Sixties Pop Music
The song “Young Girl,” which was performed by Gary Puckett and The Union Gap, was written by songwriter and producer Jerry Fuller (also known for writing “Travelin’ Man” and “It’s Up to You” for Ricky Nelson). The song was released as a sing in 1968 backed with “I’m Losing You.” It went to #2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on Cash Box and the U.K. Singles Chart. The song was also on their 1968 album titled Young Girl. Personnel for the song were Gary Puckett (lead vocals, guitar), Kerry Chater (bass), Gary “Mutha” Withem (keyboards), Dwight Bemont (tenor Saxophone), and Paul Wheatbread (drums).
Gary Puckett and The Union Gap (originally credited as The Union Gap featuring Gary Puckett) formed in San Diego, California, in 1967. Some of their big hits, besides “Young Girl,” include “Woman, Woman,” “Over You,” “Lady Willpower,” and “This Girl is a Woman Now.” Part of their stage persona was to wear U.S. Union Army-style Civil War uniforms. The band began to disband in 1969, and by 1970, Gary Puckett went on to pursue a solo career.