 The song was written by Van McCoy, then a staff writer for Columbia's publishing arm April Blackwood Music.Artie Wayne, professional manager of April Blackwood, placed "Before and After" with Chad & Jeremy, who recorded the song in March 1965 in the sessions for their album also entitled "Before and After"; Lor Crane produced these sessions at Columbia's New York City studios.The song borrows the concept of "before and after" images popular in advertising campaigns for weight loss products