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Walk Right Back
Walk Right Back
Walk Right Back
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"Walk Right Back"
Single by The Everly Brothers
from the album The Golden Hits of The Everly Brothers
A-side"Ebony Eyes"[1]
Released1961
GenreRock and roll
Length2:18
LabelWarner Bros.[1]
SongwriterSonny Curtis[1]
ProducerWesley Rose[1]
The Everly Brothers singles chronology
"Ebony Eyes"
(1961) 		"Walk Right Back"
(1961) 		"Temptation"
(1961)

"Walk Right Back" is a 1961 song by Sonny Curtis that was recorded by The Everly Brothers, and went to No. 7 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart.[2] Overseas, the song went to No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart for three weeks.[1] Originally it was the B-side, then it was changed to the A-side.

In an interview he did with Jim Liddane of the International Songwriters Association, Sonny Curtis said about the song:[3]

Well, I wrote most of that one Sunday afternoon, while I was doing my basic training in California, just after I went in the army, although I had the guitar riff for a while, and then, Lady Luck stepped in. I never was much for guns, and still am not really into them, but out of 250 men in our unit in basic training, six of us fired expert, and I was one of the six!

Anyway, for firing expert, they gave me a three-day pass, and I went straight down to Hollywood, and the Crickets were there, and so were Don and Phil, who were doing some acting classes for movies – they had just signed for Warner Brothers. So, J.I. (Jerry Allison of the Crickets) told me to sing the song for Don – actually I had only one verse written – and Don called Phil down, and they worked out a gorgeous harmony part. So, they said, 'If you write another verse. we'll record it'.

Anyway, I went back to base, and wrote a second verse, and put it in the mail to them, and next morning, I got a letter from J.I. to tell me that the Everlys had already recorded the song before they got my letter – they had simply recorded the first verse twice! And that's the version that was released, and that's the version that was the hit!

The joke is that Perry Como and Andy Williams and a whole bunch of others including myself, recorded the song with the second verse included, but when Anne Murray did it in 1978, she just did the same as the Everlys, just the one verse – and that was a big hit all over again – so maybe the second verse was never meant to be!

(It goes:

These eyes of mine that gave you loving glances once before, change to shades of cloudy gray. I want so very much to see you, just like before. I've got to know you're coming back to stay. Please believe me when I say, 'It's great to hear from you,' but there's a lot of things a letter just can't say, oh, me. Walk right back to me this minute ...,

etc.)

Other versions

[edit]

Charts

[edit]
The Everly Brothers
Chart (1961) Peak
position
Australia 8
Canada (CHUM) [11] 3
New Zealand (Lever Hit Parade)[12] 1
Norway (VG-lista)[13] 10
UK Singles (OCC)[14] 1
US Billboard Hot 100[15] 7
Anne Murray
Chart (1978) Peak
position
Canada RPM Top Singles [16] 32
Canada RPM Adult Contemporary [17] 3
Canada Country [18] 2
US Billboard Hot 100[15] 103
US Billboard Adult Contemporary 3
US Billboard Country 4

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Walk Right Back

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
"Walk Right Back" is a rock and roll song written by American musician Sonny Curtis and originally recorded by the Everly Brothers as a single in January 1961. Released by Warner Bros. Records with "Ebony Eyes" as the B-side, the track was recorded on September 17, 1960, in Nashville and features the duo's signature close-harmony vocals over a simple, upbeat arrangement. The song quickly became one of the Everly Brothers' signature hits, peaking at number 7 on the US chart in and reaching number 1 on the UK Singles Chart, where it remained for three weeks. Its lyrics, which plead for a lover's return with lines like "Walk right back to me," captured the era's pop sensibilities and contributed to the duo's enduring popularity in the early scene. The single's success helped solidify the ' transition from Cadence Records to Warner Bros., marking a prolific period that included other top-10 hits like "." First appearing on the 1962 compilation album The Golden Hits of the Everly Brothers, "Walk Right Back" has since been reissued on numerous collections, including the 1993 anthology Walk Right Back: The Everly Brothers on 1960–1969, which chronicles their decade with the label. The song's influence extends beyond its initial release; it inspired the title of the 2018 Walk Right Back – The Everly Brothers Story, a touring production by Grayne Productions that celebrates the duo's career through their hits.

Background and songwriting

Origins and inspiration

(1937–2025), a longtime friend and early collaborator of from their teenage years in , began his musical career as the lead guitarist in Holly's pre-Crickets band, contributing to recordings such as "Blue Days, Black Nights" in 1956. Following Holly's death in February 1959, Curtis joined as lead guitarist and vocalist, performing with original members and , and continued with the group intermittently for decades thereafter. Curtis composed "Walk Right Back" during his U.S. Army basic training at , , in 1959, shortly after receiving his draft notice while on tour backing . The song emerged as a simple, heartfelt plea for reconciliation and companionship, drawing from a musical phrase Curtis had conceived prior to his enlistment, to which he added lyrics during a quiet Sunday afternoon on base using an inexpensive Roebuck guitar. Though Curtis later reflected uncertainty about the precise spark of inspiration—suggesting the words might have come to him in a dream—the military context of separation and longing infused the tune's intimate, yearning tone, aligning well with the harmonious, emotive style of ' earlier successes like "." At the time of composition, the song lacked a complete second verse; Curtis had drafted only the opening lines and melody, intending to expand it later. During a three-day pass from training, he shared the incomplete demo with Don and in , who quickly adapted it into their signature close-harmony arrangement, ultimately recording it with the first verse repeated in place of a second.

Development by Sonny Curtis

During his basic training in the U.S. Army in 1959, finalized the initial structure of "Walk Right Back" during a Sunday afternoon session, where he paired a pre-existing musical lick with using a worn guitar. The melody drew from country and early and roll influences shaped by his time with , including collaborations with that blended , bluegrass, and emerging elements. Recognizing the song's brevity with only one verse and a chorus, opted to repeat the verse for the demo he shared, enhancing its catchiness without expanding the at that stage. Later, after the original recording, he composed an additional second verse—"These of mine that gave you loving glances now are filled with tears of sadness. Nothing in this world could make me stay away"—but it remained unused in ' version, preserving the song's concise, looping form. The close bond with the Everly Brothers, built on collaborative performances and Holly's influence on their harmonious styles, made the offering a natural extension of their professional and personal rapport. The song's chorus, centered on the imperative "Walk right back to me this minute, bring your love to me, don't send it," employs a simple, repetitive structure that underscores themes of profound loneliness and urgent reconciliation, with the direct plea amplifying the emotional rawness of separation and longing for reunion. This lyrical economy, paired with the verse's everyday imagery of isolation, captures the universal ache of romantic estrangement in a way that resonated broadly.

Recording and production

Studio sessions

The recording of "Walk Right Back" occurred on September 17, 1960, at RCA Victor Studio B, located at 1611 Hawkins Street in . Key session musicians included renowned guitarist , alongside standard Nashville players such as drummer and bassist Floyd "Lightnin'" Chance, contributing to the track's backing. The session unfolded spontaneously when songwriter played an unfinished demo of the song for Don and during a visit to Nashville; the brothers immediately expressed interest in recording it, despite Curtis noting that he had only completed one verse and promised to send a second. With time limited during the booked studio slot, the Everlys opted to proceed by repeating the single verse twice, a decision made on the spot that shaped the final recording's structure. Don Everly handled lead vocals, complemented by Phil Everly's high harmony, showcasing the duo's trademark close-harmony style that defined their sound. The arrangement remained straightforward, emphasizing acoustic guitar, upright bass, and minimal drums to highlight the vocal interplay, resulting in a concise runtime of 2:18.

Musical arrangement

"Walk Right Back" is classified as with strong influences, characteristic of ' signature blend of genres. The song employs a mid-tempo 4/4 at 136 beats per minute, providing a steady, driving rhythm that supports its pleading narrative without overwhelming the vocals. The harmonic structure relies on simple major chords, primarily in G major, such as G, C, and D, which create an accessible and uplifting progression. This foundation, combined with the Everly Brothers' tight vocal harmonies, imparts a bittersweet tone that balances the song's light melody with underlying emotional depth. Instrumentation emphasizes intimacy through prominent acoustic guitar strumming that carries the rhythmic pulse, subtle upright bass lines for warmth, and light percussion to maintain a gentle groove. A piano riff introduces the iconic hook, adding a playful touch without introducing heavy rock elements. This arrangement echoes the Everly Brothers' earlier hits like "Wake Up Little Susie" but adopts a lighter, more playful vibe that complements the lyrics' yearning plea.

Release and chart performance

Single release details

"Walk Right Back" was issued as a single by on Records in early , bearing the catalog number 5199 in the United States. The track was originally positioned as the B-side to "Ebony Eyes," which served as the intended A-side, but robust radio for "Walk Right Back" prompted to flip the designation and promote it as the primary track. This double-sided release capitalized on the duo's harmonious style, with both songs benefiting from the era's pop-rock sensibilities. The single marked a key entry in the Everly Brothers' Warner Bros. catalog, following their blockbuster "Cathy's Clown" from the previous year. It was subsequently featured on the 1962 compilation album The Golden Hits of the Everly Brothers, marking its first appearance on a full-length record. Promotional efforts for the single included live television performances that amplified its reach among audiences. Notably, the Everly Brothers showcased "Walk Right Back" on The Ford Show, Starring Tennessee Ernie Ford on April 13, 1961, delivering an energetic rendition that aligned with the program's family-friendly format and helped sustain radio momentum. These appearances underscored the label's strategy to leverage visual media for chart success in the pre-MTV era.

Commercial success and charts

"Walk Right Back" achieved significant commercial success upon its release, peaking at No. 7 on the US chart in 1961 and remaining on the chart for 13 weeks. The single, released as a double A-side with "Ebony Eyes," became a million-seller, contributing substantially to ' reputation as one of the era's top-selling acts. In the , the single topped the Official Singles Chart for three weeks in March 1961, marking ' second No. 1 hit there following "" in 1960; it spent a total of 16 weeks on the chart. This performance underscored the duo's strong international appeal during their period. The song also performed well across various international markets, reaching notable positions on regional charts. For instance, it peaked at No. 8 on the Australian Top 100 in 1961. In the , it reached No. 3 on the Dutch Singles Chart, while in , it climbed to No. 10 on the chart. These achievements highlighted the track's global reach and helped solidify ' string of hits in the early .
CountryChartPeak PositionYear
Billboard Hot 10071961
Official Singles Chart11961
Kent Music Report Top 10081961
Dutch Singles Chart31961
VG-lista101961

Cover versions and adaptations

Anne Murray's version

Anne Murray's cover of "Walk Right Back" appeared as the opening track on her eleventh studio album, Let's Keep It That Way, released in February 1978 on . Produced by Jim Ed Norman, the version transformed the upbeat original into a slower, more contemplative , featuring prominent and lush string arrangements that aligned with the adult contemporary style dominant in late-1970s radio. Murray delivered the song as a solo vocal performance, underscoring its themes of longing and reconciliation with a warm, emotive tone that showcased her versatility across country and pop genres. Issued as the album's in January 1978, the track performed strongly on specialized charts, reaching No. 4 on the US Hot Country Songs chart, No. 15 on the US Adult Contemporary chart, and No. 2 on the RPM Country Tracks chart. It bubbled under the US Hot 100 at No. 103 but benefited from robust airplay in country and easy-listening formats, setting the stage for the album's follow-up smash "." The single's success contributed to Murray's burgeoning crossover appeal during the late 1970s, helping reintroduce the 1961 hit to new audiences while propelling Let's Keep It That Way to No. 1 on both the Canadian country and pop charts, where it was certified double Platinum by for sales exceeding 200,000 units.

Other notable covers

In addition to Anne Murray's major revival of the song in 1978, several other artists have offered notable interpretations of "Walk Right Back," showcasing its versatility across genres and languages. released a pop cover in 1965 on their album She's Just My Style, which reached No. 37 on the US , featuring the band's signature upbeat harmonies. Andy Williams included a smooth, orchestral version on his 1973 album Solitaire, emphasizing the song's romantic plea in an easy-listening style that fit his persona. The song featured prominently in live performances during ' 1983 reunion tour, including their landmark concert at London's , where it served as a highlight of their setlist and underscored the enduring appeal of their harmonious sound. It has also appeared in media contexts, such as setlists from the reunion tour and occasional references in indie tracks that borrow its upbeat riff for nostalgic effect, as seen in Young's 1992 "Harvest Moon," which drew comparisons for its melodic similarity.

Reception and legacy

Critical response

Upon its release in 1961, "Walk Right Back" received positive notices from music trade publications for its engaging qualities. Retrospective assessments have affirmed the track's enduring strengths. has praised the ' vocal interplay as innovative, setting a standard for duo in .

Cultural impact

"Walk Right Back" exemplified the ' signature close-harmony style, which became a foundational model for subsequent artists emphasizing vocal blending in rock and pop music. Their seamless interplay of voices in the track influenced harmony-driven acts such as , who frequently acknowledged the duo's impact and brought them onstage during the first set of their 2003 tour. Similarly, drew directly from the Everlys' harmonic techniques, with and emulating the layered vocal arrangements for their own early recordings. This influence extended broadly, as the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame recognizes the Everlys' blend of folk, bluegrass, and country elements in close as enormously shaping 1960s acts including and Crosby, Stills & Nash. The song's prominence in media further amplified its cultural footprint, with the performing it live on major television programs that reached millions of viewers. They delivered a notable rendition on on June 15, 1969, showcasing their enduring appeal amid a shifting musical landscape. Earlier, in 1961, the duo appeared on on April 13, performing the track in a format that highlighted its country-rock roots and helped bridge audiences across genres. Beyond television, "Walk Right Back" has appeared on soundtracks in films, underscoring its nostalgic resonance; for instance, it features in the 2006 romantic comedy directed by , enhancing scenes of wistful romance. It also plays in the 2011 drama , set against the backdrop of Southern life, where the song evokes the era's culture. In the Everly Brothers' career trajectory, "Walk Right Back" represented a key marker of sustained success following their 1960 hit "Cathy's Clown," reinforcing their status as rock pioneers during a transitional period for the genre. Released amid their Warner Bros. era, the single's chart performance—peaking at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100—contributed to the narrative of their innovative sound that propelled their 1986 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as early influencers of rock harmony. This legacy of vocal innovation and commercial viability solidified their role in shaping the Hall's recognition of rock's foundational acts. The song's broader cultural tributes highlight its lasting inspirational power, most notably as the title for the 2017 jukebox musical Walk Right Back – The Everly Brothers Story, which chronicles the duo's life and music through live performances of their hits. Originating in the UK and touring internationally, including North America in 2025, the production celebrates their "harmonies from heaven" and has drawn audiences seeking nostalgic immersion in mid-20th-century rock history. This stage adaptation underscores how "Walk Right Back" encapsulates the Everlys' emotional depth and sibling synergy, inspiring ongoing revivals that keep their influence alive in contemporary entertainment.

References

  1. https://www.rhino.com/article/once-upon-a-time-in-the-top-spot-the-everly-brothers-walk-right-back
  2. https://genius.com/The-everly-brothers-walk-right-back-lyrics/q/release-date
  3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkBOrJPVs0I
  4. https://www.billboard.com/lists/the-everly-brothers-20-biggest-hot-100-hits/
  5. https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/4863/everly-brothers/
  6. https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Right-Back-Brothers-1960-1969/dp/B000002MHW
  7. https://www.discogs.com/master/300884-The-Everly-Brothers-Walk-Right-Back-With-The-Everlys-20-Golden-Hits
  8. https://www.walkrightback.com/
  9. https://theempiretheatre.com/live/walk-right-back-the-everly-brothers-story-3/
  10. https://sonnycurtis.com/bio/
  11. https://www.tennessean.com/story/entertainment/music/story-behind-the-song/2014/12/04/story-behind-song-walk-right-back/19914993/
  12. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/the-everly-brothers/walk-right-back
  13. https://www.songwriter.co.uk/page55.html
  14. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sonny-curtis-crickets-member-i-fought-the-law-dead-obit-1235431839/
  15. https://www.musixmatch.com/lyrics/The-Everly-Brothers/Walk-Right-Back
  16. https://music.apple.com/us/song/walk-right-back/302157838
  17. https://www.allmusic.com/album/walk-right-back-the-everly-brothers-on-warner-bros-mw0000100612
  18. https://tunebat.com/Info/Walk-Right-Back-The-Everly-Brothers/3NUXLtK8UGdD8TvZ12b4dD
  19. https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/the-everly-brothers/walk-right-back/MN0101128
  20. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-everly-brothers-mn0000046699
  21. https://backtracks4all.com/backingtracks/the-everly-brothers/walk-right-back-2
  22. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nN4TSTk0GYg
  23. https://www.discogs.com/master/133491-The-Everly-Brothers-Walk-Right-Back-Ebony-Eyes
  24. https://www.classic45s.com/why45s/bsides/index.html
  25. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-XQ8QfKWeQ
  26. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKE98ZvwXz0
  27. https://www.45cat.com/record/5199au
  28. https://dutchcharts.nl/showitem.asp?interpret=The+Everly+Brothers&titel=Walk+Right+Back&cat=s
  29. https://norwegiancharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Everly+Brothers&titel=Walk+Right+Back&cat=s
  30. https://www.discogs.com/release/1515201-Anne-Murray-Lets-Keep-It-That-Way
  31. https://www.universalmusic.ca/press-releases/anne-murray-announces-special-anneversary-editions-of-three-iconic-albums-lets-keep-it-that-way-new-kind-of-feeling-country-available-june-20/
  32. https://secondhandsongs.com/work/11079
  33. https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/1965-10-30/
  34. https://secondhandsongs.com/performance/486600/versions
  35. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsI-XmMQpBg
  36. https://www.amazon.com/Everly-Brothers-Reunion-Concert/dp/B00JAOK4FS
  37. https://memalign.github.io/m/similarsongs.html
  38. https://www.rollingstone.com/feature/the-everly-brothers-the-rolling-stone-interview-110028/
  39. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/aug/22/devoted-to-you-the-indelible-influence-of-the-everly-brothers
  40. https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-25608321
  41. https://rockhall.com/inductees/everly-brothers/
  42. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0401445/soundtrack/
  43. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1454029/soundtrack/
  44. https://www.walkrightback.com/about/
  45. https://www.mayflower.org.uk/whats-on/walk-right-back-2024/
  46. https://www.chilliwackculturalcentre.ca/ccc-event/walk-right-back-the-everly-brothers-story/
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