Sealed with a Kiss

Last updated
"Sealed with a Kiss"
Four Voices Sealed with A Kiss.jpeg
Single by The Four Voices
B-side "You're All There Is"
ReleasedMay 30, 1960 (1960-05-30)
Genre Pop
Length2:03
Label Columbia
Songwriter(s) Peter Udell, Gary Geld
The Four Voices singles chronology
"Good, Good Thing"
(1960)		"Sealed with a Kiss"
(1960)

"Sealed with a Kiss" is a song written and composed by Peter Udell and Gary Geld. The original recording of "Sealed with a Kiss" was by the Four Voices which was released as a single in May 1960 without becoming a hit. [1] It first became a hit in 1962 for Brian Hyland. Jason Donovan later had an international number one hit with the song in 1989.

Contents

The lyrics are from the point of view of one of two lovers who have had to part ways over the summer. The narrator promises the lover who has had to leave that he will send his love and dreams in daily letters "sealed with a kiss". The two also bind each other to a pledge, under seal of a kiss, that they will reunite in September.

Brian Hyland version

"Sealed with a Kiss"
Sealed-with-a-Kiss-by-Brian-Hyland.jpg
Single by Brian Hyland
from the album Sealed with a Kiss
B-side
  • "Summer Job"
  • "Ginny Come Lately"
ReleasedMay 26, 1962 (1962-05-26) [2]
Genre Pop
Length2:38
Label ABC - Paramount
Songwriter(s) Peter Udell, Gary Geld
Brian Hyland singles chronology
"Ginny Come Lately"
(1962)		"Sealed with a Kiss"
(1962)		"Warmed Kisses (Left Over Love)"
(1962)

In 1962, Brian Hyland, who often performed Udell's and Geld's material, covered the song. Hyland recalls Geld saying the song was "based on, but not totally based on, a Bach finger exercise." (See five-finger exercise.) [3] Hyland's single began its run on June 9, 1962, and became a top 3 hit, reaching No. 3 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart. [4] The personnel on the original Brian Hyland recording included Mundell Lowe, Al Caiola on guitar, Gary Geld on piano, George Duvivier on bass, Blackie Shackner on harmonica, Gary Chester on drums, and Sticks Evans and Al Rogers on percussion.

When re-released in 1975, Hyland's recording charted in the UK at No. 7. Hyland also recorded a version in German.

Charts

Chart (1962)Peak
position
UK Singles (OCC) [5] 3
US Billboard Hot 100 [6] 3
Chart (1975)Peak
position
UK Singles (OCC) [7] 7
Ireland (IRMA) [8] 13

Gary Lewis and the Playboys version

"Sealed with a Kiss"
Sealed with a Kiss - Gary Lewis and the Playboys.jpg
Single by Gary Lewis and the Playboys
from the album Gary Lewis Now!
B-side "Sara Jane"
ReleasedMay 18, 1968 (1968-05-18) [9]
Genre Pop
Length2:22
Label Liberty
Songwriter(s) Peter Udell, Gary Geld
Producer(s) Snuff Garrett
Gary Lewis and the Playboys singles chronology
"Has She Got the Nicest Eyes"
(1967)		"Sealed with a Kiss"
(1968)		"Main Street"
(1968)

Gary Lewis & the Playboys covered the song in 1967 on the album Gary Lewis Now!. Their cover version of the single was a Billboard Hot 100 No. 19 hit. [10]

Charts

Chart (1968)Peak
position
Australia
74
Canada Top Singles ( RPM ) [11] 7
US Billboard Hot 100 [12] 19

Bobby Vinton version

"Sealed with a Kiss"
Sealed with a Kiss sinlge.jpeg
German 7" vinyl single
Single by Bobby Vinton
from the album Sealed with a Kiss
B-side "All My Life"
ReleasedMay 10, 1972 (1972-05-10) [13]
Genre Pop
Length2:48
Label Epic
Songwriter(s) Peter Udell, Gary Geld
Bobby Vinton singles chronology
"Ev'ry Day of My Life"
(1972)		"Sealed with a Kiss"
(1972)		"But I Do"
(1972)

A third top 40 Hot 100 version came in 1972, when Bobby Vinton released his interpretation as a single. It reached No. 19 on the Billboard singles chart. [14] This version also placed high on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart (No. 2). [15] Vinton arranged the song himself, with a modern sound including a unique bongo opening that made the song stand out from the other recordings. The success of the single led to Vinton releasing an album, also titled Sealed with a Kiss, that charted as a best seller. This single, which was a follow-up to "Every Day of My Life", marked a Vinton comeback in 1971, with the artist appearing on American Bandstand and other television shows on the strength of the single. Billboard ranked it as the No. 87 song for 1971.

Vinton's recording was used in both the trailer and the end credits of the 2007 horror film All the Boys Love Mandy Lane .

Charts

Chart (1972)Peak
position
Australia (Kent Music Report) [16] 9
US Billboard Hot 100 [17] 19

Jason Donovan version

"Sealed with a Kiss"
JD - Sealed cover.png
Single by Jason Donovan
from the album Ten Good Reasons
B-side "Just Call Me Up"
ReleasedMay 29, 1989
Recorded1989, PWL Studios (London)
Genre Pop
Length2:38
Label PWL
Songwriter(s) Peter Udell, Gary Geld
Producer(s) Stock Aitken Waterman
Jason Donovan singles chronology
"Too Many Broken Hearts"
(1989)		"Sealed with a Kiss"
(1989)		"Every Day (I Love You More)"
(1989)
Music video
"Sealed with a Kiss" on YouTube

On May 29, 1989, Australian singer and actor Jason Donovan released a cover version of "Sealed with a Kiss" as the fourth single from his debut album, Ten Good Reasons (1989). [18] Keen to diversify his sound away from the teen pop/dance material that had been his staple, Donovan told producer Pete Waterman that he wanted to record a cover with cross-generational appeal. [19] The track was selected by Waterman and PWL promotions executive Tilly Rutherford, with Donovan admitting he was unaware of prior versions. [19] His version went straight into the UK Singles Chart at No. 1 and stayed there for two weeks, while also reaching the top in Finland and Ireland.

Critical reception

Bill Coleman from Billboard wrote, "Dreamy rendition of the Bobby Vinton oldie has the potential to provide Aussie-bred, U.K.-based pop star with a long-awaited stateside hit." [20] Tom Doyle from Smash Hits said, "It actually does sound like a record made in the '60s and not at all like any of the other records in the charts, which should help it get played a lot on the radio. "A future number one!" as Bruno Brookes would chirrup cheerfully." [21]

Charts

Other notable versions

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brian Hyland</span> American pop and country singer

Brian Hyland is an American pop singer and instrumentalist who was particularly successful during the early 1960s. He had a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 with "Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini" in 1960. Other hits include "Sealed with a Kiss" and "Gypsy Woman" which each reached No. 3. Hyland continued recording into the 1970s. AllMusic journalist Jason Ankeny said "Hyland's puppy-love pop virtually defined the sound and sensibility of bubblegum during the pre-Beatles era." Although his status as a teen idol faded, he went on to release several country-influenced albums and had additional chart hits later in his career.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bobby Vinton</span> American singer (born 1935)

Stanley Robert Vinton is an American singer and actor, who hosted his own self-titled TV show in the late 1970s. As a teen idol, he became known as "The Polish Prince", as his music paid tribute to his Polish heritage. One of his most popular songs is "Blue Velvet" which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1963, No. 1 in Canada, and number 2 in the UK in 1990.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini</span> Original song written and composed by Paul Vance and Lee Pockriss

"Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini" is a novelty song telling the story of a shy girl wearing a revealing polka dot bikini at the beach. It was written by Paul Vance and Lee Pockriss and first released in June 1960 by Brian Hyland, with an orchestra conducted by John Dixon. The Hyland version reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, selling a million copies in the US, and was a worldwide hit. The song has been adapted into French as "Itsy bitsy petit bikini" and into German as "Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Honolulu-Strand-Bikini", reaching number one on national charts in both languages. Several versions of the song have proved successful in various European countries. In 1990 a version by British pop band Bombalurina, titled "Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini", reached number one on the UK Singles Chart and in Ireland.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kiss from a Rose</span> 1994 single by Seal

"Kiss from a Rose" is a song from British singer-songwriter Seal's second eponymous album (1994). The song was first released as a single in July 1994 by ZTT, Sire and Warner Bros., and included in the film The NeverEnding Story III that year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Take Good Care of My Baby</span> 1961 song by Bobby Vee

"Take Good Care of My Baby" is a song written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin. The song was made famous by Bobby Vee, when it was released in 1961.

"Blue Velvet" is a popular song written and composed in 1950 by Bernie Wayne and Lee Morris. A top 20 hit for Tony Bennett in its original 1951 version, the song has since been re-recorded many times, with a 1963 version by Bobby Vinton reaching No. 1.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">To Know Him Is to Love Him</span> 1958 single by The Teddy Bears

"To Know Him Is to Love Him" is a song written by Phil Spector, inspired by the words on his father's gravestone, "To Know Him Was to Love Him". It was first recorded by the only vocal group of which he was a member, The Teddy Bears. The single spent three weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1958, while reaching No. 2 on the UK's New Musical Express chart. Peter & Gordon and Bobby Vinton later each experienced chart success with the song, in 1965 and 1968, respectively.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mr. Lonely (Bobby Vinton song)</span> 1964 single by Bobby Vinton

"Mr. Lonely" is a song co-written and recorded by American singer Bobby Vinton, backed by Robert Mersey and his Orchestra. The song was first released on Vinton's 1962 album, Roses Are Red.

<i>Ten Good Reasons</i> 1989 studio album by Jason Donovan

Ten Good Reasons is the debut studio album by Australian pop star and actor Jason Donovan. It was released on 1 May 1989 by PWL (UK) and Mushroom Records (Australia). It became the biggest selling album in the UK that year, and yielded three number-one singles, "Too Many Broken Hearts", "Sealed with a Kiss" and a duet with Kylie Minogue, "Especially for You". The album was reissued in 2010 as an expanded deluxe edition featuring B-sides and remixes. In 2016, the first CD of the 2010 reissue was reissued again as part of promotion for Donovan's Ten Good Reasons live shows. The album's title comes from a line in "Too Many Broken Hearts".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Roses Are Red (My Love)</span> 1962 single by Bobby Vinton

"Roses Are Red (My Love)" is a popular song composed by Al Byron and Paul Evans. It was recorded by Bobby Vinton, backed by Robert Mersey and his Orchestra, in New York City in February 1962, and released in April 1962, and the song was his first hit.

"There! I've Said It Again" is a popular song written and published by Redd Evans and David Mann in 1941. In early 1945, Vaughn Monroe and his Orchestra released Victor 20-1637, which reached the number one position on the Billboard's National Radio Airplay chart for five straight weeks, then no.2 for six more weeks, and a total run of 29 weeks. It finished 1945 as the no. 4 record of the year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Only Love Can Break a Heart</span> 1962 single by Gene Pitney

"Only Love Can Break a Heart" is a popular song from 1962, performed by the American singer-songwriter Gene Pitney. The song was written by Hal David (words) and Burt Bacharach (music) and appears on Pitney's second album Only Love Can Break a Heart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Save Your Heart for Me</span> 1965 single by Gary Lewis & the Playboys

"Save Your Heart for Me" is a song written by Gary Geld and Peter Udell. The song was originally written for and recorded by singer Brian Hyland in 1963. Although not released as a single in its own right, it was included as the B-side to Hyland's song, "I'm Afraid to Go Home," and appeared on Hyland's 1994 greatest hits album.

Billboard Top Pop Hits is a series of compilation albums released by Rhino Records in 1994 and 1995, each featuring ten recordings from the easy listening charts from a specific year in the 1960s. Ten albums in the series were released, one each for the years from 1960 to 1969.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Every Day (I Love You More)</span> 1989 single by Jason Donovan

"Every Day (I Love You More)" is a 1989 song recorded by Australian singer Jason Donovan. It was released on 28 August 1989 as the fifth and final single from his debut album, Ten Good Reasons. As with Donovan's other songs at the time, it was written and produced by Stock Aitken Waterman. It was the least successful release from the album, although it was a hit in the UK and Ireland.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hurt (Roy Hamilton song)</span> 1954 song

"Hurt" is a 1954 song by Jimmie Crane and Al Jacobs. "Hurt" was originally performed by Roy Hamilton, whose version peaked at number eight on the R&B Best Seller chart and spent a total of seven weeks on the chart. A version by Ricky Denell also received considerable radio airplay in 1954 on pop radio stations. The song is considered to be the signature hit of Timi Yuro, whose version went to number four on the Billboard pop chart in 1961. Elvis Presley’s 1976 version reached the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 and the top 10 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart. Juice Newton's 1985 version scored number one on Billboard's Country 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.

"Please Love Me Forever" is a song written by John Malone and Ollie Blanchard. The song was originally released by Tommy Edwards in 1958. Hit versions were later released by Cathy Jean and the Roommates in 1960 and Bobby Vinton in 1967.

"My Heart Belongs to Only You" is a song written by Frank Daniels & Dorothy Daniels. Bette McLaurin and June Christy both released versions of the song in 1952. In 1953, the song reached No. 27 on Cash Box's chart of "The Nation's Top 50 Best Selling Records", in a tandem ranking of June Christy, Bette McLaurin, these versions were marked as bestsellers.

"Ginny Come Lately" is a song written by Peter Udell and Gary Geld and performed by Brian Hyland. In 1962, the track reached #5 on the UK Singles Chart and #21 on the Billboard Hot 100.

References

  1. ↑ James Christopher Monger (1996-03-01). "Teen Dreams - Various Artists | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic . Retrieved 2014-03-30.
  2. ↑ "Sealed with a Kiss / Summer Job - Brian Hyland". 45cat. Retrieved 2019-07-11.
  3. ↑ Moser, John J. (27 October 2017). "INTERVIEW: 'Sealed with a Kiss' singer Brian Hyland, coming to Easton's State Theatre, says 'American Bandstand' lineup's hits are all 'masterpieces'". Mccall.com. Retrieved 23 November 2017.
  4. ↑ Jason Ankeny (1943-11-12). "Brian Hyland | Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved 2014-03-30.
  5. ↑ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  6. ↑ "Brian Hyland Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard.
  7. ↑ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  8. ↑ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Sealed with a Kiss". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved March 4, 2018.
  9. ↑ "Sealed with a Kiss / Sara Jane - Gary Lewis". 45cat. Retrieved 2019-07-11.
  10. ↑ "Gary Lewis & the Playboys | Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved 2014-03-30.
  11. ↑ "Top RPM Singles: Issue 5856." RPM . Library and Archives Canada.
  12. ↑ "Gary Lewis and the Playboys Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard.
  13. ↑ "Sealed with a Kiss / All My Life - Bobby Vinton". 45cat. Retrieved 2019-07-11.
  14. ↑ "Bobby Vinton | Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved 2014-03-30.
  15. ↑ Whitburn, Joel (1993). Top Adult Contemporary: 1961–1993. Record Research. p. 248.
  16. ↑ Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992: 23 years of hit singles & albums from the top 100 charts. St Ives, N.S.W, Australia: Australian Chart Book. p. 330. ISBN   0-646-11917-6.
  17. ↑ "Bobby Vinton Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved January 1, 2021.
  18. ↑ "Ten Good Reasons - Jason Donovan | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved 2014-03-30.
  19. 1 2 "A Journey Through Stock Aitken Waterman: Ep 48: Sealed With A Kiss to Tell Him I Called on Apple Podcasts". Apple Podcasts. Retrieved 2023-03-21.
  20. ↑ Coleman, Bill (April 14, 1990). "Single Reviews" (PDF). Billboard . p. 77. Retrieved October 28, 2020.
  21. ↑ Doyle, Tom (May 31, 1989). "Singles". Smash Hits . p. 59. Retrieved March 9, 2023.
  22. ↑ "Jason Donovan – Sealed with a Kiss". ARIA Top 50 Singles.
  23. ↑ "Jason Donovan – Sealed with a Kiss" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40.
  24. ↑ "Jason Donovan – Sealed with a Kiss" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50.
  25. ↑ Danish Singles Chart. July 21, 1989.
  26. ↑ "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 6, no. 24. June 17, 1989. p. 18. Retrieved February 9, 2021.
  27. ↑ Pennanen, Timo (2021). "Jason Donovan". Sisältää hitin - 2. laitos Levyt ja esittäjät Suomen musiikkilistoilla 1.1.1960–30.6.2021 (PDF). Helsinki: Kustannusosakeyhtiö Otava. p. 66. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
  28. ↑ "Jason Donovan – Sealed with a Kiss" (in French). Les classement single.
  29. ↑ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Sealed with a Kiss". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved January 1, 2021.
  30. ↑ "Nederlandse Top 40 – Jason Donovan" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40.
  31. ↑ "Jason Donovan – Sealed with a Kiss" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved February 9, 2021.
  32. ↑ "Jason Donovan – Sealed with a Kiss". Top 40 Singles.
  33. ↑ "Top 3 Singles in Europe" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 6, no. 42. October 21, 1989. p. 17. Retrieved September 25, 2020.
  34. ↑ "Jason Donovan – Sealed with a Kiss". Singles Top 100.
  35. ↑ "Jason Donovan – Sealed with a Kiss". Swiss Singles Chart.
  36. ↑ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 1 January 2021.
  37. ↑ "Discos más populares de Latinoamérica". El Siglo de Torreón. August 11, 1989. Retrieved January 21, 2023.
  38. ↑ "Offiziellecharts.de – Jason Donovan – Sealed with a Kiss" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts.
  39. ↑ Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010. Mt. Martha, VIC, Australia: Moonlight Publishing.
  40. ↑ "Jaaroverzichten 1989" (in Dutch). Ultratop . Retrieved February 9, 2021.
  41. ↑ "Eurochart Hot 100 of 1989" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 6, no. 51. December 23, 1989. p. 6. Retrieved January 17, 2020– via World Radio History.
  42. ↑ "Jaaroverzichten – Single 1989" (in Dutch). MegaCharts . Retrieved February 9, 2021.
  43. ↑ "Year End Singles". Record Mirror . 27 January 1990. p. 44.
  44. ↑ Copsey, Rob (7 May 2021). "Official Top 40 best-selling songs of 1989". Official Charts . Retrieved 25 October 2023.
  45. ↑ "Top 100 Singles–Jahrescharts 1989" (in German). GfK Entertainment . Retrieved February 9, 2021.
  46. ↑ Hallberg, Eric (193). Eric Hallberg presenterar Kvällstoppen i P 3: Sveriges radios topplista över veckans 20 mest sålda skivor 10. 7. 1962 - 19. 8. 1975. Drift Musik. ISBN   9163021404.
  47. ↑ Hallberg, Eric; Henningsson, Ulf (1998). Eric Hallberg, Ulf Henningsson presenterar Tio i topp med de utslagna på försök: 1961 - 74. Premium Publishing. ISBN   919727125X.
  48. ↑ Whitburn, Joel (2004). Top R&B/Hip-Hop Singles: 1942-2004. Record Research. p. 587.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.