The Spaniels - Goodnite, Sweetheart, Goodnite (1954)

Originally named Pookie Hudson and The Hudsonaires, this group is sometimes considered the first vocal group to have a “leader” due to Hudson having his own microphone while the others shared a second for backup vocals. They came from Gary, Indiana in 1952 after having played for their high school.

Upon graduation, they changed their named and signed with Vee-Jay Records, the first large, African-American owned record company. Although this was the group’s most well-known hit, The McGuire Sisters had more success covering it later in the year when trying to record a version that would “appeal to white audiences.”



The Spaniels - Goodnite, Sweetheart, Goodnite (1954)

Loading the ABLYAM player...(Might not work on mobile devices)

Lyrics:

Goodnight, sweetheart; well it's time to go
Goodnight, sweetheart; well it's time to go
I hate to leave you, but I really must say
Oh, goodnight, sweetheart, goodnight

Goodnight, sweetheart; well it's time to go
Goodnight, sweetheart; well it's time to go
I hate to leave you, I really must say
Oh, goodnight, sweetheart, goodnight

Well, it's three o'clock in the morning
Baby, I just can't get right
Well I hate to leave you, baby
I don't mean maybe, because I love you so

Goodnight, sweetheart, well, it's time to go
Goodnight, sweetheart, well, it's time to go
I hate to leave you, I really must say
Oh, goodnight, sweetheart, goodnight

Mother, oh, and your father
Wouldn’t like it if I stay here too long
One kiss and we'll stop
And I’ll be going
You know I hate to go

Goodnight, sweetheart, well, it's time to go
Goodnight, sweetheart, well, it's time to go
I hate to leave you, I really must say
Oh, goodnight, sweetheart, goodnight