Critic Dave Marsh rates Alexander's "Anna (Go to Him)" as one of the top 1001 singles of all time. He praises the "gently swinging rhythm," the tough, syncopated drumming (by Nashville drummer Kenny Buttrey), and Alexander's vocal, particularly at the beginning of the refrain, suggesting that Beatles member John Lennon may have learned to sing ballads like "In My Life" by listening to Alexander's performance. it became part of the Beatles' early repertoire and was consequently recorded by them for their 1963 debut album, Please Please Me.
In the U.S., Vee Jay Records released it on Introducing... The Beatles (January 10, 1964) and Capitol Records re-released it on The Early Beatles (March 22, 1965). Vee Jay also released "Anna (Go to Him)" on the EP Souvenir of Their Visit: The Beatles in the US.
Recording
The band recorded the song on February 11, 1963, in three takes; Take 3 was the master. It was remixed on February 25. George Harrison played the distinctive phrase on guitar; Floyd Cramer played it on piano for the original.
They recorded "Anna (Go to Him)" on June 17, 1963, for the BBC radio show Pop Go the Beatles. The show was broadcast on June 25.
Reception
Unterberger praised the Beatles' version in his review: