About the song
Shelley Fabares’ rendition of “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do,” a song that originally skyrocketed to fame when first released by Neil Sedaka in 1962, provides a unique interpretation that resonates with her fans and remains an intriguing cover version in her musical repertoire. Shelley Fabares, who emerged as a pop culture icon in the 1960s, notably starring in “The Donna Reed Show,” ventured successfully into music and this song featured prominently in her career.
Neil Sedaka, who co-wrote this classic with Howard Greenfield, crafted a song that skillfully captures the emotional turmoil of parting ways in a relationship. The catchy melody juxtaposed with the poignant lyrics struck a chord with audiences, making Sedaka’s version a major hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts during its original release.
Shelley Fabares’ cover of “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” was included in her 1962 album “Things We Did Last Summer,” which showcased her vocal range and her ability to interpret songs with a distinctive charm and freshness. While her version did not replicate the chart-topping success of Sedaka’s original, it was well-received and added a delightful variety to her musical offerings.
Fabares’ version brings a slightly different flavor to the song, highlighting her soft, melodic voice which adds a tender and perhaps more reflective quality to the lyrics. This resonated particularly well with her existing fan base, who knew her from her television persona, where she often played roles that exemplified the ideal American teenager of the era.
For a discerning audience with an appreciation for the sounds of the early ’60s pop scene, Shelley Fabares’ “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” offers a nostalgic look back at a time when music was on the cusp of major changes, moving towards more complex and varied sounds. Her interpretation remains a memorable part of that transition, reflecting the era’s innocent charm and the emotional honesty that artists began to infuse into their music.
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