About the song
“Johnny Angel” is a timeless pop classic written by Lyn Duddy and Lee Pockriss, first brought to prominence by Shelley Fabares in 1962. This enchanting ballad captured the hearts of listeners with its innocent charm and memorable melody.
Shelley Fabares, known for her role in the television series “The Donna Reed Show,” debuted “Johnny Angel” as her first pop single. Recorded in late 1961 and released on the Colpix label in 1962, the song swiftly ascended to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, securing Fabares a well-deserved spot at number 1. The track also marked the beginning of her solo music career, setting a high standard with its sweet, romantic lyrics and Fabares’ heartfelt delivery.
The song’s success extended beyond the United States, making notable appearances on charts in Canada and New Zealand where it also reached number 1. In the UK, Patti Lynn’s cover of “Johnny Angel” achieved moderate success, peaking at number 37.
Musically, “Johnny Angel” features lush vocal arrangements supported by the backup harmonies of Darlene Love and the Blossoms, adding depth and richness to Fabares’ tender vocals. The production included notable session musicians like Hal Blaine on drums, Carol Kaye on bass, and Glen Campbell on guitar, contributing to the song’s polished sound and enduring appeal.
Despite being Shelley Fabares’ most successful single, her subsequent releases did not replicate the chart-topping success of “Johnny Angel.” Nonetheless, the song remains a beloved favorite on oldies radio stations, preserving its legacy as a quintessential example of early 1960s pop music.
The enduring popularity of “Johnny Angel” is further evidenced by its inclusion in various media, including films like “Mermaids” and episodes of television shows like “My So-Called Life.” The Carpenters also paid homage to the song with their rendition as part of a medley on their 1973 album “Now & Then,” showcasing its lasting influence on subsequent generations of musicians.
Overall, “Johnny Angel” stands as a testament to Shelley Fabares’ musical talent and the songwriting prowess of Duddy and Pockriss, capturing a timeless moment in pop music history with its tender lyrics and melodic grace.
Video
Lyrics
Johnny Angel
You’re an angel to me (Sha dum da dum, sha dum da dum)
Johnny Angel (Sha dum da dum)
How I love him (Sha dum da dum)
He’s got something that I can’t resist (Ah, da dum, da dum dum)
But he doesn’t even know (Ah, da dum, da dum dum)
That I exist (Sha dum da dum dum, sha dum da dum)
Johnny Angel (Sha dum da dum)
How I want him (Sha dum da dum)
How I tingle when he passes by (Ah, da dum, da dum dum)
Everytime he says hello (Ah, da dum, da dum dum)
My heart begins to fly (Sha dum da dum)
I get carried away
I dream of him and me
And how it’s gonna be
(Other fellas)
Call me up for a date
But I just sit and wait (Da dum)
I’d rather concentrate
On Johnny Angel (Johnny Angel)
‘Cause I love him (‘Cause I love him)
And I pray that someday he’ll love me (Ah, da dum, da dum dum)
And together we will see (Ah, da dum, da dum dum)
How lovely Heaven will be (Sha dum da dum)
I get carried away
I dream of him and me
And how it’s gonna be
(Other fellas)
Call me up for a date
But I just sit and wait (Ooh ooh ooh ooh)
I’d rather concentrate (Ooh ooh ooh ooh)
On Johnny Angel (Johnny Angel)
‘Cause I love him (‘Cause I love him)
And I pray that someday he’ll love me (Ah, da dum, da dum dum)
And together we will see (Ah, da dum, da dum dum)
How lovely Heaven will be (Johnny Angel)
Johnny Angel (Johnny Angel)
You’re an angel to me (Ooh)
Johnny Angel (Johnny Angel)
You’re an angel to me (Ooh)
Johnny Angel