About the song
“Calendar Girl” stands as a quintessential hit from Neil Sedaka, showcasing his prowess as both a composer and performer in the early 1960s music scene. Penned by Sedaka and Howard Greenfield, the song was released in December 1960 and quickly ascended the charts, reaching No. 4 on the US Billboard chart and securing the top spot in Canada and Japan. Its success also extended to Australia where it peaked at No. 3 and garnered significant popularity in New Zealand and the UK.
The inspiration for “Calendar Girl” draws from a blend of musical influences and thematic motifs. Sedaka incorporated a lively shuffle beat reminiscent of Lloyd Price’s “Personality” and drew chord progressions from the music of Al Jolson and Eddie Cantor. The song’s lyrics playfully construct a G-rated calendar of pin-up girls, with each month describing a different romantic scenario tied to the titular character. From lighting candles for a sweet sixteen in September to celebrating Valentine’s Day in February, the song captures a year-long journey of affection and nostalgia.
Instrumentally, Stan Applebaum and His Orchestra provided the lush backdrop for Sedaka’s vocals, with Gary Chester’s drumming adding to the song’s infectious rhythm. Released initially as a 45 rpm single paired with “The Same Old Fool,” “Calendar Girl” also appeared on the Compact 33 Single format, a novel promotion by RCA Victor at the time.
The song’s enduring charm was further bolstered by a colorful Scopitone promotional clip filmed in 1966. Featuring Sedaka at the piano, accompanied by four models including his wife Leba, the video cleverly mirrors the calendar theme with its vibrant visuals and choreography. This promotional effort was notable for its coherence with the song’s narrative—a departure from the disjointed style often associated with Scopitone videos of that era.
Critically acclaimed and commercially successful, “Calendar Girl” marked Sedaka’s breakthrough into the top echelons of the music charts, solidifying his reputation as a pop sensation. Its melodic hooks and nostalgic lyrics continue to resonate with audiences, reaffirming its status as a timeless classic in the annals of pop music history. Sedaka’s ability to blend catchy melodies with evocative storytelling shines brightly in “Calendar Girl,” making it an enduring favorite that remains cherished by fans worldwide.
Video
Lyrics
I love, I love, I love my calender girl
Yeah, sweet calender girl
I love, I love, I love my calender girl
Each and every day of the year
(January) You start the year off fine
(February) You’re my little valentine
(March) I’m gonna march you down the aisle
(April) You’re the Easter Bunny when you smile
Yeah, yeah, my heart’s in a whirl
I love, I love, I love my little calender girl
Every day (every day), every day (every day) of the year
(Every day of the year)
(May) Maybe if I ask your dad and mom
(June) They’ll let me take you to the Junior Prom
(July) Like a firecracker all aglow
(August) When you’re on the beach you steal the show
Yeah, yeah, my heart’s in a whirl
I love, I love, I love my little calendar girl
Every day (every day), every day (every day) of the year
(Every day of the year)
Yeah, yeah, my heart’s in a whirl
I love, I love, I love my little calender girl
Every day (every day), every day (every day) of the year
(Every day of the year)
(September) Light the candles at your Sweet Sixteen
(October) Romeo and Juliet on Halloween
(November) I’ll give thanks that you belong to me
(December) You’re the present ‘neath my Christmas tree
Yeah, yeah, my heart’s in a whirl
I love, I love, I love my little calender girl
Every day (every day), every day (every day) of the year (every day of the year)
I love, I love, I love my calender girl
Yeah, sweet calender girl
I love, I love, I love my calender girl
Yeah, sweet calender girl