Category 1970s

“River” (Joni Mitchell)

River, Joni Mitchell

Today is Christmas Eve and today’s classic song of the day is Joni Mitchell’s “River.” Many people consider this their favorite Christmas song, even though it isn’t technically a song about Christmas. It mentions Christmas in the lyrics and is obviously set in the season, but it isn’t about St. Nick or mistletoe or baby Jesus or any of that.…

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“Wild World” (Cat Stevens)

Wild World, Cat Stevens

Cat Stevens was a really big deal back in the early ’70s. His albums Tea for the Tillerman, Teaser and the Firecat, and Catch Bull at Four were on a lot of turntables back then, including mine. He released a large number of radio-friendly hits, including today’s classic song of the day, “Wild World.” Included on his Tea for the…

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“Lucretia MacEvil”/”Lucretia’s Reprise” (Blood, Sweat & Tears)

Lucretia MacEvil, Blood Sweat & Tears

I was a huge fan of jazz-rock (what some called horn rock) back in the day. As a drummer, I liked the feel of playing big band-like hits with a rock groove. As an arranger, I appreciated all the harmonic options available from a small horn section. No surprise that I listened to a lot of Chicago and Lighthouse back…

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“House at Pooh Corner” (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band/Loggins and Messina)

House at Pooh Corner, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

Kenny Loggins wrote today’s classic song of the day when he just a 17 year-old senior in high school. The song is “House at Pooh Corner” and it’s a wise-beyond-his-years look at nostalgia and lost innocence. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band was the first to record “House at Pooh Corner.” They included it on the 1970 album Uncle Charlie &…

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“Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand)” (Diana Ross)

Reach Out and Touch Somebody's Hand, Diana Ross

Yesterday’s classic song of the day was the Supremes’ very first number-one record, “Where Did Our Love Go.” Today we fast forward a few years to the time when Diana Ross left the group to go solo and her first solo hit, “Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand).” Motown released the single in April of 1970 and it went to…

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“We May Never Pass This Way (Again)” (Seals and Crofts)

We May Never Pass This Way Again, Seals and Crofts

Jim Seals and Dash Crofts were a pretty big deal in the early ’70s. Their soft rock sound constantly oozed from AM radios across the country, lulling listeners into a gentle respite from the chaos of their everyday lives. Seals and Crofts notched eight top forty hits between 1972 and 1978. Today’s classic song of the day, “We May Never…

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