The Legacy of ‘Will You Love Me Tomorrow’: How The Shirelles Paved the Way for Girl Groups

“Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” sometimes known as “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow,” is a song written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King. It was first recorded in 1960 by The Shirelles for their album Tonight’s the Night. Released as a single in November 1960, it became the first song by an African-American girl group to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Will You Love Me Tomorrow

Chart-Topping Achievement: “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” reached number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in 1961, marking a significant milestone for African-American girl groups in the music industry.

B-Side Track: The single’s B-side, “Boys,” also gained popularity and was later covered by The Beatles on their debut album, Please Please Me.

Songwriters’ Success: The song was penned by the legendary songwriting duo Gerry Goffin and Carole King, who were responsible for numerous hits during the Brill Building era.

Carole King’s Version: In 1971, Carole King recorded her own rendition of the song for her acclaimed album Tapestry, offering a more introspective and mature interpretation.

Cultural Impact: The song has been featured in various films, television shows, and commercials over the decades, cementing its status as a timeless classic.

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