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Written by: Jeff Berry, Ellie Greenwich, Phil
Spector
Produced by: Spector
Released: April '63 on Philles
Charts: 13 weeks
Top spot: No. 3
Producer Spector originally had singer Darlene Love record this teen-crush gem at Gold Star studios in Los Angeles. Unsatisfied with the result, he flew the Crystals' La La Brooks in from New York, who turned in the muscular lead vocal that became the definitive version. Backing up the deliciously childish refrain (the line "da doo ron ron" was nothing more than space filler that was never replaced) was lavish orchestration -- including cello, oboe and sleigh bells -- a perfect example of what Spector called "little symphonies for the kids."
Appears on: The Best of the Crystals (ABKCO)