About the song
“Little Bitty Pretty One” is a catchy rock ‘n’ roll tune that emerged from the vibrant music scene of 1957. While the song itself boasts a fascinating history, it’s also marked by an unfortunate twist involving copyright.
The story begins with Bobby Day, the song’s original writer and recording artist. Day, under his real name Robert James Byrd, released his version on the Class label in July 1957. It garnered some attention, particularly in Canada, reaching No. 11 on the CHUM Chart. However, the song’s true claim to fame came just weeks later with a cover by Thurston Harris.
Produced by Los Angeles-based Aladdin Records, Harris’s version featuring backing vocals by The Sharps, took the song to new heights. It climbed the U.S. charts, peaking at No. 6 on the Billboard Best-Sellers chart and reaching an even more impressive No. 2 on the R&B chart. This success cemented “Little Bitty Pretty One” as a beloved oldies classic, instantly recognizable for its hummed opening.
The song’s popularity continued to grow throughout the years, finding its way into films like “Christine” (1983), “Little Monsters” (1989), and “Matilda” (1996). However, a legal issue surrounding copyright cast a shadow over this success story.
In 1991, Jacqueline Byrd, Bobby Day’s widow, discovered a crucial piece of information. A letter addressed to her husband from the Copyright Office revealed that the copyright for “Little Bitty Pretty One” had not been renewed. This meant that royalty payments for the song, which could have provided financial support for Byrd and her family until 2037, had ceased. Unfortunately, Day was battling cancer at the time, and Byrd made the heartbreaking decision not to burden him with this news.
“Little Bitty Pretty One” serves as a reminder of the enduring power of music, but also the complexities of copyright law. While the song continues to bring joy to listeners, the story behind it highlights the importance of copyright protection for artists and their families.
Video
Lyrics
Mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mm
Mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mm
Mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mm
Mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mm
Mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mm
Mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mm
Mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mm
Mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mm
Little bitty pretty one
Come on and talk-a to me
Lovey dovey lovey one
Come sit down on my knee
Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah
Tell you a story
Happened long time ago
A-little bitty pretty one
I’ve been watchin’ you grow
Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah
Little bitty pretty one
Come on and talk-a to me
Lovey dovey lovey one
Come sit down on my knee
Mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mm
Mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mm
Mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mm
Mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mm
Mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mm
Mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mm
Mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mm
Mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mm
Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah