This song was a hit in 1963 and 1966 by 2 different acts! Then again in the 70's by a third act

In my continued Nostalgia, this hit (3X) is a great song. I use a live version from the Happenings that a bit more recent but never found one I liked by Steve Lawrence. His version was pure sounding with great music I didn't want to ruin it with an inferior sound.
Also, coming next will be a song that was #1 in the mid-Sixties for a bit of time. Keep watching for it.
**Note**
I have received a number of comments in favor of the Donny Osmond version. I suggest you may want to listen to it as it was well done and a very good version.

[@DannyHaralson-ol1io]

I'm Old enough to remember the Steve Lawrence version.

[@My60sMusic-uf8oq]

I'm with you

[@freeguy77]

So do I, as one of the best songs in that year, and I still think his plaintive (almost crying) emotion, captured the essence of the song far more than the light-hearted feeling from the jazz-like The Happenings cover, or Don Osmond's 1971 hit, with Steve Lawrence lamenting that he COULD consider to be with her, BUT as the lyrics prove, "I belong to someone else, and I must be true!" Except for that, AND the large difference in age (ex, she 18-20, he 27--as Steve Lawrence was then), he says she is only too young for HIS age! So, GO AWAY,...GO AWAY!" Therefore, nothing happened between them, so all the caterwauling about her (so-called 'minor age', which is never proved), when she could only be 'little' in her relatively-large age difference to him! At any rate, we both enjoy Steve's masterpiece song highlighting a large age difference, and that he is already committed to another!

[@rickarmstrong9660]

Thanks for the memories and sharing the background stories of this song. Im 74. I happen to think that nobody did this song better than Steve Lawrence. I think it was made for his smooth voice, his style, and the tempo is perfect.

[@My60sMusic-uf8oq]

Yes, he had a great voice and was a good person. Thank you for your comments

[@chrissherri1614]

You are right. The second version is a great arrangement. The Happenings sounded fantastic.

[@My60sMusic-uf8oq]

I really like the Happenings. The arrangements are perfect

[@thomastimlin1724]

This song will always belong to Steve Lawrence who recently passed away. Although I never understood why they felt it necessary to double trackc his voice, it ridiculous, the man was 100% one of the top singers, strong voice. Don Kirshner was right, at least for 1963. My brother, the comedian of the family, started singing Go Away Little Squirrel...

[@lostinthe60s]

Yes, right person for the right song at the right time. Glad they didn't use go away little squirrel. LOL

[@donnamachugh5721]

In this day and age this song I think it is not appropriate for two middle age men to sing !

[@My60sMusic-uf8oq]

@@donnamachugh5721 you're probably right!

[@charlesrichison2757]

Great song and I liked Steve Lawerence great singer!

[@My60sMusic-uf8oq]

We agree!

[@CarlWinter-oy8uf]

Ok --got it --really is a great song ---thankyou ---todays music is hard to swallow !

[@My60sMusic-uf8oq]

Have a great day

[@paulgoldstein2569]

Agree, music has for long completely finished.

[@My60sMusic-uf8oq]

@@paulgoldstein2569 I agree. The parts of music I liked so much are not really there. Harmonies, music, lyrics, arrangements, etc.

[@jimnething1264]

love that song, especially Steve's version!

[@My60sMusic-uf8oq]

Yes, its a greatt song. Steve Lawrence was certainly talented

[@SS408566]

Hey, thanks for sharing this!!!!

[@randallsundeen3383]

I have always loved crooners and Steve Lawrence was among the best! If He had started earlier, He would have had a much bigger career! I love the charts for this record ( Don Costa, I believe). Steve had been friends with Frank Sinatra and had introduced Frank to Costa, and a legendary relationship was born!

[@My60sMusic-uf8oq]

No doubt about his singing voice, I agree. He was also a good guy from what I've read. He definitely had a great crooning voice!

[@mrdan322]

The version of Go Away Little Girl I remember most is from Donnie Osmond. I was about 15 years old then.

[@thomastimlin1724]

And Michael Jackson going head to head with Donny singing Rockin' Robin lol

[@carlc5748]

@@thomastimlin1724 In 1971 the Osmonds were really rockin', thay had about 5 top hits. I like "Crazy Horses" the best, especially that jammin' guitar riff!

[@tod3msn]

The Happenings was a much more energetic version full of upbeat tones and an energetic approach to the song. Steve Lawrence's version was more relaxed and a light and breezy version. It was very calming and smooth which is great but I think The Happenings took "Go Away Little Girl" to a new level and rocked it.

[@lostinthe60s]

We agree

[@freeguy77]

Steve Lawrence's 1963 smash hit (#1) was one I always enjoyed at that time, and never thought the thoughts the later people had in their mindset that the song had to be 'bad'. The lyrics and title say GO AWAY, so nothing came of her infatuation with the older man, and nothing prevents the "little girl" to be an adult of 18-20, with him saying in effect, she is too young for him, at 28-35, or whatever you want to imagine how much older he was to her! He rejected her infatuation anyway, so nothing came of her feelings! End of the constant taking so literally of songs, and many times the large exaggeration in this song of what "little" means, when it is only relative to his much older age, when he feels he is too old for her, while she could be a young adult!

[@Mrvinn19]

LOVE both Steve's & and The Happenings versions.

[@My60sMusic-uf8oq]

Awesome. Thank you

[@catman916]

The Tempos recorded "See You in September" in 1960.

[@My60sMusic-uf8oq]

Great to know. Was that the original?

[@nalanroberts]

I remember Bobby Rydell's version. My older sister was a young teenage girl then and had a mad crush on him.

[@My60sMusic-uf8oq]

I'll have to check it out. I didn't know Bobby Rydell did this song. Thank you.

[@georgemusic4all4seasons]

The Happenings are an all time favorite singing group. Go Away Little Girl, an all time favorite and love all three versions. Bob Miranda being the only original member of The Happenings, sounds great.

[@lostinthe60s]

Yes, I really enjoyed their sound and arrangements of the songs. I see you have a channel that looks very good. I'll check it out more. I actually grew up in Belleville, NJ and always remember the summers when the 4 Seasons songs were booming out of the houses. My best to you.

[@richardranke3158]

The first version of this song I herd was by the Happenings. I still have their album which this song is on. Thinking back, all the Happenings' singles were covers.(See You In September) (I've Got Rhythm)(My Mammy)

[@larryhehman4747]

@@richardranke3158 they sure were covers. Their way of arranging them was what captured my attention. Thanks for your input

[@williambilyeu9801]

My favorite song by the Happenings is "I Got Rhythm" written by George and Ira Gershwin in the 1930s. I also like their version of "See You in September." They were a great Doo-Wop group.😊👍👍

[@My60sMusic-uf8oq]

Yes, you are correct. Thank you

[@milissaklicka7019]

It was one of my favorites then.

[@lostinthe60s]

Great song. Did you like the Steve Lawrence or Happenings version?

[@Catherine-pv6cj]

Donny Osmond also recorded this song. I'm not sure where it landed on the charts, or, if it it ever made it to the charts. Being a young teen-aged girl, I was absolutely enamored by him and the song. Thanks for bringing me some great memories!😊

[@My60sMusic-uf8oq]

Actually it was a big hit for him. I think it hit number one. Several people pointed it out to me. I listened to it and it is very good. Thanks for your input

[@gelynch52phPH]

I graduated high school in 1969 & always preferred hard/heavy rock. I now think AC DC is the best rock band ever, just so you know my taste in music. However, I always liked the Steve Lawrence version, and still do. My 55 Y/O Filipino wife also likes AC DC, but I think I'm going to resurrect the Steve Lawrence version & play it for her. Thanks for bringing this back to mind!

[@My60sMusic-uf8oq]

You are quite welcome. My best to you.

[@louisjriversjr9093]

There was another song that was a hit three different times: once by Little Eva's version was a number 1 hit in 1962, then by Grand Funk Railroad's version was a number 1 hit in 1974, Kylie Minogue was a number 3 in 1987. I like all three versions of this song.

[@lostinthe60s]

Locomotion?

[@louisjriversjr9093]

@@lostinthe60s Look it up if you don't believe me it's in black and white..

[@My60sMusic-uf8oq]

@@louisjriversjr9093 I am so sorry. I answered in error from one of my other channels. I absolutely belieive you. I didn't look it up at first and just guessed the Loco Motion. Again, I did and do believe you.

[@cyberbob1220]

Out of these two 60's version's, I definitely would say I prefer the Steve Lawrence version. However, since I grew up in the 70's, I was not familiar with these 60's versions. I only heard the Donny Osmond version, which happens to be my personal favorite out of the three. Thanks for the interesting video.

[@My60sMusic-uf8oq]

Thank you. I went back and listened to the Donny Osmond version and it was really good.

[@GenialHarryGrout]

The song "I Only Want to Be With You" by Dusty Springfield reached number 4 in the UK in 1963. The version by Bay City Rollers reached number 4 in the UK in 1976 and the version by The Tourists reached number 4 in the UK in 1979

[@My60sMusic-uf8oq]

Wow, Thank you for the input. It might be good for me to look at others like this.

[@ronusband]

Donny Osmond

[@My60sMusic-uf8oq]

I just watched a live version and it is really good. Thank you

[@boofer875]

Hey, Happened to be a DJ in highschool and college about 69-73. Still love classic rock and country being on AM and FM. Check out Locomotion, Starting with Little Eva. Charted at least three times, I believe. Best Wishes

[@lostinthe60s]

I didn't know that. Written by King and Goffin?

[@carlc5748]

in 1960 the Ventures had a #2 hit "Walk Don't Run", then in 1964, again they had a #2 hit of a "peppier" version of "Walk Don't Run", difference being the same band.

[@My60sMusic-uf8oq]

Grerat to know! We'll get into some instrumentals and the Ventures will definitely be there

[@carlc5748]

@@My60sMusic-uf8oq Keep up the great work, I appreciate your passion, and knowledge of the music. That's how we keep it alive, for a younger generation to appreciate it, as we do!

[@williambilyeu9801]

The Happenings were a great Doo-Wop group and I have their anthology album. However, I prefer "Go Away, Little Girl" by both Steve Lawrence and Donny Osmond. (I have both of thise recordings too.) My favorites by the Happenings were "See You in September" and my favorite is "I Got Rhythm" which is from the 1930s song written by George and Ira Gershwin. 😊👍👍👍

[@My60sMusic-uf8oq]

See you in September was arranged perfectly for the Happenings. I agree that I got Rhythm was very well done also. Its a get up and dance song

[@tigerssixty]

I was thinking Portrait Of My Love.

[@lostinthe60s]

I really like the Token's version

[@MrTrashcan1]

Loved the happenings, although being 68 now, I really only knew them from oldies radio. I Got Rhythm is perhaps my favorite of theirs. Growing up, I listened to my parents' middle-road station who played Steve Lawrence, but this song would have been too "hip" for them at that time. Just a comment that although the Happenings's live performance here wasn't bad--for being live and for their being older--and it's nice to see what the artists look like--as far as the music is concerned, I almost always prefer the original studio recording. Even if it's on a record with scratches. Have lots of those in my collection.

[@My60sMusic-uf8oq]

Thank you for your comments. I usually try to use live versions if possible so I can actually see them perform. I admit on this one I did notice it didn't have the "sound" of the original. I had a difficult time finding a good live version of this song. Maybe lip sync versions will be ok. I'll look into it.Thank you

[@haroldgillette7157]

By the way ,good job with this video,buddy!

[@My60sMusic-uf8oq]

Thank you very much

[@johnparker8588]

I agree. The Happenings had the best version of this. Don’t care for Donnie Osmond. Once you hear The Happenings nobody else should have tried.

[@lostinthe60s]

Yes, I really like it.

[@i.hunter3627]

Steve Lawrence

[@My60sMusic-uf8oq]

Yes, he had a great voice and it was a well performed song by him

[@johnparker8588]

My favorite Steve Lawrence is Pretty Blue Eyes. You should have played the record.

[@garyfaught3769]

"Footsteps" wasn't bad either

[@randallsundeen3383]

I love the Happenings cover of I've Got You Under My Skin!

[@My60sMusic-uf8oq]

I've never heard it! I'm checking it out, thank you

[@ronniepacis666]

Do nny Osmond did a hit in 1972

[@lostinthe60s]

@@ronniepacis666 yes, I understand he did.

[@paulgoldstein2569]

When I first came across your video, but before I played most of it, I thought the song in question was Make The World Go Away, first a U.S. hit in 1963 for Country singer Ray Price, again in 1966 for fellow Country singer Eddy Arnold, and again during the seventies for Donny & Marie Osmond, but also covered in the seventies by Dean Martin and Elvis Presley. But as for the song you chose, the Steve Lawrence version was issued late 1962, but had half of it's U.S. chart run in the beginning of 1963. But it was first recorded in early 1962 by Bobby Vee. But his version was not released until after Steve Lawrence's version when it finally came out on an album. I don't know why Bobby Vee's version did not come out first. He could have had a hit with it, as it was in similar style to his own hit Run To Him. But as soon as the Steve Lawrence version came out in the UK, it was quickly covered over here by Mark Wynter, purely for the local British market, and he had the local British hit with it, a very common tactic in those days. But you presumably being American, I assume you would never have heard of him, as like so many British artists of that era, he was purely a local British attraction, as in those days, it was still almost impossible for British artists to get records released in the States. It was The Beatles who changed all that.

[@My60sMusic-uf8oq]

Thank you so much. Your comment has helped me a lot with history. Have a great day

[@haroldgillette7157]

I liked all three,but nobody could convince me tĥat BOBBY VEE would not have made this a top 5.

[@My60sMusic-uf8oq]

I think you may be correct.

[@esthergarcia1373]

I like the Steve Lawrence version of Go away Little girl. I remember owning a red 45 rpm record. It was either a song by the Everly Brothers Dream or Fabian’s hit String along. I was in elementary school at the time these songs came out.

[@My60sMusic-uf8oq]

You and I both. Yes the Steve Lawrence version was in 8th grade. I agree had had a really easy voice to listen to.

[@johnd4653]

Great Song. the "Happenings" sang it the Best.

[@My60sMusic-uf8oq]

Thank you. We agree

[@joegongora2200]

Steve Lawerence did a fantastic job with it and so did the Happenings. Del Shannon did his version and it was just an album track off the “ Little Town Flirt Lp.” The Happenings is the one I’m partial to .

[@lostinthe60s]

Yes, I liked Little Town Flirt. Actually I really liked Del Shannon

[@freeguy77]

"Little" could be anyone 18-20, but much younger than her adoring crush on an older man, when he is 28-35. "Little" means only relative to his age, and not necessarily a minor. Besides that, as the song says, he is rejecting her as too young for him, so nothing has come of her infatuation with him! As proof, the singer himself, Steve Lawrence, was 27 at the time he recorded his classic song, #1 for 2 weeks (Jan. 12, and Jan. 19, 1963). b. Jul. 8, 1935, sadly he passed away just two months ago on Mar. 7, 2024, at 88.

[@hariatmakhalsa1648]

I just remember the Lawrence version. Never heard the others. I presume they did not chart very high

[@My60sMusic-uf8oq]

Actually the Happenings made it to #12 and Donny Osmond to #1. I was surprised.

[@sarahbauer5593]

I didn't know the Happenings were from Paterson, NJ. I was goong to Paterson State College then and lived in Pequannpck, NJ, that was next to Wayne, NJ and where PSC was located. I liked Steve Lzwrence's best as it was easier to understand the words.

[@My60sMusic-uf8oq]

Yes, that's where they were established. I know those parts of NJ very well. Have a great day.

[@rhondaflesher8313]

I have a feeling that this song would not go over well nowadays with the younger generations due to the subject matter (a guy interested in an underage girl). It comes across even creepier when seeing it performed by the band when they are old dudes.

[@lostinthe60s]

Actually one of my children mentioned that already to me! They just don't undestand how simple things were and innocent (mostly)

[@freeguy77]

Nobody proved that it couldn't be a "Little" girl who was actually a young adult of 18-20, while he was 28-35 (or older), and he already rejected her infatuation, in the title, "GO AWAY..," so why this constant always wild exaggeration of people who always think the worst case when he says, "I belong to someone else, and I must be true" in rejecting her infatuation with him, so nothing happened, he just lamented that she was too young for his older age, not that she had to be a minor!

[@frankiereinares8892]

i like you content,i kinda.prefer lawrence' vetsion.specially the piano,reminds me of a.gitl i used to visit.keep it up bro.

[@lostinthe60s]

Thank you

[@8176morgan]

I don't remember the original version, I'm a little too young for that although I was around back then. I do remember the Donnie Osmond version and I absolutely hated it which made the detest the song no matter who sang it - including Steve Lawrence! I am surprised that this guy's class of '63 voted this as their favorite song of the year. There were a lot better sounding tunes around in that memorable year. The song that my high school graduating class chose in '77 was "Long Time (Think I Must Be Going) by Boston. But I should mention that I grew up in Massachusetts so it was kind of a no brainer.

[@My60sMusic-uf8oq]

Thanks for your input. When we voted for this song we did like it a lot. We also like several more upbeat songs as music was changing. We ended up like this song the most. Have a great day.

[@user-sp6jk3zz5b]

Carole King and Jerry Gothan's Locomotion went #1 by three different artists Little Eva in 1962 Grand FunkRailroad in 1974 ( heavily rocked up) Kylie Minogue in the 1980s Carole when asked which was her favorite said she liked all 3

[@My60sMusic-uf8oq]

I had several others mention this so I checked them out a bit. I'm old so I like the Little Eva version but as with this one, all are really good.

[@seanhoward5562]

You forgot the first version by Bobby Vee in 1962.

[@lostinthe60s]

Hmm. I didnt know. Thank you

[@OgGamingrealm]

If the Beatles knew about the song they would have made a hit and the tempo would have been better . They did cover a ton of songs before they started writing their own songs .

[@lostinthe60s]

I think their early day tempo might have served it best

[@rickallanolsen]

Why didn't you play the Donnie Osmond version? It was the best.

[@My60sMusic-uf8oq]

I have receive a lot of comments about the Donny Osmond version. I was only focused on the 60's at the time though I will change that in the future. I will also add it to the description now. I did go and listen to it and it thought it was excellent,. Thanks for your comment its appreciated.

[@paulgoldstein2569]

I forgot to mention Carole King's original demo of it which I have on a CD of hers on the UK Jasmine label, which apart from the poor sound quality, I would say was the definite version. She sings the song spot on. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpzTaYSog8usfKs

[@My60sMusic-uf8oq]

I actually listened to this prior to making my video. You are correct about the quality but it was clearly the song we have grown to love. Thank you.

[@johnparker8588]

Why would you not play the recording by the happenings? Da!!

[@jayterry9750]

From N Y in the 60's. we Hated them all !!

[@lostinthe60s]

That's too bad. I hope we find something you like.

[@jayterry9750]

@@lostinthe60s ( Dylan, Seeger, Guthrie and Mowtown )... I didn't say I didn't like it, I love making gagging faces hearing 60's pop in the supermarket. Also, it's a Creepy Pedophelia Anthem, just another thing we avoided back then

[@My60sMusic-uf8oq]

@@jayterry9750 Gotcha

[@CarlWinter-oy8uf]

Third act ?

[@lostinthe60s]

Sorry, I stuck to the 60's for now

[@CarlWinter-oy8uf]

Again in the 1970 ,s==so where is the artist & song ?

[@lostinthe60s]

Sorry, I'm stuck in the 60's right now but will head to the 70's soon

[@user-qc7xh4et4s]

Loves Steve Lawernce's version, not happy with Donny Osmond's and the Happenings, I don't believe I ever heard, My Mammy and I've Got Rhythm were the two I owned and loved, wish I still had them!!!

[@lostinthe60s]

I really liked "I've got rhythm"

[@bananagirlify]

1963 ??...'Denise' by Randy and The Rainbows was clearly dominant....

[@My60sMusic-uf8oq]

Well, Denise was in the top 100 for 17 weeks!! That says a lot

[@sarahbauer5593]

Was he asking Edie Gormay to go away?

[@My60sMusic-uf8oq]

I don't think so. LOL

[@johnparker8588]

You didn’t compare apples to apples. One recorded one live and live years later. What’s wrong with you?

[@davidbird4713]

I like Steve Lawrence's version, not keen on the happenings, I also liked Donnys version.

[@johnparker8588]

Have you heard the actual Happenings recording? He played a terrible version years after the Happenings were in their prime. That was the dumbest way to compare two groups. One a recording the other live 39 years later. Makes no sense.

[@lostinthe60s]

Its interesting to have such mixed reactions to the different artists. Thank you

[@davidnickels9301]

Donnie Osmond's version

[@lostinthe60s]

thanks. I have gotten some mixed reactions to it.

[@sondrasmith2691]

Donnie Osmond did a good version.

[@lostinthe60s]

I still havent heard it. I'll make a point to do it.

[@marvinsmith2116]

Comment sez should’ve stopped with the happenings. Should’ve stopped with Steve Lawrence.

[@lostinthe60s]

Gotcha. Thank you.

[@beggarslexicon7649]

Ummm.... lyrics are a bit creepy.

[@My60sMusic-uf8oq]

Thanks for your input

[@marycutler5258]

As someone in your age group, may I suggest less blah, blah ,blah. This is why the younger groups ignore us.

[@My60sMusic-uf8oq]

Thank you for the suggestions. I have set up this channel as my nostalgia knowing it would bore some people but register maybe with my age group. You have given me a thought to try to cross over a bit to show the younger generations some of our music. Thank you

[@David-yw2lv]

Donny Osmond's record was lousy.

[@lostinthe60s]

Interesting. I actually haven't heard it yet. I'll check it out

[@thehificlub]

Sorry BORING

[@My60sMusic-uf8oq]

Thank you for your feedback. I'll try to improve.

[@johnparker8588]

That live version is not good as old men.

[@lostinthe60s]

I wasn't suere Thank you.

[@blairhunt1424]

Wow, this is a boring video. Too many "uhhs" when you talk also!!

[@lostinthe60s]

So sorry. Have a great day.

[@My60sMusic-uf8oq]

I am going to cut down the time on the videos and put chapters on longer ones so people can skip ahead. I am trying to relate my memories of the times and the songs so I realize some or many would be boring but I am keeping the theme.. Next video doesn't have chapters but I will beging to add them. I really do appreciate your comments and try to make appropriate changes.

[@My60sMusic-uf8oq]

I am going to cut down the time on the videos and put chapters on longer ones so people can skip ahead. I am trying to relate my memories of the times and the songs so I realize some or many would be boring but I am keeping the theme.. Next video doesn't have chapters but I will beging to add them. I really do appreciate your comments and try to make appropriate changes.