April love - Pat Boone

'April Love' was composed by Sammy Fain and written by Paul Francis Webster. It was written as the theme song for a 1957 film of the same name, starring Pat Boone and Shirley Jones and directed by Henry Levin. Pat Boone recorded the song, and helped by the release of the film, it became a number one hit for him. In 1958, it was nominated for an Oscar for Best Music, Original Song but lost out to Frank Sinatra's 'All the Way'.

In 1973 the song was recorded by Ricky Wilde, and this is how I got to know this song. Obviously I was interested to hear the original as well, and I was lucky enough to find a copy last weekend!

My collection: 7" single no. 7719
Found: Kay's Outlet, Wagenberg (Netherlands), 12 July 2025
Tracks: 'April love' / 'When the swallows come back to Capistrand' 

April love - Pat Boone

Pat Boone was born on June 1, 1934 and was a successful pop singer in the Fifties and early Sixties. As a devout Christian, Boone refused songs and movie roles that he felt might compromise his standards—including a role with sex symbol Marilyn Monroe. In his first film, 'April love', he refused to give co-star and love interest Shirley Jones an onscreen kiss, because the actress was married in real life.

The song from the movie was released as a single in 1958 and reached the top of the charts in the USA, while peaking at number 7 in the UK singles chart and number 6 in the Netherlands. In 1974, the track was covered by Ricky Wilde. Indeed: Kim's younger brother.

My collection: 7" single no. 4953
Found: Record Exchange, London, October 31, 2010
Cost: 10p
Tracks: 'April love' / 'Love letters in the sand'