Georgy Girl (song)

Last updated
"Georgy Girl"
Georgy Girl - The Seekers.jpg
Single by The Seekers
from the album Come the Day
B-side "The Last Thing on My Mind" (Europe)
"When the Stars Begin to Fall" (non-Europe)
Released10 October 1966
Genre Folk-pop [1]
Length2:21
Label EMI Columbia (DB 8134) (UK)
EMI Capitol (5756) (US)
Composer(s) Tom Springfield
Lyricist(s) Jim Dale
The Seekers singles chronology
"Morningtown Ride"
(1966)
"Georgy Girl"
(1966)
"When Will the Good Apples Fall"
(1966)
Audio
"Georgy Girl (remaster)" on YouTube

"Georgy Girl" is a song by the Australian pop/folk music group The Seekers. It was used as the title song for the 1966 film of the same title. Tom Springfield, who had written "I'll Never Find Another You", composed the music and Jim Dale supplied the lyrics. The song is heard at both the beginning and end of the film, with markedly different lyrics (and with different lyrics again from those in the commercially released version). It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song but the prize went to "Born Free".

Contents

The song became a hit in late 1966 and early 1967, reaching number one in Australia and number three in the United Kingdom. In the United States, it was the Seekers' highest charting single, reaching number one on the Cash Box Top 100. "Georgy Girl" reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100; "I'm a Believer" by The Monkees, kept the song from number one. [2] The song's U.S. success prompted the Seekers' British album Come the Day to be retitled Georgy Girl for its American release.

Cashbox advertisement, November 26, 1966 Georgy Girl - When the Stars Begin to Fall - Cash Box ad 1966.jpg
Cashbox advertisement, November 26, 1966

Chart history

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA) [12] Gold1,000,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Cover versions

In 1966, The Lennon Sisters recorded a cover of this song as well, which did not chart as well as the original song. It was performed by the sisters in The Lawrence Welk Show .

In 1967, an instrumental version by the Baja Marimba Band reached number 98 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 14 on the easy listening chart.

The New Seekers, a reorganized group from 1969 with guitarist Keith Potger, released a version of the song on the UK version of the album We'd Like to Teach the World to Sing .

In 1971 Saori Minami recorded a cover of the song for her second album Shiokaze No Melody.

The "Georgy Girl" song and melody appear in a reworked version with new lyrics in the late 1970's and early 1980s Barbie doll commercials such as Beauty Secrets Barbie and Angel Face Barbie, among others. Instead of the main line " Hey there, Georgy Girl," often it's "Here comes Barbie fun,". Sometimes the Barbie commercials would have only the melody of "Georgy Girl" playing in the background with no lyrics being sung at all.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">You Keep Me Hangin' On</span> 1966 single by the Supremes

"You Keep Me Hangin' On" is a song written and composed by Holland–Dozier–Holland. It was first recorded in 1966 by American Motown group the Supremes, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100. American rock band Vanilla Fudge released a cover version in June the following year, which reached number six on the Billboard Hot 100. Wilson Pickett recorded it in 1969. English singer Kim Wilde covered "You Keep Me Hangin' On" in 1986, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in June 1987. In the first 32 years of the Billboard Hot 100 rock era, "You Keep Me Hangin' On" became one of the six songs to reach number one by two different musical acts. In 1996, American country singer Reba McEntire's version reached number two on the US Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart. The BBC ranked the Supremes' original song at number 78 on The Top 100 Digital Motown Chart, which ranks Motown releases by their all-time UK downloads and streams.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Reach Out I'll Be There</span> 1966 song by the Four Tops

"Reach Out I'll Be There" (also formatted as "Reach Out (I'll Be There)") is a song recorded by the Four Tops from their fourth studio album Reach Out (1967). Written and produced by Motown's main production team, Holland–Dozier–Holland, the song is one of the most widely-known Motown hits of the 1960s and is today considered the Four Tops' signature song.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I'm a Believer</span> Neil Diamond song made famous by the Monkees

"I'm a Believer" is a song written by Neil Diamond and recorded by American band the Monkees in 1966 with the lead vocals by Micky Dolenz. The single, produced by Jeff Barry, hit the number-one spot on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart for the week ending December 31, 1966, and remained there for seven weeks, becoming the last number-one hit of 1966 and the biggest-selling single for all of 1967. Billboard ranked the record as the number-five song for 1967. While originally published by Screen Gems-Columbia Music (BMI), it is now published by Stonebridge Music/EMI Foray Music (SESAC), with administration passed to Sony Music Publishing and Universal Music Publishing Group.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ruby Tuesday (song)</span> Song by the Rolling Stones

"Ruby Tuesday" is a song recorded by the Rolling Stones in 1966, released in January 1967. The song became the band's fourth number-one hit in the United States and reached number three in the United Kingdom as a double A-side with "Let's Spend the Night Together". The song was included in the American version of Between the Buttons.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Tracks of My Tears</span> 1965 single by the Miracles

"The Tracks of My Tears" is a song written by Smokey Robinson, Pete Moore, and Marv Tarplin. It is a multiple award-winning 1965 hit R&B song originally recorded by their group, The Miracles, on Motown's Tamla label. The Miracles' million-selling original version has been inducted into The Grammy Hall of Fame, has been ranked by the Recording Industry Association of America and The National Endowment for the Arts at No. 127 in its list of the "Songs of the Century" – the 365 Greatest Songs of the 20th Century, and has been selected by Rolling Stone as No. 50 on its list of "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time", among many other awards. In 2021, Rolling Stone ranked the Miracles' original recording of "The Tracks of My Tears" as "The Greatest Motown Song of All Time".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">A Lover's Concerto</span> Pop song

"A Lover's Concerto" is a pop song written by American songwriters Sandy Linzer and Denny Randell, based on the 18th century composition by Christian Petzold, "Minuet in G major", and recorded in 1965 by the Toys. "A Lover's Concerto" sold more than two million copies and was awarded gold record certification by the RIAA.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Angel of the Morning</span> 1967 song by Chip Taylor

"Angel of the Morning" is a popular song written by Chip Taylor, originally recorded by Evie Sands but which first charted with a version by Merrilee Rush. The song has been covered by many artists including Chrissie Hynde, Dusty Springfield, P. P. Arnold, Connie Eaton, Mary Mason, Guys 'n' Dolls, Melba Montgomery, Olivia Newton-John and most recognizably by Juice Newton.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">You're Sixteen</span> 1960 song by Johnny Burnette, also covered by Ringo Starr

"You're Sixteen" is a song written by the Sherman Brothers. It was first performed by American rockabilly singer Johnny Burnette, whose version peaked at number eight on the US Billboard Hot 100 in December 1960 and number 3 in the UK in 1961. The song was covered by Ringo Starr in 1973 and this version reached number one in the US.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Will You Love Me Tomorrow</span> 1960 single by the Shirelles

"Will You Love Me Tomorrow", sometimes known as "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow", is a song with words by Gerry Goffin and music composed by Carole King. It was recorded in 1960 by the Shirelles at Bell Sound Studios in New York City, and hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The producer was Luther Dixon.The song was the first by an African-American all-girl group to reach number one in the United States. It has since been recorded by many other artists including a 1971 version by co-writer Carole King.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Border Song</span> 1970 single by Elton John

"Border Song" is a song by Elton John with music by John and lyrics by Bernie Taupin. The song initially appeared on the 1970 album Elton John, and was released in the spring of 1970 as the LP's first single. After failing to chart in the UK, it was released in North America a few months later. It met with more success there, especially in Canada, where it peaked at No. 34. The appearance of "Border Song" on the Canadian charts was John's first chart appearance in any country.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">To Sir with Love (song)</span> 1967 single by Lulu

"To Sir with Love" is the theme from James Clavell's 1967 film To Sir, with Love. The song was performed by British singer and actress Lulu, and written by Don Black and Mark London. Mickie Most produced the record, with Mike Leander arranging and conducting. The song peaked at the top of the Billboard Hot 100, and became the best-selling single of 1967 in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Soul Man (song)</span> 1967 hit single

"Soul Man" is a 1967 song written and composed by Isaac Hayes and David Porter, first successful as a number 2 hit single by Atlantic Records soul duo Sam & Dave, which consisted of Samuel "Sam" Moore and David "Dave" Prater. In 2019, "Soul Man" was selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry as "culturally, historically, and aesthetically significant" by the Library of Congress. It was No. 463 in "Top 500 Greatest Songs of All Time" by Rolling Stone Magazine in 2010 and No. 458 in 2004.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">This Guy's in Love with You</span> 1968 single by Herb Alpert

"This Guy's in Love with You" is a hit song written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David and released by Herb Alpert in May, 1968. Although known primarily for his trumpet playing as the leader of the Tijuana Brass, Alpert sang lead vocals on this solo recording, which was arranged by Bacharach. An earlier recording of the song by British singer Danny Williams with different lyrics, titled "That Guy's in Love", appeared on Williams' 1968 self-titled album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Love Potion No. 9 (song)</span> 1959 song

"Love Potion No. 9" is a song written in 1959 by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. It was originally performed by the Clovers, who took it to No.23 on the US as well as R&B charts that year.

"Hair" is the title song to the 1967 musical Hair and the 1979 film adaptation of the musical.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Song Sung Blue</span> 1972 single by Neil Diamond

"Song Sung Blue" is a 1972 hit song written and recorded by Neil Diamond, inspired by the second movement of Mozart's Piano Concerto #21. It was released on Diamond's album Moods, and later appeared on many of Diamond's live and compilation albums. The song was a #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States for one week, the week of July 1, and it spent twelve weeks in the Top 40. It also reached #14 on the UK Singles Chart.

"Mercy, Mercy, Mercy" is a jazz song written by Joe Zawinul in 1966 for Cannonball Adderley and which appears on his album Mercy, Mercy, Mercy! Live at "The Club". The song is the title track of the album and became a surprise hit in February 1967. "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy" went to #2 on the Soul chart and #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gypsy Woman (The Impressions song)</span>

"Gypsy Woman" is a 1961 rhythm and blues song written by Curtis Mayfield and recorded by his group the Impressions. The group's first single following the departure of lead singer Jerry Butler, it reached No. 2 on the US Billboard R&B chart, No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 17 on the Cash Box chart. It also appeared on the group's 1963 eponymous debut album. Joe Bataan (1967), Brian Hyland (1970), Bobby Womack (1985), Steve Marriott (1989), and Santana (1990) covered this song.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Western Union (song)</span> 1967 single by the Five Americans

"Western Union" is a 1967 song by the American rock band the Five Americans. The single peaked at number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in April 1967. It also reached number 7 on the Cash Box Top 100 Singles chart that same month.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">This Little Girl</span> 1981 single by Gary U.S. Bonds

"This Little Girl" is a song written by Bruce Springsteen. A version by Gary U.S. Bonds was listed on music charts in 1981.

References

  1. Dimery, Robery (2015). "The Seekers - "The Carnival Is Over". In Dimery, Robert (ed.). 1001 Songs You Must Hear Before You Die. New York: Universe. p. 163.
  2. "Top 100 Songs | Billboard Hot 100 Chart". Billboard.
  3. "Item Display - RPM - Library and Archives Canada". Collectionscanada.gc.ca. 1967-02-11. Retrieved 2018-12-23.
  4. "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Georgy Girl". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved December 9, 2018.
  5. Flavour of New Zealand, 28 April 1967
  6. "SA Charts 1965–March 1989" . Retrieved 5 September 2018.
  7. Joel Whitburn's Top Pop Singles 1955–1990 - ISBN   0-89820-089-X
  8. "Cash Box Top 100 2/18/67". tropicalglen.com.
  9. "RPM Top 100 Singles of 1967". Archived from the original on 2016-08-12. Retrieved 2018-12-22.
  10. "Top 100 Hits of 1967/Top 100 Songs of 1967". musicoutfitters.com. Retrieved 1 December 2017.
  11. http://tropicalglen.com/Archives/60s_files/1967YESP.html Archived 2018-09-30 at the Wayback Machine Cash Box Year-End Charts: Top 100 Pop Singles, December 23, 1967
  12. "American single certifications – The Seekers – Georgy Girl". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved March 4, 2024.