About the Song
The Righteous Brothers and the irresistible “(Little Latin Lupe Lu)”
The Righteous Brothers are an American pop and soul duo consisting of Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield. The duo found success in the early 1960s with their signature brand of blue-eyed soul, a style that combined elements of pop, soul, and R&B. One of their most popular songs is “(Little Latin Lupe Lu),” a catchy tune that topped the charts in the United States and several other countries in 1963.
“(Little Latin Lupe Lu)” is a vibrant and upbeat song that tells the story of a young man’s infatuation with a beautiful Latina woman. The song is full of colorful imagery and catchy lyrics, such as the line “Little Latin Lupe Lu, she’s my kind of girl.” The song’s irresistible melody and infectious energy have made it a classic of the doo-wop era.
The song was written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, a husband-and-wife songwriting team who penned many other hits for The Righteous Brothers, as well as for other artists such as Dionne Warwick and Dusty Springfield. Mann and Weil were inspired to write “(Little Latin Lupe Lu)” after seeing a young Latina woman dancing at a club in New York City.
“(Little Latin Lupe Lu)” was released as a single in 1963 and quickly became a hit. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and also topped the charts in Canada, the United Kingdom, and several other countries. The song’s success helped to make The Righteous Brothers one of the most popular pop duos of the early 1960s.
“(Little Latin Lupe Lu)” has been covered by many other artists over the years, including The Beach Boys, The Supremes, and Los Lobos. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and its ability to capture the excitement and innocence of young love.
Some interesting facts about the song:
- The song was originally written for Elvis Presley, but he turned it down.
- The song’s title is a reference to Lupe Vélez, a Mexican-American actress who was popular in the 1940s and 1950s.
- The song’s distinctive guitar riff was played by Bobby Hatfield.
- The song was featured in the 1992 film “Thelma and Louise.”
“(Little Latin Lupe Lu)” is a classic pop song that has stood the test of time. Its catchy melody, infectious energy, and timeless lyrics have made it a favorite among fans of all ages.
Barbara Desetto