About the song
“Little Darlin’,” a song deeply rooted in the early doo-wop era, first emerged from the creative mind of a teenage Maurice Williams. At just 16 years old, Williams penned this catchy tune, blending a distinctive Calypso rhythm with classic doo-wop elements. The original recording by Williams’ group, the Gladiolas, took place in January 1957. Released as a single on Excello Records, a modest swamp blues label owned by Earnie Young, the track gained attention for its unique Latin flair, which Young expertly infused into the arrangement. This version, initially titled “Little Darlin’/ The Beginning,” was influenced by a book Williams was working on and features a notable doo-wop falsetto by Fred Mangum along with a memorable spoken bridge by Williams himself.
Hailing from Lancaster, South Carolina, where they had been performing since high school, the Gladiolas’ rendition of “Little Darlin'” achieved moderate success, peaking at No. 11 on the R&B charts in April 1957. Despite its initial impact, it did not make significant waves on the Hot 100. By 1959, the group evolved into “Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs,” scoring a major hit with “Stay,” which further solidified Williams’ place in rock and R&B history.
The song’s legacy was significantly enhanced by the Diamonds, a Canadian pop group that released their cover version a month after the Gladiolas’ single. The Diamonds’ interpretation reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was ranked as the No. 3 song of 1957 by Billboard. Their version is widely regarded as superior, with Allmusic critic Stephen Thomas Erlewine noting its fiercer and more impactful recording compared to the original. The Diamonds’ take, with its playful doo-wop stylings and distinct vocal phrases, has been celebrated for its enduring popularity and charm.
“Little Darlin'” has continued to resonate through various covers and performances over the decades. Elvis Presley included the song on his final album, “Moody Blue” (1977), and rock-and-roll-revival group Sha Na Na performed it at the iconic Woodstock Festival in 1969. Additionally, notable performances by The Four Seasons, The Monkees, and Joan Baez—whose early 1960s parody version appeared on the 1983 compilation “Very Early Joan”—further attest to the song’s lasting appeal and versatility. With its numerous renditions and cultural impact, “Little Darlin'” remains a classic emblem of rock ‘n roll and R&B, celebrated by audiences and artists alike.
Video
Lyrics
Ah, ya ya ya ya, ya ya ya ya, ya ya ya ya
Little darling oh little darling
O-oh where a-are you?
My lover I was wronger
To try to love two
Ahh uha uha uha uha
Knowing well that my lover
Was just for you uh only you
My darling I need you
To call my own
And never do wrong
To hold in mine
Your little hand
I’ll know too soon
That I’ll so pray
Please hold my hand
My dear I was wronger
To try to love two
Ahh uha uha uha uha
Knowing well that my lover
Was just for you
Uh only you