About The Song
The narrative commences in a straightforward manner. A group of individuals harmonizing over a captivating backbeat sets the stage for what became the enduring charm of “Little Bitty Pretty One,” a timeless Rock ‘n’ Roll classic that effortlessly ascended the pop charts. Being recognized for such a remarkable song is certainly a fitting legacy for a one-hit wonder.
Thurston Harris emerged from the early R&B scene of Los Angeles, contributing his vocals to various groups such as The Lamplighters, The Tenderfoots, and The Sharps. It was with support from The Sharps that Harris recorded his iconic hit, “Little Bitty Pretty One.” (Later, The Sharps achieved substantial success with “Papa-Oom-Mow-Mow” under the moniker The Rivingtons, following Harris’s departure.)
The Song Of The Day, “Little Bitty Pretty One,” was penned by Bobby Day, also known for writing The Dave Clark Five’s hit “Over And Over” and gaining notable recognition for his rendition of “Rockin’ Robin,” famously covered by Michael Jackson. The single, released in 1957 on the Aladdin record label, swiftly climbed to the impressive #6 spot on the Billboard singles chart.
This song has garnered cover versions by various artists such as Frankie Avalon, Frankie Lymon, Clyde McPhatter, The Dave Clark Five, The Jackson Five, Cliff Richard, Lindisfarne, and Huey Lewis & The News. Moreover, it found its way into several films, including Matilda, Christine, Corinna Corinna, The Princess Diaries, and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, as well as the British TV show Lipstick On Your Collar. Additionally, it became a featured piece in commercials for Lipton Teas, Heinz soups, and Bird’s Eye frozen vegetables.
Despite the enduring popularity of the song, Thurston Harris’s post-“Little Bitty Pretty One” career did not share the same trajectory. His presence on the pop charts was limited to one more occasion with the 1958 single “Do What You Did,” which reached #20 on the R&B charts.
Following recordings for Dot, Cub, Imperial, Reprise, and United Artists, Harris spent the remainder of his life in relative anonymity, working as a bus driver for the city of Los Angeles. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to him, his records continued to enjoy popularity in Europe, where tracks like “Do What You Did,” “Hey Baba Leba,” and “In the Bottom of My Heart” became dance floor hits in Northern Soul circles.
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Lyric
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