Here’s one you probably haven’t heard. Today’s classic song of the day is a lost track from singer Joanie Sommers, better known for her misogynistic 1962 hit, “Johnny Get Angry.” It’s called “Don’t Pity Me” and it should have been a hit— but wasn’t.
“Don’t Pity Me” was released in 1965 and went exactly nowhere—at the time. In later years it got rediscovered by UK dance club DJs and became a staple on the Northern Soul circuit.
I kind of like this one; it has a Pet Clark-like mid-60s sophisticated city vibe, but with a little more of an R&B bite. It was written by Jerry Stuart and Tommy Oliver. Jerry doesn’t pop up anywhere on any radar I can find, but Tommy apparently did some producing and arranging for Julie London, The New Seekers, Bobbie Gentry, The Osmonds (including Donnie and Jimmie solo efforts), Vikki Carr, and, believe it or not, the Jefferson Airplane.
I certainly don’t remember hearing “Don’t Pity Me” on the radio at the time. I stumbled across it on a compilation from Warner Music Group called Northern Soul: Classic Singles. The Northern Soul scene has done a great job unearthing previously forgotten tracks and bringing them to the attention of a new generation of listeners.
And here’s another little rarity for your daily bonus video of the day. It’s Joanie Sommers lip syncing “Don’t Pity Me” on the May 11, 1965, episode of Hullaballoo. This is some great blue-eyed soul.
