Johnny Got a Zero

"Johnny Got a Zero" (alternatively "Johnny Zero") is a 1943 popular song 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 amd was popularly known as Johnny Zero.[1]

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.[2]

The song "Johnny Got a Zero" was released as sheet music in 1943, lyrics by Mack David and music by Vee Lawnhurst, and topped out at #4 on the Variety list for the week of April 28.[2]

An a cappella rendition by The Song Spinners, "Johnny Zero", stayed on Billboard magazine's charts from June to August 1943, peaking at #7.[2]

References

"Johnny Got a Zero". National Museum of the United States Air Force. Archived from the original on October 15, 2012. Retrieved May 24, 2010.
Jones, John Bush (2006). The songs that fought the war: popular music and the home front, 1939-1945. Waltham, Massachusetts: Brandeis University. p. 175. ISBN 1-58465-443-0. Retrieved May 24, 2010.

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[Museum-1] "Johnny Got a Zero". National Museum of the United States Air Force. Archived from the original on October 15, 2012. Retrieved May 24, 2010.

[Jones-2] Jones, John Bush (2006). The songs that fought the war: popular music and the home front, 1939-1945. Waltham, Massachusetts: Brandeis University. p. 175. ISBN 1-58465-443-0. Retrieved May 24, 2010.