Lee J Pockriss WWII And More Photo Album - Please Note Description Details

Let me introduce you to Lee Pockriss. Born in Brooklyn, NY, Lee played the piano from a very early age. His Uncle, Sam Pockrass, was a noted composer having composed the score for the Broadway production of "Cyrano de Bergerac" and for the Shirley Temple films. Lee enjoyed listening to exponents of "Jam" playing, appeared as solo pianist in several Broadway night clubs, played over Radio Station WNYC. There are photos in the album that document these activities. After the war he pursued a musical education in NYC and followed in his Uncle's footsteps composing scores for Broadway musicals and operettas.

Lee Pockriss was the co-writer of “Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini” the novelty song preformed by Brian Hyland in June 1960, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 list, selling a million copies in the US. Although this may seem to be a rather nonevent today, it was the time that bikini bathing suits were seen as far too risqué to be accepted in society. The release of the song created a significant takeoff in bikini sales, causing many to want to ban the playing of the song. “Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini” is considered to be a major contributor to the acceptance of the bikini in society which in turn saw the creation of the surf movies in the 1960’s. That is the period in time that every warm-blooded male, including myself, had a crush on Annett Funicello, thank you Mickey Mouse Club.

This album came straight out of the estate of Lee Pockriss under the auspices of his wife, who in her own right led a very interesting life. See the WWII photo album that was her first husbands.

The overall condition is good. It does need a little loving care to preserve it.