Ever since I was a teen boy, Paul McCartney has always been my favorite member of the Beatles.
The first 45-rpm single that I bought with my own money was “Penny Lane” by the Beatles, which was primarily written by McCartney. Lyrics of the song describe the author’s fond childhood memories of living in Liverpool, England, when he was nicknamed “Macca.”
The John Lennon/McCartney co-written song became a #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 during March 1967, and Sir Paul provides lead vocals on the track. “Penny Lane” is my second favorite Beatles song of all time.
While I do love the musical collaborations of George Harrison, John Lennon and Ringo Starr on Beatles’ recordings, I always come back to the fact that Sir James Paul McCartney is the person that I most admire from the legendary British band.
With this month’s musical musings, I will be counting down what I consider to be the pre-eminent top 40 singles that Paul McCartney charted on the Billboard Hot 100 during the 70s.
I utilized “The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits” by Joel Whitburn for chart positions with all of McCartney’s singles. Below are the criteria that I used for Sir Paul’s countdown:
A song had to reach #20 or higher in the U.S. on the Billboard Hot 100 from the years 1970 through 1979.
Singles recorded by the Beatles in the 60s but charted on the Billboard Hot 100 during the 70s were excluded from the countdown.
All McCartney album tracks played on top 40 radio during the 70s were omitted for countdown consideration.
When I surveyed all the top 20 McCartney hits from the 70s, there were 5 different descriptions of names listed on Apple Records 45-rpm singles associated with Macca.
Paul McCartney
Wings
Paul & Linda McCartney
The Beatles
Paul McCartney & Wings
I want to highlight 3 Beatles songs that were recorded in the 60s and became hits during the 70s. All three singles are outstanding tracks but weren’t eligible to be included on my McCartney countdown.
Let It Be—The Beatles: Reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in April 1970
Recorded in January 1969, it was the first single released from the “Let It Be” album. Ranked at #20 on Rolling Stones’ “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” listing.
The Long and Winding Road—The Beatles: Reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 during June 1970.
This was the second single from the “Let It Be” album. It was in the top 10 on Billboard’s singles chart during the debut of Casey Kasem’s American Top 40 show and was first aired on the fourth of July weekend 1970.
Got To Get You Into My Life—The Beatles: Reached #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 August 1976
Originally a track from the Beatles’ “Revolver” album in August 1966, it was released 10 years later in 1976, six years after the breakup of the British band.
Maybe I’m Amazed: Played on Top 40 radio stations in 1970.
One other song that I want to highlight is an outlier track from the self-titled “Paul McCartney” debut solo album released during May 1970. This original studio version was not released as a 45-rpm single.
Consequently, McCartney’s superb love song was excluded from my countdown below. However, I do love Paul’s original version of “Maybe I’m Amazed.” I declare it as my #1 favorite album track in the 70s by the British superstar.
Before starting the countdown, here are 6 other McCartney 70s hits that fell just outside of my top 10 songs in the category. These singles are not ranked and placed in a random order:
Venus and Mars/Rock Show
Goodnight Tonight
Let ‘Em In
Hi Hi Hi
My Love
Helen Wheels
Now without further ado, the best Paul McCartney superb hits of the 70s countdown:
10. Silly Love Songs
Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, Number 1 Biggest Song of 1976
Co-written by Linda & Paul McCartney. I know some folks didn’t like this upbeat, catchy love song when it was released. However, I am a fan of Macca’s rebuttal to John Lennon and other harsh music critics. The song is ranked as the #1 biggest single of 1976 by Billboard.
9. With a Little Luck
Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 18th Biggest Song of 1978
Written by Paul McCartney. One of the last tracks Wings drummer Joe English played on before he left the band. This synth-pop tune has smooth harmonies. Lyrics express a celebratory feeling of optimism with two people expecting positive outcomes by working together.
8. Listen What the Man Said
Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 42nd Biggest Song of 1975
Co-written by Paul and Linda McCartney. Wings had a couple of guest musicians on this track: Dave Mason is on guitar while soprano saxophonist Tom Scott lays down superb melodies with his instrument. The track is another splendid love song by the British superstar.
7. Another Day
Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #5 Hot 100, 60th Biggest Song of 1971
Co-written by Paul and Linda McCartney. It was Sir Paul’s debut single as a solo artist following the Beatles’ break-up during April 1970. Originally recorded for McCartney’s “Ram” album. Subsequently, it was left off the 1971 project and instead became a stand-alone 45-rpm single.
6. Jet
Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #7 Hot 100, 77th Biggest Song of 1974
Co-written by Paul and Linda McCartney. This was the second single released from “Band on the Run” in the U.S. “Jet” is a pleasing up-tempo rocker with marvelous guitar riffs, and the tune features excellent saxophone playing by Howie Casey.
5. Maybe I’m Amazed
Peak Position on Billboard Chart: #10 Hot 100 in 1977
Written by Paul McCartney. Regarded as one of Sir Paul’s finest love songs. It’s a live recording from the album “Wings over America.” This rendition of “Maybe I’m Amazed” is a cover of McCartney’s original masterpiece version of the track from 1970 that was not released as a 45-rpm single.
4. Junior’s Farm
Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #3 Hot 100, 88th Biggest Song of 1975
Co-written by Paul and Linda McCartney, the fast-paced rock ditty was a non-album single. Lyrics of the song came from McCartney’s life living on a Scottish farm with his family. Jimmy McCulloch made his Wings debut with the band playing lead guitar on the tune.
3. Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey
Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 22nd Biggest Single of 1971
Co-written by Paul and Linda McCartney. The second 45-rpm single was released after the breakup of the Beatles. It utilized the concept of combining separate short song fragments together. Producer George Martin added the orchestral arrangement, and the selection won a Grammy Award in 1971.
2. Live and Let Die
Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #2 Hot 100, 56th Biggest Song of 1973
Co-written by Paul and Linda McCartney. “Live and Let Die” is the theme song of the 1973 James Bond film of the same name. George Martin produced this track, and he employed the London Symphony Orchestra for instrumentation. The song won a Grammy Award in 1973.
1. Band on the Run
Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 22nd Biggest Song of 1974
Co-written by Paul and Linda McCartney. The musical structure from the “Band on the Run” single is brilliant. Continuous switching of tempos with three distinct music segments, the song flows into a musical masterpiece.
McCartney and Wings provide outstanding, three-part harmonies throughout this track. It blends pop, rock, and country genres of music. The single won a Grammy Award for “Best Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group or Chorus.”
Six years ago, I ranked “Band on the Run” as the #1 best top 40 single of 1974. And now without a doubt, I also rate the Wings’ epic story song as the number 1 best Paul McCartney superb hit of the 70s.
That wraps up what I consider to be my favorite Paul McCartney superb hits of the 70s. I completely understand that my listing of tracks in this category was written from my point of view and is subjective.
If you were creating a similar register of excellent 70s Paul McCartney 70s singles, your tabulation might be totally different. What do you consider to be the best preeminent HR tracks from 1970 to 1979?
Thanks in advance for sharing your thoughts and comments below on what you consider to be the best Sir Paul McCartney superb hits from the 70s. Rock on!
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Music is a major part of worship in the Bible. Just 6 verses long, Psalm 150 in the Old Testament gives a complete guide for musical praise.
Psalm 150: New International Version:
Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.
Music is an important part of my life. It permeates throughout my daily existence as a Christian believer: with my personal worship time with God, having corporate fellowship at various church functions and ministering with a gospel choir by singing uplifting songs.
With this month’s blog, the focus will be on the topic of Jesus Music from the 1970s. I will be counting down my favorite albums in this genre that I bought after becoming a Christian at age 18 during November 1973.
The idea for this article came to me after I bought the book, “The Jesus Music: A Visual Story of Redemption as Told by Those Who Lived It” by Marshall Terrill. The American author and journalist has published various biographies over the years, including books on Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Billy Graham, Steve McQueen and Pete Maravich.
I highly recommend Terrill’s book that documents the beginnings of what became known as Jesus Music. His outstanding historical publication can be purchased via Amazon, various other online sites and/or at a favorite local bookstore.
I will be using some early chapters of Marshall Terrill’s book to give an overview on how Christian rock evolved during the formative years of this type of music. According to Terrill, the genesis of Jesus Music can be traced back to the late 60s and early 70s in Southern California.
In the first chapter of Terrill’s book, he describes one of the first artists to use rock music with a gospel message: Larry Norman. This singer-songwriter started out as lead singer for the secular band People, which had a top 20 hit in 1968 called, “I Love You.”
Norman left his secular band in mid 1968 and recorded a solo album for Capitol Records in 1969: “Upon This Rock.” While the LP wasn’t a commercial success, it’s widely considered one of the first Jesus Music albums and Norman is seen as a founding pioneer of Christian Rock. One of the best-known tracks from Norman’s album is “I’d Wish We’d All Been Ready.”
The second chapter in “The Jesus Music” book by Terrill is focused on how thousands of young folks, hippies and countercultural individuals converged upon Southern California and attended church services conducted by Pastor Chuck Smith at Calvary Chapel.
Revival broke out among these young people with many becoming Christians and then getting baptized in the Pacific Ocean. One of those youngsters who came to Calvary Chapel heard the Good News of the Bible and started following Jesus in the early 70s was Greg Laurie.
Laurie, who wrote the forward on Terrill’s “The Jesus Music” book, is the senior pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, California. He also authored an autobiographical book, “Jesus Revolution”, which was also made into a film during 2023.
On a blog from Harvest ministry in 2021, Laurie gave an overview on the Importance and genesis of Jesus Music at Calvary Chapel in the early 70s.
Laurie states, “I didn’t fully realize it at the time, but part of the Jesus Revolution—the great spiritual revival of the ’70s—included a revolution in music style. We were witnessing the birth of Contemporary Christian Music (CCM). It was the Holy Spirit infusing new life into our worship and spiritual songs.”
“The use of modern instruments, the simple lyrics, the ear-pleasing melodies, and the unabashed passion that we saw in the culture around us was being applied inside the church—and it was catching the attention of young people in big ways. New Christian rock bands like Love Song and Sweet Comfort brought a new sound to the age-old message of the gospel.”
Another accounting of the Jesus Music scene at Calvary Chapel and other Southern California locations comes from my friend of 43 years, David Hollandsworth. His fond memories are found in the paragraphs below.
Hollandsworth wrote, “I had the unique opportunity to spend my teenage years in Southern California during the height of the what the media called the “Jesus movement.” And one of the main draws for me at that age was the music that was born then, music that young people could relate to and that had a spiritual message.”
Photo above is Melodyland Christian Center in in Anaheim, California. Jimmy Hollandsworth was pastor of this church in the early 70s. His son David submitted this photo and continues sharing his memories of Jesus Music concerts below.
“I was blessed to attend places like Melodyland and Calvary Chapel many times where Jesus Music and its artists were birthed. Groups and artists such as Love Song, The Way, Andrae Crouch and the Disciples, Daniel Amos, Children of the Day, 2nd Chapter of Acts, Paul Clark, Barry McGuire, Malcolm & Alwyn, Larry Norman, Phil Keaggy, Mustard Seed Faith and countless others.”
“It was a very special time born out of the disillusioned, rebellious hippie movement. I even once attended the ocean baptism down at Corona Del Mar beach. I cut my musical teeth on this music, and it shaped the person who I am today. I still love those old albums and miss the freshness it brought to a hopeless world. It was a special time to be alive.”
From my own personal memories growing up in Virginia, it wasn’t unusual in the late 60s and early 70s to hear songs about Jesus or Christian theme being played on secular Top 40 radio.
Below are some of the biggest hits that charted on the Billboard Hot 100 during the golden age of Top 40 radio:
Oh Happy Day—Edwin Hawkins Singers
Jesus is a Soul Man—Lawrence Reynolds
Spirit in the Sky—Norman Greenbaum
Are You Ready—Pacific Gas and Electric
Superstar—Murray Head
Mighty Clouds of Joy—B.J. Thomas
I’ll Take You There–The Staple Singers
God, Love & Rock N’ Roll—Teegarden & Van Winkle
Why Me Lord—Kris Kristofferson
I Knew Jesus (Before He Was a Superstar)—Glen Campbell
Morning Has Broken—Cat Stevens
That’s the Way God Planned It—Billy Preston
Amazing Grace—Judy Collins
Speak To the Sky–Rick Springfield
I Don’t Know How to Love Him—Helen Reddy
Put Your Hand in the Hand—Ocean
Day By Day—Godspell
Jesus is Just Alright—Doobie Brothers
The Lord’s Prayer—Sister Janet Mead
The Wedding Song—Noel Paul Stookey
One Day at a Time–Marilyn Sellars
According to Terrill, while secular radio played Christian themed songs in the early 70s, Jesus Music wasn’t widely available or known by most folks outside of Southern California. Most Christian radio stations that had music formats aired songs of hymns, traditional easy listening tunes or Southern Gospel music.
Another milestone for Jesus Music happened in 1971 when Pastor Chuck Smith from Calvary Chapel founded Maranatha! Music: a non-profit Christian Record label.
The first album released was “Vol. 1: The Everlastin’ Living Jesus Music Concert.” It wasn’t a true live recording, but a compilation of various bands and artists that performed at Smith’s Calvary Chapel services. Terrill says the album “became the vanguard of Jesus Music” at that time.
In the third chapter of Terrill’s “Jesus Music” book, he describes an event that totally changed the course of Jesus Music. During June 1972, a conference sponsored by Campus Crusade for Christ named “Explo ‘72” was held in Dallas, Texas.
Explo ‘72 was set up to train high school and college students in personal evangelism. Legendary evangelist Billy Graham was the main speaker at the event. Country artists Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson and pop singer Rita Coolidge performed at what was later referred to as “Christian Woodstock.”
This event also had some of the biggest Jesus Music artists of 1972: Larry Norman, Love Song featuring Chuck Girard, Andrae Crouch and the Disciples, Children of the Day, Randy Matthews, Phil Keaggy and the Archers. Christian music that rocked increased in popularity that summer.
While Jesus Music was growing nationwide in the United States after Explo ‘72, most folks living in rural areas during 1972 and 1973 didn’t have opportunities to hear and/or learn about Jesus Rock except by word of mouth.
Even though I was extremely knowledgeable about secular rock music, I virtually had no understanding about Jesus Rock when I became a Christian in November 1973. Over the course of the next year, I began learning that Christian artists were singing songs about Jesus with rock music!
My first exposure to Jesus Music came when hearing the Scott Ross show which aired on my hometown Top 40 station WROV 1240 AM Roanoke. Ross mixed in Jesus Music songs with secular hits and had dialogue that would appeal to both Christians and to non-believers.
Below is a mid 70s video of Scott Ross where he talks about his radio program, and he mentions on the clip that a radio station in Roanoke, Virginia (WROV) was the first to broadcast his show in the U.S.
My next experience discovering Jesus Music was in 1974. I got to know a Roanoke College student, Jeffrey Pugh, who started attending the same Sunday School class as myself at Calvary United Methodist Church in Salem. He was a Christian and he let me borrow 4 Jesus Music albums for listening:
The Second Chapter of Acts: With Footnotes
Songs for the Saviour Vol 1—Paul Clark
Maranatha! Vol. 1: The Everlastin’ Living Jesus Music Concert
Petra: self-titled debut album
After I listened multiple times to those albums, my spiritual eyes were opened. I was also excited that Christian music could actually rock!
I started buying Jesus Music albums during the mid 70s. By the end of 1979 I owned around 30 vinyl CCM albums.
The next few years of the 70s (1975-1979) saw a proliferation of new music artists recording Christian rock albums. The Jesus Music label gave way to the term Contemporary Christian Music (CCM).
Below are a few highlights that took place that aided CCM’s explosive growth during the 70s according to Marshall Terrill’s “The Jesus Music” book:
KBHL Lincoln, Nebraska and KYMS in Southern California became the first two radio stations in the U.S. to run a CCM format full-time.
The first publication of “CCM Magazine” which focused on contemporary Christian music was published in July 1978.
Myrrh Records and Sparrow Records labels were devoted to only CCM artists
Outdoor Christian festivals during summer months came into existence across the U.S.
For the rest of this article, I will be counting down my favorite Jesus Music albums of the 70s. All of my selections are vinyl records that I bought during the mid to late 70s and still own in 2026.
Please note: this article is not a definitive listing or a complete overview of CCM albums from the 70s. The ten LPs on my countdown are my favorites, written from my point of view and completely subjective.
Before I start the countdown, I want to highlight two albums that I bought in the 70s by secular artists that contain Christian lyrics. Although these two fellows are not considered Jesus Music artists, their albums are a strong part of Christian rock music history during the 70s.
Home Where I Belong—B.J. Thomas
Myrrh Records: 1976: Notable Tracks:
Common Ground
I Wanna Be Ready
Hallelujah
Home Where I Belong
Singer B.J. Thomas became a Christian believer in 1975. He blended soft-rock, pop and country sounds, and it became the biggest selling album during Thomas’ career, achieving platinum status.
My favorite track: “Home Where I Belong.”
Written by Jesus Music artist Pat Terry, the song was popular with both secular and Christian audiences. I played this track on country formatted WJLM Roanoke during the summer of 1977.
Slow Train Coming—Bob Dylan:
Columbia Records: 1979: Notable tracks:
Gonna Change My Way of Thinking
Precious Angel
I Believe in You
Slow Train
Gotta Serve Somebody
This was Bob Dylan’s first album following his conversion to Christianity. “Slow Train Coming ranks at #16 on CCM’s, “100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music” listing.
My favorite track: “Gotta Serve Somebody.”
I regularly played this song on WMRA Harrisonburg’s “After Hours” album rock radio program during 1979. Dylan won a Grammy Award for “Best Male Rock Vocal Performance” for his track in 1980.
Without further ado, my top ten favorite 70s Jesus Music albums begins:
10. Chuck Girard—Chuck Girard
Good News Records: 1975: Notable tracks:
Galilee
Lay Your Burden Down
You Ask Me Why
Sometimes Alleluia
Rock ‘N’ Roll Preacher
Chuck Girard was a founding member of the pioneering Jesus Music band Love Song before he became a solo artist. He was instrumental in sharing the good news of Jesus via rock & roll to Christian churches throughout the U.S.
My favorite Track: Rock ‘N’ Roll Preacher.”
With Girard being lead vocalist and pianist with his band Love Song, he was a pioneer of Jesus Music. His autobiographical ode states his role in bringing Biblical good news via rock music to the global North American church.
9. Love Broke Through—Phil Keaggy 1976
New Song–Myrrh Records: 1976: Notable tracks:
Abraham
Take Me Closer
As the Ruin Falls
Things I Will Do
Your Love Broke Through
Phil Keaggy is considered one of the best guitarists in Christian music during the 20th century. His album is a groundbreaking masterpiece featuring progressive acoustic and electric pop, folk, and rock sounds. Ranked #64 on the “100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music” by CCM.
My favorite track: “Your Love Broke Through”
Co-written by Keith Green, Todd Fishkind, and Randy Stonehill. This rendition is rated among the best CCM recordings from the 70s and is considered one of Keaggy’s signature songs.
Paul Clark is a founding father of Jesus Music and his debut album contains a combination of pop, rock, folk, and country musical influences. Later in the 70s, he recorded 3 LPs that blended progressive rock and jazz.
My favorite track: “Looking Glass Incident”
This melodic tune features excellent acoustic guitar playing by Clark and is said to be biographical by the artist. The first track on the album sets the tone for a superb listening pleasure.
7. Love Song—Love Song
Good News Records: 1972: Notable tracks:
Since I Opened Up the Door
A Love Song
Front Seat, Back Seat
Little Country Church
The self-titled Love Song debut LP is widely known as the first Jesus Music album released by a Christian rock band. The pioneering blend of folk, rock and country sounds helped make this recording chart at #23 on CCM’s “!00 Greatest Christian Albums” countdown.
My favorite track: “Little Country Church”
One of the quintessential songs from the early days of Jesus Music is “Little Country Church.” I also love the track “Since I Opened Up the Door.” Both capture the spirit of revival among young folks in Southern California during the early 70s.
6. In Another Land—Larry Norman
Solid Rock Records: 1976: Notable tracks:
UFO
I Am a Servant
Righteous Rocker #3
I Searched the World Over
The Rock That Doesn’t Roll
Larry Norman’s 1976 release contains some of the singer-songwriter and musician’s best-known tracks. CCM places the album at #38 on their “100 Greatest Christian Albums” list.
My favorite track: “The Rock That Doesn’t Roll”
It was hard to pick a top selection as I also love “UFO” and “I Am a Servant.” However, the clever blues-rock tune with lyrics about Jesus is catchy: “He’s good for the body and great for the soul, he’s the rock that doesn’t roll.”
5. Welcome to Paradise—Randy Stonehill
Solid Rock Records: 1976: Notable tracks:
Good News
King of Hearts
Christmas Song for All Year Round
I’ve Got News for You
Keep Me Running
During the 80s, “Welcome to Paradise” was ranked as the third most important album by music historians. The album was also listed at #13 on the “100 Greatest Christian Albums” in 1999 by CCM.
My favorite track: “Keep Me Running”
While most of the songs on 1976 album are acoustic based, “Keep Me Running” is a flat-out rocker. The singer-songwriter provides outstanding guitar solos throughout the tune.
4. Only Visiting This Planet—Larry Norman
Verve Records: 1972: Notable tracks:
Why Don’t You Looking into Jesus
The Outlaw
Why Should the Devil Have All the Good Music?
I Am Six O’Clock News
The Great American Novel
I Wish We’d All Been Ready
The landmark recording is ranked as the second-best LP of all-time on CCM’s “100 Greatest Christian Albums” survey. It was inducted into the Library of Congress National Recording Registry in 2013.
My favorite Song: “I’d Wish We’d All Been Ready”
Originally recorded on Norman’s 1969 album “Upon this Rock”, this song became a defining foundational anthem for the Jesus Movement in the 70s. Two other tracks I love are “The Outlaw” and “Why Don’t You Look into Jesus?”
3. With Footnotes–2nd Chapter of Acts:
Myrrh Records: 1974: Notable tracks:
Which Way the Wind Blows
Good News
Goin’ Home
Easter Song
Siblings Annie Herring, Nelly Greisen and Matthew Ward form the 2nd Chapter of Acts formed in 1972. The pop-rock group was known for their vocal harmonies and melodic tunes. “With Footnotes” is ranked at #72 on CCM’s “100 Greatest Christian Album” countdown.
My favorite track: “Easter Song”
Annie Herrings uplifting lyrics about the resurrection of Jesus is the best-known track by the 2nd Chapter of Acts. CCM listed “Easter Song” as the “4th best Christian song” of all time in 1998.
2. No Compromise—Keith Green
Sparrow Records: 1978: Notable tracks:
Asleep in the Light
My Eyes are Dry
The Victor
To Obey is Better Than Sacrifice
Make My Life a Prayer to You
Keith Green’s second studio album had two distinct messages: First: the singer-songwriter challenged Christian believers to have uncompromising devotion to Jesus. Second, there were multiple evangelistic songs directed to those searching for spiritual truth.
My favorite Track: “Make My Life a Prayer to You”
Written by the artist’s wife, Melody Green, her humble and earnest appeal in the lyrics of “Make My Life a Prayer to You” brings encouragement to my soul. “The Victor” and “Asleep in the Light” are my second and third favorites from the Green album.
To Him Who Has Ears to Hear—Keith Green:
Sparrow Records: 1977: Notable tracks:
He’ll Take Care of the Rest
When I Hear the Praises Start
You’re Love Broke Through
Easter Song
You Put This Love in My Heart
My #1 favorite Jesus Music album is the recording that launched Keith Green’s ministry. Ranked as the 5th best LP on CCM’s “100 Greatest Christian Albums” listing. I am a fan of every song of Green’s landmark composition.
My favorite track: “You Put This Love in My Heart”
It was extremely hard for me to choose just one song as my favorite. After much thought, I selected the opening track on side 1 as my top pick. Green proclaimed that Jesus was the reason for the newfound love inside his soul.
I also want to mention other all-time favorite songs on this superb album:
“You’re Love Broken Through.” Green co-wrote this song with Randy Stonehill and Todd Fishkind and his rendition of the tune followed Phil Keaggy’s version that was popular during 1976.
“Easter Song.” Green wrote an added verse to Annie Hearring’s penned song that the 2nd Chapter of Acts recorded in 1974.
“He’ll Take Care of the Rest” Features Green’s signature fast-paced, upbeat piano playing. Lyrics encourage believers to do their best on a daily basis and trust God with the outcome.
“When I Hear the Praises Start” Song has an encouraging message.: That God promises that when His people offer true praise, He wants to rain down blessings to fill up their hearts.
Without a doubt, “To Him Who Has Ears to Hear” by Keith Green is my #1 favorite Jesus Music album from the 70s.
That wraps things up for my countdown and message on 70s Jesus Rock albums. Obviously, my article is not a definitive listing with the hundreds of Christians artists and albums that were released by the end of 1979.
I want to invite anyone who is a fan of Jesus Music or Contemporary Christian Music from the 70s, to comment on this topic. I welcome your response.
For those commenting on this topic, what are your favorite CCM artists and/or albums from the 70s that recorded Christian rock songs?
I leave you with lyrics written by Larry Norman in 1972 below: “Why should the devil have all the good music? There’s nothing wrong with what we play. Jesus is the rock and He rolled my blues away.”
As always, Rock on!
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What is Heartland Rock? I first learned about this topic a couple of weeks ago when I went to the website of my local National Public Radio (NPR) station, WVTF 89.1 FM Roanoke, Virginia.
One of the programs that WVFT airs on weekdays is called “Here and Now” which is a live production of WBUR 90.9 FM Boston, Massachusetts and (NPR). I went to the “Here and Now” link and found a story about Heartland Rock (HR) from a segment that aired on July 2, 2026.
The “Here and Now” segment had WBUR co-hosts Indira Lakshmanan and Will Walkey interviewing author Erin Osmon who recently published a book called, “Won’t Back Down: Heartland Rock and the Fight for America.”
Osmon, a journalist and music historian, answers 8 questions on her new book about Heartland rock during the “Here and Now” segment which can be accessed via this link.
After I read and listened to Osmon’s “Here and Now” interview segment, I was curious to learn more about Heartland Rock. I then purchased her new book on this musical sub-genre.
If you are also interested in this topic, I would encourage you to buy a copy of “Won’t Back Down: Heartland Rock and the Fight for America.” either online or at your favorite local bookstore.
In Osmon’s informative book, she explores the foundation and emergence of what is now known as Heartland Rock and gives explanations on why this sub-genre of rock music became popular during the 80s decade.
Osmon traces the history and influences of Heartland Rock to several of the 60s and 70s legendary singer-songwriters: Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan, Neil Young and John Fogerty.
According to Osmon, three 60s rock songs stand out as roots for what later became known as Heartland Rock: “Fortunate Son” Creedence Clearwater Revival, “The Weight” The Band and “Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere” Neil Young.
The timeline for Heartland Rock’s rise to prominence in the United States happened in the mid 70s and its influence remained strong until the late 80s.
Osmon identifies four core artists in the Heartland Rock genre: Bruce Springsteen from New Jersey, Bob Seger from Michigan, Tom Petty from Florida and John Mellencamp from Indiana.
While male artists were at the forefront of Heartland Rock’s rise in popularity, women such as Bonnie Raitt, Tracy Chapman, Melissa Etheridge, and Lucinda Williams were also serving up outstanding perspectives with songs into this musical genre.
Musically, HR generally blends rock, folk, country and Americana genres together with acoustic and electric guitars as dominant instruments in these types of songs.
One misnomer about Heartland Rock is that all songs are centered around either small Rust Belt communities or industrial towns located in the Great Lakes region of the U.S.
As Osmon points out in her book, Heartland Rock is about ideological and spiritual geography, and not physical locations. Songs in this sub-genre of rock music can be about any small locality across America.
At the beginning of this article, I asked the question, “What is Heartland Rock?” While there are no simple definitions of songs in this category, this musical sub-genre has many common themes. HR anthems tend to have some of the elements that I have listed below:
Rooted in working-class life
Pride in small-town communities
Resilience in hard economic times
Struggling or losing family farms
Factories closing
Longing for a simple life
Pulling for an underdog during trying times
Railing against “Reaganomics”
Shattered Expectations of the American Dream
Manufacturing jobs eliminated
Inequality in various forms
Abandonment of rural values
Fear of recession and globalization
Small towns losing population
Lyrics that tell a story
Romanticizing rural life of the 50s & 60s
Having Cold War hysteria
Searching for spiritual belonging
After I educated myself on the topic of Heartland Rock, I started thinking about my favorite songs in this category. For the rest of this article, I will be counting down what I consider to be the top 21 best Heartland Rock anthems.
My countdown of songs is based upon Osmon’s listing of “150 Essential Heartland Rock Songs” in the appendix of her outstanding book.
One note: Bruce Springsteen has 22 out of the 150 songs on Osmon’s essential HR list. While I could devote a whole countdown of odes by the Boss, I didn’t overload my selections from the New Jersey native.
I do not consider my countdown as a definitive list or the absolute best HR songs in the category. My selections are what I consider to be my favorites from the years of 1975 to 1989.
Before starting the countdown of my prominent HR songs, I am sharing other superb tracks that fell outside just outside the top 21 designation. These tunes are not ranked and placed in a random order.
Fire Lake—Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band
Jack & Diane—John Mellencamp
Handle With Care—The Traveling Wilburys
Glory Days—Bruce Springsteen
Rock & Roll Girls—John Fogerty
Free Fallin’–Tom Petty
Mandolin Rain—Bruce Hornby & the Range
Money for Nothing—Dire Straits
Out in the Street—Bruce Springsteen
Nick of Time—Bonnie Raitt
And We Danced—The Hooters
End of the Line—The Traveling Wilburys
Rockin’ in the Free World—Neil Young
Fast Car—Tracy Chapman
Thunder Road—Bruce Springsteen
Cherry Bomb—John Mellencamp
Walk of Life—Dire Straits
Night Moves—Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band
The Waiting—Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
The Promised Land—Bruce Springsteen
Without further ado, my best Heartland Rock countdown begins: The first selection at #21 is an outlier as the track that isn’t found on Osmon’s 150 essential HR song list. However, I believe it should be considered a top HR track and that anthem starts off the countdown.
21. “Allentown” by Billy Joel: 1982
The lyrical content of this song written by Billy Joel has core themes central with many Heartland Rock tunes. The words on “Allentown” depict steel mills and coal mines shutting down, with folks in that town showing desperation with their living experiences. In my humble opinion, Joel’s track is an essential quintessential 80s HR anthem.
20. The End of the Innocence—Don Henley 1989
A collaboration with Bruce Hornby, who plays piano on the song and co-wrote the track with Henley. Lyrics combine nostalgic and fond remembrances of life as a youngster, as well as disillusionment with present realities. In 1980, song won a Grammy Award for “Best Rock Male Vocal Performance.”
19. My Hometown—Bruce Springsteen 1984
Written by Bruce Springsteen. Describes economic depression, main street stores vacant, and a textile mill closing. The track became the Boss’ seventh consecutive top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 from the legendary “Born in the USA” album.
18. Small Town—John Mellencamp 1985
John Mellencamp penned this autobiographical ode to his Indiana roots. The author shared experiences growing up in the Hoosier state and painted a sentimental affection for living life in a rural community. One of Mellencamp’s signature songs.
17. I Won’t Back Down—Tom Petty 1989
Co-written by Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne. Lead single from “Full Moon Fever” which was Petty’s first solo album. It became an anthem for standing up for what a person believes no matter the consequences. George Harrison provides acoustic guitar and backing vocals on the track.
16. The Valley Road—Bruce Hornsby & the Range 1988
Written by brothers Bruce and John Hornsby. Lyrics were formed from observations made by the siblings when growing up in Williamsburg, Virginia. The story is set in a rural area and describes betrayal and deception with problematic outcomes and social consequences for many individuals.
15. Hollywood Nights—Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band 1978
Bob Seger’s penned this fictional story about a blue-collar Midwest man going to Los Angeles and meeting a beautiful California woman. Then after a short love affair, the gorgeous lady suddenly disappears and leaves the fellow heartbroken. This song remains a mainstay on classic album rock radio in 2026.
14. Born in the USA—Bruce Springsteen 1984
This must be the most misunderstood HR anthem of all time. Instead of being a flag-waving, celebratory patriotic tune, Springsteen wrote a protest song. He expressed disapproval of Vietnam war veterans having economic hardships in civilian life, despite their military service.
13. Summer of ‘69–Bryan Adams 1985
Most complex written songs can have dual meanings, and that appears to be the case for Bryan Adams and Jim Valance who penned the 1985 hit single. The lyrics fondly look back on a youthful summertime romance during the historic year of 1969. At the same time, the number 69 is also a metaphor for making love. The tune has an excellent guitar riff.
12. Rain on the Scarecrow—John Mellencamp 1985
The powerful lyrics of this song were co-written by George Green and John Mellencamp. The focus of the track was on the cultural identity and collapse of rural family farms in the U.S. This was one of the songs that Mellencamp performed at the inaugural Farm Aid concert in 1985.
11. Against the Wind—Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band: 1980
Bob Seger composed the title track from his “Against the Wind” album. The author yearns for the simplicity of past times and explores past relationships with former friends and ex-girlfriend Janey. Seger closes his ditty by stating he has mellowed out as he has aged.
10. American Girl—Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers: 1976
This up-tempo rocker is considered one of Tom Petty’s most popular tracks. The artist who was born in Gainesville, Florida wrote the song about a young woman who escaped a rural small town and ends up in a large city seeking a brighter future. Despite being lonely and heartbroken, she is hopeful for a better life.
9. The River—Bruce Springsteen: 1980
I consider the profound lyrics the Boss wrote for this composition to be his greatest written masterpiece. Using a river as a metaphor is absolutely brilliant. Springsteen’s story goes from a working-class teenage couple’s youthful dreams, then transitions to troubling life events happening which result in total disillusionment of those earlier shattered dreams. A truly outstanding song.
8. The Way It Is—Bruce Hornsby & the Range: 1986
Singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and superb pianist Bruce Hornsby penned the hard-hitting HR song. Lyrics address topics such as welfare, racism, economic opportunity and civil rights. “The Way It Is” helped pave the way for Bruce Hornsby and the Range to win a Grammy Award for “Best New Artist” in 1987
7. Pink Houses—John Mellencamp: 1983
John Mellencamp’s written ode was totally misunderstood when it was released as a single. While many folks thought the song was patriotic, this anthem is social commentary on race, class and the bleak reality of a housing crisis in America. The Indiana native sang about the real struggle for working-class families just to pay their bills.
6. Turn the Page—Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band: 1976
Sometime when touring during with his band in 1972, Bob Seger wrote the lyrics for “Turn the Page.” The lyrics were based on real life experiences of musicians and bands traveling from town to town during concert tours. The song describing the ups and downs of life on the road is my favorite HR track by Seger. I love the saxophone playing by Alto Reed on this track.
5. Running on Empty—Jackson Browne: 1977
Jackson Browne’s autobiographical account uses a highway as a metaphor for this up-tempo, toe-tapping tune. Browne nostalgically longs for a simpler time in his life by stating, “in ‘65, I was 17” and “in ‘69, I was 21.” It is a pleasing anthem for the nomadic lifestyle of a musician.
4. Centerfield—John Fogerty: 1985
Baseball is said to be America’s national pastime and John Fogerty’s nostalgic ode is a legendary sports anthem. This tribute mentions MLB Hall of Fame centerfielders such as Joe DiMaggio, Willie Mays and Ty Cobb. In 2010, Fogerty became the only musician ever to be celebrated at the National Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony when “Centerfield” was honored.
3. The Boys of Summer—Don Henley: 1984
Lyrics about aging are the theme for this song co-written by Don Henley and Mike Campbell. With reference to baseball and summertime, the track remembers a past love relationship with regrets and then questions the meaning of life as a middle-aged person. Henley won a Grammy Award for “Best Male Rock Vocal Performance” with his exceptional song.
2. Refugee—Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers: 1979
Pressures of the music industry were the overriding theme for the Tom Petty and Mike Campbell co-written song. The lyrics encourage listeners to stand up for personal beliefs, fight for self-empowerment, and refuse to be victimized during times of trouble. “Refugee” was one of the 4 songs that Petty played at the “Live Aid” charity show in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in July 1985.
1. Born to Run—Bruce Springsteen: 1985
My #1 Heartland Rock anthem is one of my favorite songs of all time. Bruce Springsteen’s magnificently written ode addresses a desire to escape the weight and pressure of life.
The Boss uses metaphors about cars, motorcycles and highways to vividly evoke topics of freedom, romance and pursuit of the “American Dream.”
I love the high-energy music played on this 1975 hit, and the tenor saxophone solo by Clarence Clemons is outstanding. Springsteen’s single was the #1 favorite song that I played on WROV Roanoke in 1975, which was my first job on the radio.
Without a doubt, I rate “Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen as the #1 best Heartland Rock track on this countdown.
That wraps up what I consider to be my favorite Heartland Rock songs. I completely understand that my listing of tracks in this category was written from my point of view and is subjective.
If you were creating a similar register of excellent Heartland Rock songs, your tabulation may be totally different. What do you consider to be the best preeminent HR tracks from 1975 to 1989?
Thanks in advance for sharing your thoughts and comments below on what you consider to be the best Heartland Rock tracks from the 70s and 80s. Rock on!
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Last month, I started reading about the Beach Boys album “Pet Sounds” on the 60th anniversary of that legendary vinyl record’s release. (May 16, 1966). It is one of my favorite albums from the 20th century.
After exploring information on the Brian Wilson/Beach Boys musical masterpiece, I did a deep drive into the Beatles’ “Revolver” album that was released almost 3 months after “Pet Sounds.” (August 5, 1966).
The 1966 groundbreaking recording project by the Beatles is among my favorite Fab Four studio albums by the British band. As I listened to both “Pet Sounds” and Revolver” on that Mid-May day last month, I wanted to find out more about the biggest Top 40 hits of 60 years ago.
My inquiry on the topic of outstanding 1966 singles has resulted in this month’s musical musings article: I will be counting down what I consider to be the 20 best Top 40 radio hits from 1966.
In preparation for writing this article, I needed to educate myself on the biggest radio hit singles from 60 years ago. I had a limited knowledge of music from that year as I was only 10 at the beginning of 1966 and turned 11 in May.
However, I wasn’t totally devoid of musical trends in 1966 when I was a student in the fourth and fifth grades at Oakland Elementary School in Roanoke. I remember multiple conversations with some of my classmates on individual songs that we liked during recess times and on school bus rides.
While I didn’t fully embrace listening to Top 40 radio until 1967, I do remember listening to WROV 1240 AM Roanoke, Virginia which was in my hometown. My parents bought a large RCA stereo console cabinet sometime during 1966, and I fondly remember hearing WROV that year.
The two WROV DJs that I remember from 60 years ago are Jack Fisher and Fred Frelantz.
Above is an audio recording of the Fisher/Frelantz show on WROV, March 25, 1966. This aircheck provided by the WROV History online website/Pat Garrett.
I do have some other random memories of songs that I liked during 1966.
“Eleanor Rigby” and “Yellow Submarine” by the Beatles. The group from Liverpool, England became my favorite band when I first discovered Top 40 radio.
“Secret Agent Man” by Johnny Rivers. During the summer of ‘66, my dad regularly watched a replacement TV show called “Secret Agent” starring Patrick McGoohan. I watched this program with my father, and it featured Rivers’ tune as the theme song.
“(Theme Song) The Monkees.” Starting in September ‘66, I would watch the musical sitcom TV show called “The Monkees” every Monday evening. As soon as the program ended each week, my mother would send me directly to bed.
In August ‘66, my family went camping near Charlottesville, Virginia, and this facility had a swimming pool. We went swimming for 3 consecutive days and I heard the following songs below multiple times on the jukebox each day while we were on vacation:
Hanky Panky—Tommy James & the Shondells
Lil’ Red Riding Hood—Sam the Sham & the Pharaohs
Working in a Coal Mine—Lee Dorsey
Wild Thing—The Troggs
“Monday Monday” by the Mamas and the Papas. When this was a hit in the fall of ‘66, I would sing this song to myself on Monday mornings before I had to catch a bus for school. And I would change the lyrics by singing, “Monday, Monday, can’t stand that day.”
“Gary Lewis & the Playboys Greatest Hits.” I received this album as a gift for Christmas from my next-door neighbor Sandy and discovered all the top 40 hits by Lewis and his band. “Sure Gonna Miss Her”, “Green Grass” and “She’s Just My Style” were all top 10 hits for this band in 1966.
“These Boots Are Made for Walking” album by Nancy Sinatra. My parents gave me this LP as a Christmas gift as the blonde singer with her walking boots was my first musical artist crush. The title track on Sinatra’s album was my #1 favorite song of 1966.
For the remaining portion of this message, I will be focusing on what I consider to be the 20 best singles from 1966.
My countdown of songs is purely based upon Billboard’s Year-End Hot 100 Singles chart of 1966. Any song not listed on the Billboard survey was excluded for consideration on my countdown.
All documentation of the chart positions that I share below comes from “The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits” by Joel Whitburn. I proudly own a hard copy of this excellent reference manual, which I consider to be the “bible” handbook for music history with Top 40 radio.
As I put together the listing of best 1966 singles, please note that the countdown is entirely based on my opinions. My selections are songs that I deem to be culturally, historically, aesthetically significant, meaningful, or relevant.
Before starting the countdown of best 1966 singles, I am sharing other outstanding hits from 1966 that didn’t make the cut.
First off are ten singles that failed to make the Billboard Year-end top 100 Songs of 1966 list, but every song reached #20 or higher on the Billboard Hot 100 chart 60 years ago.
Opus 17 (Don’t You Worry ‘bout Me)–The Four Seasons
I Saw Her Again—The Mamas and the Papas
Hold On I’m Coming—Sam and Dave
Mr. Dieingly Sad—The Critters
A Taste of Honey—Herb Alpert & the Tiuana Brass
The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine (Anymore)–The Walker Brothers
Stop Stop Stop—The Hollies
A Hazy Shade of Winter—Simon & Garfunkel
Eight Miles High—The Byrds
Sunny Afternoon—The Kinks
Songs that I considered for the countdown but fell outside the top 20. These selections are random and not ranked:
Shapes of Things—The Yardbirds
Just Like Me—Paul Revere & the Raiders
My World is Empty Without You—The Supremes
Did You Ever Have to Make Up Your Mind—The Lovin’ Spoonful
Ain’t Too Proud to Beg—The Temptations
Sloop John B—The Beach Boys
Nowhere Man—The Beatles
Daydream—The Lovin’ Spoonful
You Can’t Hurry Love—The Supremes
Paint It Black—The Rolling Stones
Beauty is Only Skin Deep—The Temptations
Hungry—Paul Revere & the Raiders
See You in September—The Happenings
My Love—Petula Clark
Time Won’t Let Me—The Outsiders
Day Tripper—The Beatles
Green Grass—Gary Lewis & the Playboys
Psychotic Reaction—Count Five
A Well Respected Man—The Kinks
Five O’ Clock World—The Vogues
Without further ado, my 1966 best singles countdown begins:
20. Bus Stop—The Hollies
Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #5 Hot 100, 45th Biggest Song of 1966
First top 10 hit for the British band in the U.S. Alan Clarke had lead vocals while Graham Nash and Tony Hicks performed backup harmonies on tune.
19. Last Train to Clarksville—The Monkees
Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 6th Biggest Songs of 1966
Debut single by the Monkees. Song co-written by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart. It was the first of three #1 hits for the pop rock group on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart.
18. I Am a Rock—Simon & Garfunkel
Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #3 Hot 100, 42nd Biggest Song of 1966
Originally, this song was an acoustic recording on “The Words and Music of Paul Simon” solo album in 1965. The single version added electric instruments and vocals by Art Garfunkel.
17. When a Man Loves a Woman—Percy Sledge
Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 31st Biggest Song of 1966
Percy Sledge was born in Alabama. Between 1966 and 1968, the R&B/Soul singer had five Top 40 hits. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2005.
16. Reach Out I’ll Be There—The Four Tops
Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 4th Biggest Song of 1966
The Four Tops lead singer Levi Stubbs had a powerful vocal delivery on this Motown classic tune. It is the signature song by the Detroit, Michigan quartet.
15. (You’re My) Soul and Inspiration—The Righteous Brothers
Positions of Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 12th Biggest Song of 1966
This blue-eyed soul ballad has outstanding instrumentation. It became the pop duo’s third top 5 smash after “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling” and “Unchained Melody” were hits in the mid 60s.
14. What Becomes of the Brokenhearted—Jimmy Ruffin
Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #7 Hot 100, 12th Biggest Songs of 1966
This soul ballad about the misery of heartbreak was one of Motown’s most beloved hits during the 60s. It is Jimmy Ruffin’s signature song.
13. We Can Work It Out—The Beatles
Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 16th Biggest Song of 1966
Co-written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney. From the “Rubber Soul” album. Song was issued as a Double-A-Sided 45-rpm single with “Day Tripper.”
12. Cherish—The Association
Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 7th Biggest Songs of 1966
Superb harmonies on this smooth sunshine pop ballad. Terry Kirkman of the Association wrote and sang lead vocals on the song about unrequited love.
11. Walk Away Renee—The Left Banke
Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #5 Hot 100, 40th Biggest Song of 1966
Baroque rock band formed in New York City. The tune employs a harpsichord, a flute, and multiple string instruments. Strong vocal harmonies throughout the melodic song.
10. The Sounds of Silence—Simon & Garfunkel
Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 54th Biggest Song 1966
The folk-rock duo’s first #1 hit was written by Paul Simon. It was first recorded as an acoustic tune in 1964. A year later a new version of the song added electric instruments for the single.
9. Good Vibrations—The Beach Boys
Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 33rd Biggest Single of 1966
This 45-rpm single was produced and composed by Brian Wilson with lyrics from Mike Love. Considered among the most influential recordings of the 20th century blending pop, rock and psychedelia.
8. Poor Side of Town—Johnny Rivers
Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 18th Biggest Song of 1966
Co-written by Johnny Rivers and Lou Adler. This pop ballad had a strong orchestral sound with string and brass instruments. It is the signature song for the singer-songwriter and musician.
7. This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You)—The Isley Brothers
Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #12 Hot 100, 98th Biggest Song of 1966
The Isley Brothers song was their only major hit on the Motown record label. Ronald Isley delivered an emotional vocal performance on the up-tempo groove.
6. Homeward Bound—Simon & Garfunkel
Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #5 Hot 100, 56th Biggest Songs of 1966
The third Simon & Garfunkel song on the countdown. From the “Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme” album. Paul Simon wrote this ode at a railway station in England during 1964.
5. Paperback Writer—The Beatles
Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 28th Biggest Song of 1966
This psychedelic pop-rock song was originally released as a standalone non-album 45-rpm single.” Paperback Writer” became a record bridge between “Nowhere Man” and the Double-A-Sided “Yellow Submarine/Eleanor Rigby” hits.
4. Kicks—Paul Revere & the Raiders
Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #4 Hot 100, 9th Biggest Song of 1966
Mark Lindsay was the lead singer on the biggest hit by this American rock band. With a catchy melody and superb guitar riff, “Kicks” is considered the first U.S. top 40 hit that featured an anti-drug message.
3. Wouldn’t It Be Nice—The Beach Boys
Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #8 Hot 100, 97th Biggest Song of 1966
From the legendary “Pet Sounds” album by the Beach Boys. Band member Brian Wilson produced this progressive pop-rock masterpiece, as he hired session musicians to play 18 different instruments on the track. I rate “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” as the #1 best sunshine pop single from the 60s.
2. Summer in the City—The Lovin’ Spoonful
Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 35th Biggest Single of 1966
The only number 1 hit single for John Sebastian and the Lovin’ Spoonful in the U.S. The hard driving, up-tempo tune utilized many sound-effects such as car horns and a jackhammer tool to mimic city noises. I rank “Summer in the City” as my second favorite summer song of all time.
1. California Dreamin’—The Mamas & the Papas
Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #4 Hot 100, #1 Biggest Song of 1966
My number 1 single of 1966 was written by John and Michelle Phillips of the Mamas and the Papas (M&P). It became a popular song among many counterculture young folks and a prime example of folk-rock music that originated in Southern California during the mid 60s.
It is interesting that this (M&P) single peaked only at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 but is ranked by the magazine as the #1 biggest hit of 1966. Harmonies on this sunshine pop gem are superb. Without a doubt, I rate “California Dreamin’” as the #1 best single of 1966.
That wraps up what I consider to be my favorite and best singles for 1966. I completely understand that my listing of songs in this category was written from my own point of view and is subjective.
If you were creating a similar register of outstanding 1966 Top 40 hits, your tabulation may be totally different. What do you consider to be the best-preeminent singles from 60 years ago? I hope you will comment below.
Mick Jagger opened the Rolling Stones 1966 hit “Mother’s Little Helper” with these lyrics: “What a drag it is getting old.” Well, Jagger is still living 60 years later at age 82 and can still enjoy music as an elderly man.
While I don’t share Jagger’s sentiments on aging, I am grateful to God for being alive and still having the opportunity to enjoy listening to my favorite 1966 singles here in 2026. Rock on!
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A few weeks ago, I booked a Roanoke, Virginia area DJ gig for the Northside High School Class of ’86 and their 40-year reunion celebration event. Obviously, I will be playing many of the top singles from the year these folks graduated from high school in 1986.
With this latest edition of my music blog, I will be highlighting the popular hits of 1986 and counting down what I consider to be the best songs on Contemporary Hit Radio (CHR) 40 years ago.
After I scheduled the Northside Class of ’86 reunion, I needed to brush up on the top 100 singles of 1986 according to trade publications Billboard and Cash Box. I also read up on the most popular MTV videos in ‘86 that the cable TV music channel aired.
At the beginning of 1986, I lived in Roanoke, Virginia and my own listenership of CHR radio had started to wane. Whenever I did listen to the hits from 40 years ago, the station I most often tuned in to was legendary K92 Roanoke (WXLK 92.3 FM).
K92 signed on the air on New Year’s Day in 1980. Throughout the entire 80s decade, this top 40/CHR outlet was the most listened to radio station in the Roanoke/Lynchburg market.
K92 Roanoke DJ Staff 1980 on the cover of Roanoker Magazine: From left Bill Jordan, David Lee Michaels, John Berry, Larry Dowdy, Vince Miller and Russ Brown. Photo courtesy of the WROV History website/Pat Garrett.
One of the original K92 DJ’s in 1980 was Vince Miller Wilkes, whom I have known since we both worked for WROV Roanoke in the mid 70s. I asked Wilkes via Facebook Messenger to describe what it was like to work for the high powered, fast paced sound at K92 after coming over crosstown from the low powered WROV 1240 AM station.
Miller shared, “The first thing I remember, having come from a 1000 watt, 250 at night AM (WROV 1240), was how far the 93,000 watt FM signal got out. I went from talking to the Roanoke City limits to parts of five states. We could drive 75 miles to make a personal appearance, and be received as stars.”
Above: Night time DJ Vince “The Prince” Miller inside the main K92 studio sometime during 1980. Photo courtesy of Vince Miller Wilkes.
During the first few years after signing on the air, K92 played some local Roanoke hits in addition to all of the national top 40 hits. I spoke with another one of the 1980 original K92 DJs, David Lee Michaels, last month, and we talked about the music selection on his station during the early years.
Michaels credited former 70s WROV DJs Bucky Stover, Vince Miller Wilkes and Bart Prater that came over to K92 in the early 80s as all being influential with K92 playing popular Roanoke singles and album tracks.
Examples of popular regional hits played by K92 during 1980 were by the Robbin Thompson Band: “Sweet Virginia Breeze” as well as “Candy Apple Red” and “Brite Eyes.” K92 also regularly played the album track “South City Midnight Lady” by the Doobie Brothers, which was a favorite 70s Roanoke area track when Bart Prater worked at crosstown top 40 WROV 1240 AM.
By 1986, the music played on K92 closely followed the national hits from the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The “K-Crew” morning drive host that year was Larry Dowdy. The K92 DJ and I first met at WROV Roanoke in 1974 when we both worked for that Top 40 station. I recently had the opportunity to speak Dowdy about the musical direction and types of songs that he played 40 years ago.
In my conservation with Dowdy, he proclaimed “that the song selection on K92 was much tighter in 1986, with fewer current hits on the station’s hot rotation.” Dowdy also said that K92’s playlist tended to lean toward rock songs, synth-pop and dance-oriented singles. It was a transitional year for the CHR format.
Above photo: K92 Roanoke morning “K Crew” staff September 1984: Larry Dowdy, Mike Stevens and Bill Jordan inside K92 studio. Photo courtesy of Larry Dowdy.
For the remaining portion of this message, I will be focusing on what I consider to be the most significant CHR singles from 1986. The songs I feature were all national hits in the U.S.
As I survey the prominent hits from 40 years ago, this countdown is entirely based on my opinions. My selections are songs that I deem to be culturally, historically, aesthetically significant, meaningful or relevant.
For my countdown with the best singles from 40 years ago, I used three 1986 year-end charts. Each of those surveys ranked their top 100 songs of ’86. Any song not listed by any of the 3 national charts was excluded for consideration on my countdown listing.
The 3 national year-end top 100 charts of 1986 used for the countdown are below:
Billboard Hot 100 Singles
Cash Box Top 100 Singles
Billboard Mainstream Rock Singles
On Billboard’s Hot 100 Year-end top singles for 1986 listing, “That’s What Friends Are For” by Dionne Warwick & Friends was the #1 biggest song of ’86.
Cash Box rated “Higher Love” by Steve Winwood as the top single of 1986 while Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart placed “Silent Running (On Dangerous Ground)” by Mike + the Mechanics as the #1 single for ’86.
Before I start my countdown of top 1986 singles, I am sharing 10 excellent rock singles that reached #40 or higher on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart but were not major top 40 hits:
I Still Believe—The Call
Is It Love—Mr. Mister
If She Knew What She Wants—The Bangles
Wild Life—Talking Heads
Mothers Talk—Tears for Fears
All the Things She Saw—Simple Minds
Tuff Enuff—The Fabulous Thunderbirds
Don’t Get Me Wrong—The Pretenders
All the King’s Horses—The Firm
Strength—The Alarm
Next are 25 singles that I considered for the 1986 countdown but fell outside of my top 30 selections. These songs are not ranked and placed in a random order:
You Can Call Me Al—Paul Simon
My Hometown—Bruce Springsteen
These Dreams—Heart
Sara—Starship
Sweet Love—Anita Baker
You Give Love a Bad Name—Bon Jovi
Walk of Life—Dire Straits
Danger Zone—Kenny Loggins
Small Town—John Mellencamp
How Will I Know—Whitney Houston
Why Can’t This Be Love—Van Halen
No One is to Blame—Howard Jones
Conga—Miami Sound Machine
So Far Away—Dire Straits
Land of Confusion—Genesis
I’ll Be Over You—Toto
Addicted to Love—Robert Palmer
R.O.C.K. in the USA (A Salute to 60s Rock)—John Mellencamp
Walk this Way—Run DMC featuring Aerosmith
Take My Breath Away—Berlin
A Matter of Trust—Billy Joel
Coming Around Again—Carly Simon
Walk Like an Egyptian—The Bangles
Burning Love—Survivor
Perfect Way—Scritti Politti
Without further ado, my 1986 best singles countdown begins:
30. Sledgehammer—Peter Gabriel
Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 6th Biggest Single of 1986 (MR)
English singer-songwriter Peter Gabriel wrote this smash hit. Song categorized as a hybrid funk, rock and new wave dance tune. Video for “Sledgehammer” won 9 MTV Music Awards in 1987.
29. Mad About You—Belinda Carlisle
Positions on Billboard Charts: #3 Hot 100, 36th Biggest Song of 1986
Debut solo single by American singer-songwriter Belinda Carlisle. She was the lead vocalist for 80’s band the Go-Go’s. The artist had 3 more top ten hits during 1987 and 1988.
28. All I Need is a Miracle—Mike + the Mechanics
Positions on Billboard Charts: #5 Hot 100, 74th Biggest Songs of 1986
The first of 2 songs on the countdown by this British band. The group was named after bassist Mike Rutherford who also was simultaneously in the rock trio Genesis. Paul Young was lead vocalist on this song.
27. If You Leave—Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD)
Positions on Billboard Charts: #4 Hot 100, 53rd Biggest Songs of 1986
British electronic band OMD was formed in 1978. They recorded “If You Leave” for the soundtrack to the 1986 film “Pretty in Pink.” This hit is considered the signature song for OMD.
26. Your Wildest Dreams—The Moody Blues
Positions on Billboard Charts: #9 Hot 100, 91st Biggest Songs of 1986
The Moody Blues guitarist and lead singer Justin Hayward wrote about his “first love” on this surprise synth-pop single. It became the second biggest hit by the progressive rock band in the U.S.
25. Kiss—Prince
Positions on Cash Box and Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100 (B), 5th Biggest Songs of 1986 (C)
The guitar-accented funk riff Prince plays on this song is superb. Rolling Stone rated “Kiss” as the 85th best track on their “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” list in 2021. The late Minnesota artist won a Grammy Award for “Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals” on this hit.
24. Take Me Home Tonight—Eddie Money
Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Mainstream Rock, #4 Hot 100, 59th Biggest Song of 1986
American singer-songwriter born in New York. Moved to California at age 18. Eddie Money had guest singer Ronnie Spector repeatedly singing the words, “Be My Baby” during the chorus on this power-pop single. It became the multi-instrumentalist’s biggest top 40 hit during his career.
23. Your Love—The Outfield
Positions on Billboard Charts: #6 Hot 100, 62nd Biggest Single of 1986
The Outfield had commercial success with their 1985 “Play Deep” album and the single “Your Love.” True confusion: When I first heard the song played on K92 Roanoke in early 1986, I actually thought it was a single by the artist Sting instead of by this British band.
22. Hip to Be Square—Huey Lewis & the News
Positions on Billboard Charts: #3 Hot 100, 49th Biggest Song of 1986
Huey Lewis was smoking hot during 1986 and 1987. His album “Fore” achieved two number 1 singles: “Stuck with You” and “Jacob’s Ladder.” And the toe-tapping “Hip to Be Square” peaked at #3. The tune features excellent saxophone playing by Tower of Power’s, Stephen “Doc” Kupka.
21. West End Girls—Pet Shop Boys
Positions on Cash Box and Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100 (B), 2nd Biggest Song of 1986 (C)
The British synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys are Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe, and they wrote the world-wide smash single “West End Girls.” The tune has a strong bass line and sensational synthesizer riffs. The video was a hot rotation clip on MTV 40 years ago.
20. Word Up—Cameo
Positions on Billboard Charts: #6 Hot 100, 68th Biggest Song of 1986
Cameo lit up the dance floors across American in 1986 with this multi-formatted funk-rock hit. Actor LaVar Burton appears in the video for this song. “Word Up” won a Soul Train Music Award for “Best R&B Soul Single” and a “Best Dance Record” award with the British NME magazine.
19. The Next Time I Fall in Love—Peter Cetera & Amy Grant
Positions on Billboard & Cash Box Charts: #1 Hot 100 (B), 34th Biggest Song of 1986 (C)
Co-written by Bobby Caldwell and Paul Gordon. Peter Cetera left Chicago in 1985 and Amy Grant was a Contemporary Christian singer looking to crossover into secular music. It was a perfect paring of singers. “The Next Time I Fall” is listed on Billboard’s top 25 “Best Love Song Duets” of all time in 2020.
18. Manic Monday—The Bangles
Positions on Billboard Charts: #2 Hot 100, 48th Biggest Song of 1986
Singer-songwriter and musician Prince penned this selection. Guitarist Susanna Hoffs of the Bangles provided lead vocals on this infectious pop track. The first major hit by the band lead to the group’s first #1 smash “Walk Like an Egyptian” during late December 1986.
17. Life in a Northern Town—The Dream Academy
Positions on Billboard Charts: #7 Hot 100, 78th Biggest Song of 1986
The Dream Academy were billed as a British alternative pop trio. The song was co-written by band members Nick Laird-Clowes and Gilbert Gabriel. This melodic single is about the collapse of the shipping industry in the United Kingdom.
16. Silent Running (On Dangerous Ground)—Mike + the Mechanics
Positions on Billboard Charts: #6 Hot 100, #1 Mainstream Rock, #1 Biggest Song of 1986 (MR)
Second song by British supergroup Mike + The Mechanics. It was a side project for Mike Rutherford, who was also in Genesis that same year. Paul Carrack was the lead singer on what became the #1 biggest mainstream rock single of 1986 according to Billboard.
15. Invisible Touch—Genesis
Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 54th Biggest Song of 1986
In 1986, British progressive rock band Genesis was a trio consisting of Phil Collins, Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford. These members were co-writers with this upbeat composition. It features multiple key changes and was the only #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 by the band.
14. True Colors—Cyndi Lauper
Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 41st Biggest Song of 1986
Actress and singer-songwriter Cynthia Lauper recorded Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly’s co-written ode and turned it into her second #1 hit. “Time After Time” was Lauper’s first chart topping tune. It received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
13. Never—Heart
Positions on Billboard Charts: #4 Hot 100, 18th Biggest Song of 1986
From the 1985 self-titled “Heart” album. “Never” was the band’s highest charting single to that point. This power ballad features strong performances by the Wilson siblings: Ann rocks with emotional vocals while Nancy has soaring guitar licks. Video of the song was a MTV favorite.
12. Amanda—Boston
Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 50th Biggest Song of 1986
Eight years had passed since Boston last released their album “Don’t Look Back” in 1978. Then in 1986, the band’s “Third Stage” dropped and “Amanda” was released as a single from the LP. It immediately became a hit and is considered a quintessential power ballad of the 80s.
11. Tonight She Comes—The Cars
Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Mainstream Rock, #7 Hot 100, 81st Biggest Song of 1986
New Wave rock band scored their final top 10 hit before the Cars broke up in 1988. It is from the band’s “Greatest Hits” album. This composition was written and sung by Ric Ocasek and has an outstanding guitar solo from Elliot Easton.
10. Live to Tell—Madonna
Positions on Cash Box and Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100 (B), 3rd Biggest Song of 1986 (C)
Music was composed by Patrick Leonard and lyrics written by Madonna. This powerful, emotional and acclaimed pop ballad was completely unlike anything the artist had ever recorded. “Live to Tell” was a significant artistic breakthrough in Madonna’s career.
9. Kyrie—Mr. Mister
Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 9th Biggest Song of 1986
“Kyrie” is the first of two Mr. Mister songs on my countdown. Lyrics were written by John Lang with the music being composed by Richard Page and Steve George. . The term “Kýrie, eléison” means “Lord, have mercy” in the Greek language and is used as liturgy in Christian churches.
8. What You Need—INXS
Positions on Billboard Charts: #5 Hot 100, 56th Biggest Song of 1986
Australian funk rock/new wave band. “What You Need” was the first top 10 single for the group on the Billboard Hot 100. Highlights on this song include a driving bass line from Garry Gary Beers, strong saxophone playing by Kirk Pengilly and Michael Hutchence’s high-energy rock vocals.
7. The Way It Is—Bruce Hornsby & the Range
Positions on Cash Box and Billboard: #1 Hot 100 (B), 56th Biggest Song of 1986 (C)
Singer-songwriter and pianist from Williamsburg, Virginia. Hard hitting-lyrics on this pop song addresses topics such as welfare, racism, economic opportunity and civil rights. “The Way It Is” helped pave the way for Bruce Hornsby and the Range to win a Grammy Award for “Best New Artist.”
6. In Your Eyes—Peter Gabriel
Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Mainstream Rock, #26 Hot 100, 6th Biggest Song of 1986 (MR)
My second selection on the countdown by Peter Gabriel who wrote the lyrics to this hit. Musically, the tune has an African worldbeat influence with percussion and drums. Some music historians consider “In Your Eyes” among the top romantic love songs from the 20th century.
5. Sweet Freedom—Michael McDonald
Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #7 Hot 100, 75th Biggest Song of 1986
Keyboardist and singer-songwriter Michael McDonald is known for his distinctive blue-eyed soul vocal style. “Sweet Freedom” was featured in the 1986 film “Running Scared.” The tune is smooth and has a fast-paced tropical percussion and drumming section. One of McDonald’s best solo singles.
4. Something About You—Level 42
Positions on Billboard Charts: #7 Hot 100, 37th Biggest Song of 1986
Level 42 is classified as a British jazz-funk band. Their hit “Something About You” is a defining model of 80’s synth-pop. It was the group’s only top 10 charting song on the Billboard Hot 100.
3. Alive & Kicking—Simple Minds
Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #3 Hot 100, 17th Biggest Song of 1986
Scottish rock band formed in 1977. Co-written by 3 Simple Minds members: Jim Kerr, Charlie Burchill and Mick MacNeil. Lyrics go from a series of questions to proclaiming faith will overcome obstacles. Guitar and piano playing shine on this mid 80s anthem.
2. Broken Wings—Mr. Mister
Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 5th Biggest Singles of 1986
Mr. Mister’s second song on the countdown. Lyrics were inspired by Kahlil Gibran’s novel “Broken Wings” according to the band’s lyricist John Lang. The song has an excellent blending of guitar, bass, synthesizer and drums. I consider it as one of the quintessential pop-rock hits of the 80s.
1. Higher Love—Steve Winwood
Peak Positions on Cash Box and Billboard: #1 Hot 100 (B), #1 biggest Song of 1986 (C)
British singer-songwriter and musician Steve Winwood has my best single of 1986 with “Higher Love.” This was the first #1 song for the artist who played in three rock bands during the 60s: The Spencer Davis Group, Traffic and Blind Faith.
This hit was co-written by Winwood and Will Jennings and features two members on the R&B band Rufus: Chaka Khan on background vocals and drummer John ‘JR’ Robinson. Also in the mix was guitarist Nile Rodgers.
Musically, the song is a superb mix of synthesizer, drums and guitar giving the tune a funk/pop-rock dance groove. Plus, the lyrics are a positive affirmation about faith and divine love outside of our world.
In 1987, the artist went on to earn two Grammy Awards for “Record of the Year” and “Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.” Without a doubt, I rate “Higher Love” by Steve Winwood as the #1 best single of 1986.
That wraps up what I consider to be my favorite and best singles for 1986. I completely understand that my listing of songs in this category was written from my point of view and is subjective.
If you were creating a similar register of excellent 1986 hits, your tabulation may be totally different. What do you consider to be best preeminent singles from 40 years ago? I hope you will comment below.
The songs that I selected above still sound good to me 40 years later. I still cherish and fondly remember my favorite hit singles of 1986. Rock on!
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It was 50 years ago that Americans celebrated the two-hundredth anniversary of the United States, with bicentennial events happening the entire year of 1976.
The year of 1976 was also a transitional period for music in the U.S. With this edition of my musical musings, I will be counting down what I consider to be the best Top 40 singles from 50 years ago.
Top 40 remained the most popular radio format in 1976 with stations flourishing on both AM and FM frequencies. Album Oriented Rock (AOR) and country music radio stations also gained in popularity during the nation’s 200th anniversary.
The most popular music on Top 40 was dominated by guitar-driven classic rock, singer-songwriter pop, disco, R&B/Soul and smooth soft-rock (Now known as yacht rock). Plus, there were some huge country music crossover hits on Top 40 outlets during 1976.
In 1976, I lived in Virginia and was employed by AM/FM combo radio stations in Roanoke: WRIS 1410 and WJLM 93.5. From January to August 1976 both stations were mostly automated, simulcasting religious programing, and aired various live local and national sporting events.
Then in August of ’76, WJLM became a full-fledged live country music formatted station and I was the afternoon DJ during the rest of that year. I remained at WJLM for two more years until I moved to Harrisonburg, Virginia to attend James Madison University in August 1978.
While this article isn’t on the best county music songs from 50 years ago, below are some of my favorite singles that I played on WJLM during 1976.
Together Again—Emmylou Harris
Good Hearted Woman—Waylon Jennings & Willie Nelson
One Piece at a Time—Johnny Cash
Say It Again—Don Williams
El Paso City—Marty Robbins
Golden Ring—George Jones & Tammy Wynette
Rocky Mountain Music—Eddie Rabbit
I’ll Get Over You—Crystal Gayle
Faster Horses (The Cowboy and the Poet)—Tom T. Hall
Sweet Dreams—Emmylou Harris
If You’ve Got the Money I’ve Got the Time—Willie Nelson
Let Your Love Flow—The Bellamy Brothers
All I Can Do—Dolly Parton
Country Boy (You Got Your Feet in L.A.)—Glen Campbell
The Roots of My Raising—Merle Haggard
Although I worked as a country DJ during 1976, I still was a rock music fan and listening to various Top 40 radio stations over the course of the year. In Roanoke, WROV 1240 AM was the main station where the current hits of 1976 were played.
Above Star Stevens audio link on WROV Roanoke during July 1976. Courtesy of WROV History Website/Pat Garrett.
With WROV being a low powered radio station with only 250 watts at night, the signal could not be heard outside of the Roanoke Valley. After sundown, I regularly heard Top 40 hits on WLS 890 Chicago, Illinois and WABC 770 New York, two clear-channel 50,000 watts AM stations in Virginia.
Above WLS 89 Chicago – John Landecker – August 6, 1976 – Radio Aircheck: Courtesy of Ellis Feaster.
There were also a couple of high-powered FM signals out of North Carolina that I could pick up in the Roanoke Valley and that I listened to on a regular basis. Those Top 40 stations were WRQK 98.7 Greensboro and WKZL 107.5 Winston-Salem, both having 100,000 watts of power.
Above WABC 77 New York – Ron Lundy – October 1976 – Radio Aircheck: Courtesy Ellis Feaster.
One other FM signal that I could occasionally hear in Roanoke in 1976 was Q94 (WRVA 94.5 FM) Richmond, Virginia. This powerhouse Top 40 station had 200,000 watts and its signal would come in the strongest during night time hours.
For the remaining portion of this message, I will be focusing on what I consider to be the most significant top 40 singles from 1976. The songs I feature were all national hits in the U.S.
As I surveyed the prominent hits from 50 years ago, this countdown is entirely based on my opinions. My selections are songs that I deem to be culturally, historically, aesthetically significant, meaningful or relevant.
For my countdown of best 1976 singles, I consulted two sources for my selections: Billboard and Cash Box magazines’ year-end top 100 singles charts for 1976. If a song wasn’t listed by either of the national music charts, it wasn’t eligible to be a part of the countdown.
On Billboard’s Year-End Hot 100 singles of 1976 listing, “Silly Love Songs” by Paul McCartney & Wings came in as the number 1 top-rated hit.
Cash Box Year-End Top 100 singles for 1976 selected “Disco Lady” by Johnnie Taylor as their number 1 biggest hit for that year.
Before I start my countdown of superfine singles, I want to share 10 of my favorite songs that were not ranked by either Cash Box or Billboard on their top 100 year-end charts for 1976.
You are the Woman—Firefall
That’ll Be the Day—Linda Ronstadt
Stand Tall—Burton Cummings
Shower the People—James Taylor
If You Know What I Mean—Neil Diamond
Over My Head—Fleetwood Mac
Fly Away—John Denver & Olivia Newton-John
Crazy on You—Heart
The Tracks on My Tears—Linda Ronstadt
Takin’ It to the Streets—The Doobie Brothers
Next up are songs I considered for the 1976 countdown but fell outside my top 25 selections. Singles are not ranked and are placed in a random order:
I Love Music—The O ’Jays
Summer—War
Silly Love Song—Paul McCartney & Wings
Sara Smile—Hall & Oates
Baby I Love Your Way—Peter Frampton
Rhiannon—Fleetwood Mac
Play That Funky Music—Wild Cherry
Don’t Go Breaking My Heart—Elton John & Kiki Dee
Fooled Around and Fell in Love—Elvin Bishop
Devil Woman—Cliff Richard
With Your Love—Jefferson Starship
Welcome Back—John Sebastian
Times of Your Life—Paul Anka
Rock ‘n’ Me—Steve Miller Band
Love Hurts—Nazareth
Beth—KISS
50 Ways to Leave Your Lover—Paul Simon
Fool to Cry—The Rolling Stones
Getaway—Earth Wind & Fire
Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright)—Rod Stewart
Love Rollercoaster—The Ohio Players
The Masquerade—George Benson
All By Myself—Eric Carmen
I Write the Songs—Barry Manilow
Happy Days—Pratt & McClain
Without further ado, my 1976 best top 40 singles countdown begins:
30. You Should Be Dancing—The Bee Gees
Peak Positions on Billboard & Cash Box: #1 Hot 100 (B), 31st Biggest Song of 1976 (B)
First song that launched the Bee Gees into disco music A catchy up-tempo track meant for dancing.
29. Magic Man—Heart
Peak Positions on Billboard & Cash Box: #7 Top 100 (C), #9 Hot 100 (B), 80th Biggest Song of 1976 (C)
First top 10 hit by rock band Heart. Siblings Ann Wilson on lead vocals and Nancy Wilson playing guitar. From the “Dreamboat Annie” album.
28. You Don’t Have to Be a Star (To Be in My Show)—Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr.
Peak Positions on Billboard & Cash Box: #1 Hot 100 (B), #1 Top 100 (C), 27th Biggest Songs of 1976 (C)
Husband and wife team who formally were members of the 5th Dimension. The couple won a Grammy Award for “Best R&B Performance by a Duo/Group with Vocals” in 1977 for their hit.
27. Theme from Mahogany (Do You Know Where You’re Going To)—Diana Ross
Peak Positions on Billboard & Cash Box: #1 Hot 100 (B), #1 Top 100 (C), 43 Biggest Songs of 1976 (B)
From the 1975 “Mahogany” film in which Diana Ross stars. It was the third #1 hit single for the Motown singer-songwriter in the 70s as a solo artist.
26. I’d Really Love to See You Tonight—England Dan & John Ford Coley
Peak Positions on Billboard & Cash Box: #2, Hot 100 (B), #4 Top 100 (C), 21st Biggest Song of 1976 (B)
Soft rock duo from Dallas, Texas. The summer of 1976 single was the duo’s first top 10 hit. England Dan was the younger brother of Seals & Crofts member Jim Seals.
25. Still the One—Orleans
Peak Positions on Billboard & Cash Box: #5 Hot 100 (B), #6 Top 100 (C), 76th Biggest Songs of 1976 (C)
Written by Orleans band member John Hall, who was guitarist on the track. Larry Hoppen provided lead vocals on the second top 10 hit for the band formed in Woodstock, New York.
24. Sing a Song—Earth Wind & Fire
Peak Positions on Billboard & Cash Box: #5 Hot 100 (B), 59th Biggest Song of 1976 (B)
Number 1 on Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart. Composed by Maurice White and Al McKay. The tune has an outstanding horn section.
23. If You Leave Me Now—Chicago
Peak Positions on Billboard & Cash Box: #1 Hot 100 (B), #1 Top 100 (C), 14th Biggest song of 1976 (C)
Written by Chicago’s Peter Cetera. It became the band’s first #1 single on the Billboard Hot 100. The song won 2 Grammy Awards.
22. I’ll Be Good to You—The Brothers Johnson
Peak Positions on Billboard & Cash Box: #3 Hot 100 (B), #7 Top 100 (C), 61st Biggest Song of 1977 (B)
Written by siblings George and Louis Johnson and produced by Quincy Jones. It was the debut hit from the Los Angeles, California funk/R&B band.
21. Right Back Where We Started From—Maxine Nightingale
Peak Positions on Billboard & Cash Box: #1 Top 100 (C), #2 Hot 100 (B), 28th Biggest Song of 1976 (B)
British R&B soul singer Maxine Nightingale achieved two U.S. hits: Her 1976 single was an international smash. Then two years later, she scored with “Lead Me On.”
20. Do You Feel Like We Do—Peter Frampton
Peak Positions on Billboard & Cash Box: #10 Hot 100 (B), #13 Top 100 (C), 99th Biggest Song of 1976 (C)
The single for this track was edited to just under 7 minutes so it would receive Top 40 airplay. The album version clocks in at 14 minutes long and was on the hot rotation with many AOR stations in 1976.
19. Golden Years—David Bowie
Peak Positions on Billboard & Cash Box, #10 Hot 100 (B), #12 Top 100 (C), 33rd Biggest song of 1976 (B)
Lead single from David Bowie’s, 1976 “Station to Station” album. The British artist lays down an R&B/Funk groove on this tune.
18. Take the Money and Run—Steve Miller Band
Peak Positions on Billboard & Cash Box: #11 Hot 100 (B), 98th Biggest Songs of 1976 (B)
Story song about bandits and a detective pursuing them. Guitar based rock song. The first of three hits from the legendary “Fly Like a Eagle” album.
17. You’re My Best Friend—Queen
Peak Positions on Billboard & Cash Box: #9 Top 100 (C), #16 Hot 100 (B), 83rd Biggest Songs of 1976 (B)
Written by John Deacon, bassist for Queen. He wrote the pop ballad for his wife Veronica. Song from the 1975, “A Night at the Opera” album.
16. Fox on the Run—Sweet
Peak Positions on Billboard & Cash Box: #5 Hot 100 (B), #5 Top 100 (C), 63rd Biggest Song of 1976 (C)
Power pop single from English Glam rock band. Became a world-wide hit and one of the biggest singles by Sweet in the U.S.
15. Strange Magic—Electric Light Orchestra
Peak Positions on Billboard & Cash Box: #14 Hot 100 (B), #14 Top 100 (C), 77th Biggest Song of 1976 (C)
Written by Jeff Lynne and performed by Electric Light Orchestra (ELO). It was originally released on their 1975 “Face the Music” album. Hook-laden tune with slide guitar riffs.
14. Take It to the Limit—Eagles
Peak Positions on Billboard & Cash Box: #4 Hot 100 (B), #5 Top 100 (C), 25th Biggest Song of 1975 (B)
High tenor voice Randy Meisner distinctive harmonies. Was the third single from Eagles, “One of These Nights” album.
13. Moonlight Feels Right—Starbuck
Peak Positions on Billboard & Cash Box: #2 Top 100 (C), #3 Hot 100 (B), 34th Biggest Songs of 1976 (B)
Atlanta Georgia band. Had 2 Top 40 hits in the U.S. “I Got to Know” peaked at #38 on Billboard Hot 100. Single is now considered yacht rock in 2026.
12. Dream Weaver—Gary Wright
Peak Positions on Billboard & Cash Box: #1 Top 100 (C), #2 Hot 100 (B), 17th Biggest Song of 1976 (C)
All instrumentation was created using keyboards except for Jim Keltner’s percussion. Gary Wright was originally front man for English band Spooky Tooth.
11. Say That You Love Me—Fleetwood Mac
Peak Positions on Billboard & Cash Box, #11 Hot 100 (B), #12 Top 100 (C), 53rd Biggest Song of 1976 (B)
Song written by British singer-songwriter Christine McVie for Fleetwood Mac’s 1975 self-titled album. It remains one of the band’s most recognizable songs.
10. She’s Gone—Hall and Oates
Peak Positions on Billboard & Cash Box: #6 Top 100 (C), #7 Hot 100 (B), 57th Biggest Songs of 1976 (C)
The soul ballad is included on their 1973 album, “Abandoned Luncheonette.” Only reached #60 in 1973. Re-released in 1976 after Sara Smile” by the duo became a hit.
9. The Boys Are Back in Town—Thin Lizzy
Peak Positions on Billboard & Cash Box: #12 Hot 100 (B), 87th Biggest Song of 1976 (B)
Irish Rock band formed in Dublin in 1969, Only top 40 hit in the U.S. Rolling Stone magazine: Rated the band’s best over-all single by many rock critics.
8. Got to Get You into My Life—The Beatles
Peak Positions on Billboard & Cash Box: #3 Top 100 (C), #7 Hot 100 (B), 78th Biggest Song of 1976
First released as a track in 1966 on the Beatles “Revolver” album. Released 6 years after the Beatles broke up 1970. Paul McCartney on lead vocals.
7. Show Me the Way—Peter Frampton
Peak Positions on Billboard & Cash Box: #4 Top 100 (C), #6 Hot 100 (B), 35th Biggest Song of 1976 (C)
Biggest U.S. hit on from the “Frampton Comes Alive” album. Song features dynamic guitar playing and strong vocals.
6. Love is Alive—Gary Wright
Peak Positions on Billboard & Cash Box: #2 Hot 100 (B), #3 Top 100 (C), 9th Biggest Songs of 1976 (B)
Musically all keyboards and drums. Second consecutive Wright single to peak at number 2 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart.
5. Lowdown—Boz Scaggs
Peak Positions on Billboard & Cash Box: #1 Top 100 (C), #3 Hot 100 (B), 49th Biggest Song of 1976 (B)
Co-written by Boz Scaggs and David Paich, keyboardist from rock band Toto. “Lowdown” is categorized in multiple musical genres. R&B, Disco, Jazz, Pop and Yacht Rock. Won a Grammy Award for best R&B song.
4. Dream On—Aerosmith
Peak Positions on Billboard & Cash Box: #6 Hot 100 (B), 51st Biggest Song of 1976 (B)
From self titled Aerosmith album. Song first released as single in 1973, peaking at #66 on Billboard Hot 100. When re-released in 1976, it was a huge hit on AOR and Top 40 radio. Became signature song for the band.
#59 in 1973. Re-released signature song
3. More Than a Feeling—Boston
Peak Positions on Billboard & Cash Box: #4 Top 100 (C), #5 Hot 100 (B), 83rd Biggest Song of 1976 (C)
Arena rock band delivering a power ballad. Lead single from Boston’s 1976 self-titled debut album. An electric guitar-dominated rocker that is now considered classic rock.
2. The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald—Gordon Lightfoot
Peak Positions on Billboard & Cash Box: #1 Top 100 (C), #2 Hot 100 (B), 22nd Biggest Songs of 1976 (C)
Folk rock ballad written by Gordon Lightfoot is based on an actual historical event. On November 10, 1975, the SS Edmund Fitzgerald ship sank during a storm on Lake Superior with the entire 29-man crew dying that day.
The song’s lyrics paints a haunting and poignant picture of the last voyage with the Great Lakes freighter. It became the biggest selling hit single for the Canadian singer-songwriter.
1. Bohemian Rhapsody—Queen
Peak Positions Billboard & Cash Box: #6 Top 100 (C), #9 Hot 100 (B), 18th Biggest Songs of 1976 (B)
Progressive rock opera written by Freddie Mercury. It is considered the signature song by the British band. Inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2004 and in 2022, the single was selected for the National Recording Registry.
Rolling Stone magazine ranks Queen’s song at #17 on the “500 Greatest Songs of All List” list. This six-minute suite is a masterpiece. Without a doubt, “Bohemian Rhapsody” is considered one of the greatest classic rock songs ever made and is my #1 top hit for 1976.
That wraps up what I consider to be my favorite and best top 40 hits for 1976. I completely understand that my listing of songs in this category was written from my point of view and is subjective.
If you were creating a similar register of excellent 1976 hits, your tabulation may be totally different. What do you consider to be best preeminent singles from 50 years ago? I hope you will comment below.
Listening to music from the golden age of Top 40 radio will always have a special place in my heart. I still cherish and fondly remember my favorite hit singles of 1976. Rock on!
To subscribe to my blog via email, please click the “Follow” button in the menu above.
A couple of months ago, I had a musical conversation with my daughter Amy. As a result of our discussion, I came up with this month’s article: I will highlight 20 superb tracks from 20 memorable albums that were released during the year of 1969.
This message will be song driven instead of being album oriented. I will be counting down what I consider to be the best song that is found on each of the 1969 released studio albums that I have selected.
Here is the process that I used in selecting the albums for this article: an album had to be released between January 1 and December 31, 1969. That excludes albums released late in 1968, even though the LP may have been popular during the first few months of 1969.
Once I selected the 20 albums released in 1969, I picked my favorite track on each of those LPs. Of those songs, I have ranked the 20 tracks for the countdown with the #1 selection being my favorite song of the bunch.
The other main criteria that I used for this exercise: I picked only studio albums in my selection of 1969 LPs. That means I did not include any live recordings, greatest hits, compilation or soundtracks albums for this countdown.
While the 20 albums I list in the article are not ranked as part of the countdown, the number 1 top track is also found on my favorite studio album from 1969.
All of the albums and tracks on my countdown are from popular artists and bands that I liked in 1969 and I still enjoy listening to 56 years later. Before I begin listing the 20 albums and tracks, below are various albums that are all good to excellent LPs but didn’t qualify for inclusion into the countdown.
First is a list of top live and/or soundtrack albums of 1969 that aren’t eligible for the 20 tracks and LP countdown:
Captured Live at the Forum–Three Dog Night
At San Quentin–Johnny Cash
Yellow Submarine Songtrack–The Beatles
Goodbye–Cream
Next are top-selling albums at the beginning of 1969 but released in 1968. Thus, these selections weren’t eligible for the 20 tracks and LPs countdown:
The Beatle–The Beatles: AKA: “The White Album”
In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida–Iron Butterfly
Wichita Lineman–Glen Campbell
Cheap Thrills–Big Brother and the Holding Company
Crimson and Clover–Tommy James & the Shondells
Blood Sweat & Tears–Blood Sweat and Tears
Hair (Original Broadway Cast Recording)
Diana Ross & the Supremes Join the Temptations
One other outstanding album of 1969 was by Blind Faith. This supergroup consisted of Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood, Ginger Baker and Ric Grech, This band broke up soon after recording their highly-rated, self-titled debut album.
Without further ado, my best 20 albums and tracks of 1969 countdown begins:
20. Bob Dylan: Song: “Lay Lady Lay”
Album: “Nashville Skyline” Released 4/9/69
My second favorite track: “Girl from the North Country” (duet with Johnny Cash).
Bob Dylan launched a foray into country music with this album. “Lay Lady Lay” was the first top 10 hit on Billboard Hot 100 for Dylan in 3 years: Since “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35” in 1966.
19. The 5th Dimension: Song: “Aquarius (Let the Sunshine In)”
Album: “The Age of Aquarius” Released 5/69
My second favorite track: “Workin’ on a Groovy Thing”
Was biggest selling album for the pop soul vocal group. The “Aquarius” single is a medley of two songs, a cover that was originally performed in the Broadway rock musical “Hair.” The track won two Grammy Awards in 1970.
18. Santana: Album: Song: “Evil Ways”
Album: “Santana” Released 8/22/69
My second favorite track: “Soul Sacrifice”
Debut album by Latin rock band that played at Woodstock in August 1969. “Evil Ways” was the second single released on LP and reached #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the spring of 1970.
17. The Band: Album: Song: “Up on Cripple Creek”
Album: “The Band” Released 9/22/69
My second favorite track: “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down
Also known as the “Brown Album.” Released just over a month after the Band played at Woodstock (August ’69). “Up on Cripple Creek” is a combination of pop, rock, country and bluegrass. Peaked at #25 in the winter of 1970 on the Billboard Hot 100.
16. Dusty Springfield: Song: “Son of a Preacher Man”
Album: “Dusty in Memphis” Released 3/31/69
My second favorite track: “The Windmills of Your Mind”
In 2020, album was inducted into Library of Congress for preservation in the National Recording Registry. “Son of a Preacher Man” features outstanding blue-eyed soul vocals as Springfield was one of the most underrated women singers from the mid to late 60s.
15. The Guess Who: Song: “Undun”
Album: “Canned Wheat” Released 9/69
My second favorite track: “No Time”
The popular Canadian band released their 2nd studio album in 1969. Originally a B-side of the “Laughing” 45-rpm single, “Undun” became a hit in its own right. This tune is considered a jazz-rock gem with superb guitar and excellent flute solo.
14. The Rolling Stones: Song: “Gimme Shelter”
Album: “Let It Bleed” Released 11/28/69
My second favorite track: “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.”
The “Let It Bleed” album is ranked as one of the best LPs by the British band. It features prominent guest vocals by American singer Merry Clayton. Rolling Stone magazine ranks “Gimmie Shelter” at #13 on their countdown with the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” list.
13. Creedence Clearwater Revival: Song: “Born on the Bayou”
Album: “Bayou Country” 1/15/69
My second favorite track: “Proud Mary”
The first of 3 CCR albums released in 1969. “Born on the Bayou” was written by John Fogerty. Some music historians consider the song “swamp rock.” I say, “It’s only rock and roll but I like it.”
12. Led Zeppelin: Song: “Whole Lotta Love”
Album: “Led Zeppelin II” Released 10/22/69
My second favorite track: “Ramble On”
“Led Zeppelin II” has a hard-driving, blues-based rock sound. Truly, “Whole Lotta Love” is a psychedelic masterpiece. Jimmy Page created one of the greatest guitar riffs of the 20th century on this song.
11. Sly & the Family Stone: Song: “Stand!”
Album: “Stand!” Released 5/3/69
My second favorite track: “Everyday People”
Sly & the Family Stone’s “Stand!” album was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2015. The lyrics for the R&B/Funk track are affirmative. The band played this anthem at Woodstock during August 1969.
10. Chicago: Song: “Beginnings”
Album: “Chicago Transit Authority” Released 4/28/69
My second favorite track: “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?”
The debut album by Chicago is my second favorite by this band. “Beginnings” is almost 8-minutes long on “CTA” and is an early example of progressive rock. Lyrics were written by Robert Lamm.
This CCR album was released just over a week before the band played at Woodstock. John Fogerty’s guitar riff on this tune is superb. The “Green River” single is my favorite CCR track that played on top 40 radio back in the summer of ’69.
8. Neil Young: Album: Song: “Cinnamon Girl”
“Everybody Knows This is Nowhere” Released 5/14/69
My second favorite track: “Down by the River”
Neil Young recorded his album just a few months before joining the Crosby Stills & Nash band. “Cinnamon Girl” has a dominant guitar riff and is a distinguished power pop tune. It is my second favorite solo song by the artist born in Canada.
7. The Who: Song: “I’m Free”
Album “Tommy” Released 5/19/69
My second favorite track: “See Me, Feel Me”
Pete Townshend of the Who created a ground breaking album with the rock opera “Tommy.” “I’m Free” is one of my favorite singles played on top 40 radio in the summer of 1969. The British band also performed the song during Woodstock almost 57 years ago.
6. The Doors: Song: “Touch Me”
Album: “The Soft Parade” Released 7/18/69
My second favorite track: “Tell All the People”
The Doors 4th studio album gave the band in new direction by incorporating brass and string arrangements. “Touch Me” features a smoking hot saxophone solo by Curtis Amy. I rate this single written by Robby Kreiger as the #1 best song recorded by the 1993 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band.
5. The Rascals: Song: “People Got to Be Free”
Album: “Freedom Suite” Released 3/17/69
My second favorite track: “A Ray of Hope”
Released as a double album, “Freedom Suite” was a concept LP. “People Got to Be Free” lyrics were inspired by the 1968 assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. I rate this song as the 4th best protest and social justice anthem from the 60s and 70s.
4. Three Dog Night: Song: “Easy to Be Hard”
“Suitable for Framing” Released 6/11/69
My second favorite track: “Eli’s Coming”
The first of two superb albums by Three Dog Night during 1969 (“Captured Live at the Forum” 2nd LP). “Easy to Be Hard” is a cover of a song from the Broadway rock musical “Hair.” Features powerful lead vocals by Chuck Negron.
Album: “Willy and the Poor Boys” Released 10/29/69
My second favorite track: “Down on the Corner”
This was CCR’s third studio album released in 1969. John Fogerty’s signature song is my favorite CCR tune of all-time. I rate “Fortunate Son” as the #1 best protest and social justice anthem from the 60s & 70s.
2. Crosby Stills & Nash: Song: “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes”
Album: “Crosby Stills & Nash” Released 5/29/69
My second favorite track: “Marrakesh Express”
Debut self-titled CS&N was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999. Stephen Stills wrote this song about singer-songwriter and girlfriend at the time Judy Collins. “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes” has four distinct sections. Harmonies by David Crosby and Graham Nash are outstanding on this acoustic jewel.
1. The Beatles: Song: “Here Comes the Sun”
Album: “Abbey Road” Released 10/1/69
My second favorite track: “Something”
“Abbey Road” is my favorite studio album of 1969 and “Here Comes the Sun” is among my top Beatles songs ever recorded by the British band. The Fab Four were my favorite rock band 57 years ago.
Written and sung by guitarist George Harrison, this “Abbey Road” track is a cheerful pop song. Along with exceptional guitar playing by Harrison, the tune also employs violas, cellos, piccolos, flutes and clarinets. This gives the tune a classical feel.
An all Abbey Road photo. I am wearing a Beatles t-shirt and holding a vinyl record album, with my mostly Bluetick Coonhound named Abbey Road.
During the 21st century, Harrison’s track is the most streamed Beatles song on Spotify and other online music platforms around the world. Folks of all ages love the positive, encouraging message of this song.
Without a doubt, “Here Comes the Sun” from the Beatles “Abbey Road” album is my #1 best song and memorable LP from 1969.
That wraps up my musical musings on the topic of best 1969 tracks and studio albums. The listing of songs and LPs was written totally from my own point of view and is subjective.
If you were creating a similar register of excellent 1969 tracks and studio albums, your tabulation may be totally different. What do you consider to be best songs and studio albums released during 1969?
I still love, cherish and fondly remember all of the 1969 tracks and albums that I listed above. Listening to the music from 57 years ago is still special to me. Rock on!
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1971 was a transformational time for Top 40 music in the United States. The songs that became hits that year came from a wide variety of musical genres.
The biggest hits on Top 40 radio from 55 years ago were a combination of pop, rock, soul, country and folk with newer developing genres coming into play: Progressive Rock, Singer-Songwriter Music, Glam Rock, Funk-Soul Fusion and Proto-Disco.
Socially conscious music continued to evolve during 1971. Major social issues like the Vietnam War, racism, and the women’s movement were a part of the musical landscape with some of the biggest hits of 1971.
With this edition of my musical musings, I will be counting down what I consider to be my favorite Top 40 singles of 1971. The songs on my countdown were all national hits in the U.S. and peaked at #30 or higher on charts by Billboard and Cash Box magazines.
By 1971 many folks were discovering new ways to hear music. While AM radio still was the dominant force with Top 40, many new FM music channels were coming into existence.
Especially in major market cities across the United States, people could hear their favorite Top 40 songs on the FM band. In addition, there were many new FM music stations that started playing a new format developed in the late 60s: Album Oriented Rock (AOR).
While new FM music stations were starting to take listeners away from AM radio, Top 40 outlets still dominated in major market locations. Three of the most influential stations in 1971 were all Top 40 outlets: WABC 770 AM New York, WLS 890 AM Chicago and KHJ 930 AM Los Angeles.
AM music channels still ruled in most mid to small radio markets 55 years ago. It would take a few more years before FM music channels would overtake AM radio as the dominant force for music played in the U.S.
At the beginning of 1971, I was 15 years old and lived in Roanoke, Virginia. Since this was a small radio market, we didn’t have any FM Top 40 or AOR stations, so I listened to music on AM.
During the daytime, I had two choices for Top 40 radio: WROV 1240 AM Roanoke and WBLU 1480 AM Salem. My preference of the two was WROV which was the #1 rated radio station in the Roanoke area.
WROV was known for having an outstanding personality DJ staff in 1971, and I still remember 5 members of the airstaff from that year: Jack Fisher, Bart Prater, Dan Alexander, Larry Bly and Ron Tompkins.
Above is an audio aircheck clip of Dan Alexander on WROV 1240 AM Roanoke on 12/31/71. Courtesy of Pat Garrett and the WROV History website.
At sundown, WROV reduced their power and WBLU signed off the air, so I would listen to a few AM radio stations located hundreds of miles away from my Virginia home.
A framed WROV 70’s poster that is owned by DJ Barry Michaels, who worked at WROV from 1978 through 1981, and provided his photo to be used here on this music blog.
The two main stations that I listened to during the nighttime were both clear channel 50,000-watt AM stations: WLS 890 Chicago and WABC 770 New York.
On the Big 89 WLS, I fondly remember regularly listening to DJs Larry Lujack, Chuck Buell and Kris Erik Stevens.
When listening to WABC, Dan Ingram, Cousin Brucie (Bruce Morrow) and Chuck Leonard are the DJ voices I heard most frequently.
On nights that WLS or WABC were hard to pick up, I had other high-powered clear channel AM station that I could pick up in Roanoke. Among those other stations: WOWO 1190 Fort Wayne, WCFL 1000 Chicago, CKLW 800 Windsor, Ontario (Detroit) and WKBW 1520 Buffalo.
WLS Chicago Surveys from 1/18/71 and 8/23/71. Photo is courtesy of Pete Battistini: Author of the book, American Top 40 with Casey Kasem (The 1970’s).
For the remaining portion of this message, I will be focusing on what I consider to be the most significant top 40 singles from 1971. I will be highlighting hit songs that I feel are still relevant here in 2026.
In calculations for my 1971 singles countdown, I utilized “The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits” by Joel Whitburn. I consider Whitburn’s book to be the “bible” of Top 40 music reference and still proudly own a hard copy of this excellent book.
Or songs that peaked at number 10 or higher (Top 10 hits) on either the Billboard Hot 100 or Cash Box Top 100 charts at any point (January through December) during 1971.
As I surveyed the prominent hits from 1971, the countdown is entirely based on my opinions. My selections are songs that I deem to be culturally, historically, aesthetically significant, meaningful or relevant.
Before I reveal my countdown of most relevant top 40 singles of 1971, I am going to share some other significant songs from 55 years ago.
The #1 biggest single of 1971, rated by both Cash Box and Billboard is “Joy to the World” by Three Dog Night.
One outlier song that received airplay on many Top 40 stations in 1971 was “Baba O’ Riley” by the Who. This was actually an album track and not released as a single. If this song had been available as a 45-rpm, the Who’s ode would have made my best singles of 1971 countdown.
Surprisingly, I found 15 hits that I like that were not listed on Billboard’s year-end Top 100 singles listing of 1971. Some peaked in the top 10 while every song reach #30 or higher. Songs are listed randomly and not ranked:
Sooner or Later—The Grass Roots
Rings—Cymarron
So Far Away—Carole King
Wild Horses—The Rolling Stones
Baby I’m-A-Want You—Bread
Rock Steady—Aretha Franklin
Toast & Marmalade for Tea—Tin Tin
Get It On—Chase
Love the One You’re With—Stephen Stills
Born to Wonder—Rare Earth
One Fine Morning—Lighthouse
The Story in Your Eyes—The Moody Blues
Immigrant Song—Led Zeppelin
Eighteen—Alice Cooper
Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling Again—The Fortunes
The next set of 25 songs made Billboard’s year-end Top 100 singles listing of 1971 but fell outside of my countdown. Songs are placed randomly and not ranked:
It’s Too Late—Carole King
One Toke Over the Line—Brewer & Shipley
Never Can Say Goodbye—The Jackson 5
Draggin’ the Line—Tommy James
Another Day—Paul McCartney
Liar—Three Dog Night
Woodstock—Matthew Southern Comfort
Won’t Get Fooled Again—The Who
Riders on the Storm—The Doors
Reason to Believe—Rod Stewart
Beginnings—Chicago
I Feel the Earth Move—Carole King
For All We Know—The Carpenters
Mr. Big Stuff—Jean Knight
My Sweet Lord—George Harrison
Love Her Madly—The Doors
Do You Know What I Mean—Lee Michaels
Temptation Eyes—The Grass Roots
Ain’t No Sunshine—Bill Withers
The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down—Joan Baez
Joy to the World—Three Dog Night
Me and Bobby McGee—Janis Joplin
Put Your Hand in the Hand—Ocean
Mr. Bojangles—The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Don’t Pull Your Love—Hamilton Joe Frank & Reynolds
Without further ado, my 1971 outstanding top 40 radio hits begins:
30. Maggie May—Rod Stewart
Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 2nd Biggest Song of 1971
First number one hit for Rod Stewart on the Billboard Hot 100. Song has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
29. Wild World—Cat Stevens
Peak Position on Billboard Chart: #11 Hot 100
British Singer-songwriter Cat Steven’s first top 40 hit in the U.S. From the 1970, “Tea and the Tillerman” album.
28. Sweet City Woman—The Stampeders
Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #8 Hot 100, 58th Biggest Song of 1971
Canadian trio rock band the Stampeders featured a banjo on their summer of 1971 hit. The up-tempo tune spent 4 weeks at #1 in Canada.
27. One Less Bell to Answer—The 5th Dimension
Peak Positions on Billboard Chart: #2 Hot 100
Song written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. The 5th Dimension’s Marilyn McCoo provides superb heartfelt vocals on this pop power ballad.
26. That’s the Way I’ve Always Heard It Should Be—Carly Simon
Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #10 Hot 100, 47th Biggest Songs of 1971
The lead single from Carly Simon’s self-titled debut album. The artist won the 1972 Grammy Award for “Best New Artist” on the strength of Simon’s first hit single.
25. Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)—The Temptations
Peak Position on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 9th Biggest Song of 1971
This #1 hit is considered one of the Temptations signature songs. It was the last single to feature the group’s founding members Paul Williams and Eddie Kendricks.
The recording of this song was made just after Tom Fogerty quit Creedence Clearwater Revival. The band became a trio when this single was a hit.
23. I Am I Said—Neil Diamond
Peak Position on Billboard Chart: #4 Hot 100
Written by Neil Diamond, this powerful ballad was penned from personal experience by the artist. The singer-songwriter received a Grammy nomination for his expressive ode.
22. What is Life—George Harrison
Peak Position on Billboard Chart: #10 Hot 100
George Harrison wrote “What is Life” in 1969 and had wanted the Beatles to record the song for their “Abbey Road” album but that didn’t materialize. The singer-songwriter saved his song for the 1970 landmark “All Things Must Pass” album: it became the second single from that LP.
21. Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)—Marvin Gaye
Peak Position on Billboard Charts: #4 Hot 100, 62nd Biggest Song of 1971
The second single from Marvin Gaye’s outstanding “What’s Going On” album. This track has superb saxophone playing and is considered one of the best environmental protest and social justice songs from the 20th Century.
20. If—Bread
Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #4 Hot 100, 61st Biggest Songs of 1971
Singer-songwriter David Gates of Bread gives a tender vocal performance on this soft pop rock tune. “If” spent 3 weeks at #1 on Billboard’s Easy Listening Singles chart.
19. Smiling Faces Sometimes—The Undisputed Truth
Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #3 Hot 100, 14th Biggest Song of 1971
Psychedelic Motown soul song. Originally recorded by the Temptations. I consider the Undisputed Truth single as the best one hit wonder from 1971.
18. Take Me Home (Country Roads)—John Denver
Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #2 Hot 100, 8th Biggest Song of 1971
Signature song by John Denver is now in the Grammy Hall of Fame and in the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress. It is also one of the official state songs for West Virginia.
17. The Wedding Song (There is Love)—Paul Stookey
Peak Position on Billboard Charts: #3 Easy Listening, #24 Hot 100
Noel Paul Stookey from the folk-rock Peter, Paul and Mary (PP&M) trio wrote this tender ballad and performed it for the first time at wedding of fellow (PP&M) member Peter Yarrow. I rate this single as the 2nd best one hit wonder of 1971.
16. Me & You and a Dog Named Boo—Lobo
Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #5 Hot 100, 59th Biggest Songs of 1971
Written by Lobo under his real name Kent LaVoie. The debut single by the artist was his second biggest hit in the U.S. and it spent two weeks at #1 on the Billboard Easy Listening chart.
15. Treat Her Like a Lady—Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose
Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #3 Hot 100, 15th Biggest Single of 1971
An American family group that consisted of siblings Carter, Eddie, and Rose Cornelius. In 1972, the trio were joined by sister Billie Jo Cornelius. This song is now considered a Carolina Beach Music tune for Shag dancing.
14. Brown Sugar—The Rolling Stones
Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 16th Biggest Songs of 1971
Lead single from the Rolling Stones’ “Sticky Figures” album. Has superb tenor saxophone solo by Bobby Keys and outstanding guitar licks from Keith Richards.
13. Imagine—John Lennon
Peak Positions of Billboard Chart: #3 Hot 100
Best-selling single in the solo career of John Lennon. Rolling Stone magazine proclaims the protest and social justice anthem is the third “Greatest Song of All Time.”
12. You’ve Got a Friend—James Taylor
Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 17th Biggest Songs of 1971
Written by singer-songwriter Carole King. James Taylor’s rendition has backing vocals by Joni Mitchell. “You’ve Got a Friend” helped the folk-rock artist to win two Grammy Awards in 1972.
11. Colour My World—Chicago
Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #7 Hot 100, 56th Biggest Songs of 1971
“Colour My World” is a short ode from James Pankow’s “Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon” song cycle/suite on the legendary 1970 “Chicago” (Chicago II) album. Features an outstanding flute solo and Terry Kath singing lead vocals.
10. Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey—Paul & Linda McCartney
Peak positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 22nd Biggest Songs of 1971
This song contains fragments of two separate melodies and became Paul McCartney’s first #1 solo hit after the break-up of the Beatles. The song won a Grammy Award in 1971.
9. How Can You Mend a Broken Heart—The Bee Gees
Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 5th Biggest Songs of 1971
The Bee Gees first #1 hit in the U.S. Co-written by siblings Barry and Robin Gibb. This song has been covered over 20 times by other artists.
8. Have You Ever Seen the Rain—Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR)
Peak Position on Billboard Chart: #8 Hot 100
In 1971, many thought the lyrics for this song were a countercultural anthem. However, author John Fogerty stated the single was about tensions among his fellow CCR band members. Shortly after this song was recorded, Tom Fogerty left CCR in early 1971 and the band broke-up the following year.
7. Your Song—Elton John
Peak Position on Billboard Chart: #8 Hot 100
Elton John’s first top 10 hit in the U.S. It is considered a signature song for the Piano Man. “Your Song” has been inducted into both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Grammy Hall of Fame.
6. If You Could Read My Mind—Gordon Lightfoot
Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #5 Hot 100, 36th Biggest Song of 1971
Canadian singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot wrote this ballad, which was based on his own divorce experience. It became the folk-rock guitarist’s first top 10 hit in the U.S.
5. Superstar—The Carpenters
Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #2 Hot 100, 30th Biggest Songs of 1971
The Carpenters covered the song co-written by Bonnie Bramlett and Leon Russell. “Superstar” peaked at #1 on Billboard Easy Listening Singles chart. I consider Karen Carpenter’s splendid vocals among the best of women artists during the golden age of Top 40 radio.
4. I Just Want to Celebrate—Rare Earth
Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #7 Hot 100, 66th Biggest Song of 1971
Lead single from Rare Earth’s “One World” album. The lyrics are up-lifting and promote a positive message. The combination of guitar, bass, organ and drums brings a celebratory musical experience whenever this song is heard.
3. Signs—The Five Man Electrical Band
Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #3 Hot 100, 24th Biggest Song of 1971
The Canadian rock group is a two-hit wonder in the U.S. This protest anthem is an outstanding sing-a-along song and has one of my favorite opening lines from 70s top 40 hits: “And the sign said, long-haired freaky people, need not apply.”
2. It Don’t Come Easy—Ringo Starr
Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #4 Hot 100, 43rd Biggest Song of 1971
Written by Richard Starkey, AKA Ringo Starr, and George Harrison, who was an uncredited co-writer of “It Don’t Come Easy.” This was the first solo hit by Starr after the break-up of the Beatles. The song was produced by Harrison and features an outstanding guitar riff throughout the tune.
What’s Going On—Marvin Gaye
Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #2 Hot 100, 21st Biggest Song of 1971
1971 was a troublesome time in America. Marvin Gaye’s socially conscious song accurately captured the pulse of turmoil that prevailed in our country. Police brutality, violence in the streets and American involvement in the Vietnam War are all topics on this protest tune. Unfortunately, the lyrics of this song are still relevant here in 2026.
Co-written by Marvin Gaye, Al Cleveland and Renaldo Benson. “What’s Going On” is among the best and most loved tunes in Motown musical history. Rolling Stone ranks it at number 6 on the, “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” listing. Numerous other music publications place the tune among the best songs from the 20th Century. It remains a crown jewel of the best songs ever recorded by Gaye and my top favorite #1 single of 1971.
That wraps up what I consider to be my favorite and best top 40 hits for 1971. I completely understand that my listing of songs in this category was written from my point of view and is subjective.
If you were creating a similar register of excellent 1971 hits, your tabulation may be totally different. What do you consider to be best preeminent singles from ’71? I hope you will comment below.
Listening to music from the golden age of Top 40 radio will always have a special place in my heart. I still cherish and fondly remember my favorite superfine singles of 1971. Rock on!
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John Fogerty performing at the Salem Civic Center on 11/1/25. Photo courtesy of Sammy Oakey.
In 1975, John Fogerty was 30 years old and wrote the song “Rockin’ All Over the World.” Now in 2025, the former singer-songwriter, guitarist and front man for Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) is 80 and still performing rock concerts.
Earlier this month on November 1st, I had the pleasure of attending one of Fogerty’s concerts at the Salem Civic Center in Virginia with my wife Priscilla, daughter Amy and friend David Hollandsworth.
Photo of the record sleeve of my Double-A-sided 45-rpm “Up Around the Bend” and “Run Through the Jungle” that I bought in May 1970. These two songs were hits, and I still own the record here in 2025.
With this latest article, I will be giving a concert review of Fogerty’s Salem show and sharing short video clips of songs that I recorded. I also have included reviews from some of my family, friends and other acquaintances who went to see the former CCR frontman on 11/1/25.
Fogerty is touring this fall to support his new 2025 solo album, “Legacy: The Creedence Clearwater Revival Years” that was released in August. This 20-track LP features re-recordings of music that was written for his former CCR band during the years of 1968 to 1972.
The new album is also referred to as “John’s Version” in which Fogerty took a page out of Taylor Swift’s playbook with the re-recording of new versions of previously written catalog songs, (Taylor’s Version).
The backstory of how “Legacy: The Creedence Clearwater Revival Years” came about is interesting. Fogerty’s journey to reclaim his own music that was full of trials, toils and tribulations.
From David Hollandsworth’s music library: Photo of his various CCR vinyl albums collected from around the world.
When CCR signed a revision of their two-year-old recording contract with Fantasy Records in 1969, Fogerty lost music publishing, songwriting, master recording rights, and copyright ownership for the songs that he had written.
After CCR broke up in 1972, Fogerty refused to play his own songs for many years. After a 50-year struggle, with multiple lawsuits to re-gain control over his music, Fogerty finally was able to purchase a majority stake in the publishing rights to his songs from Concord Records in 2023.
John Fogerty performing at the Salem Civic Center on 11/1/25. Photo courtesy of Sammy Oakey.
During his Salem, Virginia concert, Fogerty credited his wife Julie with helping to gain control of the CCR era of music that he penned. The former lead singer of CCR was genuinely happy to sing and play his beloved songs to the crowd in attendance.
Below is a video clip of Fogerty being interviewed on the Dan Patrick Show on August 22, 2025, the day “Legacy: The Creedence Clearwater Revival Years” was released. During this video, Fogerty shares about getting his music back and how his song “Centerfield” was written.
Another recent TV appearance that Fogerty made was on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert. In the video clip below, the artist shares about getting his songwriting catalog back and other topics with the famed night time talk show host and comedian.
I became a CCR fan in 1969 and just after my birthday that year, I bought my first CCR record: the Double-A-Sided 45-rpm “Bad Moon Rising” and “Lodi” single. Later in ’69, I purchased another double-sided smash single: “Fortunate Son” and “Down on the Corner.”
Photo of my Double-A-Sided 45-rpm “Bad Moon Rising” and “Lodi” single that I purchased back in the summer of ’69 and that I still own here in 2025.
My parents also helped me to add CCR albums to my record collection. They gifted me “Green River” for Christmas in 1969 and “Cosmos Factory” at holiday time the following year. After Paul McCartney announced the Beatles had broken up in April ’70, CCR became my favorite rock band.
DJ Dave’s second vinyl copy of “Cosmo’s Factory.” This album was given to me by my daughters as a Father’s Day gift in 2017. Also in the photo is my dog Penny Lane who is admiring the legendary CCR LP.
Ever since my teen years, I have always loved the songs John Fogerty wrote and recorded with CCR, as well as his Blue Ridge Rangers project and music from when the singer-songwriter became a solo artist.
Seeing Fogerty performing live on stage was thrilling. This was my second show by the former CCR lead singer: My wife, Priscilla, and I first saw him at the historic Wolf Trap National Park Amphitheater in Vienna, Virginia during 2014.
Photo of the record sleeve of the Double-A-sided 45 rpm “Who’ll Stop the Rain” and “Travelin’ Band” single that I bought during the winter of 1970 and I still own the record here in 2025.
At the Salem show I attended, 19 songs were performed: 14 Creedence Clearwater Revival songs, 4 Fogerty solo tunes and one selection from the Golliwogs, which was the name of Fogerty’s band from 1964 to 1967 before the group changed their name to CCR. The entire listing of songs can be found here at Setlist FM Dot Com.
Video that I recorded of “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” by John Fogerty during his Salem Civic Center concert on 11/1/25.
As a side note: While I realize that Fogerty wouldn’t perform every single top 40 hit that he had made with CCR, during his 2025 tour, below are 5 songs I wished had been part of the setlist:
Run Through the Jungle
Commotion
Sweet Hitch-Hiker
Long as I Can See the Light
Hey Tonight
Photo of my record sleeve of the Double-A-Sided 45 rpm “Fortunate Son” and “Down on the Corner” single that I bought during the fall of 1969 and I still own the record here in 2025.
Before John took the stage in a flannel shirt and blue jeans, the band Hearty Har opened the show with a 30-minute set. The two main members of this group are Shane and Tyler Fogerty, who are the sons of John and Julie Fogerty.
Video that I recorded of “Old Man Down the Road” by John Fogerty during his Salem Civic Center concert on 11/1/25.
As for John’s own band, it’s a family affair: Tyler and Shane Fogerty also play in their father’s ensemble. Also in attendance at this show was John’s wife, Julie Fogerty. She was on stage right while the band played, taking photos and recording videos throughout the performance.
Other members of Fogerty’s band included drummer Richard Millsap, bass guitarist Jesse Wilson, keyboardist Doug Lamothe, along with sax player Rob Stone.
John Fogerty performing at the Salem Civic Center on 11/1/25. Photo courtesy of Sammy Oakey.
Before I share my review on Fogerty’s Salem show, I am including comments below from my daughter, some friends and other acquaintances who also attended the show.
Photo of my 2nd vinyl copy of “Cosmo’s Factory” that I received as a Father’s Day gift in 2017. This is my favorite CCR album of all-time.
Amy Woodson:
“Teach your kids the classics! Growing up, my Dad played for me and my sisters a cornucopia of hits from years gone by. The songs of legends like John Fogerty and Creedence Clearwater Revival accompanied road trips, practice pick-ups, and Saturday morning shenanigans. All three of us liked to tease him and insist there was a “bathroom on the right” instead of a “Bad Moon Rising.”
For me, seeing John Fogerty live harkens back to the feeling of childhood wonderment and hearing a great tune for the first time. No song represents those emotions better than “Lookin’ Out my Backdoor,” my favorite moment of the concert. There’s something about the interplay of guitar, lyrics, and Fogerty’s nonpareil tone that stirs up my happiest imaginations. “Bother me tomorrow, today, I’ll buy no sorrows!”
Video that I recorded of “Who’ll Stop the Rain” by John Fogerty during his Salem Civic Center concert on 11/1/25.
David Hollandsworth:
“It was the summer of 1970. I had just finished 7th grade and we had recently moved to the city of Monterey, Mexico, where there was an AM pop station called XERJ that played American top 40 music. Each afternoon they had a 30-minute show featuring the most popular rock band in the world at the time – CCR.
It was there that I was introduced to CCR and would sit by the radio every afternoon. They became my favorite band. They still are. The first two CCR records I ever bought were two, 7” 33 rpm EPs with four songs each. 4 song EPs with nice picture sleeves were common in Mexico. “Cosmos Factory” had just been released that July so I bought it along with “Willy and the Poor Boys” – my first LPs! Sadly, I never got to see CCR in their heyday.”
From David Hollandsworth’s music library: Photo with one of the first CCR 33 rpm EPs that he bought in 1970.
Hollandsworth continues, “Fast forward 55 years, I was finally able to see the mastermind behind all their songs. Of all places, Fogerty came to Salem, just 10 minutes from my house! There was no way I was going to miss that! At 80 years of age, I was shocked at his energy level and how he moved around the stage like he was 30 years younger! His voice was perhaps a little less full than in 1970 but he was still fantastic. The guy can still play a mean guitar, too! It was fun seeing him playing alongside his two sons while his wife was off to the side of the stage taking videos.
I also noticed the many times he changed to a different guitar for different songs. It’s hard to pick a favorite song that he did that night but the crowd really responded to “Have You Ever Seen the Rain”, his most played song on Spotify. I loved the jams on “Keep on Chooglin’” and “The Old Man Down the Road” with he and his son, Shane, trading guitar solos. Looked like they were having a blast! So, yeah, it took 55 years, but I was satisfied to finally see one of my musical heroes from the past. He gave us 90 minutes of pure classic rock magic! Keep on chooglin’, John!”
From David Hollandsworth’s music library: Photo with one of the first CCR 33 rpm EPs that he bought in 1970.
Sammy Oakey:
“While I’m more of an average fan of CCR than an avid one, I know an icon when I see one, and John Fogerty’s visit to the Roanoke Valley would be an ideal time to view this rocker. He certainly didn’t disappoint, as his voice, stage banter, and movements all bellied a man half his age. Mixing up his Creedence material with his solo numbers, Fogerty had the crowd in the palm of his hand for his 90 minutes onstage. His band, which included two of his sons, were white hot and electrified the rock faithful who knew most of the lyrics of his songs. I personally enjoyed his solo material the best, and especially loved “Centerfield” (complete with a combination baseball bat/guitar!) and “Rock ‘n Roll Girls” (with a sizzling sax solo!).”
Video that I recorded of “Born on the Bayou” by John Fogerty during his Salem Civic Center concert on 11/1/25.
Oakey continues, “Fogerty commented several times about how grateful he was to his wife for helping him regain the rights to his songs as well as finding and purchasing a guitar he had played in CCR over 55 years ago. He truly seems to be at a good place in his life, and he shared that with the Fogerty faithful who showed up. I came to the show expecting to see an aging rocker attempt to keep his career alive. I left the Salem Civic Center realizing that John Fogerty is one of those musicians who truly get better with age.
John Fogerty performing at the Salem Civic Center on 11/1/25. Photo courtesy of Sammy Oakey.
Ashley McGinnis Duffy: Roanoke, Virginia
I grew up listening to John Fogerty and Creedence Clearwater Revival with my dad, so their music has always been a big part of my life. I bought tickets for my dad’s birthday this year, and the concert was absolutely amazing. We loved every minute of it and especially enjoyed hearing the stories behind how some of the songs were written. My favorite song of the night was Fortunate Son. It’s one of my dad’s all-time favorites, and hearing it live together was a moment I’ll never forget.
Robert McGinnis: Roanoke, Virginia
CCR is the best band that I’ve ever listen to. I like all of Fogerty’s songs. It was one of the best concerts I’ve ever attended. My favorite song is Fortunate Son.
John Fogerty performing at the Salem Civic Center on 11/1/25. Photo courtesy of Sammy Oakey.
Transitioning from comments by others to my own review, it was a magical night for me being at Fogerty’s show.
Before Fogerty’s entrance on stage, there was a superb video clip shown that highlighted the singer-songwriter’s musical career, chronicling the Creedence Clearwater Revival years and his solo career. This clip was an outstanding way to start the show.
One of the things that I admired about John Fogerty that night was his genuine expressions of gratitude to the audience, giving appreciation to his fans for their dedication sticking with the artist, through trials and tribulations.
Video that I recorded of “Proud Mary” by John Fogerty during his Salem Civic Center concert on 11/1/25.
During other breaks between songs, Fogerty gave recognition and respect to his sons Shane and Tyler for being trusted musicians in his band. The former CCR singer-songwriter truly seemed extremely happy talking about his two adult sons to the audience.
John Fogerty also acknowledged his wife, Julie multiple times with praise. He credited her as his soul mate, a solid rock in their marriage of 34 years and the driving force behind helping John be successful retrieving all the songs he wrote as a member of CCR.
“Bad Moon Rising opened up the show while “Fortunate Son” was the last song before the two-song encore. “Travelin’ Band” and “Proud Mary” capped a perfect ending to this excellent performance.
Video that I recorded of “Up Around the Bend” by John Fogerty during his Salem Civic Center concert on 11/1/25.
The CCR leader was full of high-energy, had a vibrant stage presence and provided excellent guitar playing. He ripped ripped through his CCR and solo hits with passion. His connection with the audience was genuine, as he played memorable guitar riffs and danced all around the stage like a person half his age.
I found it remarkable that Fogerty’s vocals were still strong as when he was cracking out hits with CCR in the 60s and 70s. His distinctive tenor voice was clear, rich, resonant and powerful, singing songs about sorrow, pain, anger, joy and other emotional topics.
Photo of my record sleeve of the Double-A-sided 45 rpm “Lookin’ Out My Backdoor” and “Long As I Can See the Light” single that I bought in the summer of 1970 and that I still own here in 2025.
In my humble opinion, Fogerty has written some of the greatest songs ever recorded. I loved hearing the singer-songwriter perform some of my favorite lines from his CCR penned odes.
“I went down Virginia, seekin’ shelter from the storm”
“Oh lord, I’m stuck in Lodi again”
“I can still hear my ol’ hound dog barkin’, chasin’ down a hoodoo there, born on the bayou”
“Cleaned a lot of plates in Memphis, pumped a lot of ‘pane down in New Orleans”
“737 coming out of the sky, won’t you take me down to Memphis on a midnight ride?”
Video that I made of “Travelin’ Band” by John Fogerty during his Salem Civic Center concert 11/1/25.
Hearing Fogerty’s songs in concert reminded me on how his style of music blended rock, pop, blues, folk and country together. Some music historians label the CCR sound “Swamp Rock” or “Roots Rock.” Fogerty wrote about common everyday American experiences in realistic terms.
While I won’t comment on all 19 songs performed in Salem, I will share my top favorite songs played by Fogerty’s band: 5 CCR tracks and 1 solo hit.
Video that I recorded of “Centerfield” by John Fogerty during his Salem Civic Center concert on 11/1/25.
My favorite solo John Fogerty song of all-time is “Centerfield.” I rate this legendary sports anthem as the third best top 40 single of 1985. In 2010, Fogerty became the only musician ever to be celebrated at a National Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony when “Centerfield” was honored.
John Fogerty performing at the Salem Civic Center on 11/1/25. Photo courtesy of Sammy Oakey.
Obviously, I loved many of the CCR songs played at the show. But I am only going to comment on my top 5 favorite CCR Fogerty songs of all-time that were performed at the show.
Another photo of DJ Dave posing with my favorite CCR LP: “Cosmo’s Factory.” This was taken in July 2020 during the 50th anniversary of this legendary album release.
5. Lodi
“If I only had a dollar, For ev’ry song I’ve sung, Ev’ry time I’ve had to play, While people sat there drunk, You know, I’d catch the next train, Back to where I live, Oh Lord, I’m stuck in Lodi again”
Lyrics describe a struggling musician whose career has landed him playing gigs in the town of Lodi, California. After playing in local bars in that town, the musician is stuck in Lodi and doesn’t have enough money to leave that place behind.
I rate the song “Lodi” among the best county rock songs from the 60s and 70s.
Video that I made of “Lodi” by John Fogerty during his Salem Civic Center concert on 11/1/25.
4. Bad Moon Rising
“I see the bad moon a-rising, I see trouble on the way, I see earthquakes and lightning, I see bad times today, Don’t go around tonight, Well, it’s bound to take your life, There’s a bad moon on the rise.”
I could have sworn that I heard Fogerty sing, “There’s a bathroom on the right” during one of the chorus’ on “Bad Moon Rising.” I consider this song as one of the 10 best singles from back in the summer of ’69.
Video that I recorded of “Bad Moon Rising” by John Fogerty during his Salem Civic Center concert 11/1/25.
3. Green River
“I can hear the bullfrog callin’ me, aw, Wonder if my rope’s still hangin’ to the tree, aw, Love to kick my feet way down the shallow water, Shoofly, dragonfly, get back to mother, Pick up a flat rock, skip it across Green River.”
Fogerty’s up-tempo rocker was played by CCR at Woodstock in August 1969. I place it as my favorite song that CCR performed at the peace & love music festival over 56 years ago.
Video that I made of “Green River” by John Fogerty during his Salem Civic Center concert 11/1/25.
2. Lookin’ Out My Backdoor
“Forward troubles Illinois, lock the front door, oh, boy, Look at all the happy creatures dancin’ on the lawn, Bother me tomorrow, today, I’ll buy no sorrows, Doo, doo, doo, lookin’ out my back door.”
My second favorite CCR song is “Lookin’ Out My Backdoor.” And this track is on my top-rated Fogerty/CCR album of all-time: “Cosmo’s Factory.” It is among my favorite singles of 1970.
Video that I made of “Lookin’ Out My Backdoor” by John Fogerty during his Salem Civic Center concert on 11/1/25.
Fortunate Son
“Yeah-yeah, some folks inherit star-spangled eyes, Hoo, they send you down to war, Lord, And when you ask ’em, “How much should we give?”, Hoo, they only answer, “More, more, more, more”, It ain’t me, it ain’t me, I ain’t no military son, son, Lord, It ain’t me, it ain’t me, I ain’t no fortunate one.”
My 45-rpm single of “Fortunate Son” and “Down on the Corner” that I bought in the fall of 1969 and still own this record here in 2025.
“Fortunate Son” is my favorite CCR track of all-time. This 1969 anthem became a rallying cry against the Vietnam War and individuals from affluent backgrounds. It is now considered John Fogerty’s signature song.
The first time I heard this song on WROV Roanoke in the fall of 1969, I immediately loved Fogerty’s protest anthem. Soon thereafter, I went to Sears and bought the Double-A-Sided 45-rpm single of “Fortunate Son” and “Down on the Corner.”
Video I made of “Fortunate Son” by John Fogerty at his Salem Civic Center concert on 11/1/25.
I rate “Fortunate Son” as the #1 best protest and social justice anthem from the 60s and 70s.
Overall, it was a wonderful experience to have the opportunity to see Fogerty in concert. His Legacy tour will be continuing into 2026. I would highly recommend going to see the 1993 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee in concert if you have an opportunity.
John Fogerty performing at the Salem Civic Center on 11/1/25. Photo courtesy of Sammy Oakey.
If you were at the Salem November 1, concert like myself, or any other Fogerty 2025 Legacy concerts during the past few months, I would encourage you to share a brief analysis on the show you attended. And for those who are fans of CCR, I welcome your comment on Fogerty’s music.
Without a doubt, I was thrilled to see Fogerty performing most of his CCR hits and selected solo songs. I will forever cherish the opportunity that I had to witness John Fogerty, who is still superbly performing his music at age 80. It was most excellent. Rock on!
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My first exposure to what is now referred to as Carolina Beach Music came during my junior year attending Glenvar High School, located in Roanoke County Virginia. My class raised 1,700 dollars and hired vocal group the Tams to play at our May 1972 spring prom.
Our prom theme was “Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy” from the 1968 minor national hit song by the Tams. The vocal group from Atlanta, Georgia was well received by all who attended the Glenvar prom that year.
Photo courtesy of Susan Leonard Sanders, a classmate of mine, from her “Crusader Seventy Two” Glenvar HS yearbook. This was taken at the Glenvar High School prom during May 1972.
Obviously, I still have fond memories of the Tams performing at my high school prom and when I graduated from Glenvar in June 1973, “Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy” was played at the graduation ceremony.
A scan courtesy of Susan Leonard Sanders, a classmate of mine, from her “Crusader Seventy Two” Glenvar HS yearbook. These 4 photos were taken when the Tams performed at the Glenvar High School prom during May 1972.
With this month’s music blog article, I will be sharing what I consider to be my favorite songs in the Carolina Beach Music category. My top selections will be broken down into separate silos.
I will be having two countdowns in this article. First, will be national Soul/R&B/Pop hits that charted on the Billboard Hot 100. Second, I will list my top 10 favorite regional Carolina Beach Music (CBM) hits from the mid 60s through the early 80s.
One disclaimer: Carolina Beach Music is NOT associated with the Beach Boys, Jan & Dean, the Ventures and/or any other type of California west coast surfing music. “Wipeout” by the Surfaris is a completely different sub-genre of pop-rock music.
Before starting my countdowns, I need to give a brief history about Carolina Beach Music and a dance known as “Carolina Shag”, which is often shortened to “Shag.” The term (CBM) wasn’t created until the mid 70s and the music began to take shape after World War II ended.
“Shag” dancing is performed with a partner and the dance is done primarily to beach music. According to Wikipedia, “The term “Carolina shag” is thought to have originated along the Atlantic Ocean in Cherry Grove Beach, South Carolina during the 1940s.”
Both North Carolina and South Carolina list the “Shag” as their “official dance” within those respective states.
The roots of CBM goes back in the late 40s and early 50s. The music during the formulative years of this genre blended various types of Rock ‘n Roll, R&B, blues and pop music together.
During the late 50s and early 60s, most CBM songs were recorded by R&B artists and Shag dancing became closely associated with the sub-genre of popular music.
In viewing Britannica Dot Com, it states that WLAC Nashville, Tennessee (1510 AM) was influential in the growth of what came to be known as CBM. “Radio station WLAC blasted 50,000 watts of varied programming, including plenty of rhythm and blues at night.
Using a directional pattern signal at night, WLAC was heard throughout Southeastern Atlantic coastal states. DJ John R. attained fame in the 1950s and 1960s for playing rhythm and blues records on WLAC. Depending on night time atmospherics, the station could regularly reach 28 states.”
By the mid 60s, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina became the epicenter for Carolina Beach Music and Shag dancing. Clubs began popping up all along the South Carolina beach coastal towns, in a 60-mile area known as the “Grand Strand.”
Soon after, CBM and Shag dance clubs started springing up and down other Atlantic Southeastern Seaboard shore towns, from Virginia Beach, Virginia down to Southern Georgia. Some venues also opened up in Northern Florida coastal communities.
For a more detailed look for the history of CBM and Shag dancing, I would encourage you to search the Internet. An interesting article from Beach Music Awards Dot Com can be found here.
There are two eras of Carolina Beach Music: Classic and Modern. The “Classic” period is defined from the late 50s until early 80s, while the “Modern” sounds of CBM stretch from the mid 80s until today.
An example of the “Modern” sound of CBM is “Over the Rainbow” by Band of Oz. My friend Chris Keaton from Vinton, Virginia, composed an award-winning rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” for the CBM group Band of Oz and he was inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame in 2016 for his achievement.
Currently, there are 13 full time CBM radio stations in the United States: 8 in North Carolina, 4 in South Carolina and 1 in Florida. Another source to hear CBM 24/7 is on an app from SiriusXM radio. Their “Carolina Shag Radio” channel plays nonstop Carolina Beach Music favorites.
One of the radio stations playing CBM full-time is 94.9 The Surf in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Below is a listing of this station’s Top 10 Best “Classic” CBM songs of all-time:
#1 Ms. Grace–The Tymes
#2 Carolina Girls–Chairmen of The Board
#3 I Love Beach Music–The Embers
#4 Under the Boardwalk–The Drifters
#5 Summertime’s Calling Me–The Catalinas
#6 60 Minute Man–Billy Ward & His Dominoes
#7 Lady Soul–Temptations
#8 Sand in my Shoes –Steve Jarrell
#9 Be Young Be Foolish Be Happy–The Tams
#10 My Girl –Temptations
For the purposes of this article, my two countdowns of CBM will be from the “Classic” era of the musical genre. Please note: my article is not a definitive ranking of all songs that are found within Carolina Beach Music.
My two separate countdowns of “Classic” CBM are songs that I have selected are all personal favorites for me. I deem each song to be culturally, historically, aesthetically significant, meaningful or relevant.
As a prelude to my tabulations of outstanding classic CBM tunes, I am listing 12 worthy Soul/R&B/Pop national Billboard Hot 100 hits that fell just outside my dual countdowns. These songs are not ranked, but placed in a random.
Excellent Songs That Didn’t Make Either Countdown:
Give Me Just a Little More Time—Chairmen of the Board
Girl Watcher—The O’Kaysions
Come Get to This—Marvin Gaye
Hello Stranger—Barbara Lewis
Use Ta Be My Girl–The O’Jays
What Kind of Fool Do You Think I Am—Bill Deal and the Rhondels
39-21-46 Shape—The Showmen
Double Shot (Of My Baby’s Love)—The Swingin’ Medallions
Apple, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie—Jay & the Techniques
I’ve Been Hurt—Bill Deal & the Rhondels
Treat Her Like a Lady–Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose
(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher & Higher—Jackie Wilson
Without further ado, the first of two Carolina Beach Music countdowns begins now.
My first listing contains national Top 40 charting songs. These were originally Soul/R&B/Pop hit singles on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. These tunes are now also considered CBM and have been adopted by those who are into Shag dancing.
10. I Can’t Help Myself—The Four Tops 1965
One of Motown’s biggest singles of the 60s. Ranked as the second biggest hit of 1965 by Billboard. One of the signature songs by the Four Tops.
9. But It’s Alright—JJ Jackson 1966 & 1969
This song was a hit on two separate occasions: During 1966 and 1969. JJ Jackson is considered a one hit wonder.
8. Gimme Little Sign—Brenton Wood 1967
One of three Top 40 hits for Wood. Co-written by Joe Hooven, Alfred Smith and Brenton Wood. Released during the summer of love in 1967.
7. With This Ring—The Platters 1967
Vocal group formed in 1952. Had 20 Top 40 hits during their career. “With This Ring” is now considered a classic wedding love song.
6. Under the Boardwalk—The Drifters 1964
Song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2014. Spent 3 weeks at #1 on the Cash Box R&B singles chart and peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100.
5. More Today Than Yesterday—Spiral Starecase 1969
Band originally from Sacramento, California. This feel-good song is a one hit wonder. Scored their only top 40 song back in the summer of ’69.
4. Build Me Up Buttercup—The Foundations 1969
British soul band had the 9th biggest single of 1969 according to Billboard. A popular song this decade. Played at many wedding receptions and sporting events in 2025.
3. This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You)—Isley Brothers 1966
Soul group began as a sibling trio in the late 50s. Song was recorded on Motown’s Tamla label and featured Ronald Isley on lead vocals.
2. What Does It Take (To Win Your Love for Me)—Jr. Walker & the All Stars 1969
Song was voted Top U.S. Soul Record of 1969. Has an outstanding saxophone solo. One of the biggest singles by Jr. Walker.
1. My Girl—The Temptations 1965
Signature song by one of Motown Record’s biggest recording artists during the 60s. I rate “My Girl” as the 5th best classic wedding song of the 20th century and #1 best Motown song from the Detroit years of the Motor City record company.
The second countdown is Classic CBM songs that were regional hits in Southeastern Atlantic coastal states from the mid 60s through the early 80s. Some of these songs may have also charted nationally on the Billboard Hot 100 but weren’t major hits throughout the U.S.
10. You’re More Than a Number in My Little Red Book—The Drifters 1976
The last charting single for the R&B/Soul group actually happened in the U.K. The Drifters were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.
9. Ms. Grace—The Tymes 1974
Soul vocal group are one of the only artists to have just one chart-topping #1 hit in the U.S and the U.K. with different songs: “So In Love” in America & “Ms. Grace” in Great Britain.
8. Sweet Virginia Breeze—Robbin Thompson & Steve Bassett. 1978
While collaborating in 1978, Richmond artists Steve Bassett and Robbin Thompson wrote “Sweet Virginia Breeze” during a rehearsal for their concert at Virginia Commonwealth University. In 2015, this anthem was designated the official popular state song of Virginia.
7. May I—Bill Deal & the Rhondels 1969
Blue-eyed soul band from Virginia Beach, Virginia. This group covered multiple songs by the Tams. “May I” was originally recorded by Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs.
6. Carolina Girls—General Johnson & the Chairmen of the Board 1980
Within the boundaries of North Carolina and South Carolina, this ode has remained a staple with radio airplay and among residents living in these two southern states.
5. Ocean Boulevard—Band of Oz. 1982
A prominent band in the CBM genre. The actual Ocean Boulevard is a main highway that runs through Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. In 1997, the group was inducted into the Beach Music Hall of Fame.
4. Myrtle Beach Days—The Fantastic Shakers. 1980
Members of the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame. Inducted in 2017. With Myrtle Beach being the birthplace of Shag clubs playing CBM at those establishments, this song is a favorite for those who reside along the Grand Strand of South Carolina.
3. Summertime’s Calling Me—The Catalinas 1975
Charlotte, North Carolina CBM band was formed in the late 50s. “Summertime’s Calling Me” is regarded as one of the most influential and favorite beach music songs of all time.
2. I Love Beach Music—The Embers
Quintessential CBM song. The band was started in Raleigh, North Carolina in 1958. They are one of the longest running beach music bands in the southern U.S. Were inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame in 2016.
1. Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy—The Tams. 1980
My #1 favorite classic CBM song of all-time is by the Tams. The vocal group from Atlanta, Georgia formed in 1960 and still performs today, without any original members.
The Tams signature song is peppy, upbeat, full of sunshine and encourages folks to live life without regret. Without a doubt, I rate “Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy” as the #1 best classic “Carolina Beach Music” song ever made.
That concludes up my countdown of what I consider to be the best classic Carolina Beach Music songs.
I realize that my listing of songs in this category was written from my point of view and is subjective. My countdowns of top CBM performances are based completely upon my personal humble opinions.
If you were creating a similar listing of outstanding Carolina Beach Music songs, your tabulation may be totally different from my selections. There are no right or wrong answers. I welcome your thoughts and comments below.
I want to publicly thank my friend Jerry English of Roanoke who provided information to me for this article. He has been a DJ for hundreds of CBM gigs with Shag dancing over the past 40 years in the Roanoke Valley.
I leave you with the closing lyrics of “I Love Beach Music” written by Jackie Gore and recorded by the Embers. Rock on!
“I love beach music, Every single day of my life, I love beach music, That old beer drinking music, shagging kind of music like you hear at OD, I’m talking about music by the Townes, the Clovers, the Catalinas, the Embers, I love beach music, You know that I do.”
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