This time around, I decided to play some of my records featuring bears. There are big bears, little bears, shaggy bears, baggy bears, and of course, teddy bears. We open with Henry Hull and his orchestra, performing what may be the definitive version of “Teddy Bears’ Picnic.”
Teddy Bears’ Picnic
Henry Hull Orchestra
Teddy Bears’ Polka
Jack Arthur
Smokey the Bear
Smokey the Bear
The show also has three versions of “Goldilocks and the Three Bears,” including a very unusual rendition by Bing Crosby, Katherine Crosby, and their children. It was originally aired as an animated feature on television in 1970. But the first version you’ll hear is by my old preschool music hero, Frank Luther.
Goldilocks & the Three Bears
Frank Luther
Me & My Teddy Bear
Rosemary Clooney
The Four Bears is a Children’s Record Guild production aimed at very young children. The simple story is told by CRG regular Norman Rose. Here on Treasure Ivan, we know him as a star of children’s records, but most people remember him as the narrator of the Juan Valdez coffee commercials on TV in the 1970s.
The Four Bears
Norman Rose
Sweetie Bear
I have to admit, this next version of “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” by Ireene Wicker is my favorite. I just love how she becomes all of the characters with every fiber of her being.
Ireene Wicker
Goldilocks & the Three Bears
Ireene Wicker
Fooba Wooba John
Burl Ives
Crosby Family
Goldilocks & the Three Bears
Bing Crosby & Family, narrated by Paul Winchell
Paul Winchell & Jerry Mahoney
Waltzing with Bears
Platte River Yacht Club
The show begins with the original “Teddy Bears’ Picnic,” so I couldn’t resist adding my own recently recorded version, available on my soon-to-be released CD “This Is My School.” John Messer is heard on slide guitar.
Teddy Bears’ Picnic
Ivan Ulz (with John Messer & Christopher North)