Goodnite, Sweetheart, Goodnite

"Goodnite, Sweetheart, Goodnite" is a popular song that was a hit during the mid-1950s. It was written by Calvin Carter and James "Pookie" Hudson in 1953.

It was originally recorded by the R&B doo-wop group The Spaniels in 1954. The original version peaked at number five on the R&B Best Sellers chart. The best-selling version of the song was recorded by the McGuire Sisters in 1954. It was also recorded in 1954 by country music duo Johnnie & Jack.

The song should not be confused with a completely different, of the same name, from the 1930s, sung by Rudy Vallée, among others. The Spaniels' song has the sub-title "it's time to go" and the now famous doo-wop bass line intro. The bass line was not, however, included in the McGuire Sisters' cover version, made to sell to white audiences.

Later use

The song became well known again in the late 1970s as the closing song performed by Sha Na Na on their weekly variety show, as well as because of its appearance in the 1973 movie American Graffiti. In the late 1980s it was used again in the major hit film Three Men and a Baby.