Gloria (Them song)
| "Gloria" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Belgian picture sleeve | ||||
| Single by Them | ||||
| A-side | "Baby, Please Don't Go" | |||
| Released | 6 November 1964 | |||
| Recorded | October 1964 | |||
| Studio | Decca Three, West Hampstead, UK | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 2:38 | |||
| Label | Decca | |||
| Songwriter | Van Morrison | |||
| Producer | Dick Rowe | |||
| Them singles chronology | ||||
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| Audio sample | ||||
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"Gloria" is a rock song written by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison. Conceived in 1963, it was recorded with his band Them in 1964, and released as the B-side of "Baby, Please Don't Go" that same year. It received positive reviews and was moderately successful on release; it experienced commercial success in 1966, reaching number 75 on the Billboard Hot 100.
"Gloria" surged in popularity following a 1966 cover by the Shadows of Knight, which peaked at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. In 1975, Patti Smith reimagined the song for her debut album Horses, incorporating verses from her own poems and work, which has earned continued acclaim.
The original version of "Gloria", along with Shadows of Knight and Smith's covers, have often been ranked by critics among the best songs of all time. It has become a garage rock staple and a part of many rock bands' repertoires and is covered by artists including the Doors and Car Seat Headrest.