Co-written and first recorded by Ric Cartey & the Jiva-Tones (1956).
Hit versions by Sonny James (US #4/C&W #1 1957), Tab Hunter (US #1 1957), The Crew Cuts (US #17 1957), Connie Smith & Nat Stuckey (C&W #20 1969), Donny Osmond (US #25/UK #1 1973).
From the wiki: “‘Young Love’ was written by Ric Cartey and Carole Joyner, and was first recorded by Ric Cartey & the Jiva-Tones in November, 1956. Cartey’s version never charted but better-known versions were released within a short time – by Sonny James (January 5, 1957), Tab Hunter (a January 19, 1957 release that did even better on the charts than James’) and The Crew-Cuts (January 26, 1957). James’ recording was produced in October 1956 at Bradley Studio in Nashville, Tennessee, with vocal backing provided by the Jordanaires, the Nashville-based vocal group most known for their work with Elvis Presley.
“The recording by Tab Hunter was next to appear on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Billboard ranked this version at years’ end as the #4 song for 1957. The success of this record led Warner Bros. Pictures, where Hunter was a contract player, to form Warner Bros. Records. A week after the release of Hunter’s single, the Crew Cuts’ recording made its first appearance on the Billboard chart, peaking at #17 on the weekly chart and #24 for the year.
“In 1969, a duet version of the song was made by Country music singers Connie Smith and Nat Stuckey. In 1973, the song was revived by Donny Osmond – a Mike Curb and Don Costa produced version that became a hit on both sides of the Atlantic, especially in the UK where it topped the UK Singles chart for four weeks in August, 1973.”
Sonny James, “Young Love” (1957):
Tab Hunter, “Young Love” (1957):
The Crew Cuts, “Young Love” (1957):
Connie Smith & Nat Stuckey, “Young Love” (1969):
Donny Osmond, “Young Love” (1973):