Here Comes Summer

Album: Biggest Summer Hits (1959)
Charted: 1 14
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • American singer Jerry Keller formed his first group, The Lads of Note, whilst still in his teens in the early 1950s. After studying at the University of Tulsa, Keller moved to New York in 1956. He attended the same church there as Pat Boone, who sent him to see Marty Mills who became Keller's manager. This song became his only hit as a recording artist on the UK and US singles charts, but he later carved out a successful career as a songwriter. Among the hits he co-penned were Andy Williams' successful single "Almost There," from the 1964 movie I'd Rather Be Rich. He also wrote the English lyric for "A Man and A Woman " from the 1966 French Academy Award winning film Un Homme et Une Femme, which has been recorded by a number of artists, including Ella Fitzgerald, Engelbert Humperdinck and Johnny Mathis.
  • Many consider this song, which celebrates teenage innocence, to be the UK's first ever summer hit. Strangely, though it entered the UK charts in August, this song arrived at #1 in the rather unseasonal month of October.
  • The Dave Clark Five revived this song in 1970, but their version proved less successful peaking at #44 in the UK.

Comments: 4

  • Brady6 from Ohio, Usa“Here Comes Summer” was recorded in late 1958. Wisely, it was held back for release for the summer of 1959. Planned for release in early May, for some reason it was delayed several weeks. That probably is why the song did not reach the top ten in the US.
  • Paul from LondonI've seen a record label dated 1958 for this single. Am I right in thinking this song was first released in States that year but it failed to chart? When released a whole year later in the UK in the autumn of 1959 it went straight to No.1!
  • AnonymousI've seen a record label dated 1958 for this single. Am I right in thinking this song was first released in States that year but it failed to chart? When released a whole year later in the UK in the autumn of 1959 it went straight to No.1!
  • Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn June 23rd 1959, "Here Comes Summer" by Jerry Keller entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart; eventually it peaked at #14 and spent 13 weeks on the Top 100...
    And on October 9th, 1959 it reached #1 (for 1 week) on the United Kingdom's Singles chart...
    Mr. Keller celebrated his 77th birthday three days ago on June 20th, 2014.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

JJ Burnel of The Stranglers

JJ Burnel of The StranglersSongwriter Interviews

JJ talks about The Stranglers' signature sound - keyboard and bass - which isn't your typical strain of punk rock.

Frankie Valli

Frankie ValliSong Writing

An interview with Frankie Valli, who talks about why his songs - both solo and with The Four Seasons - have endured, and reflects on his time as Rusty Millio on The Sopranos.

James Williamson of Iggy & the Stooges

James Williamson of Iggy & the StoogesSongwriter Interviews

The Stooges guitarist (and producer of the Kill City album) talks about those early recordings and what really happened with David Bowie.

Tom Keifer of Cinderella

Tom Keifer of CinderellaSongwriter Interviews

Tom talks about the evolution of Cinderella's songs through their first three albums, and how he writes as a solo artist.

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About Transgenderism

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About TransgenderismSong Writing

A history of songs dealing with transgender issues, featuring Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Morrissey and Green Day.

Bob Dylan Lyric Quiz

Bob Dylan Lyric QuizMusic Quiz

Think you know your Bob Dylan lyrics? Take this quiz to find out.