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"You Can't Judge a Book by the (Its) Cover" by Bo Diddley.

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: This Willie Dixon composition was first recorded and released by Bo Diddley in 1962 and was one of Diddley's last hits (#21 R&B, #48 Pop). "Willie Dixon's lyrics use a series of metaphors of all sorts of things you can't (discern) by their appearances before landing on the title phrase". Covered by the early Rolling Stones in '62, by The Yardbirds with Eric Clapton in '63 and by The Fabulous Thunderbirds in '92. Stevie Wonder co-wrote and released a completely different song by the same title in '69. Song? Answer: "You Can't Judge a Book by the (Its) Cover" by Bo Diddley. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkJ9glPmv7c&list=RDOkJ9glPmv7c&start_radio=1
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James Moody's "Moody's Mood for Love".

OK, girls and boys, back to the 40s: This jazz giant left us in 2010 at the tender age of 85. An accomplished saxophonist and flautist, he was born partially deaf and with a lisp. His best-known piece was a 1949 sax solo which he improvised during a visit to Sweden. Strongly influenced by Charlie "Bird" Parker, vocalese lyrics were later added by Eddie Jefferson. Further popularized by King Pleasure in '54. The original tune was a 1935 McHugh/Fields composition introduced by Frances Langford in the movie "Every Night At Eight". "Alfalfa" sang it in a 1936 "Our Gang" short and it became his signature song. Artist? Solo? Original song? Answer: James Moody's "Moody's Mood For Love" was his landmark sax solo on "I'm In the Mood for Love". Masterfully covered by Aretha Franklin, Tito Puente, Queen Latifah, Amy Winehouse and Quincy Jones, among many others. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vi9Xv7XO8AY&list=RDvi9X...
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Charlie Watts.

OK, boys and girls, MORE British Invasion: According to his group's lead-guitarist, this "Wembley Whammer" was the "backbone" of the band. "When _____ is on, the band is on; when _____ is off, the band is off". Drummer? Group? Answer: The Rolling Stones' Charlie Watts. Both Mick and Keith have been quoted as saying that, without Charlie, there's no Stones. Actually, when Bill Wyman left, the other three deferred to Charlie exclusively to decide on his replacement. Even being a guitar player and not a drummer, Charlie has always been my favorite Stone - ultracool perfect British gent! Charlie left us in 2021 at age 80.
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Charles Aznavour.

OK, boys and girls, a little foreign romance: This French-Armenian singer/songwriter was named "Entertainer of the Century" by CNN and by Time Online in 1998. Also named "The 20th Century's Outstanding Performer", edging out Elvis and Dylan. Has appeared in over 60 movies, written over 1,000 songs and sold over 100 million records worldwide. Artist? Answer: Charles Aznavour. I grew up listening to him in Spanish on the ol' Bogen hi-fi in my native Puerto Rico. One of my Dad's favorites. I saw him on stage at the University of Puerto Rico Theater in the early 70s - one of the best concerts I've ever attended - absolute command of the stage! He left us in 2018 at the tender age of 94. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xla498o7ZAw&list=RDXla498o7ZAw&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GtzB8cfkh0&list=RD7GtzB8cfkh0&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajjdY070VU4&list=RDajjdY070VU4&start_radio=1
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"MTA" by The Kingston Trio.

OK, girls and boys, the 50s live on: This 1959 Kingston Trio "protest" hit was written in 1948 by Jacqueline Steiner and Bess Lomax Hawes. In it, "George O'Brien" was a pseudonyn for a socialist mayoral candidate. Song? Answer: "MTA" by The Kingston Trio. I hear Charlie is STILL on the MTA riding around Boston! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7Jw_v3F_Q0&list=RDS7Jw_v3F_Q0&start_radio=1
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"Behind Closed Doors" by Charlie Rich.

OK, boys and girls, back to the 70s: This classic 1973 Kenny O'Dell love ballad was Charlie Rich's first #1 Country hit as well as a solid crossover, peaking at #15 on the Pop charts. Country Song and Single Of The Year as well as a Grammy for Best Male Country Vocal Performance. #9 on CMT's 100 Greatest Songs in Country Music. Suggestive but sophisticated; a love song about a couple's intimate moments. Song? Answer: "Behind Closed Doors" by Charlie Rich. It was banned early on by some radio stations. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHaLjPP4bok&list=RDWHaLjPP4bok&start_radio=1
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ABBA.

OK, girls and boys, back to the 70s: On February, 2000 this seminal 70s supergroup was offered and declined ONE BILLON DOLLARS (yes, Dr. Evil, with "B"!) for a reunion tour, stating that they wanted to be remembered by their fans as they were then. Must be nice! Group? Answer: ABBA. In their heyday, only the now-defunct SAAB made more money in Sweden than they did!
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