Classic rock, pop, and soul songs from the '60s, '70s, and '80s
Classic rock, pop, and soul songs from the '60s, '70s, and '80s
In honor of the late Brian Wilson, who passed away earlier this week, today’s classic song of the day is one of his most sophisticated works, “Good Vibrations.” Released as a single by the Beach Boys in October of 1966, this groundbreaking track went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and all around the world—it was a number-one hit…
This one truly saddens me. Brian Wilson has passed away. He was 82 years old. He’d been suffering for some months from dementia, although no cause of death was immediately given. Brian Wilson was a true musical genius. He was the driving force behind the Beach Boys, yes, but that often lightweight group was the vehicle for his sophisticated musical…
Today’s classic song that was so nice it was a hit twice of the day is “Baby, I Love You.” This one was a hit originally for the Ronettes and, about a half-dozen years later, for singer Andy Kim. “Baby, I Love You” was written by the team of Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich, with the typical-for-that-era addition of Phil…
Today’s classic song that was a hit for multiple artists of the day is “I Say a Little Prayer.” It was a hit for both Dionne Warwick and Aretha Franklin, about a year apart. “I Say a Little Prayer” was written by the legendary team of Burt Bacharach (music) and Hal David (words). Its somewhat frothy musical nature belies the…
Continuing our short string of songs from ’70s singer-songwriters, today’s classic song of the day is one you might not have heard from a singer you definitely know. The song is “Vanilla O’Lay” and it was written and performed by Ms. Jackie DeShannon. “Vanilla O’Lay” was included on Ms. DeShannon’s 1972 album, Jackie. That album fit right in with Carole…
Continuing a string of tunes by ’70s singer-songwriters, today’s classic song of the day is “So Far Away” by Carole King. This one is off her massive and massively influential Tapestry album; released as a single in March of 1971, “So Far Away” peaked at #14 on the Billboard Hot 100, #13 on the Cash Box Top 100, and #3…
Today’s classic singer/songwriter song of the day is James Taylor’s “Carolina in My Mind.” Taylor wrote it back in 1968 when he was in London recording tracks for his self-titled debut album for Apple Records. It’s all about being homesick for his home back in North Carolina; he started writing it at producer Peter Asher’s flat in London, wrote some…
Today’s classic singer/songwriter song of the day is “Jamaica Say You Will” by Jackson Browne. This song was the first track on his self-titled 1971 debut album and immediately established Mr. Browne as a force to be reckoned with. Jackson Browne wrote “Jamaica Say You Will” during the fall of 1969. He recorded a demo of the song in February…
This is our final day of our week of rain-themed songs, and today’s classic rain-themed song of the day is Randy Newman’s “I Think It’s Going to Rain Today.” Mr. Newman wrote this back in 1963 or 1964, to the best of his recollection, and it has since been covered by a metric ton of different artists, including Judy Collins…