The Song Spinners

The Song Spinners were an American vocal group which enjoyed a burst of popularity during the 1942–44 musicians' strike. They accompanied Dick Haymes on "You'll Never Know" and several other hits. They had a #1 hit in 1943 with "Comin' In on a Wing and a Prayer". They also had a hit with "Johnny Zero" (originally known as "Johnny Got a Zero") that peaked on #7 on Billboard chart. The song was inspired by John D. Foley (March 1, 1918 – December 21, 1999), who served in the United States Army Air Forces as a gunner during World War II and was popularly known as Johnny Zero. In the song, Johnny does poorly in school, with the other children mocking him with "Johnny got a zero" every time he fails a test. However, when he grows up and becomes a fighter pilot, the words take on an entirely different meaning. In 1948, The Song Spinners recorded "My Happiness" as an a cappella with Ella Fitzgerald.