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 song that became an even bigger cover is “Respect.” This tune was an initial hit for Memphis soul legend Otis Redding and an even bigger hit for the Queen of Soul herself, Aretha Franklin. Who wrote “Respect” is open for debate. While the song is credited to Otis Redding, he doesn’t appear to be the original creator. The…
This week we’re looking at songs that were popular enough in their first go round but really blew up when covered by other artists. With that in mind, today’s classic song and cover of the day is “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” a hit originally for Gladys Knight & the Pips and later for Marvin Gaye. “I Heard It…
Today’s classic song of the day is the Motown classic “Up the Ladder to the Roof” by the Supremes. Released in February of 1970, this track peaked at #10 on the Billboard Hot 100, #9 on the Cash Box Top 100, and #5 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Songs chart. Note that this single is by the Supremes, not by Diana…
Today’s classic song of the day is “Best of My Love” by the Emotions. Released in June of 1977, this one went all the way to #1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Cash Box Top 100, as well as Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart. It won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group…
Today’s classic song of the day is “Clean Up Woman” by Betty Wright. This funky little tune debuted in November 1971 and rose to #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 (and #2 on Billboard’s R&B chart) early the following year. “Clean Up Woman” was written and produced by the team of Clarence Reid and Willie Clarke for Alston Records. Together…
Today’s classic song of the day is that early disco track, “Rock the Boat” by the Hues Corporation. This one one of the first disco tunes to go mainstream, charting at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1974. (Interestingly, it only hit #5 on Billboard’s Dance Club Songs chart.) “Rock the Boat” was written by a guy named Waldo…
Today’s classic song of the day is “Nature’s Way” from the band Spirit. It wasn’t a huge hit (only reached #111 on the Billboard chart) but it’s a terrific tune from a terrific album by a terrific band. You might remember it or you might not. “Nature’s Way” was written by Spirit’s guitarist, Randy California, and featured on their 1970…
Today’s classic song of the day is “A White Shade of Pale” by Procol Harum. Released in May of 1967, this classical-sounding track peaked at #5 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Cash Box Top 100, but topped the charts in Australia, Belgium Canada, France, Ireland, Italy, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, West Germany,…
This week’s final classic song with Hal Blaine on drums of the day is “Indian Reservation,” purportedly by the Raiders. This single was released in February of 1971 and rose all the way to #1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Cash Box Top 100 charts. I say “purportedly” by the Raiders (formerly known as Paul Revere & the…