"Come Softly to Me" is a popular song recorded by The Fleetwoods, composed of Gretchen Christopher, Barbara Ellis, and Gary Troxel, who also wrote it. 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, herself a successful singer-songwriter ("Dark Moon") and Reisdorf's in-house record producer. Released in 1959, the single reached #1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in April.The song's success made Gretchen Christopher the only person born on February 29 (1940) ever to write and perform a number-one hit.
Chart positions
Chart (1959)PeakpositionU.S. Billboard Hot 1001Canada1United Kingdom6Italy17U.S. Billboard Hot R&B Sides5
All-time charts Chart (1958–2018) PositionUS Billboard Hot 100455
Cover versions The song has been covered by other artists, including Sandy Salisbury, Marcel Amont "Tout doux, tout doucement" (1958), Henri Salvador (1959), Paul & Paula (1963), Four Jacks and a Jill (1965),Four Jacks and a Jill, Jimmy Come Lately, Rock.co.za, Retrieved May 13, 2015 The Serendipity Singers on United Artists in 1968, and Bob Welch (with Christine McVie on backing vocals).
Frankie Vaughan with The Kaye Sisters had a hit in the United Kingdom with the song, reaching No. 9 in the UK in 1959;
The New Seekers also recorded the song, and their version reached No. 95 on the Billboard Hot 100, No. 60 in Canada, and No.20 on the UK charts in 1972-73.The New Seekers charting singles, AllMusic, Retrieved 09-23-11
Jane Olivor recorded the song on her 1976 album First Night, releasing it as a single backed by Some Enchanted Evening.
Brenton Wood titled his 1977 album, Come Softly, after the song. Mercy released a version of the song on their 1969 album, Love Can Make You Happy;Mercy, Love Can Make You Happy, Discogs.com, Retrieved May 7, 2015 Lesley Gore recorded a duet version of the song with Oliver in 1970, on Crewe Records. A cover version performed by The Roches, from their 1985 album Another World, is repeated several times on the soundtrack of the 1988 film Crossing Delancey.Crossing Delancey - Original Soundtrack, AllMusic, Retrieved 09-23-11Another World - The Roches, AllMusic, Retrieved February 23, 2023 Buck Dharma of Blue Öyster Cult covered the song on his 1982 solo album, Flat Out.Buck Dharma, Flat Out, AllMusic, Retrieved 09-23-11
Popular culture The song was featured in the film Stand by Me, although did not feature on the official soundtrack. This song is used in the opening scene of the movie Dead Silence'''s trailer. Retrieved September 29, 2011 It is included in the closing credits of the BBC2 sitcom Roger and Val Have Just Got In. The song was also featured in the soundtrack of Mafia II. The French rendition of the song, ‘’Tout Doux Tout Doucement’’, is featured in Ted Lasso, Season 3 Episode 8, playing over the closing credits. The song was also featured in the film The Bikeriders. The song was featured in the 2024 film Bonjour Tristesse. The song was featured in the opening sequence of the 1988 Amy Irving film Crossing Delancey''.
Samples Eliza Doolittle sampled it for the song "Missing" on her debut album.
See also List of Billboard Hot 100 number ones of 1959
References