Two artists exist by this name:

1) The Crystals were one of the most succ… Read Full Bio ↴Two artists exist by this name:

1) The Crystals were one of the most successful girl groups of the early 60s, Known for their association with producer Phil Spector, they had several well-remembered hit singles such as "He's A Rebel", "Da Doo Ron Ron", and "Then He Kissed Me". They were also trailblazers for many later African-American pop artists.

2) The Crystals was also the name of an obscure doo-wop group organised by the enigmatic Sun Ra in the mid-50s. Little is known about them. However, their tune "Honey In The Bee Box" was featured in the compilation album 'Interplanetary Melodies' on Norton Records, an album which has received critical acclaim.

3). If you are here for the Italian progressive rock band Crystals, they are not "The Crystals". Refer to the Crystals band page for more information and please fix your tags.

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In the late 50s, Barbara Alston, Mary Thomas, Delores "Dee Dee" Kennibrew, Merna Girard and Patricia "Patsy" Wright formed a singing project called "The Crystals" in high school. Under the leadership of Alston's uncle, Benny Wells, they wanted to aim for the big time. Soon, the quintet signed with Phil Spector's label Philles Records. Spector then chose Alston to be the group's lead singer, which made her very uncomfortable since she had a fear of singing in front of audiences.

Their first hit was 1961's "There's No Other Like My Baby". This song's B-side "Oh Yeah, Maybe Baby" (featuring Wright on lead) and the following single "Uptown" were topical and socially-aware pieces about growing up in the ghetto. After the success of "Uptown", a pregnant Girard was replaced by Dolores "LaLa" Brooks. The next single was 1962's "He Hit Me (And It Felt Like a Kiss)", still widely remembered though only rarely played on the radio due to the touchy subject matter of spousal abuse. Sales were sluggish.

Soon after "He Hit Me" flopped, Phil Spector began recording singer Darlene Love and her backing group The Blossoms under the name "The Crystals". Legend has it that the real Crystals were not able to travel from New York to Los Angeles fast enough to suit the LA-based Spector, who wanted to quickly record and release "He's a Rebel" (written by Gene Pitney) before anyone else had a chance to cover it and have a hit with it. The Crystals were unavailable, but Love and the Blossoms were also based in LA, so Spector recorded them and put the record out under The Crystals' banner.

"He's A Rebel" is perhaps the Crystals' most well-remembered and beloved songs, and one of the most enduring of the girl group genre. It was also their only US #1 hit. The follow-up Crystals single, "He's Sure the Boy I Love", in actuality also featured Love and The Blossoms.

The next single credited to The Crystals is one of the rarest -- and also possibly the strangest -- in rock music history. Reports vary as to the actual motivation behind the recording, but most agree that Phil Spector was looking for a way to annoy former business partner Lester Sill. What he came up with was a nearly six-minute song called "Let's Dance The Screw - Part I", which would be unplayable on 1963 radio. The record featured simple instrumentation (very much unlike Spector's famous Wall of Sound production style), repetitive lyrics, and Spector himself intoning the lyric "Dance The Screw" numerous times in a deadpan monotone. (The B-side, Part II, was more of the same.) The Crystals sang the song's repetitive verses, though it is unclear if these singers were the 'real' Crystals or The Blossoms.

The single was never commercially released, and only a few copies are known to exist (all marked D.J. COPY - NOT FOR SALE). The record was apparently only created to be a bizarre sort of joke at Sill's expense, as a single copy was specially delivered to him in early 1963.

Though it's unclear as to the level of their participation in "Let's Dance The Screw", the 'real' Crystals definitely began recording again under their own name in 1963. However, Thomas had departed to get married which reduced them to a quartet, and Alston stepped down from the lead spot giving it to Brooks.

After "Let's Dance The Screw", the group's next release was the classic "Da Doo Ron Ron." According to Darlene Love, the track was originally recorded by The Blossoms, with Love on lead vocal. Prior to release, Spector erased Love's lead vocal and replaced it with a vocal by LaLa Brooks, although he kept the Blossoms' backing vocals in place. The song was a top 10 hit in both the US and the UK, as was the follow-up single "Then He Kissed Me" — the first Crystals single since "He Hit Me" to feature all members of the Crystals as a definite group.

Both "Da Doo Ron Ron" and "Then He Kissed Me" were penned by Spector with Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich.

Despite the steady flow of hit singles, tensions between Spector and the Crystals mounted. Already unhappy with having been replaced by Love and company on two singles, The Crystals were even more upset when in 1964, Spector began focusing much of his time on rival girl group The Ronettes. Two failed Crystals singles followed, before the band left Spector's Philles Records for Imperial Records later in 1964. 1964 also saw the departure of Wright who was replaced by Frances Collins; toward the end of that year Alston departed leaving the group a trio. They disbanded in 1966. They reunited in 1971 and toured widely in varying incarnations on the oldies circuit; they still occasionally perform today. Kennibrew is the only original Crystal who remained active throughout their touring from the seventies to the present.
Lead singer Barbara Alston (September 28, 1943 – February 16, 2018) died at a Charlotte hospital in 2018.

He's A Rebel
The Crystals Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Interesting Facts ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Just because of that, they say

He's a rebel and he'll never ever be any good
He's a rebel 'cause he never ever does what he should
Just because he doesn't do what everybody else does
That's no reason why I can't give him all my love

He's always good to me, always treats me tenderly
'Cause he's not a rebel, no, no, no
He's not a rebel, no, no, no, to me

If they don't like him that way
They won't like me after today
I'll be standing right by his side when they say

He's a rebel and he'll never ever be any good
He's a rebel 'cause he never ever does what he should
Just because he doesn't do what everybody else does
That's no reason why we can't share a love

He's always good to me, good to him, I try to be
'Cause he's not a rebel, no, no, no
He's not a rebel, no, no, no, to me

He's not a rebel, no, no, no (no, no, no)
He's not a rebel, no, no, no (no, no, no)
He's not a rebel, no, no, no (no, no, no)
He's not a rebel, no, no, no (no, no, no)

He's not a rebel, no, no, no

He's not a rebel, no, no, no
He's not a rebel, no, no, no

Overall Meaning

The Crystals' "He's a Rebel" is a song about a rebel, but not in the traditional sense of the word. The lyrics describe a man who does not conform to society's expectations and chooses to go against the norm. The singer is proud of her partner's individuality and the fact that he is always willing to try new things, even if it means being labeled a rebel. The society, on the other hand, sees him as a troublemaker who will never amount to anything.

The song's chorus suggests that his behavior is unwelcome and that he will never be accepted by society. However, the singer disagrees and refuses to give up her relationship with him. She sees beyond his rebellious spirit and recognizes the positive qualities that make him unique. In her eyes, he may be a rebel, but he is also caring, romantic, and treats her with tenderness.

The song's message is about acceptance, the need to embrace individuality rather than conform, and not judging people based on societal norms. It's a reminder to look beyond what society deems acceptable and embrace the unique qualities that make people who they are.

Interesting facts about The Crystals' "He's a Rebel":

Interesting Facts
Note: This section uses generative AI, which can be inaccurate.

Line by Line Meaning

See the way he walks down the street
Observing how he strides down the street

Watch the way he shuffles his feet
Paying close attention to how he moves his feet

My, he holds his head up high
He carries himself with confidence and pride

When he goes walking by, he's my guy
When he passes by, he's the guy I'm with

When he holds my hand, I'm so proud
I feel honored when he holds my hand

'Cause he's not just one of the crowd
Because he stands out from the rest

My baby's always the one to try the things they've never done
My sweetheart is always willing to try new things

Just because of that, they say
For that reason, people label him

He's a rebel and he'll never ever be any good
He's considered a troublemaker and will never turn out right in their eyes

He's a rebel 'cause he never ever does what he should
He doesn't conform to their expectations and norms

Just because he doesn't do what everybody else does
Simply because he chooses his own path

That's no reason why I can't give him all my love
But that doesn't stop me from loving him deeply

He's always good to me, always treats me tenderly
He is always caring and gentle with me

'Cause he's not a rebel, no, no, no
Because I know who he really is

If they don't like him that way
If they can't accept him for who he is

They won't like me after today
They won't like me once they see my loyalty and devotion to him

I'll be standing right by his side when they say
I'll stick by him when they criticize him

That's no reason why we can't share a love
That doesn't mean we can't have love together

Good to him, I try to be
I strive to be as kind to him as he is to me

He's not a rebel, no, no, no
He's not who they say he is

Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Gene Pitney

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

Adrian

2y↑43

"He's A Rebel"

See the way he walks down the street
Watch the way he shuffles his feet
My, he holds his head up high
When he goes walking by
He's my guy

When he holds my hand, I'm so proud
'Cause he's not just one of the crowd
My baby's always the one
To try the things they've never done
And just because of that, they say

He's a rebel and he'll never ever be any good
He's a rebel 'cause he never ever does what he should
But just because he doesn't do
What everybody else does
That's no reason why I can't give him all my love

He's always good to me
Always treats me tenderly
'Cause he's not a rebel, oh no no no
He's not a rebel, oh no no no, to me

If they don't like him that way
They won't like me after today
And I'll be standing right by his side
When they say

He's a rebel and he'll never ever be any good
He's a rebel 'cause he never ever does what he should
But just because he doesn't do
What everybody else does
That's no reason why we can't share a love

He's always good to me
Good to him, I try to be
'Cause he's not a rebel, oh no no no
He's not a rebel, oh no no no, to me
Oh! (He's not a rebel, oh no no no

He's not a rebel, oh no no no
He's not a rebel, oh no no no
No no no

Bilal Gümüş

3y↑1

See the way he walks down the street
Watch the way he shuffles his feet
My, he holds his head up high
When he goes walking by, he's my guy
When he holds my hand, I'm so proud
'Cause he's not just one of the crowd
My baby's always the one to try the things they've never done
And just because of that, they say
He's a rebel and he'll never ever be any good
He's a rebel 'cause he never ever does what he should
But just because he doesn't do what everybody else does
That's no reason why I can't give him all my love
He's always good to me, always treats me tenderly
'Cause he's not a rebel, oh, no, no, no
He's not a rebel, oh, no, no, no, to me
If they don't like him that way
They won't like me after today
I'll be standing right by his side when they say
He's a rebel and he'll never ever be any good
He's a rebel 'cause he never ever does what he should
Just because he doesn't do what everybody else does
That's no reason why we can't share a love
He's always good to me, good to him, I try to be
'Cause he's not a rebel, oh, no, no, no
He's not a rebel, oh, no, no, no, to me
Oh, he's not a rebel, oh, no, no, no
He's not a rebel, oh, no, no, no
He's not a rebel, oh, no, no, no
He's not a rebel, oh, no, no, no
He's not a rebel, oh, no, no, no
He's not a rebel, oh, no, no, no
He's not a rebel, oh, no, no, no
He's not a rebel, oh, no, no, no

Tarantulisimo

5y↑11

Darlene Love -- lead vocals
Edna Wright -- co-lead during chorus
The Blossoms (Edna Wright, Fanita James, Gracia Nitzsche), Gloria Jones, Jean King, Bobby Sheen -- backing vocals
The LA Wrecking Crew -- instrumentation
Hal Blaine -- drums
Gene Pitney -- songwriter*
Phil Spector -- producer
Jack Nitzsche -- arranger
Larry Levine -- engineer

*Originally written for The Shirelles, actually recorded by The Blossoms, but ultimately credited to The Crystals

Rita Taddeucci Raffanti

9y↑86

LYRICS TO HE'S A REBEL
written by GENE PITNEY

See the way he walks down the street
Watch the way he shuffles his feet
My, he holds his head up high
When he goes walking by, he's my guy
When he holds my hand, I'm so proud
'Cause he's not just one of the crowd
My baby's always the one to try the things they've never done
And just because of that, they say
He's a rebel and he'll never ever be any good
He's a rebel 'cause he never ever does what he should
But just because he doesn't do what everybody else does
That's no reason why I can't give him all my love
He's always good to me, always treats me tenderly
'Cause he's not a rebel, oh, no, no, no
He's not a rebel, oh, no, no, no, to me
If they don't like him that way
They won't like me after today
I'll be standing right by his side when they say
He's a rebel and he'll never ever be any good
He's a rebel 'cause he never ever does what he should
Just because he doesn't do what everybody else does
That's no reason why we can't share a love
He's always good to me, good to him, I try to be
'Cause he's not a rebel, oh, no, no, no
He's not a rebel, oh, no, no, no, to me
Oh, he's not a rebel, oh, no, no, no
He's not a rebel, oh, no, no, no
He's not a rebel, oh, no, no, no
He's not a rebel, oh, no, no, no
He's not a rebel, oh, no, no, no
He's not a rebel, oh, no, no, no
He's not a rebel, oh, no, no, no
He's not a rebel, oh, no, no, no

All comments from YouTube:

Kathryn Wilson

4y↑98

The 60's was a fantastic era for music...loving it !!

Bill Cash

2y↑33

It just doesn't get any better than this!!! Darlene Love on vocals, Gene Pitney lyrics & Phil Spector's genius in the studio. Also a masterpiece is Lala Brooks on "Da Do Ron Ron". WOW. You did good Spector, you did good.

Beau Dare

1y↑17

This is one of the most clever songs ever written. And the words are sung with such exuberance and feeling.. Simply beautiful..

Brock White

6y↑291

Darlene Love is one of the most powerful and accomplished singers ever!

Sharon Ramone

5y↑15

And she still pretty much has that voice!

David Overholt

4y↑9

@Sharon Ramone Darlene's voice is so awesome! When you hear that talent, you will never forget it!

Admiral37

4y↑16

It's too bad she wasn't a member of The Crystals. Spector wanted to rush the record out and enlisted The Blossoms to sing it, but put The Crystals name on the record. The lead singer of The Blossoms? Darlene Love.

Michael Glickman

4y↑10

@Admiral37 The reason why Spector was in a hurry to release this song was because Vikki Carr was about to release her version on Liberty Records.

Drew Harry

3y↑1

"Darlene..." -- Creepy producer clearly based on a young Spector in Bad Times At The El Royale..

6 More Replies...

Janine Luana

3y↑399

My dad used to sing this song to me saying she instead of he. I lost him a few years ago but his spirit feels alive when I hear this song.

Fernando Maron

3y↑15

That's great. I've had a band and we covered it with 'she' instead of 'he' and 'gal' instead of 'guy'. May your dad rest in peace.

Jan From NYC Saves Money!

3y↑9

Awww that's too cute--- love it

Lynn Jones

3y↑10

HIS STILL SINGING IT 🌹🎵

Steve Willmore

3y↑7

My mom used say to me this is your song but I was a typical lad but I never bought any trouble to her door bless you mom no doubt you are looking down on me

Ginny Bagwell

3y↑4

I know you were thankful for. Not everyone has parents like that.

30 More Replies...

David Overholt

4y↑170

Back in 1962 I was so sad at life, but I relied on my transistor radio for the tunes on Am radio to cheer me up. Darlene Love had the voice that just rocked me back then and still does. Thank you for the memories!

Marlene Donelson

3y↑16

That was a rough year for me too 1962 but that transitor radio was my lifeline. I still depend on the music of the sixties to get me through.😍😍😍

stereoplayers

2y↑2

This is not The Crystals on this song. Phil wanted to release this song quickly but, there was one problem: He was on the East Coast, while The Crystals were on the West Coast. Solution: studio group.

Monntin Kadow

2y↑1

@stereoplayers hard to believe.who are they then?

stereoplayers

2y↑1

@Monntin Kadow It was a studio group that recorded the song. (Look at the last sentence in my reply above.)

Bammers

Me too and I was born in 1985!!!

3 More Replies...

Steve Zisk

52w↑10

Just a killer record from the very first note, amazing singing, production, and especially the drums (probably Hal Blaine). Pop records don't get much better than this.

William Curtin

49w↑1

Totally Blaine even if there are one or two other drummers there. When I was learning to play drums it was off of records by the Stones (Professor Watts) and whoever the guy was on the Philles singles. Years later I found out it was this Hal Blaine guy.

John Hunter

41w

@William Curtin Blaine might be the most recorded musician in history; it's estimated that he played on 35,000 recordings over his 60-year career. He once said "I was talking to the drummer from the Knack, and he was very disappointed to find out that about a dozen of his favorite drummers were me."

Rhonda Boncutter

4y↑52

I grew up with this song, love it so much! I was born in 1953! I love all these older songs, raised my daughter on them and Granddaughter also loves them!

Adrienne Robinson

4y↑1

Aww

Sea Star

2y↑1

Me too - 1949. It's probably my number one all time favorite, for several reasons.

Debbie Lara

2y↑1

I was born in August 1953

Star Fire 3000

My name is Rhonda too!

Treechris23

Same here, 1953 & loved this when it came out ... played it over and over😄

Glenn Jacobs

6y↑26

Tremendous energy, power of the wall of sound, and a love song. Roaring opening with the drum roll and piano.My favorite song.

Robert Young

7y↑133

Rock just doesn't get any better than this old classic from 1962, a mere 54 years gone! Thanks for posting this gem!

2ndJ3ss3 Fl0ur1t3

5y↑3

This is Rock??

Donna St. Joseph

4y↑8

@2ndJ3ss3 Fl0ur1t3 Well ... in the broadest "rock & roll" sense of the genre .... don't over think it! Music for the young and young at heart!

Joseph F Danza

4y↑6

@2ndJ3ss3 Fl0ur1t3 It's called Rock and Roll!!!!!!

2ndJ3ss3 Fl0ur1t3

4y↑3

@Donna St. Joseph
Thanks!

John Henry Curry

4y↑1

@2ndJ3ss3 Fl0ur1t3 It sure is! Like any category "rock music" is an oversimplification.

5 More Replies...

Adrian

2y↑43

Jeanette Saunders

2y↑2

Thank you 🧡 🍭

Juliet Reminiec

You've forgotten the woah oh oh oh s

lindsey lefrois

1y↑1

Written by the late, great Gene Pitney.

{ W.J. Saxton }

thanks Adrian ! 🎶

voitmusic

5y↑17

Such a masterpiece! Love the claps and gospel finale ❤

Sea Star

That is the whipped cream on the pie . :))))

Elizabeth R

9y↑456

This song always held true meaning for me. This WAS my husband's song.. I miss you, Bill...😢

Elizabeth R

9y↑8

I should have added that it was also my husband's (and mine) last name..

float & sting

5y↑2

@Elizabeth R Gosh these songs were fun

Elizabeth R

5y↑5

@No One And that's exactly how it happened :-)

Mix Maxtube

5y↑3

Love u Elizabeth.

Nurken Rustem

4y↑5

Elizabeth R I guess nobody could mess with Bill. RIP.

11 More Replies...

John LaStrada

9y↑397

Phil Spector may be in jail today, but you can't deny the incredible genius this man put down on vinyl. These were just mono records, 45 rpm, designed to be stand alone hits -- and every tune was a monster. Every performer was a jewel. The wall of sound was nothing like any other studio was producing. The Beatles were upset with all the strings and orchestration he put down on their beloved Let It Be album, but every song on that album didn't suffer because of Phil. He made the songs attractive to the ear and The Beatles knew what they were getting when they hired Spector. All of the female singers were excellent -- but, for me Da Doo Ron Ron's La La Brooks was just excellent, she was supernaturally good. She still looks great today and performs flawlessly. It was a great time and anyone who witnessed it came away with wonderful memories.

Peter Gerstenzang

9y↑14

And let's never forget Jack Nitzsche.

John LaStrada

9y↑3

Peter Gerstenzang - Good point. Thanks. Absolutely.

Marvin B Naylor

9y↑4

I agree - every record, a gem! Regarding The Beatles, it was really only McCartney, wasn't it, who objected to the strings and choir, mainly on The Long And Winding Road.

Hard Boiled Entertainment

9y↑2

As David Mamet has Phil Spector say in the HBO movie, regarding the Let It Be album, "I was proven right."

57 More Replies...

Steven Trosiek

1y↑4

No one makes music like this one anymore. I love it 😀 ❤

Barbara White

5y↑56

Awesome song, never get tired of it.

Brenda Drumm

4y↑1

Nor me Babs xxx

Wildzippy

2y↑16

I was brought up listening to this. Even though I was born 9 years after it came out. Bloody marvellous

godwhyisthistaken

3y↑31

R.I.P legend Phil Spector. Sad end, but enduring legacy with this iconic sound...

Sandra Gonzalez

2y↑3

Yes poor Phil what a weirdo although he was for sure a musical genious

Sandra Gonzalez

2y↑2

I love the piano on this song too

hillary ilinsky

1y↑1

@Sandra Gonzalez and sax.

Richard Patrick

34w

I never believed he meant to kill that girl. He was always carrying a gun because he was paranoid about everything and everyone. He was messing around and the gun went off. I mean, he had just met her.
It was an accident and he should really only have been charged with manslaughter and not had to spend the rest of his life in jail. I think he was somewhat of a victim in the whole episode as well as the poor girl who died.

3 More Replies...

Milton Santiago

5y↑23

So many great oldies...
I am 74 and I'm glad that I listened to these beautiful songs when I was growing up.

Imani M

5y↑26

Cute song! I love these little groups and their innocent music. Wish the talent of those days existed today in popular music!

No Name

5y↑2

Imani M I totally agree, todays music is gloomy

Imani M

5y↑3

It's so vulgar, no real instruments are used and the singers' voices are edited. The passion and realness is gone 😕 my own generation btw

No Name

5y↑1

Imani M You would like the Pentagons or the Olympians, they are both wonderful bands.

Greg Kerr

5y↑122

I'm 11 years and just starting to listen to music my parents have no time for. This was my first rebellion song. Will never forget it.

Andree Gross

5y↑11

You have very good taste.

Not Sure

3y↑3

Your parents raising a good kid.

Lejla Tiric

2y↑1

You're so lucky you're so young and already discovering these classics!
If I can give you some recommendations, listen to these bands : the Runaways, venus & the razorblades, Ramones, stiff little fingers, crass 💕

Alun Davies

39w

Have you ever listened to Duke if earl by Gene Chandler? I think you will like it too

VincentTPackhorse

7y↑12

Climbed the charts like a bolt of lightning. Thank you Gene Pitney, Phil Spector, Darlene Love et al.

Benjamin Sabala

I used to shoot Viet cong with this music

Sea Star

LOVE THEM ALL !

Sea Star

@Benjamin Sabala Whoa !

Chaz Hernandez

24w↑1

This song is Pop Brilliance !! From the writing of Gene Pitney to Phil's production. Darlene Love! Steve Douglas on Sax !!

David Taylor

6y↑8

A true classic !!!!!! 👍

Shelly Terral

7y↑19

Phil is a genius. I was born in 75' but, I love these old songs! No Auto tune. Just talent...Great song!!! ❤🎙🎛🎼🎶🎵📻🎚

THE BEATERSBAND

5y↑13

this song is fantastic

lazy buckeye

41w↑1

12 years old and listening to the top 40 countdown on my transistor radio. What a great time for music.

Nancyjean24

11y↑2

Just the best girl group song ever sung!! Nothing tops this record!

Guilherme De Lima Siqueira

24w

Tô aqui dps q escutei essa música no The Simpsons 😊 achei massa demais

THE_BEAR_JEW

5y↑100

Just watched Bad Times at El Royale and the scene with this song is incredible. They captured the feel so well.

BrandonFlorida

5y↑7

Darlene, the character who sang it in the movie, is probably a reference to Darlene Love, the uncredited actual singer of the original. The Crystals had nothing to do with it, although they learned it pretty quickly when they discovered that Phil Specter had attributed it to them.

Mike Hoffman

5y↑6

@BrandonFlorida Yeah that's messed up that Darlene didn't get the credit she deserves. She has an incredible voice.

JDUBS

5y↑5

Lol that's why I'm here.

Undead Nightmare

5y↑4

Right

Spencer Hoberg

6y↑24

one of the first great sounds i remember - defining a genre and an era

Kjag

14w↑1

The bass saxophone is the tour guide. Memories of true talent still relevant in 2023.

Bobby Juju

5y↑5

This song is perfect. Thanks for posting!!

genki2genki

9y↑67

Phil sure left a lot of pissed off people in his wake, but he is probably the greatest producer of the rock and roll era. No one else comes close.

Devin Fehr

5y↑1

no one close to .....Phil

Roger Fisk

4y↑6

George Martin ?

Mark Smith

3y↑4

Phil did a little more that "piss people off"
But , like you say,, you have to separate the man from the music

1 More Replies...

Chaz Hernandez

4y↑2

Darlene Love what a voice! Phil Spector still stands as one of the greatest music producers of all time. Written by Gene Pitney.

Rhonda Boncutter

4y↑7

I was born in 1953, my parents were young, loved Elvis! I can remember this growing up! Have had music all of my life! Music is still a part, of me!

Gf Black

4y↑3

Written by Gene Pitney, produced by Phil Spector, a true rock classic!

crorivpro

4y↑1

One of the greatest girl group songs of all time. The girl groups of the 60's were amazing.

J K

This was actually Darlene Love w the Blossoms! Never credited.

Ann Leifer

A classic song...puts me in a good mood all the time

Jase Wolfe

12w↑1

If only they still made music like this! ( :

Kung Lao’s Hat

I used to listen to oldies when I was a kid and this was my fav. I’ve always loved the way they switched it up at 0:50 gets me every time 🙌🏾

Brad Edwards

7y↑25

Yes. Perfect sound. These songs sand alone 40 year later... Ment to be felt and danced.

Chris Tina

3y↑4

I still have this exact 45! Still love it! Best times - Best music!

The Saint 927

3y↑1

What a timeless classic

not me

4y↑1

This plays at my work once in a while, and it SLAPS. EVERY. TIME. 👍

Daniel Ross

This song is been stuck in my head all day

elamite66

11y↑1

this record and four others were the first 45s I bought when I was 12 and I still love all of them I loved hearing the loud car radios echoing off the Bronx streets Theyll be classics forever

Rhonda Boncutter

4y↑8

Grew up listening to this on my Transistor Radio as a kid while riding my bike! I am so glad I grew up when I did! We played outside, drank out of the hose, had to let it run for a minute, no bottled water! We had fun!

Jim Perrotta

4y↑2

YES!!!!! growing up on Long Island NY.. had our best friends our bikes and would spend the whole day outside. Listening to the best music ever...and this was one of them for sure!

Levi Jones

4y↑2

Ah yes those were the summers no school sleep out in back yard cruise on the bikes & dream of the future just hang out had 2 find things 2 do 2 keep from getting bored

Judes Hill

2y↑1

50 years later and this is still my favorite 🎵 song of all time. I BEGGED my Mother to buy me the 45 when we were at Zayers ( raise your hand if you remember it)She caved and I couldn't have been happier....until my sister sat on it. I got my revenge over time...
So love this..
PS..my Mom should have known that she would have her hands full when her 9 YO daughter liked a rebel. 🏍 I gave it to her in spades growing up. 🙂 I was hell on wheels!

Jack Owens

There were many great female groups in the 60's and this is one of them. Always loved this song.

wildsmiley

12y↑1

One of Phil Spector's first truly brilliant productions.

Joanna M.

10y↑2

That piano player kills it!

Martha Hewett

7y↑1

All time favorite. She had a great voice.

Davidbeautiful Perez

8y↑9

I LOVE THIS VERSION ON VINYL,IT GIVES IT THAT 1963 SOUND.

Donna St. Joseph

Was a favorite as a youngster and still love it in 2022!

Laurie Sanders

I was 13 when this came out...I ADORED it (and most of the music from then)....it was great to hear it again. Thank you!!!

cultured ape

25w

Muito bom demais

Emma Dobson

Love this song 💖

kevin DeArmond

1y↑1

Love how it goes up a half step going into the first chorus

Jazz

4y↑3

Darlene Love sang this one! What a talent!!

Glenda Lynda

I was 5 years old and I always loved this song. Reminds me of my father. Because he was a rebel.

Petr Slivinski

8y↑35

Great song! Written by Gene Pitney and produced by Phil Spector the man who invented the Wall of Sound using the Wrecking Crew. Too bad for the direction that Mr. Spector's life ended up. On the plus side: great memories of the producing of great music he gave to the world during that era. An incredible rich legacy he will leave.

Kenneth Besselman

I'm, sure he's doing some great backdoor melodies now

tricky dick

And arranged by Jack Nitzsche.

John Berger

Not all geniuses are 100% nice people.

mark schlotter

I remember being in a record shop as a kid and buying this, always loved it

Trail Images Photography

42w

As many times as I've heard this song from different groups over the years I had NO idea the late singer Gene Pitney wrote the lyrics. Seeing just recently the death of the great song writer Burt Bacharach immediately brought to mind the team of Burt, Hal David, and Gene Pitney for the theme, although not used in the movie, "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance". Burt & Hal produced MANY songs over the years. As well as Gene was still performing up to his sudden death.

House Offax

2y↑1

Thankfully we still have this music to listen too.... because sometimes you just need to stop what your doing take some deep breaths and smile about life again.✌🏻

shadowheart52

8y↑48

This is my absolute favorite girl group song of all time.

Walter Burnham

7y↑2

I agree! I was 9 when it came out, hangin' out at my best friends house, where the radio was on ALL the time...

Joseph F Danza

5y↑2

Let's not forget the Ronnettes....

john francis

2y↑1

Darlene Love one of the truly great voices.

bacsi19461

Just the best music ever. Love it.

enginca

2y↑2

The greatest roll & roll song ever made.

HawkeyeRick

4y↑2

I was born three years after this song came out. In 2019, I have it ranked among my ten favorite songs of all time. Read into that what you will.

Rick in Omaha

hidenseek

5y↑2

My all-time number one song !!

Laura Diaz

5y↑9

Love this song, reminds me of my school days.

Joseph F Danza

Laura Me too, I was a Junior in High School........Joe D....

Bilal Gümüş

3y↑1

dj4muse

12y↑1

Love this now, then, and always will!

Scott Wallace

This song came out when I was just old enough to appreciate it. Ah, those were the days.

william tilton

10y↑1

one of the earliest pop tunes I cherished..many thanks for the memories!

Donald Hartsfield

6y↑2

An all-time favorite of mine!!

Tarantulisimo

5y↑11

Janet Dalton

3y↑1

I was 15 when this song was popular
I really could relate because I always fell for rebels

Gary Marquis

5y↑1

Some years ago, I revisited this song from my younger days, prior to my 1st and only marriage in the late 80's...funny, how this great song STILL outlasted my marriage.

OneHitWonderGuy

11y↑2

Yes it ABSOLUTELY is!!! Darlene Love & The Blossoms are the voices heard, but The Crystals were credited. The full story is on Wikipedia.

Barry Taff

5y↑1

Great music from a great era.

Lalo Neltner

This is the best rock 'n roll record, ever.

MediaLover194

9y↑11

I've loved this song ever since I first heard it on The Simpsons (season 18, episode 8).

St Pauli

10y

Gene was a major player in the first part of the 60's.check his writing and contribution to so many artist as well as his stellar catalog.

Michael Poirier

5y↑2

Great music so glad I was born in 1966 great oldies!!!

Jonathan Thomsen

5y↑1

I found myself all farmboyed out with my window looking good singing to this... at the stoplight and looked over to see the girls laughing. I love the fun loving good music of these years

Wendy Palmer

1y↑1

One of the best songs ever

B Deg

12w↑1

Love this song .

Louise McGee

4y↑3

Throws me back to the days up in my bedroom mirror teaching myself how to dance to a ",beat"!💖💖💖

Georgia L

24w↑1

the 'but just because he doesn't do' part that recurs twice is literally one of the catchiest parts of a pop song ever. maybe literally the catchiest.

Sea Star

First time I heard this, I was in the kitchen . It came on KFWB (L.A.) and I stopped in my tracks : the piano intro was so different it caught my attention. The song just kept getting better and better, ending with a wonderful rockin' gospel vibe. Still my number one favorite.

Statuskuo75

4y↑4

I was listening to this in the early 80's...here I am im 2020. Great music is timeless.

Rita Taddeucci Raffanti

9y↑86

Laura Munoz

8y↑6

Awsome. Thanks!!!

Farrah Teague

8y↑7

+Rita Taddeucci Raffanti Love this song, and love Gene Pitney. May he rest in peace.

Jane Scribner

8y↑4

+Rita Taddeucci Raffanti Gene Pitney! Thanks!

alessiodom

6y↑2

Ciao dall Italia !!! Grazie

Julie Reminiec

5y↑2

rita, would you say that the girl group that recorded this song is The Blossoms?

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Jorge Sarjoy

5y↑9

excellent classic theme of the 60s

An Aries Dolphin

5y↑5

This is a Darlene Love song,period! I don't know where Phil Spector found the nerve to put The Crystals' name on it after she recorded it,but obviously she rocked this song inside out!

Monica Molinaro

At 13 years old I was so in love with a really sweet boy and this song brings it home!

Ken Simmons

1y↑1

OMG the memories ❤️❤️!!! I would give up my kidneys to go back to the era of meaningful music. Back to the future where are you!!!,😂😂

Tricia Haemovitz

2y↑1

I would sing this about my first love in 1963. He was a rebel and I still remember him…….

Sven Förster

4y↑2

Next to Aretha Franklin, Dusty Springfield and Tina Turner, Darlene Love with her 5 octaves, comprehensive soul voice, is one of the best soul singers of all time.
She had sung in countless songs in the backround, including Elvis Presley (68 'Comback Special).

Darlene Love and her groups or where she sang along:
The Blossoms, Bob B. Soxx and The Blue Jeans, The Crystals (sang in the backround or as lead vocalist on some The Crystals recordings, such as He's Sure the Boy I Love, He's A Rebel, Da Doo Ron Ron), The Ronettes (sang in Backround on some The Ronettes recordings, such as Chapel Of Love), Dune Eddy and The Rebelettes, The Rollettes, The Coeds, The Playgirls, The Wildcats and Dick Dale and The Del Tones.

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