Recorded - June 11, 1964.
Released - July 10, 1964 (UK), August 3, 1964 (US)
#1 for weeks of October 17 and 24, 1964.
Manfred Mann were another British band who found American success no doubt in part because of the British Invasion. While the previously mentioned Animals certainly fall into a more blues rock category and Manfred Mann featured Manfred himself on keyboards/organ, I can't exactly call the band blues rock. Many of their early singles are much more in the rock and roll/beat pop style and nowhere is this further epitomized than their cover of "Do Wah Diddy", which reached #1 here in the US.
This song was written by Brill Building songwriting team Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich who have already had several of their compositions reach #1 by other artists. "Do Wah Diddy" was originally recorded by the girl group The Exciters. However, I would never had made this connection on my own as Manfred Mann take the song and make it their own.
First off, we have singer Paul Jones' bluesy lead vocals which are put on prominent display during the two bridges of the song. Then there's the fact that Manfred Mann (both the band and their keyboard player) were competent musicians. In particular, the rhythm section of Tom McGuinness on bass and Mike Hugg on drums. This tight band take what would otherwise be an ordinary pop song and give it some character.
One of the most impressive things about the band Manfred Mann is how much their style changed over the decades. When Paul Jones was replaced by Mike d'Abo in 1966, the band took on a slightly psychedelic pop sound which is championed in their version of Bob Dylan's "Mighty Quinn" which was a British-only #1 hit. Then Manfred Mann (the keyboardist), formed Manfred Mann's Earth Band which in the 1970's had a completely different and more progressive rock sound.
When you listen to their version of "Blinded By The Light" and compare it to "Do Wah Diddy", it really is an amazing musical progression. Even though it's not as sophisticated as some of their later works, I still consider "Do Wah Diddy" an enjoyable cover of what was once a simple pop song. Add to this the excellent vocals of Paul Jones and it's easy to see why people loved this song so much.
Final Verdict - A superb example of making a song your own via fine musicianship. I certainly get a kick out of hearing this song every time I get the opportunity.
Coming Up Next - "Baby Love" by The Supremes.
Until Next Time - I'm Dr. Rock, and I "diddy" think I'd ever review so many songs.
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