First recorded by The Seekers (1966).
Hit version by The Cyrkle (US #2/CAN #1 1966).
Also recorded by Neil Diamond (1966), Mel Tormé (1966), Simon & Gardfunkel (1967, released 1997), The Diodes (1977).
From the wiki: “‘Red Rubber Ball’ was co-written by Paul Simon (of Simon and Garfunkel) and Bruce Woodley (of The Seekers). In an interview on The Colbert Report, Simon said he wrote ‘Red Rubber Ball’ while living in England, to get a £100 advance from The Seekers. The Seekers were the to record ‘Red Rubber Ball’, for their 1966 album Come the Day (US album title: Georgy Girl), but the song was not released as a single.
“According to Cyrkle guitarist Tom Dawes, Simon also offered it to the Cyrkle when they were opening for Simon and Garfunkel on tour in England.
“Neil Diamond recorded ‘Red Rubber Ball’ for his 1966 debut album The Feel of Neil Diamond.
“Simon recorded a live version of ‘Red Rubber Ball’ with his partner, Art Garfunkel, in 1967 that was not released until their 1997 compilation album Old Friends.
“Canadian punk rock group The Diodes had it as the first track on their debut album, The Diodes (1977). According to the liner notes of the 1998 Diodes anthology, Tired of Waking Up Tired, the band recorded the cover because song co-writer Simon had been very vocal in his disapproval of punk rock.”
Mel Tormé, “Red Rubber Ball” (1966):
Neil Diamond, “Red Rubber Ball” (1966):
The Cyrkle, “Red Rubber Ball” (1966):
Simon & Garfunkel, “Red Rubber Ball” (1967):
The Diodes, “Red Rubber Ball” (1977):