In an astonishing turn of events in the music industry, Bobby Vinton’s breakthrough hit, “Roses Are Red (My Love),” composed by Al Byron and Paul Evans, defied all odds to become a global sensation after being found in the reject pile at Epic Records. Released in April 1962, this song not only revived Vinton’s struggling career but also shook the very foundations of the record label.
Originally recorded as a fast-paced R&B track, Vinton was dissatisfied and sought permission to re-record the song in a slower, more dramatic style enhanced with strings and a vocal choir, which ultimately captivated millions. The impact was electric—the song soared to No. 1 in countries including Australia, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, and the United States, marking a massive international hit.
The remarkable journey of this single almost never happened. Two years prior, Vinton, then a bandleader under contract with Epic Records, faced termination following two unsuccessful LPs. In a tense meeting with label executives poised to drop him, Vinton insisted on fulfilling his contract’s obligation to record two more songs. Alone in the room, he discovered the hidden gem—the very recording that would change his fate, the song he found literally discarded from success.
With unlikely courage, Vinton convinced the executives to let him record this “final” single. After a second attempt, this slower, emotionally charged version of “Roses Are Red (My Love)” was released, instantly topping the Billboard Hot 100 on July 14, 1962, and holding firm for four weeks. This achievement was historic: the first number-one hit in Epic Records’ history.
Successes kept coming — the song was ranked No. 4 in Billboard’s “Top 100 Singles of 1962,” and notably secured a spot as No. 36 in the top Rhythm and Blues records of the same year. The acclaim extended to Cash Box, where it reached No. 17 on their Top 100 Chart Hits of 1962.
Vinton’s inspirational story, from almost being discarded by his record label to becoming a major solo artist, is a testament to perseverance against the odds. He recalled during the fateful day, “I listened to those rejected demos, and this one stopped me cold. I knew it was special.”
The poignant lyrics of the song capture a tender narrative of youthful love and poignant memories, weaving lines that remain etched in the hearts of many: “Roses are red, my love, violets are blue, Sugar is sweet, my love, but not as sweet as you.”
The iconic melody continues to resonate decades later, reminding us that sometimes, the greatest treasures lie hidden where we least expect them.
