April 23: George Burns’ Hit Song

George Burns (Birnbaum), 84, became the oldest person to chart with hit in the Billboard Top Fifty on this date in 1980 when “I Wish I Was 18 Again” peaked at No. 49 — his first hit record since 1933, when he and Gracie Allen had a hit comedy record. The song was written by Sonny Throckmorton, a country & western singer and songwriter (not Jewish). Asked if he really wished he were 18 again, Burns commented: “I wish I was 80 again!” He made it to 100 before dying in 1996.

“When I was a boy, the Dead Sea was only sick.” —George Burns