If I Had A Hammer – Trini Lopez

This track by Trini Lopez spent seven weeks in the UK top 10 in 1963.

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Fifty years ago this week, If I had a hammer by Trini Lopez was at number 10 in the UK singles chart. It had entered the top 40 eight weeks previously at number 36 and broke into the top 10 two weeks later, reaching its peak position of number 4 after another two weeks. After one week at number 10, the song dropped into the lower top 40 for the final five weeks of its chart life.

If I had a hammer was released on the Reprise record label and was the only top 10 hit for Trini Lopez in the UK. It was taken from the live album Trini Lopez at PJ’s, which peaked at number 7 in the UK album chart. The original version of the song was recorded by the Weavers in 1950.

More music from Trini Lopez

 

UK singles chart for the week ending 9 November 1963

1. You’ll never walk alone – Gerry and the Pacemakers

2. She loves you – Beatles

3. Blue bayou / Mean woman blues – Roy Orbison

4. Sugar and spice – Searchers

5. Do you love me? – Brian Poole and the Tremeloes

6. Be my baby – Ronettes

7. Let it rock / Memphis Tennessee – Chuck Berry

8. I (who have nothing) – Shirley Bassey

9. Then he kissed me – Crystals

10. If I had a hammer – Trini Lopez