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"Sh-Boom" ("Life Could Be a Dream") by The Crew Cuts.

OK, boys and girls, back to the 50s: Written and first recorded as an R&B tune in early 1954, this was the only hit for The Chords, a Bronx-based vocal quintet. Later on that same year, it was covered by a Canadian doo-wop quartet who took it to #1 for nine weeks. It represents the first a doo-wop tune appeared on the pop charts. A magical moment when worries disappear, leaving one immersed in joy and elation. A euphoric atmosphere that makes it possible to pursue our dreams (hint, hint!). #215 on Rolling Stone Magazine's Greatest Songs of All time. Featured on Patrick Swayze's 1989 "Road House" and on "Cars" in 2006. Quartet? Song? Answer: "Sh-Boom" ("Life Could Be a Dream") by The Crew Cuts. As did The Four Lads, The Crew Cuts also met as members of St. Michael's Choir School in Toronto. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CikEbEtnBcE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESLa421KQaM
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"You and Me Against the World" by Helen Reddy.

OK, girls and boys, back to the 70s: This 1974 sentimental ballad was the first songwriting collaboration between Paul Williams and Kenny Ascher. It was first recorded by Williams as a love song. Australian songbird Helen Reddy reworked it that same year as a mother speaking to her child. In the recording, Reddy's 10-year-old daughter Traci does the spoken parts. A single mother assuring her child that they'll get through anything life throws at them as long as they stay together. In tough times, they can always count on each other. The song has had a profound impact on many single mothers. #9 Billboard Hot 100, fourth out of six consecutive #1 hits for Reddy on Easy Listening. Covered by, among many others, Gladys Knight and The Pips, Robert Goulet and the sensitive Johnny Mathis. Song? Answer: "You and Me Against the World" by Helen Reddy. I was a med school sophomore in '74. Man, Pathology was tough but somehow we always found time to listen to a ...
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"Moments to Remember" by The Four Lads.

OK, boys and girls, back to the 50s: This Canadian vocal quartet met during choir practice at St. Michael's School in Toronto (so did The Crew Cuts). First named The Otnorots (Toronto spelled backwards!), then The Jordonaires (NOT Elvis' backup group!) and finally The Four Dukes before settling on their eventual name. Their biggest hit was a nostalgic pop ballad about days gone by. A Robert Allen/Al Stillman composition, it was first offered to Perry Como but his management turned it down. It peaked at #2 in '55. Covered by The Statler Brothers and by The Vogues in '69. Group? Song? Answer: "Moments To Remember" by The Four Lads. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12mgCx88t3g https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qlJqG4AoGc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnEPLTqmJY4
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"Lambada" by Kaoma.

OK, girls and boys, more 80s one-hit wonders: This '89 multi-Platinum release was subtitled "Chorando Se Foi"; the title loosely translates as "whiplash". Recorded by a French pop ensemble fronted by Brazilian vocalist Loalwa Braz. It became a world-wide dance sensation - a blend of northern Brazilian carimbo and Dominican merengue. "A woman makes her lover cry and now she regrets what she did as she sees him leave with tears in his eyes" - (Sam Kinison, where are you?!). It hit #1 on 11 charts worldwide. Based upon an '81 release by Los Kjarkas from Bolivia titled "Llorando Se Fue". Group? Song? For extra credit, do the dance dressed appropriately (or inappropriately, as the case may be)! Answer: "Lambada" by Kaoma. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyLdoQGBchQ
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"(We Ain't Got) Nothin' Yet" by Blues Magoos.

OK, girls and boys, more 60s one-hit wonders: This Bronx-based quintet started out in '64 as The Trenchcoats. They were unlikely pioneers of the emerging psychedelic trend. Their Feb.'67 hit peaked at #5 in the U.S. and was featured on the "Easy Rider" soundtrack the following year. The Vox Continental (some say Farfisa) organ riff is one most easily recognizable ones from the 60s. Group? Song? Answer: "(We Ain't Got) Nothin' Yet" by Blues Magoos. At first The Bloos Magoos, then Blues Magoos. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noTV6s8JzTM
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"Touch of Grey" by The Grateful Dead.

OK, boys and girls, more 80s one-hit wonders (!): The ONLY commercial hit for this immensely popular band came in '87 with a Garcia/Hunter composition. About aging, "chemicals", overcoming life's tough situations - we'll never know?! Their ONLY Billboard Top Ten Hit and their ONLY MTV music video. It introduced the "mainstream" audience and a whole new generation to their music. Band? Song? Answer: "Touch of Grey" by The Grateful Dead. Classic "skeleton" video. The Dead were, of course, a "live" touring band always on the fringes of pop culture. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzvk0fWtCs0
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"Tennessee Flat Top Box".

OK, girls and boys, a little more Country: Johnny Cash wrote and first recorded this 1961 Country standard when his daughter Rosanne was only six years old. A little Texas boy could play a mean steel-string acoustic guitar and folks would come from near and far just to see him play. #11 Country, #84 Pop. In 1987 Rosanne's then-husband Rodney Crowell encouraged her to record it not knowing that her father had written it, assuming it was public domain. Randy Scruggs played the memorable guitar track. It became the third out of four consecutive #1 hits from her seminal "King's Record Shop" album. It was her effort to mend the somewhat strained relationsship with her father. According to Johnny, her recording was "one of (his) greatest fulfillments". Song? Answer: "Tennessee Flat Top Box". In my humble opinion, the BEST thing that Johnny Cash ever did was giving us Rosanne! Actually, my favorite one of her songs is "If You Change Your...
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