“Will You Love Me Tomorrow” is a song with a rich and enduring history, having been recorded by numerous artists across various genres. While the Bee Gees’ rendition is notable, the song’s origin and initial success belong to The Shirelles.

The song was written by the prolific songwriting duo Carole King and Gerry Goffin in 1960. At the time, they were key figures in the Brill Building, a hub of songwriting activity in New York City. “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” was first recorded by The Shirelles, an American girl group. Their version was released in November 1960 as a single from their album Tonight’s the Night.

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The Shirelles’ recording of “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” is a seminal work in the genres of doo-wop, pop, and soul. It features lead singer Shirley Owens’s heartfelt vocal performance, backed by the group’s harmonies and a delicate arrangement. The song’s lyrics explore themes of love, uncertainty, and the vulnerability of physical intimacy, questioning whether love will endure beyond the moment. This exploration of mature themes was groundbreaking for a girl group at the time.

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The Shirelles’ version of “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” achieved significant commercial success. It became the first song by an African-American girl group to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100. It also performed well on the Billboard R&B chart and the UK Singles Chart. The song’s success has been recognized with accolades such as its inclusion in Rolling Stone’s list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

The Bee Gees recorded “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” for the 1995 album Tapestry Revisited: A Tribute to Carole King. This album featured various artists covering songs from Carole King’s influential 1971 album Tapestry. The Bee Gees’ version interprets the song with their signature harmonies and pop sensibilities, adding their distinctive vocal blend to the song’s legacy. While not as commercially impactful as the original, their version is a testament to the song’s enduring appeal and its ability to be reinterpreted across different musical styles.