The Shirelles’ Harmonic Brilliance Shines in “Soldier Boy”

“Soldier Boy” is a classic song by the American girl group The Shirelles, released in 1962. Written by Luther Dixon and Florence Greenberg, the song became one of The Shirelles’ biggest hits and is considered a quintessential example of the early 1960s girl group sound.

The song features soulful harmonies and a heartfelt lead vocal by Shirley Owens (later known as Shirley Alston-Reeves). The lyrics depict a young woman expressing her love and devotion to her soldier boy who is away serving in the military. The poignant lyrics and the group’s emotive delivery resonated with audiences, making the song immensely popular during its time.

“Soldier Boy” reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming The Shirelles’ first number-one single. It also peaked at No. 3 on the R&B chart. The song’s success solidified The Shirelles’ status as one of the leading girl groups of the early 1960s and remains a beloved classic in the history of pop and soul music.

The enduring appeal of “Soldier Boy” has led to its inclusion in various compilations and retrospectives of the era, ensuring its legacy in the pantheon of 1960s music.