I Want Candy" — Song Origins, Original Singer, and Key Covers

Who really wrote "I Want Candy" and sang the original

When asking about the original singer of "I Want Candy," it helps to separate the songwriters who conceived the words and music from the first artists who recorded and released it. The title is most closely associated with a 1965 hit by the Strangeloves, yet the underlying composition was created earlier by songwriters Bob Feldman, Jerry Goldstein, and Richard Gottehrer. Understanding this distinction between writing and performing clarifies many common questions about who can be called the "original" artist.

Songwriting credits and earliest commercial release

Published songwriting credits for "I Want Candy" belong to Bob Feldman, Jerry Goldstein, and Richard Gottehrer. Their 1965 recording, released on Smash Records, is widely treated as the commercially released original version. In archival notes and label data, this single is cited as the earliest mainstream iteration that introduced the melody and hook to a broad audience.

Original release details table

From the Strangeloves to Bow Wow Wow

The Strangeloves' 1965 version is frequently cited as the hit that made the song recognizable to a mainstream pop audience. Later, Bow Wow Wow's 1981 recording, produced by McLaren and including session musicians, brought the title to a new generation. While Bow Wow Wow's version is sometimes conflated with the origin, it is better understood as a reinterpretation that capitalized on an existing melody and lyric.

Cover versions and notable recordings

Beyond the Strangeloves and Bow Wow Wow, other artists have recorded notable versions that vary in arrangement and vocal style. A quick comparison can help listeners choose which recording fits their purpose, whether for study, performance, or reference.

• The Strangeloves (1965) — original charting pop single
• Bow Wow Wow (1981) — new wave production with prominent guitar
• Various regional and independent artists have released lesser-known renditions, often adjusting tempo, key, or instrumentation

Common points of confusion

Because the melody is simple and the hook is memorable, many performers assume the song is public domain or that the credits are unclear. In practice, the composition remains under copyright, and attribution to Feldman, Goldstein, and Gottehrer is standard in professional recordings and sheet music. Clear track metadata and proper licensing help avoid misattribution.

How to find reliable sources and samples

To confirm details about writers, release dates, and chart performance, consult discographies, label archives, and recognized music databases. For sample usage or performance covers, verify rights with the appropriate music publisher or licensing administrator to ensure compliance.

Quick reference summary