The Shirelles, a four-girl group from Passaic, New Jersey, reached number one in the US Billboard Hot 100 and Cash Box Top 100 with their song ‘Will You Love Me Tomorrow.’ The song was initially disliked by Shirelles’ lead singer, Shirley Alston, who dismissed it as “too Country and Western” for the group. However, their producer, Luther Dixon, convinced her that they could do it in their style and asked Gerry Goffin and Carole King, the husband and wife songwriting team, if they could add strings and turn it into an uptempo song, which they did. The song is a benignly sexual one, with the singer wondering what will happen the day after an encounter with her man.
Despite some resistance from radio stations, the song became a huge hit, selling over a million copies. Goffin and King were assigned by Don Kirshner’s Aldon music to write a follow-up song to “Tonight’s The Night” for The Shirelles. King came up with the music, and Goffin, excited about writing for the group, quickly came up with the lyrics. Recognizing that he had something new and different, Kirshner decided to use the song to get in the door at Columbia Records. He offered it to Columbia for Johnny Mathis, but their label head Mitch Miller politely declined, which Kirshner later said was “The best thing he ever did for me.” Tony Orlando wanted to record the song, but Kirshner explained that it was a girl’s lyric and that no teenage boy would say these words. The song eventually went to The Shirelles, where it was intended all along. Orlando did record an answer song called “Not Just Tomorrow But Always” using the name Bertell Dache.
The Shirelles’ performance in 1961 was “sheer perfection,” according to Warren Ermish, a viewer on YouTube. The group looked and sounded like glamorous angels, said William Lidster. The song has stood the test of time, with Tian Gong saying that it never gets boring. It is a beautiful piece with pure innocence and talent, said Ted Porciuncula, and ZOSO900 described it as “one of the perfect songs ever written and recorded.”
The year 1961 was a time of change and innovation in America. John F. Kennedy was inaugurated as president, introducing a new era of youthful vigor and progressive thinking. The cost of living was lower, with a gallon of milk costing around $0.49 and a gallon of gas around $0.31. The first episode of “The Dick Van Dyke Show” aired on television, and the original “Parent Trap” movie premiered in theaters.
The Shirelles’ ‘Will You Love Me Tomorrow’ encapsulates the spirit of the time with its innocent lyrics, beautiful melody, and flawless performance. The song remains a classic example of the best of American music and culture, with deep roots in the heart of the nation’s musical heritage.
Watch this video to experience the magic of The Shirelles’ performance and share it with friends because it is a beautiful reminder of the beauty and purity of American music and culture.
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