EVIE SANDS
Composed by Chip Taylor, Angel Of The Morning was first recorded by Evie Sands in 1967, but it made its initial chart impact the next year with a version by Merrilee Rush & the Turnabouts. Initially, the song was offered to Connie Francis, who declined it, believing the lyrics were too risqué for her image. Taylor went on to produce Sands’ version, but due to the financial difficulties facing Cameo-Parkway Records, which had Sands signed, the single saw a very limited release without substantial promotional support. Over the years, numerous artists have covered the song, including Chrissie Hynde, Dusty Springfield, P.P. Arnold, Connie Eaton, Mary Mason, Guys ‘n’ Dolls, Melba Montgomery, Olivia Newton-John, and Juice Newton, who achieved a top ten spot on the Billboard Hot 100 with her version in 1981.