B-side "Save Your Kisses" Format 7" Length 2:03 | Released 1962 Recorded 1962 (re-recording) | |
Genre Pop, rockabilly, Lubbock sound | ||
"Sheila" is a song written and recorded by Tommy Roe. The single reached number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 on September 1, 1962, remaining in the top position for two weeks and peaking at number six on the R&B charts.
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Background
Roe originally conceived the song as "Frita", based on a girl from Roe's high school. The song was auditioned to a record producer from Judd Records, and while response was enthusiastic, it was suggested that the name be changed. By coincidence, Roe's Aunt Sheila was visiting, which inspired the final title of "Sheila." The original version of the song was recorded by Roe for Judd in 1960 (misspelled as "Shelia") and backed by another original song, "Pretty Girl". The songs were recorded with his then backing group the Satins and the female vocal group, the Flamingos. The record failed to make an impact on the charts. The song was later featured on the compilation album Whirling with Tommy Roe in 1961, featuring tracks from Al Tornello. It was also included on the compilation, The Young Lovers in 1962.
The ABC recording of the song is done in the style of the Lubbock sound, made popular by Buddy Holly and the Crickets in the late 1950s; the strumming pattern, tempo and chords (both songs are in the key of A) bear particularly strong resemblance to the Crickets' “Peggy Sue," Roe's vocals are similar to Holly's, The song became the title track of Tommy Roe's debut studio album, Sheila in 1962.
The Beatles recorded on 1962 at the Star Club in Hamburg
The song was also covered by the Greg Kihn Band on their 1981 album RocKihnRoll.
In 1969, Roe was presented by the Recording Industry Association of America with a gold record for accumulated sales of over one million copies.
Cover versions
Leif Garrett released a version of the song as a single in Australia in 1979 which reached #63. It was featured on his album, Feel the Need.