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 is a song written in 1979, a hit in 1983, yet has the Girl Group sound of the early 1960s. The song is called “They Don’t Know” and Tracey Ullman’s recording, released in September of 1983, hit #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #2 in Ullman’s native UK. “They Don’t Know” was written…
Today’s classic song of the day is “Tell Him” by the Exciters. This version of the song (SPOILER ALERT: it wasn’t the first) was released in October of 1962 and it went to #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #5 on Billboard’s Hot Rhythm & Blues Songs list. “Tell Him” was originally written as “Tell Her” by legendary songwriter…
Today’s classic song of the day is “It’s Gonna Take a Miracle.” This song was a hit for the Royalettes in 1965 and Deniece Williams in 1982; it was also featured on Laura Nyro’s 1971 album of covers with Labelle, Gonna Take a Miracle. First things first. “It’s Gonna Take a Miracle” was written by Teddy Randazzo, Bobby Weinstein, and…
Today’s nearly forgotten classic song of the day is “I Can’t Stay Mad at You” by Skeeter Davis. This single was released in August of 1963 and peaked at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100, #2 on the Hot Adult Contemporary Singles chart, and #14 on the Hot Country Singles chart. “I Can’t Stay Mad at You” was written by…
Today’s classic ’60s pop song that sounds like a Girl Group but isn’t of the day is “Dream Baby,” by an 18 year-old, not-yet-famous singer named Cher. This one was a flop when it was released but became a Girl Group classic, and deservedly so. “Dream Baby” was written and produced by Cher’s then-husband and singing partner, Sonny Bono. It…
Last week we took a look at the Girl Group sound of the early 1960s, but that sound wasn’t limited to girl groups. There were plenty of solo girl singers who put out records that mirrored that Girl Group sound, and we’re going to listen to some of them this week. Let’s start with a singer named Ellie Greenwich. Music…
Our last classic Girl Group song of the week is also the last Top 10 hit by the Shirelles, perhaps the most popular group of the Girl Group era. “Foolish Little Girl,” released in March of 1963, peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #9 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart. “Foolish Little Girl” was written by Helen…
Today’s classic Girl Group song of the day is “I Have a Boyfriend” by the Chiffons. This track was released in November of 1963 and peaked, the following January, at #36 on the Billboard Hot 100. “I Have a Boyfriend” was written by the same duo that penned “People Say” and “Chapel of Love” for the Dixie Cups, Jeff Barry…
Today’s classic Girl Group song of the day is “Give Him a Great Big Kiss” by the Shangra-Las. Released on Red Bird Records in December of 1964, it peaked at #18 early the next year on the Billboard Hot 100. “When I say I’m in love, you best believe I’m in love, L-U-V!” Like most of the Shangra-Las’ tracks, “Give…