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

Woodstock Iconic Performances: Back in the Summer of ’69

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. “Piece of My Heart”. Janis Joplin

  • Second Favorite Song Performed: “Ball & Chain”

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

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

  • Second Favorite Song Performed: “Stand”

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

8. “Evil Ways” Santana  

  • Second Favorite Song Performed: “Soul Sacrifice”  

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

7. “The Weight” The Band

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

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

6. “White Rabbit”. Jefferson Airplane

  • Second Favorite Song Performed: “Somebody to Love”

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

5. “See Me Feel Me” The Who

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

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

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

  • Second Favorite Song Performed: “Marrakesh Express

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

3. “Born on the Bayou” Creedence Clearwater Revival

  • Second Favorite Song Performed: “Green River”

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

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

  • Second Favorite Song Performed: “Feelin’ Alright”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Live Aid Top Performances:  London & Philadelphia 1985

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10.   The Who

Songs Performed:

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

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

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

9.     The Cars  

Song Performed:

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

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

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

8.     Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers

Songs Performed:

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

My favorite of the set list: “Refugee”

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

7.     Eric Clapton & Phil Collins

Songs Performed:

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

My favorite of the set list: “Layla”

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

6.     David Bowie

Songs Performed:

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

My favorite of the set list: “Modern Love”

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

5.     Mick Jagger & Tina Turner

Songs Performed:

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

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

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

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

4.     Paul McCartney  

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

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

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

3.    U2

Songs Performed:

  • “Sunday Bloody Sunday”
  • “Bad”

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

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

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

2.   Dire Straits & Sting

Songs Performed:

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

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

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

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

  1.  Queen

Songs Performed:

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

My favorite of the set list:  “Bohemian Rhapsody”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Popular Classic Wedding Love Songs  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

25.  Truly—Lionel Richie: 1982

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

24.  Unchained Melody—The Righteous Brothers:  1965

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

23.  Faithfully—Journey: 1983

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

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

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

21.  Always—Atlantic Starr: 1987

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

20.  With This Ring—The Platters: 1967

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

19.  For All We Know—The Carpenters:  1970

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

18.  Always and Forever—Heatwave: 1978

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

17.  Here and Now—Luther Vandross:  1989

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

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

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

15.  Three Times a Lady—The Commodores:  1978

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

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

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

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

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

12.  God Only Knows—The Beach Boys: 1966

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

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

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

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

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

9.    You Are So Beautiful—Joe Cocker:  1975

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

8.    In My Life—The Beatles: 1965

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

7.    Your Song—Elton John:  1971

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

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

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

5. My Girl—The Temptations: 1965

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

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

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

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

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

2.   Longer—Dan Fogelberg:  1980

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

  1. Never My Love—The Association:  1967

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

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

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

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

I realize that my listing of songs in this category was written from my point of view and is subjective. If you were creating a similar register of excellent wedding love songs, your tabulation may be totally different from my selections.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5.    Hey Jude & Revolution—The Beatles:  1968

Peak Positions on Billboard Hot 100

  • Hey Jude:  #1
  • Revolution #12

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • No Sugar Tonight

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

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

  • American Woman

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

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

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

Peak Positions on the Billboard Hot 100

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

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

  • God Only Knows

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

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

  • Wouldn’t It Be Nice

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

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

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

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

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

  • Down on the Corner

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

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

  • Fortunate Son

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

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

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

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

Peak Positions on Billboard Hot 100

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

That wraps up my countdown of what I consider to be the 5 best double-sided 45 rpm singles from the golden age of Top 40 radio. I realize that my listing of songs in this category was written from my point of view and is subjective.

If you were creating a similar register of excellent double-sided singles from the 60s and 70s, your tabulation may be totally different. What do you consider to be best preeminent double-sided hit singles in this category? There are no right or wrong answers. I welcome your thoughts.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

20.  Zombie—The Cranberries 1995

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

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

19.  Closing Time—Semisonic 1998

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

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

18.  Black Hole Sun—Soundgarden 1994

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

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

17.  Mr. Jones—The Counting Crows 1994

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

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

16.  Walking on the Sun—Smash Mouth 1997

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

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

15.  Lightning Crashes—Live. 1994

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

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

14.  Love Will Keep Us Alive—Eagles. 1994

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

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

13.  How Bizarre—OMC. 1996

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

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

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

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

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

11.  Lovefool—The Cardigans. 1997

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

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

10.  Interstate Love Song—Stone Temple Pilots. 1994

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

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

9.    Until I Fall Away—Gin Blossoms

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

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

8.    What Would You Say—Dave Matthews Band 1994

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

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

7.    Torn—Natalie Imbruglia. 1998

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

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

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

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

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

5.    You Oughta Know—Alanis Morissette 1995

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

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

4.    Ants Marching—Dave Matthews Band 1995

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

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

3.    Don’t Speak—No Doubt 1996

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

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

2.    One Headlight—The Wallflowers 1997

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

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

1.    Iris—Goo Goo Dolls. 1998

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Best Protest and Social Justice Anthems: Hits of the 60s and 70s

When I was growing up in the late 60s and early 70s, it was a tumultuous time in the United States and my country was dominated by political and social unrest.

During the 1965 to 1975 time period, there were 3 main protest movements that happened simultaneously in America:  Anti-war sentiments with U.S. involvement in the Vietnam conflict, Black civil rights activism and women’s rights issues.

Many in the music industry started writing songs that addressed these pressing, controversial topics by recording music that promoted hope, empowerment, love, and encouragement to press on for change.

Top 40 radio provided an outlet for artists to reach large audiences with concerns that many Americans shared from all walks of life: folks hoping that change would take place in the future.

With this edition of my musical musings, I will be counting down what I consider to be the best protest and social justice anthems that were played on Top 40 radio from 1965 to 1975.

For the rest of this message, I will be counting down my favorite Top 20 singles of protest and social justice songs.  The sole criterion I utilized with song tabulation for the countdown is that the song must have peaked at #40 or higher on the Billboard Hot 100 between the 1965 to 1975 time period.

As I surveyed the prominent songs in this category, 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.

Before I start my countdown, I want to share what I consider to be four foundational protest and social justice songs between 1960 and 1964. These selections are building blocks for songs popular from the mid 60s to mid 70s.

  • Blowin’ in the Wind—Bob Dylan

Written by Bob Dylan.  Protest song asking rhetorical questions on topic of freedom, peace and war. Made popular by Peter Paul & Mary. Their 1963 cover of ‘Blowin’ in the Wind” reached #2 on Billboard Hot 100. One of Dylan’s signature songs. Inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

  • We Shall Overcome—Joan Baez 

Written by Charles Albert Tindley. Originally a gospel song.  Modern version of tune made famous by Pete Seeger. Became associated with the 60s civil rights movement. Joan Baez sang song in front of the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington Civil Rights protest in August 1963.

  • A Change is Gonna Come—Sam Cooke

Written by Sam Cooke.  This song is the crown jewel of all songs written by the “King of Soul.”

Lyrics were inspired by multiple real-life discrimination against Cooke during the 60s. Tune became hope for the Civil Rights Moment. It’s ranked as the third “Greatest Song of All Time” by Rolling Stone magazine.

  • Where Have All the Flowers Gone—Pete Seeger

Written By Pete Seeger.  Lyrics are an anti-war protest, highlighting death and destruction upon the effects of war.  Many artists have covered the song with Peter Paul & Mary and the Kingston Trio having the most popular versions in the 60s. Song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1973.

There are also two excellent protest and social justice songs that were not top 40 hits but are memorable singles I want to highlight:

  • Requiem for the Masses—The Association

Written by Terry Kirkman. A member of the Association. The song references war, racism and protesting network TV news reporting of the Vietnam conflict. The tune has requiem-style vocals that depict thousands of fallen dead soldiers coming back to the U.S. to be buried.

  • 7 O ‘Clock News/Silent Night—Simon & Garfunkel

Co-written by Josef Mohr & Franz Gruber. The Paul Simon & Art Garfunkel duo sing the traditional Christmas carol “Silent Night” while simultaneously an announcer reads actual news events that happened during the summer of 1966.  The 7 O ‘Clock dialogue features prominent news about Martin Luther King, Jr, the Civil Rights Moment and info about the Vietnam War

I have one more outstanding protest song to share before the countdown starts:

  • Signs–Five Man Electrical Band

One of my favorite singles of 1971 is a protest on the topic of signs. Musician and lead vocalist Les Emmerson from Canadian group Five Man Electrical Band, wrote this song after traveling on U.S. Route 66 in California and seeing multiple large billboards blocking the natural scenic beauty along the historic highway.

Without further ado, my Top 20 countdown of best protest and justice songs begins:

20.  Eve of Destruction—Barry McGuire  1965

Written by P.F. Sloan:  Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 29th Biggest song of 1965

Co-written by Dennis Lambert & Brian Potter:   This ode mentions many hot button topics: Vietnam War, drafting of soldiers, the Civil Rights Movement, Nuclear War, U.S. space program and war in the Middle East. Barry McGuire’s song is a one hit wonder. He went on to record Jesus Music in the 70s.

19.  One Tin Soldier—The Original Caste:  1969

Co-written by Dennis Lambert & Brian Potter:  Peaked by #26 on Billboard Hot 100

The Original Caste was a Canadian group and their anti-war song is about a fictional kingdom that had a great treasure. Warring tribes fight, killing and destroying all foes in order to obtain the treasure. When the treasure is conquered, the rock has a message, “Peace on earth.” Overall message of the lyrics:  The war was pointless.

18.  Sweet Cherry Wine—Tommy James & the Shondells  1969

Co-written by Richard Grasso & Tommy James:  Peaked at #7 on Billboard Hot 100

Lyrics of “Sweet Cherry Wine” had multiple meanings. It directly declares an anti-war message, as the Vietnam conflict was happening in the late 60s. Tommy James also said in 2012 that his song refers to the blood of Jesus that Christians celebrate as Holy Eucharist or Holy Communion.

17.  Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)—Marvin Gaye  1971

Co-written by James Nyx Jr. & Marvin Gaye:  Peaked at #14 on the Billboard Hot 100

From the landmark “What’s Going On” concept album by Marvin Gaye. This song depicts horrid living conditions, extreme poverty and economic despair for people living in American inner-city ghettos.  It was the third consecutive hit by Gaye to reach #1 on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart in 1971.

16.  American Woman—The Guess Who. 1970

Co-written by Burton Cummings, Garry Peterson, Jim Kale & Randy Bachman:  Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 3rd Biggest Song of 1970.

Randy Bachman of the Guess Who stated in 2014 that “American Woman” was an anti-war protest song against the Vietnam conflict from a Canadian point of view. Of course, lyrics can also be interpreted literally as guys from Canada not wanting anything to do with women from the U.S. The single became the biggest hit on the Billboard Hot 100 by the Canadian rock band.

15.  Give Peace a Chance–John Lennon & the Plastic Ono Band  1969  

Co-written by John Lennon and Yoko Ono:  Peaked at #14 on Billboard Hot 100

During John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s honeymoon in 1969, the newly married couple held a “bed-in” peace rally in Montreal, Canada.  “Give Peace a Chance” was recorded in a hotel room with a group of friends and acquaintances. It became an anthem for the anti-war movement in America.

14.  Living for the City—Stevie Wonder:  1973

Written by Stevie Wonder:  Peak Positions on Billboard Charts:  #8 Hot 100, 45th Biggest Song of 1974

An epic story about a poor Black man from Mississippi moving to New York City who took a job with low wages. He eventually faces racial injustice, police brutality and a corrupt criminal system.  Stevie Wonder won two Grammy Awards for his written story song.

13.  People Get Ready—Curtis Mayfield & the Impressions  1965

Written by Curtis Mayfield: Peaked at #14 on the Billboard Hot 100

A gospel influenced song of social and political awareness.  After Curtis Mayfield’s song was released, Martin Luther King Jr. named “People Get Ready” as the “Unofficial Civil Right Movement Song.”  Rolling Stone rates it at #24 on their “Greatest Songs of All Time” listing.

12.  Imagine—John Lennon  1971

Co-written by John Lennon & Yoko Ono: Peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100

Best-selling single in the solo career of John Lennon.  Lyrics are a call for world peace:  one world, one country, one people. “Imagine” is ranked as the third “Greatest Song of All Time” by Rolling Stone and is considered Lennon’s masterpiece signature song.

11.  Get Together—The Youngbloods  1967

Written by Chet Powers:  Peak positions on Billboard Charts:  #5 Hot 100, 16th Biggest Song of 1969

An appeal for peace, love, tranquility and brotherhood are all captured on this only top 40 hit by the Youngbloods. Originally released during the summer of love in July 1967, this folk-rock tune actually didn’t become a hit until two years later, back in the summer of ’69.

10.  Abraham Martin & John—Dion:  1968

Written by Dick Holler:  Peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100

A tribute to four men who were assassinated:  Abraham Lincoln, John F Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Robert F Kennedy.  Was written after the assassinations of MLK and RFK in the summer of 1968. All 4 leaders were icons of social change. Gone but not forgotten.

9.   Respect—Aretha Franklin   1967

Written by Otis Redding:  Peak Positions on Billboard Charts:  #1 Hot 100, 13th Biggest Song of 1967

Aretha Franklin took Otis Redding’s “Respect” and made it her own song. It became an anthem for Black Civil Rights and Women’s Rights, especially workplace equality, protection from domestic violence and sexual assault/harassment issues.  Rolling Stone magazine rates “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” as the #1 greatest song of all time.

8.   Revolution—The Beatles:  1968

Co-written/credited as a John Lennon & Paul McCartney song.  It was primarily written by Lennon. Peaked at #12 on the Billboard Hot 100

Lyrics for “Revolution” came about as some anti-war moment members were calling out for violence to achieve their goals.  Lennon, being a peace activist, believed in non-violent methods to promote peaceful transitions. The Beatles rocked with a message of social change on this hard driving tune.

7.   War—Edwin Starr. 1970

Co-written by Norman Whitfield & Barrett Strong:  Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 5th Biggest Song of 1970

“War, huh, yeah, What is it good for? Absolutely nothing!” is the chorus to one of the most renowned anti-war protest songs of the 20th century.  Edwin Starr delivers powerful vocals and expresses anger, frustration and moral conviction with this outstanding Motown Records gem.

6.   Ohio—Crosby Stills Nash & Young  1970

Written By Neil Young:  Peaked at #16 on the Billboard Hot 100

When Neil Young saw photos in Life Magazine about the Kent State University tragedy of 4 students being killed by National Guard soldiers, he wrote lyrics that expressed horror, rage and disgust about the May 4, 1970 event. Some music historians proclaim that “Ohio” is the greatest protest song of the 20th century.

5.   Ball of Confusion (That’s What the World is Today)—The Temptations  1970

Co-written by Norman Whitfield & Barrett Strong: Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #2 Hot 100, 24th Biggest Song of 1970

Psychedelic soul that mentions a wide variety of topical issues. It was an age of discontent with the world spinning out of control.  “Ball of Confusion” was archetypical of social justice Motown songs that were produced in the late 60s and early 70s.

4.   For What It’s Worth—Buffalo Springfield  1967

Written by Stephen Stills:  Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #7 Hot 100, 27th Biggest Song 1967

This protest song was originally written by Stephen Stills about curfew riots that happened at Sunset Strip in Los Angeles in November 1966.  After the tune became a hit, it was associated with Vietnam War protests, with young people clashing with police during the late 60s counterculture era.

3.   People Got to Be Free—The Rascals  1968

Co-written by Felix Cavaliere & Eddie Brigati:  Peak positions on Billboard Charts:  #5 Hot 100, 5th Biggest Song of 1968 

 Written on May 14, 1968, between the assassinations of Martin Luther King, Jr and Robert F Kennedy.  The message promoted tolerance, freedom and brotherhood of all mankind. Released during the turbulent summer of 1968, “People Got to Be Free” became an anthem of hope for young Americans.

2.   What’s Going On—Marvin Gaye  1971

Co-written by Al Cleveland, Renaldo & Marvin Gaye:  Peak Positions on Billboard Charts:  #2 Hot 100, 21st Biggest Single of 1971

1971 was a troublesome time in America.  Marvin Gaye’s socially conscious song “What’s Going On” accurately captured the pulse of turmoil that prevailed in our country.  Police brutality, violence in the streets and American involvement in the Vietnam War are all topics on this protest tune.

“What’s Going On” is among the best and most loved tunes in Motown musical history. Rolling Stone ranks it at number 6 on the, “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” listing.  Numerous other music publications place the tune among the best songs from the 20th Century. It remains a crown jewel of the best songs ever recorded by Gaye.

  1. Fortunate Son—Creedence Clearwater Revival  1969

Written by John Fogerty:  Peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100

My #1 protest and social justice song is “Fortunate Son” by Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR).  Released in September 1969 during the peak period of American involvement in the Vietnam War, this ode quickly became an anti-war movement anthem and is considered a signature song for its author, singer-songwriter John Fogerty.

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

In 2013, Fogerty’s song was added to the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress and it is widely regarded as the best overall song ever written by Fogerty. Without a doubt, I rate “Fortunate Son” as my favorite John Fogerty/CCR track of all-time and it is the #1 best protest and social justice song on my 60s and 70s countdown.

That wraps up what I consider to be my favorite and best 60s and 70s protest and social justice songs.  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 protest and social justice singles, your tabulation may be totally different. What do you consider to be best preeminent singles in this category?

I have passionate memories of the protest and social justice songs that I have shared in this article.  Without a doubt, I still cherish and fondly remember my countdown singles to this day.  Rock on!

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