The Australian band The Easybeats released “Friday on My Mind” as a single on November 17, 1966. The song was written by Easybeats George Young and Harry Vanda. It became a worldwide hit, reaching #1 in Australia, #6 in the UK, #16 in the USA. It also charted in several other countries. In 2001, the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) voted “Friday on My Mind” “Best Australian Song” of all time.
George Young co-wrote nearly all of The Easybeats’ songs, with either singer Stevie Wright, or lead guitarist, Harry Vanda. Young is also older brother to Malcolm and Angus Young of AC/DC. With Harry Vanda, George produced some of AC/DC’s early recordings. The elder Young also played as AC/DC’s bass guitarist for a short time, early in their career.
“Friday on My Mind” has been covered by a number of artists including David Bowie, Peter Frampton, and Richard Thompson. The Shadows recorded an instrumental version of the song in 1967.
