1953 Hit Song That the Artist Famously Hated Reached No. 1 on the Charts 73 Years Ago

Lita Roza, an English singer who was born in 1926, is most well-known for a song that she never actually liked. Her recording of "(How Much Is) That Doggie in the Window?" reached No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart in April 1953, 73 years ago.

Roza made history as the first British woman to reach the spot. The song also caused the American Kennel Club's annual registrations to raise by eight percent. However, she never performed the song again after the original recording.

When speaking about the hit in a 2004 interview, Roza admitted, "I sang it once, just one take, and vowed I would never sing it again. When it reached number one, there was enormous pressure to perform it, but I always refused. It just wasn't my style."

The song was a cover, originally written by Bob Merrill and recorded by Patti Page in 1952. Although Page's version wasn't as famous as Roza's cover, it was still popular, selling over two million copies. It hit No. 1 on both the Billboard and Cash Box charts.

Fans have raved about this nostalgic song, with one saying, "This is great tribute to all dogs. I loved this song." Another said, "I had a Jack Russell and I sang that song to him. He always barked at me and wagged his tail. I know he is in heaven having fun with the angels."

"(How Much Is) That Doggie in the Window?" was one of the most successful novelty songs ever created. Some others include "I've Got a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts" by Merv Griffin and the Freddy Martin Orchestra and "Purple People Eater" by Sheb Wooley.

Related: 1965 Cover of an Iconic Bob Dylan Song Became a No. 1 Hit Single 61 Years Ago

Roza was born in Liverpool and got her first job as a singer when she was only 16. She went on to become the lead female singer with the Ted Heath Band in the 1950s, but in 1954, she left the band to pursue a solo career. She appeared as a lounge singer in the 1955 film, Cast a Dark Shadow, only two years after "(How Much Is) That Doggie in the Window?" became a hit.

Roza died in 2008, at the age of 82. She left £190,000 to three dog-related charities, the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, and The Cinnamon Trust.

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This story was originally published April 14, 2026 at 10:13 AM.