Little Eva was an American singer and songwriter whose music helped shape the sound of 1960s soul and pop. Born Eva Narcissus Boyd in 1943, Little Eva began her career as a babysitter for songwriters Carole King and Gerry Goffin, who discovered her talent as a singer and helped launch her music career. Little Eva’s unique style, powerful vocals, and catchy melodies quickly won over audiences, and she became one of the most popular singers of her time. In this article, we will be taking a look at the top 10 Best Little Eva songs of all time, showcasing her talent and impact on the music industry. From her iconic hit “The Loco-Motion” to her soulful ballad “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” Little Eva’s music continues to inspire and entertain fans around the world. Join us as we take a journey through the best of Little Eva’s discography and discover the songs that made her a legend.
1. “The Loco-Motion”
“The Loco-Motion” is a 1962 pop song recorded by American singer Little Eva. Written by the legendary songwriting team of Carole King and Gerry Goffin, the song is a dance-pop track with a catchy and upbeat melody that features the famous dance move of the same name. The song became a massive hit, peaking at No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and reaching the top ten in several other countries. Little Eva’s energetic vocals and the infectious rhythm make this song a classic that is still loved by many today. “The Loco-Motion” has been covered by numerous artists, including Kylie Minogue, who scored another massive hit with her 1987 version. The song’s timeless appeal has made it a staple of dance parties and weddings for generations.
2. “Let’s Turkey Trot”
“Let’s Turkey Trot” is a 1963 dance-pop track by Little Eva, the follow-up single to her smash hit “The Loco-Motion.” Written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin, the song features a catchy melody and a lively beat that encourages listeners to get up and dance. The song’s lyrics describe a new dance craze, the Turkey Trot, and Little Eva’s vocals bring the fun and energy to the track. While “Let’s Turkey Trot” did not reach the same level of success as “The Loco-Motion,” it still charted in the US and has remained a beloved track for fans of Little Eva and 1960s pop music. The song’s upbeat tempo and joyful spirit make it a perfect choice for any dance party or celebration. “Let’s Turkey Trot” is a reminder of a simpler time when music was all about having fun and letting loose on the dance floor.
3. “Keep Your Hands Off My Baby”
“Keep Your Hands Off My Baby” is a 1962 pop track recorded by Little Eva, written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin. The song features Little Eva’s signature upbeat sound, with a catchy melody and lively vocals. The lyrics describe a young woman’s plea to her friends to stay away from her boyfriend. The song’s infectious rhythm and Little Eva’s powerful vocals make it a fun and lively addition to any playlist. “Keep Your Hands Off My Baby” showcases Little Eva’s unique style and talent as a vocalist.
4. “Old Smokey Locomotion”
“Old Smokey Locomotion” is a 1963 dance-pop track by Little Eva, written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin. The song features Little Eva’s distinctive voice and an upbeat tempo that encourages listeners to dance along. The lyrics describe a train called Old Smokey and its journey through different states, with Little Eva urging the passengers to join in and do the Locomotion dance. The song’s catchy melody and joyful lyrics make it a perfect choice for any dance party or celebration.
5. “Swinging on a Star”
“Swinging on a Star” is a 1963 pop track by Little Eva, written by Johnny Burke and James Van Heusen. The song features Little Eva’s sweet and charming vocals, backed by a simple and catchy melody. The lyrics describe a whimsical world where one can swing on a star and have fun adventures. The song’s cheerful tone and playful lyrics make it a perfect choice for children’s parties or family gatherings. “Swinging on a Star” showcases Little Eva’s versatility as a singer and her ability to bring joy to listeners of all ages.
6. “Down Home”
“Down Home” is a 1963 soulful track by Little Eva, written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin. The song features a slower tempo and a more subdued vocal style from Little Eva, showcasing her range and versatility as a singer. The lyrics describe the comfort and happiness found in one’s hometown and the desire to return there. The song’s warm and nostalgic tone makes it a perfect choice for a relaxing evening at home or a road trip through the countryside.
7. “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do”
“Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” is a 1962 pop track by Little Eva, written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin. The song features Little Eva’s energetic vocals and a catchy melody that perfectly capture the pain and confusion of a breakup. The lyrics describe the difficulty of moving on from a relationship and the conflicting emotions that come with it. The song’s timeless message and relatable lyrics have made it a popular choice for breakup playlists and sad love songs.
8. “Uptown”
“Uptown” is a 1962 soulful track by Little Eva, written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin. The song features Little Eva’s powerful vocals and a groovy melody that perfectly capture the energy and excitement of the city. The lyrics describe the bustling streets and vibrant nightlife of the city, with Little Eva singing about the different sights and sounds that can be found uptown. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy chorus make it a perfect choice for a night out on the town or a lively dance party. “Uptown” showcases Little Eva’s unique style and talent as a vocalist, making it a beloved track for fans of 1960s soul and pop music.
9. “Will You Love Me Tomorrow”
“Will You Love Me Tomorrow” is a 1960 classic by Little Eva, written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin. The song features Little Eva’s soulful and emotional vocals, backed by a haunting melody. The lyrics describe the fear and uncertainty that comes with falling in love and wondering if that love will last. The song’s timeless message and relatable lyrics have made it a beloved classic, covered by countless artists over the years. Little Eva’s version showcases her unique style and talent as a vocalist, making it a must-listen for fans of soul and pop music.
10. “Run to Her”
“Run to Her” is a 1965 soulful track by Little Eva, written by Gerry Goffin and Jack Keller. The song features Little Eva’s powerful vocals and an upbeat melody that perfectly captures the urgency and passion of young love. The lyrics describe the desire to be with someone who makes you feel alive and the fear of losing them. The song’s catchy chorus and lively beat make it a perfect choice for a dance party or a road trip playlist. “Run to Her” showcases Little Eva’s talent as a versatile and dynamic vocalist, making it a beloved track for fans of 1960s soul and pop music.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
