"Come Softly to Me" is a popular song written by Gretchen Christopher, Barbara Ellis and Gary Troxel that was performed by The Fleetwoods, composed of Christopher, Troxel, and Ellis. It was recorded in late 1958, and released and published in 1959; it was the first release for the new Dolphin Records label.
The original title was "Come Softly," but was changed en route to its becoming a hit. Bob Reisdorf, the owner of Dolphin Records, which in 1960 changed to Dolton Records, was responsible for the title change. He thought that "Come Softly" might be too obvious and considered risqué, so he had it changed to "Come Softly to Me." The title phrase never appears in the song's lyrics.
Recording the song at home, the group sang it a cappella with the rhythmic shaking of Troxel's car keys. The tape was then sent to Los Angeles where the sparse instrumental accompaniment was added, including an acoustic guitar played by Bonnie Guitar. Released in 1959, the single reached #1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in April.[1]
"Come Softly to Me" is a popular song written by Gretchen Christopher, Barbara Ellis and Gary Troxel that was performed by The Fleetwoods, composed of Christopher, Troxel, and Ellis. It was recorded in late 1958, and released and published in 1959; it was the first release for the new Dolphin Records label.
The original title was "Come Softly," but was changed en route to its becoming a hit. Bob Reisdorf, the owner of Dolphin Records, which in 1960 changed to Dolton Records, was responsible for the title change. He thought that "Come Softly" might be too obvious and considered risqué, so he had it changed to "Come Softly to Me." The title phrase never appears in the song's lyrics.
Recording the song at home, the group sang it a cappella with the rhythmic shaking of Troxel's car keys. The tape was then sent to Los Angeles where the sparse instrumental accompaniment was added, including an acoustic guitar played by Bonnie Guitar. Released in 1959, the single reached #1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in April.[1]