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Phil Spector produced this. He originally had singer Darlene Love record it at Gold Star Studios in Los Angeles. After singing lead on the Crystals' previous hits "He's A Rebel" and "He's Sure the Boy I Love," Darlene Love received session fees. After singing on this, she preferred to be signed to an artist's contract. Spector responded to her demand by erasing her vocals and flying in Crystals lead singer Dolores "La La" Brooks to replace the lead vocal. The backup vocals were provided by The Blossoms, Darlene Love, and Cher. (thanks, Jerro - New Alexandria, PA)

Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich wrote this song. The refrain of "da doo ron ron" came from nonsense syllables they stuck in as space filler, but Spector was fine with it. By this time, Spector had a lot of influence and insisted on a songwriting credit along with the writers he worked with, so he is listed as a composer of this song.

This became one of the most popular American Pop songs of the period in England. It was covered by all manner of acts on-stage and on-record. (thanks, Edward Pearce - Ashford, Kent, England, for above 2)

Although it has not been confirmed, legend has it that Sonny Bono was one of the many vocalists who sang backup for this song. Bono was a record producer at the time and knew Phil Spector.

A version by Shaun Cassidy reached US #1 in 1977. Other artists who have covered this song include The Carpenters, Billy J. Kramer with the Dakotas, Jack Nitzsche, The Raindrops, and The Searchers. (thanks, Jerro - New Alexandria, PA, for above 2)

With a massive drum sound, this was Phil Spector's biggest production to date, and it is generally regarded as the true beginning of the now famous Wall Of Sound recording technique. (Thanks to Kent at the Forgotten Hits newsletter, which you can join at The60sshop@aol.com.)

When Shaun Cassidy reached #1 with his version, he and Shirley Jones became the first mother and son to have separate #1 hits on the American singles chart. Shirley Jones previously reached peak position, when she sang on the Partridge Family's "I Think I Love You" in November, 1970.

Comments:

Bruce Springsteen sang this song in concert at the United Center in Chicago on 09-20-2009, he also mentioned Ellie Greenwick and praised her as a great songwriter...
- Barry, Sauquoit, NY

My dear and wonderful Ellie Greenwich, you left us on August 26 and I feel sad. R.I.P. and thanks for the beautiful songs you wrote with Jeff Barry and with Jeff Barry and Phil Spector.
- Teresa, Mechelen, Belgium

This Song was also featured in two Mcdonald's Adverts With Ronald McDonald dancing around a hall and a house, There was two of these adverts the hall was the first one then the one in the house was the second one telling the children that they should love their mother One was in I think it was in a school hall with pre school children dancing around Ronald McDonald singing his own words and the children singing we do ron ron ron we do ron ron Then there was one in a house With the children singing we do ron ron ron we do ron ron Kids or anyone remember thse two adverts
- Kevin, birmingham, United Kingdom

There was a great special years ago that featured Shirley Alston Reeves, Ronnie Spector, Lesley Gore, Freda Payne, Mary Wells, Martha Reeves, Grace Slick, Belinda Carlisle, and Brenda Lee all singing this.
- Dave, Des Moines, IA

Covered by Shawn Cassidy and used in an episode of "The Hardy Boys" TV show.
- rob, vancouver, Canada

This song was used in the movie "Stripes" in a scene where Harold Ramis tries to teach it to immigrants in an English language class.
- Ken, Louisville, KY

i remember when i was about 8 some demented teacher in primary school made us learn this in Irish, and sing it ever day. strange i can tell ya
- Amy, Monaghan, Ireland

"I met him on a Monday and my heart stood still", still love it after all these years, Beautiful song of Phil Spector, Ellie Greenwich and Jeff Barry. "Wall of Sound" forever.
- Teresa, Mechelen, Belgium

Great tune and fun to listen to.
- Dee, Indianapolis, IN