The #1 hits of 1934 were far less robust than five years earlier. But it wasn’t all bleak.
Per A Century of Pop Music by Joel Whitburn, the record market was boosted in “September 1934 with the American debut of the European company Decca Records, which startled the industry with an energetic promotional campaign built around its stable of top stars (led by Bing Crosby) and its affordable 35-cent record prices.”
You’ll note that 73 weeks are designated, a function of competing record charts. About half of these songs could be considered as part of the Great American Songbook.
June and January– Bing Crosby with Georgie Stoll and his Orchestra (Decca), seven weeks at #1. From the Paramount picture Here Is My Heart
Love In Bloom – Bing Crosby with Irving Aaronson and his Commanders (Brunswick), six weeks at #1. From She Loves Me Not.
(When Your Heart’s On Fire) Smoke Gets In Your Eyes – Paul Whiteman with Bob Lawrence (Victor), six weeks at #1, from the musical Roberta.
The Very Thought Of You – Ray Noble with Al Bowlly (Victor), five weeks at #1
I’ll String Along With You – Ted Fio Rito with Muzzy Marcellino (Brunswick), five weeks at #1, from Twenty Million Sweethearts.
Murder at the Vanities
Cocktails for Two – Duke Ellington (Victor), five weeks at #1. Instrumental. From the Paramount film Murder at the Vanities.
Little Dutch Mill – Bing Crosby (Brunswick), five weeks at #1
Let’s Fall In Love – Eddie Duchin with Lew Sherwood (Victor), five weeks at #1. From the Columbia film Let’s Fall In Love.
I Saw Stars– Freddy Martin with Elmer Feldkamp (Brunswick), four weeks at #1
One Night Of Love – Grace Moore (Brunswick), four weeks at #1. From One Night In Love.
Stars Fell On Alabama – Guy Lombardo with Carmen Lombardo (Decca), four weeks at #1
The Old Spinning Wheel – Ray Noble with Al Bowlly (Victor), three weeks at #1
Stay As Sweet As You Are – Jimmie Grier with Harry Foster (Brunswick), three weeks at #1
The Object Of My Affection – Jimmie Grier with Pinky Tomlin (Brunswick), two weeks at #1
Carioca – Enric Madriguera (Columbia), two weeks at #1. Instrumental. From the RKP picture Flying Down To Rio.
The Continental (You Kiss While You’re Dancing) – Leo Reisman (Brunswick), two weeks at #1. From the film Gay Divorcee.
My Little Grass Shack in Kealakekua, Hawaii – Ted Fio Rito with Muzzy Marcellino (Brunswick), one week at #1
Wagon Wheels – Paul Whiteman with Bob Lawrence (Victor), one week at #1. From the Broadway revue Ziegfeld Follies of 1934.
Moonglow – Benny Goodman (Columbia), one week at #1. Instrumental.