“Love Letters” is a popular song composed by Victor Young with lyrics by Edward Heyman. It appeared without lyrics in the October 1945 film Love Letters, while a vocal version by Dick Haymes, arranged and conducted by Young, was recorded in March 1945. The song was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song, losing to “It Might as Well Be Spring” from State Fair.
Ketty Lester recorded the song for Era Records in 1962, releasing it as a single backed with “I’m a Fool to Want You.” Her spare arrangement features piano and organ by Lincoln Mayorga and drums by Earl Palmer. The recording reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, No. 2 on the R&B chart, and No. 4 in the UK, selling more than one million copies and earning an RIAA gold disc. Lester’s version was later used in Blue Velvet. Other notable recordings include Nat King Cole’s 1957 version, Elvis Presley’s 1966 single and 1970 remake, and Alison Moyet’s 1987 UK hit.
