Today in Rock and Roll History - Nov. 6, 1965 Billy Joe Royal performs "I Knew You When' on Shindig The song reached No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 the week of November 6, 1965. The song went to No. 1 on the Canadian music chart in November 1965 Written and composed by Joe South. There have also been several other hit cover versions of this song, including by Donny Osmond and Linda Ronstadt. | Johnny Rock and Roll Radio