Pamela Dean - Do You Know The Way To San Jose

Rework of the classic by Pamela Dean.
"Do You Know the Way to San Jose" is a 1968 song written and composed for singer Dionne Warwick by Burt Bacharach. Hal David wrote the lyrics. The song was Warwick's biggest international hit to that point, selling several million copies worldwide and winning Warwick her first Grammy Award. David's lyrics tell the story of a native of San Jose, California, who, having failed to break into the entertainment field in Los Angeles, is set to return to her hometown.
The song was released on the 1968 RIAA Certified Gold album Dionne Warwick in Valley of the Dolls. "Do You Know the Way to San Jose" was issued as the follow-up single to the double-sided hit "(Theme from) Valley of the Dolls"/ "I Say a Little Prayer" in April 1968. It became Warwick's third consecutive top ten song in the closing months of 1967 and into 1968, punctuating the most successful period of her recording career.
The song peaked at No. 8 in the UK, Ireland, and Canada. It also charted highly in France, Italy, South Africa, Australia, Germany, Brazil, Mexico, Israel, Lebanon, Japan, and many other countries throughout the world. The single was one of the most successful of Warwick's international hits, selling over 3,500,000 copies worldwide. The flip side of the single, "Let Me Be Lonely", also penned by Bacharach/David, charted in the Billboard Hot 100 as well and became one of many double-sided hits for Warwick.

Pamela Dean, born in Lancashire, England settled in South Africa, where she recorded the track. See initially travelled to South Africa as part of the Max Bygraves tour in 1966. She had appeared in cabaret spots in Turkey, France, Germany and England.

The song was also covered by South African’s,
Annabel Linder, on her album, “Annabel” (Gallotone – SGALP.1582, 1968),
Dan Hill on his “Sounds Electronic 6” album (RPM – RPM. 1008-S, 1968), and part of a medley on his “Sounds Electronic Judy In Disguise” album (Budgie – BURD 501, 1971).

Pamela Dean – “Do You Know The Way To San Jose”.
Flip side, “The Girls Song”. Released on the Brigadiers label, BR.7-3001, 1968.

Publisher: Blue Seas Music Inc. Jac Music