First recorded by Goldie (1966).
Hit versions by Dusty Springfield (UK #10/AUS #9/SNG #6 1966), The Byrds (US #89 1967).
Also recorded by Carole King (1970 |1980), Larry Lurex aka Freddie Mercury (1973).
From the wiki: “Billed as ‘Goldie’ (of Goldie & the Gingerbreads), Genya Raven released the original version of the classic Carole King-Gerry Goffin composition “Goin’ Back” in the spring of 1966. However, this single was withdrawn within a week by producer Andrew Loog Oldham, due to disagreements with Goffin and King over altered lyrics. King then decided to record “Goin’ Back” herself, but ultimately she offered it to Dusty Springfield instead who would record it three months later, making the UK Top-10 singles chart immediately in the wake of her UK #1 hit ‘You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me‘.
“Goldie’s career started in 1962 on a dare in a Brooklyn club called The Lollipop Lounge. She was asked to join the band The Escorts, (in which future producer Richard was a member). After signing to Decca Coral records and being produced by Henry Jerome, there was some success, they covered ‘Somewhere’ from West Side Story and it went to number one in parts of the Midwest. In 1963 she formed Goldie and The Gingerbreads after Genya met drummer Ginger Bianco in a Greenwich Village bar.
“After seeing the band at a party for the Rolling Stones, Atlantic Records Chairman Ahmet Ertegün signed them to Atlantic subsidiary Atco Records. Goldie & the Gingerbreads were the first all-girl rock band in history to be signed to a major label and climb the charts. Goldie and The Gingerbreads would later tour with the Rolling Stones, the Yardbirds, the Kinks, and Manfred Mann. They reached the charts with their hit ‘Can’t You Hear My Heart Beat‘ in 1965. The song reached #25 on the UK Singles Chart but did not chart in the US. The band stayed in London for two years. After leaving music as a performer, Ravan later worked as a producer for multiple record labels. She was responsible for the debut album Young Loud and Snotty by the punk rock band Dead Boys (1977) and the comeback album Siren by Ronnie Spector (1982).
“The Byrds’ recording of ‘Goin’ Back’ was released as a single on October 20, 1967 and reached #89 on the Billboard Hot 100, but failed to chart in the United Kingdom. The band’s decision to record the song led to tensions within the group, principally due to rhythm guitarist David Crosby’s lack of enthusiasm towards it. Crosby considered ‘Goin’ Back’ to be lightweight fluff, typical of the Brill Building style of songwriting. He was therefore dismayed to find that his own song, ‘Triad’, was in direct competition with ‘Goin’ Back’ for a place on The Notorious Byrd Brothers. Ultimately, Crosby was fired from the band and ‘Goin’ Back’ was included on the album and released as a single.
“Carole King released her own recording of “Goin’ Back” on her 1970 album Writer, and later re-recorded the song for her Pearls: Songs of Goffin and King album released in 1980.
“Additionally, ‘Goin’ Back’ was recorded by Larry Lurex (‘I Can Hear Music‘) in 1973, featuring vocals by Freddie Mercury, guitar by Brian May, and drums by Roger Taylor.”
Dusty Springfield, “Goin’ Back” (1966):
The Byrds, “Goin’ Back” (1967):
Carole King, “Goin’ Back” (1970):
Larry Lurex, “Goin’ Back” (1973):
Carole King, “Goin’ Back” (1980):