Month November 2024

“Walking Man” (James Taylor)

Walking Man, James Taylor

Today’s song of the day is a James Taylor classic, 1974’s “Walking Man.” This was the lead track (side one, track one) of the same-named album. While “Walking Man” was released as a single, it didn’t break into the Billboard Hot 100—although it did reach #26 on Billboard’s Easy Listening chart. It’s become one of Mr. Taylor’s best-known and best-loved…

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“Run Joey Run” (David Geddes)

Run Joey Run, David Geddes

Anybody remember this one? Today’s classic song of the day is “Run Joey Run” by a guy named David Geddes. Released in July of 1975, this little teenage tragedy track went all the way to #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Cash Box Top 100. “Run Joey Run” was written by Paul Vance and Jack Perricone.…

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“Billy Don’t Be a Hero” (Paper Lace/Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods)

Billy Don't Be a Hero, Paper Lace

Today’s classic song of the day is “Billy Don’t Be a Hero.” It was a hit first for the group Paper Lace in the UK, then by Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods in the U.S. “Billy Don’t Be a Hero” was written and produced by Mitch Murray and Peter Callander. These Brits were responsible, either together or separately, for hits…

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“Midnight Blue” (Melissa Manchester)

Midnight Blue, Melissa Manchester

Keeping with our color-in-the-title theme, today’ classic colorful song of the day is “Midnight Blue” by Melissa Manchester. Released as a single in April of 1975, this track went to #6 on the Billboard Hot 100, #7 on the Cash Box Top 100, and #1 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart. It was Ms. Manchester’s first big hit and the second-biggest…

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“Bluer Than Blue” (Michael Johnson)

Bluer Than Blue, Michael Johnson

Today’s classic song of the day is “Bluer Than Blue” by singer Michael Johnson. (Not Michael Jackson.) The song was the singer’s first big hit; he subsequently scored another Top Twenty hit the following year with “This Night Won’t Last Forever.” “Bluer Than Blue” was written by country songwriter Randy Goodrum. You probably don’t know his name, but he was…

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“I Couldn’t Live Without Your Love” (Petula Clark)

I Couldn't Live Without Your Love, Petula Clark

Today’s classic mid-60s song of the day is “I Couldn’t Live Without Your Love” by Brit songbird Petula Clark. This single, released in June of 1966, went to #9 on the Billboard Hot 100, #6 on the UK Singles chart, and #1 on Billboard’s Easy Listening chart. “I Couldn’t Live Without Your Love,” like many of Pet Clark’s big hits,…

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