BIOGRAPHY

Brian Hyland’s journey through music is nothing short of legendary. Born in the vibrant streets of Woodhaven, Queens, on November 12th, 1943, Brian’s destiny was entwined with melodies that would soon capture the hearts of millions.

At the tender age of 16, Brian skyrocketed to stardom with his infectious hit, “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini,” claiming the coveted #1 spot across the nation and earning him a prestigious Gold Record. This was just the beginning of a remarkable musical odyssey.

Transitioning from Kapp Records to ABC Paramount, Brian embarked on a whirlwind of chart-topping success alongside the dynamic duo of Gary Geld and Peter Udell. Hits like “Let Me Belong to You,” “Ginny Come Lately,” “Sealed with a Kiss,” and “Warmed-over Kisses” solidified his status as a household name.

A stint at Phillips Records saw Brian collaborating with luminaries such as Snuff Garrett, Leon Russell, and JJ Cale, delivering hits like “The Joker Went Wild” and “Run, Run, Look and See,” which soared into the top 20 on the charts.

Brian’s meteoric rise continued with the monumental success of Curtis Mayfield’s “Gypsy Woman,” a timeless anthem that resonated globally, selling over 3 million copies and produced by the legendary Del Shannon. His penchant for reinvention shone brightly with his rendition of Jackie Wilson’s “Lonely Teardrops,” capturing the essence of soulful melodies with unmatched finesse.

In 1977 Brian moved to New Orleans to work with Allen Toussaint. Allen produced an album with Brian called “In  a State of Bayou”. The album was loved by the critics and was one of the best pieces music Brian ever did.
 

After sixty years since the release of ‘Sealed with a Kiss’, Brian reunited with Peter Udell. Peter penned a Christmas song and invited Brian to record it. The song, titled ‘A Little Bit of Christmas Time’, was released at the end of November 2023.

As Brian continues to grace stages and studios with his timeless melodies, his legacy as a true icon of the music industry only grows stronger with each passing beat.

Brian is currently married to Kathalynn Turner Hyland, actress, writer, author, & psychotherapist. They’re happy parents to a maltese named Gidget. 

 

Brian Hyland, 2023

Allen Toussaint Days