Little Darlin' (2:08)

“Little Darlin’” is a popular Top 40 song.

It was written by Maurice Williams with both melody and doo-wop accompaniment strongly emphasizing the clave rhythm. It was first recorded by Excello Records in January 1957 and quickly released as a rhythm-and-blues song by Williams’s R&B group The Gladiolas. The song is noted for its spoken recitation by the lead singer. (“Oh Darlin’ I need you…”).

It was soon covered successfully by The Diamonds, a pop group that had been performing the song as an encore. The Diamonds’ version was number two by sales for eight weeks on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was later recorded by Elvis Presley for his final album Moody Blue (1977).