About the song
“Johnny Angel” is a classic song written by Lyn Duddy and Lee Pockriss. It first appeared in the early 1960s and gained significant popularity with Shelley Fabares’s version, which was released in early 1962. This song quickly climbed the charts, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and staying there for a significant period. It was also a major hit in Canada and New Zealand, reflecting its wide appeal.
Shelley Fabares, known primarily for her acting on *The Donna Reed Show*, recorded “Johnny Angel” as her debut pop single. The song, featured on her first solo album *Shelley!*, was produced by Stu Phillips and released on the Colpix label. The track’s success was bolstered by its premiere on an episode of her TV show, where Fabares performed it, enhancing its exposure. Notably, the song’s backup vocals were provided by Darlene Love and her group, The Blossoms, adding depth to its sound. Despite Fabares’s initial nervousness about her singing career, “Johnny Angel” became a defining moment, achieving a gold disc for selling over one million copies.
In 1973, the American pop duo The Carpenters included “Johnny Angel” in a medley of oldies on their album *Now & Then*. Although their version was not released as a single, it highlighted the song’s lasting influence and its place in the classic pop repertoire.
The song’s narrative captures a teenage girl’s wistful longing for a boy who is unaware of her feelings. Its timeless theme of unrequited love, combined with its catchy melody, has ensured “Johnny Angel” remains a cherished track on oldies radio and in popular culture.
Video
Lyrics
(Johnny Angel, Johnny Angel, Johnny Angel, Johnny Angel)
You’re an angel to meJohnny Angel, how I love him
He’s got something that I can’t resist
But he doesn’t even know that I-I-I existJohnny Angel, how I want him
How I tingle when he passes by
Every time he says “Hello” my heart begins to fly(I’m in heaven) I get carried away
I dream of him and me and how it’s gonna be
(Other fellas) call me up for a date
But I just sit and wait, I’d rather concentrateOn Johnny Angel (Johnny Angel)
‘Cause I love him (’cause I love him)
And I pray that someday he’ll love me
And together we will see how lovely heaven will be(I’m in heaven) I get carried away
I dream of him and me and how it’s gonna be
(Other fellas) call me up for a date
But I just sit and wait, I’d rather concentrateOn Johnny Angel (Johnny Angel)
‘Cause I love him (’cause I love him)
And I pray that someday he’ll love me
And together we will see how lovely heaven will be(Johnny Angel, Johnny Angel)
Johnny Angel (Johnny Angel) you’re an angel to me(Johnny Angel, Johnny Angel)
Johnny Angel (Johnny Angel) you’re an angel to me