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 Lou
Goodbye heart Sweet Mary Lou I’m so in love with youI knew Mary Lou
We’d never part So hello Mary Lou Goodbye heartYou passed me by one sunny day
Flashed those big brown eyes my way And ooh I wanted you forever more Now I’m not one that gets around I swear my feet stuck to the ground And though I never did meet you beforeI said “Hello Mary Lou
Goodbye heart Sweet Mary Lou I’m so in love with you”I knew Mary Lou
We’d never part So hello Mary Lou Goodbye heartI saw your lips I heard your voice
Believe me I just had no choice Wild horses couldn’t make me stay away I thought about a moonlit night Arms around you, good and tight All I had to see for me to say“Hey hey hello Mary Lou
Goodbye heart Sweet Mary Lou I’m so in love with you”I knew Mary Lou
We’d never part So, hello Mary Lou Goodbye heart So, hello Mary Lou Goodbye heart Yes, hello Mary Lou Goodbye heart