In 2011, a group of musicians took to the stage to perform ‘Then He Kissed Me’ by The Crystals. The song was the last US top 40 hit for the girl group before Phil Spector turned his attention to The Ronettes. The Crystals’ lead singer, La La Brooks, was just 15 years old when she recorded the song and was the only Crystal to perform on it. Spector used his “Wall of Sound” technique, which required long hours in the studio. This tired the musicians, so they played as one, blending into the wall of sound.
The audience was appreciative of the performance, applauding enthusiastically. Many of the commenters on the video expressed their admiration for the song and the musicians who performed it. Johnny Maestro wrote that he loved the “golden oldies big time,” while Danny Miles called it a “super classic song.” Hobbs N Shaw expressed amazement at how good the singer still sounded, while Mr. Wildcat noted that Spector was a monster who produced great music. Marryann Lamb simply called the video “great,” while Francesco praised the “great big group.” Adriano Balus wrote that he loved the singer’s style.
In 1963, The Crystals recorded the original version of ‘Then He Kissed Me.’ Spector recorded the group’s first recordings in New York City, where they were from. He had them re-recorded by The Blossoms when he moved to Los Angeles, and he flew La La Brooks in from New York to perform the lead vocals on subsequent recordings. Unfortunately, the other Crystals never made the trip, as Spector preferred to use local backup singers. This song marked the beginning of the end for the group, as they lost a member, and Spector turned his attention elsewhere.
For those who haven’t seen it, ‘Then He Kissed Me’ was used in the film Goodfellas, directed by Martin Scorcese. The song was played as Ray Liotta (Henry Hill) and Lorraine Bracco (Karen) sauntered through the Copacabana Club to the best seats. The film used the song well, and Scorcese’s direction brought out its beauty.
‘Then He Kissed Me’ by The Crystals is a beautiful song that has stood the test of time. The group’s last US top 40 hits, it is a masterpiece of Phil Spector’s “Wall of Sound” technique. The musicians who performed it in 2011 did a fantastic job, bringing the song to life for a new generation. If you haven’t heard it yet, watch the video and share it with your friends because it’s a classic that everyone should hear.
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