The Beatles’ ‘Yesterday’ still claimed the top spot of the Billboard Hot 100 the week of October 19, 1965. Just behind it was ‘Treat Her Right,’ the debut single by Roy Head and the Traits.
Written by Head and bassist Gene Kurtz, this two-minute blast of blue-eyed soul was an instant hit, missing out on #1 only because it was up against The Beatles’ classic. ‘Treat Her Right’ went on to be covered by a laundry list of performers, including Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Otis Redding, Jimmy Page, and Mae West.
Head performed with the Traits and then the Roy Head Trio in the mid-60s, then shifted to country music and embarked on a solo career in 1967. He released nine albums before dying in 2020 at 79.
Head’s musician son, Sundance Head, found success on the TV music competition circuit, getting far on American Idol in 2007 and winning The Voice in 2016. I was surprised to learn that more than a dozen singers have appeared on both shows.
Yeah, my man, alright
Hey!
Aw, you lookin’ good, baby
[Verse 1]
I wanna tell you a story
Every man oughta know
If you want a little lovin’
You gotta start real slow
She’s gonna love you tonight now
If you just treat her right now
[Verse 2]
Aw, squeeze her real gentle
Gotta make her feel good
Tell her that you love her
Like you know you should
‘Cause if you don’t treat her right
She won’t love you tonight
[Verse 3]
If you practice my method
Just as hard as you can
You’re gonna get a reputation
As a lovin’ man
And you’ll be glad every night
That you treated her right
[Outro]
Hey-hey-hey-hey!
Hey, hey, hey, alright
Yeah-yeah, hey! Nevermind, alright
Hey, hey, hey-hey-hey!
Aw, work it now, one time, aw!
Too much, baby, alright
Hey, hey
Meet Me In Montauk 
the beat on this song sounds so familiar but can’t say I know it 🤷♀️
I always wondered why this wasn’t a #1 hit. Thanks for the history lesson.
Not familiar with this song or artist. Interesting info on the nepotism-baby son though.