Don’t Ever Change: Introduction
“Don’t Ever Change” is a cover song by The Beatles that appears on their 1994 album, “Live At The BBC.”
In Detail
- Release Date: November 30, 1994 (UK), December 5, 1994 (US)
- Recorded: August 1, 1963, for the BBC’s Pop Go The Beatles
- Track Duration: 2:03
- Record Label: Apple
- Songwriters: Goffin-King
- Producer: Terry Henebery
Performers And Instruments
- Paul McCartney: vocals, bass
- George Harrison: vocals, lead guitar
- John Lennon: rhythm guitar
- Ringo Starr: drums
Where To Find “Don’t Ever Change”
This song is still available to buy on one of the BBC albums.
Don’t Ever Change: Background
Written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King, “Don’t Ever Change” became a single by The Crickets, who took it to number 5 in the UK charts during 1962. The B-side of the single was “I’m Not a Bad Guy.” However, it never made an impact on the American charts.
The Crickets were the backing band for Buddy Holly before his death on February 3, 1959. The chartered plane they were in crashed, killing Holly, along with Ritchie Valens, JP “The Big Bopper” (Jiles Parry Richardson Jr.), and Roger Peterson (pilot).
The Beatles were great admirers of Buddy Holly, so much so that they were to sing at least thirteen of his songs onstage. Not only that but they recorded “Crying, Waiting, Hoping” and “Words of Love“. So, it wasn’t a surprise when the band recorded this Crickets number, “Don’t Ever Change.”
Of course, as budding stars, The Beatles were just finding their feet and would often cover songs from various artists.
Recording Studio
Although they didn’t record “Don’t Ever Change” at Abbey Road Studios, they did record a version for BBC Radio. They only ever recorded one version, and that was on August 1, 1963, at the Playhouse Theatre in Manchester. This was for airing on the “Pop Go The Beatles” radio programme on August 27th of that year.
The song is special in that it features both George Harrison and Paul McCartney singing harmony vocals together. This version appears on their “Live At The BBC” album from 1994. They sing it in line with the original Crickets version, and the recording is clear as well as tuneful. So, its well worth buying the compilation album because it’s not available elsewhere.
Take A Listen
Please listen to the song, then give us your opinions below.
