Brian Hyland

Brian Hyland became the unmistakable voice of summer love and youthful romance, helping define the sound of early 1960s pop music. At just 16 years old, he shot to international fame with the infectious hit “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini,” which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1960 and earned him a Gold Record. The song made Brian one of the youngest artists ever to top the charts and instantly cemented his place in music history.

His success continued with a string of enduring hits, including “Sealed with a Kiss” and “Gypsy Woman,” both of which reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, with “Sealed with a Kiss” also becoming a major international hit and later re-released to renewed acclaim. Hyland’s recordings captured a sense of innocence and emotion that resonated deeply with audiences on both sides of the Atlantic.

Born on November 12, 1943, in Woodhaven, Queens, Brian’s musical journey unfolded quickly. After early success on Kapp Records, he moved to ABC-Paramount, where he enjoyed a productive collaboration with acclaimed songwriters Gary Geld and Peter Udell. During this period, he released a series of charting singles including “Let Me Belong to You,” “Ginny Come Lately,” “Sealed with a Kiss,” and “Warmed-Over Kisses,” further solidifying his status as a pop mainstay.

A subsequent chapter at Phillips Records found Brian working with legendary figures such as Snuff Garrett, Leon Russell, and J.J. Cale, producing hits like “The Joker Went Wild” and “Run, Run, Look and See,” both of which climbed into the Top 20. His versatility and willingness to evolve became hallmarks of his career.

One of Hyland’s most celebrated recordings came with “Gypsy Woman,” written by Curtis Mayfield and produced by Del Shannon. The song sold over three million copies worldwide, becoming one of the defining recordings of his career and a timeless classic.

As musical tastes shifted, Hyland continued to adapt. In 1977, he relocated to New Orleans to work with legendary producer Allen Toussaint, resulting in the critically acclaimed album In a State of Bayou, widely regarded as one of the finest works of his career. Though his teen idol status faded, Brian remained an active and respected recording artist, releasing country-influenced albums and continuing to chart later in his career. As AllMusic critic Jason Ankeny noted, “Hyland’s puppy-love pop virtually defined the sound and sensibility of bubblegum during the pre-Beatles era.”

More than 60 years after the release of “Sealed with a Kiss,” Brian reunited with songwriter Peter Udell to record a new holiday song, “A Little Bit of Christmas Time,” released in November 2023, a testament to the enduring creative partnership and timeless appeal of his voice.

Today, Brian Hyland continues to perform, bringing decades of beloved music and unforgettable memories to audiences around the world. His legacy is one of reinvention, longevity, and songs that continue to evoke joy, nostalgia, and emotional connection across generations.

Brian Hyland is available for corporate events, festivals, concerts, cruise ships, casinos, theaters, trade shows, meet & greets, and other venues and events.