“Doctor Wu” (Steely Dan)

Katy Lied, Steely Dan

When it comes to Steely Dan songs, I have trouble picking my favorites, because they’re all so well-made. But today’s classic song of the day, “Doctor Wu,” definitely has a place in my top five. It’s a helluva song. “Doctor Wu” is from 1975’s Katy Lied, which may be my favorite Dan album. (Or maybe The Royal Scam is my…

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“The Warmth of the Sun” (The Beach Boys)

The Warmth of the Sun, Beach Boys

Sixty-two years ago today, on November 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy was driving in a motorcade through Dallas, Texas. As the motorcade drove through Dealey Plaza, three shots rang out from a window in the nearby Texas School Book Depository. Kennedy was hit twice, one bullet striking and passing through his neck and the second striking and passing through…

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“I’m In Love” (Bobby Womack/Wilson Pickett/Aretha Franklin)

I'm In Love, Aretha Franklin

Today’s classic song of the day is “I’m In Love.” It was written by Bobby Womack and recorded by Womack himself, Wilson Pickett, and Aretha Franklin. Bobby Womack wrote “I’m In Love” in 1967. He had recently married the widow of fellow soul singer Sam Cooke and was receiving no small amount of flack for that. He wrote this song…

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“W.O.L.D.” (Harry Chapin)

WOLD, Harry Chapin

Today’s classic song of the day is about an aging disc jockey discovering that the world has passed him by. The song is “W.O.L.D.,” and it was written and recorded by singer-songwriter Harry Chapin. “W.O.L.D.” was released as a single in December of 1973 and it peaked early in 1974 at #36 on the Billboard Hot 100, #26 on the…

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“Precious Love” (Bob Welch)

Precious Love, Bob Welch

“Precious Love,” today’s classic song of the day, was written and recorded by former Fleetwood Mac member Bob Welch. Released as a single in January of 1979, “Precious Love” peaked at #19 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #17 on the Cash Box Top 100. Some people might remember Bob Welch as a member of Fleetwood Mac, before they hit…

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“Light My Fire” (The Doors/José Feliciano)

“Light My Fire,” today’s classic song of the day, was a huge hit for two vastly different artists—the Doors and José Feliciano. Let’s revisit the tale. The Doors’ guitarist, Robbie Krieger, wrote “Light My Fire” in early 1966, although it credited to all four members of the band—Krieger, keyboardist Ray Manzarek, drummer John Densmore, and singer Jim Morrison. It was…

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