Before it became one of the most beloved love songs of the 1960s,Brian Wilson's 1964 classic was born from a quiet, comforting moment that sparked its timeless romance.
"Don't Worry Baby" came after Wilson faced a frustrating day in the recording studio. He was comforted by his then-girlfriendMarilyn Rovell, perAmerican Songwriter.
The publication quoted Wilson's memoir,Wouldn't It Be Nice: My Own Story, where Wilson shared that Rovell offered support, saying, "Don't worry, baby, it's going to be great."
The songwriter wrote, "I called lyricistRoger Christianand told him I had an idea. He met me one afternoon at my parents' house, where, in one of our last collaborations, we wrote a lush ballad whose title and chorus came directly from Marilyn's comforting words, 'Don't Worry, Baby.' I knew the song was a smash before we finished writing it."
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The song's inspiration came from Wilson's favorite song, "Be My Baby" by The Ronettes. After he wrote "Don't Worry Baby," Wilson reportedly offered the song toPhil Spectorfor the girl group to record. However, Spector wasn't interested in a song he didn't have a hand in writing.
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Ronnie Spectorreleased her cover of "Don't Worry Baby" in 1999. The song was included on her EPShe Talks to Rainbows, produced byJoey Ramone. Although the song was originally written for her by Wilson in 1964, she did not officially record it until 35 years later.
Wilson found out that Spector finally recorded the song during a 1999 interview withRodney Bingenheimeron KROQ. His reaction is priceless.
In 2002, the twomusiclegends were reunited ahead of Wilson's concert at The Beacon Theater in New York City. They discussed the song and why its important to both of them.
"You wrote 'Don't Worry Baby' right after we recorded 'Be My Baby,'" Spector said. "That song was supposed to be for me, and Phil [Spector] didn't write it, so he said, 'No way.'"
RELATED:1963: Brian Wilson's Most Personal Song Is Still Ranked Among His GreatestSpector exclaimed, "It's such a great [expletive] song! 'Don't Worry Baby' would have been the perfect follow-up to 'Be My Baby.' Instead, he did 'Baby I Love You.'"
"I waited years to do it," Spector told Wilson. He responded, "This is so special, I can't believe it."
"Don't Worry Baby" reachedNo. 24 on the Billboard Hot 100 in July 1964. The song remained on the charts for 10 weeks and became a timeless Beach Boys Classic.
NEXT:Brian Wilson's Least Favorite Beach Boys Song Came From the Band's Most Acclaimed Album
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