Bob Gibson wrote this song with Bob Camp in the early 60s. Gibson was my first influencer for folk music. In 1957 He came to the Latin School of Chicago and performed a 45 minute set that blew me away! I ran up to Louise Ganter, my music teacher, who had invited Bob and asked what type of music that was? She told me it was folk music and suggested that I check out the newly opened Old Town School of Folk Music. Well after three years of studying there I was a professional musician. So Gibson’s appearance was a life changing event for me.
The Smothers Brothers recorded this song and Tommy who passed away recently, was a good friend. I put this song up as a love ballad for Valentine’s Day as well as a tribute to Bob Gibson and Tommy Smothers.
Happy Valentine’s Day!!!
In the key of F in the D position with a capo on the third fret.
[D] Stella’s got a new dress [A] just today.
[D] Everywhere she goes the [A] people say.
[Em] Who’s that walkin’ [A] down the street?
[Em] Pretty little girl so [A] dainty and petit
[D] With a brand new way to [A] wear her hair
[D] And a brand new [F#m] bright new [G] dress to wear.
Who could imagine a [Em] sight so fair
[A] As Stella in her pretty new [D] dress?
Stella’s got a new dress don’t you know.
Everybody turns to watch her go.
All dressed up she looks so sweet
Pretty new shoes on her pretty little feet.
The very first time she passed my way
Stella stole my heart away
Who could imagine that lovely day
When Stella got a pretty new dress.
Stella’s got a new dress just today.
Everywhere she goes the people say.
Who’s that walkin’ down the street?
Pretty little girl so dainty and petit
With a brand new way to wear her hair
And a brand new bright new dress to wear.
Who could imagine a sight so fair
As Stella in her pretty new dress?