Robin Luke ‎– Susie Darlin'

Robin Luke – Susie Darlin' / Living's Loving You

A genuine late-1950s rock ’n’ roll favourite, Robin Luke – Susie Darlin' / Living's Loving You is the classic 1958 7" single that introduced Luke to a huge international audience. Combining innocent teen romance with the gentle, melodic side of early rock ’n’ roll, “Susie Darlin'” remains one of the era's most recognisable romantic rockabilly recordings.

Written by Robin Luke himself, “Susie Darlin'” was inspired by his five-year-old sister, Susie, and was originally titled “All Night Long” before being renamed. Luke was living in Honolulu and attending Punahou School when he began his recording career, giving the record a distinctive connection to Hawaii's burgeoning local music scene.

The song was recorded in Honolulu and initially issued locally before being picked up for wider distribution by Dot Records. The Dot 7" release, catalogue 45-15781, paired “Susie Darlin'” with the equally Luke-penned “Living's Loving You”, with Bob Bertram handling the arrangement and conducting.

“Susie Darlin'” became a major hit in 1958, reaching No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, while also reaching No. 26 on the US R&B chart. In Britain, the record was issued on London Records and reached No. 23 on the UK Singles Chart, making it one of the more successful American teen-rock records to cross over into the British market during the early rock ’n’ roll era.

The record's success reportedly pushed sales beyond one million copies in the United States, earning Luke a gold record. He subsequently appeared on major American television programmes including American Bandstand and the Perry Como Show. Although he continued recording, “Susie Darlin'” remained his defining hit and his most enduring contribution to 1950s rock ’n’ roll.

For collectors of 1950s rock ’n’ roll, rockabilly, teen pop and vintage 45s, this is an essential record. Its combination of youthful innocence, catchy songwriting and understated rock ’n’ roll charm places Robin Luke alongside the romantic rockers of the period, making Susie Darlin' / Living's Loving You a particularly appealing addition to any vintage vinyl collection.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Susie Darlin'

Side B

1. Living's Loving You