Category 1970s

“American Pie” (Don McLean)

American Pie, Don McLean

Today’s classic song of the day was released on this day, November 27, 1971. It was a phenomenon, achieving the #1 position on the Billboard Hot 100 for four weeks straight in January of 1972. It also hit #1 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart and was a top ten single in countries around the world, including Australia, Canada, Ireland, New…

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“You Are the Woman” (Firefall)

Firefall

Today’s classic soft rock song of the day is “You Are the Woman” by Firefall. Released in August of 1976, right when I was heading off to my freshman year of college, this single popped all the way to #9 on the Billboard Hot 100, #8 on the Cash Box Top 100, and #6 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart. “You…

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“Walking Man” (James Taylor)

Walking Man, James Taylor

Today’s song of the day is a James Taylor classic, 1974’s “Walking Man.” This was the lead track (side one, track one) of the same-named album. While “Walking Man” was released as a single, it didn’t break into the Billboard Hot 100—although it did reach #26 on Billboard’s Easy Listening chart. It’s become one of Mr. Taylor’s best-known and best-loved…

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“Run Joey Run” (David Geddes)

Run Joey Run, David Geddes

Anybody remember this one? Today’s classic song of the day is “Run Joey Run” by a guy named David Geddes. Released in July of 1975, this little teenage tragedy track went all the way to #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Cash Box Top 100. “Run Joey Run” was written by Paul Vance and Jack Perricone.…

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“Billy Don’t Be a Hero” (Paper Lace/Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods)

Billy Don't Be a Hero, Paper Lace

Today’s classic song of the day is “Billy Don’t Be a Hero.” It was a hit first for the group Paper Lace in the UK, then by Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods in the U.S. “Billy Don’t Be a Hero” was written and produced by Mitch Murray and Peter Callander. These Brits were responsible, either together or separately, for hits…

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