This week’s featured Great Song of the ’60s is “1963’s Da Doo Ron Ron” by The Crystals—but not really. I’ll explain that below, but first, a little background:

The song was the very first collaboration between future Hall of Fame songwriters Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich, along with infamous producer Phil Spector.

Originally, Jeff and Ellie used the nonsense words “Da Doo Ron Ron” as placeholders until they could come up with some REAL lyrics…but Phil liked it the way it was…and since he was the boss, that was that. But actually, It was the right choice.

The song not only went to #$3 on The Hot 100,  it currently sits at #366 on Rolling Stone’s List of the Top 500 Songs of all time, AND The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has it listed as one of the “500 Songs That Shaped Rock & Roll.

Sooo…why did I say it was by The Crystals, but not really? Because it was actually sung by La-La Brooks of the Blossoms!

In a series of jerk moves. Phil made sure that NONE of the REAL Crystals were on the track.

But that’s a long and ugly story for another day.

And here’s one more thing: In 1977, Sean Cassidy’s cover version Topped the Hot 100!

You can hear both versions. by clicking the links below.  “Da Doo Ron Ron: a Great Song of 1963 & 1977.