Herman's Hermits' 'Henry the VIII' song was fastest-selling of its time

"I'm Henry the VIII, I Am," by Herman's Hermits, hit No. 1 on the U.S. pop charts 50 years ago today.

It was the band's second chart-topper. But it wasn't originally a pop song: It had originated in British music halls around 1910, the signature song of East London-based Harry Champion, a singer and comedian.

When the song was recorded and released by Herman's Hermits in 1965, it became, at the time, the fastest-selling single ever.