Category 1970s

“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…

Read More“Piano Man” (Billy Joel)

“Handy Man” (Jimmy Jones/Del Shannon/James Taylor)

Handy Man, James Taylor

Today’s classic “man” song of the day is about a “Handy Man.” This tune was a hit for three different artists—Jimmy Jones, Del Shannon, and James Taylor. Who wrote “Handy Man” is up for debate. The original recording, released in 1959 by the Sparks of Rhythm, lists Andrew Barksdale and Charles Merenstein as writers. That version was in a bluesy…

Read More“Handy Man” (Jimmy Jones/Del Shannon/James Taylor)

“Magic Man” (Heart)

Magic Man, Heart

This week we’re featuring songs about specific types of men. Today’s classic man song of the day is about a “Magic Man,” as performed by Heart. Heart was led by sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson from Seattle. Ann played guitar, Nancy sang. They were a phenomenon back in the mid-70s, female hard rockers in what was traditionally a testosterone-laden landscape.…

Read More“Magic Man” (Heart)

“This Will Be” (Natalie Cole)

This Will Be, Natalie Cole

Continuing our week-long focus on female artists, today’s classic song of the day is “This Will Be” by Natalie Cole. This hot little number, released as a single in August of 1975, peaked at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100, #9 on the Cash Box Top 100, #5 on Billboard’s Dance/Disco chart, and #1 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart.…

Read More“This Will Be” (Natalie Cole)

“Poetry Man” (Phoebe Snow)

Poetry Man, Phoebe Snow

Next up in our week featuring female artists is the song “Poetry Man” by Phoebe Snow. This was the song that put Ms. Snow on the map; released as a single in December of 1974, it rose early the following year to #5 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Cash Box Top 100, and to #1 on Billboard’s Adult…

Read More“Poetry Man” (Phoebe Snow)

“That’s the Way I’ve Always Heard It Should Be” (Carly Simon)

That's the Way I've Always Heard It Should Be, Carly Simon

Today’s classic song by a female artist of the day is “That’s the Way I’ve Always Heard It Should Be” by Carly Simon. This was Carly’s first single release and first big hit. It was also track one, side one, of her first solo album, the self-titled Carly Simon. “That’s the Way I’ve Always Heard It Should Be” was written…

Read More“That’s the Way I’ve Always Heard It Should Be” (Carly Simon)