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 Motown song of the day is “Bernadette” by the Four Tops. It was released in February of 1967 and peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #3 on the Billboard R&B Singles chart. “Bernadette” was a ground-breaking tune, especially for bass players. Motown legend James Jamerson played bass and showed all the other players out there…
Today’s classic soul song of the day is “People Get Ready,” written by the great Curtis Mayfield. It’s a song that’s been covered dozens if not hundreds of times, which makes it a true classic. “People Get Ready” is a popular song with gospel roots. The lyrics use the spiritual to inform the material, in particular the struggle of Black…
Yesterday’s classic song of the day (“Suite: Judy Blue Eyes“) was written about Judy Collins, so it’s fitting that today’s classic song of the day was made famous by Ms. Collins. The song is “Both Sides Now” and it was a #8 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 (and #3 on the Adult Contemporary chart) for Ms. Collins in 1968.…
Yesterday’s classic song of the day was about Bette Davis’ blue eyes, so let’s continue that theme with a song about a blue-eyed songstress. “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes” was recorded by Crosby, Stills & Nash in 1969 for their self-titled debut album. The song peaked at #21 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #15 on the Cash Box Top 100.…
Today is Halloween and today’s classic Halloween song of the day is that novelty classic, “Monster Mash” by Bobby “Boris” Pickett. “Monster Mash” has become a true holiday classic; you probably can’t turn on the radio today without hearing it at least once. “Monster Mash” was originally released in August of 1962, just in time to peak at #1 on…
A few weeks ago we devoted an entire week to Motown hits. This week we’re moving onto the next decade of soul and covering seven singles that helped define the Philadelphia Soul sound of the 1970s. The first song we’re starting with, however, predated and helped originate Philly Soul in the late 1960s. The song is “La-La (Means I Love…
Today’s classic song of the day is “Take a Letter Maria’ by R.B. Greaves. Released in autumn of 1969 by ATCO Records (I vividly remember that yellow and white label), “Take a Letter Maria” peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. It ended up selling more than 2 1/2 million copies. The song is about a guy who discovers…
Today’s first long forgotten classic soul song of the day is “Mix It Up Baby” by Barbara Lynn. This one is long forgotten because it didn’t chart when it was released in March of 1968. Ms. Lynn wrote “Mix It Up Baby” and it was released on her “Here Is Barbara Lynn” album for Atlantic Records. It’s a mid-tempo dance…
Today’s classic song of the day is “A Girl Like You” by the Young Rascals. Released in 1967, it peaked at #10 on the Billboard Hot 100. “A Girl Like You” is an upbeat, feel good shuffle. The first part of each verse (‘I don’t know what it’s all about…”) is more subdued, with just piano accompanying the vocals, then…