Category 1970s

“Dark Lady” (Cher)

Dark Lady, Cher

Today’s classic song of the day is from the first female artist to score three #1 hits on the Billboard chart. That lady is Cher and the song is “Dark Lady.” “Dark Lady” was written by Johnny Durrill, the keyboard player for the Ventures. He wrote this one and played it for producer Snuff Garrrett, who promptly handed it off…

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“Make Me Smile” (Chicago)

Make Me Smile, Chicago

Today’s classic song of the day is Chicago’s “Make Me Smile.” This song was written by Chicago trombonist James Pankow’s seven-part “Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon” on 1970’s two-disc Chicago II album. It was part one of the suite, later reprised in part seven, “Now More Than Ever.” In fact, the single edit (what most of you know from…

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“Guitar Man” (Bread)

Guitar Man, Bread

Here’s another classic song of the day about another type of man, a “Guitar Man.” This song, released by the group Bread in July of 1972, rose to #11 on the Billboard Hot 100, #10 on the Cash Box Top 100, and #1 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart. Like most (all?) of Bread’s big hits, “Guitar Man” was written, sung,…

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“Piano Man” (Billy Joel)

Piano Man, Billy Joel

This week we’re focusing on songs about different types of men, and today’s classic man song of the day is about a “Piano Man,” as written and performed by piano man Billy Joel. The protagonist of this song is a guy who plays piano in a bar, and the song details the various customers of said establishment. “Piano Man” is…

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