| "Surrender" | |
|---|---|
| Single byPerry Como | |
| B-side | "They Say It's Wonderful" |
| Recorded | April 2, 1946 |
| Studio | RCA Studio B |
| Label | Victor |
| Songwriters | Bennie Benjamin,George David Weiss |
"Surrender" is a 1946 song co-written byBennie Benjamin andGeorge David Weiss. It was originally performed byPerry Como and covered by various artists includingWoody Herman,George Olsen, andBob Chester. Como's version of "Surrender" peaked at number one on theBillboard Best Selling Popular Retail Records chart and sold over a million copies.
The lyrics of "Surrender" are thought to be inspired by the surrender of Japan and Germany inWorld War II and the connections between surrendering in love and war.[1]
On April 2, 1946, Perry Como recorded "Surrender" withRuss Case and his Orchestra.[2] After the song was released in June 1946,[3]Billboard called Como's version of "Surrender" a "slow dreamy arrangement"[3] and praised the performance by Russ Cass's orchestra.[4] Como's recording of "Surrender" went to sell over a million copies.[5]
Como's version of "Surrender" peaked at #2 on the Most Played Juke Box Records chart on July 20, 1946.[6] A few weeks later on August 3, 1946, "Surrender" peaked at #1 on theBillboard Best Selling Popular Retail Records[7] and #2 on the Records Most Played on the Air chart.[8] Outside of Billboard, Como's rendition of "Surrender" peaked at number 2 onYour Hit Parade.[1]
In June 1946, Woody Herman released a cover of "Surrender" with the Blue Flames. Billboard said Herman's rendition of "Surrender" with the Blue Flames had an enjoyable saxophone performance and did "full justice to the ballad plait".[9]
From July to October 1946, Herman's version peaked at #8 on Billboard's Records Most Played on the Air[10] and #12 on Most Played Jukebox Records charts.[11]
Throughout 1946, multiple versions of "Surrender" were released. Billboard said thatPhil Brito's cover was apt for his vocals[12] while Tony Pastor's version was "pure corn".[13]
Other recorded versions of "Surrender" include:[14]
