Released 1960 Genre Doo-wop Label Highland Records | Recorded 1960 Length 3:43 Writer(s) Rosie Hamlin | |
"Angel Baby" was a 1960 single by Rosie and the Originals. The song was recorded independently on a two-track machine when lead singer Rosie Hamlin was only 15 years old. Initially unable to find a label willing to distribute the song because of its unpolished sound, the group convinced a San Diego department store to pipe their master through the listening booths in the record department. The response from listeners prompted Highland Records to sign the band and promote the single. Since it's release the song has become an oldies standard.
Contents
Rosie & The Originals
The song debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 in December 1960 and remained on the charts for 13 weeks, reaching No. 5 on January 28, 1961. On the R&B charts, "Angel Baby" also peaked at #5 and remained on that chart for eight weeks. In 1961, "Angel Baby" was also released in Canada on the Zirkon label and in Australia and England on London Records. The British release slightly edited the intro
John Lennon
John Lennon recorded a version of the song in 1973, eventually released on the 1986 album Menlove Ave. and later, on the 1990 box set Lennon. A remixed version was released in 2004 as a bonus track on a reissue of Lennon's 1975 Rock 'n' Roll album. In the intro, Lennon calls it one of his favorite songs and says, "send my love to Rosie, wherever she may be." Rosie called it her favorite cover of the song. Circulating tapes of Lennon's 1971 birthday party also include a busked version of the song.