Only A Fool Breaks His Own Heart
Encyclopedia
Only A Fool Breaks His Own Heart is a song that was composed in Brooklyn New York in 1964 by Norman Bergen
and Shelly Coburn in response to a request by United Artists Music who was looking for songs for British duo Chad & Jeremy. Going for a British sound, Bergen started with a chord progression based on The Beatles
’ “I Want To Hold Your Hand
” and Coburn added a lyric. The writers did not receive the usual $25 or $50 advance, but the company did pay for a one-hour demo recording which took place with studio players including Frank Owens (piano) and Kenny Karen (vocals). The session ended early so producer Ken Lauber
spent the final ten minutes changing the original uptempo concept to a ballad approach. He asked Karen to do his best Jerry Butler impression, and asked Owens to play the way he had on the Dionne Warwick records (that piano part is still copied today on many of the newer versions of the song.) The next day, at Coburn’s suggestion, the writers took the demo to Hy Weiss
at Old Town Records for jazz singer Arthur Prysock
. Old Town used the demo track, added Prysock’s vocal plus strings arranged by Mort Garson
, and it became the next single.
, and a Finnish translation by Juha Vainio
as “Muisto Vain jää", causing a #1 recording by Jouko and Kosti. In 1968, the song was included on Tom Jones
' #1 lp “Delilah”.
In 1977, “Only A Fool” appeared in a U.S. trade magazine at #8 in Holland by Mighty Sparrow. Apparently United Artist’s Dutch affiliate had not realized they had this hit, and the record eventually went to #1 with 149,000 sold, with the incorrect writer and publisher information on the label. The song had been credited to Slinger Francisco, Mighty Sparrow’s real name. The situation was later corrected and that version would become one of the biggest hits of 1978, and #3 for the decade on the Dutch Top 1000.
The song has since become a true standard in Finland as “Muisto vain jää”, with recent versions by Harri Marstio, Kari Tapio, Pekka Tiilikainen and Beatmakers, The Heartbreakers, and inclusion in the soundtrack of the 2009 film “Rööperi” (“Hellsinki”).
It has also been translated into Dutch as "Zonder Gevoel" by Jan Rot
, Swedish as "Bara Ett Fån Gör Så Mot Sig Själv" by Moneybrother (Anders Wendin), and German as "Noch Einen Tag Und Es Ist Aus".
who is from the Bronx, the first by a New York singer since 1965; it was recently performed at Brooklyn College in New York by the Mighty Sparrow
, a few blocks from where the song was first written. It has been recorded in most styles including pop, blues, r&b, c&w, rock, and reggae, and can be found on internet lists from ‘Words Of Inspiration’ to ‘The Most Depressing Songs Of All Time’, and is even mentioned on a website devoted to vampires.
In addition to the aforementioned mistake in Holland, quite a few singer-songwriters have been credited with the composition, some by their own doing, and some through the assumptions of others. Arthur Prysock
admitted that he had told people he wrote the song, but corrected things before a Los Angeles audience in 1988. One recording artist apparently told the president of a record label that he had written a ‘great new song’ and then played his version of “Only A Fool…” over the phone.
Norman Bergen
Norman Bergen is an American pianist, music arranger, record producer, band leader, musical director, and vocalist.- Early years:...
and Shelly Coburn in response to a request by United Artists Music who was looking for songs for British duo Chad & Jeremy. Going for a British sound, Bergen started with a chord progression based on The Beatles
The Beatles
The Beatles were an English rock band, active throughout the 1960s and one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed acts in the history of popular music. Formed in Liverpool, by 1962 the group consisted of John Lennon , Paul McCartney , George Harrison and Ringo Starr...
’ “I Want To Hold Your Hand
I Want to Hold Your Hand
"I Want to Hold Your Hand" is a song by the English rock band The Beatles. Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, and recorded in October 1963, it was the first Beatles record to be made using four-track equipment....
” and Coburn added a lyric. The writers did not receive the usual $25 or $50 advance, but the company did pay for a one-hour demo recording which took place with studio players including Frank Owens (piano) and Kenny Karen (vocals). The session ended early so producer Ken Lauber
Ken Lauber
Ken Lauber is an American composer, arranger producer, musician, singer and playwright.-Early career:Born in New York City in 1941 and raised on Long Island, his first music lessons of note were drum lessons with the legendary drummers Gene Krupa and Cozy Cole when he was thirteen...
spent the final ten minutes changing the original uptempo concept to a ballad approach. He asked Karen to do his best Jerry Butler impression, and asked Owens to play the way he had on the Dionne Warwick records (that piano part is still copied today on many of the newer versions of the song.) The next day, at Coburn’s suggestion, the writers took the demo to Hy Weiss
Hy Weiss
-Biography:Born Hyman Y. Weiss in Romania, he was an immigrant to the United States when young and was brought up in the Bronx, New York. He started in the music industry in 1949, setting up Parody Records with his brother Sam....
at Old Town Records for jazz singer Arthur Prysock
Arthur Prysock
Arthur Prysock was an American jazz singer best known for his live shows and his baritone influenced by Billy Eckstine....
. Old Town used the demo track, added Prysock’s vocal plus strings arranged by Mort Garson
Mort Garson
Mort Garson who was born in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, was an electronic musician best known for his albums that predominantly feature Moog synthesizers.-Early life:...
, and it became the next single.
Success Overseas
The record received ‘easy listening’ airplay but not much in the way of sales. However, the song took off overseas through cover versions in the Caribbean Islands including #1 calypso singer Mighty SparrowMighty Sparrow
Mighty Sparrow or Birdie is a calypso singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Known as the "Calypso King of the World," he is one of the most well-known and successful calypsonians...
, and a Finnish translation by Juha Vainio
Juha Vainio
Juha Harri "Junnu" Vainio, also known as Juha "Watt" Vainio was a Finnish lyricist, singer, composer and teacher. With the lyrics or music to over 2,400 songs to his name, Vainio is as one of Finland's most prolific lyricists along with Reino Helismaa and Vexi Salmi...
as “Muisto Vain jää", causing a #1 recording by Jouko and Kosti. In 1968, the song was included on Tom Jones
Tom Jones (singer)
Sir Thomas John Woodward, OBE , known by his stage name Tom Jones, is a Welsh singer.Since the mid 1960s, Jones has sung many styles of popular music – pop, rock, R&B, show tunes, country, dance, techno, soul and gospel – and sold over 100 million records...
' #1 lp “Delilah”.
In 1977, “Only A Fool” appeared in a U.S. trade magazine at #8 in Holland by Mighty Sparrow. Apparently United Artist’s Dutch affiliate had not realized they had this hit, and the record eventually went to #1 with 149,000 sold, with the incorrect writer and publisher information on the label. The song had been credited to Slinger Francisco, Mighty Sparrow’s real name. The situation was later corrected and that version would become one of the biggest hits of 1978, and #3 for the decade on the Dutch Top 1000.
The song has since become a true standard in Finland as “Muisto vain jää”, with recent versions by Harri Marstio, Kari Tapio, Pekka Tiilikainen and Beatmakers, The Heartbreakers, and inclusion in the soundtrack of the 2009 film “Rööperi” (“Hellsinki”).
It has also been translated into Dutch as "Zonder Gevoel" by Jan Rot
Jan Rot
Jan Rot is a Dutch singer-songwriter who is famous in the Netherlands for his many translations of songs, pop as well as classic. His Dutch translation of Bach's St.Matthews Passion peaked Easter 2006 on the Dutch popalbum charts.-External links:*...
, Swedish as "Bara Ett Fån Gör Så Mot Sig Själv" by Moneybrother (Anders Wendin), and German as "Noch Einen Tag Und Es Ist Aus".
Current Activity
There are now more than 60 versions of the song with new recordings all the time. In some ways it has come full circle. In recent years it was recorded by Dion DiMucciDion DiMucci
Dion Francis DiMucci , better known as Dion, is an American singer-songwriter whose work has incorporated elements of doo-wop, pop oldies music, rock and R&B styles....
who is from the Bronx, the first by a New York singer since 1965; it was recently performed at Brooklyn College in New York by the Mighty Sparrow
Mighty Sparrow
Mighty Sparrow or Birdie is a calypso singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Known as the "Calypso King of the World," he is one of the most well-known and successful calypsonians...
, a few blocks from where the song was first written. It has been recorded in most styles including pop, blues, r&b, c&w, rock, and reggae, and can be found on internet lists from ‘Words Of Inspiration’ to ‘The Most Depressing Songs Of All Time’, and is even mentioned on a website devoted to vampires.
In addition to the aforementioned mistake in Holland, quite a few singer-songwriters have been credited with the composition, some by their own doing, and some through the assumptions of others. Arthur Prysock
Arthur Prysock
Arthur Prysock was an American jazz singer best known for his live shows and his baritone influenced by Billy Eckstine....
admitted that he had told people he wrote the song, but corrected things before a Los Angeles audience in 1988. One recording artist apparently told the president of a record label that he had written a ‘great new song’ and then played his version of “Only A Fool…” over the phone.
Discography
- 1965 Arthur PrysockArthur PrysockArthur Prysock was an American jazz singer best known for his live shows and his baritone influenced by Billy Eckstine....
- 1966 Mighty Sparrow/Byron Lee (Jamaica) Listed as: “Only A Fool”
- 1966 Tony Gregory (Jamaica)
- 1966 Long John BaldryLong John BaldryJohn William "Long John" Baldry was an English and Canadian blues singer and a voice actor. He sang with many British musicians, with Rod Stewart and Elton John appearing in bands led by Baldry in the 1960s. He enjoyed pop success in the UK where Let the Heartaches Begin reached No...
(U.K.) Re-issued in 1967 - 1967 Lord Brynner (Trinidad) Steel drums instrumental; listed as “Only A Fool”
- 1967 Jackie Edwards (Jamaica)
- 1967 Lascelles Perkins (Jamaica)
- 1967 Ivan Simms (Nassau, Bahamas) (Live)
- 1968 Tom JonesTom Jones (singer)Sir Thomas John Woodward, OBE , known by his stage name Tom Jones, is a Welsh singer.Since the mid 1960s, Jones has sung many styles of popular music – pop, rock, R&B, show tunes, country, dance, techno, soul and gospel – and sold over 100 million records...
(U.K.) ‘Delilah’ LP; now on CD ‘Greatest Love Songs’ – 2003 - 1968 Jouko and Kosti (Finland) #1 single (in 2009 film “Rööperi” [“Hellsinki”])
- 1968 Dandy And The Brother Dan Allstars (U.K.)
- 1970 Tui Fox (Australia)
- 1973 Ellie Matt (St. Kitts)
- 1977 Mighty SparrowMighty SparrowMighty Sparrow or Birdie is a calypso singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Known as the "Calypso King of the World," he is one of the most well-known and successful calypsonians...
/Byron Lee (1966 recording re-issued in Holland; 22 weeks on charts; #3 for 1970s) - 1978 Mighty SparrowMighty SparrowMighty Sparrow or Birdie is a calypso singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Known as the "Calypso King of the World," he is one of the most well-known and successful calypsonians...
(U.K.) (new recording); 2 million sold in Caribbean islands - 1980 T.T. Purontaka (Finland)
- 1980 Pat KellyPat KellyPat Kelly may refer to:*Pat Kelly , Australian rules footballer*Pat Kelly , reggae singer*Pat Kelly , American right fielder in Major League Baseball...
(Jamaica) - 1980 Ossie Scott (Jamaica) (Saxophone instrumental)
- 1982 Pinky Duval (U.K.)
- 1988 Arthur PrysockArthur PrysockArthur Prysock was an American jazz singer best known for his live shows and his baritone influenced by Billy Eckstine....
(new recording) - 1991 Harri Marstio (Finland)
- 1992 Jussi Mäkelä (Finland)
- 1992 Yrjö Latva (Finland)
- 1993 Grant & Forsyth (Holland)
- 1993 Jukka Laurila (Finland)
- 1996 A. Aallon Rytmiorkesteri (Finland)
- 1996 Jan RotJan RotJan Rot is a Dutch singer-songwriter who is famous in the Netherlands for his many translations of songs, pop as well as classic. His Dutch translation of Bach's St.Matthews Passion peaked Easter 2006 on the Dutch popalbum charts.-External links:*...
(Holland) (in Dutch as “Zonder gevoel”) - 1997 Wyclef JeanWyclef JeanWyclef Jean is a Haitian musician, record producer, and politician. At age nine, Jean moved to the United States with his family and has spent much of his life in the country...
under new title “Prelude to: ‘To All The Girls'” aka "To All The Girls" (Prelude); (uses excerpt of Mighty Sparrow recording; 2 million sold) - 1997 CCCampbell (Holland)
- 1998 Esa Kotilainen (A) (Finland)
- 1998 Komeetta (A) (Finland)
- 2000 Pekka Tiilikainen & Beatmakers (Finland) (Surf-style Instrumental)
- 2001 Nick LoweNick LoweNicholas Drain "Nick" Lowe , is an English singer-songwriter, musician and producer.A pivotal figure in UK pub rock, punk rock and new wave, Lowe has recorded a string of well-reviewed solo albums. Along with vocals, Lowe plays guitar, bass guitar, piano and harmonica...
(U.K.) (Featured on NPR's "All Songs Considered" 2002; CBS-TVs ‘Hack” – 2003) - 2001 Dion DiMucciDion DiMucciDion Francis DiMucci , better known as Dion, is an American singer-songwriter whose work has incorporated elements of doo-wop, pop oldies music, rock and R&B styles....
(Only available as bonus single on box set: "The Wanderer; Then & Now") - 2001 Sly & Robbie (Jamaica)
- 2002 Everton Sam (Trinidad)
- 2002 Kultakurkut (Finland)
- 2002 Bunny Chinapen (Canada)
- 2003 Todd Williams (Australia)
- 2004 Pekka Tiilikainen & Beatmakers (Finland) (new live recording)
- 2005 Mighty SparrowMighty SparrowMighty Sparrow or Birdie is a calypso singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Known as the "Calypso King of the World," he is one of the most well-known and successful calypsonians...
(DVD) (“Sparrow In Concert” Live) - 2005 Matti Ojala (Finland)
- 2005 Half & Half (Finland) (surf guitar instrumental)
- 2005 Kari TapioKari TapioKari Tapani Jalkanen , better known by his stage name Kari Tapio, was a Finnish schlager and country & western singer. He was one of the most popular singers in Finland for decades, selling over 826,000 certified records during his career and posthumously.Tapio was born in Suonenjoki, Finland...
(Finland) - 2006 Moneybrother (Sweden) (translated as "Bara ett fån gör så mot sig själv") (Album debuted at #2 on Swedish top 60)
- 2006 Ressu Redford (Finland)
- 2007 Sauli Tiilikainen (Finland) (Opera Singer)
- 2009 Nieuwe Helden (Holland)