The legendary "Mr. Sandman" was written by Pat Ballard and published in 1954. It was first recorded in May of that year by Vaughn Monroe & His Orchestra and later that year by the Four Aces and The Chordettes, the latter was the most successful version. Cadence Records' founder, Archie Bleyer, was the orchestra conductor on the recording, and provided a rhythmic beat using his knees. Bleyer's voice is heard in the third verse, when he says the word "Yes?" The piano is played by Moe Wechsler. Liberace's name is mentioned for his wavy hair, and a glissando (a flourish common in his music) immediately follows. Pagliacci is mentioned for having a lonely heart, which is a reference to the opera Pagliacci by Ruggero Leoncavallo. "Mr. Sandman" reached number one on all three of Billboard's popular music charts, in United Kingdom it peaked at no.11.