Classic rock, pop, and soul songs from the '60s, '70s, and '80s
Classic rock, pop, and soul songs from the '60s, '70s, and '80s
Today’s classic socially conscious song of the day is “If I Had a Hammer (The Hammer Song).” It’s a progressive song, a protest song, a song arguing for justice, equality, and the power of the people. “If I Had a Hammer” was written by Pete Seeger and Lee Hays of the folk group the Weavers back in 1949 and was…
Today is election day in these barely United States of America, the day that, at least in theory, gives ultimate power to everyday people throughout the country. It’s fitting, then, that today’s classic song of the day is “Power to the People” by John Lennon and the Plastic Ono Band. John Lennon wrote “Power to the People” and released it…
Tomorrow is election day here in the United States, and one way or another history will be made. We’ll either have our first woman president or only our second president in history to win two nonconsecutive terms. There may be more history made, depending on who is elected, but let’s try to keep things relatively nonpolitical here. (You want to…
Still celebrating composer Jim Steinman’s birthday, today’s classic song of the day is one of his tunes from the 1984 movie, Streets of Fire. “Tonight is What It Means to Be Young” was the movie’s closer, sung in the movie by lead character Ellen Aim (Diane Lane). In reality, Ms. Lane was lip synching to a studio group called Fire…
Still celebrating yesterday’s birthday of the late Jim Steinman, here’s the biggest-selling song he wrote, “Total Eclipse of the Heart.” Performed by Welsh songstress Bonnie Tyler, this over-the-melodramatic-top power ballad was released in June of 1983 (February in the UK) and shot to #1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Cash Box Top 100 charts. It also hit #1…
Today we’re celebrating songwriter Jim Steinman’s birthday with one of his biggest hits, “Paradise by the Dashboard Light.” The song was performed by the singer known as Meat Loaf on his Bat Out of Hell album. Released as a single in August of 1978, the track only went to #39 on the Billboard Hot 100 but became an FM radio…
Today’s classic song of the day is “Free Man in Paris” by Joni Mitchell. Released as a single in July of 1974, this track reached #22 on the Billboard Hot 100, #23 on the Cash Box 100, and #2 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart. Joni Mitchell wrote “Free Man in Paris” about her friend, music industry mogul David Geffen. It…
Today’s classic song of the day is “Ebony Eyes” by Bob Welch. This was a follow-up to his previous hit, “Sentimental Lady,” which was a top ten hit in 1977. Bob Welch wrote “Ebony Eyes” and released it as a single in January of 1978. It just missed the top ten in the U.S., peaking at #14 on the Billboard…
Today’s classic song of the day is an early song from Neil Diamond, “Kentucky Woman.” This single was released in October of 1967 and quickly became a staple of Mr. Diamond’s live act. The song reached #22 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #12 on the Cash Box Top 100. Mr. Diamond wrote “Kentucky Woman” when he was on a…
Today’s classic song of the day is “Suspicious Minds,” a huge comeback hit for Elvis Presley. The song was written by Mark James, who also wrote “Always On My Mind” (a hit for Willie Nelson in 1982) and “Sunday Sunrise” (a country hit for Brenda Lee in 1973). “Suspicious Minds” was James’ first big songwriting success. Following the success of…