<P> "Goodnite, Sweetheart, Goodnite" is a popular song that was a hit during the mid-1950s . It was written by Calvin Carter and James "Pookie" Hudson in 1953 . </P> <P> It was originally recorded by the R&B doo - wop group The Spaniels in 1954 . The original version peaked at number five on the R&B Best Sellers chart . The best - selling version of the song was recorded by the McGuire Sisters in 1954 . It was also recorded in 1954 by country music duo Johnnie & Jack . </P> <P> The song should not be confused with a completely different, of the same name, from the 1930s, sung by Rudy Vallée, among others . The Spaniels' song has the sub-title "it's time to go" and the now famous doo - wop bass line intro . The bass line was not, however, included in the McGuire Sisters' cover version, made to sell to white audiences . </P>

Who sang goodnight sweetheart it's time to go