Wednesday 45 Flashback: ‘Good Golly Miss Molly’

In honor of Little Richard’s b-day, I present not his 1956 original of “Good Golly Miss Molly” but a British Invasion cover version.

Ever hear of a Liverpool band called the Swinging Blue Jeans? They were one-hit wonders in the United States with their 1964 version of “Hippy Hippy Shake.” This revival of “Miss Molly” was the group’s follow-up single.

It didn’t raise any hell in America, but it almost cracked the Top 10 in Britain... which I can’t explain. This version is pretty soft.

I didn’t know about the Swinging Blue Jeans until I stumbled on this video at thunderbird1958’s YouTube page. Come to find out, this band –just like the Beatles – paid its dues playing Hamburg dives and Liverpool’s Cavern Club.

The Swinging BJs even sang German on a few records, just like the Beatles did a German-language version of “I Wanna Hold Your Hand.” Supposedly these chaps released German recordings of “Good Golly Miss Molly” and “Tutti Frutti.” Those I’d like to hear.

Believe it or not, the Swinging Blue Jeans are still active on the oldies circuit, led by singer/guitarist Ray Ennis... the same gent you’ll hear if you click below.