Introduction to The Carefrees
The Carefrees were a short-lived British all-girl group consisting of session vocalists Lynne Cornell (who was married to Andy White, a session drummer who played one of the two versions of the Beatles’ “Love Me Do”), Barbara Kay and Betty Prescott, who waxed their first and only single, a novelty record titled “We Love You Beatles” in 1964.
The Carefrees and their short career
Best remembered with their lone hit “We Love You Beatles,” The Carefrees were a British girl group from the 60s music era consisting of Lynn Cornell, Barbara Kay and Betty Prescott. Formed (and also disbanded) in 1964, they later released their first and only charting single “We Love You Beatles” to start up their career. The song gained position on the Billboard Top 40 pop chart at #39. The song’s inspiration was taken from the Charles Strouse and Lee Adams’ composition “We Love You Conrad” in the musical Bye Bye Birdie. It was thought to be an answer song to the Beatles’ “She Loves You,” and in fact includes at least three instrumental derivations from the hit song, not to mention the “Yeah, yeah, yeah” line.
Aside from The Carefrees’ hit single, another novelty song about The Beatles made to the pop chart which was The Four Preps’ “A Letter to the Beatles” (#85).
Cornell married Andy White who once did the drum parts on one of two versions of The Beatles’ “Love Me Do.”
The Carefrees’ discography (may be impartial)
London International
(Mar 1961) [USA]
- A: We Love You Beatles
- B: Hot Blooded Lover
Oriole Records
(Feb 1964) [UK]
- A: We Love You Beatles
- B: Hot Blooded Lover
(Jul 1964)
- A: Aren’t You Glad You’re You
- B: Paddy Whack
Peak Records
(1964) [New Zealand]
- A: We Love You Beatles
- B: Hot Blooded Lover
Oriole Records
(1964) [Denmark]
- A: We Love You Beatles
- B: Hot Blooded Lover
London International
(1964) [Canada]
- A: We Love You Beatles
- B: Hot Blooded Lover
W & G Records
(1964) [Australia]
- A: We Love You Beatles
- B: Hot Blooded Lover