Linda (1946 song)


"Linda" is a popular song written taking its name from then-one-year-old future star Linda McCartney. It was written by Jack Lawrence, and published in 1946.

Composition

The song was written in 1942 when Lawrence was in the service during World War II, taking its name from the then one-year-old daughter of his attorney, Lee Eastman.
The song did not get published until after Lawrence left the military, and was then recorded by a number of performers, but the biggest hit was by Ray Noble's orchestra. Other charted versions were by Charlie Spivak ; Paul Weston ; and by Larry Douglas.

Recordings

The recording by Ray Noble and Buddy Clark was recorded on November 15, 1946 and released by Columbia Records. It first reached the Billboard magazine charts on March 21, 1947 and lasted thirteen weeks on the chart, peaking at number one.
The recording by Charlie Spivak was recorded on November 19, 1946 and released by RCA Victor Records. It first reached the Billboard magazine charts on March 28, 1947, and lasted nine weeks on the chart, peaking at number six.
In 1962 Jan & Dean did a version of the song for Liberty Records that reached #28 on the Billboard Hot 100. Their next song, the #1 Surf City, made them a Surf Duo but their previous work was primarily doo-wop/Teen appeal.

Namesake

Note: There is another song titled "Linda", written by Ann Ronell for the film score of The Story of G.I. Joe. It was nominated for an Oscar.

Recorded versions