The late Neil Sedaka (along with lyricist Roger Atkins) wrote today’s song of the day. The song is “Workin’ On a Groovy Thing” and the 5th Dimension made it into a hit. Released in June of 1969, the 5th Dimension’s single peaked at #20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #23 on the Cash Box Top 100, but went all the way to #9 on Billboard’s Easy Listening chart and #15 on Billboard’s R&B chart.
“Workin’ On a Groovy Thing” was first recorded by R&B artist Patti Drew on her 1968 album, also titled Workin’ On a Groovy Thing. Her album was also released as a single in 1968 but only got as high as #62 on the Billboard Hot 100. (It scored a little higher on Billboard’s R&B chart, peaking at #34.)
Mr. Sedaka recorded the song himself in 1969, on the album that he also titled Workin’ On a Groovy Thing. The song has also been recorded, over the years, by artists like Garrett Strong, Lana Cantrell, Barbara Lewis, Mongo Santamaria, and the Friends of Distinction.
The 5th Dimension’s version of “Workin’ On a Groovy Thing” was produced, like most of their hits, by Bones Howe. Backing instrumentals were provided, per usual, by the Hollywood Golden Trio of Larry Knetchtel (keyboards), Joe Osborn (bass), and Hal Blaine (drums), assisted by other members of the larger Wrecking Crew. Marilyn McCoo and Florence LaRue shared lead vocal duties.
And here’s today’s daily bonus video of the day, the 5th Dimension lip-synching “Workin’ On a Groovy Thing” on The Woody Allen Special, from September 21, 1969. Groovy, baby!
