Honey Don’t: Introduction

“Honey Don’t” is a Carl Perkins song, but The Beatles made a cover version of it in 1964. Indeed, their version is on the album “Beatles For Sale.” It also appears on a few more Beatles’ albums.

In Detail

Release Date: December 4, 1964 (mono and stereo)
Recorded: October 26, 1964
Studio: EMI Studios, London
Genre: Rockabilly
Track Duration: 2:55
Record Label: Parlophone
Songwriter: Carl Perkins
Producer: George Martin
Engineer: Norman Smith

Performers And Instruments

Where To Find “Honey Don’t”

You can still buy this song on the following albums:

Honey Don’t: Background

Carl Perkins released “Blue Suede Shoes” as a single on January 1, 1956, together with “Honey Don’t” as the B-side. Both songs are rockabilly numbers, and the single went to number one in the American country charts.

While The Beatles were in their formative years and just learning the trade, they would often play songs coming over to the UK from the US. Just like in this case, they would take the B-side to a single and perform it at their gigs. Many of those never made it on the Fab Four’s albums, but this one is on “Beatles For Sale.”

It sits between “Words Of Love” and “Every Little Thing” on side two of the album.

“We all knew Honey Don’t; it was one of those songs that every band in Liverpool played. I used to love country music and country rock. I’d had my own show with Rory Storm, when I would do five or six numbers. So singing and performing wasn’t new to me; it was a case of finding vehicles for me with The Beatles.

That’s why we did it on Beatles For Sale. It was comfortable. And I was finally getting one track on a record: my little featured spot.”
Ringo Starr
Anthology

Recording Studio

The Beatles recorded “Honey Don’t” on October 26, 1964, in Studio Two of the EMI Studios, London, during the 4.30pm–6.30pm session. They recorded five takes, with the final one being suitable as the master for the album.

In the early 1960s, The Beatles seldom missed an opportunity to promote themselves, of course. Furthermore, they would get even more publicity through their many appearances on BBC radio shows.

They recorded a version for the “Pop Go The Beatles” programme on August 1, 1963, for airing on September 3, and this recording is on the 1994 album “Live At The BBC.” While it was a song for Ringo Starr, John Lennon sang this version.

Meanwhile, they recorded a version for the “Top Gear” radio show airing on November 26, 1964. This version, which has Starr singing again, is on their 2013 album, “On Air: Live At The BBC, Volume 2.”

Take A Listen

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