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 of the day spans three decades. It was first released and a big hit in Europe during the summer of 1969. That recording was then picked up in the U.S. and topped the U.S. charts in early 1970. Finally, a cover of the tune went to #1 in multiple countries in 1986. How many songs do you…
Today’s classic song of the day is considered maudlin and emotionally manipulative by some, honestly heartbreaking by others. The song is “Honey” and it was a huge hit for Bobby Goldsboro in 1968. “Honey” was written by Bobby Russell, who you may or may not have heard of, even though he wrote tunes for O.C. Smith (“Little Green Apples“), Brian…
Today’s classic song of the day is a bubblegum earworm by that famous cartoon band, the Archies. The song is “Sugar, Sugar,” and you know you love it. Yes, the Archies were a cartoon band, created for the Saturday morning The Archie Show program, but “Sugar, Sugar” was recorded by a bevy of talented studio musicians. Those musicians included the…
In honor of Sam Moore’s passing, today’s classic song of the day is Sam & Dave’s biggest hit, “Soul Man.” Released in September of 1967, “Soul Man” hit #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on Billboard’s R&B chart. The single won a Grammy Award for Best Rhythm & Blues Group Performance, Vocal or Instrumental, and, in 1999, was…
Today’s classic song of the day comes from Gary Puckett and his group, the Union Gap. The song is “Young Girl” and it was released on the Columbia label in January of 1968. It was a huge hit, going to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Cash Box Top 100. (It was kept out of the…
In honor of Peter Yarrow’s passing, today’s classic song of the day is one of his most popular compositions, “Puff, the Magic Dragon.” Peter, Paul and Mary released “Puff” as a single in January of 1963 and it went to #2 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Cash Box Top 100, and #1 on Billboard’s Middle-Road Singles chart.…
As I’ve noted before in this blog, I occasionally like to highlight ’60s soul songs that never really made it into the mainstream consciousness, songs later rescued from obscurity by England’s Northern Soul scene. Today’s tune is one of those. “The Sweetest Thing This Side of Heaven” was released by singer Chris Bartley in July of 1967. It’s a bit…
Today’s classic song of the day was co-written by George David Weiss, the guy who wrote the words for yesterday’s classic song of the day, Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World.” The song is “Can’t Help Falling in Love” and it was a big hit for Elvis Presley back in 1961. Written for Elvis to sing in the 1961 film,…
It’s New Years Day, so let’s start the new year right by focusing on some of the best things in life, as exemplified in today’s classic song of the day. The song is “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong, and there’s an interesting story behind the tune that spans several decades. First, about the song. “What a Wonderful World”…