It’s still June and now we’re asking questions about number one songs that happened during June of the 1970’s. ALL of these songs were # 1, so how difficult can this be? Here we go...
QUESTIONS:
1. At the end of June 1974, this song was # 1 for one week. It followed “Billy Don’t Be A Hero” by Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods and was replaced the following week by the Hues Corporation hit, “Rock The Boat”. This singer/songwriter has received The Order of Canada as well as more than a dozen JUNO Awards (including the Canadian Music Hall of Fame). His first chart hit in the U.S. came at the end of 1970, although he’d charted in his native Canada since the early 1960’s. He’s also well known for his song about a ship filled with iron ore that sank in Lake Michigan in 1975. Who’s the singer/songwriter and what’s the name of his 1974 number one? HINT: Don’t think sunrise…think the opposite.
2. This singer/songwriter had four number one hits to her credit before she topped the singles chart on her own. In June of 1971, this song hit number one and stayed there for 5 weeks. Her 1971 album, “Tapestry” was number one for 15 weeks and sold more than 15 million copies. Her song writing career with her former husband is the stuff of legends, having written hits for Aretha Franklin, The Shirelles, Bobby Vee, Little Eva, The Drifters, Herman’s Hermits, The Righteous Brothers and Blood, Sweat & Tears. Can you name this rock and roll legend and her 1974 number one hit?
3. Sadly, this singer/songwriter, with four number one singles to her credit, passed away this past May. Her career really took off after her 1975/76 hit “Love To Love You Baby”. She first hit the top of the charts in 1978 with her remake of a song that had been number two in 1968 for Richard Harris. She was in the German production of “Hair” and became known as ‘The Queen of Disco’, even though she had many hits that would not be considered ‘disco’. In 1979, she had 3 number ones. The song we’re looking for was number one for 3 weeks and was hot, hot, hot. What’s the name of the song and the singer?
4. This song was the final number one for this group during the 1970’s. In fact they broke up at the start of this decade after becoming the biggest group in the world in the 1960’s during which time they charted 18 number one hits. They had two more in 1970 and this song happened during June that year. Legendary producer (and convicted murderer) Phil Spector was the producer for this song, although Paul McCartney, who wrote it, always hated what Spector added his song. Can you name the song and the group? HINT: The answer shouldn’t take too ‘long’ to figure out,
5. It was the number one song for the week of June 14, 1975 and was produced by Beatles producer George Martin, who was also behind the recording console for the album this song came from. In fact, George produced several albums for this group, who were not British. There were originally three members of his group, but one left the year after this number one hit to pursue a career as a Christian performer. This was their second number one single. Their first happened in 1972. Who is the group and their 1975 number one hit?
ANSWERS
1. That would be Gordon Lightfoot’s song “Sundown” which was number one for the week of June 29, 1974. Lightfoot has had his songs recorded by Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, John Mellencamp and Anne Murray as well as Peter, Paul & Mary. On February 6th of this year, Lightfoot was honoured with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal by the Lieutenant-Governor Of Ontario. This month, Lightfoot was also inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in New York.
2. Carole King hit number one starting with the week of June 19th, 1971 with “It’s Too Late/I Feel The Earth Move”. She and her former husband, Gerry Goffin, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990. The former Carole Klein was the subject of Neil Sedaka’s 1959 hit, “Oh! Carol”. She wrote an answer song called “Oh! Neil” that wasn’t a hit. Here first chart success as an artist came in 1962 with “It Might As Well Rain Until September”, which reached # 22 on Billboards Hot 100 chart. “It’s Too Late”/”I Feel The Earth Move” is Carole King’s only number one single...at least so far.
3. Donna Summer was the singer we were looking for. Her number one hit in June of 1979 was “Hot Stuff”. Donna kept all other songs from the number slot for 3 weeks before succumbing to The Bee Gees hit, “Love You Inside Out”. She was born LaDonna Andrea Gaines in Boston, Massachusetts in 1948. Donna Summer died of cancer on May 17, 2012.
4. “The Long And Winding Road” by The Beatles was the song and the group in question. It was a song on The Beatles “Let it Be” album. During the original recording of the song, only Paul McCartney and John Lennon played on it with Paul on piano and John on bass. Producer Phil Spector, who was asked to mix the album since no one else had any interest in doing so, later added an orchestra, complete with a string section, plus a female backing choir to “The Long And Winding Road”. Paul McCartney eventually had the entire album remixed and it was released in November of 2003 as “Let it Be (Naked).
5. For the week of June 14, 1975, the number one song was “Sister Golden Hair” from the group America. After taking “A Horse With No Name” to number one in 1972, they followed that up with two other Top Ten hits, “I Need You” and “Ventura Highway”. Enlisting the talents of producer George Martin, America recorded their “Holiday” album in England. “Sister Golden hair” was one of the songs on the album. Interestingly, many of their albums followed a specific theme...they started with the letter ‘H’. Their first album was titled simply, “America”. After that, they released “Homecoming”, “Hat Trick”, “Holiday”, Hideaway” and “Harbor”. They stopped that when they left Warner Bros. Records for Capitol Records in 1980. Originally America was Dewey Bunnell, Dan Peek and Gerry Beckley. Peek left in ’76 for a Christian music career. Bunnell and Beckley continued on as America and had several minor hits, but only one more Top Ten, “You Can Do Magic” in 1982.
Next time, questions about number one songs from June during the 1980’s.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Monday, May 14, 2012
ROCK AND ROLL ANNIVERSARIES
The Beach Boys and Rolling Stones are both celebrating their 50th anniversaries this year. Both The Stones and The Beach Boys have lost members over the years, but both groups keep on rockin’. The reformed Beach Boys, including Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnson and original BB David Marks are out on tour this year. This week, trivia questions about both of these groups. And you don’t have to have been around for 50 years to know the answers. So, here we go….
QUESTIONS:
1. The Beach Boys first hit the Billboard singles chart in 1962 with the song “Surfin’” on the Candix label. That led to a deal with Capitol Records and many other hits followed. The Beach Boys scored 4 number ones during their career. “Good Vibrations” was their last number one of the 1960’s in 1966. They wouldn’t hit the top of the charts again for 22 years and they did it with a song written by John Phillips of The Mamas and Papas. What was the name of this Beach Boys number one hit from the 1980’s?
2. The Rolling Stones gave a ‘secret’ concert at a club in downtown Toronto in 1977. It was the first time they’d played a small club in 14 years. What was the name of the Canadian group that was their opening act?
3. Between 1964 and 1998, The Rolling Stones charted 57 songs. Out of that number, 8 went to number one. Which ONE of the following THREE Rolling Stones songs was NOT a number one hit for them? Was it a. “Get off My Cloud” b.”Jumpin’ Jack Flash” or c. “Miss You”
4. A rather bizarre man and his cult of young girls hung around with Dennis Wilson for a time in the latter 1960’s. The Beach Boys even recorded one of his songs (although they changed the name and some of the lyrics). This man is still in jail for the crimes his cult committed. What is his name?
5. The Rolling Stones and Rolling Stone magazine both took their names from a song written and recorded by a blues legend. Was that person a. Robert Johnson b. Howling Wolf or c. Muddy Waters?
ANSWERS
1. That would be “Kokomo”, which was featured in the 1988 Tom Cruise/Bryan Brown movie “Cocktail”.
2. The Canadian group was April Wine. The venue was the El Mocambo club on Spadina Avenue in downtown Toronto. The Stones were billed as “The Cockroaches”. Margaret Trudeau, wife of Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau was in attendance that night and later partied with the Stones at their hotel.
3. If you said b. “Jumpin’ Jack Flash”, then you are correct. That one only got as high as number 3 on the singles chart. “Get off My Cloud” went to number one in 1965 and “Miss You” was a number one in 1978
4. That rather bizarre man was Charles Manson, who would later be convicted in the killings of Sharon Tate and others. Manson has consistently been denied parole and he will most likely live the rest of his natural life in prison. The Manson song The Beach Boys recorded was originally titled “Cease To Exist” but The Beach Boys changed it to “Never Learn Not To Love“ and put it on their 1969 album “20/20”.
5. c. Muddy Waters was the blues legend who inspired The Rolling Stones to call themselves that. The song he’d recorded was “Rollin’ Stone” released on the Chess label in 1950. It was Muddy’s interpretation of the traditional, “Catfish Blues”. Muddy Waters was an early, important influence on the Stones and they took their name from that song. As did Rolling Stone magazine, founded by Ralph Gleason and Jann Wenner in San Francisco in 1967.
QUESTIONS:
1. The Beach Boys first hit the Billboard singles chart in 1962 with the song “Surfin’” on the Candix label. That led to a deal with Capitol Records and many other hits followed. The Beach Boys scored 4 number ones during their career. “Good Vibrations” was their last number one of the 1960’s in 1966. They wouldn’t hit the top of the charts again for 22 years and they did it with a song written by John Phillips of The Mamas and Papas. What was the name of this Beach Boys number one hit from the 1980’s?
2. The Rolling Stones gave a ‘secret’ concert at a club in downtown Toronto in 1977. It was the first time they’d played a small club in 14 years. What was the name of the Canadian group that was their opening act?
3. Between 1964 and 1998, The Rolling Stones charted 57 songs. Out of that number, 8 went to number one. Which ONE of the following THREE Rolling Stones songs was NOT a number one hit for them? Was it a. “Get off My Cloud” b.”Jumpin’ Jack Flash” or c. “Miss You”
4. A rather bizarre man and his cult of young girls hung around with Dennis Wilson for a time in the latter 1960’s. The Beach Boys even recorded one of his songs (although they changed the name and some of the lyrics). This man is still in jail for the crimes his cult committed. What is his name?
5. The Rolling Stones and Rolling Stone magazine both took their names from a song written and recorded by a blues legend. Was that person a. Robert Johnson b. Howling Wolf or c. Muddy Waters?
ANSWERS
1. That would be “Kokomo”, which was featured in the 1988 Tom Cruise/Bryan Brown movie “Cocktail”.
2. The Canadian group was April Wine. The venue was the El Mocambo club on Spadina Avenue in downtown Toronto. The Stones were billed as “The Cockroaches”. Margaret Trudeau, wife of Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau was in attendance that night and later partied with the Stones at their hotel.
3. If you said b. “Jumpin’ Jack Flash”, then you are correct. That one only got as high as number 3 on the singles chart. “Get off My Cloud” went to number one in 1965 and “Miss You” was a number one in 1978
4. That rather bizarre man was Charles Manson, who would later be convicted in the killings of Sharon Tate and others. Manson has consistently been denied parole and he will most likely live the rest of his natural life in prison. The Manson song The Beach Boys recorded was originally titled “Cease To Exist” but The Beach Boys changed it to “Never Learn Not To Love“ and put it on their 1969 album “20/20”.
5. c. Muddy Waters was the blues legend who inspired The Rolling Stones to call themselves that. The song he’d recorded was “Rollin’ Stone” released on the Chess label in 1950. It was Muddy’s interpretation of the traditional, “Catfish Blues”. Muddy Waters was an early, important influence on the Stones and they took their name from that song. As did Rolling Stone magazine, founded by Ralph Gleason and Jann Wenner in San Francisco in 1967.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
JANUARY TO DECEMBER, WE’LL HAVE MOMENTS TO REMEMBER
Those are the opening lyrics to “Moments To Remember” by Canada’s Four Lads. It’s still April, but May will be coming soon as will the rest of the ‘long, hot’ summer (hopefully). Then comes Fall and Winter and we start the year all over again. That thought led me to this weeks quiz-o-rama because it got me thinking about songs and/or groups that used the months of the year, either as the bands’ name or in a song title. There aren’t many of these, so this quiz should be relatively easy. I know, I know, I say that every time. C’mon, give it a shot.
QUESTIONS:
1. This LA based group went through a meteoric rise in popularity, sold millions of albums for several years, then disappeared for more than a decade. Several members of the band left over the years amid various disputes and personality conflicts, but the lead singer persevered. Their first charted hit in 1988, “Sweet Child O’ Mine”, took them to number ONE on the Hot 100, but the song of theirs with the name of a month in the title hit number 3 on the Hot 100 singles chart in 1992. This group was just inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, although their lead singer refused the honour and did not attend the ceremony in Cleveland. Do you know the name of the group and their ’92 hit?
2. This Canadian group racked up quite a few hits south of the U.S. Canada border including ‘You Could Have Been A Lady” and “Just Between You And Me”. Their name was used on the Marquee at the El Mocambo club in Toronto in March of 1977, but they were only the opening act for a secret gig by The Rolling Stones. The wife of the Prime Minister of Canada, Margaret Trudeau, showed up and partied with The Stones later. So do you know this Canuck group that has a month in their name?
3. This group came out of New Jersey. In fact, their success story became the hit Broadway play, “Jersey Boys”. From 1962 until ’64, they had four number ONE smashes. They didn’t make it that high on the charts again until 1976, although they had plenty of other hits along the way. The specific song we’re looking for had a month in the title. I ‘Wonder Who’ we’re looking for. OK, enough with the clues. Who’s the group and what’s their ‘month’ song?
4. He’s an actor. He’s a singer. He starred in movies such as “Voyage To The Center of The Earth”, “Bernadine”, “Exodus” and “State Fair”. On the record charts, he was unstoppable, charting six number ONE’s in 7 years. He took a bad rap for performing ‘sanitized white bread’ versions of black artists’ songs such as “Ain’t That A Shame”, “Long Tall Sally” and “Tutti Frutti”. His daughter Debbie followed in her father’s footsteps and hit the top of the charts in 1977. He’s a direct descendent of one of America’s legendary frontiersman. One of his number One hits was the theme song from a 1957 movie he also starred in, which has a month in the title. So, who’s the actor/singer and what’s the name of his song?
5. A happening in the 1960’s was a spontaneous event. But there was a group called The Happenings and they ‘happened’ to have several hits on the charts during the 1960’s. They ‘happened’ to be from Patterson, New Jersey and were known originally as The Four Graduates. Luckily they changed their name to The Happenings. Their first Top 5 hit had the name of a month in the title. ‘See’ if you can come up with the name of the song. If you can’t, don’t say I didn’t give you enough clues.
ANSWERS
1. It was “November Rain” by Guns N’ Roses that went to number 3 in 1992. Axl Rose (real Name William Bailey), who continues to perform under the Guns N’ Roses name, refused to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame recently and sent a letter to the executives at the Hall of Fame which stated, “I strongly request that I not be inducted in absentia and please know that no one is authorized, nor may anyone be permitted to accept any induction for me or speak on my behalf.”
2. April Wine is the group name we were looking for. The band members have said that they chose the name because they were two words that sounded good together. April Wine was formed in Nova Scotia in 1969. In March 2009, they were inducted into the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame.
3. Those ‘Jersey Boys’ were originally known as The Four Lovers and first hit the charts with “You’re The Apple Of My Eye”. That one only made it to number 62. Changing their name to The Four Seasons changed their luck as well because their first two hits under their new name went straight to number ONE – “Sherry” and “Big Girls Don’t Cry”. The very next year, “Walk Like A Man” screamed to the top of the charts. More medium sized hits continued for the group – they even charted a couple of songs as ‘Wonder Who’. Then in 1976, fortune smiled on The Four Seasons once again when “December 1963 (Oh What A Night”) zoomed up the chart to number ONE.
4. It was Pat Boone with “April Love”, a number one song for the week of December 23, 1957. Pat wasn’t sure a ballad like “April Love” would make the charts amongst all the rock and roll hits of ’57 like “Jailhouse Rock” and At The Hop”, but it not only climbed to number one, it stayed there for two weeks. Pat is the great-great-great-great grandson of Daniel Boone.
5. It was in the early fall of 1966 that The Happenings had the first hit song “See You In September”. It climbed all the way to number 3 on the Hot 100 chart. They repeated that feat the next year when they hit again with ”I Got Rhythm”. Their last charted hit, 1969’s “Where Do I Go/Be-In/Hare Krishna” was a medley of songs from the Broadway play “Hair”
QUESTIONS:
1. This LA based group went through a meteoric rise in popularity, sold millions of albums for several years, then disappeared for more than a decade. Several members of the band left over the years amid various disputes and personality conflicts, but the lead singer persevered. Their first charted hit in 1988, “Sweet Child O’ Mine”, took them to number ONE on the Hot 100, but the song of theirs with the name of a month in the title hit number 3 on the Hot 100 singles chart in 1992. This group was just inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, although their lead singer refused the honour and did not attend the ceremony in Cleveland. Do you know the name of the group and their ’92 hit?
2. This Canadian group racked up quite a few hits south of the U.S. Canada border including ‘You Could Have Been A Lady” and “Just Between You And Me”. Their name was used on the Marquee at the El Mocambo club in Toronto in March of 1977, but they were only the opening act for a secret gig by The Rolling Stones. The wife of the Prime Minister of Canada, Margaret Trudeau, showed up and partied with The Stones later. So do you know this Canuck group that has a month in their name?
3. This group came out of New Jersey. In fact, their success story became the hit Broadway play, “Jersey Boys”. From 1962 until ’64, they had four number ONE smashes. They didn’t make it that high on the charts again until 1976, although they had plenty of other hits along the way. The specific song we’re looking for had a month in the title. I ‘Wonder Who’ we’re looking for. OK, enough with the clues. Who’s the group and what’s their ‘month’ song?
4. He’s an actor. He’s a singer. He starred in movies such as “Voyage To The Center of The Earth”, “Bernadine”, “Exodus” and “State Fair”. On the record charts, he was unstoppable, charting six number ONE’s in 7 years. He took a bad rap for performing ‘sanitized white bread’ versions of black artists’ songs such as “Ain’t That A Shame”, “Long Tall Sally” and “Tutti Frutti”. His daughter Debbie followed in her father’s footsteps and hit the top of the charts in 1977. He’s a direct descendent of one of America’s legendary frontiersman. One of his number One hits was the theme song from a 1957 movie he also starred in, which has a month in the title. So, who’s the actor/singer and what’s the name of his song?
5. A happening in the 1960’s was a spontaneous event. But there was a group called The Happenings and they ‘happened’ to have several hits on the charts during the 1960’s. They ‘happened’ to be from Patterson, New Jersey and were known originally as The Four Graduates. Luckily they changed their name to The Happenings. Their first Top 5 hit had the name of a month in the title. ‘See’ if you can come up with the name of the song. If you can’t, don’t say I didn’t give you enough clues.
ANSWERS
1. It was “November Rain” by Guns N’ Roses that went to number 3 in 1992. Axl Rose (real Name William Bailey), who continues to perform under the Guns N’ Roses name, refused to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame recently and sent a letter to the executives at the Hall of Fame which stated, “I strongly request that I not be inducted in absentia and please know that no one is authorized, nor may anyone be permitted to accept any induction for me or speak on my behalf.”
2. April Wine is the group name we were looking for. The band members have said that they chose the name because they were two words that sounded good together. April Wine was formed in Nova Scotia in 1969. In March 2009, they were inducted into the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame.
3. Those ‘Jersey Boys’ were originally known as The Four Lovers and first hit the charts with “You’re The Apple Of My Eye”. That one only made it to number 62. Changing their name to The Four Seasons changed their luck as well because their first two hits under their new name went straight to number ONE – “Sherry” and “Big Girls Don’t Cry”. The very next year, “Walk Like A Man” screamed to the top of the charts. More medium sized hits continued for the group – they even charted a couple of songs as ‘Wonder Who’. Then in 1976, fortune smiled on The Four Seasons once again when “December 1963 (Oh What A Night”) zoomed up the chart to number ONE.
4. It was Pat Boone with “April Love”, a number one song for the week of December 23, 1957. Pat wasn’t sure a ballad like “April Love” would make the charts amongst all the rock and roll hits of ’57 like “Jailhouse Rock” and At The Hop”, but it not only climbed to number one, it stayed there for two weeks. Pat is the great-great-great-great grandson of Daniel Boone.
5. It was in the early fall of 1966 that The Happenings had the first hit song “See You In September”. It climbed all the way to number 3 on the Hot 100 chart. They repeated that feat the next year when they hit again with ”I Got Rhythm”. Their last charted hit, 1969’s “Where Do I Go/Be-In/Hare Krishna” was a medley of songs from the Broadway play “Hair”
Monday, April 9, 2012
THOUGH APRIL SHOWERS MAY COME YOUR WAY
Well, here we In April – tax time in North America. Americans file by April 15th. Canadians get two extra weeks until April 30. Everybody’s thinking about money right now, so that’s what this week’s edition is all about – songs that had something to do with the ‘long green’. ‘Money’ songs that made Billboards’ Hot 100 chart include “Moneytalks” by AC/DC in 1991; Cyndi Laupers’ 1985 Top 30 hit “Money Changes Everything”;”Money Honey” by Elvis Presley from 1956 (although that one only made it as far as # 76); and Abba’s 1977 hit “Money, Money, Money”. So start thinking about the ‘greenback dollar’ for our American readers or ‘multi coloured bills’ here in Canada. One note – not all the songs will have the word ‘Money’ in the title, but that’s a good start. Follow the clues.
QUESTIONS:
1. This song was all about ‘The Benjamins’. It was first written and recorded by a Motown singer/songwriter. Released in 1960, it just barely missed the Top 20, peaking at # 23. The Beatles covered this song on their first album, although it never hit the singles chart. Other cover versions that DID make the charts include The Kingsmen in 1964, fellow Motown artist Jr. Walker in ’66 and The Flying Lizards in 1980. Can you ‘give me’ the answer as to the name of this song?
2. In Canada in 2011, this song received a warning from the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council due to a complaint about the lyrics being ‘homophobic’, even though it had been played on radio around the world with no problems since it first was released in 1985. It went to # 1 on the singles chart that year and so far, is this groups’ only chart topper. These ‘Sultans of Swing’ came together in London, England and first hit the record charts in 1979. Who are they and what was their # 1 hit song?
3. Producers Mark Burnett and Donald Trump selected this song as the theme for the TV series, “The Apprentice” which has since morphed into “Celebrity Apprentice”, still using the same theme song. This group first hit the singles chart in 1963 (but just barely). Their first Top 5 hit happened in 1972, then they rode the ‘Love Train’ to number one in ‘73. The song we’re looking for made it to number four in 1974. What’s the name of the group and their ‘Money’ song?
4. There’s no ‘money’ in this songs’ title, but it’s all about how little we get to keep around this time of year. It was written by one of The Beatles and released on their 1966 album, “Revolver”. Two British politicians are mentioned in the lyrics. One was the current Prime Minister. The other became Prime Minister in 1970.
Although this Beatles song did not chart on the Hot 100, it was been played extensively on radio and continues to be played, especially around this time of year. So what’s the name of the song?
5. Alan Parsons was an engineer at EMI’s Abbey Road studios starting in the 1960’s. He assisted on several of The Beatles final albums’ and later worked as an full fledged engineer for Paul McCartney, The Hollies and another group that went on to amazing chart success. One of those albums, released in March of 1973, spent an astounding 741 weeks from ‘73 until 1988. This song was released as a single from that album and climbed to number thirteen on the Hot 100 singles chart. If you can’t guess this one, maybe you should quit now (oh wait, it’s the last question anyway). So what’s the name of this classic hit?
ANSWERS
1. That would be Barrett Strong’s “Money (That’s What I Want)”. Strong later went on to co-write Motown hits such as “Just My Imagination”, “Papa Was A Rolling Stone” and Ball of Confusion”.
2. Dire Straits is the band. “Money For Nothing” is the song.
3. Canton, Ohio’s The O’Jays charted their first hit, a song called “Lonely Drifter”, in 1963. Although they had other minor hits over the years, it wasn’t until 1972 that they cracked the Top 10 with “Back Stabbers”, which went to number three. The following year, The O’Jays hit the big time with their number one smash, “Love Train”. In 1974, the group hit the Top 10 twice – first with “Put Your Hands Together” which hit number ten, then the song we were looking for – “For The Love of Money”. The “Celebrity Apprentice” theme made it to number nine. Since then, The O’Jays have scored two more Top 5 hits – “I Love Music (Part 1)” which went to number five in 1976 and 1978’s “Used Ta Be My Girl” which climbed all the way to number four.
4. “Taxman” by The Beatles was George Harrison’s sole songwriting contribution to the ”Revolver” album, but it was a darned good one. In the lyrics, George sings about ‘Taxman Mr. Wilson” and “Taxman Mr. Heath”. Harold Wilson was Prime Minister of Great Britain at the time and Edward Heath was in the official opposition.
5. This one really wasn’t that difficult, was it? The song in question is the Pink Floyd classic, “Money” from the “Dark Side of the Moon” album.
QUESTIONS:
1. This song was all about ‘The Benjamins’. It was first written and recorded by a Motown singer/songwriter. Released in 1960, it just barely missed the Top 20, peaking at # 23. The Beatles covered this song on their first album, although it never hit the singles chart. Other cover versions that DID make the charts include The Kingsmen in 1964, fellow Motown artist Jr. Walker in ’66 and The Flying Lizards in 1980. Can you ‘give me’ the answer as to the name of this song?
2. In Canada in 2011, this song received a warning from the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council due to a complaint about the lyrics being ‘homophobic’, even though it had been played on radio around the world with no problems since it first was released in 1985. It went to # 1 on the singles chart that year and so far, is this groups’ only chart topper. These ‘Sultans of Swing’ came together in London, England and first hit the record charts in 1979. Who are they and what was their # 1 hit song?
3. Producers Mark Burnett and Donald Trump selected this song as the theme for the TV series, “The Apprentice” which has since morphed into “Celebrity Apprentice”, still using the same theme song. This group first hit the singles chart in 1963 (but just barely). Their first Top 5 hit happened in 1972, then they rode the ‘Love Train’ to number one in ‘73. The song we’re looking for made it to number four in 1974. What’s the name of the group and their ‘Money’ song?
4. There’s no ‘money’ in this songs’ title, but it’s all about how little we get to keep around this time of year. It was written by one of The Beatles and released on their 1966 album, “Revolver”. Two British politicians are mentioned in the lyrics. One was the current Prime Minister. The other became Prime Minister in 1970.
Although this Beatles song did not chart on the Hot 100, it was been played extensively on radio and continues to be played, especially around this time of year. So what’s the name of the song?
5. Alan Parsons was an engineer at EMI’s Abbey Road studios starting in the 1960’s. He assisted on several of The Beatles final albums’ and later worked as an full fledged engineer for Paul McCartney, The Hollies and another group that went on to amazing chart success. One of those albums, released in March of 1973, spent an astounding 741 weeks from ‘73 until 1988. This song was released as a single from that album and climbed to number thirteen on the Hot 100 singles chart. If you can’t guess this one, maybe you should quit now (oh wait, it’s the last question anyway). So what’s the name of this classic hit?
ANSWERS
1. That would be Barrett Strong’s “Money (That’s What I Want)”. Strong later went on to co-write Motown hits such as “Just My Imagination”, “Papa Was A Rolling Stone” and Ball of Confusion”.
2. Dire Straits is the band. “Money For Nothing” is the song.
3. Canton, Ohio’s The O’Jays charted their first hit, a song called “Lonely Drifter”, in 1963. Although they had other minor hits over the years, it wasn’t until 1972 that they cracked the Top 10 with “Back Stabbers”, which went to number three. The following year, The O’Jays hit the big time with their number one smash, “Love Train”. In 1974, the group hit the Top 10 twice – first with “Put Your Hands Together” which hit number ten, then the song we were looking for – “For The Love of Money”. The “Celebrity Apprentice” theme made it to number nine. Since then, The O’Jays have scored two more Top 5 hits – “I Love Music (Part 1)” which went to number five in 1976 and 1978’s “Used Ta Be My Girl” which climbed all the way to number four.
4. “Taxman” by The Beatles was George Harrison’s sole songwriting contribution to the ”Revolver” album, but it was a darned good one. In the lyrics, George sings about ‘Taxman Mr. Wilson” and “Taxman Mr. Heath”. Harold Wilson was Prime Minister of Great Britain at the time and Edward Heath was in the official opposition.
5. This one really wasn’t that difficult, was it? The song in question is the Pink Floyd classic, “Money” from the “Dark Side of the Moon” album.
Monday, March 12, 2012
TIME KEEPS ON SLIPPIN’, SLIPPIN’, SLIPPIN’ INTO THE FUTURE
This past weekend most of North America pushed the clocks ahead by one hour to kick off Daylight Savings . That got me to thinking about time, and the fact that there are dozens of hit songs over the years that either were about time, or had time in the title. Examples include “Time Won’t Let Me”, a top 5 hit in 1966 for The Outsiders; “Time (Clock Of The Heart)”, a number 2 hit for Culture Club in 1983; “Give Me Just A Little More Time”, a number 3 song in 1970 for Chairmen Of The Board; “Time Is Tight” a number 6 instrumental hit in 1969 from Booker T & The MGs and “Time Of The Season, a number 3 song for The Zombies in 1969. So this time out, (see how cleverly I got the word time in there), our trivia blog is about time. And frankly, it is about time (oh, I’m getting good) we did one on this topic. To make this as a little easier, all of the ‘time’ songs in this quiz were Top 10 hits from the 60’s to the 90’s. So, take your time (I really have to stop that) and see how well you do. Also, there’s no...(wait for it, wait for it)...time limit.
QUESTIONS:
1. This ‘time’ song came from a Scottish singer who first entered the singles chart in 1976 with “Year of The Cat”. That one eventually made it to number 8 in 1977. The following year, his ‘Time’ song zoomed all the way up to number 7. Who’s the artist and what’s the name of this song?
2. This singer used to date “Desperate Housewives” actress Nicolette Sheridan. He also racked up 23 chart hits (which included two number ones) from 1983 through 1997. He took a 1966 Percy Sledge number one hit back to the top of the charts in 1991. His ‘Time’ song happened that same year. So, who’s the singer and what was his ‘Time’ hit?
3. She was a fun loving singer who first hit the charts in 1983. Her second single in ’84 became her first number one. She was known for having colourful hair and for her ‘unique’ speaking voice. She won the 1984 Grammy for ‘Best New Artist’. She also play Marianne Lugasso in several episodes of Paul Riser’s TV series ”Mad About You” from 1993 until 1999. Can you guess who this performer is as well as her 1984 number one ‘Time’ hit?
4. A plane crash in 1973 cut short this singer/songwriters career. but what a success he was up to that point. He first hit the singles chart in 1972 with a Top Ten hit, then the following year, hit number one TWICE. One of those was his ‘Time’ song. Now, there’s no ‘messing around’ with this ‘bad, bad’ performer. So, who is he and what was his ‘Time’ hit?
5. For our final question, we’re looking for a British band that first ‘rolled’ onto the charts in 1964. This group was marketed as ‘bad boys’ of rock. Some critics have called them ‘The World’s Greatest Rock and Roll Band’. Their ‘time’ song hit the charts in 1964. Have you got the ‘stones’ to name the song and the group?
ANSWERS
1. It was Glasgow born Al Stewart with his song “Time Passages”. By the way, both of Stewarts’ Top Ten hits, “Year Of The Cat” and ”Time Passages” were produced by Alan Parsons, who had his own time hit called “Time” in 1981. That one went to number 15 on the singles chart.
2. Michael Bolton took “Time, Love And Tenderness” to number 7 on the singles chart in 1991. His two number ones were 1990’s “How Am I Supposed To Live Without You” and “When A Man Loves A Woman” in ‘91.
3. Cynthia Ann Stephanie Lauper is the singer. You know her better as Cyndi Lauper. Her first hit, “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” went to number 2 on the singles chart. In 1984, Ms.Lauper, who grew up in Queens, New York, hit the top of the charts for the first time with “Time After Time”, a song she co-wrote with Rob Hyman. Cindy repeated that number one success in 1986 with the song “True Colors”.
4. In 1973, the late Jim Croce had two number one hits. The first was “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” which was number one for two weeks in July. Then in December, came “Time In A Bottle”. Croce and 5 other people, including his lead guitarist Maury Muehleisen, died in a plane crash in Natchitoches, Louisiana on September 20, 1973. At the time of his death, Croce was just 30 years old.
5. The song is 1964’s “Time Is On My Side” by The Rolling Stones. The Stones first charted that year with their version of Buddy Holly & The Crickets, “Don’t Fade Away” which got as high as number 48. They next charted with “Tell Me (You’re Coming Back”) which went to number 24, and the follow up, “It’s All Over Now” made it to number 26. Then came “Time Is On My Side” which went to number six...and the rest is rock and roll history. The Stones hit number one 8 times and charted 57 songs on Billboards’ Hot 100...at least so far.
QUESTIONS:
1. This ‘time’ song came from a Scottish singer who first entered the singles chart in 1976 with “Year of The Cat”. That one eventually made it to number 8 in 1977. The following year, his ‘Time’ song zoomed all the way up to number 7. Who’s the artist and what’s the name of this song?
2. This singer used to date “Desperate Housewives” actress Nicolette Sheridan. He also racked up 23 chart hits (which included two number ones) from 1983 through 1997. He took a 1966 Percy Sledge number one hit back to the top of the charts in 1991. His ‘Time’ song happened that same year. So, who’s the singer and what was his ‘Time’ hit?
3. She was a fun loving singer who first hit the charts in 1983. Her second single in ’84 became her first number one. She was known for having colourful hair and for her ‘unique’ speaking voice. She won the 1984 Grammy for ‘Best New Artist’. She also play Marianne Lugasso in several episodes of Paul Riser’s TV series ”Mad About You” from 1993 until 1999. Can you guess who this performer is as well as her 1984 number one ‘Time’ hit?
4. A plane crash in 1973 cut short this singer/songwriters career. but what a success he was up to that point. He first hit the singles chart in 1972 with a Top Ten hit, then the following year, hit number one TWICE. One of those was his ‘Time’ song. Now, there’s no ‘messing around’ with this ‘bad, bad’ performer. So, who is he and what was his ‘Time’ hit?
5. For our final question, we’re looking for a British band that first ‘rolled’ onto the charts in 1964. This group was marketed as ‘bad boys’ of rock. Some critics have called them ‘The World’s Greatest Rock and Roll Band’. Their ‘time’ song hit the charts in 1964. Have you got the ‘stones’ to name the song and the group?
ANSWERS
1. It was Glasgow born Al Stewart with his song “Time Passages”. By the way, both of Stewarts’ Top Ten hits, “Year Of The Cat” and ”Time Passages” were produced by Alan Parsons, who had his own time hit called “Time” in 1981. That one went to number 15 on the singles chart.
2. Michael Bolton took “Time, Love And Tenderness” to number 7 on the singles chart in 1991. His two number ones were 1990’s “How Am I Supposed To Live Without You” and “When A Man Loves A Woman” in ‘91.
3. Cynthia Ann Stephanie Lauper is the singer. You know her better as Cyndi Lauper. Her first hit, “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” went to number 2 on the singles chart. In 1984, Ms.Lauper, who grew up in Queens, New York, hit the top of the charts for the first time with “Time After Time”, a song she co-wrote with Rob Hyman. Cindy repeated that number one success in 1986 with the song “True Colors”.
4. In 1973, the late Jim Croce had two number one hits. The first was “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” which was number one for two weeks in July. Then in December, came “Time In A Bottle”. Croce and 5 other people, including his lead guitarist Maury Muehleisen, died in a plane crash in Natchitoches, Louisiana on September 20, 1973. At the time of his death, Croce was just 30 years old.
5. The song is 1964’s “Time Is On My Side” by The Rolling Stones. The Stones first charted that year with their version of Buddy Holly & The Crickets, “Don’t Fade Away” which got as high as number 48. They next charted with “Tell Me (You’re Coming Back”) which went to number 24, and the follow up, “It’s All Over Now” made it to number 26. Then came “Time Is On My Side” which went to number six...and the rest is rock and roll history. The Stones hit number one 8 times and charted 57 songs on Billboards’ Hot 100...at least so far.
Monday, February 27, 2012
OSCAR, OSCAR, WHO WON THE OSCAR?
So “The Actor” won most of the major Academy Awards this year (as expected). And there were no real upsets, save for Meryl Streep winning over Viola Davis in the ‘Best Actress’ category. But enough reviewing, there are plenty of other blogs that do that – let’s get to the trivia questions – after all that’s what this site is all about. This time, the questions deal with Academy Award winning SONGS. Let me repeat that for those hard of reading. It’s about Academy Award winning SONGS. Not movies, not actors or actresses...SONGS. Every song was an Oscar winner and every song went Top 20 on Billboards’ Hot 100 chart. So, how good is your knowledge of Academy Award winning songs? Let’s find out right now!
QUESTIONS:
1. This Academy Award winning song for 1961 was co-written by a man who won 4 Oscars and was nominated 18 times. He also won 20 Grammy Awards along with many other accolades. This song was an important part of the ‘61 Audrey Hepburn film, “Breakfast At Tiffany’s” and went to # 11 on the singles chart TWICE that year One of the hits versions was by Jerry Butler, the other by the co-composer. Can you name the song and the award winning co-writer?
2. This Academy Award winning writer had co-written dozens of chart hits long before he won his only Oscar in 1971. Those hits included: “Hold On I’m Comin’” and “Soul Man”, both hits for Sam and Dave in the 1960’s. He then had his own successful solo career, culminating with his Academy Award win for ‘Best Original Song’ for the theme from this film about a black private eye. Can you dig it? What’s the song and who’s the artist?
3. At the 1984 Academy Awards, the 5 hit movie songs competed for the coveted Oscar statuette were: a. Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now) with music and lyrics by Phil Collins; b. “Footloose” – music and lyrics by Kenny Loggins; c. “Let’s Hear It For The Boy” (also from the movie “Footloose”) – music and lyrics by Tom Snow and Dean Pitchford (as sung by Denise Williams); d. “I Just Called To Say I Love You” with words and music by Stevie Wonder from the movie “Lady In Red”; and e. Ghostbusters” with music and lyrics by Ray Parker Jr. Every one of those 5 hits went to # 1. So which song won the Oscar that year?
4. This artist is originally from New Jersey, but the title of his 1993 Academy Award winning song focused on a city in a neighbouring state. The film it came from starred Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington. There was very little ‘brotherly love’ in this movie between Tom Hanks’ character and the company he used to work for. Can you name the song and the writer/performer?
5. This one’s only 10 years old, so it should be a snap to answer. The Academy Award winning ‘Best Original Song’ in 2002 came from a Detroit native who also made his acting debut in the film, which was loosely based on his real life growing up in the Motor City. His real name is Marshall Mathers III, but he goes by one name. Can you guess who the artist is and what was his Academy Award winning song?
ANSWERS
1. “Moon River” was the song we’re looking for. The music was written by Henry Mancini with lyrics by Johnny Mercer. Mancini’s version went to # 11 on Billboard in 1961 as did Jerry Butler’s rendition. Mancini and Mercer won the Oscar the following year as well for their theme song from the Jack Lemmon film, “The Days Of Wine And Roses”.
2. Isaac Hayes and “Theme From Shaft” are the correct answers. Along with co-writer Dave Porter, Isaac was an in house writer/producer at Stax records in Memphis during the 1960’s. He started having hits of his own in the late ‘60’s and ‘70’s. His first major chart hit was a 1969 Christmas song called “The Mistletoe And Me” which made it to # 5 on the Christmas singles chart. “Theme From Shaft” was Isaac’s only # 1 hit and his only Oscar win. He was the voice of Chef in “South Park” for several years and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002. Isaac Hayes died on August 10, 2008.
3. Stevie Wonder’s “I Just Called To Say I Love You” was the Oscar winner for 1984.
4. Bruce Springsteen was the New Jersey native we were looking for. His 1993 Academy Award winning song was “Streets of Philadelphia” from the Jonathan Demme directed film, “Philadelphia” beat out Neil Young’s title song from the same movie as well as songs from “Sleepless In Seattle”, “Poetic Justice” and “Beethoven’s 2nd”.
5. Marshall Mathers is better known as Eminem. His 2002 film, “8 Mile” won the Oscar for ‘Best original Song’ the following year for “Lose Yourself”.
QUESTIONS:
1. This Academy Award winning song for 1961 was co-written by a man who won 4 Oscars and was nominated 18 times. He also won 20 Grammy Awards along with many other accolades. This song was an important part of the ‘61 Audrey Hepburn film, “Breakfast At Tiffany’s” and went to # 11 on the singles chart TWICE that year One of the hits versions was by Jerry Butler, the other by the co-composer. Can you name the song and the award winning co-writer?
2. This Academy Award winning writer had co-written dozens of chart hits long before he won his only Oscar in 1971. Those hits included: “Hold On I’m Comin’” and “Soul Man”, both hits for Sam and Dave in the 1960’s. He then had his own successful solo career, culminating with his Academy Award win for ‘Best Original Song’ for the theme from this film about a black private eye. Can you dig it? What’s the song and who’s the artist?
3. At the 1984 Academy Awards, the 5 hit movie songs competed for the coveted Oscar statuette were: a. Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now) with music and lyrics by Phil Collins; b. “Footloose” – music and lyrics by Kenny Loggins; c. “Let’s Hear It For The Boy” (also from the movie “Footloose”) – music and lyrics by Tom Snow and Dean Pitchford (as sung by Denise Williams); d. “I Just Called To Say I Love You” with words and music by Stevie Wonder from the movie “Lady In Red”; and e. Ghostbusters” with music and lyrics by Ray Parker Jr. Every one of those 5 hits went to # 1. So which song won the Oscar that year?
4. This artist is originally from New Jersey, but the title of his 1993 Academy Award winning song focused on a city in a neighbouring state. The film it came from starred Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington. There was very little ‘brotherly love’ in this movie between Tom Hanks’ character and the company he used to work for. Can you name the song and the writer/performer?
5. This one’s only 10 years old, so it should be a snap to answer. The Academy Award winning ‘Best Original Song’ in 2002 came from a Detroit native who also made his acting debut in the film, which was loosely based on his real life growing up in the Motor City. His real name is Marshall Mathers III, but he goes by one name. Can you guess who the artist is and what was his Academy Award winning song?
ANSWERS
1. “Moon River” was the song we’re looking for. The music was written by Henry Mancini with lyrics by Johnny Mercer. Mancini’s version went to # 11 on Billboard in 1961 as did Jerry Butler’s rendition. Mancini and Mercer won the Oscar the following year as well for their theme song from the Jack Lemmon film, “The Days Of Wine And Roses”.
2. Isaac Hayes and “Theme From Shaft” are the correct answers. Along with co-writer Dave Porter, Isaac was an in house writer/producer at Stax records in Memphis during the 1960’s. He started having hits of his own in the late ‘60’s and ‘70’s. His first major chart hit was a 1969 Christmas song called “The Mistletoe And Me” which made it to # 5 on the Christmas singles chart. “Theme From Shaft” was Isaac’s only # 1 hit and his only Oscar win. He was the voice of Chef in “South Park” for several years and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002. Isaac Hayes died on August 10, 2008.
3. Stevie Wonder’s “I Just Called To Say I Love You” was the Oscar winner for 1984.
4. Bruce Springsteen was the New Jersey native we were looking for. His 1993 Academy Award winning song was “Streets of Philadelphia” from the Jonathan Demme directed film, “Philadelphia” beat out Neil Young’s title song from the same movie as well as songs from “Sleepless In Seattle”, “Poetic Justice” and “Beethoven’s 2nd”.
5. Marshall Mathers is better known as Eminem. His 2002 film, “8 Mile” won the Oscar for ‘Best original Song’ the following year for “Lose Yourself”.
Monday, February 20, 2012
MORE FROM THE GRAMMY AWARDS
The Grammy Awards may be over, but as we promised, we’re still asking questions about Grammy Award winners. This time out, we’ll see how you do with lyrics. It’s pretty basic – name the song from a selected portion of the lyrics. Every song was a national number one hit. C’mon, you can do it. So let’s go!
QUESTIONS:
1. Some of the lyrics of this song from a 3 time Grammy Award winning album are: “It’s wonderful to be here. It’s certainly a thrill. You’re such a lovely audience, We’d like to take you home with us. We’d love to take you home.” It comes from a legendary ‘60’s group from England. What’s the song?
2. Can you name the 1981 song that these lyrics come from: “And she’ll tease you, she’ll unease you. All the best just to please you. She’s precocious. And she knows just what it takes to make a pro blush.” It was number one for 9 weeks and won several Grammy Awards. So, what’s the title of the song?
3. This song was number one in 1976 for a former New York City jingle singer and musical director for Bette Midler. Some of the lyrics are: “I put the words and the melodies together. I am music and I write the songs.” It can’t get much easier than this. So, what’s the title of this song?
4. At the second annual Grammy Awards in 1959 this song was honoured as ‘Record of The Year’. Some of the lyrics are: “Now, did you hear about Louie Miller. He disappeared babe, after drawin’ out all his cash. And now MacHeath spends just like a sailor. Could it be our boy’s done somethin’ rash.” What’s the name of this classic song that’s been recorded by everyone from Frank Sinatra to Louis Armstrong?
5. This multiple Grammy Award winning song from 1984 has lyrics that begin: “You must understand that the touch of your hand makes my pulse react. That it’s only the thrill of boy meeting girl. Opposites attract.” Can you name the song and the legendary singer?
ANSWERS
1. That would be the title song from The Beatles 1967 album, “Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”, which won Grammy Awards for ‘Album of the Year’, ‘Best Contemporary Album’, ‘Best Engineered Recording’ for Geoff Emerick as well as ‘Best Album Cover, Graphic Arts’ for Peter Blake and Jann Hawarth.
2. Kim Carnes took the song “Bette Davis Eyes” all the way to number one in 1981. The song was co-written by Donna Weiss and Jackie DeShannon. It won 1981 Grammy Awards for ‘Record of the Year’ and ‘Song of the Year’.
3. Barry Manilow recorded it, but although he wrote quite a few of his hits, he DIDN’T write “I Write The Songs”. That was written by Bruce Johnston who joined The Beach Boys in 1965 and will be part of the 2012 Beach Boys 50th anniversary tour. Manilow’s version made it to number one on Billboards Hot 100 chart for the week of January 17th, 1976. “I Write The Songs” had first been recorded by Captain & Tennille’s on their debut album, but was never released as a single. Johnston produced the song with David Cassidy in 1975 for RCA Records in Britain. It rose to # 11 on the British charts. Clive Davis, who was President of Manilow’s label, Arista Records, heard the song while on a trip to England and thought it would be perfect for Barry. Clive was right. It won the 1976 Grammy Award for ‘Song of the Year’ for writer Bruce Johnston.
4. We were looking for the 1959 Bobby Darin number one hit “Mack The Knife”. Darin’s version won the Grammy for ‘Record of the Year’ beating out Elvis Presley’s “A Fool Such As I”, Frank Sinatra’s “High Hopes”, Andre Previn’s “Like Young” and The Browns’ “The Three Bells”. Bobby Darin also won ‘Best New Artist’ that year.
5. At the 1984 Grammy Awards, Tina Turner’s # 1 hit,“What’s Love Got To Do With It” took home the award for ‘Record of the Year’, ‘Song of the Year’ (for writers Graham Lyle and Terry Britten) as well as ‘Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female” for Tina who also won ‘Best Rock Performance, Female’ for “Better Be Good To Me”. All in all, an amazing night for the former Anna Mae Bullock of Nutbush, Tennessee.
QUESTIONS:
1. Some of the lyrics of this song from a 3 time Grammy Award winning album are: “It’s wonderful to be here. It’s certainly a thrill. You’re such a lovely audience, We’d like to take you home with us. We’d love to take you home.” It comes from a legendary ‘60’s group from England. What’s the song?
2. Can you name the 1981 song that these lyrics come from: “And she’ll tease you, she’ll unease you. All the best just to please you. She’s precocious. And she knows just what it takes to make a pro blush.” It was number one for 9 weeks and won several Grammy Awards. So, what’s the title of the song?
3. This song was number one in 1976 for a former New York City jingle singer and musical director for Bette Midler. Some of the lyrics are: “I put the words and the melodies together. I am music and I write the songs.” It can’t get much easier than this. So, what’s the title of this song?
4. At the second annual Grammy Awards in 1959 this song was honoured as ‘Record of The Year’. Some of the lyrics are: “Now, did you hear about Louie Miller. He disappeared babe, after drawin’ out all his cash. And now MacHeath spends just like a sailor. Could it be our boy’s done somethin’ rash.” What’s the name of this classic song that’s been recorded by everyone from Frank Sinatra to Louis Armstrong?
5. This multiple Grammy Award winning song from 1984 has lyrics that begin: “You must understand that the touch of your hand makes my pulse react. That it’s only the thrill of boy meeting girl. Opposites attract.” Can you name the song and the legendary singer?
ANSWERS
1. That would be the title song from The Beatles 1967 album, “Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”, which won Grammy Awards for ‘Album of the Year’, ‘Best Contemporary Album’, ‘Best Engineered Recording’ for Geoff Emerick as well as ‘Best Album Cover, Graphic Arts’ for Peter Blake and Jann Hawarth.
2. Kim Carnes took the song “Bette Davis Eyes” all the way to number one in 1981. The song was co-written by Donna Weiss and Jackie DeShannon. It won 1981 Grammy Awards for ‘Record of the Year’ and ‘Song of the Year’.
3. Barry Manilow recorded it, but although he wrote quite a few of his hits, he DIDN’T write “I Write The Songs”. That was written by Bruce Johnston who joined The Beach Boys in 1965 and will be part of the 2012 Beach Boys 50th anniversary tour. Manilow’s version made it to number one on Billboards Hot 100 chart for the week of January 17th, 1976. “I Write The Songs” had first been recorded by Captain & Tennille’s on their debut album, but was never released as a single. Johnston produced the song with David Cassidy in 1975 for RCA Records in Britain. It rose to # 11 on the British charts. Clive Davis, who was President of Manilow’s label, Arista Records, heard the song while on a trip to England and thought it would be perfect for Barry. Clive was right. It won the 1976 Grammy Award for ‘Song of the Year’ for writer Bruce Johnston.
4. We were looking for the 1959 Bobby Darin number one hit “Mack The Knife”. Darin’s version won the Grammy for ‘Record of the Year’ beating out Elvis Presley’s “A Fool Such As I”, Frank Sinatra’s “High Hopes”, Andre Previn’s “Like Young” and The Browns’ “The Three Bells”. Bobby Darin also won ‘Best New Artist’ that year.
5. At the 1984 Grammy Awards, Tina Turner’s # 1 hit,“What’s Love Got To Do With It” took home the award for ‘Record of the Year’, ‘Song of the Year’ (for writers Graham Lyle and Terry Britten) as well as ‘Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female” for Tina who also won ‘Best Rock Performance, Female’ for “Better Be Good To Me”. All in all, an amazing night for the former Anna Mae Bullock of Nutbush, Tennessee.
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