To Know Him Is to Love Him

"To Know Him Is to Love Him" is a song written by Phil Spector, inspired by words on his father's tombstone, "To Know Him Was to Love Him."^[3] It was first recorded by the only vocal group of which he was a member,^[2] the Teddy Bears. Their recording spent three weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1958,^[4] while reaching No. 2 on the UK's New Musical Express chart.^[5] Peter & Gordon and Bobby Vinton later had hits with the song, with its title and lyrics changed to "To Know You Is to Love You". In 1987, the song was resurrected by Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris, whose Trio recording topped the U.S. country singles chart.

"To Know Him Is to Love Him"

"Don't You Worry My Little Pet"

September 1958^[1]

1958

Pop

2:18

Doré

Phil Spector^[2]

The song is in 12/8 time.

"To Know You Is to Love You"

"I Told You So"

1965

2:33

"The Beat of My Heart"

1969

Pop

2:21

Billy Sherrill

January 26, 1987

3:48

Phil Spector

recorded two versions, both retitled "To Know Her Is to Love Her". One version was on their January 1962 audition tapes with Decca, not released during the band's existence and not included on Anthology 1. The second version was recorded on 16 July 1963 for the Pop Go The Beatles radio show and was not officially released until 1994, on their Live at the BBC compilation album. John Lennon recorded his own version of the song in 1973 ("To Know Her Is to Love Her"), but it would not see release until the 1986 posthumous compilation Menlove Ave.^[22]

The Beatles

In 1972, released her version as a single and on the album There's a Party Goin' On.^[23] Miller's version reached No. 18 on Billboard's Hot Country Singles chart,^[24] No. 20 on Record World's Country Singles Chart,^[25] and No. 21 on the Cash Box Country Top 75 chart.^[26] It also reached No. 12 on Canada's RPM Country Playlist.^[27]

Jody Miller

In 1973, did a cover, retitled as "To Know You Is to Love You", on his album Touch Me

Gary Glitter

In 2006, included her recording of the song as the B-side to the UK release of her single, "You Know I'm No Good".^[28]^[29]

Amy Winehouse

In 2010, and David Gilmour, formerly of Pink Floyd, reunited to perform the song for the Hoping Foundation's annual fundraiser.^[30]

To Know Him Is to Love Him