About the song
“Johnny Angel” is a nostalgic pop gem that first captured hearts in the early 1960s. Written and composed by Lyn Duddy and Lee Pockriss, the song initially saw recordings by Laurie Loman and Georgia Lee, though neither version found success. It wasn’t until Shelley Fabares, an actress known for her role on *The Donna Reed Show*, recorded the song in the fall of 1961 that it soared to popularity.
Released in 1962 under the Colpix label, “Johnny Angel” became Fabares’ debut pop single, propelling her to musical stardom. The song was part of her debut solo album, *Shelley!*, produced and arranged by Stu Phillips. Its initial exposure came from the sitcom *The Donna Reed Show*, where Fabares’ character performed it in the fourth season’s episode “Donna’s Prima Donna.”
“Johnny Angel” is a charming expression of teenage infatuation, capturing the longing of a girl pining for a boy who remains oblivious to her feelings. She turns down other suitors, fixated on her unattainable crush. This theme resonated with many listeners, contributing to the song’s widespread appeal.
The track is notable for its lush arrangement and the backing vocals provided by Darlene Love and her group, the Blossoms. Fabares herself was initially daunted by the idea of recording, feeling overshadowed by the accomplished voices of the Blossoms. However, her sweet, sincere delivery added to the song’s charm. The recording featured prominent musicians such as Hal Blaine on drums, Carol Kaye on bass, and Glen Campbell on guitar, adding to its rich sound.
Upon its release, “Johnny Angel” quickly ascended the charts, reaching number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 on April 7, 1962, and remaining on the chart for 15 weeks. It also topped the Top 100 Best Sellers chart published by Cashbox in the same month. The song achieved international success, hitting number 1 in Canada and New Zealand and peaking at number 41 on the UK Singles Chart, where a cover by Patti Lynn performed slightly better.
Despite her later reluctance to pursue a singing career, Shelley Fabares’ “Johnny Angel” left an indelible mark on pop music history. The song sold over a million copies, earning a gold disc and securing its place as an oldies radio favorite. Even though Fabares did not achieve another Top 20 hit, “Johnny Angel” remains a beloved classic, evoking the innocent romance and wistful yearning of its era.
Video
Lyrics
Johnny Angel
You’re an angel to me (Sha dum da dum, sha dum da dum)
Johnny Angel (Sha dum da dum)
How I love him (Sha dum da dum)
He’s got something that I can’t resist (Ah, da dum, da dum dum)
But he doesn’t even know (Ah, da dum, da dum dum)
That I exist (Sha dum da dum dum, sha dum da dum)
Johnny Angel (Sha dum da dum)
How I want him (Sha dum da dum)
How I tingle when he passes by (Ah, da dum, da dum dum)
Everytime he says hello (Ah, da dum, da dum dum)
My heart begins to fly (Sha dum da dum)
I get carried away
I dream of him and me
And how it’s gonna be
(Other fellas)
Call me up for a date
But I just sit and wait (Da dum)
I’d rather concentrate
On Johnny Angel (Johnny Angel)
‘Cause I love him (‘Cause I love him)
And I pray that someday he’ll love me (Ah, da dum, da dum dum)
And together we will see (Ah, da dum, da dum dum)
How lovely Heaven will be (Sha dum da dum)
I get carried away
I dream of him and me
And how it’s gonna be
(Other fellas)
Call me up for a date
But I just sit and wait (Ooh ooh ooh ooh)
I’d rather concentrate (Ooh ooh ooh ooh)
On Johnny Angel (Johnny Angel)
‘Cause I love him (‘Cause I love him)
And I pray that someday he’ll love me (Ah, da dum, da dum dum)
And together we will see (Ah, da dum, da dum dum)
How lovely Heaven will be (Johnny Angel)
Johnny Angel (Johnny Angel)
You’re an angel to me (Ooh)
Johnny Angel (Johnny Angel)
You’re an angel to me (Ooh)
Johnny Angel