The Story Behind Brandy (You're a Fine Girl)

No infringement of copyright is intended in any way under DMCA, under the terms of fair use for education.
References:
“Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl) Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brandy_...)
Looking Glass Debut Album Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Looking...)
Elliot Lurie Wikipedia Page:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elliot_...
Elliot Lurie KZbin Channel:
/ braidedchain
Elliot Lurie website:
elliotlurie.com/
Looking Glass KZbin Channel:
/ @lookingglassofficial
Official Music Video from Looking Glass: • Looking Glass - Brandy...
2016 Interview with Elliot Lurie: www.tennessean.com/story/ente...
Vinyl Dialogues Blog:
vinyldialogues.com/VinylDialo...
Songfacts about song: www.songfacts.com/facts/looki...
New Brunswick Today, 50 Year Retrospective:
newbrunswicktoday.com/2022/06...
American Songwriter article: americansongwriter.com/lookin...
Looking Glass Tribute Website:
lookingglassbrandy.com/Summer_...
Barry Manilow Discussing Origins of song “Mandy”
• Barry Manilow on "Mand...
Other KZbin videos of the song:
Live vocals to track from Elliot Lurie’s KZbin:
Brandy (You're A Fine Girl) by Looking Glass. Live vocal to track
Upgraded video of same performance:
• Video
2009 Live Performance by Elliot Lurie in Ann Arbor:
• LOOKING GLASS BRANDY L...
2015 Live Performance by Elliot Lurie and his band:
• BRANDY, YOU'RE A FINE ...
2020 Live Performance by Elliot Lurie:
• Brandy (You're A Fine ...
2020 Acapella Performance with Elliot Lurie:
• Brandy (You're a Fine ...

[@suckersandmarks4986]

These guys did not go on from Brandy to become the quote "next big thing." However, what an amazing thing to be able to one day tell your grandkids that you and three other guys from Jersey created one of the greatest, most enduring songs in rock history!

[@reallifelebowski4732]

No one can ever take away from them that they had a #1 song . Even Springsteen never had #1 song although he did write one - Blinded by the Light (Manfred Mann)

[@suckersandmarks4986]

@@reallifelebowski4732 That's a fact that I never knew.

[@wwbuirkle]

Yep better a one hit wonder than a no hit one

[@nickcupkovic5721]

Great musicians period

[@writereducator]

Brandy hit me like a ton of bricks when I first started hearing it when it came out. It still does 50 years later.

[@keepingthefaith9041]

Me too. Same..😊 Named my 1st dog Brandy.😊

[@dorisbarron6152]

I remember when Brandy came out, and still love it to this day!Brings back great memories!

[@brandyhill4530]

I'm named after this song. It's a great song. My dad's friend sang it to me everyday.

[@arod5002]

I love it! ♥️♥️♥️ My daughter is named after the song “Sweet Caroline”. Everyone songs it to her too! She loves it. 😊❤

[@christopherallen9580]

I bet you're a fine girl too!

[@brandimwheat]

Me too 😊😊

[@carlawestlund4429]

Good go for you Brandy great song you have with your name go girl

[@michaeltuz608]

I love stories like this about "B" sides that went on to become massive hits. Brandy topped the charts during my senior year in high school, and had many folks anticipating a successful career for Looking Glass. But sometimes talent isn't enough...

[@SteveMavronis]

Still one of my favorite songs!

[@tedhatmaker8632]

A fine song, very thought provoking, and nice to hear a story about someone with integrity. Elliot Lurie's voice is really appealing, probably one of my top 5 favorite voices in rock/pop.

[@billydee8444]

I Think it's one of the best Songs, Strong Powerful Lead Vocals, Great background Vocals, A Story That Makes Sense,Up Tempo,Rock&Roll at it's Very Best From the 1970's, at That Time it Was The Heart to and of Rock&Roll🇺🇸🎙🎧🎤🎸🥁📻

[@hismajestysmen]

It was the first 45 rpm I owned as a youngster. I still play it a few times a month, "Brandy" is an instant mood-lifter.

[@josephdemaria2201]

I knew the drummer, Jeff Grob, when he was studying landscape architecture. At the time, he was studying in Europe and said only played drums "drunk at weddings." He was a good friend, a true gentleman, a lot of fun and he had many great stories from his rock and roll career.

[@keepingthefaith9041]

I loved that song when it 1st came out. Your friend did a fantastic job. Great to hear the stories. Thank you so much. It puts perspective to the ( what did they do later ) stories. He sounds like he was a good man. May God Bless him & all the people he knew . 😊

[@mckapril]

I wished this quick documentary showed Randy,(Brandy). She was the core of this song. I guess Brandy will always remain a mystery but what a wonderful feeling to walk around in life knowing one of the greatest songs ever written in history was written about you!!✌️

[@brandythierry6881]

I was named after this song in '81

[@bewell4467]

Im 57 and i used to hear this song on AM eadio in the car as a kid. It had a catchy tune but i just listened in passing because i came more from an R&B culture. Years later i listened to it more seriously. What a great song!

[@FelixcatGarcia]

It was 1972 I was in my radio room in Vietnam, I had the 6PM to 6AM radio shift and every midnight the Vietnamese National Anthem was played followed by The US National Anthem. Shortly after that, they would play a taped radio show by a popular DJ from back home. That night there was a howel letting you know that Wolfman Jack was on the air, "and here is Looking Glass with Brandy! No matter where I am and what I'm doing I'm instantly transported back to my radio room in Vietnam!

[@michaelcummingsherrera1232]

I left the Army and Vietnam in August 1969, but then reupped in June 1972. It was while I was at Fort Lewis, Washington, that I heard this gem of a song.

[@tf4606]

Howl

[@keepingthefaith9041]

Thank You for your story. That Song is one of my all time favorites. I never forgot this song. & haven't listened to it in ... Well since the 70's I guess. But I did name my 1st Dog. Brandy BC/ of this song. 😊

[@dinnielynngottschalkmeeker3025]

I 1st heard the song Brandy when I was about 14 years old. A school classmate of mine had a sleep over, the song came on the radio and her Mother began singing it with a beautiful voice. "Laura" has since then passed not too many years ago. Memories !❤

[@keepingthefaith9041]

The 1st time I heard this song in 72, I loved it. Perfect song. 😊 Named my 1st Dog Brandy. & take a drink of the stuff once in a blue moon. 😊

[@millster9389]

I was born in Brooklyn & moved to Jersey when I was 10. Went back & forth many, many times to see family. I love these guys so much!

[@Caperhere]

Loved this song since it came out. It even vaguely resembled my life. I took a trip to Spain in the seventies and spent half of my meager spending money on a silver chain for a guy I loved.

[@im-mu7tw]

My story is similar but different. As a young girl, this song filled me with beautiful, romantic imagery. To this day it gives me goosebumps (I’m a senior now). I was always attracted to the sea, wanted to live by the sea, etc. Mid-life, I moved to Spain, met and married a sailor! I didn’t buy any silver but he bought me gold. Hahaha

[@user-he2ze6us2v]

Outstanding song and one of my all time favorites. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@williamjackson3617]

I am sure that I have heard thousands of songs in my life time. Brandy is one of my all time favorites. Top five for sure.

[@jimperry4420]

Such an epic song. Thanks for the history. I never knew that the rest of the band formed Starz. I loved their first album. Pulled the plug is another great song!

[@ryanwaguespack3611]

A timeless classic!!!

[@soniabawa8635]

I learnt a lot today.i find Elliot lurie fascinating and his voice so distinctive.i think he’s super intelligent

[@Trasea]

Oh my... I had no idea... I grew up in NW Wash DC and listened to WPGC (and 1390 WEAM) in my early teens. I recall this song playing on the radio in my early teens but had no idea it got its start there! 70's music was the best... this one hit wonder could be the billboard for 70's music.

[@tesla2115]

one of the greatest songs of the 70's!!!

[@peachienickle]

Our oldest was named "Brandine" at birth, and forever went with the name "Brandy". She is a wonderful woman who I shall forever love as our oldest born, 1995.🤟❤

[@debbieharris5667]

I am obsessed with this song. I wish i had connections to turn it into a movie! Jason Mamoa could br the sailor! It would have epic ship / ocean scenes, and lots of bar scenes with the rowdy sailors and Brandy serving up drinks. And then of course, it would feature the love story between Brandy and the sailor. I think it would be sooo cool!

[@djdalton6070]

Great idea! Luv it!

[@seanbevan7]

Nicely pit together docu: short but detailed. Good work, AdventureswithMe

[@user-hm4yc7dx9l]

It was a very cool summer song...there was never a song like it...❤

[@sheilamoore927]

Loved the song!

[@AllGlitterandDirt]

As a Brandy, I approve of this video! Giggle! 🌌🌟💕💜💕🌟🌌

[@presto709]

Some songs are amazingly catchy. People imagine it's easy to write a pop song but in truth, there is no formula. Songs like Brandy and Happy Together are unicorns.

[@IronMaiden756]

This is my all time favorite song. ❤

[@richardgunther1874]

This is for sure my most favorite song in the world.

[@thedys70]

It's right up there for me too

[@debbieharris5667]

I love it so much I listen to it 4 or 5 times on a row sometimes!

[@Bellaangelcz]

I loved the song 🎵 when I first heard it. Ran to the record store and bought it. I played it more than a hundred times on my record player. I loved the lead singer, thus when my daughter was born, 1977, her name was already chosen years ago.

[@michaelwagner5453]

Telling a complete story in two and a half minutes with a great melody. Jim Croce style.

[@thedys70]

both Jim and Elliott are legends

[@DisneyUpBoilerUp]

I was named after this song. 😊❤ Always thought Elliot looked like Alice Cooper's brother on the Smothers Brothers show😅

[@theonetruerobb4852]

My band covers tunes from this era, and we just learned "Brandy". I'm a geezer,and I've been hearing the record since it popped, but I never actually learned it to play it out. Some interesting harmonic stuff going on there - touring with the Dan must've been an ear-opener...

[@Ina-Lori-tm2zh]

B side stands for Best song ever*** I heard it Aug 1972 before moving to Stanton CA...even now at Rock & Brews Buena Park the,manager plays the video of BRANDY for me.

[@sparkplug0000]

I always thought the song would make a good premise for a movie - the local sailors all harmlessly flirt with Brandy but know her heart belongs to one in particular, who himself loves only the sea. Then one day bad guys ransack the town and kidnap Brandy, causing The Sailor to realize he actually loves her more. So then The Sailor and a ragtag group from the town set out to rescue Brandy. Throw in some “Taken” style justice then The Sailor and Brandy sail off together, so The Sailor gets the sea AND Brandy. A swashbuckling sea adventure, a love story, some kick-ass action, and a great theme song!

[@carlawestlund4429]

Loved it good memories with this song boyfriend's past who always worked up north Canada

[@mdmarko]

Remember when Looking Glass played at my college in the 73-74 time frame. Was the MC.

[@thedys70]

born in 1970, and had to wait until 1990 to find a scratchy used 45 at 2nd hand vinyl store. Paid $5.00, but had to have it

[@davidmorris6278]

Makes me wish I could go back to sea 🚢🚢

[@alpine9996]

I LOVE Brandy, and the song Too 😀

[@TurboSuperK]

Brandy was the first 45 I bought as a kid. Had to have it and I still have it.

[@charlie418791]

Best song....eva

[@robbnutter4665]

IMO The #1 "one hit wonder" song...EVER.

[@babyjessicascheekbones5463]

Never knew the Starz connection. Was a fan.

[@Philhou77005]

Wonderful piece of America music history

[@holliefowler1761]

❤❤❤

[@Pollypot]

I love it so much that's all I can say

[@dpurplefox]

I always thought it was a brother singing

[@tod3msn]

Record company made a lot of money on afternoon delight for sure. I'm sure songwriting credits and maybe publishing took care of Billy and Taffy. Afternoon Delight is a GREAT and upbeat pop song.

[@kendrasong8606]

So did they have a horn section or not? My son is 18 and is a trombonist in college and this was one of my favorite songs and I always played it for him and he loved the horns since he was like 5 or 6?

[@PaulJohnson-zt4nx]

I just named my boat “Brandy”. I think this song would have been perfect for Top Gun Maverick.

[@miltoncat]

I was 22 days old when it hit #1. Wish it was the top song on my actual birthday, because “Alone Again” was the #1 and “Brandy” is way better.

[@albr6770]

Another crank it up song!

[@CherylBauer-hr8oi]

Love this song I first Heard it when I was 10 years old in 1972 I decided to then when I had a little girl her name would be Brandy . The year 1983 I was told I was having a girl when she came she was a Boy .His Name is Brandon.

[@nojimmyray]

One of THE greatest songs of all time. Pure pop perfection. However, based on this video title, i came here purely to find out if that sailor ever came back to that port on that western bay to officially make Brandy his wife ? And, what is the name of that port on that western bay? :) Anyone know?

[@danielmaher7108]

I always thought it was Bremerton, WA, across Puget Sound from Seattle. I am not sure why-Bremerton is a Navy town, but I grew up in San Diego so that city should be what I think of when I hear it.

[@rileyjackfansmithandjones8238]

Dont Care.....Brandy, and Aftrnoon DelightnALL 70's Delight,!

[@rick5101]

The media sucks.... this song never will....

[@sandyhyatt2282]

The best was when Neil diamond released his version! To good.! He will be missed.

[@danielreshelman2860]

Check out Big Head Todd and the Monsters' cover of this song.

[@dianemarshall9387]

I named my daughter after this song but I chose an i Brandi and I didn’t know the lyrics haha I didn’t know I named her after a cocktail waitress, but she’s a beautiful woman now I named her in 1977 Brandi Lynn

[@philtroskey3454]

See the things they don't know 68 and 69 there was a brandy in San Diego sea avenue she was the top let's go go once an hour we all know that all the sailors know that 6869 / 66 67 she owned a mustang 2 I saw her outside and light one time

[@ezrabrooks12]

I STILL HAVE A COPY OF THIS ON A 45 RECORD FROM THE DAY/ AND YES, BRANDY IS ON THE B SIDE!!!!!

[@reallifelebowski4732]

I knew 2 girls (Or they were girls' back in high school in the 1970's) who were named after this song. Makes me a little sad to think whatever became of them > That was a long time ago

[@shawnhussain7713]

Say what you want about Rutgers but we only produce legends lol. Hell yeah!

[@JAB-bc9uv]

I guess that elevated grave behind the movie theatre in Edison hadnothing to do with it ...

[@trevmac8362]

Paul Stanley of Kiss loved this song so much he wrote somewhat of a sequel to the song called "Hard Luck Woman" about a Sailor's daughter who was in a similar Love torn relationship with a man. It's one of the few songs that Peter Criss sings . The Red Hot Chilli Peppers also play this song at some of their concerts because singer Anthony Kiedis also loved it since he was a kid.

[@MARLONdaman]

Wow! And I thought it was a southern song not a north eastern song!

[@tolerance2024]

Beck--

[@m998hmmwv7]

Bolero

[@sugoidessho]

Basically a one-hit wonder. But a great song nevertheless. One of the classics of the 70s, and there were many. Unlike today :(

[@TexasTrained]

The song is epic The singer is awesome .But the lavel taking all profit is hiwaybrobbery

[@billmccloud6793]

He WROTE the song...that's how Capitalism works!!!

[@Tony-do9jf]

👍 𝔭𝔯𝔬𝔪𝔬𝔰𝔪

[@VroodenTheGreat]

This song always bothered me because the chorus says "Her eyes could steal the sailor from the sea..." but the whole song is about a sailor she couldn't steal from the sea. Once I recognized that, I couldn't unsee it.

[@jishmotchell9051]

If it makes you feel any better, it’s the sailors she’s serving saying that, which gives it a sweet irony

[@sdcoinshooter]

I’ll pray you come to terms with this extremely difficult issue

[@VroodenTheGreat]

@@sdcoinshooter I have agonized about this for 20 years.

[@sdcoinshooter]

@@VroodenTheGreat I wish you strength

[@crysstal]

😂😂😂😂

[@aidanconvery7460]

Great, poignant nostalgia song.