Introduction
“Girl Happy” is a lively track recorded by Elvis Presley for the soundtrack of his 1965 film of the same name. The song was penned by renowned songwriters Doc Pomus and Norman Meade (a pseudonym for Jerry Ragovoy). Interestingly, an initial attempt to create a title song for the movie was made by Pomus in collaboration with his long-time partner Mort Shuman; however, this version was ultimately rejected, leading Pomus to work with Meade on the final composition.
Recording sessions for “Girl Happy” took place on June 10, 1964, at Radio Recorders studio in Hollywood, California, during the soundtrack sessions for the film. The movie, directed by Boris Sagal, is a musical romantic comedy featuring Presley as Rusty Wells, a nightclub singer tasked with keeping an eye on his boss’s daughter during her spring break in Fort Lauderdale. The film also stars Shelley Fabares, Gary Crosby, and Mary Ann Mobley.
The “Girl Happy” soundtrack album, released by RCA Victor in March 1965, includes 12 tracks, with “Girl Happy” as the opening number. The album achieved commercial success, peaking at number eight on the Top LP’s chart and earning a Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America on July 15, 1999.
Upon its release, the film “Girl Happy” received positive reviews for its lighthearted storyline and catchy musical numbers. Variety praised it as “another musical winner,” noting that the film provided the type of pleasant fare Presley’s fans had come to expect.
While the song “Girl Happy” itself was not released as a single, other tracks from the soundtrack gained attention. “Do the Clam,” released approximately a month before the album, peaked at number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remained on the chart for eight weeks. Another track, “Puppet on a String,” reached number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 3 on the Adult Contemporary chart, further contributing to the soundtrack’s success.
“Girl Happy” exemplifies the upbeat and carefree spirit of Elvis Presley’s mid-1960s film soundtracks, capturing the essence of youthful exuberance and the joy of romance. The song remains a testament to Presley’s versatility as an entertainer and his ability to bring energy and charm to his musical performances.