The Association "Never My Love" on The Ed Sullivan Show

The Association "Never My Love" on The Ed Sullivan Show, December 8, 1968. Subscribe now to never miss an update: ume.lnk.to/EdSullivanSubscribe
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The Ed Sullivan Show was a television variety program that aired on CBS from 1948-1971. For 23 years it aired every Sunday night and played host to the world's greatest talents. The Ed Sullivan Show is well known for bringing rock n' roll music to the forefront of American culture through acts like Elvis Presley, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones. The entertainers each week ranged from comedians like Joan Rivers and Rodney Dangerfield, to Broadway stars Julie Andrews and Richard Burton, to pop singers such as Bobby Darin and Petula Clark. It also frequently featured stars of Motown such as The Supremes, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder and The Jackson 5. The Ed Sullivan Show was one of the only places on American television where such a wide variety of popular culture was showcased and its legacy lives on to this day.
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#TheAssociation #EdSullivan #EdSullivanShow

[@strothermartin5368]

I want to go back! Anybody want to go with me?

[@lori64lg]

Yes, me !! 😅

[@strothermartin5368]

@@lori64lg plenty of room 👍

[@paulatighe7073]

count me in the van- i want back in - those were better times-mike

[@MissJensk1]

I'm in!

[@strothermartin5368]

@@paulatighe7073 They sure we're🙁

[@teenaray8084]

This is when music was good. Relying on talent, not theatrics.

[@peterlarsen7779]

Agreed! 👍👍 As well as without atrocious behaviour! ☺️☺️☺️

[@karenbougher1219]

for sure

[@kimsanda]

I'm old but I sure remember the great sounds I grew up hearing!

[@dave1956]

Isn’t it amazing that they could actually sing?

[@cdfistaken5437]

Don't reject theatrics. All the world's a stage, after all.

[@billhampton8004]

Back when people actually played instruments and could sing. Instead of computer generated music.

[@barneyronnie]

Puff , who??

[@jimpeck6437]

The first ten seconds of this song are better than Miley Cyrus whole career

[@lizlarsen1653]

Same thing can be said about Taylor Swift.

[@wantsomecoffee]

Leave Miley Alone.

[@dystopian2153]

​@@wantsomecoffeeoh please

[@walshy2116]

Better than the last 15-20 years of music period

[@walshy2116]

@@wantsomecoffeeno she deserves it lol

[@saltytraveller]

When my brother went to Vietnam he left behind 2 albums. One by the Association and one by the Byrds. I believe I played them every day that he was gone. Thankfully he came home and reclaimed them.

[@carpediem523]

God bless your brother for serving in anothet pointless conflict.

[@Climate_Hoax]

@@carpediem523 Amen.

[@neilmurray6943]

Good that he came home safe after doing his duty unlike Trump.

[@saltytraveller]

@@neilmurray6943 It is a very shallow mind that can only respond on a single topic.

[@neilmurray6943]

@@saltytraveller Are you a veteran like your brother? I am.

[@kathleenhansen6610]

This is “ our song “,too ! Met at 16 and we’ll celebrate 53 years married in September !

[@Alfra1324]

Congratulations! ❤

[@lizlarsen1653]

We met at 19 and 21, married a year later, and celebrating 50 years this summer. It was a Golden time for music.

[@2013venjix]

Congrats

[@8656737s]

Congratulations that's awesome ❤

[@user-SahmJuanElse]

Congratulations Our song 🎶 was Fooled around and fell in love. 😉

[@Doc_Tar]

They stopped making music this good decades ago.

[@JamesSullivan-fq9bw]

This song helped me escape the war zone of Vietnam for a while. Thanks Associates.

[@kellycreech7794]

God bless you and yours for your service!

[@2013venjix]

God bless you and & Thank you for your service.

[@8656737s]

I'm so sorry you had to go through that. Especially when all these other people were just having fun and enjoying their lives. Thank you for your service ❤

[@barneyronnie]

Welcome Home, brother! 173rd Airborne Brigade/74th Infantry Detachment/LRRP RVN '66 - '69😢 Barney

[@carlodave9]

According to Hollywood, all you guys were listening to Gimme Shelter, Purple Haze, Fortunate Son, and This is the End. But the Association? What soldier would want to just chill out to beautiful harmonizing in their downtime?

[@johnzabrenski6327]

We met when I was 17, married at age 28. Three children and 42 years later and we are still going strong,

[@cdfistaken5437]

What took you so long? j/k

[@goldenblueeye5472]

❤congrats❤

[@Jgeneraledger23]

oh please, stop bragging

[@rickmays797]

Great song......Association probably the most underrated groups of the 60s......anyone with me on this??????

[@leospring6264]

I'm with ya Rick

[@kw5591]

Count me in too. A timeless song from an incredible group.

[@robin3307]

@@kw5591 I agree.

[@dmbr111]

Absolutely.

[@kensellers4082]

Why The Association is NOT in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is beyond me. Maybe Jann Wenner just viscerally dislikes the superb musical artistry of The Association for some unknown reason?

[@beaverstandig1747]

My husband proposed to me while this 45 played. I lost him in. 2000, but I will never forget those few minutes ❤️

[@rizahbella369]

✝🕊❤

[@luketimber4679]

Dear Bea, i am very sorry for your loss. We got to be around the same age as so few of know what "45" means today.

[@AJ-kw8gm]

❤️

[@rockyquintero6188]

Bea, you will see him again. Finish the race. The race has rules.

[@patricksutton9041]

@@AJ-kw8gm I'll keep

[@edgarsnake2857]

If this doesn't reach you, nothing will.

[@stevenharrison488]

❤

[@karrenpopovics2780]

This was Our song. It was performed at our wedding in 1967. Still gives me chills. Our 55th. anniversary is in Dec. Yes our anniversary is next week and we are still both here!💝

[@abjectt5440]

We're only 52 in August.

[@jwad297]

bless you.

[@soaringvulture]

Good going. We're only a year behind you. And there'll never be a time without our love.

[@monolithsound]

That's so wonderful. Smiles for you both.

[@danielbrotherton7274]

Congratulations! What a beautiful song to commemorate such memories. ✌🏼

[@Nonduality]

I'm 72. I guess I'm one of the youngsters Ed Sullivan is talking to.

[@taroman7100]

yep, if we're lucky we still are

[@Pelican5077]

69 and yep. This was the first album I ever bought.

[@user-dw6sm7in5z]

😂

[@phoenixmode6909]

@@user-dw6sm7in5zI'm 60. I recall my grands and mom watching Ed Sullivan every week, and man, the variety of music I was exposed to! And when it was a band I already knew from the radio, I was doubly excited!

[@MyFlora007]

Me too!

[@earlinehall7939]

I planned to play this on our 40th anniversary.We made it to 38.He passed in 2004.I still miss him.The Lord has kept me going.

[@susanmcavoy9213]

❤❤❤

[@kellykaufman8459]

Sorry for your loss. You believe you will see him again, so do I.

[@patriciasnyder6915]

Prayers. We are going into year 48 - I can’t imagine being without my husband.

[@JimHeller-sn6ck]

We are into year 50......cherish every day like it's the last! @@patriciasnyder6915

[@lindamastropietro4429]

I am so truly sorry for your loss.

[@EarlHutton2030]

One of the finest love songs of the '60s. RIP Brian Cole, Larry Ramos, and Terry Kirkman! 💐

[@debbiefoster6673]

There I am, age 14, loving this song. I’m 67 now and it just takes me back.

[@kurtskaaning5426]

Just 2 years behind you - never forget this song - best wishes to you.

[@muffs55mercury61]

I think memories of music keep us alive longer as I'm in your age group and still feeling great.

[@nancyherb7454]

Me too I'm 68

[@LuckyDawgProductionsModerator]

Me, too. I'm 68 and remember this like it was yesterday.

[@trkrla5113]

Debbie Foster...I was 16 back then and summers were forever! 👴

[@airbossjohnson9376]

Can we stop and appreciate the production values here? Way to go, Ed Sullivan and crew, for making a classic love song from one of the most under-appreciated bands of the era absolutely hold up in this day and age. Timeless.

[@jameslatta6813]

Actually they were quite popular in their era.

[@flyinandjammin]

No lip synching here! Live performance that sounds fantastic! You're so right.

[@rickmanley767]

Agreed! It’s not exactly like the version played on the radio, and that’s ok!

[@jamesmcintyre2008]

The organ and piano are identical to the record...some prerecorded for sure

[@leospring6264]

well said!

[@carolgladfelder272]

I dedicate this song to my husband of 22 years who just passed away unexpectedly. He recently said that he felt I no longer loved him. Nothing could be further from the truth. But he died believing that I no longer loved him. PLEASE always make sure your loved ones know how much you care about them before it's too late. Can't stress that enough. 💔

[@Wheresthelove7]

Sorry for your loss. And your words are so true. I never told my mom how much I loved her. I thought if I showed by my actions and by taking care of her she'd understand. Always buying birthday and mother's day cards to express myself. But there is no substitute for saying it.

[@lindahuff8976]

@@Wheresthelove7 We weren't an emotional family and we were the same way. I did hold her hand at the end and sobbed uncontrollably. I should have said it more.

[@seanogee]

💔💔💔💔

[@mikejohn0088]

Good news Carol: He now knows with certainty.

[@carolgladfelder272]

@@mikejohn0088 I hope he does.

[@RoadieGarth]

"Never My Love" was written by my friend Richard and his late brother Donald, The Addrisi Brothers!

[@kevingoins9858]

Great writers! The Association cut many of their songs

[@tomrockhill8634]

Beautiful song writing.

[@bradsmack1]

Vastly overlooked artists in their own right!

[@donovanjones4175]

Simply beautiful.

[@MarkRaymondLuce]

According to Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI), which keeps track of such data, "Never My Love" by The Association was the second-most played song on American radio and television in the 20th century, trailing only "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" by the Righteous Brothers. Another Association song, "Cherish," was #22. I am sure your friend Richard Addrisi is well aware of this fact; tell him for me thank you for writing a truly beautiful song and presenting it to The Association for them to record it!

[@lightcaesar]

Doing harmonies like that live is difficult. They nailed it.

[@pmsfar-outgrooviness8025]

I think the harmonies are prerecorded

[@lightcaesar]

@@pmsfar-outgrooviness8025 No, I can tell they're different.

[@pmsfar-outgrooviness8025]

@@lightcaesar can tell you me where?

[@carl_anderson9315]

They’re singing live with the song as backing track, so you’re actually both right. They’re not lip syncing. Pay attention to Larry Ramos at 1:40. The Beatles did something similar when they recorded Hey Jude at the David Frost Show that same year.

[@pmsfar-outgrooviness8025]

@@carl_anderson9315 I know the leads are live, but i'm thinking the harmonies are not - but i'm open to being proven wrong

[@garystandsbury9591]

1967, just married in March, in the Army in Germany, such great memories.

[@karrenpopovics2780]

My Husband was stationed in Germany too..we spent the first 5 years of our marriage there. We came home with 2 little boys!

[@petercrialese9080]

60s music was the absolute best!!

[@user-nq2fh8po4h]

This is when music was real music. And it meant some thing. Miss those days.

[@josephclark4153]

A toast 🍷 to any one lucky or blessed enough to find true love with that special someone ❤️

[@TheOriginalRick]

48 years married next month

[@josephclark4153]

@@TheOriginalRick 48 years says it all . Congratulations and may you have another 48 more 😀

[@chasard-theubiquitouscycli8904]

🥂💙 'blessed' or 'lucky enough' 😢is exactly correct...❤

[@dengelking2121]

I was born in 1967 I do love the classic music. Not the trash they play on radio 2023!

[@RicheUK]

agreed, I was born in 1966 :)

[@elflordsjourneys]

Right musicians just played their instruments and sang, no flames or strobe lights and dancers grabbing their crotches.😊

[@lisapilot2895]

Born in 1963 and love music, period. Every era produces its own great artists and memorable songs.

[@ruff500]

I was born 1967 too

[@danielbolduc2992]

I am 66 years old.we had a lot of great songs back then.we humans never learn.😢

[@johnanderson2894]

Beautiful song - the title is engraved inside our wedding rings. 38 years now and I still haven’t grown tired of her.

[@16Victoriana]

That's a BEAUTIFUL thing 2 say about your wife! Your words brought tears 2 my eyes!!!!!! How WONDEFUL 2 say that!!!!!! Bravo!!!!@@!

[@MrTruckerf]

I guess she hasn't grown tired of you, either! Married 41 years here.....could not live without her. Literally.

[@treadman26]

Dude.

[@amyh2310]

Tears 😭

[@luketimber4679]

John you are very fortunate.

[@larslake]

" "Never My Love" has since been certified the second-most-frequently-played song in America during the 20th century."

[@olblu8746]

@larslake who's on 1st?

[@joanmavima5423]

@@olblu8746You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling by The Righteous Brothers

[@sandyhossman7771]

I was born in 1959 and I grew up with all these great songs. Hearing them takes me back to summer days, riding bikes, swimming and climbing trees. ❤

[@exmarine268]

Great band. Precise, superior production, great vocals. Music is crap today.

[@jedkrantz7003]

Way back when we just took beautiful harmony like this for granted-it was part and parcel of so many songs.. By today's standards this stuff sounds absolutely towering now.

[@ragnarlothbrok3112]

Why why can't we turn back time and relived those days, oh golden years and memories.....❤️🙏

[@jackwalker1822]

We had freedoms back then that seem to be lost now. And the music was so great. So melodic.

[@stevejanowiak1982]

Save me a seat on the time machine, please!!!

[@karrenpopovics2780]

You sound like Cher..

[@stevejanowiak1982]

@@karrenpopovics2780😂🤣

[@ragnarlothbrok3112]

Sorry just appreciating the past my deceased mom met Cher, when she was working at a record company.

[@danielpincus221]

This is songwriting!!

[@c.a.t.732]

The Association somehow managed to be both totally hip and totally square at the same time.

[@robertcartwright563]

Great singer,wish l went to their concert.🎸🪕🎻🪘🥁

[@dazeyday5699]

It’s hip to be square… 😉

[@JohnnyAngel8]

There were many successful artists who would be labelled hip and square simultaneously. The Carpenters come to mind. The Captain and Tennille. Many had a mix in their music repertoire.

[@belabelasko8223]

True. And now, revered.

[@robertwoodpa6463]

@@dazeyday5699 You took my comment!

[@dereks7745]

Larry Ramos was a great talent. R.I.P. 🙏

[@thedocofrock1890]

incredible live performance from my favorite vocal band from the 60's. no lip synching here - all live on the ed show.

[@Voldy8]

For a 50-year old video, this production is outstanding! It's clear that they sang the song. Well done!

[@michaelbyrd524]

I don’t see any monitors on stage. Sorry, lip syncing is not new.

[@robertcartwright563]

You can see guitars plugged in,singing slightly different,looks like a live recording,l like Larry Ramos slightly changing vocal part and smiling,nice performance,sunshine pop.

[@marks.3303]

@@michaelbyrd524 The vocals are live. They're different from the recorded version.

[@Qboro66]

Most likely singing live over the instrumental recorded track... Props to the audio genius of Art Shine...🎤🎛🎧

[@jlinms8721]

Absolutely nobody sang live on variety shows.

[@joegongora2200]

This song is not only beautiful but TIMELESS!!! In 1967 I was in Elementary School when this song came out. I've been listening to this song since I was 11 years old and still listening to this song. Who is still listening in Dec 23, 2021? I'm 66 Yrs old and perhaps will still be listening while I'm still standing. Beautiful love songs will never go out of style they tend to get better and become more meaningful. This is from a time that music had a message and songs were plain and simple.

[@crushedrgb]

I’m the same age and first heard it in Seattle. Transports me back to my youth every time I hear it.

[@billvalencia226]

Sir, you are soooooooo right.

[@Sweetpjoe]

I was 9 when this song came out. Still listening at 64.

[@neilmurray6943]

@@crushedrgb I am also the same age and so agree!

[@muffs55mercury61]

I'm here 7/26/2022 and still loving this music, now 68.

[@randymyers6439]

Larry Ramos nailed it. Hell all of them nailed it. This is one of my top 2 songs.

[@taroman7100]

Cherish gets me.

[@genevievemcculloch1868]

He was a great talent. Never really got his due.

[@pattyh956]

Love this song. This group has some of the best harmonies of all time

[@davidholton9667]

So sorry for the infringe on your privacy. Beautiful song. How are you?

[@TheIndependentLens]

Just read too that it was all live & no lip syncing on the Ed Sullivan show. Sounds fantastic!

[@bruschmidt9943]

Also some parts were sung with different nuances than the Album. When the song started, Terry really landed on the word "Love" each time. This production was brilliant on all counts!

[@johnamiro6927]

Never get tired of this group of musicians July 1 2024 Canada

[@jeffreygrossi2800]

Just heard this song on Amazon music.. love it… been playing it repeatedly…

[@jdeaton5093]

@2:41 "Tambourine dude shuffle"...priceless...them's were the days!

[@arnoldcaines9012]

Larry Ramos had a silky smooth voice. Those harmonies were heavenly.

[@robertcartwright563]

Larry also played banjo,check out New Christy Minstrels, he's there.

[@arnoldcaines9012]

@@robertcartwright563 Most definitely. I've been getting into the Mamas and the Papas, Mugwumps... Right in there.

[@samsanderson224]

I played everything my brother owned all the time until he came home from Vietnam. He was one of the lucky ones.

[@pamkowal7464]

Ahh! Brings back fond memories of my fifteen year old self!

[@skatpk9196]

I can see the emotion in their faces like they are singing about a past or present love in their lives.

[@radio_123]

You ask me if there'll come a time When I grow tired of you Never, my love Never, my love You wonder if this heart of mine Will lose its desire for you Never, my love Never, my love What makes you think love will end? When you know that my whole life depends On you (on you) Ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba (ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba) Never, my love Never, my love You say you fear I'll change my mind I won't require you Never, my love Never, my love How can you think love will end When I've asked you to spend your whole life With me? (with me, with me) Never, my love (never, my love) Never, my love Never, my love (never, my love) Never, my love Never, my love

[@rickkaylor8554]

A very underrated band. They never have gotten the recognition they deserved. So much talent.

[@mddell58]

I got to see 'The Association' in 1979, or 1980. They were at IUS. It was so wonderful! ❤

[@brucekuehn4031]

One guy kind of sticks out so I looked him up. Larry Ramos was of Filipino descent with a blend of Chinese and Spanish ancestry. He was born and raised in Waimea, Hawaii. The family later moved to California. At the age of 13, he was in the national touring company of the King and I. In 1962, he joined the New Christy Minstrels and in 1967, The Association.

[@timnewsom6422]

Thanks for the short biography, I remember he was raised in Hawaii but didn’t know anything else. I still bothers me that Ed and others call them a rock band for lack of proper and accurate description. They were A pop vocal group with more influences from folk that blues based rock. I’m a musician from 50 years ago. The rock hall of fame regularly mislabels artists the same way.

[@mikegee8875]

When Ramos was referred to as "being made in Japan" on the Smothers Brothers show, was inaccurate.

[@brucekuehn4031]

@@mikegee8875 That would be a case where even famous liberals like the Smothers Bros would not be “woke” in today’s political climate.

[@gbsk12]

@@timnewsom6422 Back then virtually all the bands were "rock bands" except Tijuana Brass, Barry Sadler, country (i.e.Roger Miller. Johnny Cash) and stuff my parents listened to (i.e. Andy Williams, Frank Sinatra). I would probably put them in a similar category with Herman's Hermits, Monkeys and Gerry and the Pacemakers) but my friends and I called all of them "rock bands". Look back to the '50s at the Flamingos. Diamonds, Platters and other vocal groups probably sounded more like crooners from the '40s but teens identified with them more. Their songs were usually referred as "rock ballads". I think with the advent of FM radio in the '70s especially was when genres became more stratified. In the '60s, virtually anything that was popular, no matter what the genre was, if it was popular then it was played on the radio. Now, the Association would probably identified as Adult Contemporary .

[@timnewsom6422]

@@gbsk12 back then if you showed up for a rock band audition and was ignorant of Cream, The Doors, Hendrix, The Who you would be laughed out of the building. Take your Monkies to the teenie bopper barn. Labels matter in detail for musicians. Platters were from Do Wop period.definitions matter

[@seancoxe1094]

I still can't believe they're not in the rock and roll hall of fame!

[@mikejohn0088]

They were not voted in as they are pure and did not walk and sing the songs of Lucifer. They never sold out like all the others. They will be in the hall of fame in another dimension.

[@mikejohn0088]

On reason and one reason only = they never sold out.

[@thevoid99]

@@mikejohn0088 now that the aging fruit is gone from the board. they have a chance. r.ip. terry kirkman who just died today.

[@christopherd3861]

The "I won't require you" line sticks with me, love it.

[@NickNicometi]

Ramos smiling as he sings that line is sweet.

[@fadthetic]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@kyolym]

Their harmonies are just too amazing they sound like a church choir.

[@catholicfaithofmine2664]

Lol, i was a kid when all this Flower Power was popular. I shared a room with my sister, and our wallpaper was the orange and yellow flowers from back then that was popular. Yet I can't stop watching this 😂 😂

[@tropicalpancake56]

One of the greatest groups of the decade. A group of exceptionally gifted performers lead by the incredible voices of Larry Ramos and Terry Kirkman.

[@Wolverines4ever-sl1js]

I agree 100%.

[@roderick2105]

I assume Larry Ramos was Philipino , what happened to that guy - is he still with us ??

[@kensellers4082]

@@roderick2105 Larry Ramos, Jr. died in 2014. His brother, Del, has been the bass guitarist with the band for many years along with keyboardist Jordan Cole, the son of original Association member, the late Brian Cole. What’s always impressed me about The Association, along with their wonderful song writing ability and excellent instrumental play, is their superb vocalizations. To have seven band members who are such consummate singers is remarkable.

[@daveconleyportfolio5192]

@@roderick2105 Born and raised in Hawaii of Filipino descent. Died about 10 years ago, after 40 years with the band. He had a heck of a run.

[@Armis71]

@@daveconleyportfolio5192 I would say. I'm sure he lived a life only some of us can dream of being part of one of the best bands!

[@mcmike100]

I saw them in the fall of 1967. I was able to get in free as an usher. Since we were there early, I saw their sound check. After the sound check, I asked one member for an autograph. He found a piece of notebook paper and the entire band signed it. The opening act was Neil Diamond. The whole show was excellent.

[@serlilive9305]

That’s freakin awesome!!! 🥹

[@hnc52]

Dear Ed introducing the Association as a "rock group". Windy is my favorite Association song; but Never My Love is a gorgeous song that is ageless.

[@lillianjinx6705]

This was my parents song. My mom passed over ten years ago of lymphoma. I was at brunch with my dad and stepmom and the song came on. I loved that he blurted out “this was my and your mom’s song.” (Which i always knew) brought a tear to my eye and warm smile to my face. They were married 36 years. 🥹

[@felixmadison5736]

1967, my senior year in high school. Man does this song bring back memories! Two years before leaving for Vietnam, and 3 years before meeting my wife to be. If I could only go back and know what I know today...

[@easyvocalharmony5680]

I like that harmony he throws in at 1:45, that's not in the studio version. He smiles at the camera right after :)

[@Duke_of_Prunes]

That's why live performances are so entertaining!

[@debodonnell1513]

This song 🎵 brings me back to a beautiful time!

[@June_Magoo]

UN FUCKING REAL. This is the best quality i have ever seen of the association AND one of the best recordings of this song LIVE. HOLY SHIT!!!!!!!! God bless whoever uploaded this!!

[@rainbowcash1892]

Many people don’t realize that following this Ed Sullivan show performance, “Never My Love” became the #1 most-played song on U.S. radio in othe 20th Century, partly because dozens of other artists subsequently recorded their own versions.

[@ericlabelz8129]

I love how Larry puts the harmony in "I wont require you".They are singing this live with the original recording helping out.

[@handyman2183]

It is almost as if he does so to eliminate any doubt that at least their vocals are live.

[@bruschmidt9943]

Actually they're singing live to a Studio Backing Track without the vocals.

[@katespear1233]

I’d watch the Ed Sullivan Show every Sunday night with my 2 brothers and my parents. He had some of the best ever bands on his show. Always loved this song. So many wonderful memories.

[@greggriffin3998]

I am really surprised that this fantastic song is not performed more often at weddings.

[@kenyongray2615]

It was the wedding song of my sister back in 1971.

[@johnnytorino9455]

When I was a little kid, this song would pop up on a little radio in my Aunt's livingroom. My thoughts would, drift away, as I was mesmorized by this song and many like it. In my mind I was listening to a live performance, imagining what the artist wore, and what they looked like. I would float along with the hypnotic melodys and smooth harmonies, then all of the sudden my daydreaming ended. My Aunt would be calling me to wash my hands and get ready for supper.😅

[@attitune]

This was actually a live performance! It sounds close to the studio version at the beginning, but you can hear some different harmonies that you don't hear in the original recording. Sounds great. Always loved this song.

[@rjoyce268]

I was about 16-17 when this came out. I’m 73 now. Memories

[@MarkRaymondLuce]

Never My Love is a great classic song! The lyrics with the melody and with the chord progression are just absolutely perfect. As for the doubters, as an experienced musician in several bands in my band days, this Ed Sullivan performance sounds to me like everything is live, they are singing all the vocals and playing all the instruments live in real time and the ending is live. There are live recordings of The Association from this time period and they actually did sound this good live even though they had session musicians playing on many but not all of their studio tracks, which was done to save recording time which meant saving studio costs - depending on which producer they had at the time and album budget and how busy they were - being that they were a very busy touring band doing a few hundred concerts a year including TV shows - keep in mind this is sort of how The Beach Boys were doing everything also, Brian was writing and producing while the other Beach Boys were on the road doing concerts, and various LA session musicians whom we know today as The Wrecking Crew were playing all the Beach Boys tracks under Brian's direction - except sometimes Carl would play guitar and Brian would play keyboards, and all six of the Beach Boys during a pause from touring would sing all the vocals that they would arrange in the studio, but in live concerts, the Beach Boys played all their own instruments, and if they played close to home Brian would sometimes join them - so The Wrecking Crew played on Association tracks and on many Beach Boys tracks as well as other artists such as Mamas and Papas, Sonny and Cher, and many others. All of the members of The Association were excellent singers, and were pretty good musicians, the co-lead vocalist on this song Terry Kirkman (the guy with the beard) played in a few bands with Frank Zappa before The Association and Mothers of Invention were formed, so that should confirm any misconceptions about musicianship right there, and he also went to college as a music major - I'm not sure if he graduated but he was a music major on woodwind instruments and I am sure as a member of the college music department choir. Larry Ramos the other co-lead vocalist on this song had many years of experience having played guitar professionally since he was a child and he played with The New Christy Minstrels before joining The Association as a replacement for their original member Joe Alexander - who actually rejoined I think in 1968 and is still one of the two founding members still with The Association today - the other founding member being Jim Yester the lead vocalist on Along Comes Mary who is and always was a pretty good guitarist and excellent pianist and overall keyboardist. There is a live album of The Association which I think came out around 1969 or 1970 and it confirms how good they sounded in concert, they were playing all of their own instruments in concert and singing while they were playing. There is a KZbin video of them from 1967 playing the Ravinia Festival playing an extended version of the song Windy and it is live, they are playing all their own instruments and singing while they're playing and it is very good, and Kirkman is doing some nice embellishments on the 8-bar solo piccolo part and Ted Bluechel shows how good of a drummer he was and he is singing some pretty intricate parts, and they are all on pitch and I see no stage monitors in the live video - this was back in the days when stage monitors were not even thought of.

[@Baribrotzer]

I think Kirkman was probably a brass or music education major - while he apparently plays some two dozen instruments, his main winds seem to be trumpet, fluegelhorn, and recorder - which last has no embochure but requires the good breath control a brass player would also have.

[@garymarcum1477]

they are not playing this. they did a good job of faking it.

[@MarkRaymondLuce]

​@@garymarcum1477 You are apparently looking for argument, you came to the right person, so I will set you straight on this issue! As a matter of policy, all acts on the Ed Sullivan show performed live - every band / singer all performed live! Look it up! Some shows like The Smothers Brothers all lip synced as a matter of practicality; shows from the 50s, 60s, and 70s had different policies as to whether a band or artist pretended to play to a pre-recorded track or performed live; so I repeat for your uniformed shallow world-view, that all acts on the Ed Sullivan show performed live - every band / singer all performed live! Ed Sullivan himself insisted on this, The Ed Sullivan show was live, not taped earlier in the day, when everyone saw The Beatles or Elvis Presley on The Ed Sullivan Show on Sunday evenings, they were watching literally in real time a live performance! Again, look it up know it all!

[@garymarcum1477]

wow. all that from a simple statement. I'm not getting involved with you. What a toxic place the internet is. My trained ears says it's not them playing. end of this bullshit with you.

[@crosscatch]

There’s a good clip from 1967 (I think) when they played the first big rock festival, Monterey. They sounded really good live and had a bit more edge than you anticipate with The Association.

[@krakatoapinatubo6362]

The harmonies are incredible!

[@GrotrianSeiler]

Wow, I didn’t realize it was that good. Those harmonies were stunning.

[@phoenixmode6909]

I was four when this came out. I already had an affinity for and an ear for music at that age, thanks to Mom's preferences at home, added with the wonderful variety of music coming out on the airwaves at that time. I recall hearing the Doors' "Light My Fire" on the radio in my grandpa's old station wagon. I recall hearing a lot of Beatles on the radio back then....and this song as well, and so many more. I had a well rounded childhood where music was concerned. This was always one of my (and my mom's) favorites. To this day, I still have quite an eclectic taste in music. Thanks Mom, Grandpa.....thanks, good ol' AM radio.....and thank you to ALL the artists who contributed to my musical experience. I have always loved all of you, and always will. ✌🏻❤️✨🌻🎶

[@DPadg444]

I will never tire of hearing their harmonies. Such a long time ago too. I was lucky to see them perform live in whatever year their first tour was, 1964-ish. I was 12 years old.

[@deborahclarke3389]

Wish I were still in the 60s.

[@patriciaeddy7629]

Everytime I heard this song at the time these guys first sang it, my heart would melt........ guess what?.......Hearing it again today,my heart still does the same.

[@SNAKERADIOS]

I love the Keyboards throughout the entire song.🎤 Just so Whimsical

[@markholmes2162]

Those tight harmonies could easily sound awkward if not done perfectly. Fortunately for us, they nailed them again and again.

[@georgewash2626]

HARMONY SIMPLY INCREDIBLE FANTASTIC SONG this 75 years old geezer will take this over any of bieber blabber and today's crap anytime !

[@richardk6196]

This is the real deal-No BS or funky stuff going on

[@danwaller5312]

Where did all the TALENT GO!!

[@Neilrahc]

What a beautiful performance. How wonderful that we can see and listen and "cherish" this am radio favorite now! :) And these harmonies!

[@6821hominy]

This song ALWAYS gave me goosebumps. Still does at 67...

[@GoldenClays1]

Rest in Peace Terry Kirkman - Your music was magical!

[@madbrowniac7871]

The chill of this is realizing how young these Ace Musicians looked back in 1967 ( on "The Ed Sullivan Show" no less!) and that three of them are gone now. Incidentally Vern Gosdin released a fine Country & Western duet Cover about a decade or so later. And he's gone now as well. As is Ed Sullivan of course.😔B.W.

[@toppjimi7776]

I asked the band at our wedding to learn this one for our 1st dance as husband & wife. They were surprised but nailed it wife was also surprised

[@gplunk]

They don't get much more 'classic' than this great....

[@jeffreyramsey4538]

To my mind,one of the groups of the era 60s to 70s and their music still lives on, timeless in its entirety,Beautifull lyrics and hauntingly lovely melodic lines not to mention the harmonies,The ASSOCIATION ! AWESOME

[@lyndakent-rivera5727]

I loved the Monkees show. My favorite Monkees was Davy Jones. My cousin ran into him at the Chicago museum of Science and Industry. He was very nice and posed for her. She gave me the picture. May he RIP.

[@paulj0557tonehead]

It's 1990, I'm delivering pizzas 10hrs a day in Columbus and my down at the heel '63 VW Beatle only had AM radio. A new thing called 'Oldies' WCOL AM (also had WCOL FM) tuned in. Suddenly the inside of my car was like I time traveled back to the 60's. These songs I never paid attention before became my favorites. Especially Cherish and Never My Love.

[@jospinvanraat8730]

Six (6) part harmonies!!!! Fabulous

[@maryellenvojtek3884]

Thanks for your comment! I was always wondering how many parts were being sung to make that awesomely gorgeous sound!!

[@davebergmann5177]

Fond memories. Courting my wife and listening to this song is part of our history. Still as beautiful as it was in 1968!!

[@timoraymo]

Music like this can never be created today. I feel like you need to have that “look” which is sad. Such amazing music by these guys and so many more when looks didn’t matter.

[@Jgeneraledger23]

Proud to say I have The Association's Greatest Hits on 8-track! Along with CCR and so many others

[@zyxwut321]

The video quality here makes it look like it was 53+ WEEKS ago, not 53+ YEARS ago. Amazing restoration and digitalization.

[@RickMcCargar]

Absolutely classic pop music.

[@LarsDcCase]

Great classic song from a great group. 😀They don't make great music like this anymore. We grew up with the greatest Rock and Roll music there ever was.

[@kevinkantell7381]

One of the first albums Greatest Hits I ever bought classic!😉