“Walking in the Rain” (The Ronettes/Jay and the Americans)

Walking in the Rain

After yesterday’s “Laughing in the Rain,” by Neil Sedaka, today’s rain-themed classic song of the day is “Walking in the Rain.” This one was a hit twice for two different groups—the Ronettes and Jay and the Americans. “Walking in the Rain” was written by two of my favorite Brill Building songwriters, Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil (with a third credit…

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“Different Drum” (The Stone Poneys featuring Linda Ronstadt)

Different Drum, the Stone Poneys

Today’s classic song of the day is “Different Drum” by the Stone Poneys. The song, released in 1967, went to #13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was the first big hit for the group’s young vocalist, Linda Ronstadt. “Different Drum” was written by soon-to-be Monkee Michael Nesmith way back in 1964. It was first recorded in 1965, in a…

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“Theme from A Summer Place” (Percy Faith and His Orchestra)

A Summer Place

Your classic instrumental song of the day comes from a time where elevator music stood side-by-side on the charts alongside raucous rock ‘n’ roll tunes, doo-wop vocal harmonies, Brill Building pop masterpieces, and silly novelty songs. We’re talking about that crazy world of 1960 and Percy Faith’s big hit, “Theme from A Summer Place.” Believe it or not, this shmaltzy…

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