Actually, the song “He’s a Rebel” was written by Gene Pitney, but it was a massive hit for The Crystals in 1962, not Pitney himself. So let’s explore that song.
“He’s a Rebel,” a quintessential girl-group anthem of the early 1960s, holds a fascinating history. While instantly recognizable as a Crystals’ hit, it was penned by the prolific and incredibly talented Gene Pitney. Pitney, a singer-songwriter in his own right, was known for his powerful vocals and emotional ballads like “Town Without Pity” and “Only Love Can Break a Heart.” He achieved significant chart success throughout the 60s, landing multiple songs in the Billboard Top 40 and even reaching number one with “Something’s Gotten Hold of My Heart” in the late 80s.
However, his writing credits extend far beyond his own recordings. He provided hits for many artists, including “He’s a Rebel.” Due to unforeseen circumstances and label politics, The Crystals weren’t even involved in the actual recording of “He’s a Rebel.” Producer Phil Spector, needing a hit record fast, used a different group, The Blossoms (led by Darlene Love), to record the song and credited it to The Crystals.
The song itself tells the story of a girl captivated by a “bad boy.” He might be misunderstood by society, but in her eyes, his rebellious spirit and nonconformity make him irresistible. The lyrics celebrate a different kind of love, one that defies societal expectations.
Upon release, “He’s a Rebel” shot to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, becoming The Crystals’ only number-one hit. While some criticized the song’s simplistic lyrics, the catchy melody and Spector’s signature “Wall of Sound” production proved irresistible. The song resonated with teenagers who were drawn to the idea of rebelling against the status quo, and it solidified The Crystals’ place as a leading force in the burgeoning girl-group scene, despite the irony of them not actually singing on their biggest hit. It remains a classic today, frequently featured in film and television, and continues to be celebrated as a defining sound of its era.
