In my recollection, there was *one* recording of this tune that achieved "hit" status in the US during the rock 'n' roll era - early 60s or maybe late 50s. It was played very regularly for a while on Top Forty radio out of New York City (WABC, among other stations), and remains the only recorded version I ever knew well. My parents were familiar with the tune, so I know that at least one earlier version had also become well-known.

I seem to remember thinking the artist I heard was Australian (perhaps only because I am associating it, rightly or wrongly, with "Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport," a vaguely similar novelty song), but now I wonder whether it was English skiffle icon Lonnie Donnegan. I don't know that I've ever heard any of Lonnie's work, only know about him from reading about the Beatles and their early interests and influences.

But I *did* hear that one recording of "Chewing Gum" that was on Top the radio during my late childhood/early teens, and wonder who *that* artist might have been. The lyrics about the "favorite son" going "up to the White House," attributed above to Lula Belle & Scotty on an old 78, sound familiar to me from that version -- moreso than do the Donnegan quotes -- maybe that's a clue (??)

When I saw the thread title, my immediate reaction was that "Spearmint" was incorrect, it should say "Chewing Gum." Thanks to Linda for the true story about the origins of this song!