Pop Music
The song “Johnny Angel” is the single that Shelley Fabares released in 1962 on the Colpix (Columbia Pictures) label. The song was the first single taken from her debut solo album, which was titled Shelley! “Johnny Angel” was written by Lyn Duddy and Lee Pockriss. The song premiered on an episode of The Donna Reed Show, where Fabares played Mary Stone. In 1962, the song went it #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, Cash Box, Canada, and New Zealand in 1962; it charted at #41 in the U.K. It became a million seller. Although the “Johnny Angel” seems to be a simple 1950s ballad, the bridge (i.e., the “I’m in heaven” part) has complexity, with some interesting modulations.
Fabares is the niece of actress Nanette Fabray. She was also a good friend of Annette Funicello. She appeared in three Elvis Presley movies, which were Girl Happy, Spinout, and Clambake. She has a long list of TV credits, which include Love American Style, The Brian Keith Show, The Practice, Fantasy Island, Mork & Mindy, One Day at a Time, Coach, Superman: The Animated Series, and many more.
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These guys were the absolute best with their Harmonies and timing. I saw them at a dance in 1959 and they actually changed my way of thing … I rally feel in love with music and harmony after that. I stood right in front of them, when they sang their songs and could not believe how cool that was. I’ve always admired their talent and their vocal harmonies, a I indicated. I can’t say enough good things about these guys … FABULAS INDEED!.
Absolutely amazing.
[…] and The Belmonts went on to have big hits with “A Teenager in Love” and “Where or When.” In 1960,though, they went their separate ways. Dion went to […]
Thanks for this site.
Just wanted to make a correction: Shelley Fabares’ “Johnny Angel” may have sold a million copies but it was not awarded an RIAA Gold Record.
Thanks!!