It has been widely believed, and reported[4][5] that the instrumental track was recorded in Los Angeles using members of the Wrecking Crew, particularly drummer Hal Blaine.

"[6] However, Chris Jisi, writing in 2009, notes the track was cut in Los Angeles but was sent back to re-record the bass line with Motown regular James Jamerson, and the final version contained at minimum his contribution.

[6][7] Ballard's final of the 17 appearances The Supremes made on the hit CBS variety television program The Ed Sullivan Show[8] was on an episode where she performed this song live from Expo 67 in Montréal on Sunday, May 7, 1967,[9] going to number 1 the same week.

Billboard described the single as being "in the good-time rhythm music bag" as "the trio changes pace with this classy performance of the new film theme.

"The Happening" was an instrumental hit for Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass in 1967 making number 32 on the Billboard chart.