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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 21st 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

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!
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

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

20.  Smooth Operator—Sade: 1985

Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 AC, #5 Hot 100, 62nd 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, 13th 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, 44th Biggest Song of 1984.

Co-written by Huey Lewis and Johnny Colla. Saxophone artist Johnny Colla. The 2nd 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, 17th 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, 100th 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, 95th 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, 18th 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, 42nd 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, 54th 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, 20th 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, 27th 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), 49th 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), 92nd 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 3rd 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), 43rd 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, 18th 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, 21st 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.

  1. Baker Street—Gerry Raffety: 1978

Peak Positions on Cash Box and Billboard Charts: #1 Top 100 Singles (C), #2 Hot 100 (B), 26th 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. 

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

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, 3rd 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 10th 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 9th 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, 18th 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, 60th 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, 4th 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, 15th 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, 2nd 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, 33rd 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, 92nd 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, 35th 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, 15th 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, 12th 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.  

  1.  Man in the Mirror—Michael Jackson: 1988

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 21st 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 4th 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!

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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 20th 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 20th 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!

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