About the song
Background and writing
“Up On The Roof” is a song written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King and recorded in 1962 by The Drifters. It was released late that year, reaching number five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States in early 1963.
The song is a beautiful and moving ballad about the power of love and the importance of finding a place to escape from the troubles of the world. The song’s lyrics are simple but effective, and they perfectly capture the feeling of being in love and finding solace in a special place.
Recording and production
“Up On The Roof” was recorded in 1962 at the Bell Sound Studios in New York City. The song was produced by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. Leiber and Stoller were a successful songwriting and production team who worked with some of the biggest names in music, including Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and Elvis Presley.
Release and commercial performance
“Up On The Roof” was released in 1962 as a single. The song was a commercial success, reaching number five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. The song has also been certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Impact and legacy
“Up On The Roof” is considered to be one of the greatest doo-wop songs of all time. The song has been covered by many artists over the years, including John Lennon, Elton John, and The Beach Boys. The song has also been used in several films and television shows, including “The Big Lebowski” and “The Sopranos.”
The Drifters
The Drifters were an American doo-wop group that was one of the most successful and influential groups of the 1950s and 1960s. The group was formed in New York City in 1953 and consisted of Clyde McPhatter, Bill Pinkney, Charlie Thomas, and Johnny Moore.
The Drifters had a string of hit singles in the 1950s and 1960s, including “There Goes My Baby”, “Under the Boardwalk”, and “This Magic Moment”. The group was also successful on the album charts, releasing several top ten albums in the United States.
The Drifters were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988. The group continues to perform and tour today, with Bill Pinkney being the only original member still in the group.
Conclusion
“Up On The Roof” is a classic doo-wop song that has stood the test of time. It is a beautiful and moving ballad about the power of love and the importance of finding a place to escape from the troubles of the world. The Drifters’ version is the definitive version of the song, and it is considered to be one of the greatest doo-wop songs of all time.
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