Love of the Common People

"Love of the Common People"
Single by The Four Preps
B-side	"What I Don't Know Can't Hurt Me"
Released	January 21, 1967[1]
Recorded	1966
Genre	Pop
Length	2:35
Label	Capitol
Songwriter(s)	John Hurley and Ronnie Wilkins
Producer(s)	Al De Lory
The Four Preps singles chronology
"Let's Call It a Day Girl" (1966) "Love of the Common People" (1967) "Draft Dodger Rag" (1967)

"Love of the Common People" is a song written by John Hurley and Ronnie Wilkins,^[2] eventually released in 1970 on John Hurley's album John Hurley Sings about People,^[3] but first sung in January 1967 by the Four Preps.^[4] The Four Preps' recording was not a hit, but, later in 1967, the Everly Brothers and Wayne Newton would each issue their versions of the song, both of which "bubbled under" in the US charts; Newton's version peaked at No. 106, the Everlys' at No. 114. However, the Everly Brothers' recording was a major hit in Canada, peaking at No. 4. In 1968, Irish artist Joe Dolan with backing group the Drifters recorded a version which hit the top 10 on the Irish Singles Chart, but did not chart elsewhere.^{[citation needed]}

Soul group the Winstons recorded their version in 1969, where it peaked at No. 54 on the US Hot 100.^[5] A year later, Nicky Thomas had a UK hit (No. 9) with a reggae-inspired version, and Paul Young had a No. 2 UK hit (and No. 1 in several European countries) in 1983 with his interpretation of the song.