Sources of Australian Pop Records

Willy & Ruth recorded the original version of Come A Little Bit Closer (1954), a well-known oldie in Australia through the local hit version by The Delltones (1959).

Come A Little Bit Closer was written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. It was the first release on their own label, Spark.

Also on Spark soon after was Willy & Ruth's Love Me (1954), later a hit for Elvis Presley, also written by Leiber & Stoller.

Willy and Ruth were both in a gospel quintet called The Honey Bears who were recording for Spark. Willy sang lead, and Ruth was married to the bass singer.

Willy went on to release some records of his own, but nothing more seems to be known about Ruth, not even her surname.

Maybe someone will read this and let us know more. In the meantime, see the history of the song at this page.

NEW TO THE LINKS PAGE:

• Beatles Music History by Dave Rybaczewski
• Australian A.M. Radio History by Bruce Carty
• Johnny Mercer, lyricist and composer: song database
• Françoise Hardy: cover versions by her, and her songs covered
• Australian 45rpm Revolution: history by Jordie Kilby

AUSTRALIA'S PREMIER SONG HISTORY SITE SINCE 2004

Website by Lyn Nuttall.
Technical: Lachlan Nuttall. Design: Gina Nuttall.
©Lyn Nuttall 2004-2021
Chart positions courtesy of Gavin Ryan's Australian Chart Books and
Dean Scapolo's Complete NZ Music Charts.
Special thanks to Terry Stacey for information, corrections and suggestions.
Thanks also to Tony Watson, Joop Jansen, More...

Sources of Australian Pop Records

from the 50s, 60s and 70s

[plus some Aussie originals and some New Zealanders]

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WHERE DID THEY GET THESE SONGS?

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OBSCURE ORIGINATORS DEPT: WILLY & RUTH

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OBSCURE ORIGINATORS DEPT:
WILLY & RUTH