From the text-line, Lesley, a fan of The Blow Monkees in Marion!
Originally, this was a hit for Leslie Gore in 1963 who recorded it when she was on 17 years old. It’s also her last Top 10 single and her second biggest hit behind “It’s My Party” when it peaked at #2 on the Hot 100.
There’s been several cover versions of this song, from Selena Gomez, Diane Keaton, Bette Midler and Goldie Hawn from the film The First Wives Club, but my favorite verion is the one on the original soundtrack album of Dirty Dancing.
New Wave/Brit-pop band, The Blow Monkees had their biggest hit, “Digging Your Scene” in 1986 and I’ve featured it here on the F45@45. Their cover of “You Don’t Own Me” is so soulful and sophisticated and fits perfectly in the scene in Dirty Dancing where Johnny is sulking in Penny’s cabin because Baby didn’t defend him in front of her father, so he felt that she was just using him for the summer, like so many other women had. As Penny opens the door and reveals Johnny inside, as he comes to the door the song plays the first words, “You don’t own me…” as he looks at Baby with disdain and mistrust before coming out. Then Baby kisses hs back, caressing his shoulders and muttering, “I’m sorry…” when Bobbie walks by and utters a disgusting comment that sets Johnny into a rage and beats the crap out of him….
I think…. I’ve only seen the movie over 100 times, so I can be specific…. 😉
