About the Song
Written by Luther Dixon and released in 1961, “Mama Said” is a song by the American girl group The Shirelles. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and reached number four on the UK Singles Chart. It has been covered by many artists, including Dionne Warwick, Mary J. Blige, and The Jackson 5.
The song is a doo-wop ballad with a simple but effective message: listen to your mama. The lyrics tell the story of a young woman who is torn between two lovers. She loves one man but is attracted to another. Her mother tells her to follow her heart, but she is unsure of what to do. In the end, she decides to listen to her mama and chooses the man she loves.
“Mama Said” is a classic coming-of-age story that many people can relate to. It is a song about love, loss, and the importance of family. The song’s message is as relevant today as it was when it was first released.
The Shirelles
The Shirelles were an American girl group formed in 1958. The group consisted of Shirley Owens, Doris Coley, Addie “Micki” Harris, and Beverly Lee. The Shirelles were one of the most successful girl groups of the early 1960s. They had a string of hit singles, including “Soldier Boy”, “Baby It’s You”, and “Will You Love Me Tomorrow”.
The Shirelles were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996. They were also awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008.
The song’s legacy
“Mama Said” is a classic song that has been enjoyed by generations of listeners. It is a song about love, loss, and the importance of family. The song’s message is as relevant today as it was when it was first released.
“Mama Said” has been covered by many artists, including Dionne Warwick, Mary J. Blige, and The Jackson 5. It has also been featured in several films and television shows, including “The Wonder Years”, “The Sopranos”, and “Grey’s Anatomy”.
“Mama Said” is a timeless song that will continue to be enjoyed for many years to come.
Some other interesting facts about the song:
- The song was written by Luther Dixon, who also wrote other hits for The Shirelles, such as “Soldier Boy” and “Baby It’s You”.
- The song was recorded in just one take.
- The song was originally released as the B-side of the single “Will You Love Me Tomorrow”.
- The song became a hit after it was played on the radio by Dick Clark.
- The song was used in the 1994 film “Pulp Fiction”.