Poldo's Music Trivia II

OK, boys and girls, back to the 80s: This 1980 country-rock classic about life on tour was written by the artist for the film "Honeysuckle Rose", in which he starred. This was his 9th #1 Country hit and it also peaked at #20 on Billboard's Hot 100. Won the 1980 Grammy for Best Country Song and was Oscar-nominated for Best Original Song. Part of the "Forrest Gump" soundtrack. Artist? Song? Answer: "On the Road Again" by Willie Nelson. Gotta love ol' Willie! Still touring at 92 - can't keep a good man down - as long as that ol' Martin doesn't disintegrate and as long as there are assorted chemicals out there, he'll go on forever! Rumor has it that Keith Richards taught Willie how to play the geeeetar when he was just a little boy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBN86y30Ufc

OK, girls and boys, more 70s one-hit wonders (spare my life, please!): Brazilian singer/songwriter Mauricio Alberto Kaisermann penned and recorded this sappy romantic ballad in 1974. It peaked at #6 Pop and #2 Adult Contemporary in '75. Grammy-nominated in '76 for Song of the Year and Best New Artist. French composer Loulou Gaste sued him for plagiarizing his '56 "Pour Toi" and won 88% of royalties. A perennial inclusion in "Worst Songs Ever" lists, it also figures among Rhino Records' "70s Party Killers". Artist? Song? Answer: "Feelings" by Morris Albert. The sappiest of all songs - my apologies! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CyBcHUe4WeQ

OK, girls and boys, more 50s one-hit wonders: Chicagoan Geraldine Ann Pasquale cut her first record at age 8 as Geri Pace. Her one hit came in 1959, when she was only 13, with a Mickie Grant composition. A young man she is fond of has an unorthodox lifestyle and an even more unusual fashion sense. She took it to #3 and became the youngest female to sell one million copies of a single. Co-starred with Fabian in his first movie, "Hound Dog Man". Later in her career sang backup with Sergio Mendes and Brasil '77, Loretta Lynn, Frankie Avalon, Boz Scaggs and Mac Davis. Artist? Hit? Answer: "Pink Shoe Laces ("Pink Shoelaces")" by Dodie Stevens. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGgaZZl_GVg

OK, girls and boys, back to the BIG-HAIR 80s: This Tozzi/Bigazzi/Veitch composition stayed on Billboard's Hot 100 for 36 weeks between 1982 and 1983 - at that time, a record for a female artist. Certified Platinum and Grammy-nominated. 2M singles sales in the U.S. Advice for a girl living in the fast-lane to slow down her pace. Played during the ice-skating scene on "Flashdance". Song? Artist? Answer: "Gloria" by Laura Branigan. Big hair lives!!! What a voice she had - miss her! Killer cover by Siobhan Magnus on Idol some years ago. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNEb2k_EmMg

OK, girls (hint, hint!) and boys, more 70s one-hit wonders: Described by Smokey Robinson as "The man with the voice of an angel", this Norfolk, VA native grew up in Philly and cut his teeth singing for The Delfonics and The Stylistics. Soulful R&B falsetto. His only solo hit came in early 1970 with a reworded version of a '63 #27 ballad written by Carr/Shuman and recorded by Ruby and The Romantics. At first he was reluctant to record it but his wife/producer convinced him to do so ("yes, Dear!"). It peaked at #2 and was RIAA Certified Gold. One of the most popular smooth romantic R&B ballads of the 70s. Artist? Song? "Hey There Lonely Girl" by Eddie Holman. Great falsetto! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmyK_b4DCH4

OK, boys and girls, back to the 80s: Formed in London in 1980, this British New Wave trio was first named Intellektuals, followed by 57 Men, before settling on their subsequent name. It translates into "Yellow Bell" in English and it is the first note in the classic Chinese musical scale. Their first hit, a Jack Hues composition, is a nostalgic electro-pop classic, longing for the 1940s. The original 1982 version failed to chart but their '84 re-recording peaked at #16 in the U.S. and at #21 in the UK. It was their only UK Top 40 hit. Nominated for Best New Artist at the 1984 MTV VMAs. It is part of the 1984 film "Bachelor Party" soundtrack and it was also featured on "Breaking Bad" and "Glee". Group? Song? Answer: "Dance Hall Days' by Wang Chung. Originally named Huang Chung, they changed their name to appeal to the U.S. market. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-xpJRwIA-Q

OK, boys (hint, hint!) and girls, back to the 50s: 18-year-old Paul Anka wrote and recorded this poignant pop ballad in 1959. Featured in the film "Girls' Town". It was Anka's first #1 hit on Billboard's Hot 100, even though "Diana" had previously topped Billboard's Best Sellers in Stores earlier that same year. Donny Osmond's cover charted in 1972. Song? Answer: "Lonely Boy" by Paul Anka. Man, I couldn't come up with that now - leave alone when I was 18!!! ...and he's still NOT in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - don't get me started!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKcCaCgMLBE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkM0bvdZu_M

OK, girls and boys, more 80s: This popular sax-heavy Portland, OR pop/rock band was formed in 1980 through a fusion between Seafood Mama and Pilot. Unusual in that Rindy Ross, their lead singer, was also their very able sax player. Their biggest hit was a Marv Ross composition recorded in 1981 which peaked at #3 in early '82. One of the 1st videos on the then-new MTV. Considered by many to be one of the best break-up songs ever. Band? Song? Answer: "Harden My Heart" by Quarterflash. I had totally forgotten about that tune until I heard it at "Rock of Ages" in Des Moines. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqeKV2UYq1Q

OK, boys and girls, back to the 30s: This 1939 Ross Parker/Hughie Charles composition was very popular during WWII - an optimistic tune about loved ones returning home safely. British songbird Vera Lynn's version peaked at #29 in the U.S. in '54. Featured by her in the 1943 movie musical of the same name. The Byrds' soulful folk-rock version closes their first studio album, "Mr. Tambourine Man". Ironically, it plays at the end of "Dr. Strangelove". Song? Answer: "We'll Meet Again". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsM_VmN6ytk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Buqs3hLrr0o

OK, girls and boys, back to the 70s: Prolific and melodic Mexican bolero singer/songwriter Armando Manzanero penned this romantic ballad in the late 60s. Sid Wayne ("See You in September") added English lyrics. It was released by Perry Como in 1970, peaking at #10 Pop and topping the Easy Listening charts for 4 weeks signaling a "mini-comeback". His 1st top 10 hit since '58 and his 14th Gold Record. Also covered by Elvis, Andy Williams and Andrea Bocelli. Song? Spanish title? Answer: "It's Impossible" ("Somos Novios") by Perry Como. Even though the English translation has nothing to do with Manzanero's original lyrics, they're still both great romantic tunes. Manzanero didn't have the greatest voice BUT his romantic ballads are so fabulous that he still pulled it off. He left us in 2020 at age 85. Perry Como passed away in 2001 at age 88 - he was always one of my father's favorites. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKQ9-...

OK, girls and boys, more 80s one-hit wonders: Originally performed by The Strangeloves in 1965, this #11 Berns/Feldman/Goldstein/Gottehrer composition is an excellent example of the Bo Diddley beat. Inspired by a dancer whom the members of the group saw at the 1964 World's Fair in NYC. A 15-year-old Annabella Lwin backed by former Adam and The Ants members covered it in '82. Although it only peaked at #62, it has become an 80s New Wave classic due in part to its early MTV video. Featured in "Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion". #86 on VH1's Greatest Songs of The Eighties and #8 on The 100 Greatest One-Hit Wonders of The Eighties. Song? Group? Answer: "I Want Candy" by Bow Wow Wow. The sound of the 80s. Inspired by dancer Candy Johnson. Mighty nice Gretsch White Falcon on the video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoXVYSV4Xcs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6Vw9RGm1tM

OK, girls and boys, a little more 60s romance: This 1962 David/Bacharach ballad was the late-great Gene Pitney's biggest U.S. hit, peaking at #2 on Billboard Pop. Ironically, it was kept from hitting #1 by The Crystals' "He's A Rebel", one of his own compositions. Song? Answer: "Only Love Can Break a Heart" by Gene Pitney. He himself did the whistling at the beginning and end of the song. Left the U.S. for the UK in '70 and came back only once, in '93, to sing at Carnegie Hall. Town Without Pity, It Hurts To Be In Love, 24 Hours From Tulsa, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance........so many great ones! He left us in 2006 at the age of 66. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71ctQukD5ZA

OK, girls and boys, back to the 80s: Emily Saliers and Amy Ray first met in elementary school and started playing music together in high school. As students at Emory University in Atlanta, GA, they started performing full-time as a folk-rock duo. Their first hit came in 1989 with a Saliers composition about the search for the meaning of life and the instrospective acceptance that many philosophical questions don't always have a definitive answer. #32 Billboard Hot 100, #48 Adult Contemporary, #17 among The 65 Best LGBTQ+ Anthems. The song had a resurgence when it became the showstopper of the 2023 "Barbie" movie. Heard three times during the film sung both by the duo and by Brandi Carlile. Song? Duo? Answer: "Closer to Fine" by Indigo Girls. I was introduced to the duo in the O.R. by my dear friend and superb surgical nurse Linda Hearn. I love playing it on the guitar. By far, my favorite one of their songs is "Love's Recovery". https...

OK, boys and girls, back to the 70s: It was 1969 and singer, rock guitar master and journeyman Dave Mason had just left British supergroup Traffic to pursue a solo career. He was desperately looking for a hit to jump-start his pursuit. It finally came in 1977, when his lead guitarist, Jim Krueger, showed him a song he had just written about two ex-lovers undergoing a stilted reunion. Accepting diferring viewpoints and incompatibility without fault or blame, finally realizing that the relationship was not meant to be. It became Mason's biggest hit and signature tune. A timeless ballad and yacht-rock classic. Unforgettable 12-string guitar work by Krueger. #12 Billboard Hot 100, #19 Easy Listening. Memorable country-rock cover in 1993 by Billy Dean (#9 Country). Song? Answer: "We Just Disagree" by Dave Mason. He is in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Traffic. Played live and recorded with the likes of Sir Paul, George, Hendrix, Clapton, The Stones...

OK, girls and boys, back to the 30s: This romantic 1936 Cole Porter vocal-jazz swing classic was introduced in the MGM musical "Born To Dance", sung by Virginia Bruce. The singer's love is all-consuming and inescapable. Oscar-nominated for Best Song. Sinatra's 1956 collaboration with Nelson Riddle became one of his "signature" songs. He re-recorded it in '93 as a duet with Bono. In 1966, it became a top-ten hit for Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. Song? Answer: "I've Got You Under My Skin". I'm rather partial to Frankie Valli's version. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=io6soTS6tK4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1AHec7sfZ8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSpyqTjztwM

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: This 1967 Bob Dylan composition was part of "The Basement Tapes Sessions". Described by him as a "simple nursery rhyme". Based upon the main character in the 1959 movie "Savage Innocents". Manfred Mann's folk-rock version peaked at #1 UK, #10 Billboard and #4 Cash Box in '68. It was Manfred Mann's last #1 UK hit before splitting in '69. Covered by Ian & Sylvia, The Hollies and Gary Puckett & The Union Gap. Song? Main character movie star? Answer: "The Mighty Quinn" by Manfred Mann. Anthony Quinn played an Eskimo in "Savage Innocents" (QUINN THE ESKIMO!). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K13hH0pJx5s

OK, girls and boys, back to the 60s: This 1966 Sonny Bono composition was Cher's biggest solo hit of the 60s, peaking at #2 in the U.S., at #3 in the U.K. and selling over 3 million copies. Child's play becomes heartache for a couple that grows up together and later part. Nancy Sinatra's cover from later on that year was featured in Tarantino's '03 "Kill Bill" (love the tremolo guitar!). Killer version by Vanilla Fudge in '67! Song? Answer: "Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)" by Cher. Gotta love ol' Cher - "Moonstruck" is still one of my all-time favorite movies. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2mBCVejzSM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AML3iGBryHs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmWqalcmx1A

OK, girls and boys, back to the 70s: David Gates had just watched "Breakfast at Tiffany's" - the moody feeling of the film, as well as the screen legend who played the protagonist, inspired him to write this sublime 1972 soft rock ballad. A man longs for a short-lived romantic encounter he knows he will never relive. A tale of unrequited love. Recorded by his group with him on lead vocals using only acoustic guitar, strings and celesta. #15 Billboard Hot 100, #5 Adult Contemporary. Song? Group? Answer: "Aubrey" by Bread. Inspired by Audrey Hepburn. Many say that this is Gates' most beautiful composition. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IWxocGm21U

OK, girls and boys, back to the 70s: Originally recorded in 1967 by their former band, The Paramounts, this Gary Brooker/Keith Reid psychedelic Baroque-rock composition was a hit for their group in 1972, when they re-recorded it live with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. An ancient war hero is found dead, lying on a beach. The song's title (a little Spanish flavor) was repeatedly mispronounced during the entire song. The music was written BEFORE the lyrics, opposite of how they usually composed. #16 Billboard Hot 100. Song? Group? Answer: "Conquistador" by Procol Harum. Even though "A Whiter Shade of Pale" was, by far, the group's biggest hit, to me it was overplayed on the radio. "Conquistador" is my favorite Procol Harum tune. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vd_uKWWgOxw

OK, boys (hint, hint!) and girls, back to the 40s: Nomadic beat poet and pre-hippie Eden Ahbez wrote this pop/jazz ballad in 1947, taking the name from his L.A.-based musical group. It contains thematic elements from Dvorak's Piano Quintet No. 2 in A and from Yablokoff's "Shvayg, Mayn Harts". When Nat King Cole heard it he wanted to record it right away but Ahbez could not be found to sign papers. He was finally located camping out under the 1st "L" of the Hollywood sign! It launched Cole's career, peaking at #1 for 8 weeks. Became the theme for the '48 film "The Boy With Green Hair". KILLER version by Casey Abrams on vocalese and upright bass a few years ago on "Idol". Song? Answer: "Nature Boy". Ahbez was definitely a one-hit wonder. "Lonely Island" by Sam Cooke hit the Top 40 but "Nature Boy" was indeed his opus magnum. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iq0XJCJ1Srw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u...

OK, girls and boys, back to the 60s: This 1966 Ray Davies pop-rock composition from "Face To Face" peaked at #1 in the UK and at #14 in the U.S. It bemoans the steep taxes levied by the Harold Wilson government. Epitomizes The Kinks' departure from their early hard-driving power-chord rock to a more lyrical and melodic mode beginning with "A Well-Respected Man" in '65. Song? Answer: "Sunny Afternoon" by The Kinks. Different sound for The Kinks (actually, for the better, IMHO!). Their early sound was a little rough. Lest we forget our naughty, naughty Spanish version of "Lola"! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYIl6n_SRCI

OK, boys and girls, more 60s one-hit wonders: This prolific songwriting duo was best known for penning most of the Monkees' hits and their band, The Candy Store Prophets, for being The Monkees' "ghost band" early on. Their only chart hit as performers came in 1968 with one of their own bubblegum pop-rock compositions which peaked at #8, sold over one million copies and was Certified Gold. Duo? Song? Answer: "I Wonder What She's Doing Tonight (Tonite)" by Tommy Boyce & Bobby Hart. Incredible songwriting catalog but this was their only hit as performers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFT0Xd_Eec0

OK, girls and boys, back to the aughts: This 18-year-old Canadian singer/songwriter co-wrote and released her debut single in 2002. A pop-rock standard, in her own words, "about being honest with oneself rather than 'putting on a face'". #2 Billboard Hot 100, #1 for 16 weeks on Adult Top 40, 3X Platinum, twice Grammy-nominated and won two MTV VMAs. Almost 800M YouTube views. Unforgettable parody video by "Weird Al" Yankovic. Song? Singer/songwriter? Answer: "Complicated" by Avril Lavigne. ...and, of course, "Constipated" by "Weird Al"! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NPBIwQyPWE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yedbCfDL0yY

OK, boys and girls, back to the 70s: This 1977 Billy Joel classic appeared in "The Stranger". #17 U.S. and at #53 UK. Dedicated to Elizabeth Small, his first wife. She was married to his then drummer Jon Small when they first met. Ironically, when Billy tried to commit suicide, Jon saved his life! Love despite quirks and flaws (!). It was playing on the P.A. system between the Twin Towers at the time of the 9/11 attacks. Song? Answer: "She's Always a Woman" by Billy Joel. Way up there among my favorite Billy Joel tunes. So many great ones - "James", "This Night", "A Matter of Trust", "Uptown Girl", "The Longest Time" ......!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cx3QmqV2pHg

OK, boys and girls, more Fabdom: This 1966 George Harrison composition was the first track on "Revolver" and was inspired by the "Batman Theme" by The Marketts (1966 - #17 U.S.). First Beatles tune that delved into political commentary. George was so happy to finally start making money, only to realize how much of it the government was taking. It mentions Prime Ministers Wilson and Heath. The guitar solo, arguably one of The Beatles' best, was NOT played by Harrison (he played the bass line!). Song? For extra credit, who played lead guitar and why? Answer: "Taxman" by The Beatles. Wicked riff! At that time the highest tax bracket in the UK was 95% (!), the reason why so many rock stars left the country. Bottom line, Paul had to step in to play the lead because George just couldn't get it right! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMdcE8jdz70

OK, girls and boys, back to the 60s (get yourself a box of Kleenex!): This sorrowful Peter, Paul and Mary ballad from their 1963 "In The Wind" album is based upon a traditional Irish folk song about a hunter who accidentally kills his fiancee when he mistakes her for a swan (boy, I hate it when that happens!). Similar stories can be found in Ovid's "Metamorphoses" and Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake". In my book of sad songs, this one is second only to "Feed Jake". Song? Answer: "Polly Von" by Peter, Paul and Mary. Their "Gone the Rainbow" and Judy Collins' "Shule Aroon" are also way up high on the Sad Songs Hit Parade. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3IYYzonvx4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAKzg5fqSqg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRe-A6gACBQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tA8NmlxrHi4

OK, girls and boys, back to the 60s: This 1961 debut single for The Marvelettes was the 1st Motown tune to reach #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 Pop charts. Also #1 R&B. A girls desperately hopes to hear from her boyfriend (hint, hint!). Marvin Gaye played drums! Lennon sang double-tracked lead vocals on The Beatles' cover for their 2nd album. The Carpenters' version also hit #1 in '75. Song? Answer: "Please, Mr. Postman". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=425GpjTSlS4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jzy4R8EbWJ4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHfddvbKb4w

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: This Chicago-based group formed in 1966 when members of The Centuries joined members of The Pulsations "mainly to meet girls" (boy, that sounds familiar!). WGN-TV hired them for 13 weeks in '66 to appear in "All Time Hits". By '67 they had their first #1 hit. A string of hits followed in '67 and '68. During the British Invasion, your band HAD to have a British-sounding name - suggested by a studio employee. Band? 1st hit? Answer: The Buckinghams. First hit: "Kind of a Drag". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUyyfC7rsQY

OK, girls and boys, back to the 70s: It was 1976, at the height of the 70s sexual revolution. Parker McGee penned this soft-rock classic in which a man calls his ex-lover on the phone and asks her for one more night (hint, hint!) without commitments. Danny Wayland Seals and John Edward Colley had just been released from a recording contract so they were eager to find new material. Their rendition of McGee's tune was, by far, their biggest hit, peaking at #2 on Billboard's Hot 100 and topping the Adult Contemporary charts. Part of the "The Long Kiss Goodnight" and "Anchorman 2" soundtracks. Duo? Song? Answer: "I'd Really Love to See You Tonight" by England Dan and John Ford Coley. The two met as high school students in Dallas. Older brother Jim Seals (Seals and Crofts) gave little brother his childhood nickname "England Dan" because he was an avid Beatles fan from an early age and frequently assumed a British accent. Afte...

OK, boys and girls, back to the 70s: Randy Newman penned this rock/funk classic in 1966 for Eric Burdon and The Animals. They never recorded it as a group but Burdon released it in '67 as part of his first solo album. Based upon Newman's own recollections about the 60s L.A. music scene. A conservative young man attends his first big-city "wild" party despite being advised not to do so. Newman himself recorded it in '70 with his own piano accompaniment and Ry Cooder on slide guitar. By far, the best-known version is by Three Dog Night from 1970 (great year!). Trademark humorous lead vocals by Cory Wells with Donna Summer singing backup. Certified Gold, #1 Billboard Hot 100, #11 Song of 1970. Part of the "Boogie Nights" and "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" soundtracks. Also covered by Tom Jones (#4 UK), Odetta, Yo La Tengo and The Jackson 5, among many others. Song? Answer: "Mama Told Me (Not to Come)" by Three Dog Night. ...

OK, girls and boys, back to the 80s: George Michael was an unknown 17-year-old when he co-wrote this ballad with future Wham! partner Andrew Ridgeley. A "cheating" song, it was released in '84 by "Wham! featuring George Michael" and became his first solo hit, topping the charts in over 25 countries, selling over 6 million copies and ranked Billboard's #1 Song of 1985. Memorable sax riff by Steve Gregory. Song? Answer: "Careless Whisper" by Wham! featuring George Michael. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izGwDsrQ1eQ

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: It was 1964 and Bob Dlyan was becoming disillusioned with the 60s protest movement, with which he had been closely associated. He penned this folk classic almost as an apology for his previous preachings, rejecting his earlier personal and political idealism, desiring to move in a new and different direction. Recorded with just him on solo acoustic guitar and vocals. The Byrds (unfortunately, sans Gene Clark) covered it in 1967 as part of their fourth studio album, whose title alluded to the song's lyrics. #30 Billboard Hot 100 and a staple of their live performances, it was the band's last Top 100 hit. McGuinn's jingle-jangle Rickenbacker-12 solo remains one of his finest. Also covered by The Ramones, Steve Earle and The Hollies, among others. Interestingly, Dylan did not perform it live until 1988. Song? Answer: "My Back Pages". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92cF_KCH7TU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1G9TJk853p...

OK, girls and boys, back to the 80s: This Grammy-nominated 1985 Stevie Wonder R&B classic about infidelity was one of the first digital audio recordings ever made. Inspired by The Supremes, it features Luther Vandross on background vocals. It made him the first artist to have a simultaneous #1 hit on Billboard's Hot 100, R&B, Dance and Adult Contemporary charts! Wonder's final #1 hit. Covered in '86 by Puerto Rican salsa legend Bobby Valentin. Song? Answer: "Part-Time Lover" by Stevie Wonder. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74mL5f7tr5w https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_VGRSz7KYs

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: This Clark/Resnick blue-eyed soul composition was first recorded by Lemme B. Good and shortly thereafter by The Olympics, peaking at #81. The cover version by an NYC/Jersey-based group reached #1 in early 1966, the first of three #1 hits for them. (Re)covered by The Who, Tommy James and The Grateful Dead, among others. Certified Gold. #333 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. Song? Group? For extra credit, name the group's two other #1 hits. Answer: "Good Lovin'" by The Young Rascals. Other two #1 hits: "Groovin'" (1967) and "People Got to Be Free" (1968). One of my fondest musical memories is meeting and visiting with Felix Cavaliere. What a nice gentleman! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oy625sZAHN8

OK, boys and girls, back to the 90s: It was early 1991 and guitarist Peter Buck had just acquired a mandolin. Teaching himself how to play it, one night he started experimenting with minor chord progressions. What ensued became his Athens, Georgia-based alt rock band's biggest U.S. hit which also gained worldwide acclaim. The title is derived from a Southern expression of frustration and desperation. Per lead-singer Michael Stipe, "romantic expression and unrequited love". #1 Billboard Hot 100, Certified Platinum. The allegorical video includes references to Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Caravaggio, among many others. Both the song and the video won multiple accolades at the 1992 Grammys. It lost the Song of the Year Grammy to "Unforgettable" by the virtual duo of Nat "King" Cole and his daughter Natalie - no shame in that. Inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2017 and it ranks #112 among Rolling Stone Magazine's 500 Greatest Songs of Al...

OK, boys and girls, more Fabdom: This 1967 John Lennon composition was inspired by a conversation with then-wife Cynthia. The Sanskrit transition to the chorus roughly translates "victory to God divine". Lennon considered it his "best, most poetic lyric". Phil Spector did the final mix for the "Let It Be" album. Mastefully covered on American Idol by Michael Johns and by Siobhan Magnus. Also very nicely covered by Evan Rachel Wood in the 2007 film by the same title. Song? Answer: "Across the Universe" by The Beatles. My daughter Lauren and I stood on the spot where John was shot in front of The Dakota in NYC - what a senseless tragedy! "Limitless, undying love Which shines around me like a million suns It calls me on and on across the universe." Man, those lines get me every time I hear them! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90M60PzmxEE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-LbCbED0SM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtcSj0fMZII...

OK, girls and boys, more 60s: Philly native Leonard Borisoff started his career as lead singer for Bristol, PA-based The Dovells. He co-wrote this 1965 #1 blue-eyed soul hit with John Madara and David White, recording it in two takes. #2 Billboard, #1 Cashbox, #11 R&B, awarded a Gold Disc. Sued by Motown's Berry Gordy for the song's similarity to The Supremes' "Ask Any Girl" (you decide!) - it was settled for 15% of royalties. Borisoff's stage name? Hit song? Answer: "1-2-3" by Len Barry. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWpV2gi9AiA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkrnTPJRp2w

OK, girls and boys, back to the 60s: Tuscan composer Piero Umiliani wrote this novelty 1968 nonsense scat classic for the racy Italian film about Swedish sexuality (!) "Sweden: Heaven and Hell". Originally recorded for the soundtrack by Marc 4, a group of studio musicians and vocalists. It became a worldwide sensation in '69 when Bip Bippadotta and The Snowth (Jim Henson, Frank Oz and Loretta Long) sang it in "The Muppets Show", where it became a recurring staple. #55 Billboard Hot 100, #12 Adult Contemporary. Used as a frequent theme in both "The Red Skelton Show" and "The Benny Hill Show". Trumpet virtuoso Wynton Marsalis played it during one of his many Lincoln Center appearances. Song? Answer: "Mah Na Mah Na". Many well-known melodies from other songs have been "sampled" over the years, including Alfven's "Swedish Rhapsody No.1 Op. 19 'Midsommarvaka'", Shearing's "Lullaby of Bir...

OK, girls and boys, a little more 60s folk: Randy Sparks founded this seminal large-ensemble folk revival group in 1961. As he was leaving the group in '64 due to internal disputes, he was asked to write a love song set during the Civil War for the upcoming Western comedy film "Advance to the Rear", starring Glenn Ford and Stella Stevens. A beautiful folk ballad, it was his last collaboration with the group. #17 Billboard Hot 100, #4 Easy Listening. Lead vocals by Barry McGuire ("Eve of Destruction") and Gene Clark (co-founder of The Byrds). John Denver sang it as part of The Chad Mitchell Trio and, later on, it became a staple of his concert repertoire. Song? Group? Answer: "Today" by The New Christy Minstrels. I had the privilege of hearing John Denver sing live it on two occasions - like buttah! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r97s3KJ_kHI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaCDXcXnpVI

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: This Welsh poem by Idris Davies was set to music by Pete Seeger. It addresses the great depression in the UK, the 1926 general strike and their effect on the coal industry. Masterfully covered by The Byrds (jingle-jangle at its best!), by Judy Collins and by John Denver as part of the Chad Mitchell Trio. Song? Answer: "The Bells of Rhymney". McGuinn's guitar solo remains one of my all-time favorites. That 12-string Rickenbacker actually sounds like bells, as it does in "Chimes of Freedom". As opposed to The Bee Gees' "New York Mining Disaster 1941", this calamity did actually occur. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOHYq2KNlHY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgtKDdQ-JTI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kt7H6Vwgr0E

OK, boys and girls, back to the 30s: This romantic 1931 Marks/Simons jazz/swing standard has been extensively covered. First recorded by Belle Baker. Revived by Johnny Ray in '52. Excellent instrumental versions by Django Reinhardt and Laurence Juber. Sung by Paul Williams on The Muppet Show and by Steve Martin and Lily Tomlin in their movie of the same title. Song? Answer: "All of Me". They just don't write 'em like that anymore! I'm rather partial to ol' Willie Nelson's 1978 rendition. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVaeKy4795w https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDF4Tcf0Uh8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1ZSZUSrXc8

OK, girls and boys, more 60s TWO-hit wonders: This Baltimore-based vocal quintet formed in 1967 as New York Times and was discovered by Mama Cass Elliot. They changed their name in '69. Their biggest hit came that same year with a sunshine-pop classic written by multi-Oscar collaborators Al Kasha and Joel Hirschhorn (as in Maureen McGovern's "The Morning After"). A love affair that only exists on weekends - tired of being "the other woman" and wanting something longer-lasting, she gives him an ultimatum. Crystalline vocals by sisters Bonnie and Patty Lamdin. Thematically, very similar to "Sunday Will Never Be the Same" by sound-alikes Spanky & Our Gang. Billboard Hot 100 for 14 weeks, peaking at #32. The group split in 1970. Song? Group? For extra credit, name their only other hit. Answer: "Will You Be Staying After Sunday?" by The Peppermint Rainbow. Only other hit: "Don't Wake Me Up in the Morning, Michael...

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: This poignant 1968 Bee Gees composition and release was dedicated to their manager, Robert Stigwood. The ballad was originally written for Sir Cliff Richard, who never recorded it. #8 UK, #15 U.S. Barry Gibb sang lead AND ALL the background vocals! Covered by, among many others, Elvis, Roy Orbison and Rita Coolidge. Song? Answer: "Words" by The Bee Gees. I was a sophomore in high school when it came out. It was THE makeout song of the day! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkqwRC23HN8

OK, girls and boys, back to the 60s: This 1963 Barry/Greenwich/Spector composition is widely regarded as being the first example of Phil Spector's famous "Wall Of Sound". Originally recorded by The Blossoms, Spector removed Darlene Love's lead vocals after a dispute and replaced them with Dolores "LaLa" Brooks', preserving The Blossoms' backup and adding Cher. It peaked at #3 and is #114 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs Of All Time. Shaun Cassidy's '77 cover was his first #1 solo hit. Song? Group? Answer: "Da Doo Ron Ron" by The Crystals. There's an unconfirmed rumor that Sonny Bono also sang background - we'll never know no thanks to that doggone tree! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-qqi7-Q19k https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1nTfgUbW48

OK, girls and boys, back to the 80s: One night, out of the blue, this Stockton, CA rockabilly revivalist gets a call from a woman he barely knew and she tells him, "I'm coming over". By the time she got to his place, he had already written what would become his biggest hit and signature song. A soft-rock ballad about unrequited love "brooding, thoroughly conflicted". His long-time guitarist Jimmy "King of Slows" Wisley composed and played the haunting, hypnotic intro and "quivering riff" lead guitar parts using his 1962 Strat run through a Fender Deluxe Reverb amp, heavy on the whammy bar, delay, tremolo and gentle vibrato, creating its trademark and unique sound. The unforgettable sensual black-and-white video features the singer along with Danish supermodel Helena Christensen filmed at a Hawaiian beach. #6 Billboard Hot 100. The video won MTV's VMA awards for Best Video and Best Cinematography. Covered by, among many others, Cel...

OK, girls and boys, more 70s one-hit wonders: Australian songwriters Harry Vanda and George Young (no relation to the singer) penned this romantic 1978 Disco classic. It was the only Top 40 hit for this Aussie vocalist, becoming a worldwide sensation. # 7 U.S., #5 UK, #1 Easy Listening. A remix was part of the 1992 film "Strictly Ballroom" soundtrack. The artist performed it during the closing ceremonies of the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney. Song? Singer? Answer: "Love Is in the Air" by John Paul Young. George Young was a member of The Easybeats, as was Harry Vanda, and he wrote their "Friday On My Mind". He is the older brother of AC/DC's Malcolm and Angus Young. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNC0kIzM1Fo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOxMylotEZM

OK, boys and girls, more Guitar Gods: This Maine native cut his teeth with Three Little Country Boys and The Kentucky Colonels. Did session work for The Monkees. Joined The Byrds in '68 until '73. "Time Between" and "The Girl With No Name" are fine examples of his string-bending mastery. Joined The Muleskinners in early '73 until his tragic death that same year. Marty Stewart still owns and plays his prized '54 "B-Bender" Telecaster. Artist? Answer: Clarence White. One of my guitar heroes. The undisputed MASTER of the country-rock guitar. His guitar work in "Time Between" is as stellar today as when he played it way back then. He was only 29 when he died, hit by a drunk driver while loading gear after a gig. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeGTUP1JfWE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQmSMyAEguU

OK, girls and boys, more 60s one-hit wonders: This Santa Ana, CA native was not quite 15 in 1960 when she met all-male trio The Innocents during a taping of "The Wink Martindale Show". Producer Jim Lee of Indigo Records promptly signed her up to cover a 1954 minor hit romantic ballad by The Rivileers. It peaked at #3 on Billboard and at #6 R&B. Artist? Song? Answer: "A Thousand Stars" by Kathy Young and the Innocents. Unfortunately, ol' Wink left us on April 15th of this year at age 91. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwX4bjFrP_0