I met Robin Luke at Missouri State University (then, Southwest MO State) in 1991. I was an MBA grad student, and he the head professor of the Marketing Dept. Some firm was running a TV ad for a collection of oldies but goodies. They used "Susie Darlin" without his permission. He brought a lawsuit against them. I never heard how the suit came out, but still cherish my memories of time spent with Robin Luke. Phillip Butler
Thank you, TopshelfTom! 53 years later and I never get tired of hearing this song! Gotta see what else you have, now that I've come across your songs! Gotta get my Time Life Rock 'n Roll Era CDs out again and listen to them before I start listening to Christmas music.
Until Web radio, this tune was unknown for decades in Chicago, until a brief oldies station surfaced. Thanks for a clean copy of a fine record and production. Cha-cha-cha!
the minimal instrumentation on this song is one of it's best features....it's not over produced. just the opposit of a phil spector wall-of-sound concept. both concepts are wonderful. the trick is knowing which to use,and when. this is simialr to the concept of "16 candels", in the use of the electic guitar not ringing throughout but only at certin points in the song to highlight. sounds like a fender stratocaster here. has a buddy holly influence as well.
I've loved this song since I was a teenager. I used to listen to the oldies station in the 70's. Robin Luke was born & raised in Honolulu. Susie was his sister!
hey darlins, I had a mother who rocked in those days, taught me everythig I know~~~greew up with robin, sam Cooke, Percy Sledge, Wilson pickett, shall I go on??~~~love this version~~~and all the others, I have never found 1 with him acutally singin~~~~~just still frames~~~but still grat~~~thanks always a 50ish kinda girl, I am know as rockin robin~~~love all kinds~~~~again, great song~~~~
Robin Lowe was from Hawaii, it was reported this song was recorded in his garage, it's one of the first songs I remember hearing as a very young child.
I was twelve years old living in a little Washington border town. I got a tiny record player for Christmas and wore out songs like this one. We are the lucky ones. We got to "live" this music, not just hear it years later.
Heard this one on the radio this morning, which is pretty rare. It's one of the best from the era, for sure. The Polynesian flavor makes it so unique - and it's also unique in that the original home recording was put into production by Randy Wood even though it was re-recorded in the studio soon after the original was recorded. Robin's transition to life as a college professor is also most interesting.
I was 7 years old when I heard this,sitting in the back seat of my daddy's Ford,I loved it then and still do.I wish music and life had a rewind button on it ♥Things were so simple and innocent back then ♥ Thanks so much for posting this one ♥ TopshelfTom !
This song released in August of 1958 was composed by Robin and song for his 5 year old sister. It worked for Robin Luke from Hawaii as he sold a million copies of his only hit record.
As I recall, you are correct. The "Drums" was a cereal box and all the parts were recorded in his home and released as a regional record. Dot picked it up, added the steel guitar and a little production and made a monster hit. Last I heard, Luke was a collegee professor in Norfolk VA. I'd love to get a copy of the original island release!!
ESTA CANCION ME HACE VOLVER A MI NIÑEZ Y VOLVER A MI MUNDO DE SUEÑOS, POR FAVOR SI ALGUIEN TIENE UNA VERSION DE ESTA CANCION EN ESPAÑOL, FAVOR DE SUBIRLA. GRACIAS.
I have never heard this song, i like it, reminds me of when i lived in Malaya 1960-63, and listening to all the American records of the time which were easily available, my mum and dad had a Brilliant collection, of which some i still own. Thanks for sharing my Cheri Amour !
@gazzymodo My pleasure, Gary!! For all the Chris Curtis music you've given me, it's a joy to give you a new song from the Buddy Holley era!! Cheri :-))
This is defintely the best version....and the original! I have really liked this song ever since it came out!! I just listened to the Mike Curb version for the first time. Its a good version but doesn't compare to the original. Robin's original just has a certain sound to it that was unique!! Love it!!
And, Tommy Roe's version really pales in comparison!!
i was 10 years old when this came out and didn't give a toot about music but the melodie haunted me for years till i finally figured out who did it and got a copy.the weird part is the magic has never left this tune and it still haunts me!
this song got ripped off from steve winwood and niel young. still, i had the record and still like it. robin was unique. so was the guitar sound. whatever happened to robin luke anyway?
I was a teenager when this came out, and it was the greatest song ever written by any artist at that time. Robin Luke didn't rip off anybody. He was a great artist in his own right.
Perhaps rip off is a little strong, but in those days the music industry was even more cut-throat than today. Sadly there are many lost royalties. And yes, this was a tribute to Holly's general sound, I have heard Holly covers from 58 right up until today from non-U.S. singers and bands from Mexico, South Africa, Canada, France, Britain of course, Germany and Taiwan to name a few. Alas he never lived to see most of it.
This is the only version of this song worth playing.Isnt it ironic that Robin Ward with Wonderful summer is also one of my top 10 faves both on Dot Records which was originally owned by Lawrence Welk and Pat Boone wastheir biggest contemporary act.Play the Robin Luke and toss the rest simply put this is THE BEST!!!!!
When this was recorded Buddy Holly was still alive. I remember this song when it came out well. The big thing about it was that itr was a cha-cha and Robin Luke was from Hawaii. I always hoped he would hit again.
Great 50s side....I don't think anyone ripped off Buddy Holly. I think songs like this were a tribute to Buddy. The Beatles were enormously influenced by Buddy....even the way they walked instage was patterend after The Crickets.
@heyzog; got some bad news for ya, Robin Luke wrote and recorded Susie Darlin in 1958 in Honolulu while he was a Junior at Punahou. The song is about his sister. I was there.
That's a little harsh, no ? I don't think Luke ( or other simialr artists, Bobby Helms, Guy Mitchell et al ) "ripped off" Buddy Holly. On the contrary, I think their work was homage to the groundbreaking Holly did. I mean, an argument COULD be made that Holly ripped off Elvis & Perkins & Gene Vincent merely becasue he came along after they hit the big stride.
Did all the British Invasion bands "rip of" the Beatles, or did they more accurately emulate them?
Okay, he is not professor at "a Missouri university (st. Louis)" He is the head of the marketing department at my college, Missouri State University which is located 3 and a half hours away from St. Louis in Springfield, MO
Susie Darlin' was a favorite from the first time I heard it. Then, I had Robin Luke as a marketing professor at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA, and we enjoyed reminescing about the song!
I was 11 when this record came out and I immediately loved it. I've heard all the "wanna be's and they don't compare to the original. Sometimes, a song needs to stand alone and be left alone!
I have heard the same story that he is singing about his sister who passed away.....if you listen to the words it makes sense......great song from the past!
Sorry that it was a troubled 23 years. I have been blessed with my Susie Darling, and it will be 40 years for us this coming August. I hope life brings you happiness for the rest of your life. Thanks for your interest. Glad that YouTube gives us the ability to hear this song on and on.
Whew! I've been searching for this song for hours (after hearing a clip, from the movie "The Pick-up Artist). I couldn't remember the title, or artist....perseverance paid off! I've always liked this song. Thanks for the upload! 10+ stars!
This version by Robin Luke was my favorite song as a teenager. Thank you for posting. Like the others, it brings back so many pleasant and carefree memories. Long Live Music! Donna
from Hawaii...Robin Luke..I really like this better than any other version...I have a cd with 8 takes on this that Robin released years ago...He changed it up a few times... Tommy Roe was very similiar in voice to Robin
This being the original it deserves due credit .But the version you grow up with is always hard to beat, here in Australia the 1970s version by Barry Crocker had a really catchy feel to it .I uploaded it a few months back would welcome your comments .( Suzie Darlin - Barry Crocker - Suzi Quatro .) ....Cheers malabu2....
malabu2 - I'm glad you like Suzi Quatro's version. My personal taste still prefers Robin Luke's original. Thanks for posting your favorite so that everyone can see what is popular in other places.
@oldschool19461 went to robinluke website and found only one reference to his sister. I was hoping the story was true! It would appear not. However, I still love the song. Reminds me of the style of Buddy Holley. Hadn't heard the song in probably 45 years!
@oldschool19461 Robin's sister, Susie, was very much alive when this song was written. She was still alive and living a normal life in the 1985, the last time I was associated with the family. In 1967, I married my high school sweetheart, who happened to be Robin Luke's cousin.
@trs119 You are correct and I pulled that comment I had heard from an oldies dj about 25-30 years ago; probably just trying for who knows what. Thank you for the update...
I suppose you always like the version you grew up with most. I have listened to several of these but this one still seemed the best to me. Didn't like Tommy Roe's at all.
Mike Curb's was good but a bit ponderous at times - too many notes the same length. A couple of German versions I heard were quite good too, especially Peter Kraus's.
This was the first song I ever requested on a request show when I was about 9 in 19589. (Though I think I thought Elvis ought to be singing it!)
Always a winner in my memory. Background clatter fit right in w my playing card slapping against bike spokes as I rode through streets of Winter Park, FL while eating mosquitoes during Junior High! Thanks for posting.
Check Barry Crocker version.....he liked this version. In 1975 he did a very slick version....it has a suzi Quatro video added to it.I like this...the original version as well.
Excellent and superior by a mile to the Mike Curb version. This one takes me back to along ago time when the sun always seemed to shine and things were a lot simpler. Nice one!
It's wonderful what real talent could do with the simplest recording equipment in those faraway days when I was just 14 .... It's the best version of Susie by far!
Now i know where the Beatles stole their sound from. They must have been listening to bootleg copies of this song in liverpool along with buddy holly....
Rock & roll wasn't always accepted/promoted by the BBC. That's why the pirate radio stations sprang up over there. John & Paul and many of their peers thrived on this "unacceptable" music. Then when they became hit acts, they included this material in their shows.
By whom? Robin Luke did a remake a few years ago that is not nearly as good as this..... but as i've said in many places, I am just nuts about Mike Curb's 1965 version.
Brian 'Top 40' Taylor used to run through the 3UZ, you guessed it, yes, the Top 40, every Sunday afternoon. My brother had a bow and arrow. I used to wait for this wonderful song and pluck the single string of the bow, in accompaniment to the rhythm. That's as far as i got with musical instruments I'm afraid. Still love this song though.
...Here I thought 'Rate the version" was a song!! :-) I love hearing alternate tracks myself! Sometimes I like them better than the "popular" ones!! As someone that has posted some of my own, though be prepared for those purist "music snobs" that usually start their posts with things like "xxx was far superior to....!" one of the pitfals of collecting and sharing I'm afraid!! But some will love the chance to hear an alternate! :-) Thank you!
Actually, Mike Curb's version is surprisingly good, but I gotta tell you, Tom, Robin's version is the gold standard. The feeling in his voice as he sings of his lost love goes straight to the heart. As most people know, Robin wrote this for his younger sister, Susie, and recorded it in a bathroom in a Honolulu apartment to get the right echo. Trivia: Robin and Barrack Obama graduated from the same high school (Punahou School), although about 20 years apart!
I love these pop songs from the late 50s and early 60s era; songs with a good melody, lyrics that are simple but eternally meaningful. That's why it always sounds great even after half a century...
Mike Curb's backing is too heavy, and the harmony doesn't go with this kind of song. Robin has that teenage agony in his tone, and the sound is so late 50s/early 60s. Too bad he didn't have anything close to this good after. Surprise to know he wrote the song, so he's more than just a pretty face afterall. Tommy Roe has a distant second version, the rest are just...never mind.
It's what we were listening to in Grade Eight :)
skaha77 1 month ago
Hey SUSAN.. Teenager who works at McDonalds in a Vancouver Suburb.. Hope you played this.. Hope you liked it.
- the geezer who you served at 9 a.m. Dec 14th
skaha77 1 month ago
a current hit song by foster the people...all the other kicks...sounds very similar to this song by Robin luke...
similar beat with some extra bass;;;; same chords....
kafilover 2 months ago in playlist YouTube Mix for Robin Luke
I met Robin Luke at Missouri State University (then, Southwest MO State) in 1991. I was an MBA grad student, and he the head professor of the Marketing Dept. Some firm was running a TV ad for a collection of oldies but goodies. They used "Susie Darlin" without his permission. He brought a lawsuit against them. I never heard how the suit came out, but still cherish my memories of time spent with Robin Luke. Phillip Butler
phillipbutler5 2 months ago
@phillipbutler5 Hope he got some cash. Hopefully he didn't get ripped off too bad in the 50's with this hit.
crazyromanian1 2 weeks ago
One of my favorite. Thanks for uploading.
sukomsanru 2 months ago
no offense to Mike Curb or Tommy Roe but ya'll can't touch this
panhead58ful 2 months ago 3
@panhead58ful True
mollymitch1 1 month ago
I wonder how is it possible to listen this song dozens of times and never get bored of it? It's just wonderful...
cutarescualex 3 months ago 2
Thank you, TopshelfTom! 53 years later and I never get tired of hearing this song! Gotta see what else you have, now that I've come across your songs! Gotta get my Time Life Rock 'n Roll Era CDs out again and listen to them before I start listening to Christmas music.
1947musiclover 4 months ago in playlist YouTube Mix for Robin Luke
This was a hit in the Detroit-Windsor area by Robin Luke.
MrAlsfan5 6 months ago
Until Web radio, this tune was unknown for decades in Chicago, until a brief oldies station surfaced. Thanks for a clean copy of a fine record and production. Cha-cha-cha!
909chuck 6 months ago
One of the greatest hits of the late Fifties.
fozzelot 6 months ago
What is there to compare? They played this regularly on AM radio...
909kong 7 months ago
one of my all time favorites
i remember it like it was yesterday
old rocker from the 50's!
TheLadandLass 9 months ago
Robin Luke's version is number ONE! Blows Tommy Roe into the weeds!
d57z12 9 months ago 2
Robin Luke was 16 years old when he recorded this - at his home. Pretty amazing.
tink00000000 9 months ago 2
I remember hearing this on KRLA in Los Angeles in the 1970's when I was a kid.
andrewr62 9 months ago
In my humble opinion, the ONLY version!! Thank you, I finally know who this is.
jojo2mag 9 months ago
I remember the night this was played on Radio Luxembourg for the very first time.
Great. Thanks for posting.
g1h2nedlaw 9 months ago
oh man! Friday night middle school dances!
70bluestar 10 months ago
this is good
god7772007 10 months ago
the minimal instrumentation on this song is one of it's best features....it's not over produced. just the opposit of a phil spector wall-of-sound concept. both concepts are wonderful. the trick is knowing which to use,and when. this is simialr to the concept of "16 candels", in the use of the electic guitar not ringing throughout but only at certin points in the song to highlight. sounds like a fender stratocaster here. has a buddy holly influence as well.
TheBabyboomkidof53 10 months ago
Wow, so good to listen to this song again after twenty years... =D Thanks for posting, it's lovely!
nans 11 months ago
I've loved this song since I was a teenager. I used to listen to the oldies station in the 70's. Robin Luke was born & raised in Honolulu. Susie was his sister!
hubbachubba1 11 months ago
I have this 45 packed away somewhere but it wasn't a promo in fact it wasn't Dot I can't remember the label but it's small time
elamite66 11 months ago
to rainstormz28~~~I was 9~~~~when my mama jived!!!! wonderful song~~~~
lovescody17 11 months ago
hey darlins, I had a mother who rocked in those days, taught me everythig I know~~~greew up with robin, sam Cooke, Percy Sledge, Wilson pickett, shall I go on??~~~love this version~~~and all the others, I have never found 1 with him acutally singin~~~~~just still frames~~~but still grat~~~thanks always a 50ish kinda girl, I am know as rockin robin~~~love all kinds~~~~again, great song~~~~
lovescody17 11 months ago
Robin Lowe was from Hawaii, it was reported this song was recorded in his garage, it's one of the first songs I remember hearing as a very young child.
rainstormz28 1 year ago
used to play this as a teenager, still have the original 45
brownindian17 1 year ago
I like this original version. Brings back some priceless school memories.
kenpugeda 1 year ago
I believe I heard Robin Luke was from Hawaii.
Maybe wrong, but that is what I heard
Creaky1964 1 year ago
I was twelve years old living in a little Washington border town. I got a tiny record player for Christmas and wore out songs like this one. We are the lucky ones. We got to "live" this music, not just hear it years later.
rossbrent 1 year ago
NO DOUBT THAT THIS IS THE ORIGINAL TAPE TO VINYL HIT WE ALL GROOVED TO BACK THEN. THANKS. BRI.
pendragonshaw 1 year ago
Heard this one on the radio this morning, which is pretty rare. It's one of the best from the era, for sure. The Polynesian flavor makes it so unique - and it's also unique in that the original home recording was put into production by Randy Wood even though it was re-recorded in the studio soon after the original was recorded. Robin's transition to life as a college professor is also most interesting.
dllewiszz 1 year ago
I was 7 years old when I heard this,sitting in the back seat of my daddy's Ford,I loved it then and still do.I wish music and life had a rewind button on it ♥Things were so simple and innocent back then ♥ Thanks so much for posting this one ♥ TopshelfTom !
msstevie1951 1 year ago
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desttre 1 year ago
@desttre With all the problems you had to deal with, and don't forget
'A Boy Named Sue' , I'm surprised you didn't change your name
to Prudence. If I remember your old posts, you said you married a
lawyer, his favorite quote, "I sue, for Sue"!
fntime 1 year ago
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desttre 1 year ago
@desttre Susie, you give me sugar shock.(lol)
fntime 1 year ago
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desttre 1 year ago
This song released in August of 1958 was composed by Robin and song for his 5 year old sister. It worked for Robin Luke from Hawaii as he sold a million copies of his only hit record.
Ron--Highway Stars Magazine
rvictor64 1 year ago
As I recall, you are correct. The "Drums" was a cereal box and all the parts were recorded in his home and released as a regional record. Dot picked it up, added the steel guitar and a little production and made a monster hit. Last I heard, Luke was a collegee professor in Norfolk VA. I'd love to get a copy of the original island release!!
Mstrblu 1 year ago
ESTA CANCION ME HACE VOLVER A MI NIÑEZ Y VOLVER A MI MUNDO DE SUEÑOS, POR FAVOR SI ALGUIEN TIENE UNA VERSION DE ESTA CANCION EN ESPAÑOL, FAVOR DE SUBIRLA. GRACIAS.
vocho70 1 year ago
100 percent it was my first 45 when it came out i loved it and still do nice beat xxxxxxxxxxx
clambake34 1 year ago
Is there any surviving video or film (from the Dick Clark show, for example) of Robin Luke performing his great song? Now, that would be a treasure.
drrgperrin 1 year ago
I was 8 yrs old when this came out. My feelings for this song haven't changed in 50 years. I loved it then, I love it now!
steveinbelgium 1 year ago
One of my favorite songs---love the reverb and the bass played on the 6-string
MEC1992 1 year ago
Happy Birthday to my wonderful wife, Susie Darlin'!
dcmoorejr 1 year ago
I have never heard this song, i like it, reminds me of when i lived in Malaya 1960-63, and listening to all the American records of the time which were easily available, my mum and dad had a Brilliant collection, of which some i still own. Thanks for sharing my Cheri Amour !
gazzymodo 1 year ago
Comment removed
ChrisCurtisFan 1 year ago
@gazzymodo My pleasure, Gary!! For all the Chris Curtis music you've given me, it's a joy to give you a new song from the Buddy Holley era!! Cheri :-))
ChrisCurtisFan 1 year ago
@ChrisCurtisFan: you're probably correct. I got the info over the air maybe 30 plus years ago from an oldies dj probably looking for ratings.
oldschool19461 1 year ago
Wonderful!!!!! I had just turned 6 years old!!! Even then, I was soooooo into music!!!!
ChrisCurtisFan 1 year ago
This came out when I was 11, I love it still!
Irisheyes490 1 year ago
This is defintely the best version....and the original! I have really liked this song ever since it came out!! I just listened to the Mike Curb version for the first time. Its a good version but doesn't compare to the original. Robin's original just has a certain sound to it that was unique!! Love it!!
And, Tommy Roe's version really pales in comparison!!
KauaiIsLove 1 year ago
@KauaiIsLove Absolutely true!
drrgperrin 1 year ago
I've always loved Robin Lukes songs. This takes me all the way back to my young days. Thanks for posting it.
billconley32 1 year ago
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nomiclas 1 year ago
robin lukes is definitely the best. I loved the song from the first time I ever heard it.
lainamorris 1 year ago
I never knew Robin Luke wrote this song. WTG, Robin!
Tigermoon1950 1 year ago 2
SELL IT TO ME!!!!!
dinoderoble 1 year ago
@dinoderoble Noooooooo dean!!! LOL
TopshelfTom 1 year ago
@dinoderoble Classic 45s has two for sale at reasonable prices.
drrgperrin 1 year ago
@drrgperrin he wants my promo copy, not a stock copy.
TopshelfTom 1 year ago
Thanks for posting it and breaking your rule.
radioactive144 1 year ago
Just saw R. Luke at an oldes show in NY this past weekend. He was great!
charliebraxton1 1 year ago
i was 10 years old when this came out and didn't give a toot about music but the melodie haunted me for years till i finally figured out who did it and got a copy.the weird part is the magic has never left this tune and it still haunts me!
nomiclas 1 year ago
Stevie Winwood and Neil Young were still in short pants when Robin Luke wrote and recorded this so how can it be a rip-off???
speedyflinders 1 year ago
canzone bellissima che mi fa ricordare quando avevo 14 anni e facevamo le festine con i miei amici
4gabbiano 1 year ago
Yeah, Suzie Girl, that's it! That's the one I remember! Sounds like it could be Buddy Holly, doesn't it? Robin Luke....wtf......
rindelicatoyahoo 1 year ago
@guyglomore1...Robin is a Professor at Missouri State University. I guess he did ok.
chachihatesjoanie 1 year ago
this song got ripped off from steve winwood and niel young. still, i had the record and still like it. robin was unique. so was the guitar sound. whatever happened to robin luke anyway?
guyglowmore1 1 year ago
Robin Luke wrote this; how could he rip anybody off?
shakeypitt 1 year ago 2
@guyglowmore1
You are too young to remember the original, but Robin Luke wrote this and it came out around 1958
Flashback50s 1 year ago
I was a teenager when this came out, and it was the greatest song ever written by any artist at that time. Robin Luke didn't rip off anybody. He was a great artist in his own right.
rpetrics 1 year ago 3
Perhaps rip off is a little strong, but in those days the music industry was even more cut-throat than today. Sadly there are many lost royalties. And yes, this was a tribute to Holly's general sound, I have heard Holly covers from 58 right up until today from non-U.S. singers and bands from Mexico, South Africa, Canada, France, Britain of course, Germany and Taiwan to name a few. Alas he never lived to see most of it.
heyzog 1 year ago
This is the only version of this song worth playing.Isnt it ironic that Robin Ward with Wonderful summer is also one of my top 10 faves both on Dot Records which was originally owned by Lawrence Welk and Pat Boone wastheir biggest contemporary act.Play the Robin Luke and toss the rest simply put this is THE BEST!!!!!
miketheshanmanmangan 2 years ago
When this was recorded Buddy Holly was still alive. I remember this song when it came out well. The big thing about it was that itr was a cha-cha and Robin Luke was from Hawaii. I always hoped he would hit again.
john9944 2 years ago 2
Great 50s side....I don't think anyone ripped off Buddy Holly. I think songs like this were a tribute to Buddy. The Beatles were enormously influenced by Buddy....even the way they walked instage was patterend after The Crickets.
flamesounds 2 years ago 2
Thank you for uploading this selection.. i love to play it over and over again.. great oldie !
felixbautista 2 years ago 3
@heyzog; got some bad news for ya, Robin Luke wrote and recorded Susie Darlin in 1958 in Honolulu while he was a Junior at Punahou. The song is about his sister. I was there.
S. Douglas
MrSblackwater 2 years ago 3
@MrSblackwater Which makes you a witness to an important chapter in rock-and-roll history!
drrgperrin 1 year ago
And by the way, for the record I'd never support the argument that Buddy Holly ripped off ANYONE.
I'm simply saying that argument could be made.
MJLatora 2 years ago
More people made more money ripping Buddy Holly off than Holly made in his lifetime.
heyzog 2 years ago
That's a little harsh, no ? I don't think Luke ( or other simialr artists, Bobby Helms, Guy Mitchell et al ) "ripped off" Buddy Holly. On the contrary, I think their work was homage to the groundbreaking Holly did. I mean, an argument COULD be made that Holly ripped off Elvis & Perkins & Gene Vincent merely becasue he came along after they hit the big stride.
Did all the British Invasion bands "rip of" the Beatles, or did they more accurately emulate them?
Did Jim Croce rip off Dylan ?
MJLatora 2 years ago 5
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MJLatora 2 years ago
I haven't heard this in years and years!! I loved it then and I love it now!! Thanks for the post!!
ChrisCurtisFan 2 years ago 7
@ChrisCurtisFan Can't you just imagine The Searchers playing this?
vangelovan 5 months ago
@vangelovan -- It would be brilliant! Sigh...... :-) Are you a Searchers or Chris Curtis fan??
ChrisCurtisFan 5 months ago
Dennis Hopper and Molly Ringwald dance to this song in 'The Pick-Up Artist'....so cute!
castma83 2 years ago 2
i once heard a rumor that this was Ritchie Valens recording under a assumed name, of course it wasn't true
d820m 2 years ago 2
Great songs like this make me wonder why people do not write songs like this anymore
cuznred 2 years ago 3
whatever happened to the little sister susie?
ednafabian 2 years ago 2
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desttre 2 years ago 2
In May 1958, in the bedroom in a downtown apartment, Punahou senior Robin Luke recorded "Susie Darlin'," backing up his
own vocals with guitar and ukulele while someone else provided percussion using a cardboard LP cover, two pens and a stick.
Many think that the song is about a guy who had broken up with his girlfriend. The song takes a different meaning.
Susie Darlin' was recorded in memory of his 5 year old sister.
It was a one hit wonder for him, and popular into the early 60's.
rhh1945 2 years ago 4
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desttre 2 years ago 3
Susan, how many sock hops did you go to, and this song was played. The Tommy Roe version isn't bad, but its hard to beat the original.
rhh1945 2 years ago 2
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desttre 2 years ago 2
i thougt i will never hear this song again.a million thanks to topshelfTom.
ednafabian 2 years ago 4
i love this version. what happen to Robin Luke?
thank
boobeejoo 2 years ago 3
I just read he is a University professor at a Missouri university (st. Louis) - dept. of Marketing. He's the dept. head and has a Ph.D
youvexme 2 years ago 2
Okay, he is not professor at "a Missouri university (st. Louis)" He is the head of the marketing department at my college, Missouri State University which is located 3 and a half hours away from St. Louis in Springfield, MO
SantiSisky 2 years ago 2
Comment removed
desttre 2 years ago 2
Your information is correct, SantiSisky.
fbenenati 2 years ago 2
The little cry in his voice reminds me of Buddy Holly. Great tune!
Tigermoon1950 2 years ago 2
I have to go with the Luke version.
I rarely like subsequent versions as well as the original.
The other two are interesting, tho'.
doug4522000 2 years ago 2
In Canada was available also on 78 rpm...because of the groove size there was a better base response...nice
gk7845 2 years ago 2
Something about the Robin Luke version make it the winner in my opinion---love the song--thx for the post.
brucer12 2 years ago 3
i love this song when I was just 10 years old and i find it soooo cool! my name is susie darlin'
initangulo 2 years ago 2
I was ten years old when this song came out too, in 1957. I married a Susie too.
fbenenati 2 years ago 2
Original is still the best. Only occasionally do I like covers.
johnr556 2 years ago
Susie Darlin' was a favorite from the first time I heard it. Then, I had Robin Luke as a marketing professor at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA, and we enjoyed reminescing about the song!
1eds777 2 years ago 3
I was 11 when this record came out and I immediately loved it. I've heard all the "wanna be's and they don't compare to the original. Sometimes, a song needs to stand alone and be left alone!
leafpeeper47 2 years ago 3
this is great , i was 15 when it came out i'm now in my 60s --thanks for posting
beverleye 2 years ago
Great memories, I also have Tommy Roe's version of this song, which is every bit as good if not better.
Both great.
RayBushfox 2 years ago
I have heard the same story that he is singing about his sister who passed away.....if you listen to the words it makes sense......great song from the past!
phildo0513 2 years ago
One hit wonder, but a wonderful hit.
Tigermoon1950 2 years ago
Mar kjartansson I heard this song in first time for couple of weeks ago,,,I decide to Add it to my Favorite Susi must have been a very nice CAT
markjartansson 2 years ago
Haven't heard for a very long time
I liked very much.
aguilas231 2 years ago 4
I was 19 when this song came out. I loved it then and i still do .God i'm getting old .!!!!!!!!!
RockingchairBill 2 years ago 8
To put it in perspective....my mother was one month away from turning 8 years old, when this song was released in June of 1958.
TopshelfTom 2 years ago
@RockingchairBill Man, I was 13 that summer, in '58.. Pal, you ain't gettin' old by yourself..! Will be 66, in September..
zipper179 1 year ago
@RockingchairBill You are not alone. Live on BRO .Sweet memories. Do not catch Diabetic . HA HA HA
zakikhan52 1 year ago
I married a Susie darling, and we are still together after 39 years. This came out when I was 11 years old. What a great song.
fbenenati 2 years ago 16
Comment removed
desttre 1 year ago
@desttre
Sorry that it was a troubled 23 years. I have been blessed with my Susie Darling, and it will be 40 years for us this coming August. I hope life brings you happiness for the rest of your life. Thanks for your interest. Glad that YouTube gives us the ability to hear this song on and on.
Fred
fbenenati 1 year ago
This is "the shit" that's what people say this days when something is really good.
This is the original from 1958.
harfuch1 2 years ago 3
Comment removed
desttre 2 years ago 3
great great tune man, thank you so much for posting! Uber!
buddyeagle 2 years ago 5
Whew! I've been searching for this song for hours (after hearing a clip, from the movie "The Pick-up Artist). I couldn't remember the title, or artist....perseverance paid off! I've always liked this song. Thanks for the upload! 10+ stars!
jsbach15 2 years ago 6
Haven't heard this in a while. Easy tune to figure out off the record on guitar!
Good song. I also like the "now" part he sings before the third verse!
jfab64 2 years ago 5
This version by Robin Luke was my favorite song as a teenager. Thank you for posting. Like the others, it brings back so many pleasant and carefree memories. Long Live Music! Donna
sourrooster 2 years ago 5
The best rendition of this song was done by Robin Luke though I think Buddy Holly could have done it better had he lived.
PatricioBridges 2 years ago 3
he did that the best...
rolandquinlan 2 years ago 4
Thanks I heard it again.
nancyfloressantos 2 years ago 2
from Hawaii...Robin Luke..I really like this better than any other version...I have a cd with 8 takes on this that Robin released years ago...He changed it up a few times... Tommy Roe was very similiar in voice to Robin
DukeBasil 2 years ago 4
This being the original it deserves due credit .But the version you grow up with is always hard to beat, here in Australia the 1970s version by Barry Crocker had a really catchy feel to it .I uploaded it a few months back would welcome your comments .( Suzie Darlin - Barry Crocker - Suzi Quatro .) ....Cheers malabu2....
malabu2 2 years ago
malabu2 - I'm glad you like Suzi Quatro's version. My personal taste still prefers Robin Luke's original. Thanks for posting your favorite so that everyone can see what is popular in other places.
Bob10123456 2 years ago
Actually i'ts the Barry Crocker version that i rate highly and suggest everyone should have a look at .CHEERS ALL.
malabu2 2 years ago
Comment removed
oldschool19461 2 years ago
What were the circumstances... I never knew there was a story behind this song
Please elaborate
tut001x 2 years ago
Comment removed
oldschool19461 2 years ago
I've found nothing online mentioning the song being about his sister's DEATH, only that the song is about his sister. Got any proof otherwise?
TopshelfTom 2 years ago
I heard Robin is on the faculty at a college in SW Missouri.
fbenenati 2 years ago 2
@oldschool19461 went to robinluke website and found only one reference to his sister. I was hoping the story was true! It would appear not. However, I still love the song. Reminds me of the style of Buddy Holley. Hadn't heard the song in probably 45 years!
ChrisCurtisFan 1 year ago
@oldschool19461 Robin's sister, Susie, was very much alive when this song was written. She was still alive and living a normal life in the 1985, the last time I was associated with the family. In 1967, I married my high school sweetheart, who happened to be Robin Luke's cousin.
trs119 1 year ago
@trs119 You are correct. I deleted that comment I had heard from an oldies dj about twenty-five, thirty years ago. Thank you for the update...
oldschool19461 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@trs119 You are correct and I pulled that comment I had heard from an oldies dj about 25-30 years ago; probably just trying for who knows what. Thank you for the update...
oldschool19461 1 year ago
According to LUKE!...
Another sterling example
of a song that could never
be covered...or improved
by anyone else. From here
to eternity, 'Susie Darlin'' is
(and will be always) the
signature specialty of
Robin Luke!
three185 2 years ago 2
this is the best version I have heard. thanks for posting. You made me happy. my name is susie darlin' too that's why i really love this song!!!!!!!!
initangulo 2 years ago 4
I suppose you always like the version you grew up with most. I have listened to several of these but this one still seemed the best to me. Didn't like Tommy Roe's at all.
Mike Curb's was good but a bit ponderous at times - too many notes the same length. A couple of German versions I heard were quite good too, especially Peter Kraus's.
This was the first song I ever requested on a request show when I was about 9 in 19589. (Though I think I thought Elvis ought to be singing it!)
carozealand 2 years ago
Always a winner in my memory. Background clatter fit right in w my playing card slapping against bike spokes as I rode through streets of Winter Park, FL while eating mosquitoes during Junior High! Thanks for posting.
cheftaxi 2 years ago
The original and best version.
Thanks for posting.
skipastar1 2 years ago 4
I cried to this song 30 years ago and I still do now.
Perfidiame 2 years ago 3
This is the one and only version of "Susie Darlin´" for me and he most of mexicans, the others ones simply didn´t exist.
Chacmool 2 years ago
Check Barry Crocker version.....he liked this version. In 1975 he did a very slick version....it has a suzi Quatro video added to it.I like this...the original version as well.
aristacourt 2 years ago
Mon 1er achat (78 RPM...) 1958 Bravo!
miredo07 2 years ago
Excellent and superior by a mile to the Mike Curb version. This one takes me back to along ago time when the sun always seemed to shine and things were a lot simpler. Nice one!
richio44 2 years ago 5
It's wonderful what real talent could do with the simplest recording equipment in those faraway days when I was just 14 .... It's the best version of Susie by far!
StripDrill 2 years ago 9
This is the best version in my opimion for sure
GeneVeeAnachronism 2 years ago 4
I did and go hear Mike Curb's version.Pretty good.But Robin's is the one we all grew up with.
nanajanamike 2 years ago 5
Now i know where the Beatles stole their sound from. They must have been listening to bootleg copies of this song in liverpool along with buddy holly....
karbyk62 2 years ago
Rock & roll wasn't always accepted/promoted by the BBC. That's why the pirate radio stations sprang up over there. John & Paul and many of their peers thrived on this "unacceptable" music. Then when they became hit acts, they included this material in their shows.
pgh45rpms 2 years ago
The Robin Luke 1958 hit is thee one period enough said.This song is cryin for a 2009 remake..
miketheshanmanmangan 2 years ago
couldn't agree more, one of the greatest song from the jive days.
paulfboylan 2 years ago
By whom? Robin Luke did a remake a few years ago that is not nearly as good as this..... but as i've said in many places, I am just nuts about Mike Curb's 1965 version.
TopshelfTom 2 years ago
Brian 'Top 40' Taylor used to run through the 3UZ, you guessed it, yes, the Top 40, every Sunday afternoon. My brother had a bow and arrow. I used to wait for this wonderful song and pluck the single string of the bow, in accompaniment to the rhythm. That's as far as i got with musical instruments I'm afraid. Still love this song though.
DENISMURRELL 2 years ago
Absolutely love this song. Can't play it enough.
tolduso4547 2 years ago 3
...Here I thought 'Rate the version" was a song!! :-) I love hearing alternate tracks myself! Sometimes I like them better than the "popular" ones!! As someone that has posted some of my own, though be prepared for those purist "music snobs" that usually start their posts with things like "xxx was far superior to....!" one of the pitfals of collecting and sharing I'm afraid!! But some will love the chance to hear an alternate! :-) Thank you!
005jonnybeez 2 years ago
Actually, Mike Curb's version is surprisingly good, but I gotta tell you, Tom, Robin's version is the gold standard. The feeling in his voice as he sings of his lost love goes straight to the heart. As most people know, Robin wrote this for his younger sister, Susie, and recorded it in a bathroom in a Honolulu apartment to get the right echo. Trivia: Robin and Barrack Obama graduated from the same high school (Punahou School), although about 20 years apart!
oldiesrnow 2 years ago
I prefer this original version- pls. don't delete .. will mark this one of my favorites- brings me back to memory lane.
felixbautista 2 years ago
I love these pop songs from the late 50s and early 60s era; songs with a good melody, lyrics that are simple but eternally meaningful. That's why it always sounds great even after half a century...
syiu222 2 years ago
Mike Curb's backing is too heavy, and the harmony doesn't go with this kind of song. Robin has that teenage agony in his tone, and the sound is so late 50s/early 60s. Too bad he didn't have anything close to this good after. Surprise to know he wrote the song, so he's more than just a pretty face afterall. Tommy Roe has a distant second version, the rest are just...never mind.
syiu222 2 years ago 2
So late 50's and early 60's? What should it have sounded like?
Azishome 2 years ago
Check out the version I've got posted by Mike Curb and let me know how you think it compares. I love them both!
TopshelfTom 2 years ago