“Deacon Blues” (Steely Dan)

Aja, Steely Dan

Continuing our look at some of my favorite classic rock tracks from the mid-70s, today’s classic song of the day is “Deacon Blues” by Steely Dan. It’s one of the, if not the most popular Dan tunes of all time, a staple of classic rock radio and yacht rock playlists. Everybody knows it, even those that don’t know the Dan.…

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“Coyote” (Joni Mitchell)

Hejira, Joni Mitchell

As we continue to focus on favorite songs from the mid-70s, today’s classic song of the day is Joni Mitchell’s “Coyote.” This was the lead track from her 1976 album Hejira; it was released as a single in February of 1977 and, while it didn’t chart in the U.S., did reach #79 on Canada’s RPM Top Singles chart. “Coyote” was…

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“This Masquerade”/”Breezin'” (George Benson)

Breezin', George Benson

Revisiting some of my favorite tunes from the mid-70s, today’s classic songs of the day are both from George Benson’s genre-bending Breezin’ album: “This Masquerade” and the album’s title track, “Breezin’.” Both songs blended jazz and pop in a way that was unique for the time but led to the establishment of what some now call smooth jazz. George Benson…

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“I Wish” (Stevie Wonder)

Songs in the Key of Life, Stevie Wonder

Today’s classic mid-70s song of the day is “I Wish” by Stevie Wonder. It was the lead single from his triumphant Songs in the Key of Life album, released in November of 1976, my first semester at Indiana University. This track hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, Cash Box Top 100, and Billboard Soul Singles charts. It also won…

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