About the song
“Hello Mary Lou” is a classic song that has left a lasting impact on the world of pop and rock music. Written by the American singer Gene Pitney, the song was first recorded by Johnny Duncan in 1960. However, it was Ricky Nelson’s rendition that truly brought the song into the limelight. Nelson recorded “Hello Mary Lou” at United Western Recorders Studios on March 22, 1961, and it became a notable part of his music career.
Released as a double A-side single with his chart-topping hit “Travelin’ Man” (Imperial 5741), “Hello Mary Lou” quickly captured the public’s attention. It climbed to No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 on May 28, 1961, and enjoyed significant success internationally. In the United Kingdom, it reached No. 2 on the charts. It also made a strong impact in Europe, where it spent 14 weeks at No. 1 in Norway and peaked at No. 1 in Denmark. In Sweden, it was a best-seller for five months and spent eight weeks at No. 2. In New Zealand, it reached No. 4.
The song’s catchy melody and energetic performance were enhanced by an influential guitar solo from James Burton, whose work on the track has been cited as an inspiration by later guitarists such as Brian May. The piano accompaniment, provided by Ray Johnson, added a rich layer to the song’s sound. Other notable musicians on the recording include Joe Osborn on bass and Ritchie Frost on drums. “Hello Mary Lou” also appears on Nelson’s sixth album, *Rick Is 21* (1961).
The song’s popularity saw a resurgence in 1991 when it was reissued following its use in a television advertisement, reaching No. 45 on the UK Singles Chart.
The song did face a notable controversy over its similarity to the earlier track “Merry, Merry Lou,” written by Cayet Mangiaracina and recorded by the Sparks in 1957. A legal settlement was reached where Mangiaracina was given co-writing credit and a share of the royalties, and Champion Music, the publisher of “Merry, Merry Lou,” received a share of the publishing rights.
“Hello Mary Lou” remains a beloved classic, cherished for its upbeat tempo, memorable lyrics, and the enduring charm of Ricky Nelson’s performance. Its success and influence are a testament to its place in music history.
Video
Lyrics
Hello Mary Lou
Goodbye heart
Sweet Mary Lou
I’m so in love with you
I knew Mary Lou
We’d never part
So hello Mary Lou
Goodbye heart
You passed me by one sunny day
Flashed those big brown eyes my way
And ooh I wanted you forever more
Now I’m not one that gets around
I swear my feet stuck to the ground
And though I never did meet you before
I said “Hello Mary Lou
Goodbye heart
Sweet Mary Lou
I’m so in love with you”
I knew Mary Lou
We’d never part
So hello Mary Lou
Goodbye heart
I saw your lips I heard your voice
Believe me I just had no choice
Wild horses couldn’t make me stay away
I thought about a moonlit night
Arms around you, good and tight
All I had to see for me to say
“Hey hey hello Mary Lou
Goodbye heart
Sweet Mary Lou
I’m so in love with you”
I knew Mary Lou
We’d never part
So, hello Mary Lou
Goodbye heart
So, hello Mary Lou
Goodbye heart
Yes, hello Mary Lou
Goodbye heart