chevron

Your All-Time Classic Hit Parade’s Song Study: “Why Do Fools Fall in Love”

2017-10-31

bannerImage

Hit Parade - Why Do Fools Fall in Love

Hosted by Marilyn Lightstone, “Your All-Time Classic Hit Parade” is a charming music variety series that features some of the best pop hits of yesteryear! Sing-along, dance-along and let the talents of our Zoomer Players: David Warrack, Moshe Hammer and the Zoomer Band, the Ault Sisters, Thom Allison, Simon Spiro, and Judy Marshak put a smile on your face and a spring into your step!

This week on the premiere episode (Friday, November 3 at 8:30pm ET/5:30pm PT), catch performances of “Sing Sing Sing,” “By the Light of the Silvery Moon,” “Mona Lisa,” “Young at Heart” and the subject of this song study: “Why Do Fools Fall in Love.”

Originally released in January 1956 by Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers, “Why Do Fools Fall in Love” was a smash hit right out of the gates. That year, the song not only reached #1 on the R&B and UK Singles Charts, but it also peaked at #6 on Billboard’s Pop Singles Chart.

Frankie Lymon - Hit Parade

In the years to come, “Why Do Fools Fall in Love” would be reimagined by the likes of Diana Ross, The Beach Boys, Joni Mitchell, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, plus many others.

When respected music publication, Rolling Stone, rated its 500 greatest songs of all-time in 2011, “Why Do Fools Fall in Love” came in at #314. In its write-up, Rolling Stone reminds us that Lymon was just 13-years-old when he wrote the song. Unfortunately, Lymon didn’t receive proper songwriting credit – or compensation – until long after his death in 1968.

That said, “Why Do Fools Fall in Love” remains a transcendent song that continues to be loved by those of the era, as well as music fans who simply appreciate a great hook and the complicated lyrical exploration of love.

-Adam Grant

Vision NewsLetter

Sign up to get the latest news on your favorite shows exclusive content and more.