Introduction and Short Summary of the Song
“I Want You to Know” is one of the lighter, more playful recordings by The Everly Brothers, released in 1960 on their Warner Bros. album It’s Everly Time. Written by Fats Domino and Dave Bartholomew, the song originated in the New Orleans rhythm-and-blues tradition before being adapted into the Everlys’ distinctive harmony-driven style. With its bouncy rhythm, lighthearted lyrics, and catchy delivery, the track demonstrates how Don and Phil could take material from other genres and reshape it into something that fit their own sound while still paying tribute to its origins.
Origins of the Song
The song was originally written and recorded by Fats Domino, one of the architects of early rock-and-roll, alongside his longtime collaborator Dave Bartholomew. Domino’s version, rooted in New Orleans R&B, emphasized his signature piano style and easygoing vocal charm.
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When The Everly Brothers decided to cover “I Want You to Know” in 1960, they were already recognized for blending country, rock, and pop. Including a Fats Domino number on It’s Everly Time reflected both their respect for the R&B roots of rock-and-roll and their desire to showcase versatility by stepping outside the country-pop comfort zone of their usual repertoire.
Why The Everly Brothers Released “I Want You to Know”
The Everly Brothers recorded “I Want You to Know” to demonstrate their musical range and to connect with the broader traditions of American rock-and-roll. Covering a song associated with Fats Domino allowed them to pay homage to one of the key figures in shaping the genre they themselves were helping to popularize.
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Releasing it on It’s Everly Time also balanced the album, which included both original material and covers. By interpreting R&B through their harmony-driven approach, they could appeal to multiple audiences: rock-and-roll fans, country listeners, and pop enthusiasts alike.
The Message Conveyed in the Song
The message of “I Want You to Know” is simple and direct: the narrator expresses his desire and affection for someone special, making it clear that he wants the other person to understand his feelings.
Key themes include:
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Romantic Honesty: The song conveys straightforward affection without complexity.
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Playfulness: Its lighthearted tone reflects joy rather than heartbreak.
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Simplicity in Love: The lyrics emphasize direct communication of emotions.
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Optimism: The song’s upbeat rhythm reinforces its cheerful message.
Rather than exploring sorrow or longing, “I Want You to Know” celebrates the excitement of telling someone how much they matter.
The Recording and Musical Characteristics
The Everly Brothers’ version of “I Want You to Know” brings a polished pop-rock sensibility to Domino’s R&B foundation.
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Vocals: Don and Phil’s harmonies brighten the track, giving it a distinctly Everly Brothers flavor.
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Instrumentation: Guitars and percussion replace Domino’s piano-driven sound, leaning more toward rockabilly and pop.
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Mood: Upbeat, light, and carefree, perfect for dancing or casual listening.
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Style: A fusion of New Orleans rhythm-and-blues roots with early 1960s pop-rock sensibility.
The track retains Domino’s easygoing charm but filters it through the Everlys’ harmony blend, making it accessible to a wider audience.
Cultural and Commercial Impact
Commercially, “I Want You to Know” was not released as a single and therefore did not chart. However, as part of It’s Everly Time, it contributed to one of the duo’s most critically praised albums. The record was significant because it marked their Warner Bros. debut, solidifying their transition from Cadence Records and proving they could continue to deliver strong material.
Culturally, the song highlights the interconnection between rock-and-roll’s different streams—country, pop, and rhythm-and-blues. By covering a Fats Domino song, the Everlys acknowledged the Black R&B tradition that had laid much of the groundwork for rock music. Their rendition also helped expose their pop-leaning audience to material they might not otherwise have encountered.
Legacy of “I Want You to Know”
Today, “I Want You to Know” is remembered as one of the enjoyable deep cuts in the Everly Brothers’ catalog. While not as famous as their signature hits, it reflects their respect for the R&B foundation of rock-and-roll and their ability to interpret material outside their usual genre.
For their legacy, the song underscores their adaptability. The Everly Brothers were not confined to country-pop ballads or teenage anthems; they could step into the rhythm-and-blues world and make it their own. Their version stands as proof of their range and their role as interpreters of American popular song.
More broadly, the track illustrates how rock-and-roll in the late 1950s and early 1960s was a fusion of traditions. By bridging New Orleans R&B with country harmonies, the Everlys contributed to the cross-pollination that defined early rock.
Over sixty years later, “I Want You to Know” remains a delightful part of It’s Everly Time. It may not have reached the charts, but it embodies the Everly Brothers’ artistry, versatility, and deep connection to the roots of American popular music.