Bobby Sherman – “It Hurts Me” (1965)

An overlooked gem from a star still waiting to rise.

Long before he became a teen idol of the late 1960s and early ’70s, Bobby Sherman was just another young artist trying to break into the booming pop market of mid-’60s America. Released by Decca Records in 1965, “It Hurts Me” was one of his earliest solo singles—a tender, melancholic ballad that didn’t find commercial success at the time, but offered a glimpse of the emotional sincerity that would later define his biggest hits.

Originally appearing as the B-side to “You Make Me Happy” in 1964, the track was later promoted to A-side status—yet still failed to chart. Despite its modest reception, “It Hurts Me” captured the earnest, teen-oriented sound that was popular in the wake of acts like Ricky Nelson and early Elvis. With a melody soaked in longing and heartbreak, the song features Sherman’s soft, emotive vocals over a gentle arrangement, typical of the mid-’60s pop ballad aesthetic.

Written by Dick Glasser, the song was produced during a transitional period in Sherman’s career. At just 22 years old, he was gaining national exposure as a regular performer on the music variety show Shindig! (1964–1966), but had yet to find a musical identity that would resonate with a mass audience.

Though “It Hurts Me” never climbed the charts, it was later rediscovered through the 1990 compilation What Came Before (Teen Ager Records), a release that helped collectors and fans trace the humble, often overlooked beginnings of a future pop heartthrob.

Soft, sentimental, and full of youthful ache, “It Hurts Me” may not have been a hit—but it showed early signs of the emotional depth and vocal charm that would soon make Bobby Sherman a household name.

A forgotten tune from a not-yet-famous voice—still echoing with the hope and heartbreak of chasing a dream.