Artist Profiles, Concert Reviews, Music, Virginia Artists

The Brothers Young: Virginia’s Accomplished Bluegrass Duo

Blane and Ayden Young at the Floyd Country Store October 19, 2024. Photo by DJ Dave

Exactly 4 years ago on October 31, I published a music blog on the Brothers Young. Now with 4 additional years of musical experience, I am updating info on the outstanding classical bluegrass sibling duo based out of Roanoke, Virginia.

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to catch the Brothers Young (TBY) in concert at the Floyd Country Store (FCC). Located in Floyd, Virginia, this is a venue that regularly features live musical groups, bands and performers, primarily with the genres of bluegrass, folk and old-time country music.

Short video of Don Reno cover, “Follow the Leader” by TBY on 10/19/24. Clip recorded by DJ Dave

Accompanying the Brothers Young on the FCC stage were Steve Farmer on bass and Stefan Kraft playing guitar. These fellows regularly play with TBY at concerts in and around the Virginia locations.

As I watched TBY play their classic bluegrass set, I saw firsthand superb musicianship and professional excellency from the Roanoke musical brothers.

Short video of Osborne Brothers cover, “Rocky Top” by TBY on 10/19/24. Clip recorded by DJ Dave.

The Brothers Young are 18-year-old Ayden who plays banjo while 14-year-old Blane plays mandolin for their group. TBY are also multiple instrumentalist: Both are pianists while Blane is also a drummer.

Blane and Ayden Young. Photo courtesy of Melissa Young.

The musical partnership of TBY started in August 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic under the direction of their parents Melissa and Chad Young. Obviously, with Ayden & Blane still in their teen years, they have received strong parental support with all aspects of TBY musical endeavors.

Since TBY was founded, the fellows have played numerous gigs in and around the Roanoke Valley, as well as many other Blue Ridge Mountain towns in Virginia. The Brothers Young have also performed concerts in North Carolina and Kentucky.

Below are just a few concert venues that TBY has performed since 2020:

• Merlefest

• Bristol Rhythm & Roots

• The Floyd Country Store

• Biltmore (Antler Hill Stage)

• Woodsong Kids (Lexington, KY)

• Rassawek Autumn Festival

• WPAQ’s Merry-Go-Round

• Virginia Museum of Transportation

• Milepost Music – Peaks of Otter

• Autumn Leaves Festival

Ayden and Blane also play music monthly at various local Roanoke Valley locations. Melissa Young says “her sons regularly perform at around 20+ Roanoke & Salem retirement communities, partnering with activities directors for those facilities. The residents love the classic bluegrass music and the boys!”

The Brothers Young have recorded the following music during the past 4 years:

Two singles with award-winning, traditional bluegrass group the Junior Sisk Band.

One track recorded on a gospel bluegrass album “Come Home” by Bent Mountain.

One full-length bluegrass album, “B is for Bluegrass.”

One Christmas music album, “Christmas in the Hills”, featuring piano favorites and bluegrass songs.

With the financial help of parents Chad and Melissa Young, Ayden created a home studio where he has recorded, mixed and mastered two TBY albums (CDs). Ayden says, “It is convenient to have a studio in my own home and it has helped me to learn more about the recording process.”

Christian faith is important to TBY. Ayden plays banjo for the worship team at Church of the Holy Spirit (CHS) an Anglican parish in southwest Roanoke County. I am a member of the CHS congregation and I have witnessed the entire Young family serving our church body over the past few years.

Here is a quote by Ayden on being a Christian and playing music. ”Being a musician, I often have to tell myself that all of the talents and all of the opportunities we’ve had, have come from the Lord and not from ourselves. Here is a perfect verse that helps me remind myself that all the glory must not go to me, but to God.” Psalm 115:1 “Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to Your Name be the glory, because of Your steadfast Love and Faithfulness.”

Stefan Kraft, Blane Young, Ayden Young & Steve Farmer. Courtesy of Melissa Young.

One of the musical mentors of TBY is Bishop Quigg Lawrence, who is senior pastor at Church of the Holy Spirit. Lawrence was executive producer and lyrical creator for a gospel bluegrass album released in 2021: “Come Home” by Bent Mountain.

I asked Bishop Lawrence to provide comments about his involvement with TBY on spiritual and musical supervision over the past 4 years: “What a privilege to watch two boys from Roanoke grow up playing traditional bluegrass. Ayden and Blane are some of the best kids I know. They are humble, hardworking, disciplined, funny, and just likable. I would be happy to call them my sons!”

Lawrence continues, “When I recorded a bluegrass album in 2020, the boys were on it. Ayden was older 14 years old and crushed two banjo songs. Blane was a tender ten and mainly added mando chops. Still, I was amazed at how they both entered the studio and started playing well with pro-players.”

“I went to Galax and saw them perform in 2021. Their band was #1 in the Youth Band Category. If memory serves me correctly, Ayden placed 2nd in Youth Banjo. This past year, 2024, Ayden placed 3rd in ADULT banjo, and Blane placed 2nd in youth mandolin. Many full time, well-known pro players never placed that high!”

As I mentioned above, I saw TBY perform in concert recently and I asked Blane and Ayden to answer this question: Musically, what are attributes that you admire most about your brother? Their responses are below:

Blane: “First off, he is an amazing banjo player! One of the things I love about playing with my brother is that he helps the band start the songs on the right timing. He is a good leader of the band. He encourages me after nobody laughs at my jokes. And mainly I enjoy it because I get to work with my brother.”

Blane and Ayden Young. Courtesy of Melissa Young.

Ayden: “My brother has been gifted with nearly perfect rhythm. Whether it’s on the jazz drum kit or the mandolin, he holds down those chops! His ability to improvise and add some taste to the mix we’re going for is unchallenged.”

“The thing that impresses me the most is the fact that Blane has the perfect people person charisma. He will approach anyone and everyone and be completely interested in the conversation he’s having.”

In addition to TBY playing classic bluegrass, the siblings have also formed a jazz group called “610 Jazz.” With this other musical venture, Ayden plays piano while Blane is on a drum kit. Both brothers enjoy the variety of performing jazz as a side project.

For those who are on the social media site Facebook, here is the link for the official Brothers Young page. Another excellent site is TBY YouTube channel.

As I spoke with Ayden and Blane at a home-schooling event in Roanoke County last Saturday, I ask them what can folks expect from the Brothers Young band in the future?

TBY would like to record a new album of bluegrass in 2025.

The siblings plan of continuing performing classic bluegrass music with as many venues as possible.

Blane and Ayden look forward to sharing their God given talents to everyone who attends one of their concerts.

Play more music with their “610 Jazz” group.

The consensus among the Brothers Young on future bluegrass career plans are unclear at this time. Ayden graduated from high school in June. He is now teaching private banjo and piano music lessons, while also playing with other Roanoke area musicians in various recording sessions. Blane just started his 8th grade year with schooling.

Blane and Ayden are exploring various paths they may take in the future with career opportunities. Both fellows are also steadfast with their desire to be guided by God as they finish their teenage years.

Stefan Kraft, Blane Young, Ayden Young & Steve Farmer. Courtesy of Melissa Young.

Without a doubt, the TBY have grown musically over the past 4 years and these guys have matured in positive directions. I am encouraged to see the dedication and loyalty that Ayden and Blane show as they endeavor to hone their craft of playing bluegrass music together.

The Brothers Young performing at Floyd Country Store on October 19, 2024. Photo courtesy of Melissa Young.

Obviously, we do not know what the future has in store for the bluegrass teens. I am confident the Brothers Young of Roanoke will continue to be a positive force within the local Southwestern Virginia community. Rock on!

To subscribe to my blog via email, please click the “Follow” button in the menu.

Album Review, Broadcasting, Music, Music Countdowns, Pop Music, Radio, Retro Rock

The Beatles Abbey Road Album at 55

Photo above: Yours truly, DJ Dave with my three-year old dog Abbey Road, whom I named after the legendary album by the Beatles. Photo credit: Stephanie Woodson.

It is hard to believe that it has been 55 years since the Beatles “Abbey Road” (AR) album was released during the fall of 1969. Arguably, the last studio album that was recorded by the British rock band is among the most renowned rock albums from the late 60s.

The “Abbey Road” album had two release dates: In the United Kingdom, the LP came out on September 26, 1969 while in the United States, AR became available almost a week later on October 1^st.

On this 55th anniversary of the 1969 Beatles album, I am sharing my thoughts on how the music of Abbey Road has aged, along with historical significance of individual songs. I will also have a countdown on what I consider to be the 8 best full-length tracks on AR.

I must note: this message is not a review of the Fab Four’s AR album. For those wanting to read opinions on the 1969 LP, there are plenty of online sources to view what others have written about “Abbey Road.”

The Beatles masterpiece LP is rated at #5 on Rolling Stone magazine’s “500 Greatest Albums of All Time” listing. Most music historians in 2024 praise AR as an outstanding Fab Four compilation.

“Abbey Road” contains 17 songs: It starts with 8 full-length tracks and ends with a 16-minute medley of 9 short songs. I will be describing the AR songs in a couple of groupings.

The first category will be breaking down the 9-song medley, while in the second section I will countdown my ranking of the AR 8 full-length tracks.

Here are the 9 medley songs:

You Never Give Me Your Money
Sun King
Mean Mr. Mustard
Polythene Pam
She Came in Through the Bathroom Window
Golden Slumbers
Carry That Weight
The End
Her Majesty

As I recently re-listened to the Beatles 16-minute medley, I came away appreciating the brilliance of what some have nicknamed “The Abbey Road Suite.”

I believe the AR medley was a foundational building block for the progressive rock sub-genre of music that became popular in the early 70s. This outstanding medley utilizes a variety of musical instruments, many that weren’t normally associated with pop rock sounds in 1969.

Some main characteristics of the 9-song medley and interesting facts:

Classical and jazz music elements
Multiple tempo changes within songs
Subject matter with lyrics in songs are mostly unrelated
Songs tied together by chord transitions and/or sound effects
The last song “Her Majesty” is considered a “hidden track” and is only 14 seconds long

My favorite 3 songs on the medley are “Golden Slumbers/Carry that Weight/The End.” I have seen Paul McCartney twice in concert during the past ten years and at both shows, he ended his encore performance with these 3 songs from the AR medley.

Now it is on to my countdown of the 8-full-length tracks on AR. Here are the songs in order of placement on the album:

Come Together
Something
Maxwell’s Silver Hammer
Oh! Darling
Octopus’s Garden
I Want You (She’s So Heavy)
Here Comes the Sun
Because

My countdown goes from what I consider to be the least significant song to the number 1 overall best Beatles track on “Abbey Road.”

8. Maxwell’s Silver Hammer

Primarily written by Paul McCartney

Credited as a Lennon/McCartney written song

McCartney has lead vocals on song

A tune that has an upbeat sound, is catchy and sounds pleasant but the song is actually Paul McCartney’s contribution to “death pop.” A student named Maxwell Edison commits homicides with a hammer. Ringo Starr cleverly plays an anvil on this avant-garde ode.

7. Octopus’s Garden

Written by Ringo Starr & Beatles drummer sings lead vocals

This whimsical ditty was only the 2nd song written by Ringo recorded by the Beatles. Starr created “bubbling sound effects” for his country flavored tune. Jim Henson’s Muppets covered the song with multiple Sesame Street videos. Starr published a children’s book called “Octopus’s Garden” in 2013.

6. Because

Primarily written by John Lennon

Credited as a Lennon/McCartney written song

Lennon has lead vocals on song

The Beatles Bible states that John Lennon wrote “Because” after he heard Yoko Ono play Ludwig van Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata on a piano. The track features a harpsichord and Moog synthesizer. Has dreamy 3-part harmonies by Harrison, McCartney and Lennon.

5. I Want You (She’s So Heavy)

Primarily written by John Lennon

Credited as a Lennon/McCartney written song

Lennon has lead vocals on song

An almost 8-minute tune. Written as a love song to Yoko Ono by John Lennon. It incorporates progressive rock sounds. The most psychedelic composition on the AR album. Billy Preston is guest organist. Multi-tracked guitars, driving bass and a Moog synthesizer blend together for a superb musical delight.

4. Oh! Darling

Primarily written by Paul McCartney

Credited as a Lennon/McCartney written song

McCartney has lead vocals on song

The British band paid tribute to 50s rock ‘n’ roll, R&B and doo-wop sounds on this throwback track with a catchy melody. The Trio of Lennon, Harrison and McCartney recorded outstanding three-part doo-wop vocal harmonies to backup Sir Paul’s larynx-shredding lead vocals.

3. Come Together

Primarily written by John Lennon

Credited as a Lennon/McCartney written song

Lennon has lead vocals on song

“Come Together” was released as a double-A-sided 45-rpm single along with “Something” on October 6, 1969. It peaked at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Hard driving blues rock tune. Paul McCartney’s exceptional melodic bass line riff rocks on this tune.

Who knows what this John Lennon sardonic nonsensical lyric actually means? The phrase, “Here comes old flat-top” is a direct quote from Chuck Berry’s, 1956 song “You Can’t Catch Me.” Ringo Starr proclaimed in 2021 that “Come Together” was his favorite Beatles song of all time.

2. Something

Written by George Harrison & Beatles guitarist sings lead vocals

“Something” was released as a double-A-sided 45-rpm single along with “Come Together.” This George Harrison penned love ballad to his first wife Pattie Boyd, is the only Beatles #1 song not written by Lennon/McCartney.

The opening lyric was taken from the title of “Something in the Way She Moves”, a track by another Apple Records artist James Taylor. Harrison’s guitar riffs on this tune are exquisite.

This song received the Ivor Novello Award for “Best Song Musically and Lyrically” in 1969, ranked as the 17^th-most recorded song of the 20^th century and is #110 on Rolling Stone Magazine’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” listing.

Here Comes the Sun

Written by George Harrison & Beatles guitarist sings lead vocals

Without a doubt, I consider “Here Comes the Sun” as the best song on “Abbey Road.” I place this melodic acoustical tune as my 5^th favorite Beatles song of all-time.

Together with his second contribution to AR, “Something”, many music historians place Harrison’s song-writing on par with that of Lennon & McCartney. The “Quiet Beatle” wrote his beloved composition when he was outside visiting his friend Eric Clapton’s home in early 1969.

An exceptional acoustic guitar part by Harrison was enhanced by producer George Martin’s hiring of an orchestra of violas, cellos, piccolos, flutes and clarinets. It gives this cheerful pop song a classical feel.

During the 21^st 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 Harrison’s number 1 AR song on my countdown: “Here Comes the Sun.

That wraps up my musical musings of the Beatles “Abbey Road” album at 55. I look forward reading your comments below on any aspect of AR, including what you consider to be the best song on the album.

As music historians state, the Beatles had much tension when recording tracks for “Abbey Road” and were on the verge of breaking up. Hardly anyone knew that AR would be the swansong achievement for the greatest rock band of the 20^th century.

I rate the Beatles “Abbey Road” as a masterpiece and one of the best albums from the late 60s.

I close this article by quoting lyrics from the last song recorded collectively by all four of the Beatles and also the final song of the AR medley, “The End.” Rock on!

“And in the end, the love you take, Is equal to the love you make.”

To subscribe to my blog via email, please click the “Follow” button in the menu above.

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

Harmonious Harmonica Top 40 Hits

When I think of harmonica top 40 hits from the 60s and 70s, two names immediately come to mind: Stevie Wonder and Bob Dylan. These artists and their songs transcend typical pop rock music that played on Top 40 radio during the golden age of that format.

While Wonder and Dylan provided multiple radio hits over the years, there are many other individual artists who had outstanding singles that included the harmonica and became major hits in the United States.

With this music blog message, I will be counting down what I consider to be my favorite songs featuring a harmonica. My selections are mostly 45-rpm singles that I treasured when I was a teenager or as a young adult and I still love these songs in 2024.

To avoid any confusion, here are the criteria that I used to narrow down my listing of outstanding harmonica songs for the countdown:

My selections were aired on Top 40 radio in the U.S. between the years 1965 and 1979.

Only songs released as 45-rpm singles are listed.

No album tracks used on countdown.

Harmonica needs to be prominently heard in a song.

Lead harmonica solos on instrumental breaks on songs with lyrical singing.

Countdown songs peaked at #40 or higher on the Billboard Hot 100.

Since my countdown only spans from 1965 through 1979, there are many other top 40 hits outside of these years that I want to highlight below.

Harmonica songs prior to 1965

Blowin’ in the Wind—Bob Dylan
Love Me Do—The Beatles
I Should Have Known Better—The Beatles
Hey Baby—Bruce Channel
Fingertips Part II—Stevie Wonder

Harmonica Hits in the 80s:

Take the Long Way Home—Supertramp
Desire—U2
Karma Chameleon—Culture Club
Train in Vain—The Clash
Workin’ for a Living—Huey Lewis & the News

Middle of the Road—The Pretenders
What I Like About You—The Romantics
I Feel for You—Chaka Kahn
Cryin’—Aerosmith
I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues—Elton John

90s Harmonica Hits

Run-Around—Blues Traveler
Mary Jane’s Last Dance—Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
Harvest Moon—Neil Young

Suicide Blonde—INXS
You Don’t Know How It Feels—Tom Petty
Follow You Down—Gin Blossoms

Songs played on Top 40 and AOR (album-oriented-radio) stations but not released as 45-rpm singles during 1965 to 1980 time period:

Isn’t She Lovely—Stevie Wonder
The Jean Genie—David Bowie
Roadhouse Blues—The Doors
When the Levee Breaks—Led Zeppelin
Baba O’Riley—The Who

Midnight Rambler—The Rolling Stones
The Promised Land—Bruce Springsteen
Thunder Road—Bruce Springsteen
The River—Bruce Springsteen

45-rpm singles between 1965 and 1979 that I considered for the harmonica countdown but fell outside of my top 20 selections. These songs are not ranked and are placed in a random order:

Will It Go Round in Circles—Billy Preston
I Want to Take You Higher—Sly & the Family Stone
I’m Looking for a Love—J Geils Band
We Can Work It Out—Stevie Wonder
Long Dark Road—The Hollies

If You Want to Go to Heaven—Ozark Mountain Daredevils
Train Train—Blackfoot
Just Like a Woman—Bob Dylan
Dance with Me—Orleans
The Good, The Bad and the Ugly—Hugo Montenegro

Without further ado, here is my top harmonica songs countdown:

Top 20 Countdown

20. Rainy Day Women #12 & 35—Bob Dylan

Positions on Billboard Charts: #2 Hot 100, 74^th Biggest Song of 1966: Harmonica by Bob Dylan

Track was recorded in one take and written by Bob Dylan. From the album “Blonde on Blonde.” Chorus on song was controversial in 1966, “Everybody must get stoned.”

19. You Turn Me On, I’m a Radio—Joni Mitchell

Peak Position on Billboard Charts: #13 AC, #25 Hot 100 in 1973: Harmonica by Graham Nash

Legendary singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell penned song. Became the first Top 40 hit for Canadian artist. Located on the 1972, “For the Roses” album.

18. Oh Girl—The Chi-Lites

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 13^th Biggest Songs of 1972. Harmonica by Marshall Thompson

The Chi-Lites was a R&B vocal group from Chicago, Illinois. Formed in 1959. “Oh Girl” and “Have You Seen Her” were the two biggest hits by the smooth soul singers.

17. Boogie on Reggae Woman—Stevie Wonder

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #3 Hot 100, 26^th Biggest Song of 1975: Harmonic by Stevie Wonder

This song has a funk/R&B groove but doesn’t contain any reggae music, as the title seems to indicate. Wonder won a Grammy Award for “Best Male R&B Vocal Performance” in 1975.

16. Miss You—The Rolling Stones

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 16^th Biggest Single of 1978: Harmonica by Sugar Blue

Considered “Dance Rock” and has a disco beat. Written primarily by Mick Jagger. Keith Richards is credited as co-writer. The 8^th and final number 1 song on the Billboard Hot 100 for British band.

15. Join Together—The Who

Peak position on Billboard Chart: #17 Hot 100 in 1972: Harmonica by Roger Daltrey

First released as a non-album 45-rpm single. Written by Pete Townshend, who also plays a juice harp on this summer of 1972 hit record. Roger Daltrey is lead vocalist on song.

14. On the Road Again—Canned Heat

Peak Position on Billboard Chart: #16 Hot 100 in 1968: Harmonica by Alan Wilson

Written by blues singer-songwriter Floyd Jones in 1953. Then Canned Heat co-founder adapted the lyrics for the band’s first top 40 hit. Tune is a combination of blues and psychedelic rock.

13. Run through the Jungle—Creedence Clearwater Revival

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #4 Hot 100, 73^rd Biggest Song of 1970: Harmonica by John Fogerty

Bayou swamp rock from California band. Released as a double-A sided single with “Up Around the Bend.” Written by CCR front man John Fogerty.

12. Tangled Up in Blue—Bob Dylan

Peak Position on Billboard Chart: #31 Hot 100 in 1975: Harmonica by Bob Dylan

Rolling Stone rates “Tangled Up in Blue” as the third best Bob Dylan song of all-time. From the album “Blood on the Tracks.” This acoustic ode was one of Dylan’s most renowned 70s singles.

11. Lonely People—America

Peak Position on Billboard Charts: #4 Hot 100 in 1974: Harmonica by Gerry Beckley

America band member Dewey Bunnell wrote lyrics based on the Tin Woodman from “The Wizard of Oz” film. Record producer George Martin played piano on this mid 70s hit.

10. He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother—The Hollies

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #7 Hot 100, 46^th Biggest Songs of 1970: Harmonica by Allan Clarke

This ballad was the first top 10 hit in the U.S. after Graham Nash left the British band. A young session musician Elton John played piano, while an orchestra was hired for instrumentation with this song.

9. For Once in My Life—Stevie Wonder

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #2 Hot 100, #2 Hot R&B Singles Chart (1969): Harmonica by Stevie Wonder

Bassist James Jamerson’s playing on this tune is one of the best bass lines in the history of Motown Records. Wonder has strong, powerful vocals that shine on this classic soul single.

8. Keep on Smilin’—Wet Willie

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #10 Hot 100, 66^th Biggest Song of 1974: Harmonica by Jimmy Hall

Southern Rock band from Mobile, Alabama. The song was the first of three top 40 singles and became their biggest hit. Making lemonade out of lemons is the main message of lyrics.

7. Like a Rolling Stone—Bob Dylan

Peak Positions of Billboard Charts: #2 Hot 100, 41^st Biggest Song of 1965: Harmonica by Bob Dylan

Track is known for organ riffs by Al Kooper and Mike Blomfield’s superb electric guitar. Signature song by Bob Dylan. In 2010, named the #1 best single on Rolling Stones Magazine’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” list.

6. Low Rider—War

Peak Positions Billboard Chart: #7 Hot 100 in 1975: Harmonica by Lee Osker

Funk rock band War delivers a tasty treat with the toe-tapping song. Superb saxophone and pulsating bass line. Inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

5. Groovin’—The Young Rascals

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 9th Biggest Song of 1967: Harmonica by Gene Cornish

First number 1 hit for New Jersey formed band. Song is in both the Grammy Hall of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s “500 Songs that Shaped Rock & Roll.” The Rascals dropped “Young” from their name at the end of 1967.

4. I Was Made to Love Her—Stevie Wonder

Positions on Billboard Charts: #2 Hot 100, 14th Biggest Song of 1967: Harmonica by Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder was just 17 years old when “I Was Made to Love Her” was a hit. The musical prodigy played clavinet and harmonica, while the legendary Funk Brothers provided premier bass, drums and guitar backup on this Motown classic.

3. Long Train Running—The Doobie Brothers

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #8 Hot 100, 41st Biggest Song of 1973: Harmonica by Tom Johnston

Pulsating rocker with superb guitar riffs. First top ten hit for the San Jose, California band. The Doobie Brothers were inducted into the Rock & Rock Hall of Fame in 2020.

2. Piano Man—Billy Joel

Peak Position on Billboard Charts: #4 Adult Contemporary: #25 Hot 100 in 1974: Harmonica by Billy Joel

Signature song for singer-songwriter. Verses of the song are observations about the life of a piano player at a night club lounge. It was the first top 40 hit for Billy Joel. The artist now has the beloved nickname of “Piano Man.”

Heart of Gold—Neil Young

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 17th Biggest Song of 1972: Harmonia by Neil Young

Neil Young composed song “Heart of Gold” after injuring his back in 1971. The artist plays both acoustic guitar and harmonica on his only solo chart-topping hit. Backup vocals are provided by James Taylor and Linda Ronstadt.

It was the first single from the singer-songwriters’ fourth studio album, “Harvest”, which became 1972’s biggest selling LP. Without a doubt, I rate “Heart of Gold” by Neil Young as my #1 best harmonica song from the golden age of Top 40 radio.

That wraps up what I consider to be my favorite and best harmonica Top 40 hits. 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 harmonica songs, your tabulation may be totally different. What do you consider to be best preeminent harmonica singles from the golden age of Top 40 radio? I hope you will comment below.

While the harmonica may be underrated and unappreciated by many folks, the instrument played an important part in the musical history of top 40 radio during the 20^th century. I continue to love harmonica songs from my younger years. Rock on!

To subscribe to my blog via email, please click the “Follow” button in the menu above.

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

1979 Stellar Top 40 Hits

During the year of 1979, I was a student at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, getting a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Arts. While at JMU, I worked part-time at Public Radio station WMRA 90.7 FM, that served the Shenandoah Valley.

When I wasn’t attending classes or working at WMRA, I would spend my spare time listening to other radio stations that I could pick up in Harrisonburg. Most of my radio surfing was concentrated either on Top 40 outlets or album-oriented rock (AOR) stations.

With this music blog message, I will be counting down what I consider to be my favorite top 40 hits from 1979. My selections are 45-rpm singles that I treasured while a JMU student, and I still love these songs today.

Since I started my radio career at legendary Top 40 WROV 1240 AM Roanoke in 1974, I was drawn to listening to any radio station that featured top 40 radio during my JMU student years.

My time in Harrisonburg gave me an opportunity to hear various Top 40 stations on any given day. The local Top 40 station that JMU students could pick up on campus was WQPO (Q101) 100.7 FM in Harrisonburg.

I was not a fan of Q101 as it was automated with no live DJs. I preferred tuning in WWWV 97.5 FM (3WV) in Charlottesville as they were an AOR formatted station. Plus, 3WV had an excellent morning show and live DJ staff throughout the broadcast day.

To get my fix of Top 40 radio while I was at JMU, I would listen to stations out of Richmond and Washington DC radio markets. Picking up these stations tended to be hit or miss, depending on the weather conditions. Cloudy days seemed to be the best opportunity to hear these signals coming in strong at my Harrisonburg home.

Below are the Top 40 radio signals that I could pick up on a regular basis in Harrisonburg during 1979:

WRVQ (Q94) 94.5 FM Richmond

WPGC 95.5 FM Washington DC Market

WRQX (Q107) 107.3 FM Washington DC Market

As a side note: Top 40 K92 92.3 FM Roanoke came on the air January 1, 1980. Between New Year’s Day and my JMU graduation in May 1980, I would listen to K92 on a regular basis in Harrisonburg.

After sundown, I would also listen to a couple of high-powered 50,000 watt AM stations: WLS 890 AM Chicago and WABC 770 AM New York. Those stations always had top-notch DJs playing the hits. On the Big 89 WLS, my favorite DJs were Jeff Davis, Larry Lujack and John Records Landecker.

For the rest of this message, I will be counting down my favorite Top 25 singles from 45 years ago. The sole criterion I utilized with song tabulation for the countdown is simple: I used Billboard’s “Year-End Hot 100 singles chart for 1979.”

As I surveyed the prominent 1979 hits, the countdown is entirely based on my opinions. The songs that I selected are singles that I deem to be culturally, historically, aesthetically significant, meaningful or relevant.

For a historical reference, below are the top 15 singles of 1979, according to Billboard magazine:

1 “My Sharona” The Knack

2 “Bad Girls” Donna Summer

3 “Le Freak” Chic

4 “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” Rod Stewart

5 “Reunited” Peaches & Herb

6 “I Will Survive” Gloria Gaynor

7 “Hot Stuff” Donna Summer

8 “Y.M.C.A.” Village People

9 “Ring My Bell” Anita Ward

10 “Sad Eyes” Robert John

11 “Too Much Heaven” Bee Gees

12 “MacArthur Park” Donna Summer

13 “When You’re in Love with a Beautiful Woman” Dr. Hook

14 “Makin’ It” David Naughton

15 “Fire” The Pointer Sisters

Before I start my countdown, I want to share some of my favorite top 40 singles from 45 years ago that were not ranked by Billboard on their 1979 Top 100 year-end chart.

Let’s Go—The Cars
Cruel to Be Kind—Nick Lowe
Crazy Love—Poco
Blow Away—George Harrison
Roxanne—The Police

Love Takes Time—Orleans
Driver’s Seat—Sniff ‘N’ the Tears
Serve Somebody—Bob Dylan
Blue Morning, Blue Day—Foreigner
Heart of the Night—Poco

Get It Right Next Time—Gerry Rafferty
Song on the Radio—Al Stewart
People of the South Wind—Kansas
Morning Dance—Spyro Gyra
Take Me to the River—Talking Heads

Next are songs that I considered for the countdown but fell just outside of my top 25. These selections are not ranked and are placed in a random order:

Lady—Little River Band
Gold—John Stewart
New York Groove—Ace Frehley
A Little More Love—Olivia Newton John
Fire—The Pointer Sisters
Reunited—Peaches & Herb

The Devil Went Down to Georgia—The Charlie Daniels Band
I Want You to Want Me—Cheap Trick
Strange Way—Firefall
Double Vision—Foreigner
Dance the Night Away—Van Halen
The Gambler–Kenny Rogers

Just When I Needed You Most—Randy VanWarmer
Lotta Love—Nicolette Larson
Promises—Eric Clapton
I Was Made for Loving You—Kiss
Shake It—Ian Matthews
I Just Fall in Love Again–Anne Murray

Chuck E’s in Love—Rickie Lee Jones
Stumblin’ In—Suzi Quatro & Chris Norman
Music Box Dancer–Frank Mills
I Just Wanna Stop—Gino Vannelli
She Believes in Me–Kenny Rogers
Shine a Little Love—Electric Light Orchestra

Got to Be Real—Cheryl Lynn
Tragedy—The Bee Gees
Shake Your Groove Thing—Peaches & Herb
We Are Family—Sister Sledge
Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now—McFadden & Whitehead
Goodnight Tonight—Paul McCartney & Wings

Without further ado, my stellar singles of 1979 countdown begins:

25. I Will Survive—Gloria Gaynor

Peak positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 6th Biggest Song of 1979

Lyrics have become an anthem for female empowerment. Inducted into Library of Congress National Recording Registry in 2016. “I Will Survive” received a Grammy Award for “Best Disco Recording.”

24. Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough—Michael Jackson

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 91st Biggest Song of 1979

Produced by Quincy Jones and written by Michael Jackson. It was the biggest solo hit of the 70s by the “King of Pop.” Musically, it features a six-piece horn ensemble of saxophones, trumpets and trombone. A sterling string section also adds to the rich sound on this tune.

23. Sail On—The Commodores

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #4 Hot 100, 98^th Biggest Song of 1979

Commodores front man Lionel Richie wrote this country flavored ballad and provided lead vocals on this country influenced ballad. Song features superb keyboard and guitar instrumentation.

22. Rock & Roll Fantasy—Bad Company

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #13 Hot 100, 54^th Biggest Song of 1979

Written by Bad Company’s vocalist Paul Rodgers. It was the biggest selling-single by British classic rock band. From the “Desolation Angels” album.

21. Bad Case of Loving You (Doctor, Doctor)—Robert Palmer

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #14 Hot 100, 92^nd Biggest Songs of 1979

Written by singer-songwriter Moon Martin. Robert Palmer’s cover version became the biggest hit by the British artist in the 70s. The song was nominated for a Grammy Award in the category of “Best Male Rock Vocal Performance.”

20. My Sharona—The Knack

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, the #1 Biggest Song of 1979

New Wave band from Los Angeles, California. The Knack came on strong during the summer of 1979. “My Sharona” spent 6 weeks at the top spot with Billboard’s Hot 100 chart and is ranked as the #1 biggest single from 45 years ago.

19. Rise—Herb Alpert

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 80th Biggest Song of 1979

Tumpeter Herb Alpert was the first artist to reach number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with a vocal performance as well as an instrumental production. (Artist took “This Guy’s in Love with You” to #1 in 1968). Tune received a Grammy Award for “Best Pop Instrumental Performance.”

18. After the Love Has Gone—Earth Wind & Fire

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #2 Hot 100, 38^th Biggest Song of 1979

Composed by David Foster and Jay Graydon, with lyrics written by Bill Champlin. First of two Earth Wind & Fire songs in the countdown. Maurice White on lead vocals while Philip Bailey sings backup harmonies. Tune has superb horn section.

17. Good Times—Chic

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 20th Biggest Song of 1979

Written by Chic band members Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers. Song has legendary bass line riff and is one of the most sampled tunes in music history.

Backing track from “Good Times” was used on the first Top 40 hip-hop hit, “Rapper’s Delight” by Sugarhill Gang. Comes in at number 68 on Rolling Stone “Greatest Songs of All Time” list.

16. Too Much Heaven—The Bee Gees

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 11^th Biggest Song of 1979

Co-written by the brothers Gibb: Barry, Robin and Maurice. Song features the Chicago horn section (James Pankow, Walter Parazaider and Lee Loughnane). Single became the fourth of six consecutive number 1 hits by the Bee Gees on the Billboard Hot 100.

15. Ooo Baby Baby—Linda Ronstadt

Peak Position on Billboard Charts: #7 Hot 100, 77^th Biggest Song of 1979

A cover of Smokey Robinson & the Miracles 1965 hit. Has outstanding saxophone played by David Sanborn. Produced by Peter Asher. Linda Ronstadt also scored airplay on country and R&B/soul radio with this hit.

14. What You Won’t Do for Love—Bobby Caldwell

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #9 Hot 100, 59^th Biggest Song of 1979

Co-written by Bobby Caldwell and Alfons Kettner. Was Caldwell’s only top 40 hit on the Billboard singles chart. Song is now considered to be in the “yacht rock” sub-genre of music.

13. How Much I Feel—Ambrosia

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #3 Hot 100, 84^th Biggest Song of 1979

Quintessential Yacht Rock band. “How Much I Feel” was written by the band’s guitarist/vocalist David Pack. Song is smooth featuring a jazz/R&B groove and great group harmony.

12. Every Time I Think of You—The Babys

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #13 Hot 100, 89^th Biggest Song of 1979

British band had 3 U.S. top 40 hits. Bassist John Waite was the lead singer with group. Myrna Matthews shares singing duties on this hit. Waite had two #1 hits in the 80s: “Missing You” as a solo hit (1984) and “When I See You Smile” as singer in Bad English (1989).

11. Don’t Bring Me Down—Electric Light Orchestra

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #4 Hot 100, 81^st Biggest Song of 1979

Produced and written by ELO front man Jeff Lynne. It was the highest-charting 45-rpm single by the British band in America. Unlike most other ELO songs, “Don’t Let Me Down” didn’t contain a string section.

10. Love is the Answer—England Dan & John Ford Coley

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #10 Hot 100, 68^th Biggest Song of 1979

Written by Todd Rundgren. The England Dan and John Ford Coley rendition of the song reached #1 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. The soft rock duo also received airplay on some Christian music radio stations during 1979.

9. Hold the Line—Toto

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #5 Hot 100, 44^th Biggest Song of 1979

Toto’s keyboardist David Paich wrote “Hold the Line” which became the group’s first hit record. Lead vocals were by Bobby Kimball. This up-tempo tune remains one of the most beloved songs by the 70s and 80s pop rock band.

8. What a Fool Believes—The Doobie Brothers

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 19^th Biggest Song of 1979

The only yacht rock song to receive a 100 score on the Yachtski Scale was co-written by Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins. The second #1 hit for the Doobie Brothers. The single received two Grammy Awards in 1980: for “Song of the Year” and “Record of the Year.”

7. Time Passages—Al Stewart

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #7 Hot 100, 79^th Biggest Song of 1979

Written by Al Stewart and Peter White. Song has outstanding saxophone performance by Phil Kenzie. Produced by Alan Parsons. Spent 10 weeks on top of the Billboard Easy Listening chart and was the rated as the #1 biggest Adult Contemporary song of 1979 by the music magazine.

6. My Life—Billy Joel

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #3 Hot 100, 28^th Biggest Song of 1979

Singer-songwriter and “Piano Man” Billy Joel wrote “My Life” which came from the “52nd Street” album. Musically, tune has vigorous guitar and keyboards. The artist sings this hit with high energy.

5. Renegade—Styx

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #16 Hot 100, 67^th Biggest Song of 1979

Styx guitarist Tommy Shaw is the songwriter of “Renegade.” The song starts cold with a cappella singing and then goes into a full-fledge blazing rock tune. Pounding drums, infectious guitar riffs and catchy hooks drive this classic rock standout.

4. Heart of Glass—Blondie

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 18th Biggest Song of 1979

Co-written by Blondie singer Debbie Harry and guitarist Chris Stein. Single is a brilliant crossing of “New Wave” rock with a powerful disco beat. It was the first of 4 number one hits for Blondie between 1979 and 1981. Song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2015.

3. Sultans of Swing—Dire Straits

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #4 Hot 100, 61^st Biggest Song of 1979

Dire Straits lead vocalist and guitarist Mark Knopfler penned this first hit by the British group. Lyrics are about a Dixieland swing jazz band playing at a near empty bar in south “London town.” Knopfle’s phrasing of vocals and his exceptional catchy guitar riffs, made “Sultans of Swing” the most unique top 40 single of 1979.

2. The Logical Song—Supertramp

Peak Position on Billboard Charts: #6 Hot 100, 27th Biggest Song of 1979

Supertramp’s former co-front man Roger Hodgson came up with the idea of “The Logical Song” after he spent ten years at a boarding school when he was boy. This was the biggest single by the British progressive pop-rock band. Saxophonist John Helliwell of Supertramp is magnificent playing his woodwind instrument.

1.. September—Earth Wind & Fire

Peak Positions of Billboard Charts: #8 Hot 100, 78th Biggest Song of 1979

“September” by Earth Wind & Fire (EW&F) is a quintessential song with multiple genres of music: R&B, Soul, Funk, Jazz, Disco and Yacht Rock. Upbeat, feel-good groove. Philip Bailey and Maurice White share lead vocals on this successful song.

Instrumentally, the single features brass instruments, woodwinds, keyboards, guitars and drums. A signature song for EW&F, it was inducted into the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry list of sound recordings in 2018.

Without a doubt, I proclaim “September” by Earth Wind & Fire as my favorite number one single with the countdown of stellar top 40 hits from 1979.

That wraps up what I consider to be my favorite and best 1979 top 40 hits. 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 1979 singles, your tabulation may be totally different. What do you consider to be best preeminent singles from ’79? I hope you will comment below.

I have passionate memories of my college years at JMU and hearing my favorite songs played on the radio during 1979. I still cherish and fondly remember the excellent music of 45 years ago. Rock on!

To subscribe to my blog via email, please click the “Follow” button in the menu above.

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

Fantastic Flute Favorites from Top 40 Golden Age

When I think about core instruments in pop rock music, there is one that doesn’t fit into that category: a flute. While this woodwind may be more at home with orchestras, the breezy sound of flutes was an integral part on many top 40 hits during the 20^th century.

With this music blog message, I will be counting down what I consider to be my favorite songs featuring a flute. My selections are mostly tunes that I treasured when I was a teenager or as a young adult and I still love these songs in 2024.

My listing of fantastic flute songs all became hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart during the golden age of top 40 radio. Obviously, that means that outstanding ensembles, classical masterworks, and any other genre of music outside of pop, rock and soul, are excluded from this article.

To avoid any confusion, here are the criteria that I used to narrow down my listing of outstanding flute songs:

My selections were aired on Top 40 radio between the years 1966 and 1976.

Only songs released as 45-rpm singles are listed.

No album tracks used on countdown.

Flute needs to be prominently heard in a song.

Lead flute solos on instrumental breaks on songs with lyrical singing.

Countdown songs peaked at #40 or higher on the Billboard Hot 100.

There are many top 40 songs that employ flutes as part of their musical mix but the instrument doesn’t standout. A good example of this is the Beatles’ song “Penny Lane.”

This tune features oboes, piccolos, trumpets and a flugelhorn, as well as traditional pop instruments of piano, guitar, bass and drums. Thus, the flute sound is not distinguishable on this masterpiece song by the Beatles.

And since my countdown only spans from 1966 through 1976, excellent 80s flute singles won’t be listed on this message. If I had chosen music from the totally tubular decade of the 80s, I surely would have included the 1982 Men at Work song “Down Under” as a superb flute single.

As I surveyed the prominent flute hits, 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 start the countdown, I am sharing some other first-class flute singles in a couple of different categories. I am a fan of all of the extra songs that didn’t make my favorite flute songs all-time listing.

Songs played on Top 40 and AOR (album-oriented-radio) stations but not released as 45-rpm singles:

Moondance—Van Morrison
Aqualung—Jethro Tull
So Long, Frank Lloyd Wright—Simon & Garfunkel

45-rpm singles that charted number 41 or lower on the Billboard Hot 100 chart

Locomotive Breath—Jethro Tull
White Bird—It’s a Beautiful Day
Can’t You See—The Marshal Tucker Band

This next group are songs that I considered for the flute countdown but fell outside of my top 20 selections. Singles are not ranked and are placed in a random order:

Fire on the Mountain—The Marshal Tucker Band
Ruby Tuesday—The Rolling Stones
Tubular Bells—Mike Oldfield
The Good, The Bad and the Ugly—Hugo Montenegro
Sing—The Carpenters
Walking In Rhythm · The Blackbyrds

Bungle in the Jungle—Jethro Tull
Kung Fu Fighting—Carl Douglas
There is a Mountain—Donovan
The Hustle—Van McCoy
The Power of Gold—Dan Fogelberg & Tim Weisberg

The Pied Piper—Crispian St Peters
Paloma Blanca—George Baker Selection
Born to Wander—Rare Earth
Dark Horse—George Harrison
Rockin’ Robin—Michael Jackson
Walk Away Renée—The Left Banke

Without further ado, here is my top flute songs countdown:

Top 20 Countdown

20. You Are the Woman—Firefall (1976)

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: Adult Contemporary #6, Hot 100 #9

Written by Rick Roberts. Flute artist David Muse. Biggest hit for Firefall. Band had two other major hits: “Just Remember I Love You” and “Strange Way” both peaked at #11.

19. I’m Your Captain (Closer to Home)—Grand Funk Railroad (1970)

Peak Positions on Billboard Chart: #22 Hot 100

Written by Mark Farner. Flute artist: member of the Cleveland Orchestra. First top 40 hit and best-known songs from Grand Funk Railroad.

18. Hocus Pocus—Focus (1973)

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #9 Hot 100, 69th Biggest Song of 1973

Co-written by Thijs van Leer and Jan Akkerman. Flute artist Thijs van Leer. Dutch progressive rock band. A one hit wonder in the U.S.

17. Spill the Wine—Eric Burdon & War (1970)

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #3 Hot 100, 20^th Biggest Song of 1970

Songwriters: Eric Burdon and 7 members of the band War. Flute artist Charles Miller. Tune is a combination of progressive soul, funk and psychedelic rock.

16. Hitchin’ a Ride—Vanity Fare (1970)

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #5 Hot 100, 14^th Biggest Single of 1970

Co-written by Mitch Murray & Peter Callander. Flute artist: Bernie Hagley. English sunshine pop rock band had two hits in the U.S. “Early in the Morning” peaked at #12 in early 1970.

15. The Tears of a Clown—Smokey Robinson & the Miracles (1970)

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, #1 Hot Soul

Co-written by Hank Cosby, Smokey Robinson and Stevie Wonder. Flute artist Jim Horn. Song is a 2002 Grammy Hall of Fame inductee. First #1 hit for Robinson and his Miracles group.

14. Windy—The Association (1967)

Peak Position on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 4^th Biggest Song of 1967

Written by Ruthann Friedman. Flute artist Gene Cipriano of the Wrecking Crew. Song spent four weeks at #1 during the summer of love 1967. Quintessential sunshine pop single.

13. It Never Rains in Southern California—Albert Hammond (1972-1973)

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #5 Hot 100, 98^th Biggest Song of 1973

Co-written by Albert Hammond and Mike Hazlewood. Flute artists Alan Beutler, Jacky Kelso and Tommy Scott from the Wrecking Crew. Hammond’s biggest top 40 hit.

12. Undun—The Guess Who (1969)

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: 15 Adult Contemporary #22 Hot 100

Written by Randy Bachman. Flute artist Burton Cummings. Originally the B-side of the Guess Who’s hit song “Laughing.” Numerous jazz musicians have recorded covers of “Undun.”

11. Creeque Alley—The Mamas & the Papas (1967)

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #5 Hot 100, 60^th Biggest Song of 1967

Co-written by John Phillips and Michelle Phillips. Flute artist Jim Horn of the Wrecking Crew. Autobiographical account on how the Mamas and the Papas were formed and chronicles early years of the folk-pop group.

10. Heard It in a Love Song—The Marshal Tucker Band (1977)

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #14 Hot 100, 57^th Biggest Song of 1977

Written by Troy Caldwell. Flute artist Jerry Eubanks. Song became a country crossover hit. Was the biggest charting single for the Southern Rock band.

9. Spinning Wheel—Blood Sweat & Tears (1969)

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #2 Hot 100, 27^th Biggest Song of 1969

Written by David Clayton-Thomas. Flute artist Ken Gioffre. “Spinning Wheel” was the second consecutive single to peak at #2, after “You’ve Made Me So Very Happy” did so in April 1969.

8. El Condor Pasa (If I Could)—Simon & Garfunkel (1970)

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #6 Easy Listening, #18 Hot 100

Songwriters: Daniel Alomía Robles (music), Paul Simon (English lyrics), Jorge Milchberg (Arrangement). Flute artists: Los Incas, an Andean folk music group. This became the last top 40 hit for Simon & Garfunkel before the duo broke up and pursued solo careers.

7. So Far Away—Carole King (1971)

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #3 Adult Contemporary, #14 Hot 100

Written by Carole King. Flute artist Curtis Amy. From the legendary 1971 “Tapestry” album. James Taylor plays acoustic guitar on song.

6. Living in the Past—Jethro Tull (1969 & 1972)

Peak Positions on Billboard Chart: #11 Hot 100

Written by and flute artist: Ian Anderson. Originally released as a single in Europe during 1969. In 1972, Jethro Tull’s, “Living in the Past” album dropped and the title track was re-released as a 45-single in the U.S.

5. Lowdown—Boz Scaggs (1976)

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #3 Hot 100, #5 Hot Soul Singles, 49^th Biggest Song of 1976

Co-written by Boz Scaggs and David Paich. Song is categorized in multiple musical genres. R&B, Disco, Jazz, Pop and Yacht Rock. Won a Grammy Award for best R&B song.

4. California Dreamin’—The Mamas & the Papas (1966)

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #4 Hot 100, #1 Biggest Song of 1966

Written by John Phillips and Michelle Phillips. Flute artist Bud Shank of the Wrecking Crew. Classic “Sunshine Pop” with outstanding vocal harmonies. Signature song for the folk-rock group was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2001.

3. Going Up the Country—Canned Heat (1968-1969)

Peak Position on Billboard Chart: #11 Hot 100

Written by Alan Wilson. Flute artist Jim Horn of the Wrecking Crew. Tune was adapted from an old 1920 blues song. Canned Heat’s biggest hit single was performed in August 1969 at Woodstock and is considered a “hippie anthem.”

2. Colour My World—Chicago: (1971)

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #7 Hot 100, 56^th Biggest Song of 1971

Written by James Pankow. Flute artist Walter Parazaider. “Colour My World” is a short ode from Pankow’s, “Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon” song cycle/suite, on the legendary 1970 “Chicago” (Chicago II) album. Terry Kath sings lead vocals.

Nights in White Satin—The Moody Blues (1967 & 1972)

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #2 Hot 100, 32^nd Biggest Song of 1972

Written by Justin Hayward. Flute artist Raymond Thomas. From the 1967 “Days of Future Passed” album and originally released as a single in 1967 and reached #19 in the U.K. It was re-released in the U.S. in 1972 and became a huge hit for the British band.

Musical backup on the track was provided by the London Festival Orchestra and the song is considered a progressive rock masterpiece. The 1972 single was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.

I proclaim “Nights in White Satin” as my third favorite song of all-time and the Moody Blues hit is number 1 on my countdown of fantastic flute singles from the Top 40 golden age.

That wraps up what I consider to be my favorite and best flute hits. 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 flute hits, your tabulation may be totally different. What do you consider to be the best preeminent flute singles? 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 flute singles of all-time.

To subscribe to my blog via email, please click the “Follow” button in the menu above.

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

Sweet Saxophone Songs from Top 40 Golden Age

Without a doubt, my favorite instrument is a saxophone. There just seems to be something magical for me whenever I hear a sax played in a song or tune, no matter what type of musical genre that is being presented.

Up until a few years ago, I had never analyzed why I loved certain songs during my youth. Then around the turn of the 21^st century, I realized the common denominator with many of my beloved songs was the saxophone.

With this music blog message, I will be counting down what I consider to be my favorite songs featuring the saxophone. My selections are mostly tunes that I treasured when I was a teenager or as a young adult and I still love these songs in 2024.

My listing of superb sax songs all became hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart during the golden age of top 40 radio. Obviously, that means that outstanding jazz ensembles, classical masterworks, and any other genre of music outside of pop, rock and soul, are excluded with this message.

To avoid any confusion, here are the criteria that I used to narrow down my listing of outstanding sax songs:

My selections were aired on Top 40 radio between the years 1965 and 1985.

Only songs released as 45-rpm singles are listed.

No album tracks used on countdown.

Saxophone needs to be prominently heard in a song.

Lead sax solos on instrumental breaks on songs with lyrical singing.

Countdown songs peaked at #40 or higher on the Billboard Hot 100.

Some groups that feature horn sections are not included in countdown: Blood Sweat & Tears, Earth Wind & Fire, Chicago and Tower of Power. All of these groups utilize saxophones, trumpets and trombones, but the sound of the sax generally isn’t elevated or distinguished among various brass instruments.

“25 or 6 to 4” by Chicago is an outstanding example of a saxophone being played in a song but the sax playing simply blends in with the other instruments and is not noticeable or pronounced on the tune.

As I surveyed the prominent sax hits, 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 start the sax countdown, I am sharing some other first-class saxophone songs in a couple of different categories. I am a fan of all of the extra songs that didn’t make my favorite sax songs all-time listing.

Songs played on Top 40 and AOR (album-oriented-radio) stations but not released as 45-rpm singles:

Turn the Page—Bob Seger
Us & Them—Pink Floyd
Scenes From an Italian Restaurant—Billy Joel
Jungleland—Bruce Springsteen

Bad to the Bone—George Thorogood & the Destroyers
Back in Time—Huey Lewis & the News
Moondance—Van Morrison
Can’t You Hear Me Knocking—The Rolling Stones

This next group are songs that I considered for the sax countdown but fell outside of my top 20 selections. Singles are not ranked and are placed in a random order:

Frankenstein—Edgar Winter Group
The One Thing—INXS
Time Passages—Al Stewart
Just the Two of Us—Grover Washington Jr. & Bill Withers
Careless Whisper—George Michael & Wham!
Whatever Gets You Thru the Night—John Lennon featuring Elton John

Who Can It Be Now—Men at Work
It’s Still Rock & Roll to Me—Billy Joel
Young Americans—David Bowie
Rio—Duran Duran
Urgent—Foreigner
The Letter—Joe Cocker
Heart to Heart—Kenny Loggins

I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do)—Hall and Oates
Caribbean Queen—Billy Ocean
Freeway of Love—Aretha Franklin
Get It Right Next Time—Gerry Rafferty
Let’s Dance—David Bowie
On the Dark Side—John Cafferty & the Beaver Brown Band
You Belong to Me—Carly Simon

Long As I Can See the Light—Creedence Clearwater Revival
Waiting on a Friend—The Rolling Stones
Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)—Marvin Gaye
Ooo Baby Baby—Linda Ronstadt
The Heat is On—Glenn Frye
Harden My Heart—Quarterflash

Opus 17 (Don’t You Worry ‘Bout Me)—The Four Seasons
True—Spandau Ballet
Same Old Lang Syne—Dan Fogelberg
You Belong to the City—Glenn Frey
You’re a Friend of Mine—Clarence Clemons and Jackson Browne
Miracles—Jefferson Starship

Without further ado, here is my top saxophone songs countdown:

20. Smooth Operator—Sade: 1985

Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 AC, #5 Hot 100, 62^nd Biggest Song of 1985

Co-written by Sade Adu and Ray St John. Saxophone artist Stuart Matthewman. From Sade debut album “Diamond Life.” Smooth jazz/R&B/pop. First top ten hit for Sade in the U.S.

19. Respect—Aretha Franklin: 1967

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 13^th Biggest Song of 1967

Written by Otis Redding. Saxophone artists: King Curtis and Willie Bridges. From “I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You” album. Signature song for Franklin. Ranked the #1 best song of all-time by Rolling Stone.

18. The Heart of Rock & Roll—Huey Lewis & the News: 1984

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #5 Hot 100, #4 Album Rock Tracks, 44^th Biggest Song of 1984.

Co-written by Huey Lewis and Johnny Colla. Saxophone artist Johnny Colla. The 2^nd of 4 top ten hits from 1983 “Sports” album. Pop/rock. Features excellent horn section.

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

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 AC, #3 Hot 100, 17^th Biggest Song of 1978

Written by Billy Joel. Saxophone 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.

16. Modern Love—David Bowie: 1983

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #6 Mainstream Rock Tracks, #14 Hot 100

Written by David Bowie. Saxophone artists: Robert Aaron, Stan Harrison and Steve Elson. From the “Let’s Dance” album. Produced by Nile Rodgers. Video of song was a top MTV clip.

15. Money—Pink Floyd: 1973

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #13, Hot 100, #6 Mainstream Rock Tracks

Written by Roger Waters. Saxophone artist Dick Parry. From legendary 1973 “The Dark Side of the Moon” album. Outstanding chord progression on tune. First top 40 hit for Pink Floyd.

14. Deacon Blues—Steely Dan: 1978

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #19 Hot 100, 100^th Biggest Song of 1978

Co-written by Walter Becker and Donald Fagen. Saxophone artist: Pete Christlieb. From “Aja” album. Jazz rock. Considered a core yacht rock song. Larry Carlton and Lee Ritenour provide superb guitar playing on tune.

13. Fortress Around Your Heart—Sting: 1985

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Top Rock Tracks, #8 Hot 100, 95^th Biggest Song of 1985

Written by Sting. Saxophone artist Branford Marsalis. Third hit single from “The Dream of the Blue Turtles” album. Rock, pop and jazz. Melodic tune and melancholy lyrics are featured on this song.

12. Brown Sugar—The Rolling Stones: 1971

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1, Hot 100, 18^th Biggest Song of 1971

Co-written by Keith Richards and Mick Jagger. Saxophone artist: Bobby Keys. From “Sticky Fingers” album. Up tempo blues rock. Recorded at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Sheffield, Alabama.

11. Jazzman—Carole King: 1974

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Ac, #2 Hot 100, 42^nd Biggest Song of 1974

Co-written by Carole King and David Palmer. Saxophone artist Tom Scott. From the “Wrap Around Joy” album. Pop/jazz. King has been quoted stating that saxophonist Curtis Amy was the inspiration of her ode for a jazz man.

10. Overkill—Men at Work: 1983

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #3 Hot 100, #3 Mainstream Rock Tracks, 54^th Biggest Song of 1983

Written by Colin Hay. Saxophone artist Greg Ham, member of Men at Work. From “Cargo” album. Third consecutive single by Australian band to reach #3 or higher on Billboard Hot 100. My second favorite single of 1983.

9. What Does It Take (To Win Your Love)—Jr. Walker & the All Stars: 1969

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Soul, #4 Hot 100, 20^th Biggest Song of 1969

Co-written by Johnny Bristol, Harvey Furqua and Vernon Bullock. Saxophone artist Junior Walker. From the “Home Cookin’” album. The Funk Brothers and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra played on tune. It was the number 1 biggest soul single of 1969, according to Billboard.

8. The Logical Song—Supertramp: 1979

Peak Position on Billboard Charts: #6 Hot 100, 27^th Biggest Song of 1979

Written by Roger Hodgson. Saxophone artist John Helliwell. From the “Breakfast in America” album. Progressive pop rock. Biggest hit single for the British band. My second favorite single of 1979.

7. Touch Me—The Doors: 1969

Peak Position on Cash Box and Billboard Charts: #1 Top 100 Singles (C), #3 Hot 100 (B), 49^th Biggest Song of 1969 (B)

Written by Robby Krieger. Saxophone artist Curtis Amy. From “The Soft Parade” album. Progressive pop rock. One of the first top 40 hits that included a jazz solo. Paul Harris provided orchestral arrangements on song.

6.. Year of the Cat—Al Stewart: 1977

Peak Positions on Cash Box and Billboard Charts: #4 Top 100 Singles (C), #8 Hot 100 (B), 92^nd Biggest Song of 1977.

Co-written by Al Stewart and Peter Wood. Saxophone artist Phil Kenzie. From the “Year of the Cat” album. Progressive pop and classic yacht rock tune. My 3^rd favorite single of 1977.

5. It Don’t Come Easy—Ringo Starr: 1971

Peak Positions on Cash Box and Billboard Charts: #1 Top 100 Singles (C), #4 Hot 100 (B), 43^rd Biggest Song of 1971

Written by Richard Starkey (and uncredited to George Harrison). Saxophone artist Ron Cattermole. This first solo hit by the former Beatle didn’t appear on a Ringo Starr album until 1975’s “Blast From Your Past” LP. Produced by George Harrison. My second favorite single of 1971.

4. Sir Duke—Stevie Wonder: 1977

Peak Positions on the Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, #1 R&B/Soul, 18^th Biggest Song of 1977.

Written by Stevie Wonder. Saxophone artist Trevor Lawrence. From the “Songs in the Key of Life” album. Lyrics are a tribute to Sir Duke Ellington, jazz pianist, composer, and leader of his own renowned jazz orchestra. My second favorite single of 1977.

3. What’s Going On—Marvin Gaye

Peak Positions of Billboard Charts: #2 Hot 100, #2 Soul, 21^st Biggest Song of 1971

Co-written by Marvin Gaye, Al Cleveland and Renaldo Benson. Saxophone artist Eli Fountain. From the “What’s Going On” album. Signature song by Marvin Gaye. My #1 favorite single of 1971 and my third most-esteemed Motown song of all-time.

2. Born to Run—Bruce Springsteen: 1975

Peak Positions on Cash Box and Billboard Charts: #17 Top 100 Singles (C), #23 Hot 100 (B)

Written by Bruce Springsteen. Saxophone artist Clarence Clemons. From the ‘Born to Run” album. Signature song by Bruce Springsteen. My #1 favorite single of 1975 and the best song that I played on WROV Roanoke 49 years ago.

Baker Street—Gerry Raffety: 1978

Peak Positions on Cash Box and Billboard Charts: #1 Top 100 Singles (C), #2 Hot 100 (B), 26^th Biggest Song of 1978 (B)

Written by Gerry Rafferty. Saxophone artist: Raphael Ravenscroft. From the “City to City” album. Signature song by Gerry Rafferty. My second most-loved yacht rock song and #1 favorite single for 1978. “Baker Street” is definitely my top pick with this countdown of most-beloved sax songs.

That wraps up what I consider to be my favorite and best sax hits. 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 sax hits, your tabulation may be totally different. What do you consider to be best preeminent saxophone singles? 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 sax superfine singles of all-time. Rock on!

To subscribe to my blog via email, please click the “Follow” button in the menu above.

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

We Are the World: The Greatest Night in Pop

“We are the world/We are the children/We are the ones who make a brighter day/So let’s start giving/There’s a choice we’re making/We’re saving our own lives/It’s true we’ll make a better day/Just you and me” Lyrics by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie: “We Are the World” January 1985.

DJ Dave note: The day that I published this music blog article, March 7, 2024, was the 39th anniversary of when the USA for Africa single and video for “We Are the World” was released: 3/7/85.

One of the best musical documentaries that I have viewed this decade is “The Greatest Night in Pop.” The 2024 film focuses on a charity single called “We Are the World” which was recorded over the course of a 12-hour period during late January 1985.

I want to thank my friend Jerry English for giving me the idea and inspiration for this latest music blog message. I am grateful that Jerry encouraged me to watch “The Greatest Night in Pop” film last month and I highly recommend viewing this outstanding documentary.

While I won’t be giving a review of “The Greatest Night in Pop” movie, I will be sharing about certain aspects of the film, the recording of “We Are the World”, and the songs significance in modern music history.

I also will be communicating what I consider to be the best 1980s singles by 15 of the artists who had solo vocal lines within the 1985 charity song. Every song that I will be listing was a major pop hit during the 80s.

“We Are the World” was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, with Quincy Jones and Michael Omartian producing the song which was recorded by a supergroup of pop artists called USA for Africa.

According to “The Greatest Night in Pop” documentary, over 40 pop artists assembled at A&M Recording Studios in Hollywood, California, to record final vocal tracks for the “We Are the World” song.

Michael Jackson arrived first for this historic musical event around 8:00 pm. Soon after scores of other artists came on the scene, with many coming directly from the American Music Awards happening that evening, including the host of the annual music ceremony Lionel Richie.

Around 10:30 pm, Quincy Jones gathered the vocal artists and musicians together to start the recording process. This assembled multitude worked throughout the night during their marathon recording session completing the final audiotape at 8:00 am.

Six weeks later on March 7, 1985, “We Are the World” was released as a single. The song was an immediate hit: Reaching number 1 on three Billboard charts: R&B Singles chart, Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks listing and the Hot 100 Pop singles survey, where it spent 4 weeks at the top spot.

After “We Are the World” was released, it was honored by multiple music awards. In 1986, the song achieved 4 Grammy Awards. The single also received awards by MTV for its music video, a People’s Choice Award and an American Music Award.

The original inspiration for artists to come together and record a song for African famine relief came from Harry Bellafonte. He is quoted on the USA for Africa website about the lasting effect of the “We Are the World” single:

“In 1985, the music industry and the world came together in an unprecedented outpouring of generosity in response to the tragic famine wreaking havoc in Africa at the time. The biggest names in music ‘checked their egos at the door’ to create what was and still is a worldwide phenomenon.”

Bellafonte continues: “The recording of the original We Are the World sold more than 7 million records worldwide. The worldwide sale of that record generated more than $60 million which has been used to assist Africa and Africans affected by the famine and other critical issues since 1985. The song became and remains the people’s anthem and continues to be revered and loved globally.”

Below are artists who sang solo parts on the “We Are the World” song:

Lionel Richie
Stevie Wonder
Paul Simon,
Kenny Rogers,
James Ingram

Tina Turner
Billy Joel
Michael Jackson
Diana Ross,
Dionne Warwick

Willie Nelson
Al Jarreau
Bruce Springsteen
Kenny Loggins
Steve Perry

Daryl Hall
Huey Lewis
Cyndi Lauper
Kim Carnes
Bob Dylan
Ray Charles

For the remainder of this message, I will convey what I consider to be the best and most memorable 80s pop hits, by 15 of the artists who had solo parts on the “We Are the World” recording. The songs that I have selected were all major top 40 singles from 1980 through 1989.

The top 15 songs and artists that I have picked are entirely based on my opinions. My selections are singles that I deem to be culturally, historically, aesthetically significant, meaningful or relevant.

In researching historical musical data for this article, I used “The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits” by Joel Whitburn for documentation. The placement of singles on the countdown derives solely on my favorability of songs and not on how I rate each of the artists listed.

Now without further ado, here is my countdown of 15 outstanding singles from “We Are the World” singers:

15. That’s What Friends Are For—Dionne Warwick: 1985

Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, The #1 biggest single of 1986

That’s What Friends Are For” was written by Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager and was recorded as a charity single for AIDS research and prevention. The 45-rpm record label says: “Dionne and Friends” who were Elton John, Gladys Knight, and Stevie Wonder. Won two Grammy Awards in 1986.

14. Lady—Kenny Rogers: 1980

Positions on Billboard charts: #1 Hot 100, 3^rd biggest song of 1986

Lionel Richie wrote and produced “Lady” for Kenny Rogers. It was the first song of the 80s to chart on all four Billboard singles charts – Country, Hot 100, Adult Contemporary and Hot Soul. Rated as the 10^th biggest single in the 80s decade. Biggest selling song in Rogers’ career.

13. On the Road Again—Willie Nelson: 1980

Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot Country, #7 Adult Contemporary, #20 Hot 100

Country crossover hit. Written by Willie Nelson for the movie “Honeysuckle Rose.” The artist also starred as the lead actor in the 1980 film. Won a Grammy Award for “Best Country Song.” Became the 9^th number one country hit for the singer-songwriter and is considered a signature song for Nelson.

12. Upside Down—Diana Ross: 1980

Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 18^th Biggest song of 1980

“Upside Down” was written and produced by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards, who were members of the R&B band Chic in 1980. Big international hit for Diana Ross. Billboard ranks single at #80 on their “Hot 100, 60^th Anniversary” chart.

11. Betty Davis Eyes—Kim Carnes: 1981

Position on Billboard Charts: #1, Hot 100, The #1 biggest single of 1981

Written in 1973 by Jackie De Shannon and Donna Weiss. Signature song for Kim Cranes. Single spent nine non-consecutive weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Won 2 Grammys Awards for Song of the Year” and “Record of the Year.”

10. Footloose—Kenny Loggins: 1984

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 4^th Biggest Song of 1984

Kenny Loggins co-wrote “Footloose” with Dean Pitchford for a 1984 movie that shares the same name as the Loggins’ song. It was the biggest selling single for the “yacht rock” music maestro. The first of two number 1 hits from the “Footloose” film (“Let’s Hear It for the Boy” by Denise Williams was second #1 single from movie).

9. Girls Just Want to Have Fun–Cyndi Lauper: 1984

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #2 Hot 100, 15^th Biggest Song of 1984

Singer-songwriter Cyndi Lauper wrote “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” which was her debut single from the album “She So Unusual.” Has become a feminist anthem and signature song for Lauper. Won top honors with a MTV Music Video Award and an American Video Award for this successful clip.

8. You Can Call Me Al—Paul Simon: 1986

Peak positions with Billboard Charts: #15 Adult Contemporary, #23 Hot 100

A world-wide hit for singer-songwriter Paul Simon who penned this song for the 2-time Grammy winning album “Graceland.” Artist used African musicians on single, mixing pop, rock, jazz and zydeco, with musical styles that originated in South Africa. Biggest hit for Simon during the 80s.

7. What’s Love Got to Do with It—Tina Turner: 1984

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 2^nd Biggest Song of 1984

Comeback song for Tina Turner and became her biggest selling single. “What’s Love Got to Do with It” received 3 Grammy Awards: for “Record of the Year”, “Song of the Year” and “Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.” Was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1989.

6. Oh, Sherrie—Steve Perry: 1984

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #3 Hot 100, 33^rd Biggest Song of 1984

First solo single for Steve Perry from the album “Street Talk.” Artist was still a member of Journey when “Oh, Sherrie” was a hit song during the summer of ’84. Was the biggest selling solo single by the outstanding rock vocalist.

5. Born in the USA—Bruce Springsteen: 1984

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #9 Hot 100, 92^nd Biggest Hit of 1984

Title track from the Bruce Springsteen 1983 album “Born in the USA.” One of the best-known songs by the Boss. The third of 7 top ten singles on the Billboard Hot 100 from legendary LP (1983-1985). The song is still a staple on classic rock radio stations here in 2024.

4. We Didn’t Start the Fire—Billy Joel: 1989

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 35^th Biggest Song of 1989

Billy Joel wrote the lyrics of “We Didn’t Start the Fire” which document historical, political, cultural and sports highlights between the years 1948 and 1989. The “Piano Man” sings in a rapid paced manner that calls for multiple listens to comprehend all of the historical events mentioned. Joel still performs this song as the first encore selection at every one of his 2024 concerts.

3. The Power of Love—Huey Lewis: 1985

Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 15^th Biggest Song of 1985

“The Power of Love” was written by Huey Lewis, along with Lewis Hayes and Johnny Colla for the 1985 film “Back to the Future. The single is backed up by Lewis’ band the News and became that band’s first #1 chart topping song. It was one of the biggest singles from the summer of ’85.

2. All Night Long (All Night)—Lionel Richie: 1983

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 12^th Biggest Song of 1984

The most successful solo single by the former lead singer of the Commodores. Written by Lionel Richie, “All Night Long” has a diversity of musical elements: pop, rock, and R&B, mixed with a Caribbean/African beat. This Richie signature song is still a favorite to play at wedding receptions this decade.

Man in the Mirror—Michael Jackson: 1988

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 21^st Biggest Song of 1988

My number 1 song on the countdown is by the “King of Pop” Michael Jackson. “Man in the Mirror” was written by Glen Ballard and Siedah Garrett, produced by Quincy Jones and Jackson.

The Andraé Crouch Choir recorded background gospel vocals on the song and it became Jackson’s 4^th consecutive single from the 1987 “Bad” album to peak at number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The message of the lyrics offer encouragement: “I’m starting with the man in the mirror/I’m asking him to change his ways/And no message could have been any clearer/If you wanna make the world a better place/Take a look at yourself and then make a change.”

“Man in the Mirror” is my favorite Michael Jackson solo song of all-time and I am glad to proclaim this excellent song to be my number 1 single of outstanding pop hit by artists who had solo vocals on “We Are the World.”

That wraps up my countdown on what I consider to be the 15 best singles from the “We Are the World” solo singers. I completely understand that my listing of 80s singles in this category was written from my point of view and is subjective.

If you were creating a similar register of excellent 80s pop hits by the same artists, your tabulation may be totally different. What do you consider to be the best singles by the “We Are the World” pop stars? I hope you will comment below.

In closing, I must ask this question: Is the recording in late January 1985 of “We Are the World” the greatest night in pop? Obviously, the answer to this query is debatable.

I will say that the assembly of over 40 artists for “We Are the World” has to be considered the greatest gathering ever of pop music superstars with the recording of this historic session. It may never be duplicated again.

Will there ever be another version of fundraising similar to what pop artists did with “We Are the World” in 1985? I am hoping that type of event will happen this century. Rock on!

To subscribe to my blog via email, please click the “Follow” button in the menu above.

Artist Profiles, Broadcasting, Music, Music Countdowns, Radio, Retro Rock

Outstanding Trio Rock Bands from the 20th Century

What are the greatest rock bands in the history of popular music that featured trios?

With my latest music blog message, I will be counting down what I consider to be the ten best rock band trios from the 20^th century from 1965 through 1985.

Before I share the countdown of the ten bands that I have selected for this topic, I need to state what constitutes a rock trio band.

Basically, a rock trio band features all three members playing instruments: normally an electric guitar, an electric bass guitar and drums. In some other trios, keyboards are substituted for either a guitar or a drum set.

At the same time that instruments are being played by all members, one or more of those same individuals will provide singing on songs that have vocals. These bands tend to have a full, rich sound with just three members.

The fresh electric sounds of British Invasion bands in the mid 60s such as the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and the Who, gave inspiration to those wanting to play that type of music with just 3 musicians. Soon thereafter, many new rock trio bands started forming in the United States and Great Britain.

As I did research for the topic of rock trio bands, I realized there were other types of musical groups with just 3 members. I classify these artists as vocal pop groups, that featured 3 singers that didn’t play musical instruments.

Below are some outstanding 3-person vocal groups from the 60s and 70s. These trios performed in a variety of musical genres from pop, rock, folk and soul.

The Supremes
Three Dog Night
The Bee Gees

Peter Paul and Mary
The Isley Brothers
Martha and the Vandellas

While all of the above 3-person vocal groups produced excellent music, they are not power trio rock bands and have been excluded from consideration on my countdown. Maybe I will write and publish a separate article on outstanding 60s and 70s trio vocal groups in the future? Stay tuned.

Here are the criteria I used in compiling my countdown of best rock trio bands:

Majority of album chart success between the years of 1965 and 1985.

Since my home country is in America, my rankings are based solely on what bands achieved in the United States.

In researching historical musical data for this article, I used Billboard and Cash Box magazines for documentation.

I also gathered artist information from the liner notes of vinyl albums that I still own in 2024.

Bands received significant airplay on Top 40 and Album Oriented Rock (AOR) radio in the U.S. from mid 60s through to the mid 80s.

Some groups listed in countdown may have had more than 3 members at some point but stayed as a trio during a majority of the band’s existence.

I will document main members of trio bands and may leave out part time personnel and/or people in a band whom stayed for short periods of time.

Please note that my ranking of albums and songs within the countdown of best rock trio bands is entirely based on my own opinion. My rating system reflects directly upon music that I deem to be culturally, historically, aesthetically significant, meaningful or relevant.

Without further ado, my countdown of the ten best trio rock bands begins:

10. James Gang

Main Lineup: Joe Walsh (guitars, lead vocals), Dale Peters (bass) and Jim Fox (drums). Widely acclaimed album: “James Gang Rides Again.” My #1 top-rated song: “Walk Away.” Second favorite track: “Funk #49.”

Active years as a trio: 1968-1974. The front man & lead singer for American band James Gang was Joe Walsh. He left the classic rock trio in 1971 for a solo career. Walsh later joined Eagles band during late 1975 and still is a member in 2024. He and his Eagles group were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.

9. Emerson Lake & Palmer

Main Lineup: Keith Emerson (keyboards), Greg Lake (Vocals and guitar) and Carl Palmer (drums and percussion). Widely acclaimed album: “Pictures at an Exhibition.” My #1 top-rated song: “Nut Rocker.” Second favorite track: “Lucky Man.”

Active years as a trio: 1970-1979, 1991-1999. Emerson Lake & Palmer (ELP) were an English progressive rock juggernaut. The band mixed genres of jazz, classical, along with pop-rock sounds together and became one of the leading bands for experimental music during the 70s.

8. Grand Funk Railroad

Main Lineup: Mark Farner (lead vocals, guitarist, keyboards), Mel Schacher (bassist) and Don Brewer (drummer and vocalist). Widely acclaimed album: “Closer to Home.” My #1 top-rated song: “We’re an American Band.” Second favorite track: “I’m Your Captain (Closer to Home).”

Active years as trio: 1969-1976. Grand Funk Railroad (GFR) was founded in Flint, Michigan during 1969. Labeled as arena rock, the group toured intensively and the band’s live shows were popular among concert attendees. (GFR) was inducted into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame in 2015.

7. Rush

Main Lineup: Geddy Lee (bass guitar, keyboards, vocalist), Alex Lifeson (guitar) and Neil Peart (drums, percussion and songwriter). Widely acclaimed album: “Moving Pictures.” My #1 top-rated song: “Tom Sawyer.” Second Favorite track: “New World Man.”

Active years as trio: 1974-2015. Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2013. Canadian band formed in Toronto, Ontario. Musically, group is considered progressive rock. Band also is known for synthesizer pop and hard rock blues. Rush produced excellent musicianship and top-notch lyrical compositions during the 20^th century.

6. Genesis

Main Lineup: Tony Banks (keyboards, acoustic guitar), Mike Rutherford (electric guitar, bass) and Phil Collins (Drums, percussion and vocalist). Widely acclaimed album: “Abacab.” My #1 top-rated song: “Abacab” Second favorite track: “No Reply at All.”

Active years as a trio: 1977-1996. Genesis is considered as a pioneer progressive rock band. This English group actually started with 5 members but paired down to just 3 fellows in 1977. All 3 guys recorded side projects in the 80s, with Collins having the most success, followed by Rutherford (Mike + The Mechanics). Band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2010.

5. ZZ Top

Main Lineup: Billy Gibbons (guitarist and vocalist), Frank Beard (drums) and Dusty Hill (bassist and vocalist). Widely acclaimed album: “Tres Hombres.” My #1 top-rated song: “La Grange.” Second favorite track: “Sharp Dressed Man.”

Active years as a trio: 1969 to 2021. The 2004 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees started in Houston, Texas. During the 70s, this southern rock band played a combination of hard rock and blues. During the MTV 80s, ZZ Top switched into a synthesizer pop-rock sound which brought the band much success. The band still performed as a trio until Hill’s death in 2021.

4. The Jimi Hendrix Experience

Main Lineup: Jimi Hendrix (guitarist and vocalist), Noel Redding (bass guitar) and Mitch Mitchell (drums). Widely acclaimed album: “Are You Experienced.” My #1 top-rated song: “All Along the Watchtower.” Second favorite track: “Purple Haze.”

Active Years as a trio: 1966-1970: Jimi Hendrix was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall in 1992, along with the other members of his Experience trio, drummer Mitch Mitchell and bassist Noel Redding. Although his mainstream music career was only 4 years long, many music critics consider Hendrix to be the greatest guitarist of all-time.

3. Crosby Stills & Nash

Main Lineup: David Crosby (guitarist, singer-songwriter), Graham Nash (singer-songwriter, keyboardist and guitarist) and Stephen Stills (lead guitarist, bass guitar, percussion, singer-songwriter). Widely acclaimed album: “Crosby Stills & Nash.” My #1 top-rated song: “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes.” Second favorite track: “Marrakesh Express.”

Active years as a trio: 1969-1970, 1973-1974, 1976-2015: Crosby, Stills & Nash (CSN) were a superb folk-rock supergroup and in 1997 became members of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. During 1970-1971 and occasionally at other select times, Neil Young joined CSN to form a quartet. The CSN trio contributed outstanding vocal harmonies and all were first-rate singer-songwriters.

2. The Police

Main Lineup: Sting (singer-songwriter, bass guitarist, main vocalist), Stewart Copeland (drums, percussion) and Andy Summers (guitarist). Widely acclaimed album: “Synchronicity.” My #1 top-rated song: “Every Little Thing She Does is Magic.” Second favorite track: “Roxanne.”

Active years as a trio: 1977-1984: English band formed in London during 1977. This trio combined rock, pop, reggae, jazz and punk together. Considered a new wave band in the late 70s. The Police became one of the biggest bands during the 80s and got into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2003.

1. Cream

Main Lineup: Jack Bruce (bassist chief vocalist and songwriter), Eric Clapton (guitarist, songwriter) and Ginger Baker (drums). Widely acclaimed album: “Disraeli Gears.” My #1 top-rated song: “Sunshine of Your Love.” Second favorite track: “White Room.”

Active years as a trio: 1966–1969: Cream is among the first supergroups in rock music history. Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker and Jack Bruce were pioneers musically mixing blues and hard rock sounds for trios. This British band reformed temporarily in 1993 when the group were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Without a doubt, Cream is my number one best power rock trio of all-time.

That wraps up what I consider to be my favorite and best top trio rock bands. I completely understand that my listing of songs and albums in this category was written from my point of view and is subjective.

If you were creating a similar register of excellent trio rock bands, your tabulation may be totally different. What do you consider to be the best rock groups with just 3 members from the years 1965 through 1985? I hope you will comment below.

I still love listening rock trio bands on the radio or at home on my home stereo system. Music from the groups in my countdown will always have a special place in my heart. Long live the outstanding music of classic rock trio bands. Rock on!

To subscribe to my blog via email, please click the “Follow” button in the menu above.

Broadcasting, Music, Music Countdowns, Radio, Retro Rock

1983 Outstanding Hit Singles and MTV Videos

Some music historians have called 1983 the last great year for pop music. Billboard magazine lists that 60 percent of the Hot 100 singles that charted 40 years ago were in the pop rock category.

With my latest music blog message, I will be counting down what I consider to be my favorite singles and videos that MTV aired during 1983.

The genesis of pop music’s explosion in the 80s goes back to the demise of disco music being aired on Top 40 stations. In lieu of playing disco hits, radio playlists consisted of mainly pop, rock, easy listening ballads and country crossover singles.

In my hometown of Roanoke, Virginia, K92 FM 92.3 was the number 1 rated radio station. This hot, hip and happening Top 40 outlet remained the biggest and most listened to station throughout the 80s decade. Below is an audio clip of K92’s David Lee Michaels from July 1981.

Elsewhere in the early 80s, many top 40 programmers and consultants rebranded their stations with a new format name: “Contemporary Hit Radio” (CHR). Most of these CHR outlets were on the FM dial.

During 1981, radio consultant Mike Joseph was hired by WCAU FM Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to set a new tone for that radio station. Joseph created the “Hot Hits” radio format for WCAU and is credited as revitalizing CHR/Top 40 radio for FM stations in the 80s.

One of the DJs on WCAU FM was Terry Young, who began his career in 1973 working at WROV 1240 AM Roanoke. Below is an audio clip of Young on WCAU FM in 1983, provided by Ellis Feaster via YouTube.

1983 also saw the launch of CHR Z100 New York. This legendary radio station was programmed by DJ Scott Shannon and went from “worst to first” with ratings in just 60 days. I am sharing an audio clip of Shannon on Z100’s third day on the air, August 4, 1983. Aircheck provided by Ellis Feaster via YouTube.

The rise of pop music can also be attributed to the advent of airing music video clips on cable TV. Music Television (MTV) debuted on August 1, 1981 and MTV totally revolutionized how music was heard and seen by folks in the United States.

During the first 18 months of MTV, the cable music channel aired an “Album Oriented Rock” (AOR) format. One of the chief criticisms of MTV during this time period was the lack of music videos by Black artists being played on the cable music channel.

It wasn’t until March 1983, that Michael Jackson’s video for “Billie Jean” was added and became the first video by a Black artist to be aired in heavy rotation on MTV. In my humble opinion, Jackson’s “Billie Jean” clip is the number one best and most influential music video that MTV aired during the first two years in operation.

Soon after, MTV added “Little Red Corvette” by Prince into its hot rotation. Then “Beat It” by Michael Jackson and “1999” from Prince were regularly aired on MTV. Finally Black music had a place on the cable music channel.

Probably the most renowned video that MTV played in 1983 was from the “King of Pop” Michael Jackson and his single “Thriller.” This clip was released during the fall of ‘83 and set the standard for well-produced music videos during the 80s decade.

Other influential video clips aired on MTV during 1983:

Hungry like the Wolf—Duran Duran
Rio—Duran Duran

Every Breathe You Take—The Police
King of Pain—The Police

Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)—The Eurythmics
Total Eclipse of the Heart—Bonnie Tyler

Sharp Dressed Man—ZZ Top
Modern Love—David Bowie

For the remainder of this message, I will be counting down what I consider to be the best CHR singles of 1983. The countdown is entirely based on my opinions. My selections are songs that I deem to be culturally, historically, aesthetically significant, meaningful or relevant.

In researching 1983 historical musical data for this article, I used 3 sources: Billboard and Cash Box magazines, along with MTV, for documentation.

Before staring the countdown, below are 1983 singles that I consider to be excellent songs but fell outside my top 25 selections. These selections are not ranked and are placed in a random order:

Der Kommissar—After the Fire
The Safety Dance—Men Without Hats
Too Shy—Kajagoogoo
Jeopardy—The Greg Kihn Band
She Works Hard for the Money—Donna Summer

Straight from the Heart—Bryan Adams
I Know There’s Something Going On—Frida
99 Luftballons—Nena
Shock the Money—Peter Gabriel
Photograph—Def Leppard

Back on the Chain Gang—The Pretenders
Our House—Madness
Lawyers in Love—Jackson Browne
Heart to Heart—Kenny Loggins
Rock the Casbah—The Clash

Come Dancing—The Kinks
Breaking Us in Two—Joe Jackson
You Got Lucky—Tom Pretty & the Heartbreakers
Maneater— Daryl Hall & John Oates
Maniac—Michael Sembello

Electric Avenue—Eddie Grant
Tell Her About It—Billy Joel
Islands in the Stream—Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton
(Keep Feeling) Fascination—The Human League
True—Spandau Ballet

Without further ado, my quality 1983 CHR singles countdown begins:

25. Love is a Battlefield—Pat Benatar

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

Up tempo song, mixing traditional rock instruments with electronic dance music. Pat Benatar won a Grammy Award for “Best Female Rock Vocal Performance” with this single.

24. Heart and Soul—Huey Lewis & the News

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Top Rock Tracks, #8 Hot 100

First single from the 1983 “Sports” album which produced 5 top 20 hits. Nominated for a Grammy Award in the category of “Best Rock Vocal, Group.”

23. China Girl—David Bowie

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #3 Mainstream Rock, #10 Hot 100

Written by Iggy Pop and David Bowie. Co-produced by Nile Rodgers. Second top 10 hit from the “Let’s Dance” album. Clip of the song won an MTV video award for “Best Male Video.”

22. Dirty Laundry—Don Henley

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Top Rock Tracks, #3 Hot 100

First solo hit for Don Henley. An all-star group of musicians play on single: Timothy B. Schmit, Joe Walsh, Steve Lukather, Danny Kortchmar, and Steve Porcaro. Lyrics portray callousness and insensitivity of network news anchors.

21. Beat It—Michael Jackson

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 5^th Biggest Song of 1983

The “King of Pop” scored a massive hit with this rock song. Features a guitar solo by Eddie Van Halen. Single sold 11 million copies world-wide. Won two Grammy Awards: for “Record of the Year” and “Best Male Rock Vocal Performance.”

20. Stand Back—Stevie Nicks

Peak positions on Billboard Charts: #2 Top Rock Tracks, #5 Hot 100

Stevie Nicks penned this new wave, synth rock hit. Prince played synthesizer during recording but was uncredited on the track. The Fleetwood Mac singer-songwriter continues to perform “Stand Back” during solo concerts here in 2023.

19. She’s a Beauty—The Tubes

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Top Rock Tracks, #10 Hot 100

Single was co-written by Tubes band member Fee Waybill, producer David Foster and Toto guitarist Steve Lukather. Biggest top 40 hit for the San Francisco-based rock band.

18. Twilight Zone—Golden Earring

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Mainstream Rock, #10 Hot 100

Golden Earring’s guitarist George Kooymans wrote this driving rock single. One of two top 40 hits by the Dutch band (“Radar Love” reached #13 in 1974).

17. Let’s Dance—David Bowie

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 18^th Biggest Song of 1983

David Bowie wrote song and co-produced the track with Nile Rodgers. Incorporates pop, rock, funk and new wave with a superb bass line. Diverse musical instruments on track: trumpet, saxophone, guitar, woodblocks, congas and tambourine.

16. Mr. Roboto—Styx

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

Track is from “Kilroy Was Here” a concept rock opera album by Styx. Written by band member Dennis DeYoung, who sang lead vocals and played keyboards on single.

15. Owner of a Lonely Heart—Yes

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

The band Yes switched up their progressive rock sound on this chart-topping song. Jon Anderson provides lead vocals. Tune is a mixture of pop, rock, electronic dance music.

14. Uptown Girl—Billy Joel

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #5 Hot 100, #8 Top Rock Tracks

A tribute to Frank Valli and the Four Seasons. Video featured Christie Brinkley, who married Billy Joel two years later in 1985.

13. She Blinded Me with Science—Thomas Dolby

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #5 Hot 100, #6 Top Rock Tracks

Quirky new wave synth-pop. Thomas Dolby was also a producer and session musician. The artist is considered a one hit wonder in the U.S.

12. Africa—Toto

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, #5 Adult Contemporary

Toto’s band members David Paich and Jeff Porcaro co-wrote song. Signature song by group. Rolling Stone rates “Africa” as one of the “Greatest songs of all-time.”

11. Down Under—Men at Work

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, #1 Top Rock Tracks

Considered a patriotic song in Men at Work’s home country of Australia. Co-written by band members Colin Hay and Ron Strykert. Second consecutive number 1 single on Billboard Hot 100.

10. Burning Down the House—Talking Heads

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #6 Top Rock Tracks, #9 Hot 100

New York City rock band. Biggest top 40 hit for group. Single is a combination of pop, new wave, art rock and funk. David Byrne is lead singer.

9. Allentown—Billy Joel

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #17 Hot 100, 43^rd Biggest Song of 1983

Billy Joel’s chronicle with the decline of blue-collar manufacturing in Rust Belt America. This pop rock tune was one of four top 20 singles for the “Piano Man” during ’83.

8. Synchronicity II—The Police

Peak Position on Billboard: #16 Hot 100

Powerful driving rock single written by band member Sting. Lyrics depicts the theory of synchronicity, a concept by Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung. The third of four top 20 hits in 1983 by the Police.

7. Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)—Journey

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Top Rock Tracks, #8 Hot 100

Co-written by Jonathan Cain and Steve Perry of Journey. Up-tempo rock with a Motown/R&B groove. Song is still a crowd favorite during Journey concerts during 2023.

6. Steppin’ Out—Joe Jackson

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #4 Adult Contemporary, #6 Hot 100

New wave, synth pop, rock single. Has a catchy tune. Biggest selling hit in the U.S. for Joe Jackson. Lyrics celebrate driving/cruising around town with a lover or significant other relationship.

5. Human Nature—Michael Jackson

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #2 Adult Contemporary, #7 Hot 100

Produced by Quincy Jones. Members of the band Toto are the musicians on this smooth yacht rock single. Michael Jackson’s fifth consecutive top 10 ten hit from the biggest album of 1983: “Thriller.” An outstanding melodic ballad.

4. Major Tom (Coming Home)—Peter Schilling

Peak Positions on Billboard Chart: Number 2 Dance, #14 Hot 100

Major Tom was a character in David Bowie’s “Space Oddity” single. German songwriter Peter Schilling created an unofficial response to Bowie’s character with this 80s hit. Tune has a pulsating synth-pop beat and was popular on dance floors in the U.S.

3. The One Thing—INXS

Peak Positions on Billboard Chart: #2 Top Rock Charts

MTV introduced Australian rock group INXS to America. Michael Hutchence, and Andrew Farriss of the band co-wrote “The One Thing.” The first U.S. hit for INXS paved the way for international success during the mid 80s.

2. Overkill—Men at Work

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

Written by Men at Work band member Colin Hay. This melodic tune features outstanding saxophone playing by Greg Ham. Third consecutive top 3 U.S. smash hit by the Australian band.

New Year’s Day—U2

Peak Positions on Billboard Chart: #2 Top Rock Tracks

My top selection on this countdown is “New Year’s Day” by U2. The lyrics for this song are credited to all four members of the Irish band.

The “New Year’s Day” single was the first track from U2’s 1983 “War” album. Subject matter of the song was inspired by the Polish Solidarity movement of the early 80s.

Musically, it features a distinctive bassline by Adam Clayton, melodic piano and guitar playing from the Edge, superb drumming by Larry Mullen Jr. and strong, heartfelt vocals from Bono.

Without a doubt, I proclaim that “New Year’s Day” as my favorite U2 song of all-time. And the band’s first single to chart in the U.S. on the Billboard Hot 100, is my number 1 best CHR single of 1983.

That wraps up what I consider to be my favorite and best top CHR hits for 1983. 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 1983 singles, your tabulation may be totally different. What do you consider to be best preeminent singles from ’83? I hope you will comment below.

Listening to music on CHR radio and watching music video clips from MTV during 1983, will always have a special place in my heart. I still cherish and fondly remember the excellent music of 40 years ago. Rock on!

To subscribe to my blog via email, please click the “Follow” button in the menu above.

Broadcasting, Music, Music Countdowns, Radio, Retro Rock

1972 Quality Top 40 Singles

What were the best singles aired on Top 40 radio during 1972?

Obviously, there are no definitive answers to my question. If I asked the above inquiry to 100 folks, I would surely receive one hundred different responses.

With my latest music blog message, I will be counting down what I consider to be my favorite Top 40 singles of 1972.

I have fond memories of listening to Top 40 radio in ’72 as I turned 17 years old that year in Roanoke, Virginia.

During daylight hours, I exclusively listened to Roanoke’s legendary WROV 1240 AM. This station featured a Top 40 format and was the number one top-ranked radio outlet in my city.

Bart Prater and Larry Bly were my two favorite WROV DJs 51 years ago. I also remember hearing DJs Ron Tompkins, Charlie Bell and Phil Beckman on the station nicknamed the “Rock of Roanoke” back during 1972.

Link above: Larry Bly and Bart Prater aircheck on WROV Roanoke in October 1972. Courtesy of WROV History Website/Pat Garrett

When WROV reduced power at sundown, I would listen to 3 top 40 AM radio stations located hundreds of miles away from my Virginia home.

After sundown, I would tune into three 50,000-watt clear channel AM stations: WLS 890 AM Chicago, WCFL 1000 AM (Super CFL) Chicago and WABC 770 AM New York.

For my countdown of ’72 superfine singles, I consulted two sources in my calculation of the biggest records in this category: Billboard and Cash Box magazines’ year-end top 100 singles charts for 1972.

As I surveyed the prominent hits from 1972, the countdown is entirely based on my opinions. My selections are songs that I deem to be culturally, historically, aesthetically significant, meaningful or relevant.

In comparing the biggest hits of 1972, I learned an interesting fact: Billboard listed “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” by Roberta Flack as the number one song while Cash Box placed “American Pie” by Don McLean as their biggest 45-rpm single.

Before I start my countdown of superfine singles, I want to share 10 of my favorite songs that were not ranked by either Cash Box or Billboard on their top 100 year-end charts for 1972.

Operator (That’s Not the Way It Feels)—Jim Croce
Ventura Highway—America
Witchy Woman—Eagles
Conquistador—Procol Harum
That’s the Way God Planned It—Billy Preston

Changes—David Bowie
Someday Never Comes—Creedence Clearwater Revival
Listen to the Music—The Doobie Brothers
Old Man—Neil Young
Baby Baby–Badfinger

This next group are songs I considered for the 1972 countdown but fell outside my top 25 selections. Singles are not ranked and are placed in a random order:

School’s Out—Alice Cooper
Taxi—Harry Chapin
Mother & Child Reunion—Paul Simon
An Old Fashion Love Song—Three Dog Night
Bang a Gong (Get It On)—T. Rex

Back Stabbers—The O’Jays
A Horse with No Name—America
Precious & Few—Climax
Without You—Nilsson
Rock & Roll Lullaby—BJ Thomas

Garden Party—Rick Nelson
I Need You—America
Too Late to Turn Back Now—Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose
(Last Night) I Didn’t get to Sleep at All—The 5^th Dimension
Speak to the Sky—Rick Springfield

Roundabout—Yes
Use Me—Bill Withers
I Saw the Light—Todd Rundgren
Goodbye to Love—The Carpenters
Sweet Seasons—Carole King

Without further ado, my 1972 quality singles countdown begins:

25. I’ll Take You There—The Staple Singers

Peak positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, #1 Hot R&B, 19th biggest song 1972

Lyrics feature message on civil rights, social conditions and has religious overtones. Song is in the Grammy Hall of Fame. The Staple Singers were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1999.

24. The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face—Roberta Flack

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100 and #1 Biggest Song of 1972

First number 1 song for the artist born in Black Mountain, North Carolina. Breakout hit was featured in the 1971 film, “Play Misty for Me.” Won two Grammy Awards for “Record of the Year” and “Song of the Year.”

23. You Are Everything—The Stylistics

Peak Positions on Charts: #9 Hot 100 (B), 53^rd Biggest Song of 1972 (CB)

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania soul group. Lead singer Russell Thompkins Jr. is outstanding with his high tenor and falsetto vocals on single. In 2004, the Stylistics were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame.

22. Everything I Own—Bread

Peak positions on Billboard Charts: #5 Hot 100, 52^nd Biggest Song of 1972

Bread musician and lead singer David Gates wrote song as a tribute to his father after his dad passed away. From the “Baby I’m-a Want You” album, one of six top ten 70s hits for the soft pop rock band.

21. Anticipation—Carly Simon

Peak positions on Billboard Charts: #13 Hot 100, 72^nd Biggest Song of 1972

According to Carly Simon’s 2015 memoir book, “Boys in the Trees”, the singer-songwriter wrote “Anticipation” after she waited for Cat Stevens to arrive at her apartment for a date. Song received a Grammy nomination for “Best Pop Female Vocalist.”

20. Doctor My Eyes—Jackson Browne

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #8 Hot 100, 92^nd Biggest Song of 1972

Jackson Browne was the first artist to have a top 40 hit on Asylum Records with “Doctor My Eyes.” Single was written by the musician and singer-songwriter, which featured up tempo piano and guitar riffs.

19. Never Been to Spain—Three Dog Night

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #5 Hot 100, 73^rd Biggest Song of 1972

Lyrics written by Hoyt Axton express longing to visit countries outside of his USA home. Three Dog Night’s Cory Wells sings lead vocals while Danny Hutton and Chuck Negron produce tight backing harmonies.

18. Where Is the Love—Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway

Peak position on Billboard Charts: #5 Hot 100, #1 AC, 58^th Biggest Song of 1972

The exceptional talents of Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway created a top-notch pairing with this collaboration. The song won a Grammy for “Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.”

17. Outa-Space—Billy Preston

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 R&B, #2 Hot 100, 22nd Biggest Song of 1972

Billy Preston played keyboards for the Beatles last concert appearance in 1969 and was nicknamed “Fifth Beatle.” A recording from that London rooftop concert was “Get Back.” Apple Records released that song as a 45-RPM single and is credited to “The Beatles with Billy Preston.”

16. Morning Has Broken—Cat Stevens

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #6 Hot 100, 44^th Biggest Song of 1972

This Cat Stevens hit is a cover of a Christian hymn that was first published in 1931. Rick Wakeman of the progressive rock band, Yes, played piano on this traditional Scottish Gaelic tune.

15. City of New Orleans—Arlo Guthrie

Peak Position on Billboard Hot 100 #18, 45th Biggest Song of Year

Late singer-songwriter Steve Goodman portrays a train ride from Chicago to New Orleans on the Illinois Central Railroad and their legendary “City of New Orleans” rail line. The song was written in 1971, after Amtrak took over servicing the famous railroad route from Illinois Central. Arlo Guthrie’s biggest Top 40 hit.

14. Hold Your Head Up—Argent

Peak Position on Billboard Hot 100 #5, 50th Biggest Song of 1972.

Ron Argent left the Zombies in 1969 and formed a new rock band, named after himself: Argent. Rick Wakeman of the rock band Yes provides an outstanding organ solo on song. “Hold Your Head Up” is the only top 40 hit in America for Argent.

13. Go All the Way—The Raspberries

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #5 Hot 100, 33^rd Biggest Song of 1972

This tune starts off kicking: Blazing guitars, infectious guitar riff and catchy hooks. Eric Carmen and his bandmates provide soaring harmonies, on this hot rocking, flame throwing masterpiece. I place “Go All the Way” as the best power pop rock song of the 70s.

12. Heart of Gold—Neil Young

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 17^th Biggest Song of 1972

Neil Young composed song after injuring his back in 1971. From the album “Harvest” which was the biggest selling LP of 1972. “Heart of Gold” features acoustic guitar and harmonica playing by Young. Backup vocals provided by James Taylor and Linda Ronstadt.

11. Rocket Man—Elton John

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #6 Hot 100, 44^th Biggest Song of 1972

This “space rock” gem was written by Bernie Taupin and Elton John. Song has a wonderful mixture of piano, synthesizer and guitar. This hit is a signature song for John and the English rock star now has the nickname of “Rocket Man.”

10. Layla—Derek & the Dominoes

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #10 Hot 100, 60^th Biggest Song of 1972

Eric Clapton is a co-writer, singer and lead guitarist for the song “Layla” which was recorded under his band’s name of Derek & the Dominoes. Lyrics are about Clapton’s unrequited love for George Harrison’s wife Pattie Boyd. Duane Allman plays slide guitar during the instrumental section of the tune.

9. American Pie—Don McLean

Peak Position on Billboard Charts 1972: #1 Hot 100: 3rd Biggest Song of Year

I consider “American Pie” as the second-best epic story song from the golden age of top 40 radio. Lyrics proclaim “The day the music died” as a 1959 plane crash that killed rock artists Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens. Don McLean explores cultural changes within rock ‘n roll, proclaiming philosophical angst, disillusionment and disappointment with rock music created after the tragic event of 2/3/59.

8. Take It Easy—Eagles

Peak Positions on Charts: #12 Hot 100 (BB), 98^th Biggest Song of 1972 (C)

Eagles debut single is an outstanding classic country rock gem. Written by Jackson Browne. Features the famous line “I was standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona.” A signature song for the ultra-successful 70s rock band.

7. Let’s Stay Together—Al Green

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 11^th Biggest Song of 1972

Smooth soul single by R&B and gospel singer Al Green. Rated as the 60^th greatest song of all-time by Rolling Stone. “Let’s Stay Together” is in the Grammy Hall of Fame and the Library of Congress, National Recording Registry. This signature song for Green is still played at many wedding receptions in 2023.

6. Vincent—Don McLean

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #2 Hot 100, 94^th Biggest song of 1972

My second Don McLean song on the countdown was penned by the singer-songwriter as a tribute to Vincent van Gogh. The opening line on this song is a reference to a 19^th Century Van Gogh painting, ‘The Starry Night’. Tune is among the most melodic top 40 hits during 1972.

5. Day After Day—Badfinger

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #4 Hot 100, 39^th Biggest Song of 1972

Written by Peter Ham of Badfinger and single was the biggest hit for the band. Former Beatles member George Harrison produced the song and played slide guitar on track. “Day After Day” is one of the best power pop rock singles of the 70s.

4. Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress—The Hollies

Peak Position on Billboard Charts: #2 Hot 100, 24^th Biggest Song of 1972

Comeback single for the English group and became their biggest charting hit in the U. S. Opening instrumental music and Allen Clarke’s vocals on “Long Cool Woman” sound similar to “Green River” written by John Fogerty of Creedence Clearwater Revival. The Hollies were sued by the former CCR front man and he secured an out-of-court settlement with the British band.

3. Saturday in the Park—Chicago

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #3 Hot 100, 76^th Biggest Song of 1972

Written by Chicago band member Robert Lamm. Lyrics for this song incorporate all pleasant things associated with spending a wonderful summer afternoon with friends and loved ones in a park setting. Tune has an excellent brass section and I rate “Saturday in the Park” one of my favorite “summer” songs from the 60s and 70s.

2. Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)—Looking Glass

Peak Position on Billboard Charts 1972: #1 Hot 100: 12th Biggest Song of Year

Elliot Lurie of Looking Glass has an engaging story: Brandy works in a seaport harbor town as a barmaid and the man she loves is a sailor. Unfortunately for Brandy, the seaman is never in port and honestly declared to her before leaving for the last time: “But my life, my lover and my lady is the sea.”

“Brandy” is favorite song for my immediate family and we will always sing this classic song whenever hearing it played on the radio. This Looking Glass sing-a-along single is one of my all-time favorite hits from the early to mid 70s.

1. Nights in White Satin—The Moody Blues

Peak positions on Billboard Charts: #2 Hot 100, 32nd Biggest Song of 1972

My top selection on this countdown is “Nights in White Satin” by the Moody Blues. Written by frontman and guitarist Justin Hayward, it is the biggest selling single by the British progressive rock band.

Originally released as a single from the album “Days of Future Passed” in 1967, the song didn’t chart in the U.S. and was only a minor hit in the U.K. Five years later in 1972, “Nights in White Satin” was reissued as a single and became a world-wide smash.

Musical backup on the track was provided by the London Festival Orchestra and gave the tune a unique sound, quite different from most hits during early to mid 70s on top 40 radio. Over the years, the song has achieved critical acclaim and is considered by many as a progressive rock masterpiece.

Without a doubt, I proclaim “Nights in White Satin” is my third favorite song of all-time and the Moody Blues hit is my number one best top 40 single of 1972.

That wraps up what I consider to be my favorite and best top 40 hits for 1972. 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 1972 hits, your tabulation may be totally different. What do you consider to be best preeminent singles from ’72? 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 1972. Rock on!

To subscribe to my blog via email, please click the “Follow” button in the menu above.

DJ Dave's Musical Musings

It's better to burn out than to fade away – Neil Young

Author Archives: David Woodson

The Brothers Young: Virginia’s Accomplished Bluegrass Duo

The Beatles Abbey Road Album at 55

Harmonious Harmonica Top 40 Hits

1979 Stellar Top 40 Hits

Fantastic Flute Favorites from Top 40 Golden Age

Sweet Saxophone Songs from Top 40 Golden Age

We Are the World: The Greatest Night in Pop

Outstanding Trio Rock Bands from the 20th Century

1983 Outstanding Hit Singles and MTV Videos

1972 Quality Top 40 Singles