Little Anthony and The Imperials (Anthony Gourdine, Ernest Wright, Clarence Collins, Tracy Lord and Nathaniel Rodgers) recorded the original "The Diary" (R. Barrett - A. Gourdine) in 1958 but it wasn't released until the Sedaka single was issued, that was too late. Note also the composer credits on the single. That was corrected after the fact. This was the follow-up to their hit "Tears On My Pillow" and on the album "We Are The Imperials Featuring Little Anthony".

In late 1958 Eydie Gorme's cousin and former member of The Tokens, Neil Sedaka reached the top twenty pop and R&B charts with his first of many hits, "The Diary" (Neil Sedaka - Howard Greenfield). Later this was issued on the album "Rock With Sedaka".