History of You Showed Me in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 28, 2025

"You Showed Me" is a song co-written by Gene Clark and Jim McGuinn of the Byrds in 1964. The Turtles recorded and released it as a single in late 1968, achieving their final major hit in the United States. Numerous artists have covered or incorporated elements of the song, including The Lightning Seeds, Salt-N-Pepa, Lutricia McNeal, and Madison Beer.

1964: Songwriting by Gene Clark and Jim McGuinn

In 1964, "You Showed Me" was written by Gene Clark and Jim McGuinn of the Byrds.

1964: Chip Douglas hears the song performed at The Troubadour

In 1964, Chip Douglas first heard "You Showed Me" performed by Clark, McGuinn, and Crosby at The Troubadour.

1964: Clark and McGuinn form the Jet Set

In 1964, soon after writing "You Showed Me", Clark and McGuinn formed a trio with David Crosby called the Jet Set. The band recorded demos of "You Showed Me" but eventually abandoned the song and renamed themselves to the Byrds.

1964: Clark and McGuinn Compose "You Showed Me"

In early 1964, Gene Clark and Jim McGuinn composed the song "You Showed Me" while performing as a duo in Los Angeles folk clubs.

1966: Chip Douglas performs the song with Gene Clark

In 1966, Chip Douglas, a member of Gene Clark and the Group, performed the song "You Showed Me" with Clark.

1968: The Turtles Record and Release "You Showed Me"

In 1968, the Turtles recorded "You Showed Me" for their album The Turtles Present the Battle of the Bands and released it as a single, which reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100.

1968: The Turtles Release "You Showed Me" as a Single

In 1968, the Turtles released their version of "You Showed Me" as a single, which became a major hit in the U.S.

1969: Mention of the Turtles' Hit

In 1969, Dave Sholin from the Gavin Report referred to the Turtles' version of "You Showed Me" as a gigantic hit that plays well in the movie Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery.

1972: Claude Steben covers song in French

In 1972, Québécois singer Claude Steben covered the song "You Showed Me" in French under the title "Vous".

1989: De La Soul Sample Controversy

In 1989, De La Soul sampled The Turtles' recording of "You Showed Me" for their song "Transmitting Live From Mars (Interlude)" on their album, 3 Feet High and Rising, without permission, leading to a lawsuit and an out-of-court settlement. This is said to be the first time that a hip hop act was ever sued for unethical use of another artist's music.

1990: Salt-N-Pepa Incorporate "You Showed Me" into Their Song

In 1990, Salt-N-Pepa incorporated parts of "You Showed Me" into their song, also called "You Showed Me", which was featured on their album Blacks' Magic.

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1991: Salt-N-Pepa's Single Charts in the UK

In 1991, Salt-N-Pepa's single "You Showed Me" reached No. 15 on the UK Singles Chart.

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1996: The Lightning Seeds Cover "You Showed Me"

In 1996, The Lightning Seeds covered "You Showed Me" on their album Dizzy Heights.

April 1997: The Lightning Seeds Release "You Showed Me" as a Single

In April 1997, the Lightning Seeds released "You Showed Me" as a single, reaching No. 8 in the UK and becoming their most successful chart release (excluding "Three Lions" versions).

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