Introduction:
In the early 1960s, a young heartthrob named Ricky Nelson dominated the American music scene. With his clean-cut image and smooth vocals, Nelson became a teen idol, captivating audiences with a blend of rock and roll and pop music. One of his most enduring hits, released in 1961, is the catchy and charming “Hello, Mary Lou.”
“Hello, Mary Lou” wasn’t originally penned for Nelson. Songwriter Gene Pitney, who would later find success with his own recordings, wrote the song. Johnny Duncan released his version first in 1960, but it failed to gain significant traction. However, when Nelson stepped up to the microphone at United Western Recorders Studios in March 1961, “Hello, Mary Lou” found its perfect voice. Ozzie Nelson, Ricky’s father, who was also a successful musician and bandleader, took on co-producer duties alongside Jimmie Haskell.
The song itself is a short and sweet declaration of affection. The lyrics, though simple, paint a picture of a young man smitten with a girl named Mary Lou. The opening line, a simple “Hello, Mary Lou,” sets the tone for a song full of innocent yearning. The narrator tells Mary Lou about how he can’t take his mind off her, how he sees her everywhere, and how he dreams of holding her hand. The upbeat tempo and catchy melody, driven by a strong backbeat and jangly guitar chords, perfectly capture the excitement and nervousness of young love.
“Hello, Mary Lou” was released as a double A-side with another Nelson hit, “Travelin’ Man”. This strategy proved successful, with both songs receiving significant airplay. “Hello, Mary Lou” reached number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States, solidifying Nelson’s status as a top-selling artist. However, the song’s impact transcended the American market. Across the Atlantic, “Hello, Mary Lou” became Nelson’s highest-charting single in the United Kingdom, peaking at number two.
The song’s legacy extends beyond the charts. “Hello, Mary Lou” became a staple of Nelson’s live performances and a defining moment in his career. It continues to resonate with listeners today, appearing in numerous films and television shows, solidifying its place as a timeless classic of the early rock and roll era.
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Lyrics:
Hello Mary LouGoodbye heartSweet Mary LouI’m so in love with you
I knew Mary LouWe’d never partSo hello Mary LouGoodbye heart
You passed me by one sunny dayFlashed those big brown eyes my wayAnd ooh I wanted you forever moreNow I’m not one that gets aroundI swear my feet stuck to the groundAnd though I never did meet you before
I said “Hello Mary LouGoodbye heartSweet Mary LouI’m so in love with you”
I knew Mary LouWe’d never partSo hello Mary LouGoodbye heart
I saw your lips I heard your voiceBelieve me I just had no choiceWild horses couldn’t make me stay awayI thought about a moonlit nightArms around you, good and tightAll I had to see for me to say
“Hey hey hello Mary LouGoodbye heartSweet Mary LouI’m so in love with you”
I knew Mary LouWe’d never partSo, hello Mary LouGoodbye heartSo, hello Mary LouGoodbye heartYes, hello Mary LouGoodbye heart