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 sounds like a West Coast surf music song from the 1960s but it was actually written and recorded by a bunch of Brits in the mid-70s. The song is “Beach Baby” and the group is called the First Class. Released in May of 1974, this slice of bubblegum pop peaked at #4 on the…
Today’s classic song of the day is a bubblegum earworm by that famous cartoon band, the Archies. The song is “Sugar, Sugar,” and you know you love it. Yes, the Archies were a cartoon band, created for the Saturday morning The Archie Show program, but “Sugar, Sugar” was recorded by a bevy of talented studio musicians. Those musicians included the…
In honor of Sam Moore’s passing, today’s classic song of the day is Sam & Dave’s biggest hit, “Soul Man.” Released in September of 1967, “Soul Man” hit #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on Billboard’s R&B chart. The single won a Grammy Award for Best Rhythm & Blues Group Performance, Vocal or Instrumental, and, in 1999, was…
Today’s classic song of the day sounds like something from the mid-60s, but was actually released late in 1975. The track, which has a definite Carolina Beach Music vibe, is “Hold Back the Night” by the Trammps and it went to #24 on the Billboard Hot 100 in January of 1976. You might remember the Trammps from their previous hit…
Today’s classic song of the day comes from Gary Puckett and his group, the Union Gap. The song is “Young Girl” and it was released on the Columbia label in January of 1968. It was a huge hit, going to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Cash Box Top 100. (It was kept out of the…
Today’s classic song of the day was written by Bruce Springsteen, released by him as a single that went pretty much nowhere, then made a hit by Manfred Mann. The song is “Blinded by the Light,” and I’m pretty sure you know it. Bruce Springsteen wrote “Blinded by the Light” back when he was still in his Bob Dylan phase.…
In honor of Peter Yarrow’s passing, today’s classic song of the day is one of his most popular compositions, “Puff, the Magic Dragon.” Peter, Paul and Mary released “Puff” as a single in January of 1963 and it went to #2 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Cash Box Top 100, and #1 on Billboard’s Middle-Road Singles chart.…
Today’s classic song of the day is a fine example of Philly Soul via New York City—the place and the group. The song is “I’m Doin’ Fine Now” by that group called New York City. It was released in the spring of 1973 and hit #17 on the Billboard Hot 100, #14 on Billboard’s Best Selling Soul Singles chart, and…
Today’s classic song of the day is based on a real-life event. The tune is “Garden Party” and it was written by Rick Nelson and performed by Mr. Nelson and his Stone Canyon Band. Released in July of 1972, “Garden Party” became the biggest hit in Rick Nelson’s career. It peaked at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100, #3 on…
As I’ve noted before in this blog, I occasionally like to highlight ’60s soul songs that never really made it into the mainstream consciousness, songs later rescued from obscurity by England’s Northern Soul scene. Today’s tune is one of those. “The Sweetest Thing This Side of Heaven” was released by singer Chris Bartley in July of 1967. It’s a bit…