This Ole House

"This Ole House" (sometimes written "This Old House") is an American popular song written by Stuart Hamblen, and published in 1954. Rosemary Clooney's version reached the top of the popular music charts in both the US and the UK in 1954. The song again topped the UK chart in 1981 in a recording by Shakin' Stevens.
Stuart Hamblen version.
Hamblem recorded the song in March 1954 and released it as a single in May 1954. It became very successful, peaking at number 2 on the "Billboard" Country & Western chart, as well as being a Top 30 hit on the Hot 100, known then as the "Best Sellers in Stores". It was his last hit on the country charts and with the royalties he bought the mansion that had been owned by the late Errol Flynn.
Composition.
Hamblen was supposedly out on a hunting expedition when he and his fellow hunter, actor John Wayne, came across a hut in the mountains. Inside was the body of a man, and the man's dog was still there, guarding the building. This inspired Hamblen to write "This Ole House". The lyric picks up a standard Gospel theme of the "old house" – the mortal body – being left behind when the soul of the believer goes to "meet the saints".
Reception.
The single was reviewed twice in "Billboard" magazine. It was described as "a powerful religioso item with a message and an infectious beat. Hamblen sells it with fervor." and that it "could easily break thru into country and pop". In the following issue, it was described as "a sacred item which re-esablishes Hamblen as the top man in his field" and "a sock debut for Hamblen on the label."
Rosemary Clooney version.
Soon after Hamblen released his version, Rosemary Clooney recorded a version of "This Ole House" with Buddy Cole & His Orchestra. It featured bass vocals by Thurl Ravenscroft and topped the charts in the US and the UK.
In the US, it was released as the flip side to "Hey There", which also reached number 1. However, in the UK, it was released as the A-side, with the flip side "My Baby Sends Me".
When reviewed in "Billboard", it was described as "a bright, bouncy rendition from the thrush, supported solidly by an unbilled male singer and the Buddy Cole ork. Tho not as strong as the flip. it has a sparkle that could make It grab juke loot."
Track listings.
7" (US)
7" (UK)
Shakin' Stevens version.
In 1981, Welsh singer Shakin' Stevens covered the song for his album of the same name. It became very successful, topping the UK Singles Chart for three weeks, as well as being a hit in several other countries. It was re-released in 2005 as a double A-side with a cover of Pink's "Trouble" after his appearance in the TV show "Hit Me Baby One More Time" and reached No. 20 in the UK Singles Chart.