The song was given first to Louise Cordet, a singer who had previously toured with the group as well as with ‘The Beatles’. Her version was produced by Tony Meehan and released on Decca Records in February 1964. The group then decided to issue their own version. The record, like the group's earlier releases, was produced by George Martin.
It was released in April 1964 as Gerry and the Pacemakers' fifth single in Britain. It spent 11 weeks on the United Kingdoms’ ‘Record Retailer Chart’, reaching No. 6 In the US. It was the breakthrough single for the group, spending 12 weeks on the ‘Billboard Top 100’, reaching No. 4.
Gerry and the Pacemakers performed the song on their first US television show, ‘The Ed Sullivan Show’ on 3 May 1964, three months after the Beatles had appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show. I lived in Canada at the time and can still remember watching both groups on ‘The Ed Sullivan Show’. The group's earlier UK hit singles ‘How Do You Do It?’, ‘I Like It’ and ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ and ‘I'm the One’ were then re-issued in the US to follow up its success, but "Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying" remained their biggest hit in the United States.
Personally, this song title always reminds me of my mother’s words when I was growing up. If ever she saw me tearful, she would open the window curtains as wide as possible, let in the sun and say, “Look, Billy. It’s a brand, new day. Now, don’t let the sun catch you crying, boy.” This is a philosophy of life that I have held ever since and whenever I have been faced with difficulties that initially appear insurmountable, I look to nature for the
constancy of purpose, in the reassurance, that ‘tomorrow will always bring a new day’ and that ‘the sun will shine down again’.
Love and peace Bill xxx