Broadcasting, Music, Music Countdowns, Pop Music, Radio, Retro Rock, Rock Music, Top 40 Radio, Woodstock

20 Excellent Songs and Memorable Albums of 1969

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.

9.       Creedence Clearwater Revival:  Song: “Green River”  

Album: “Green River” Released 8/7/69  

My second favorite track: “Bad Moon Rising”

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.

3.      Creedence Clearwater Revival: Song: “Fortunate Son” 

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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Broadcasting, Music, Music Countdowns, Pop Music, Radio, Rock Music, Top 40 Radio

1971 Outstanding Top 40 Radio Hits

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.

I also utilized Cash Box Magazine’s online resource for chart information, including the publication’s year-end top 100 biggest hits of 1971 survey.

The criteria that I used for my 1971 countdown includes:

  •  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.

24.  Sweet Hitch-Hiker—Creedence Clearwater Revival

Peak Position on Billboard Chart:  #6 Hot 100

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.

  1. 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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Artist Profiles, Concert Reviews, Music, Music Countdowns, Pop Music, Radio, Retro Rock, Woodstock

John Fogerty at 80: Still Rockin’ All Over the World

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.
  1.  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.

On a music blog article that I published last December, I rated “Fortunate Son” as the number 1 best protest and social justice anthem from the 60s and 70s.  For me, “Fortunate Son” is the cream of the crop with Fogerty’s written songs.

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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Broadcasting, Carolina Beach Music, Music, Music Countdowns, Pop Music, Radio, Shag Dancing

Colossal Carolina Beach Music Favorites

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.

Another excellent source for CBM can be found at Born in the Carolinas Dot Com and Junkin Oldies Dot Com by John Hook

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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Concert Reviews, Music, Music Countdowns, Pop Music, Rock Music, Woodstock

Woodstock Iconic Performances: Back in the Summer of ’69

A couple of weeks ago was the 56th anniversary of the legendary Woodstock Music and Art Fair. This event was held at Max Yasgur’s dairy farm in Bethel, New York from August 15 to 18 in 1969.

Woodstock, as it is commonly referred to here in the 21st century, was a musical extravaganza that was billed by its promoters as “An Aquarian Exposition: 3 Days of Peace & Music.”

32 musical artists performed at Woodstock with attendance estimated around 450,000 individuals strong. This outdoor event is considered by many historians as one of the most important musical happenings during the 20th century.

DJ Dave at the site of Woodstock 1969 at Bethel, New York. July 14, 2024.

Last summer, my wife Priscilla and I traveled to New York state and made a pilgrimage to Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, which is located at the historic site of the 1969 Woodstock festival.

The Bethel Woods complex features an amphitheater, a performing arts center and a museum. For anyone interested in learning more about the Woodstock music event, I strongly encourage a visit to this outstanding site.

Further Information on the historic 1969 festival can also be found on the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts and the Woodstock Ventures websites.

For my music blog article this month, I will be counting down what I consider to be the 10 best musical artists and bands who performed and defined the historic Woodstock music festival during August 1969.

The top ten performances that I have selected are all personal favorites that I deem to be culturally, historically, aesthetically significant, meaningful or relevant.  These musical acts still sound good to me 56 years later.

Please note: my article is not a definitive ranking of all 32 artists and bands that performed at Woodstock. For a more thorough accounting of this historic event, I would encourage you to search the Internet.

Obviously, there were more outstanding musical performances at Woodstock besides those listed on my countdown. Below are some worthy artists and bands that didn’t make my top ten tabulation. These performers are not ranked, but placed in a random order.

  • Canned Heat
  • Joan Baez
  • Blood Sweat & Tears
  • Richie Havens
  • Arlo Guthrie
  • Melanie
  • Mountain
  • Grateful Dead
  • Ten Years After
  • Country Joe and the Fish
  • Johnny Winter
  • Paul Butterfield’s Blues Band

Before starting my countdown, I want to highlight three miscellaneous songs on the topic of Woodstock. One composition was performed during the festival itself, while the other two songs were written after Woodstock took place.

The first song I am sharing was actually played at Woodstock by the rock band Mountain but was un-named during the group’s performance. Subsequently, that song was titled “For Yasgur’s Farm” after the historic concert venue site in Bethel.

Another performer at Woodstock was pop rock folk singer-songwriter Melanie. After her festival gig, she was inspired to write the song “Lay Down (Candles in the Rain).”  This anthem describes what Melanie felt on stage at Woodstock, as she looked out upon a sea people in the audience during a pouring rain storm.

One artist who wasn’t at the August 1969 festival was Joni Mitchell.  She was motivated to write the song “Woodstock” after hearing an account of the peace and love gathering from her boyfriend at the time Graham Nash.

Mitchell recorded her version of “Woodstock” shortly after the August 1969 event happened and it immediately became the anthem for peace, love and the counterculture movement.

Crosby Stills Nash & Young covered the anthem in early 1970 and it was a major hit for the successful musical supergroup.

A second rendition of “Woodstock” by Matthews Southern Comfort became an international hit for the British country rock folk band during 1970 and 1971.

Without further ado, my Top 10 countdown of best Woodstock performances begins:

10. “Piece of My Heart”. Janis Joplin

  • Second Favorite Song Performed: “Ball & Chain”

Singer-songwriter Joplin left Big Brother and the Holding Company earlier in 1969. Then formed a new backup group, the Kozmic Blues Band prior to Woodstock event. 

9. “I Want to Take You Higher” Sly & the Family Stone

  • Second Favorite Song Performed: “Stand”

The soul/funk band played 8 songs, with 4 coming from Sly & the Family Stone’s landmark summer of 1969 “Stand!” album.

8. “Evil Ways” Santana  

  • Second Favorite Song Performed: “Soul Sacrifice”  

Latin rock band Santana gained national prominence following their gig. The group’s self-titled debut album was released just days after their Bethel performance.

7. “The Weight” The Band

  • Second Favorite Song Performed: “I Shall Be Released”

The Band played mostly songs from their 1968 debut release “Music from Big Pink” album. Bob Dylan’s former band did not disappoint that day in Bethel.

6. “White Rabbit”. Jefferson Airplane

  • Second Favorite Song Performed: “Somebody to Love”

Psychedelic rock band Jefferson Airplane soared during their Sunday morning appearance. They played many crowd favorites from the summer of love 1967 “Surrealistic Pillow” album as well as songs from a then upcoming LP, “Volunteers.” (Released November 1969).

5. “See Me Feel Me” The Who

  • Second Favorite Song Performed: “I’m Free”

The Who played a whopping 21 songs. From early hits like “My Generation” and “I Can’t Explain” to performing most of the rock opera “Tommy”, the British band’s set list was well received by those in attendance.

4. “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes” Crosby Stills & Nash

  • Second Favorite Song Performed: “Marrakesh Express

This was only the 2nd concert ever performed by the supergroup. Neil Young actually was at Woodstock and joined CS&Y on some songs but he refused to be filmed for this event. Consequently, Young’s name is left off the official Woodstock billing.

3. “Born on the Bayou” Creedence Clearwater Revival

  • Second Favorite Song Performed: “Green River”

1969 was a prolific year for John Fogerty’s band. Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) released 3 albums and had 5 singles at peak at #3 or higher in the U.S. Their Woodstock gig added to the band’s outstanding year. Their Woodstock set list contained 8 Fogerty written songs including the popular “Proud Mary” and “Bad Moon Rising” hits.

2. “With a Little Help from My Friends” Joe Cocker

  • Second Favorite Song Performed: “Feelin’ Alright”

One of the crown jewels of Woodstock is Joe Cocker’s rendition of the Beatles song, “With a Little Help from My Friends.”  I consider the soulful vocals by Cocker to be the second-best cover song from the 60s and 70s.

  1. “The Star-Spangled Banner” Jimi Hendrix
  • Second Favorite Song by Artist: “Purple Haze”

Without a doubt, my #1 best performance of Woodstock is by Jimi Hendrix. The legendary guitarist’s solo performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” was absolutely brilliant and ground-breaking.

Many music historians consider Hendrix’s innovative guitar rendition of the U.S. National Anthem as a defining moment for the Woodstock music festival.  This musical highlight is the most iconic performance to take place 56 years ago in Bethel, New York.

That wraps up my countdown of what I consider to be the best performances at Woodstock in August 1969.

I realize that my listing of songs in this category was written from my point of view and is subjective. My countdown of top performances is based completely upon my personal humble opinions.

If you were creating a similar listing of outstanding Woodstock performances, your tabulation may be totally different from my selections. There are no right or wrong answers. I welcome your thoughts.

Here is hoping that you will listen to and/or watch YouTube videos of Woodstock performances after you have read this music blog message.

I still have fond memories of music that was performed at Woodstock from back in the summer of ’69.  The music still sounds excellent here in 2025.  Rock on!

I leave you with edited lyrics of “Woodstock” written by Joni Mitchell below:

Well, I came upon a child of God, He was walking along the road, And I asked him, “Tell me, where are you going?”

And this he told me, Said, “I’m going down to Yasgur’s Farm, Gonna join in a rock ‘n’ roll band, Got to get back to the land, Set my soul free”

By the time we got to Woodstock, We were half a million strong, And everywhere was a song, And a celebration

And I dreamed I saw the bomber jet planes, Riding shotgun in the sky, Turning into butterflies, Above our nation

We are stardust, we are golden, We are billion-year-old carbon, And we’ve got to get ourselves, Back to the garden

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Concert Reviews, Music, Pop Music, Retro Rock, Rock Music

Live Aid Top Performances:  London & Philadelphia 1985

Earlier this month was the 40th anniversary of Live Aid which was a two-venue benefit concert and music-based fundraising initiative held on July 13, 1985.

The Live Aid musical happening was held simultaneously at Wembley Stadium in London, England and John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

This event was organized by Irish singer-songwriter Bob Geldof, lead singer of the Boomtown Rats band, along with Scottish singer-songwriter and record producer James “Midge” Ure.

Geldof and Ure conceived the dual concert extravaganza after they co-wrote and collaborated together on a successful fund-raising charity single, “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” recorded by Band Aid in 1984.

More than 70 artists and bands performed over 16 hours of live music across the London and Philadelphia concerts.  For a complete listing of performing acts and ultimate info about dual charity shows, please access this Live Aid webpage.

For this article, I will be counting down what I consider to be the ten best artists and bands performing at Live Aid.

The top ten performances that I have selected are all personal favorites that I deem to be culturally, historically, aesthetically significant, meaningful or relevant.  These songs still sound good to me 40 years later.

Please note: my article is not a definitive ranking of all 70 artists that performed at the Live Aid venues in July 1985. For a more thorough accounting of this historic event, I would encourage you to search the Internet for that information.

Before I start my countdown, I will be highlighting two anthems that were performed at the end of each trans-continental shows.

At the end of the London segment, “Do They Know It’s Christmas” by Band Aid closed the U.K. concert.

And on the American side, “We Are the World” from USA for Africa was the Philadelphia finale, which ended the entire event.

Obviously, there were more outstanding musical performances at Live Aid besides those listed on my countdown. Below are some worthy artists and bands that didn’t make my top ten tabulation. Those performers are not ranked and place in a random order.

  • Crosby Stills & Nash
  • Elton John (with George Michael)
  • Led Zeppelin
  • Hall & Oates
  • The Pretenders
  • Simple Minds
  • Bryan Adams  
  • The Beach Boys
  • Crosby Stills Nash & Young
  • REO Speedwagon  
  • The Four Tops
  • Santana
  • Sade
  • Joan Baez

Without further ado, my Top 10 countdown of best Live Aid performances begin:

10.   The Who

Songs Performed:

  • “My Generation”
  • “Pinball Wizard”
  • “Love, Reign o’er Me”
  • “Won’t Get Fooled Again”

My favorite of the set list: “Won’t Get Fooled Again”

British Invasion band the Who performed 4 of their biggest and most renowned songs in London. “Pinball Wizard” from the “Tommy” rock opera and “Won’t Get Fooled Again” from the “Who’s Next” album were the highlights by this influential 20th century band.

9.     The Cars  

Song Performed:

  • “You Might Think”
  • “Drive”
  • “Just What I Needed”
  • “Heartbeat City”

My favorite of the set list: “Just What I Needed”

New Wave and power pop rock band the Cars were at the height of their popularity in 1985 when they performed at Live Aid. Leaders of the band, Benjamin Orr and Ric Ocasek, gave a spirited performance on fan favorites like “You Might Think”, “Drive” and “Just What I Needed.”

8.     Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers

Songs Performed:

  • “American Girl”
  • “The Waiting”
  • “Rebels”
  • “Refugee”

My favorite of the set list: “Refugee”

Along with his band the Heartbreakers, Tom Petty fired off four superb power pop rock songs with the raising of funds for famine relief in Ethiopia. “American Girl” and “The Waiting” were both superb, while Petty’s 1980 hit “Refugee” ended the exceptional set on a high note.

7.     Eric Clapton & Phil Collins

Songs Performed:

  • “White Room”
  • “She’s Waiting”
  • “Layla”

My favorite of the set list: “Layla”

Arguably, “Layla” is one of the greatest classic rock songs of all time.  With “Slow Hand” Eric Clapton shredding his guitar, Phil Collins on drums and Chris Stainton playing keyboards, it was an outstanding rendition of the song written by Clapton. The opening selection of “White Room” was also memorable.

6.     David Bowie

Songs Performed:

  • “TVC 15”
  • “Rebel Rebel”
  • “Modern Love”
  • “Heroes”

My favorite of the set list: “Modern Love”

David Bowie and his band played 4 up-tempo songs during his set. “Modern Love” was a rousing number with outstanding saxophone playing while the lyrics of “Heroes” fit nicely with the message and purpose of the benefit concert: “Oh, we can be heroes, just for one day.”

5.     Mick Jagger & Tina Turner

Songs Performed:

  • “Lonely at the Top”
  • “Just Another Night”
  • “Miss You”
  • “State of Shock” (w/ Tina Turner)
  • “It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll (But I Like It)” (with Tina Turner)

My favorite of the set list: “It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll (But I Like It)” (with Tina Turner)

Mick Jaggar sang 3 songs before Tina Turner joined him on stage as the pair performed “State of Shock” and “It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll (But I Like It).”

During this racy two-song duet, Jagger stripped off his shirt for a mid-song costume change and then dramatically ripped off Turner’s skirt. The singer’s fun and flirty chemistry electrified the audience in London.

4.     Paul McCartney  

Song Performed: “Let It Be” (w/ David Bowie, Bob Geldof, Alison Moyet and Pete Townshend)       

The beginning of “Let It Be” was sparse: Just Sir Paul playing a piano and singing solo. McCartney didn’t want any other vocalists or instruments to accompany his performance.

 At some point during McCartney’s performance, his microphone stopped working. The crowd started singing the chorus of “Let It Be” and then fellow artists Bowie, Geldof, Moyet and Townshend joined McCartney on the stage for a powerful ending of this classic Beatles ode.

3.    U2

Songs Performed:

  • “Sunday Bloody Sunday”
  • “Bad”

My favorite of the set list: “Sunday Bloody Sunday”

U2 was an up-and-coming band in 1985 and their appearance helped the Irish band achieve a new level of stardom after their two-song set.

Kicking off the performance was the anti-war anthem “Sunday Bloody Sunday” with front man Bono giving a fiery, passionate vocal delivery.  Following the U2 signature song was a 12-minute rendition of “Bad” that was a crowd favorite in London.

2.   Dire Straits & Sting

Songs Performed:

  • “Money for Nothing” (with Sting)
  • “Sultans of Swing”

My favorite of the set list: “Money for Nothing”

British band Dire Straits (DS) performed only two songs and both selections were superb. “Sultans of Swing” is my favorite DS song of all-time:  I love the guitar riffs and vocals by Mark Knopfler on this signature song by the British band.

My absolute top performance of the day by DS was “Money for Nothing.”  Joining the band on stage was Sting and his singing of “I want my MTV” reverberated throughout Wembley Stadium as DS rocked the house with their #1 summer of 1985 smash hit.

  1.  Queen

Songs Performed:

  • “Bohemian Rhapsody”
  • “Radio Ga Ga”
  • “Hammer to Fall”
  • “Crazy Little Thing Called Love”
  • “We Will Rock You”
  • “We Are the Champions”

My favorite of the set list:  “Bohemian Rhapsody”

Many music historians proclaim that Queen’s Wembley Stadium set is the greatest live rock musical performance of all-time.  The 21-minute set was actually one continuous medley of popular short snippets of some of the British band’s most beloved songs.

This was Freddie Mercury’s shining moment, along with guitarist Brian May, bassist Jon Deacon and Roger Taylor on drums.  Queen’s musical presentation is my #1 best performance during Live Aid in 1985.

That wraps up my countdown of what I consider to be the best performances at Live Aid 1985.

I realize that my listing of songs in this category was written from my point of view and is subjective. My countdown of top performances is based completely upon my personal humble opinions.

If you were creating a similar listing of outstanding Live Aid performances during 1985, your tabulation may be totally different from my selections. There are no right or wrong answers. I welcome your thoughts.

Here is hoping that you will listen to and/or watch YouTube videos of Live Aid performances after you have read this music blog message.

I still have fond memories of music that was performed at Live Aid in July 1985.  And much of the music played 40 years ago still sounds great 40 years later. Rock on!

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American Idol, Artist Profiles, Concert Reviews, Contemporary Christian Music, Music, Pop Music, Virginia Artists

Jeslynn Gelaine Music: All My Life I’ve Been a Dreamer

17-year-old Roanoke, Virginia native Jeslynn Gelaine has always been a dreamer.  And one of her dreams became reality just 4 days ago when the singer-songwriter’s debut professional music recording “Calm Me Down” was released as a single.

All photos and videos in this article were provided courtesy of Jeslynn Gelaine unless otherwise noted.

The music artist’s full name is Jeslynn Gelaine Reynolds, and she elected to drop the surname Reynolds at the beginning of her budding musical career.

I asked Reynolds about the significance on using her middle name as a music artist. She responded, “Jeslynn Gelaine is my way of paying tribute to my mom and Mimi, two talented singers who shared a middle name. Following my Mimi’s passing in August 2022, I’m passionate about honoring and carrying her legacy through Gelaine.”

Singing has always been a huge part of Gelaine’s life.  Her mom, Rebecca Reynolds, shared with me that, “Jeslynn has been singing since she could talk and also began singing harmony at age three.” 

Gelaine also traveled on the road and sang with her parents Adam & Rebecca Reynolds in full time evangelical ministry for 7 ½ years when Jeslynn was between the ages of 3 and 10.

In 2018, the Reynolds family settled in the Roanoke Valley and began ministry with Wake the World Church (WTW) in Salem, Virginia. Adam Reynolds is lead pastor while Rebecca Reynolds is minister and worship leader at the church.

Adam and Rebecca Reynolds are also accomplished gospel music singer-songwriters. Their daughter Jeslynn has also been a worship leader with WTW for the past 7 years.

In August, Jeslynn will be starting her senior year in high school as a homeschooled student. I asked Gelaine if she had any plans after she graduates from high school and she replied,” I’m unsure about college, but I have a peace about music. I trust God’s plan and believe he wants me to use my gift full-time.”

Another dream came true for the music artist when she was 15 years old. Jeslynn’s hope of singing on the American Idol reality TV show started almost two years ago.

 In August 2023, Gelaine auditioned virtually in front of producers for a chance to be on American Idol (AI). Her audition was successful that day and Jeslynn was set for the next round of qualification.

On to Nashville in November 2023, Jeslynn went for her audition in front of American Idol’s main judges:  Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Katy Perry. Gelaine selected, “Still Rolling Stones” by Lauren Daigle to sing for her audition.

Jeslynn had another winning performance and received an American Idol “Golden Ticket.”  That meant that Gelaine would be one of just 150 singers going to Hollywood out of over 6,000 other contestants and she would actually be performing on the main AI show.

During Hollywood week, Jeslynn sang “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing” by Stevie Wonder. She again auditioned in front of the main AI judges Richie, Bryan and Perry.

Before singing the Motown song, Jeslynn addressed the judges with the following quote: “I want to be the next American Idol because I can say that I have truly just dedicated my whole life to music and songwriting. And this means everything to me, and I know this is what God has called me to do and that is why I’m singing on this stage today.”

 While Gelaine didn’t move on in the competition, she received high praise from the judges. After the performance, Katy Perry gave exceptional credit to the Roanoke singer, providing encouragement to Jeslynn who was just 15 at the time of this audition.

I first learned about Gelaine just after the AI “Hollywood Week” episode aired in the spring of 2024. WSLS TV channel 10 Roanoke featured the sensational singer with a news story outlining her musical story and the big dreams she’s accomplished. That feature can be viewed here via WSLS 10.

Around 13 months later, I had the opportunity to meet Jeslynn and her parents Adam and Rebecca Reynolds when Gelaine was performing in concert with the Strawberry Festival at Elmwood Park in Downtown Roanoke. The singer was the headlining artist for this event.

Accompanying Gelaine at her May 3rd Roanoke concert were 4 band members and a background vocalist. Personnel members and instruments played are listed below:

  • Bryan Davis-Piano
  • Eddy Sanders-Bass
  • Tonio Williams-Drums
  • Roger Graves Jr.-Guitar
  • Rebecca Reynolds-Background Vocalist

An unfortunate thing happened on that first Saturday in May 2025:  A big rain storm with thunder and lightning hit downtown Roanoke around 20 minutes into Jeslynn’s show. The Strawberry Festival administrators stopped the concert after just 3 and a half songs were performed.

Obviously, Jeslynn was deeply disappointed about the rain storm and abrupt ending of her concert: she had to make lemonade out of lemons.  Of the songs that Gelaine sang that afternoon, I made short video clips from two of her songs.

This first clip above is an original song Jeslynn wrote called “Song Outta Me”.

The second video I made is of her recently released single, “Calm Me Down.”  

The genesis for the lyrics of “Calm Me Down” came from Jeslynn when she attended a Songhouse summer camp in 2024. Gelaine shares co-writing credit with 4 other individuals who collaborated with her last summer at this music event.

Released just 4 days ago, “Calm Me Down” is available on all streaming platforms and can be purchased via Apple and Amazon music services. The link for Jeslynn’s YouTube channel is here.

On Tuesday July 8, 2025, Gelaine was interviewed on the WDBJ Roanoke TV program called 7@four by the station’s host Melissa Gaona. The WDBJ7 TV conversation video follows:

After Gaona completed her interview with Jeslynn, the Roanoke singer-songwriter sang her debut single “Calm Me Down” on the WDBJ7 TV show. Gelaine’s performance is found below.

After meeting Jeslynn at her Strawberry Festival concert, I sent her questions via email to answer for this article. She and I also utilized Microsoft’s Messenger online text communication for clarification.  My questions and her answers are found below.

DJ Dave:  How do you describe the genre or genres of music that you sing?  My guess would be a combination of pop and country.

Jeslynn: “Well, I’m going to be honest…lol! I don’t necessarily put my music in a “box” or genre as of now. I just write about life and put lyrics and whatever melody comes in my heart to it. I call my music my musical diary! I dabble in a lot of different sounds.”

DJ Dave:  I have gathered from listening to your written songs that you attempt to express your feelings about a subject, in a real and honest way.  And at the same time, you want to convey something positive to the listener of your songs?  Is that accurate?    

Jeslynn: “I want to give people something to relate to when they listen to my music. If they’ve experienced what I’ve experienced whether that be an emotion, an experience, etc. I want them to not feel alone and feel like they can have an anthem. I don’t just write about sad experiences. I also want listeners to just have something to “jam” too and feel happy about.

 I also want them to know by my Christian songs that there is hope through Jesus and they don’t have time to stay there in that negative emotion. Jesus is the only way I’ve healed through life’s tough obstacles.”

DJ Dave: When I met you after your Strawberry Festival concert, I asked you about the quote at the top of your social media pages, “All my life I’ve been a dreamer.” Can you briefly describe the significance behind this meaningful statement?

Jeslynn: That quote is from my song “Dreamer”, which is about overcoming fear and chasing dreams. Ironically, I wrote it two weeks before my first American Idol audition which marked a significant step in my career.

DJ Dave: I like your quote, “Songwriting is a therapeutic outlet for you and medicine for your soul.”  Please give me more insight into this meaning?

Jeslynn: My songs are a musical diary, allowing others to relate and feel less alone in life’s journeys. I pray God’s gift to me can also be a gift to others through lyrics.

DJ Dave: With your duties as worship leader with Wake the World church, what are ways that you prepare your own heart before leading folks during a Sunday morning service?

Jeslynn: My mom and I seek the Holy Spirit’s leading when choosing songs for Sunday. I also prioritize daily Bible study and prayer as I prepare my heart.

DJ Dave: Your mom, Rebecca, shared with me that you started singing as soon as you learned to talk and began singing harmony at age 3. At what point in your life did you decide that you wanted to be a singer and utilize the talents God has given you for Christian service?

Jeslynn: Music has been my lifelong passion and has never really been a question for me. After being part of American Idol and SongHouseCo, I feel even more confident that music is what I’m supposed to do.

DJ Dave: What are your dreams, goals and aspirations in relation to singing and music as you become an adult next year?

Jeslynn: I aspire to release more original music, put out an album, and perform at the Grand Ole Opry, and award shows. Ultimately, I just want what God has for me.

When I saw Jeslynn at her rain shorten Roanoke concert last month, I was impressed by her powerful vocals. I also realized that her songwriting is complex, challenging and provoking, but also upbeat, inspirational and encouraging.

From my perspective, Jeslynn has a bright future in her chosen musical profession.  Her enthusiasm and passion to foster empowerment through music is outstanding.

I also appreciate Jeslynn’s desire to be a positive witness with her Christian faith and a willingness to tackle hard topics as a songwriter. As a Christian believer myself, I find Gelaine’s outlook to be refreshing.

Obviously, no one knows what the future holds in store for this young Virginia singer. I am confident that Jeslynn Gelaine’s music career will go in a favorable direction as she continues to seek God’s guidance for her life. Rock on!

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Music, Music Countdowns, Pop Music, Radio, Retro Rock, Rock Music, Wedding Love Songs

Popular Classic Wedding Love Songs  

Photo above is DJ Dave in July 2022 when I was the DJ for the wedding reception of my niece Lydia and her husband Roger at Shady Lane Farm, New Gloucester, Maine.  Photo courtesy of Paige Lucas Photography. 

Since my retirement as Manager with Carilion Clinic in 2017, I have provided DJ services for many wedding receptions over the past 8 years.

To be a superb DJ when working wedding receptions, a person needs to be familiar with many types of musical genres and be flexible selecting songs to play at these events.

With this month’s article, I will be counting down what I consider to be the best classic wedding love songs.  The time frame for songs that I selected for this article will range from the mid 60s to the late 80s.

Please note: my article is not a definitive listing of all various types of songs played at weddings and/or wedding receptions.  The tunes that I have selected are all from my personal experience as a veteran DJ.

Some songs should never be played at wedding receptions. I attended at a wedding reception a few years ago and the DJ hired played “Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd. While this is an outstanding Southern Rock song, the lyrics were totally inappropriate for a wedding celebration.

One caveat about banning some songs being played at a wedding celebration: When a bride and groom chooses a first dance song that isn’t “wedding worthy”, this DJ always defers to the couple getting married and plays their special first dance song.

In my own personal experience, I have played songs that I felt were strange for first dance tunes:  However, I did play the requested songs the bride and groom selected: it was their special day and not mine.  The two interesting songs below:

  • Stuck With You—Huey Lewis & the News:  “We thought about someone else, but neither one took the bait, we thought about breakin’ up, now we know it’s much too late, I’m so happy to be stuck with you, ’cause I can see that you’re happy to be stuck with me.”
  • S.O.S.—ABBA: What happened to our love? It used to be so good, the love you gave me, nothing else can save me, S.O.S. When you’re gone, how can I even try to go on?”

There are four basic types of songs played during a wedding reception:

  1. Specific songs selected by the bride and groom for first dances, when entering and/or leaving event locations, and other meaningful tunes the newly married couple request the DJ to play throughout the event.
  • Appropriate songs selected by the DJ as guests arrive and wait inside reception venue for the bride, groom and wedding party to enter facility.
  • Music played during dinner. During this time, I tend to play soft pop, slow-tempo ballads, and acoustic love songs to create a calm atmosphere for guests to enjoy their meals and conversations.
  • Songs the DJ plays for folks to dance. Mostly up-tempo songs with a few ballads sprinkled in for couples who want slow dancing.

Songs on my countdown are in two categories: Numbers 2 and 3 above.

Within the parameters of songs that I play before and during dinner times, my countdown listing includes songs from a couple different silos:

•       Songs that actually mention the words wedding or weddings in the lyrics.

•       Songs that have positive and/or affirming lyrics about love.

Please note that I purposely left out songs on my countdown that are played purely by a DJ for the sole purpose of dancing. Those types of tunes may end up in a separate music blog message in the future.

Songs like “Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours” by Stevie Wonder and “September” by Earth Wind & Fire are superb wedding dance tunes. However, DJs should hesitate before playing these songs during non-danceable segments of wedding receptions events.

Also excluded for consideration for my countdown are songs with lyrics describing marriage and/or longing for marriage to happen in the future.  In my humble opinion, the songs listed directly below are all good tunes but not appropriate to play at any wedding reception.

  • Wedding Bell Blues—The 5th Dimension
  • That’s the Way I’ve Always Heard It Should Be—Carly Simon
  • Band of Gold—Freda Payne
  • Worst That Could Happen—Brooklyn Bridge
  • Wouldn’t It Be Nice—The Beach Boys
  • White Wedding—Billy Idol
  • Jackson—Johnny Cash & June Carter
  • The River—Bruce Springsteen
  • I Love You—Climax Blues Band
  • Rings—Cymarron
  • Keep Your Hands to Yourself—The Georgia Satellites
  • (You Never Can Tell) C’est la Vie—Emmy Lou Harris

With the next three sections of songs, I have selections from the 60s, 70s and 80s that didn’t make my countdown but are quality songs to play at all non-danceable times during wedding receptions. These songs are not ranked and placed in a random order.

Excellent Songs Outside the Top 25 Countdown from the 60s:

  • Love Can Make You Happy—Mercy
  • L-O-V-E—Nat King Cole
  • You’ve Made Me So Very Happy—Blood Sweat & Tears
  • My Cherie Amour—Stevie Wonder
  • (You Make me Feel Like) A Natural Woman—Aretha Franklin
  • And I Love Her—The Beatles
  • My Special Angel—The Vogues
  • The Way You Look Tonight—Frank Sinatra
  • Something—The Beatles
  • Chapel of Love—The Dixie Cups
  • Can’t Take My Eyes Off You—Frankie Valli

Excellent Songs Outside the Top 25 Countdown from the 70s:

  • First Time Ever I Saw Your Face—Roberta Flack
  • How Deep Is Your Love—The Bee Gees
  • Maybe I’m Amazed—Paul McCartney
  • Love Will Keep Us Together—Captain & Tennille
  • Wonderful Tonight—Eric Clapton
  • Bridge Over Troubled Water—Simon & Garfunkel
  • You Are Everything—The Stylistics
  • Your Smiling Face—James Taylor
  • The Air That I Breath—The Hollies
  • Make It with You—Bread
  • (They Long to Be) Close to You—The Carpenters
  • Nobody Does It Better—Carly Simon
  • Annie’s Song—John Denver

Excellent Songs Outside the Top 25 Countdown from the 80s:

  • Time After Time—Cyndi Lauper
  • Heaven—Bryan Adams
  • In Your Eyes—Peter Gabriel  
  • Tonight, I Celebrate My Love—Peabo Bryson & Roberta Flack
  • The Promise—When in Rome
  • Biggest Part of Me—Ambrosia
  • Every Little Thing She Does is Magic—The Police
  • Right Here Waiting—Richard Marx
  • Lady–Kenny Rogers
  • You’re the Inspiration—Chicago
  • For Your Eyes Only—Sheena Easton
  • You Are My Lady–Freddie Jackson
  • Up Where We Belong–Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes
  • Eternal Flame—The Bangles

I recommend playing any of the songs that I have listed above during non-dancing segments of wedding receptions. Of course, a bride or groom could pick one of these songs for their first dance. For those instances, many of these tunes do make outstanding choices for slow dancing.

The same methodology can be applied for the 25 songs in the countdown below. All countdown songs are perfect for bride and groom first dances at any wedding reception.

With my experience as a DJ for many wedding receptions over the years, I now submit my classic wedding love songs countdown:

25.  Truly—Lionel Richie: 1982

Debut solo single for singer-songwriter Lionel Richie, who wrote this song and co-produced it with James Anthony Carmichael. The artist won a Grammy Award for “Best Male Pop Vocal Performance” for this tune.

24.  Unchained Melody—The Righteous Brothers:  1965

Music by Alex North and lyrics by Hy Zaret. Bobby Hatfield of the Righteous Brothers sings lead vocals on song. Became a hit twice, the second time in 1990.

23.  Faithfully—Journey: 1983

The song was written by Journey’s keyboardist Jonathan Cain. Powerful vocals by Steve Perry.  A quintessential 80s power ballad.

22.  Endless Love—Lionel Richie & Diana Ross: 1981

While still a member of the Commodores, Lionel Richie wrote the song and it was featured in the film “Endless Love.”  The duet with Diana Ross is rated as the “Greatest song duet of all-time” by Billboard.

21.  Always—Atlantic Starr: 1987

Love ballad written by David Lewis, Jonathan Lewis and Wayne Lewis. Peaked at #1 on Billboard Hot 100. Biggest hit single for Atlantic Starr.

20.  With This Ring—The Platters: 1967

Last Top 40 hit for the Platters was written by Richard “Popcorn” Wylie, Luther Dixon, and Tony Hester. It’s considered a core song with Carolina “Beach Music” and is a favorite song for shag dancers.

19.  For All We Know—The Carpenters:  1970

Soft pop rock song has music credited to Fred Karlin and lyrics from Robb Wilson and James Griffin.  Karen Carpenter has outstanding vocals on this selection.

18.  Always and Forever—Heatwave: 1978

Rod Temperton, keyboardist and principal songwriter for Heatwave, wrote this classic tune for his British-based multinational funk-disco band. This ballad has lead vocals by Johnnie Wilder, Jr.

17.  Here and Now—Luther Vandross:  1989

The R&B Pop singer won a Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance with his signature ballad. Written by David L. Elliott, Terry Steele, and Charles White.

16.  This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)—Natalie Cole:  1975

This up-tempo wedding anthem was written by Chuck Jackson and Marvin Yancy, with Richard Evans creating the musical arrangement.  Natalie Cole won a Grammy Award for “Best Female R&B Vocal Performance” with her huge hit single.

15.  Three Times a Lady—The Commodores:  1978

Smooth signature love ballad was penned by Lionel Richie, lead singer of the Commodores. Reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks during the summer of 1978.

14.  You Make Me Feel Brand New—The Stylistics: 1974

 One of the Stylistics signature songs was co-written by Thom Bell and Linda Creed. The R&B love song features vocals by baritone singer Airrion Love and falsetto of lead vocalist Russell Thompkins Jr.

13.  How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)—James Taylor:  1975

Cover rendition of a Marvin Gaye 1965 hit. It was written by the Motown songwriting team of Holland–Dozier–Holland. James Taylor’s superb guitar and smooth vocals are complimented by David Sanborn on saxophone and Carly Simon with backup harmony vocals.

12.  God Only Knows—The Beach Boys: 1966

Co-written by Brian Wilson and Tony Asher. Song renowned for its beautiful harmonic structure and innovative complexity. Rolling Stone magazine ranks it at number 11 on their “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” listing.

11.  You Are the Sunshine of My Life—Stevie Wonder:  1973

Progressive soul. The song written by Stevie Wonder was the second consecutive single to reach #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Singer-songwriter won a Grammy Award for “Best Male Pop Vocal Performance” for his tune. I rate it as the 22nd best single of ’73.

10.  Let’s Stay Together—Al Green:  1972

Co-written by Al Green, Willie Mitchell and Al Jackson, Jr.  This superb soul single is rated as the 60th greatest song of all-time by Rolling Stone and I rank it as the 7th best single of 1972. “Let’s Stay Together” is in the Grammy Hall of Fame and the Library of Congress, National Recording Registry.

9.    You Are So Beautiful—Joe Cocker:  1975

Gospel & Soul singer Billy Preston co-wrote this tune with Bruce Fisher.  Joe Cocker’s cover had a slower tempo than Preston’s original faster version. It became the Englishman’s biggest solo hit single on the Billboard Hot 100.

8.    In My Life—The Beatles: 1965

This melodic selection is credited as a John Lennon and Paul McCartney written track.   From the Beatles “Rubber Soul” album. Rolling Stone magazine ranks it at #5 on their “100 Best Beatles Song” list. “In My Life” has become a staple for wedding receptions in the 21st century.

7.    Your Song—Elton John:  1971

Penned by lyricist Bernie Taupin and musician Elton John. It was the first top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 for the English singer-songwriter. “Your Song” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998.

6.   Just the Way You Are—Billy Joel: 1978   

Written by Billy Joel. Features outstanding saxophone by artist Phil Woods. From album “The Stranger.”  Pop ballad/smooth jazz. Received two Grammy Awards for “Record of the Year” and “Song of the Year” in 1979. I rate the song as the 17th best saxophone single of the 60s & 70s.

5. My Girl—The Temptations: 1965

Written and produced by the Miracles members Smokey Robinson and Ronald White.  First #1 single for the Motown vocal group. Was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998 and placed in the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress during 2017. “My Girl” is a signature song for the Temptations.

4.   Wedding Song (There is Love)—Noel Paul Stookey:  1971 

Noel Paul Stookey first gained musical popularity with the folk-rock trio Peter, Paul and Mary. He wrote “Wedding Song (There is Love)” in 1969 and first performed it for his friend Peter Yarrow.  I rate this melodic tune as the 2nd best one hit wonder of 1971.

3.   We’ve Only Just Begun—The Carpenters:  1970

Originally this song was in a wedding-themed television commercial for a California bank and was co-written by Roger Nichols (music) and Paul Williams (lyrics). The Carpenters scored their second consecutive top 2 hit with this soft rock single. Karen Carpenter shines with her vocals on “We’ve Only Just Begun.”

2.   Longer—Dan Fogelberg:  1980

Written and recorded by singer-songwriter Dan Fogelberg. “Longer” is a melodic love song, with flowing harmonies and sparse instrumentation. I rate it as the 4th best single of 1980. Fogelberg’s crown jewel became a staple at thousands of weddings in the 80s and is still popular among some marriage ceremonies this decade.

  1. Never My Love—The Association:  1967

My number 1 classic wedding song is “Never My Love” by the Association.  This soft rock single was co-written by siblings Don and Dick Addrisi. In 1999, Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) ranked this tune as the second most played song on radio & TV in the 20th century.

Musically, this single features multiple trumpets and French horns, as well as exceptional saxophone playing by John Johnson. In addition, two guitars, piano and drums round out this musical masterpiece.

The Association’s love song reached #1 on the Cashbox Top 100 and #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 during the fall of 1967.  I rate this single as the 5th best sunshine pop single of the 60s and 9th best top 40 single of 1967. Without a doubt, “Never My Love” by the Association is my #1 best classic wedding love song of the 20th century.

That wraps up my countdown of what I consider to be the best classic wedding love songs from the mid 60s through the late 80s. I recommend playing any of the top 25 songs from my countdown for non-dancing segments of wedding receptions.

I realize 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 wedding love songs, your tabulation may be totally different from my selections.

What do you consider to be best wedding reception love songs from 1964 until 1989? There are no right or wrong answers. I welcome your thoughts.

If you know of anyone that is getting married, I hope you will share this message with any engaged couples looking for song suggestions for an upcoming wedding reception.

I leave you with the opening lyrics of “Wedding Song (There Is Love)” by Noel Paul Stookey:

“He is now to be among you, at the calling of your hearts, rest assured this troubadour is acting on His part. The union of your spirits here has caused Him to remain, for whenever two or more of you are gathered in His name, there is love.”

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Broadcasting, Music, Music Countdowns, Pop Music, Radio, Retro Rock, rock, Rock Music

Favorite Double-Sided 45-RPM Radio Hits of the 60s and 70s

Did you ever wonder why some artists had two hits from the same 45-rpm single during the golden age of top 40 radio?  With this edition of my musical musings, I will be counting down what I consider to be some of the best two-sided radio hits from the 60s and 70s.

The first 7-inch, 45-rpm vinyl record, a format that became known as a “single,” was released by RCA Victor in March 1949. Creation of the 45-rpm single helped to change music forever.

In simple terms, record companies labeled their singles with an A-side and a B-side. Generally, songs that record labels wanted to promote as possible hits received an A-side designation while the B-side traditionally was not considered “hit material” by a record company.

It is interesting that sometimes the A-side of a single flopped while the B-side actually became a major hit record. “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye” by Steam is an excellent example of the B-side of a single actually became a #1 hit while the A-side (“Sweet Laura Lee”) never charted.

Other outliers in this category:  Occasionally, the A-side of a single becomes a hit but the B-side doesn’t initially chart.  Eventually, the original B-side is re-released as an A-side single and then becomes a hit. “Another Park, Another Sunday” and “Black Water” by the Doobie Brothers are a perfect example of this phenomenon.

Some record companies regularly promoted what is known as a Double-A Single, in which both sides of the 45-rpm record were of equal importance with regard to promotion.  Most of the time, record companies released a Double-A single from an established music artist.

In the 50s and early 60s, Elvis Presley was the king of double-sided hit singles. According to Billboard magazine, Presley achieved 39 singles where both sides reached the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Then in the 60s, the Beatles charted 24 two-sided hits while Creedence Clearwater Revival had 7 double-sided radio hits from 1969 through 1971.

For the remainder of this message, I will be counting down what I consider to be the 5 best double-sided radio hits from the golden age of top 40 radio. 

In researching historical musical data for this article, I used “The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits” by Joel Whitburn.  I consider Whitburn’s book to be the “bible” of Top 40 music history and I bought a second copy of this superb music guide a few years ago.

The criteria that I used for my countdown of double-sided 45-rpm singles hits:

  • Only top 40 hits in the United States from 1965 to 1975.
  • Both sides of a 45-rpm vinyl single must have charted #40 or higher on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
  • Both sides of a 45-rpm charted #40 or higher within 6 months of the first song becoming a hit.

My countdown of the top 5 double-sided 45-rpm hits is based entirely on my opinions, songs that I consider to be my favorites. These are selections that I deem to be culturally, historically, aesthetically significant, meaningful or relevant.

Obviously, there are many more excellent double-sided hits from the golden age of top 40 radio that fell outside of my top 5 countdown. My selections below are not ranked and placed in a random order:

  • Question 67 & 68 & I’m a Man—Chicago
  • The House That Jack Built & I Say a Little Prayer—Aretha Franklin
  • All You Need is Love & Baby You’re a Rich Man—The Beatles.
  •  Up Around the Bend & Run Through the Jungle—Creedence Clearwater Revival
  •  Junior’s Farm & Sally G—Paul McCartney
  •  Pleasant Valley Sunday & Words—The Monkees
  •  Atlantis & To Susan on the West Coast Waiting—Donovan
  • There’s a Kind of Hush & No Milk Today—Herman’s Hermits
  • Green River & Commotion—Creedence Clearwater Revival
  • Get Back & Don’t Let me Down—The Beatles
  • Calypso & I’m Sorry—John Denver
  • Lookin’ Out My Back Door & Long As I Can See the Light—Creedence Clearwater Revival
  • (Sweet Baby Baby) Since You’ve Been Gone & Ain’t No Way—Aretha Franklin
  • Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) & Everybody is a Star—Sly & the Family Stone
  • I’m a Believer & (I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone—The Monkees
  • My Sweet Lord & Isn’t It a Pity—George Harrison
  •  It’s Too Late & I Feel the Earth Move—Carole King
  • Have You Ever Seen the Rain & Hey Tonight—Creedence Clearwater Revival
  • Colour My World & Beginnings—Chicago
  • Laughing & Undun—The Guess Who
  • Paperback Writer & Rain—The Beatles
  • Who’ll Stop the Rain & Travelin’ Band—Creedence Clearwater Revival
  • Maggie May & Reason to Believe—Rod Stewart
  • So Far Away & Smackwater Jack—Carole King
  • Something & Come Together—The Beatles
  • Bad Moon Rising & Lodi—Creedence Clearwater Revival

Without further ado, my countdown of the best double-sided 45-rpm radio hits begins:

5.    Hey Jude & Revolution—The Beatles:  1968

Peak Positions on Billboard Hot 100

  • Hey Jude:  #1
  • Revolution #12

Both songs were first placed on the “Hey Jude” (original title: The Beatles Again) album, which is a collection of non-album singles and B-sides by the Beatles. Released February 1970.

These songs were recorded during the Beatles “White Album” sessions but left off the 30-track double LP (November 1968).  This Double-A sided 45-rpm single became the first Beatles’ recordings that were released on Apple Records by the band.

  • Revolution:  Co-written/credited as a John Lennon & Paul McCartney song.  It was primarily written by Lennon.

Lyrics for “Revolution” came about as some anti-war moment members were calling out for violence to achieve their goals.  Lennon, being a peace activist, believed in non-violent methods to promote peaceful transitions.

The Beatles rocked with a message of social change on this hard driving tune. I rate “Revolution” as the 8th best protest and social justice anthem from the 60s and 70s.

  • Hey Jude: Co-written/credited as a John Lennon & Paul McCartney song. It was primarily written by McCartney.

One of the signature songs for British band.  “Hey Jude” spent 9 weeks at the top of Billboard’s singles chart and is ranked as the #1 song of 1968. It also was Billboard’s biggest charting single of the 60s decade.

The Beatles successful song has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences Grammy Hall of Fame. Without a doubt, this track remains one of the Fab Four’s most enduring singles.

4.    American Woman & No Sugar Tonight—The Guess Who:  1970

Peak Position on Billboard Hot 100:  Both songs reached #1

These songs are found on the “American Woman” album. Released January 1970.

  • No Sugar Tonight

Released as the B-side. “No Sugar Tonight” is a stand-alone track on the 45-rpm single. However, the song is actually part of the “No Sugar Tonight/New Mother Nature” medley that is found on the Guess Who’s “American Woman” album.

Co-written by Burton Cummings and Randy Bachman. Classic rock and classic hits radio stations do not separate the “No Sugar Tonight/New Mother Nature” medley in 2025 like top 40 stations did back in 1970.

  • American Woman

Co-written by Burton Cummings, Garry Peterson, Jim Kale & Randy Bachman: According to Billboard, it was the third biggest Song of 1970 and the most popular track in the U.S. by the Canadian band.

Randy Bachman of the Guess Who stated in 2014 that “American Woman” was an anti-war protest song against the Vietnam conflict from a Canadian point of view. Of course, lyrics can also be interpreted literally as guys from Canada not wanting anything to do with women from the U.S.

3.    Wouldn’t It Be Nice & God Only Knows—The Beach Boys:  1966

Peak Positions on the Billboard Hot 100

  • Wouldn’t It Be Nice: #8
  • God Only Knows: #39

Both songs from the “Pet Sounds” album. Released May 1966

  • God Only Knows

Issued as the B-side. Co-written by Brian Wilson and Tony Asher. Like many of the songs on the Beach Boys “Pet Sounds” album, around 20 session musicians played on this orchestral masterpiece. Single is in the sub-genre Baroque pop classification.

“God Only Knows” is renowned for its beautiful harmonic structure and innovative complexity. Rolling Stone magazine ranks it at number 11 on their “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” listing and Paul McCartney proclaims the Beach Boys single to be the greatest song ever written.

  • Wouldn’t It Be Nice

 Co-written by Brian Wilson, Tony Asher & Mike Love. Wilson produced this classic “Sunshine Pop” song himself by using the “Wall of Sound” production technique, with 18 different instruments played on the track.  The Beach Boys single is considered ground-breaking and influential for future sub-genres of rock music: Power pop and progressive pop.

This track is superb and has a melodic tune and excellent vocal harmonies. Pitchfork ranks Wilson’s gem at number 7 on their “200 Best Songs of the 1960s” listing.  Without any doubt, “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” is my favorite number one, “Sunshine Pop” song of the 60s.

2.    Fortunate Son & Down on the Corner—Creedence Clearwater Revival:  1969

Peak Position on the Billboard Hot 100: Both songs reached #3.

From the “Willie & the Poor Boys” album. Released October 1969

  • Down on the Corner

Produced and written by John Fogerty.  The tune on this ditty contains a calypso beat and is a feel-good story about Willy and the Poor Boys, a fictional jug band who were street musicians. The song makes reference to a harmonica, washboard, a kazoo, a Kalamazoo guitar, and a gut bass.

Initially, “Down on the Corner” was the B-side of the CCR single. It quickly became just as popular as the A-side “Fortunate Son” song. The band came up with the name “Willie and the Poor Boys” for their 1969 album, from the lyrics to this “swamp rock” classic song.

  • Fortunate Son

Written by John Fogerty. Released in September 1969 during the peak period of American involvement in the Vietnam War, this ode quickly became an anti-war movement anthem and is considered a signature song for its author, singer-songwriter Fogerty.

The former CCR front man recently explained with a post on X, “Fortunate Son is a song I wrote during the Vietnam War, inspired by the stark contrast between those who were drafted to fight and die for their country and those who had the privilege to avoid the draft because of their wealth and connections.”

“Fortunate Son” is my favorite John Fogerty/CCR track of all-time and I rate it as the #1 best protest and social justice song of the 60s and 70s.

  1. Penny Lane & Strawberry Fields Forever—The Beatles:  1967

Peak Positions on Billboard Hot 100

  • Penny Lane #1
  • Strawberry Fields Forever:  #8

Both songs were placed on the “Magical Mystery Tour” (MMT) album which was divided into separate song categories:  Side 1: Soundtrack songs from “MMT” and Side 2:  Tracks from the 1967 Beatles’ non-album singles.

These songs were recorded during the “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” sessions but left off that 13-track album (Summer of Love 1967).

  • Strawberry Fields Forever
  • Co-written/credited as a John Lennon & Paul McCartney song.  It was primarily written by Lennon.

Double-A sided hit. John Lennon based the song on his childhood memories of playing in the garden of Strawberry Field, a Salvation Army children’s home in Liverpool, England. Musically, the sound on this song had a much different feel than any other Beatles singles released before 1967.

Strawberry Fields Gate: Liverpool, England. Photo courtesy of Dave Delaney

With a psychedelic rock sound, “Strawberry Fields Forever” was ground breaking. Beatles producer George Martin utilized diverse recording techniques such as reverse-recorded instrumentation, Mellotron flute sounds, an Indian Swarmandal (or harp), a fade-out/fade-in coda, as well as a cello and brass arrangement.

The combination of musical instruments, studio space-age sound effects and Lennon’s vocals, helped to make “Strawberry Fields Forever” a landmark recording in the psychedelic pop rock genre of music. Rolling Stone magazine ranks at #7 on their “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” list.

  • Penny Lane
  • Co-written/credited as a John Lennon & Paul McCartney song. It was primarily written by McCartney.

I rate “Penny Lane” as my second favorite Beatles song of all-time. The lyrics of the single refer to a street in Liverpool, and make mention of the sights and characters that Paul McCartney recalled from his upbringing in the city. 

Just like the song “Strawberry Fields Forever”, the Beatles became avant-garde pop rock composers and broke new ground with instrumentation with the recording of “Penny Lane.”  Music historians declare that the single is a cross between progressive and Baroque pop. The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2011.

McCartney’s ode uses many instruments not associated with most Beatles songs: flutes, piccolos, oboes, trumpets and a flugelhorn.  It became the 13th Beatles single to peak at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 during March 1967.

When I discovered Top 40 radio on WROV Roanoke in early 1967, the first song that I remember liking was “Penny Lane.”  Sometime in the spring of that year, I went to Sears and bought a 45-rpm single of my favorite Beatles song. It was the first vinyl record that I bought with my own money and still own it here in 2025.

Without a doubt, the Beatles, “Penny Lane/Strawberry Fields Forever” is my #1 favorite double-A sided single from the golden age of top 40 radio.

That wraps up my countdown of what I consider to be the 5 best double-sided 45 rpm singles from the golden age of Top 40 radio. I realize 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 double-sided singles from the 60s and 70s, your tabulation may be totally different. What do you consider to be best preeminent double-sided hit singles in this category? There are no right or wrong answers. I welcome your thoughts.

I still love all of the double-sided singles that are in my countdown above and fondly remember hearing those songs played on the radio when I was growing up. I still cherish those singles here in 2025.  Rock on!

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AT40, Broadcasting, Music, Music Countdowns, Pop Music, Radio, Retro Rock, rock, Rock Music

Exceptional Rock Hits of the 90s: Not Released as Singles

Bob Dylan wrote a song called “The Times They Are a-Changin'” in the 60s about social justice issues.  In the 90s, the same type of statement could be made about pop rock music and the radio stations playing hit songs: “The times they were a changing.”

With this edition of my musical musings, I will be counting down what I consider to be the best rock hits of the 90s that were not released as singles in the United States.  My selections are from the years 1994 through 1998.

Before getting to my countdown, I will give a brief history of Top 40 radio. Looking back to 1970, Top 40 radio played a wide variety of mass appeal hits in a variation of musical genres: pop, rock, soul, R&B, country, easy listening, and adult standards.

In the early 70s, radio station playlists featured the top-selling vinyl 45-rpm singles and airplay of the 40 biggest songs. These songs were tracked nationally by Billboard and Cash Box magazines, which both published weekly surveys of the 100 biggest hits.

When the debut American Top 40 show happened on July 4th weekend in 1970, Casey Kasem aired the 40 biggest singles on the Billboard Hot 100 (BH100) chart. Criteria for this once-a-week survey: Only songs released as a 45-rpm single were eligible for charting on the BH100.

The Billboard rule of charting only songs released as singles on their Hot 100 survey was adopted in 1958 and was maintained until being eliminated in November 1998.

From 1970 until 1991, AT40 used the BH100 chart on its national weekly broadcasts.  Then in November 1991, AT40 stopped using the BH100 chart, switching first to Billboard’s “Hot 100 Airplay” chart and then finally to the “Mainstream Top 40” Billboard survey.

Both of these later Billboard charts were based solely on radio station airplay and the songs listed could be either a single or an album track.

On the weekend of January 28, 1995, the final episode of the original AT40 was broadcast. After a 3-year gap, American Top 40 returned with the second Casey Kasem era (1998-2004).

The evolution of Top 40 radio changed tremendously during the 70s and 80s. Stations went from being located primarily on the AM dial to high quality FM signals during this time period.

During the 80s, the Top 40 radio format became known as Contemporary Hit Radio (CHR). Stations utilizing the CHR format played current and recurrent popular hits that focused mostly on pop, rock, R&B and country crossover tunes.

By the 90s, newer sub-genres of pop-rock music became popular: Hip-Hop, Electronic, Urban, Grunge, Alternative and Modern Rock. This new diversity of music caused a large number of CHR stations to narrow their focus.

Instead of playing all the current top hits from the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, many CHR formatted stations went away from playing mass appeal hits and splintered the songs they aired into smaller playlists.

The fractioning of the CHR format by the mid 90s had multiple stations in radio markets playing fewer songs and the music they aired tended to be mostly in a specific sub-genre of pop-rock music.

There were still successful traditional mainstream CHR stations functioning in radio markets that played a wide variety of hits in the 90s. One such station was in my hometown K92 (WXLK) 92.3 Roanoke, Virginia.

Above: A K92 Roanoke aircheck of David Lee Michaels: Summer 1981.

Photo inside of the K92 Roanoke studio in the early 90s courtesy of David Lee Michaels: From Left to Right: K92 DJ Eddie Haskell, English rock singer-songwriter and musician John Waite and K92 DJ David Lee Michaels.

K92 came on the air on New Year’s Day in 1980 with a Top 40 CHR format. This mainstream CHR outlet was the top-rated number one radio station in the Lynchburg/Roanoke market starting in 1980 and remained as the most listened to station into the early 90s.

Above: A K92 Roanoke audio clip of Ellis B Feaster: Summer 1989. Courtesy of Ellis B Feaster.

A photo I took of the K92 studio building on Electric Road in Roanoke County, Virginia. February 27, 2025.

Below is a listing of “main leaning” CHR formatted stations during the 90s and the music those outlets played:

  • Mainstream/Traditional CHR
  • Adult CHR
  • Rhythmic/Dance CHR
  • Urban CHR
  • Rock CHR

All chart documentation that I have reference below came from my personal copy of, “The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits” by Joel Whitburn (9th edition).  I consider Whitburn’s book to be the “bible” of Top 40 music history and I bought my second copy of this superb music guide a few years ago.

Whitburn’s reference guide tabulates numeric positions for all Top 40 hits on multiple Billboard charts. When my countdown is viewed below, it may be surprising to some that these songs were not released as singles but actually album tracks that became radio hits.

In addition, my countdown of radio airplay hits is entirely based on my opinions: I consider those 20 rock songs as favorites from the 90s decade. My selections are songs that I deem to be culturally, historically, aesthetically significant, meaningful or relevant.

As I do with all of my countdowns, I document tracks that I considered but fell outside my top 20 selections. These album track hits are not ranked and are placed in a random order:

  • When I Come Around—Green Day
  • Crash into Me—Dave Matthews Band
  • Hand in My Pocket—Alanis Morissette  
  • Push—Matchbox 20
  • Buddy Holly—Weezer
  • A Long December—The Counting Crows
  • What I Got—Sublime
  • Champagne Supernova—Oasis
  • Spiderwebs—No Doubt
  • Daughter—Pearl Jam
  • Takes a Little Time—Amy Grant
  • 3 AM–Matchbox 20
  • Santa Monica (Watch the World Die)—Everclear
  • If You Could Only See—Tonic
  • Standing Outside a Broken Phone Booth with Money in My Hand—Primitive Radio Gods

Without further ado, my Top 20 countdown of the best non-singles radio hits begins:

20.  Zombie—The Cranberries 1995

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Mainstream Rock, #18 Hot 100 Airplay

The Cranberries, an Irish alternative rock band, had a world-wide smash hit with “Zombie.” Written by band member/lead singer Dolores O’Riordan, her powerful lyrics are a furious anti-terrorism lament, protesting bombs exploding in England by the Irish Republican Army that killed two children.

19.  Closing Time—Semisonic 1998

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Mainstream Rock, #4 Hot 100 Airplay

Rock band trio from, Minneapolis, Minnesota. This ballad has multiple meanings according to Semisonic’s songwriter Dan Wilson: 1.  Imagery of bouncers yelling “closing time” and people leaving bars. 2. About childbirth, with a pun on being “bounced from the womb”. Tune was nominated for a Grammy Award (Best Rock Song).

18.  Black Hole Sun—Soundgarden 1994

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Modern Rock (7 weeks) #9 Hot 100 Airplay

Grunge Rock band from Seattle, Washington. Penned by Soundgarden’s singer-songwriter and guitarist Chris Cornell. Signature song by the band was the number 1 biggest album track on Billboard’s Modern Rock chart in 1994.

17.  Mr. Jones—The Counting Crows 1994

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Modern Rock, #2 Hot 100 Airplay

Breakthrough hit by San Francisco, California rock band. From the album “August and Everything After.” Received a MTV Video Music Award for “Best New Artist” category with their hit.

16.  Walking on the Sun—Smash Mouth 1997

Peak positions on Billboard Charts: #1 mainstream Rock, #2 Hot 100 Airplay

Power pop rock band from San Jose, California. Debut hit was written by Smashmouth’s Greg Camp, after learning about Rodney King as a victim of police brutality in Los Angeles, California. A catchy, infectious track.

15.  Lightning Crashes—Live. 1994

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Modern Rock (9 weeks), #1 Rock Tracks (10 weeks), #12 Hot 100 Airplay

York, Pennsylvania alternative rock band. Primarily written by lead singer Ed Kowalczyk but is credited to all 4 members of Live. The band dedicated this hit to a mutual high school friend, 19 year old Barbara Lewis who was killed by a drunk driver in 1993.

14.  Love Will Keep Us Alive—Eagles. 1994

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Adult Contemporary (3 weeks), #22 Hot 100 Airplay

The Southern California rock band had been on hiatus since 1980 and formally reunited in 1994. This soft rock hit introduced a new generation to Eagles music. Bassist Timothy B. Schmidt is on lead vocals with a song nominated for a Grammy Award in 1995.

13.  How Bizarre—OMC. 1996

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Mainstream Rock, #4 Hot 100 Airplay

OMC: aka (Otara Millionaires Club) was a New Zealand band. Started as a trio, then became a duo. When “How Bizarre” reached the top spot on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock survey, ONC became the first New Zealand artist ever to reach the a number 1 position with any Billboard chart. Received a MTV Video Music Award.

12.  Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)—Green Day. 1998

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #7 Mainstream Rock, #11 Hot 100 Airplay

Alternative California rock band switched things up for this ballad. The track was an unusual composition for Green Day: it had sparse instrumentation. Songwriter Billie Joe Armstrong plays acoustic guitar while a string arrangement was added into the mix. It has become a classic 90s folk-rock tune.

11.  Lovefool—The Cardigans. 1997

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #3 Hot 100 Airplay, #4 Mainstream Rock

Swedish rock band provided a pure pop song with “Lovefool.” Written by band members Nina Persson and Peter Svensson. Musically upbeat and lyrics that are sad, bittersweet and a little quirky. Billboard rates it as the 4th best hit with their “100 Best Pop Songs of 1997” listing.

10.  Interstate Love Song—Stone Temple Pilots. 1994

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Mainstream Rock (15 Weeks), #18 Hot 100 Airplay

San Diego Grunge rock band. Track is from the album “Purple.” Written by Stone Temple Pilots singer-songwriter Scott Weiland. The signature song by the band is considered one of the best rock hits of the 90s by many music historians.

9.    Until I Fall Away—Gin Blossoms

Peak positions on Billboard Charts: #13 Mainstream Rock, #13 Hot 100 Airplay

Throwback power pop rock band from Tempe, Arizona. Musically, Gin Blossoms’ music featured chiming guitars, superb harmonies and catchy melodies. The band achieved 3 other hit songs during the 90s decade.

8.    What Would You Say—Dave Matthews Band 1994

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #5 Mainstream Rock, #9 Hot 100 Airplay

The first of two Dave Matthews Band songs on my countdown. Track from the “Under the Table and Dreaming” album. This track lifted the Charlottesville, Virginia rock/jazz/jam group into national prominence. Blues Traveler member John Popper plays harmonica on this tune.

7.    Torn—Natalie Imbruglia. 1998

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100 Airplay, #1 Mainstream Rock

Natalie Imbruglia is an Australian and British singer-songwriter and actress. “Torn” was a huge international hit. It is considered a perfect acoustic pop rock track of the 90s. It received a Grammy nomination in 1999 and won a MTV Video Music Award (Best New Artist).

6.    A Change Would Do You Good—Sheryl Crow 1997

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Mainstream Rock, #5 Hot 100 Airplay

Singer-songwriter and musician Sheryl Crow flowed easily into multiple genres of music during her career: rock, pop, folk and country. The artist plays bass and organ on this straight up, toe-tapping rock track. Additional guitars by Jeff Trott and Todd Wolfe fill out this outstanding tune.

5.    You Oughta Know—Alanis Morissette 1995

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #2 Mainstream Rock, #3 Hot 100 Airplay

In the mid-90s, Canadian singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette was the queen of angst rock. The track’s hard hitting confessional lyrics about an ex-boyfriend is performed with passion. It won two Grammy Awards for “Best Rock Song” and “Best Female Rock Vocal performance.” Rolling Stone magazine rates “You Oughta Know” at #103 on their “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” listing.

4.    Ants Marching—Dave Matthews Band 1995

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #19 Hot 100 Airplay, #21 Mainstream Rock

Virginia’s most prominent rock band of the 20th century has their second hit on my countdown. Written by Dave Matthews, the singer-songwriter considers “Ants Marching” as the official anthem for his band. The music mix of guitar, saxophone and violin is superb on this uptempo jam.

3.    Don’t Speak—No Doubt 1996

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100 Airplay (16 Weeks), #2 Modern Rock

No Doubt was a hybrid rock band that played a combination of pop, rock, new wave, ska and alternative musical genres. Siblings Gwen and Eric Stafani wrote “Don’t Speak” which was a breakup song. It was nominated for 2 Grammy Awards and became the signature song for the California band.

2.    One Headlight—The Wallflowers 1997

Peak positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100 Airplay, #1 Mainstream Rock, #1 Adult Album Alternative

Jakob Dylan is a co-founder, lead vocalist, guitarist, and principal songwriter of the Wallflowers. His father is the legendary music icon Bob Dylan. “One Headlight” became the first song to reach #1 on all three of Billboard’s rock charts. The track won 2 Grammy Awards: for “Best Rock Song” and “Best Rock Performance.”

1.    Iris—Goo Goo Dolls. 1998

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100 Airplay (17 Weeks), #1 Mainstream Rock (5 Weeks)

My #1 selection is “Iris” by Goo Goo Dolls. Formed in Buffalo, New York, during 1986, the alternative rock group still is a functioning as a band here in 2025. Their 1998 track is their signature song.

“Iris” is a power ballad and was featured in the film, “City of Angels.” It received 2 Grammy nominations and in 2012 Billboard ranked the track as #1 on the chart listing “Top Pop Songs: 1992-2012.”

Anyone that listened to CHR or rock formatted radio stations in 1998, would have heard this song on a regular basis. Without a doubt, “Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls” is my #1 greatest rock hit of the 90s not released as a single.

That wraps up my countdown of what I consider to be the best rock radio hits in the 90s not released as singles.

If you have any thoughts about CHR radio and the music played on those stations during the 90s decade, please submit your comments on this topic. I look forward reading your opinions.

As always, I appreciate everyone who reads and subscribes to DJ Dave’s Musical Musings.  I am grateful.  Rock on!

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