Music is a universal language that can bring us closer to each other through its beautiful melodies and soulful lyrics. It has the power to connect people from different parts of the world and different generations. One such classic song that has stood the test of time and continues to be loved by people of all ages is “Happy Together” by The Turtles. This song has become an anthem for happiness and togetherness, but have you ever wondered who wrote it? In this blog post, we will explore the story behind the creation of “Happy Together” and the people behind its success.
The Story Behind “Happy Together”
“Happy Together” was released by The Turtles in 1967, and it quickly became a hit. It topped the charts in both the US and the UK, and it remains one of the most recognizable songs of the 60s era. But who was behind the creation of this masterpiece? The song was written by Alan Gordon and Garry Bonner, who were both part of a songwriting team called The Magicians.
Alan Gordon and Garry Bonner had been writing songs together since their high school days in New York City. They formed The Magicians in the mid-1960s and began writing hit songs for other artists like The Beatles and The Four Tops. But it was their collaboration with The Turtles that gave them their biggest success.
The story behind “Happy Together” is an interesting one. The song was originally written for another group called The Left Banke, but they turned it down. The Turtles, who were looking for a hit song at the time, heard the song and loved it. They decided to record it and it became their biggest hit.
The Lyrics of “Happy Together”
The lyrics of “Happy Together” are simple yet powerful. The song talks about the joys of being in love and how it can make everything in life seem better. The chorus of the song is particularly catchy and has become a part of pop-culture history. It goes like this:
“I can’t see me lovin’ nobody but you
For all my life
When you’re with me, baby the skies’ll be blue
For all my life”
The lyrics of the song have a timeless quality to them, and they continue to resonate with people of all ages and backgrounds.
The Success of “Happy Together”
“Happy Together” was not just a hit in the US and the UK; it also became a hit in other parts of the world. It was covered by many other artists over the years, including Frank Zappa, Mel Tormé, and even The Muppets. The song has also been used in numerous movies, TV shows, and commercials, cementing its place as a pop-culture icon.
The success of “Happy Together” can be attributed to the simple yet powerful lyrics, the catchy melody, and the flawless execution by The Turtles. But behind all of that was the talent of Alan Gordon and Garry Bonner, who created this timeless classic.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Happy Together” is a song that has stood the test of time and continues to bring joy to people all over the world. The song was written by Alan Gordon and Garry Bonner, who were both part of the songwriting team called The Magicians. The story behind the creation of this song is an interesting one, and it shows that sometimes the biggest hits can come from unexpected places. The success of “Happy Together” is a testament to the power of music and how it can bring people together.
FAQ
When was Happy Together written?
Happy Together is a popular song that was written by Gary Bonner and Alan Gordon. It is a timeless classic that has remained popular for over five decades since its debut. The song was released on March 25th, 1967, and it quickly became a hit, topping the charts for three weeks in a row.
The songwriters, Gary Bonner and Alan Gordon, were members of a Boston-based group known as the Magicians. They wrote the song together in New York City when they were just 19 years old. The duo had been working on the song for a while, but it wasn’t until they presented it to the Turtles that it became a hit.
“Happy Together” was released as a single from the album with the same name, which also contained other popular tracks like “She’d Rather Be with Me” and “Guide for the Married Man.” The song’s catchy melody, vivid lyrics, and strong vocal performance made it an instant classic and a staple of the 1960s pop scene.
Since its debut, “Happy Together” has been covered by numerous artists and appeared in countless movies and TV shows. The song remains an iconic example of the timeless appeal of classic rock music and continues to resonate with listeners of all ages.
“Happy Together” was written 55 years ago by Gary Bonner and Alan Gordon, who were members of the Boston-area group the Magicians, and it was released on March 25th, 1967. It quickly became a hit and has since become a timeless classic that remains popular to this day.
Who made the original Happy Together song?
“Happy Together” is a classic rock song that has become an iconic hit loved by generations. It was first recorded and performed by the American rock band The Turtles. The song was written by two talented songwriters, Garry Bonner and Alan Gordon, who were responsible for creating the catchy tune that would secure the band’s success.
“Happy Together” was released as a single in January 1967, with “Like the Seasons” as its B-side. It quickly became a hit, reaching number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, where it stayed for three weeks. This breakthrough single catapulted The Turtles to fame and established them as one of the most popular rock bands of the 1960s.
The song’s catchy melody, upbeat tempo, and harmonious vocals made it an instant classic and a crowd-pleaser. The lyrics of “Happy Together” are playful and romantic, describing the happiness of two people in love. The lines “Imagine me and you, I do, I think about you day and night, it’s only right, to think about the girl you love, and hold her tight” became famous and still resonate with listeners today.
Over the years, “Happy Together” has been featured in numerous movies, television shows, and commercials, further cementing its iconic status. It has been covered by many other artists, making it a timeless classic that spans generations. However, it is important to note that the original and most famous version of the song will always be associated with the band that first created it, The Turtles.
Who was the song Happy originally written for?
The hit song “Happy” is a worldwide sensation that has been played on the radio, at parties, and in international events since its release in 2013. However, many people are unaware of the fact that the song was not originally intended for its most famous performer, Pharrell Williams. In fact, “Happy” was initially written for another famous singer, CeeLo Green.
Pharrell Williams wrote the song “Happy” for the blockbuster movie Despicable Me 2 soundtrack. In an interview with Howard Stern, Pharrell mentioned that he originally wrote the song with CeeLo Green in mind. He said that Green’s recording of the song was better, but unfortunately, Green’s record label, Elektra Records, decided against it. This was due to the fact that Green was on the verge of releasing his Christmas album, titled Cee Lo’s Magic Moment, and the record label did not want to interfere with the album’s promotion.
Although the song was not ultimately performed by CeeLo Green, Pharrell made “Happy” his own and propelled it to chart-topping success. The song became a worldwide phenomenon, reaching number one in several countries and selling millions of copies around the globe. Its catchy melody, upbeat lyrics, and positive message have made it a beloved anthem for many.
The popular song “Happy” was originally written for CeeLo Green, but his record label elected not to release it at the time. Pharrell Williams subsequently performed and recorded the song himself, turning it into a worldwide hit that has since become an iconic song of the 21st century.
When did The Turtles come out with Happy Together?
The Turtles, an American rock band, released their third studio album named Happy Together in April 1967 on White Whale Records. The album was produced by the band’s lead vocalist Howard Kaylan, and Mark Volman, who was also a member of the band. The album consisted of 12 tracks, with the title track “Happy Together” being the most successful single in the band’s career.
The song “Happy Together” was written by Garry Bonner and Alan Gordon, and it became a massive hit upon its release. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart and stayed there for three weeks. The song has since become a pop culture classic and has been covered by various artists over the years. The album as a whole was well-received by both critics and fans, and it contributed to the band’s success during the late 60s and early 70s.
The Turtles, formed in 1965, were known for their unique sound, which combined folk, pop, and rock elements. The band’s lineup consisted of Howard Kaylan, Mark Volman, Al Nichol, Jim Tucker, and Chuck Portz. The Turtles’ career spanned six years, during which they released nine studio albums and numerous singles. The band disbanded in 1970, but its members went on to have successful musical careers in various capacities.
The Turtles released Happy Together in April 1967, marking their third studio album. The album featured the classic hit “Happy Together” and received critical acclaim, contributing to the band’s success during the late 60s and early 70s.
What is the story behind the song Happy Together by The Turtles?
The Turtles’ hit song “Happy Together” is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and beloved songs of the 1960s. The song was released in February of 1967 and quickly became a chart-topper, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s catchy melody and upbeat lyrics made it an instant classic, but what is the story behind the song?
Contrary to what the title implies, “Happy Together” is not a song about a happy couple in love. Instead, it is a song about unrequited love. The song’s writers, Gary Bonner and Alan Gordon, were members of a songwriting duo known as The Magicians. They wrote the song after Gary Bonner had a crush on a girl who did not share his feelings.
The lyrics of the song convey the feelings of unrequited love, with lines like “Me and you, and you and me, no matter how they toss the dice, it had to be, the only one for me is you, and you for me, so happy together.” The song’s upbeat melody and catchy chorus make it easy to miss the song’s underlying message about love that is unreciprocated.
The Turtles were initially hesitant to record “Happy Together” as they felt the song sounded too much like the Beatles and did not fit with their sound. However, after producer Bones Howe rearranged the song and added the distinctive opening riff, the band agreed to record the song.
The song’s success was undeniable, and it remains a staple of classic rock radio to this day. It has been covered by artists ranging from Captain & Tennille to Weezer and has been used in countless movies, TV shows, and commercials.
“Happy Together” is a timeless classic that resonates with audiences of all ages, but its story of unrequited love is often overlooked. The song’s catchy melody and upbeat tempo make it a fan favorite, and its enduring popularity is a testament to its lasting appeal.
Who sang for The Turtles?
Howard Kaylan is the lead singer and one of the founding members of the 1960s rock band The Turtles. Kaylan, whose real name is Howard Lawrence Kaplan, was born on June 22, 1947, in New York City. He first met fellow Turtles member Mark Volman when they were both in high school in Los Angeles and the two began working together, performing in local bands.
In 1965, Kaylan and Volman formed The Turtles with three other musicians. The band signed with White Whale Records and released their first single, a cover of Bob Dylan’s “It Ain’t Me Babe,” which climbed to number 8 on the US charts. The Turtles went on to score several more hits, including “Happy Together,” which topped the charts in 1967.
Kaylan served as The Turtles’ lead vocalist and also co-wrote many of the band’s songs, including “Elenore” and “You Baby.” He was known for his distinctive voice and for his energetic stage presence.
After The Turtles disbanded in the late 1960s, Kaylan and Volman continued to work together as a duo, performing under the names Flo and Eddie. They also worked as session musicians and served as backing vocalists for artists such as Bruce Springsteen, T. Rex, and Alice Cooper.
Kaylan’s career in music spanned several decades and included many varied projects. He remained active as a performer and songwriter, as well as an author and filmmaker. In 2015, he published his memoir, “Shell Shocked: My Life with the Turtles, Flo and Eddie, and Frank Zappa, etc.” The book tells the story of his life in music and his experiences working with some of the biggest names in rock and roll.
