote several well known nursery rhymesAquila, Richard (1989). That Old-time Rock & Roll: A Chronicle of an Era, 1954-1963, University of Illinois Press. p. 66. Retrieved April 4, 2018. with variations that tie them to the song's title. The song's chorus quotes Rock-a-bye Baby, the first verse quotes Jack Be Nimble, the second verse quotes Hey Diddle Diddle, and the third verse quotes Jack and Jill.JOHNNY PRESTON "Cradle Of Love" OldieLyrics. Accessed July 25, 2015
Chart performance In the US, the song spent 15 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at No. 7,Hot 100 - Johnny Preston Cradle of Love Chart History, Billboard.com. Retrieved April 4, 2018. and No. 15 on Billboards Hot R&B Sides."The Billboard Hot R&B Sides", Billboard, May 23, 1960. p. 42. Accessed October 14, 2015 Outside the US, it went to No. 2 in the United Kingdom,Johnny Preston - Full Official Chart History, Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 4, 2018. No. 4 on Canada's CHUM Hit Parade, No. 5 on Norway's VG-lista,Johnny Preston - Cradle of Love, norwegiancharts.com. Accessed July 25, 2015 No. 7 in Australia,David Kent, Australian Top 20 Singles - Week Ending April 30, 1960 and No. 15 in Japan."Billboard Music Week Hits of the World", Billboard, June 26, 1961. p. 39. Accessed December 17, 2015.
Chart (1960)PeakpositionAustralia7Canada (CHUM Hit Parade)4Flanders"Belgian Newsnotes", Billboard, August 8, 1960. p. 6. Accessed December 17, 2015.Johnny Preston - Cradle of Love, Ultratop. Retrieved April 4, 2018.6Japan15Netherlands"Holland Newsnotes", Billboard, August 8, 1960. p. 6. Accessed December 17, 2015.Johnny Preston - Cradle of Love, Dutch Charts. Retrieved July 27, 201519Norway (VG-lista)5UK Record Retailer2UK New Musical Express"Best Selling Pop Records in Britain", Billboard, June 13, 1960. p. 6. Retrieved April 4, 2018.2US Billboard Hot 1007US Billboard Hot R&B Sides15US Cash Box Top 100"The Cash Box Top 100", Cash Box, May 21, 1960. p. 4. Retrieved April 4, 2018.6US Cash Box Records Disc Jockeys Played Most"The Records Disc Jockeys Played Most", Cash Box, May 21, 1960. p. 20. Retrieved April 4, 2018.6US Cash Box Top Ten Juke Box Tunes"The Nation's Top Ten Juke Box Tunes", Cash Box, May 28, 1960. p. 12. Retrieved April 4, 2018.5WalloniaJohnny Preston - Cradle of Love, Ultratop. Retrieved April 4, 2018.10
Cover versions Using the name "Bobby Stevens", Ray Pilgrim recorded a version of the song in 1960."Ray Pilgrim UK Releases", raypilgrim.co.uk. Accessed October 15, 2015 Ronnie & Robyn (then Detroit-area high-school kids, b. respectively Robert Arquette and JoAnn Casey)"Ronnie & Robyn", soul-source.co.uk. Accessed September 7, 2023 recorded a forceful arrangement in 1966 on HBR 489."Ronnie And Robyn - Cradle Of Love / Dreamin'", 45cat.com. Accessed September 7, 2023
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