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Dusty Springfield’s “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me” is Song of the Week on Classic Pop Icons. “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me” was released on single in March 1966, backed with “Every Ounce of Strength”. It was also the title track of her fourth US album released in July 1966.

By the time “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me” was released, Dusty had been a major solo star for a couple of years. She had first achieved success as part of The Springfields trio, but her breakthrough as a solo artist was “I Only Want to Be with You” in early 1964. The song hit big on both sides of the Atlantic and her popularity was bolstered by several excellent follow-ups, including the Burt Bacharach-penned “Wishin’ and Hopin'” and “I Just Don’t Know What to Do with Myself”.

Dusty was first drawn to the melody of “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me” in January 1965 when she heard the Italian language version “Io Che Non Vivo (Senza Te)” performed by its composer Pino Donaggio at the Italian Song Festival in San Remo. In a 1995 interview with journalist Paul Dunoyer, Dusty recalled her reaction to the song:

A little over a year later, Dusty decided to record an English language version of the song. With a backing track recorded, she turned to her friend Vicki Wickham and future manager Simon Napier-Bell to come up with lyrics. Napier-Bell remembered the incident in his book “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me”:

The lyrics have a desperate quality, with the singer pleading for a second chance after her relationship has broken down. Dusty Springfield’s vocal perfectly conveys this, aided by the dramatic production, including an excellent orchestral arrangement by Ivor Raymonde. It is certainly a contender for Dusty Springfield’s finest recording.

“You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me” (Studio) – Dusty Springfield

Dusty was performing fine live versions of the song in this period, as shown here.

“You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me” (Live) – Dusty Springfield

Authorship

The music for “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me” was written by Pino Donaggio and Vito Pallavicini, and the lyrics by Vicki Wickham and Simon Napier-Bell.

Recording date/location

“You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me” was recorded in early March 1966 at Philips Studio, Stanhope Place, London.

Musicians

The backing track for the song was recorded prior to the vocal by session musicians that included guitarist Big Jim Sullivan and drummer Bobby Graham.

Big Jim Sullivan, who died in October 2012, appeared on thousands of recordings in the 1960s by artists such as Frankie Vaughan, Billy Fury, The Tremeloes, The Small Faces, and Tom Jones.

Bobby Graham had been a member of Joe Brown’s Bruvvers and Marty Wilde’s Wildcats before becoming one of the most profilic sessions drummers in Britain. He was also the drummer on Dusty’s “I Only Want To Be With You,” “Stay Awhile,” and “I Just Don’t Know What To Do With Myself”.

The Echoes were Dusty Springfield’s usual backing group. It’s unclear which, if any, of The Echoes appeared on the recording, but their line-up in this period included:

• Vic Briggs – guitar
• Ivan Chandler – organ
• Jimmy O’Brien – organ
• Douggie Reece – bass
• Johnny Dryden – drums
• Derek Andrews – trumpet
• Ian Harper – trumpet
• Derek Wadsworth – trombone
• Madeline Bell – backing vocals
• Doris Troy – backing vocals
• Tony Scott – percussion.

If you have more details about which musicians appeared on the recording, let us know via our contact us page.

The accompaniment was directed by Ivor Raymonde and the session was produced by Johnny Franz.

Chart performance

“You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me” was Dusty’s only single to reach number one on the UK singles chart. It peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US, which was her best chart position until she hit number two in 1987 with the Pet Shop Boys collaboration “What Have I Done to Deserve This?”

Other notable recordings

“You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me” – Elvis Presley

The dramatic ballad was a growing part of Elvis’ repertoire in the early 1970s, so it’s no surprise that he was drawn to “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me”. It was recorded during a mammoth Nashville session in June 1970 and received a strong and committed performance from Elvis.

Elvis hit number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 with his cover and number nine in the UK.

“You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me” – Lynn Anderson

Lynn Anderson’s cover of “You Don’t Have to Say You Love” opens with a moody and effective piano arpeggio which Anderson builds on with a sensitive and intelligent vocal. The song is featured on her 1982 album “The Best of Lynn Anderson: Memories and Desires”.

There will be a new Song of the Week on January 7.

Dusty Springfield’s “You Don’t Have to Say You Love” is available on a number of compilations, including “Just Dusty” and “Complete A & B Sides 1963-1970”.

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Just Dusty (CD)	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now
Complete A & B Sides 1963-1970 (2 CDs)	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now

American singer-songwriter, Joe South, sadly died of heart failure at his home in Buford, Georgia, on Wednesday (September 5). The 72-year-old was best known for his classic hit “Games People Play,” but his talents stretched much further than that, including playing on many great records in his time as a session musician, and penning such hits as Lynn Anderson’s “(I Never Promised You A) Rose Garden”.

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