Ben (1972)
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By: Michael Jackson (born August 29, 1958 in Gary, Indiana, died June 25, 2009 of cardiac arrest in Los Angeles, California.)
Called the King of Pop, Jackson is recognized by Guinness World Records as the most successful entertainer of all time. His contribution to music, dance and fashion, along with a much-publicized personal life, made him a global figure in popular culture for over four decades.
The eighth child of the Jackson family, he debuted on the professional music scene alongside his brothers as a member of The Jackson 5 in the mid-1960s, and began his solo career in 1971.
"Ben" was featured in the 1972 movie of the same name. It was nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Song, and Jackson sang it at the ceremony in 1973.
According to the book Jacksons Number Ones
, "Ben" was intended for Donny Osmond, but co-writer Don Black suggested Jackson instead.
Despite being about a rat, the lyrics make no reference to rodents. The song is about someone named Ben who is not regarded as a friend by anyone, but is thought to be and comforted by the singer.
"Ben" was one of Michael Jackson's favorite songs.
It was his first #1 hit as a solo artist. Motown began recording him as a solo artist when the Jackson 5 stopped selling well. Jackson was 14 at the time, and became the youngest artist to top the US charts both as a solo artist and as a member of a group (the Jackson 5).
Chart position: #1 (US, 1 week), #7 (UK).
It charted again in 2009 (after Jackson's death) in the UK at #46.
It was preceded at #1 in 1972 by "Baby, Don't Get Hooked on Me"
(Mac Davis) and succeeded by "My Ding-a-Ling"
(Chuck Berry).
The Top Ten Songs: October 14, 1972 (US Billboard Hot 100).
Written by: Don Black and Walter Scharf.
Black and Scharf wrote this for the 1972 movie of the same name.
Black wrote many movie themes, including "Diamonds Are Forever"
(for the James Bond movie) and "Born Free"
.
At his 2007 induction in the Songwriters Hall Of Fame, Black explained: "When it came to writing about a rat, I said, 'You can't write about a rat.' I mean, I'm not going to use words like 'cheese.' I thought the best thing to do is write about friendship."
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Want to submit facts and trivia about this song? Leave a comment!
Download MP3s from Amazon.com:
By: Michael Jackson (born August 29, 1958 in Gary, Indiana, died June 25, 2009 of cardiac arrest in Los Angeles, California.)
Called the King of Pop, Jackson is recognized by Guinness World Records as the most successful entertainer of all time. His contribution to music, dance and fashion, along with a much-publicized personal life, made him a global figure in popular culture for over four decades.
The eighth child of the Jackson family, he debuted on the professional music scene alongside his brothers as a member of The Jackson 5 in the mid-1960s, and began his solo career in 1971.
"Ben" was featured in the 1972 movie of the same name. It was nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Song, and Jackson sang it at the ceremony in 1973.
According to the book Jacksons Number Ones
, "Ben" was intended for Donny Osmond, but co-writer Don Black suggested Jackson instead.Despite being about a rat, the lyrics make no reference to rodents. The song is about someone named Ben who is not regarded as a friend by anyone, but is thought to be and comforted by the singer.
"Ben" was one of Michael Jackson's favorite songs.
It was his first #1 hit as a solo artist. Motown began recording him as a solo artist when the Jackson 5 stopped selling well. Jackson was 14 at the time, and became the youngest artist to top the US charts both as a solo artist and as a member of a group (the Jackson 5).
Chart position: #1 (US, 1 week), #7 (UK).
It charted again in 2009 (after Jackson's death) in the UK at #46.
It was preceded at #1 in 1972 by "Baby, Don't Get Hooked on Me"
(Mac Davis) and succeeded by "My Ding-a-Ling" (Chuck Berry).The Top Ten Songs: October 14, 1972 (US Billboard Hot 100).
- "Ben" (Michael Jackson)
- "Use Me" (Bill Withers)
- "Everybody Plays the Fool" (Main Ingredient)
- "Burning Love" (Elvis Presley)
- "Go All the Way" (Raspberries)
- "Baby Don't Get Hooked on Me" (Mac Davis)
- "My Ding-a-Ling" (Chuck Berry)
- "Nights in White Satin" (Moody Blues)
- "Back Stabbers" (O'Jays)
- "Popcorn" (Hot Butter)
Written by: Don Black and Walter Scharf.
Black and Scharf wrote this for the 1972 movie of the same name.
Black wrote many movie themes, including "Diamonds Are Forever"
(for the James Bond movie) and "Born Free".At his 2007 induction in the Songwriters Hall Of Fame, Black explained: "When it came to writing about a rat, I said, 'You can't write about a rat.' I mean, I'm not going to use words like 'cheese.' I thought the best thing to do is write about friendship."
Download MP3s from Amazon.com:
Want to submit facts and trivia about this song? Leave a comment!
The Top Ten Girl Name Songs
Shakespeare once wrote, "What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet." That's very true. But what if someone's name is mud? I don't want to name names, nor give a dog a bad name...wait, where am I going with this? Oh, yes: the Top Ten Girl Name Songs!
Now, you might be thinking: why names of women? Why didn't you first do a list of songs with names of men? I'll tell you...
...I don't know.
As always the songs are organized by how well each has done on the various charts. I'll say it again: If you don't see your favorite (and that's bound to happen, by the sheer number of great girl name songs,) be sure to leave a comment. Who knows, your submission could be the next entry!
Let's start at the bottom (but certainly not least) and work our way up to the #1 spot.
10. Michelle
Michelle is the feminine form of Michel, which is French for Michael, which means, "Who is like God?"
"Michelle" is a given for this list. A classic Lennon and McCartney song, and supposedly the most popular Beatles song in France. Hmm, I wonder why? It didn't have much chart action, as it was never intended for release as a single. However, it did chart at #1...in New Zealand.
Michelle, ma belle,
These are words that go together well,
My Michelle,
Michelle, ma belle,
Sont les mots qui vont tres bien ensemble,
Tres bien ensemble
9. Lucille
Lucille, like Michelle, is a French feminine name. It's derived from the ancient Roman praenomen Lucius, which is Latin for "light".
"Lucille" is a great example of the kind of driving, straight-rhythm (as opposed to Chuck Berry's emphasis on shuffle) rock and roll pioneered by Little Richard. Surprisingly, the biggest hit version was by the Everly Brothers, who released as a B-side. It charted at #21 (US) and #4 (UK) in 1960.
Lucille,
You don't do your daddy's will,
Lucille,
You don't do your daddy's will,
There ain't nothin' to you,
But I love you still
8. Hello Mary Lou
Mary Lou is a combination: Mary is from the Latin for "star of the sea", and Lou is a variant of Luana, from the Hawaiian, meaning "enjoyment"
Written by Gene Pitney (and apparently cribbed from the song "Merry, Merry Lou" by the Sparks,) "Hello Mary Lou" was a big hit for the late Ricky Nelson. It reached #9 (US) and #2 (UK) in 1961. Two words: More. Cowbell.
Hello Mary Lou, goodbye heart
Sweet Mary Lou, I'm so in love with you
I knew Mary Lou, we'd never part
So hello Mary Lou, goodbye heart
7. Elvira
Elvira is a Spanish name originally believed to be of Arabic origin, meaning "the white". It may also be Germanic or West Gothic origin, meaning "alert" or "trustworthy".
The Oak Ridge Boys, a gospel-turned-country quartet, had their biggest pop hit with this tune, which reached #5 (US) and #1 (US Country). It was written by Dallas Frazier, who also wrote such hits as "Alley Oop", "Mohair Sam", and "There Goes My Everything".
Elvira, Elvira,
My heart's on fire for Elvira
Eyes that look like heaven
Lips like cherry wine
That girl can sure enough
Make my little light shine
6. Walk Away Renée
Wow, we have a lot of French names on this list. Renée is the French form of Renata, which is Latin for "reborn".
One of my personal favorites from when I was a youngling, as its Baroque flavor was unlike anything I'd heard before it. It was written by the Left Banke's then-16-year-old keyboardist Michael Brown about a lady he loved named Eunice. Just kidding. I don't think "Walk Away Eunice" has quite the same ring to it. It reached #5 in the US in 1966.
And when I see the sign that points one way
The lot we used to pass by every day
Just walk away Renee
You won't see me follow you back home
The empty sidewalks on my block are not the same
You're not to blame
5. Maybellene
Here's a name with quite a lineage. Maybellene is an alternative spelling of Maybelline, which is a variation of Mabel, which, in Medieval times, was the feminine form of Amabilis, which in Late Latin means "lovable".
"Maybellene", according to Rolling Stone magazine, is where rock and roll guitar began. I have to agree. This Chuck Berry tune reached #5 (US) and #1 (US R&B) in 1955. Berry was the first African-American solo artist to reach the Top 10 on the Billboard list with a rock and roll single. In other words, this is a landmark girl name song all the way around.
Maybellene, why can't you be true?
Oh, Maybellene, why can't you be true?
You just started back doing the things you used to do
4. Peggy Sue
Another song with two names in one. Peggy is of English origin, and is a nickname of Margaret, from the Greek for "pearl". Sue is a variant of Susan, from the Hebrew for "lily". Pearl and Lily are girl names in their own right, so we're packing them in right and left!
This Buddy Holly song was originally titled "Cindy Lou", but it was renamed, at the insistence of Crickets drummer Jerry Allison, after Jerry's girlfriend. Allison was responsible for the distinctive drum pattern, so I guess he had some clout when it came to the title...? "Peggy Sue" reached #3 (US) in 1957.
If you knew Peggy Sue
Then you’d know why I feel blue
Without Peggy, my Peggy Sue
Oh well, I love you gal
Yes, I love you Peggy Sue
3. Proud Mary
Sure, we have a bit of overlap here, especially since some might dock this (pun intended) for being about a steamboat. Sorry about that! As stated before, Mary comes from the Latin for "star of the sea".
Creedence Clearwater Revival's first Top 10 hit and first gold single, the John Fogerty-penned "Proud Mary" is one of those songs that sounds like it's been around forever. It's also been recorded by Ike and Tina Turner, whose version is a classic in its own right. CCR's version reached #2 (US) and #8 (UK), while Ike and Tina's reached #4 (US) and #5 (US R&B). And we're rollin'....
Left a good job in the city
Workin' for the man every night and day
And I never lost one minute of sleepin'
Worryin' 'bout the way things might have been
Big wheel keep on turnin'
Proud Mary keep on burnin'
2. Help Me, Rhonda
Rhonda is of Welsh origin, and its meaning is "good lance". However, it may also derive from the name of the River Rhondda in Wales, which means "noisy". I can see that being the case...
"Help Me, Rhonda" was the first Beach Boys song to feature Al Jardine on lead vocals. It had already been recorded once, as "Help Me, Ronda", but apparently, Brian Wilson wasn't satisfied with it. The single version, with the spelling that we're all familiar with, was #1 (US) and #27 (UK) in 1965.
Well, since she put me down
I've been out doing in my head
I come in late at night
And in the morning I just lay in bed
And, lo and behold, what have we here? The name of the place is...the number one spot. Most likely, you'll know it by name. The top song is...!
1. Georgia On My Mind
Yes, you read it right. Some say it's strictly about a state, as it is the official state song of Georgia. I respectfully disagree. Georgia is the feminine form of George, which comes from the Latin for "farmer" or "earth-worker".
"Georgia On My Mind" was written in 1930 by Hoagy Carmichael (music) and Stuart Gorrell (lyrics). It's been recorded by just about every singer you can think of. But, in my opinion, this song is now officially owned by Ray Charles, nicknamed the Father of Soul. Is it jazz? Is it pop? Is it country? Yes, it is all of those and then some. Most classic songs tend to defy and transcend the confines of a single genre. It reached #1 (US) in 1960.
Georgia, Georgia
The whole day through
Just an old sweet song
Keeps Georgia on my mind
Do you agree with this list? Have any suggestions for honorable mentions? I can think of a few myself, but I want you to decide.
Check out all of the lists here at Rock The Jukebox:
Now, you might be thinking: why names of women? Why didn't you first do a list of songs with names of men? I'll tell you...
...I don't know.
As always the songs are organized by how well each has done on the various charts. I'll say it again: If you don't see your favorite (and that's bound to happen, by the sheer number of great girl name songs,) be sure to leave a comment. Who knows, your submission could be the next entry!
Let's start at the bottom (but certainly not least) and work our way up to the #1 spot.
10. Michelle
Michelle is the feminine form of Michel, which is French for Michael, which means, "Who is like God?"
"Michelle" is a given for this list. A classic Lennon and McCartney song, and supposedly the most popular Beatles song in France. Hmm, I wonder why? It didn't have much chart action, as it was never intended for release as a single. However, it did chart at #1...in New Zealand.
Michelle, ma belle,
These are words that go together well,
My Michelle,
Michelle, ma belle,
Sont les mots qui vont tres bien ensemble,
Tres bien ensemble
9. Lucille
Lucille, like Michelle, is a French feminine name. It's derived from the ancient Roman praenomen Lucius, which is Latin for "light".
"Lucille" is a great example of the kind of driving, straight-rhythm (as opposed to Chuck Berry's emphasis on shuffle) rock and roll pioneered by Little Richard. Surprisingly, the biggest hit version was by the Everly Brothers, who released as a B-side. It charted at #21 (US) and #4 (UK) in 1960.
Lucille,
You don't do your daddy's will,
Lucille,
You don't do your daddy's will,
There ain't nothin' to you,
But I love you still
8. Hello Mary Lou
Mary Lou is a combination: Mary is from the Latin for "star of the sea", and Lou is a variant of Luana, from the Hawaiian, meaning "enjoyment"
Written by Gene Pitney (and apparently cribbed from the song "Merry, Merry Lou" by the Sparks,) "Hello Mary Lou" was a big hit for the late Ricky Nelson. It reached #9 (US) and #2 (UK) in 1961. Two words: More. Cowbell.
Hello Mary Lou, goodbye heart
Sweet Mary Lou, I'm so in love with you
I knew Mary Lou, we'd never part
So hello Mary Lou, goodbye heart
7. Elvira
Elvira is a Spanish name originally believed to be of Arabic origin, meaning "the white". It may also be Germanic or West Gothic origin, meaning "alert" or "trustworthy".
The Oak Ridge Boys, a gospel-turned-country quartet, had their biggest pop hit with this tune, which reached #5 (US) and #1 (US Country). It was written by Dallas Frazier, who also wrote such hits as "Alley Oop", "Mohair Sam", and "There Goes My Everything".
Elvira, Elvira,
My heart's on fire for Elvira
Eyes that look like heaven
Lips like cherry wine
That girl can sure enough
Make my little light shine
6. Walk Away Renée
Wow, we have a lot of French names on this list. Renée is the French form of Renata, which is Latin for "reborn".
One of my personal favorites from when I was a youngling, as its Baroque flavor was unlike anything I'd heard before it. It was written by the Left Banke's then-16-year-old keyboardist Michael Brown about a lady he loved named Eunice. Just kidding. I don't think "Walk Away Eunice" has quite the same ring to it. It reached #5 in the US in 1966.
And when I see the sign that points one way
The lot we used to pass by every day
Just walk away Renee
You won't see me follow you back home
The empty sidewalks on my block are not the same
You're not to blame
5. Maybellene
Here's a name with quite a lineage. Maybellene is an alternative spelling of Maybelline, which is a variation of Mabel, which, in Medieval times, was the feminine form of Amabilis, which in Late Latin means "lovable".
"Maybellene", according to Rolling Stone magazine, is where rock and roll guitar began. I have to agree. This Chuck Berry tune reached #5 (US) and #1 (US R&B) in 1955. Berry was the first African-American solo artist to reach the Top 10 on the Billboard list with a rock and roll single. In other words, this is a landmark girl name song all the way around.
Maybellene, why can't you be true?
Oh, Maybellene, why can't you be true?
You just started back doing the things you used to do
4. Peggy Sue
Another song with two names in one. Peggy is of English origin, and is a nickname of Margaret, from the Greek for "pearl". Sue is a variant of Susan, from the Hebrew for "lily". Pearl and Lily are girl names in their own right, so we're packing them in right and left!
This Buddy Holly song was originally titled "Cindy Lou", but it was renamed, at the insistence of Crickets drummer Jerry Allison, after Jerry's girlfriend. Allison was responsible for the distinctive drum pattern, so I guess he had some clout when it came to the title...? "Peggy Sue" reached #3 (US) in 1957.
If you knew Peggy Sue
Then you’d know why I feel blue
Without Peggy, my Peggy Sue
Oh well, I love you gal
Yes, I love you Peggy Sue
3. Proud Mary
Sure, we have a bit of overlap here, especially since some might dock this (pun intended) for being about a steamboat. Sorry about that! As stated before, Mary comes from the Latin for "star of the sea".
Creedence Clearwater Revival's first Top 10 hit and first gold single, the John Fogerty-penned "Proud Mary" is one of those songs that sounds like it's been around forever. It's also been recorded by Ike and Tina Turner, whose version is a classic in its own right. CCR's version reached #2 (US) and #8 (UK), while Ike and Tina's reached #4 (US) and #5 (US R&B). And we're rollin'....
Left a good job in the city
Workin' for the man every night and day
And I never lost one minute of sleepin'
Worryin' 'bout the way things might have been
Big wheel keep on turnin'
Proud Mary keep on burnin'
2. Help Me, Rhonda
Rhonda is of Welsh origin, and its meaning is "good lance". However, it may also derive from the name of the River Rhondda in Wales, which means "noisy". I can see that being the case...
"Help Me, Rhonda" was the first Beach Boys song to feature Al Jardine on lead vocals. It had already been recorded once, as "Help Me, Ronda", but apparently, Brian Wilson wasn't satisfied with it. The single version, with the spelling that we're all familiar with, was #1 (US) and #27 (UK) in 1965.
Well, since she put me down
I've been out doing in my head
I come in late at night
And in the morning I just lay in bed
And, lo and behold, what have we here? The name of the place is...the number one spot. Most likely, you'll know it by name. The top song is...!
1. Georgia On My Mind
Yes, you read it right. Some say it's strictly about a state, as it is the official state song of Georgia. I respectfully disagree. Georgia is the feminine form of George, which comes from the Latin for "farmer" or "earth-worker".
"Georgia On My Mind" was written in 1930 by Hoagy Carmichael (music) and Stuart Gorrell (lyrics). It's been recorded by just about every singer you can think of. But, in my opinion, this song is now officially owned by Ray Charles, nicknamed the Father of Soul. Is it jazz? Is it pop? Is it country? Yes, it is all of those and then some. Most classic songs tend to defy and transcend the confines of a single genre. It reached #1 (US) in 1960.
Georgia, Georgia
The whole day through
Just an old sweet song
Keeps Georgia on my mind
Do you agree with this list? Have any suggestions for honorable mentions? I can think of a few myself, but I want you to decide.
Check out all of the lists here at Rock The Jukebox:
Old Cape Cod (1957)
Click the YouTube video below to listen:
Download MP3s from Amazon.com:
By: Patti Page (born Clara Ann Fowler on November 8, 1927 in Claremore, or Muskeegee, according to some sources, Oklahoma.)
Patti Page is one of the best-known female artists in traditional pop music. She was the best-selling female artist of the 1950s, and has sold over 100 million records.
According to an article in the Cape Codder, Page recorded "Old Cape Cod" after Claire Rothrock, the woman who wrote the song along with Milton Yakus and Allan Jeffrey, approached her with the tune while performing at a Boston nightclub. She made a day trip to New York City to record the song and then rushed back in time for that evening’s performance in Boston.
Ironically, Page, an Oklahoma native, had not yet even visited Cape Cod when she recorded the song.
While "Old Cape Cod" was only a B-side recording, it was the big hit of the single. The A-side, "Wondering"
, only reached #12.
Chart position: #3 (US). It peaked the week of July 29, 1957.
It was kept from the top spot by "Love Letters In The Sand"
(Pat Boone) at #1 and "Bye Bye Love"
(The Everly Brothers).
Written by: Allan Jeffrey, Claire Rothrock and Milton Yakus (also known as Milt Yakus).
Also by: Tennessee Ernie Ford (1968); Bette Midler (1976); Anne Murray (1993); The Puppini Sisters (2007); Janet Planet (2009).
Download MP3s from Amazon.com:
Want to submit facts and trivia about this song? Leave a comment!
Download MP3s from Amazon.com:
By: Patti Page (born Clara Ann Fowler on November 8, 1927 in Claremore, or Muskeegee, according to some sources, Oklahoma.)
Patti Page is one of the best-known female artists in traditional pop music. She was the best-selling female artist of the 1950s, and has sold over 100 million records.
According to an article in the Cape Codder, Page recorded "Old Cape Cod" after Claire Rothrock, the woman who wrote the song along with Milton Yakus and Allan Jeffrey, approached her with the tune while performing at a Boston nightclub. She made a day trip to New York City to record the song and then rushed back in time for that evening’s performance in Boston.
Ironically, Page, an Oklahoma native, had not yet even visited Cape Cod when she recorded the song.
While "Old Cape Cod" was only a B-side recording, it was the big hit of the single. The A-side, "Wondering"
, only reached #12.Chart position: #3 (US). It peaked the week of July 29, 1957.
It was kept from the top spot by "Love Letters In The Sand"
(Pat Boone) at #1 and "Bye Bye Love" (The Everly Brothers). Written by: Allan Jeffrey, Claire Rothrock and Milton Yakus (also known as Milt Yakus).
Also by: Tennessee Ernie Ford (1968); Bette Midler (1976); Anne Murray (1993); The Puppini Sisters (2007); Janet Planet (2009).
Download MP3s from Amazon.com:
Want to submit facts and trivia about this song? Leave a comment!
Dancing In The Street (1964)
Click the YouTube video below to listen:
Download MP3s from Amazon.com:
By: Martha and the Vandellas, formed in 1960 in Detroit Michigan and fronted by Martha Reeves (born July 18, 1941 in Eufaula, Alabama).
They were the second most-successful girl group on the Motown label, after the Supremes. The name Vandella was said to be a combination of a street that Martha Reeves lived near, Van Dyke Street, and Della Reese, Reeves' favorite singer.
They had 13 Top 40 US hits and and seven Top 40 UK hits, including "(Love Is Like A) Heat Wave"
, "Jimmy Mack"
, "I'm Ready For Love"
, "My Baby Loves Me"
, and "Nowhere to Run"
.
In 1995, Martha and the Vandellas were inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the second girl group to be inducted and the fifth Motown group to be inducted.
"Dancing In The Street" was first introduced to Martha Reeves on a demo sung by one of its writers, Marvin Gaye (born Marvin Pentz Gay, Jr. April 2, 1939, died April 1, 1984.) At first Reeves didn't like the song, but still decided to modify the melody and record the song, putting herself into it and making it her own.
The sound of the drums, played by Benny Benjamin, was enhanced by Gaye played a second drum set, and by Ivy Jo Hunter, who banged on a crowbar to add to the sound.
The song was recorded in only two takes!
In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine ranked "Dancing In The Street" at #40 on their list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
That same year, the original instrumental backing track, along with many other Motown tracks, was officially released as part of the collection Motown Master Recordings: Original Artist Karaoke - Dancing in the Street.
On April 12, 2006, it was announced that Martha and the Vandellas' version of "Dancing in the Street" would be preserved by the Library of Congress to the National Recording Registry.
Release date: July 21, 1964
Chart position: #2 (US), #28 (UK).
When it was re-released in 1969, it reached #4 (UK).
It was kept from #1 in the US in October 1964 by "Do Wah Diddy Diddy"
(Manfred Mann).
The Top Ten Songs: October 24, 1964 (US Billboard Hot 100).
Written by: Marvin Gaye, Ivy Jo Hunter and William "Mickey" Stevenson.
Gaye was ranked at #19 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the Greatest Rock 'n' Roll Artists of All Time.
Stevenson wrote such songs as "It Takes Two"
, "Ask the Lonely"
, "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted"
, "My Baby Loves Me", "Devil with the Blue Dress"
, "Uptight (Everything's Alright)"
, and "Stubborn Kind of Fellow"
.
The song was originally conceived by Stevenson as a ballad, in the attic of his house. When Gaye read the words, he thought that it sounded more like a dance song. It was intended for Stevenson's wife Kim Weston to record the song. Weston passed on it, however, and so the song was presented to Reeves.
Also by: David Bowie and Mick Jagger, whose version, with all profits going to the Live Aid charity, was a big hit. It reached #7 (US) and was at the #1 spot for 4 weeks in the UK in 1985.
Download MP3s from Amazon.com:
Want to submit facts and trivia about this song? Leave a comment!
Download MP3s from Amazon.com:
- Martha and the Vandellas - Dancing In The Street (MP3)
- David Bowie and Mick Jagger - Dancing In The Street (MP3)
By: Martha and the Vandellas, formed in 1960 in Detroit Michigan and fronted by Martha Reeves (born July 18, 1941 in Eufaula, Alabama).
They were the second most-successful girl group on the Motown label, after the Supremes. The name Vandella was said to be a combination of a street that Martha Reeves lived near, Van Dyke Street, and Della Reese, Reeves' favorite singer.
They had 13 Top 40 US hits and and seven Top 40 UK hits, including "(Love Is Like A) Heat Wave"
, "Jimmy Mack", "I'm Ready For Love", "My Baby Loves Me", and "Nowhere to Run".In 1995, Martha and the Vandellas were inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the second girl group to be inducted and the fifth Motown group to be inducted.
"Dancing In The Street" was first introduced to Martha Reeves on a demo sung by one of its writers, Marvin Gaye (born Marvin Pentz Gay, Jr. April 2, 1939, died April 1, 1984.) At first Reeves didn't like the song, but still decided to modify the melody and record the song, putting herself into it and making it her own.
The sound of the drums, played by Benny Benjamin, was enhanced by Gaye played a second drum set, and by Ivy Jo Hunter, who banged on a crowbar to add to the sound.
The song was recorded in only two takes!
In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine ranked "Dancing In The Street" at #40 on their list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
That same year, the original instrumental backing track, along with many other Motown tracks, was officially released as part of the collection Motown Master Recordings: Original Artist Karaoke - Dancing in the Street.
On April 12, 2006, it was announced that Martha and the Vandellas' version of "Dancing in the Street" would be preserved by the Library of Congress to the National Recording Registry.
Release date: July 21, 1964
Chart position: #2 (US), #28 (UK).
When it was re-released in 1969, it reached #4 (UK).
It was kept from #1 in the US in October 1964 by "Do Wah Diddy Diddy"
(Manfred Mann).The Top Ten Songs: October 24, 1964 (US Billboard Hot 100).
- "Do Wah Diddy Diddy" (Manfred Mann)
- "Dancing in the Street" (Martha and the Vandellas)
- "Last Kiss" (J. Frank Wilson and the Cavaliers)
- "We'll Sing in the Sunshine" (Gale Garnett)
- "Oh, Pretty Woman" (Roy Orbison)
- "Baby Love" (Supremes)
- "A Summer Song" (Chad and Jeremy)
- "Let It Be Me" (Betty Everett and Jerry Butler)
- "When I Grow Up to Be a Man" (Beach Boys)
- "Have I the Right?" (Honeycombs)
Written by: Marvin Gaye, Ivy Jo Hunter and William "Mickey" Stevenson.
Gaye was ranked at #19 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the Greatest Rock 'n' Roll Artists of All Time.
Stevenson wrote such songs as "It Takes Two"
, "Ask the Lonely", "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted", "My Baby Loves Me", "Devil with the Blue Dress", "Uptight (Everything's Alright)", and "Stubborn Kind of Fellow".The song was originally conceived by Stevenson as a ballad, in the attic of his house. When Gaye read the words, he thought that it sounded more like a dance song. It was intended for Stevenson's wife Kim Weston to record the song. Weston passed on it, however, and so the song was presented to Reeves.
Also by: David Bowie and Mick Jagger, whose version, with all profits going to the Live Aid charity, was a big hit. It reached #7 (US) and was at the #1 spot for 4 weeks in the UK in 1985.
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- Martha and the Vandellas - Dancing In The Street (MP3)
- David Bowie and Mick Jagger - Dancing In The Street (MP3)
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Blueberry Hill (1956)
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By: Fats Domino (born Antoine Dominique Domino February 26, 1928 in New Orleans, LA.)
Domino has sold over 100 million records. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986. Domino was voted the 25th Greatest Rock & Roll Artist of all time by Rolling Stone.
When Hurricane Katrina was approaching New Orleans, he decided to stay at his home and was missing for days. He was later rescued by a Coast Guard helicopter on September 1, 2005.
Fats recorded "Blueberry Hill" in Los Angeles, CA at a session in which he ran out of songs to record. Influenced by Louis Armstrong's 1949 version, Domino insisted on recording "Blueberry Hill" despite the vehement objections of producer and arranger Dave Bartholomew.
Domino forgot the lyrics while he was recording the song, so the final version had to be pieced together from many fragmentary takes. It became Domino’s biggest hit.
Carl Perkins later said, "In the white honky-tonks where I was playing, they were punching 'Blueberry Hill'. And white cats were dancing to Fats Domino."
In 2004 Rolling Stone magazine ranked "Blueberry Hill" at #81 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
Chart position: #2 (US), #1 (US R&B, 11 weeks).
It sold over 5 million copies in 1956 and 1957.
It was preceded at #1 on the US R&B chart by "Hound Dog"
(Elvis Presley) and succeeded by "Since I Met You Baby"
(Ivory Joe Hunter).
Written by: Vincent Rose (music) and lyricists Larry Stock and Al Lewis, for the 1941 Western movie The Singing Hill
, sung in the film by its star, Gene Autry.
Vincent Rose also wrote "Whispering", "Avalon", and "Linger Awhile".
Larry Stock said, "One important publisher turned down 'Blueberry Hill' because, he claimed, blueberries don't grow on hills. I assured him I had picked them on hills as a boy, but nothing doing. So Chappell and Company bought the song and a hit was born."
Al Lewis, known as "Grandpa" Al Lewis (born April 30, 1923, died February 3, 2006) was an actor best known for his role as Grandpa on the TV series The Munsters
.
Also by: Glenn Miller and his Orchestra, whose version was a US #2 hit in 1941; Louis Armstrong, whose 1949 version reached #29 in 1956; Elvis Presley (1957); Little Richard (1958); Andy Williams (1959); The Beach Boys (1976).
Originally by: Gene Autry (born September 29, 1907, died October 2, 1998), who sang it in the 1941 Western “The Singing Hill”. Autry has sold over 100 million records.
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Want to submit facts and trivia about this song? Leave a comment!
Download MP3s from Amazon.com:
By: Fats Domino (born Antoine Dominique Domino February 26, 1928 in New Orleans, LA.)
Domino has sold over 100 million records. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986. Domino was voted the 25th Greatest Rock & Roll Artist of all time by Rolling Stone.
When Hurricane Katrina was approaching New Orleans, he decided to stay at his home and was missing for days. He was later rescued by a Coast Guard helicopter on September 1, 2005.
Fats recorded "Blueberry Hill" in Los Angeles, CA at a session in which he ran out of songs to record. Influenced by Louis Armstrong's 1949 version, Domino insisted on recording "Blueberry Hill" despite the vehement objections of producer and arranger Dave Bartholomew.
Domino forgot the lyrics while he was recording the song, so the final version had to be pieced together from many fragmentary takes. It became Domino’s biggest hit.
Carl Perkins later said, "In the white honky-tonks where I was playing, they were punching 'Blueberry Hill'. And white cats were dancing to Fats Domino."
In 2004 Rolling Stone magazine ranked "Blueberry Hill" at #81 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
Chart position: #2 (US), #1 (US R&B, 11 weeks).
It sold over 5 million copies in 1956 and 1957.
It was preceded at #1 on the US R&B chart by "Hound Dog"
(Elvis Presley) and succeeded by "Since I Met You Baby" (Ivory Joe Hunter).Written by: Vincent Rose (music) and lyricists Larry Stock and Al Lewis, for the 1941 Western movie The Singing Hill
, sung in the film by its star, Gene Autry.Vincent Rose also wrote "Whispering", "Avalon", and "Linger Awhile".
Larry Stock said, "One important publisher turned down 'Blueberry Hill' because, he claimed, blueberries don't grow on hills. I assured him I had picked them on hills as a boy, but nothing doing. So Chappell and Company bought the song and a hit was born."
Al Lewis, known as "Grandpa" Al Lewis (born April 30, 1923, died February 3, 2006) was an actor best known for his role as Grandpa on the TV series The Munsters
.Also by: Glenn Miller and his Orchestra, whose version was a US #2 hit in 1941; Louis Armstrong, whose 1949 version reached #29 in 1956; Elvis Presley (1957); Little Richard (1958); Andy Williams (1959); The Beach Boys (1976).
Originally by: Gene Autry (born September 29, 1907, died October 2, 1998), who sang it in the 1941 Western “The Singing Hill”. Autry has sold over 100 million records.
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Only Love Can Break A Heart (1962)
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By: Gene Pitney (born February 17, 1940 in Hartford, Connecticut, died April 5, 2006 in Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom.)
Gene Pitney was a child prodigy, learning guitar, drums, and piano at a young age. Two songs that Pitney wrote became hits in 1960 by Roy Orbison ("Today's Teardrops"
, which was the B-side of "Blue Angel"
) and Bobby Vee ("Rubber Ball"
, #6 US and #4 UK).
In 1961, Ricky Nelson had a #9 US hit with Pitney's song "Hello Mary Lou"
. That same year, Pitney had a big hit with the title song he had written for the movie Town Without Pity
(#13 US.) It won the Golden Globe Award for Best Song in a Motion Picture, and was nominated for the Oscar for Best Song.
His next single, the main title song for the James Stewart/John Wayne film The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
, which was written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, reached #4 in the US. Because of that success, Bacharach & David offered Pitney another song they had written, "Only Love Can Break A Heart," which became his biggest hit.
Pitney also had a Top 5 UK hit with another Bacharach/David song, "Twenty Four Hours from Tulsa"
.
On April 5, 2006, at the age of 66, Pitney died of natural causes in his hotel suite in Cardiff, Wales, while on tour in the UK.
Chart position: #2 (US).
It was kept from #1 in the US by a song that Pitney wrote: "He's A Rebel"
(The Crystals).
Written by: Burt Bacharach (born May 12, 1928 in Kansas City, Missouri) & Hal David (born May 25, 1921 in New York City, New York.)
Bacharach and David have written a combined 70 Top 40 US hits and 52 Top 40 UK hits, including "The Story of My Life"
, "Magic Moments"
, "Baby It's You"
, "Any Day Now"
, "(The Man Who Shot) Liberty Valance"
, "Don't Make Me Over"
, "Make it Easy On Yourself"
, "Twenty Four Hours From Tulsa", "Blue on Blue"
, "Anyone Who Had a Heart"
, "(They Long to Be) Close to You"
, "Wives and Lovers"
, "Wishin' and Hopin'"
, "Walk on By"
, "I Just Don't Know What to Do with Myself"
, "(There's) Always Something There to Remind Me"
, "A House Is Not a Home"
, "What the World Needs Now Is Love"
, "What's New Pussycat?"
, "Alfie"
, "My Little Red Book"
, "I Say A Little Prayer"
, "The Look of Love"
, "One Less Bell to Answer"
, "This Guy's In Love With You"
, "Do You Know the Way to San Jose?"
, "Promises, Promises"
, "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head"
, "I'll Never Fall in Love Again"
, "Arthur's Theme (The Best That You Can Do)"
and "That's What Friends Are For"
.
Also by: Dionne Warwick.
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By: Gene Pitney (born February 17, 1940 in Hartford, Connecticut, died April 5, 2006 in Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom.)
Gene Pitney was a child prodigy, learning guitar, drums, and piano at a young age. Two songs that Pitney wrote became hits in 1960 by Roy Orbison ("Today's Teardrops"
, which was the B-side of "Blue Angel") and Bobby Vee ("Rubber Ball", #6 US and #4 UK).In 1961, Ricky Nelson had a #9 US hit with Pitney's song "Hello Mary Lou"
. That same year, Pitney had a big hit with the title song he had written for the movie Town Without Pity (#13 US.) It won the Golden Globe Award for Best Song in a Motion Picture, and was nominated for the Oscar for Best Song.His next single, the main title song for the James Stewart/John Wayne film The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
, which was written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, reached #4 in the US. Because of that success, Bacharach & David offered Pitney another song they had written, "Only Love Can Break A Heart," which became his biggest hit.Pitney also had a Top 5 UK hit with another Bacharach/David song, "Twenty Four Hours from Tulsa"
.On April 5, 2006, at the age of 66, Pitney died of natural causes in his hotel suite in Cardiff, Wales, while on tour in the UK.
Chart position: #2 (US).
It was kept from #1 in the US by a song that Pitney wrote: "He's A Rebel"
(The Crystals).Written by: Burt Bacharach (born May 12, 1928 in Kansas City, Missouri) & Hal David (born May 25, 1921 in New York City, New York.)
Bacharach and David have written a combined 70 Top 40 US hits and 52 Top 40 UK hits, including "The Story of My Life"
, "Magic Moments", "Baby It's You", "Any Day Now", "(The Man Who Shot) Liberty Valance", "Don't Make Me Over", "Make it Easy On Yourself", "Twenty Four Hours From Tulsa", "Blue on Blue", "Anyone Who Had a Heart", "(They Long to Be) Close to You", "Wives and Lovers", "Wishin' and Hopin'", "Walk on By", "I Just Don't Know What to Do with Myself", "(There's) Always Something There to Remind Me", "A House Is Not a Home", "What the World Needs Now Is Love", "What's New Pussycat?", "Alfie", "My Little Red Book", "I Say A Little Prayer", "The Look of Love", "One Less Bell to Answer", "This Guy's In Love With You", "Do You Know the Way to San Jose?", "Promises, Promises", "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head", "I'll Never Fall in Love Again", "Arthur's Theme (The Best That You Can Do)" and "That's What Friends Are For".Also by: Dionne Warwick.
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