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This was the first US #1 hit record by a black girl group, and the first #1 written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King.
Goffin and King were a husband and wife songwriting team who worked in the Brill building, which was the center of the songwriting universe in the early '60s. They were assigned to write a song for the Shirelles as a follow-up song to "Tonight's The Night."
Carole King played timpani on this recording.
Lead singer Shirley Alston initially disliked the song, dismissing it as "too Country and Western." Their producer convinced them to record it, and The Shirelles warmed up to it after the strings were added.
A version by the Four Seasons was that group's last Top 40 hit of the '60s. They didn't have another for 7 years.
The B-side of the single was "Boys," which was later covered by the Beatles with a rare Ringo Starr vocal. (thanks, Brad Wind - Miami, FL, for all above)
First pressings of the single show the title as "Tomorrow." (thanks, Brad Wind - Miami, FL, for all above)
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After The Shirelles charted with this song; five other artists have made the Top 100 with it; they are The Four Seasons {#24 in 1968}, Roberta Flack {#76 in 1972}, Melanie {#82 in 1973}, Dana Valery {#95 in 1976}, and Dave Mason {#39 in 1978}...
- Barry, Sauquoit, NY
An artist by the name of Johnnie Holiday released
an answer record titled "Yes, I Will Love You Tomorrow", it didn't make Billboard's Top 100...
- Barry, Sauquoit, NY
Motown group the Satintones recorded an answer song called "Tomorrow and Always' using the same music. This single can be found on the first complete Motown singles box set (1959-1961).
- John, Nashville, TN
This song is a clever way of saying "Will you respect me in the morning if I go home with you tonight?" I love the line "Am I a lasting treasure/or just a moment's pleasure?" Brilliant.
- John, Nashville, TN
cliff richard did a really good version of this song in the late sixties and then did a even better version on his 40th annivery tour in 1998
- mark, dublin, Ireland
Check out Bryan Ferry's version of this song....my God....it brings tears to my eyes.
- Nicole, Massapequa, NY
The song's title is actually "Will You Love Me Tomorrow". At least here in Britain, it was released under this title.
- Martin, London, United Kingdom
They're all great - Carole King, Bee Gees, Amy Winehouse, Roberta Flack... But my favourite version is The Shirelles. These girls are so good! And the video is awesome too, for those who enjoy old grayscale movies.
Oh, and this is a very tough question...
- madalina, azuga, Romania
There is a great version of this song by Amy Winehouse. She doesn't cut it up and make it something it's not...simple and acoustic on the version I have.
- Amanda, Chicago, IL
Of course, we tend to first think of the hit version (this one). But, listen to Carole King sing it on "Tapestry". It is one of the most memorable albums of the rock era, and her stunning renditions of this and "Natural Woman" show the power of a great singer/songwriter when she is allowed to interpret her own work. If you never heard "Tapestry", make it your next purchase!
- Jerry, Brooklyn, NY
The Beatles did NOT record this song. Ever. I have every bootleg and album ever made by them and it ain't there. This song is so popular because it addresses the age-old question that every girl must consider when deciding to sleep with a boy. When you add the element of giving up her virginity, it's a very powerful and poignant song.
- Guy, Woodinville, WA
I don't think that the Beatles covered this. I can't find it on any of the album listings. That's not to say that they didn't just cover it and decide not to put it on an album. Steve, where did you find the Beatles version of this? I'd really like to hear it.
- Brittany, Virginia
This was also covered by The Beatles, but the Shirelles version is the perfect vocal on a perfectly produced recording of a perfect song. The singer sounds so vulnerable and the lyrics say so much with just a few lines.
- Steve, Fenton, MO
There are many, many covers of this song, ranging in styles and genres from punk, disco, seventies, country, salsa, etc. from singers such as Andy Gibb, Neil Diamond, Laura Branigan, Me First and the Gimmie Gimmies, Bryan Ferry, Dione Warwick, etc. Apparantly, this is a question that many share...
- Margaret, Buellton, CA
Roberta Flack's interpretation of this
"Will You Still Love me Tomorrow"
is one of the most sensitive love songs
I ever heard ...
Hese,Finland
- heikki, Raahe, Finland
I'm beginning to wonder if this isn't the most covered song ever.. I've found at least 48 different versions and there's probably a load more.
- Andy, Den Haag, Holland, United States
I have this song on my iPod, and I love it. I like the Frankie Valli version better, though... It is a good song to dance to since it is so graceful.
- Mary C., Chicago, IL
When the song first played on LA stations, jocks got requests for "that violin song," because callers got embarrassed (on the air) when asking "Will you still love me tomorrow?"
- Keith, SLC, UT
An odd choice for a 'first dance' wedding song, wouldn't you think? But it was my aunt and uncle's pick... (go figure)
- Jo, Newcastle, Australia
I believe the song title is "Will You Still Love me Tomorrow" and I think it was 1961, not 1969. The Shirelles were THE first girl group...much earlier than 1969. Check Gusto Records.
- CJ, Cincinnati, OH
Carole King on Tapestry made this song real for me
- Deana, Indianapolis, IN