Rockin' Remnants is broadcast from WVBR-FM Ithaca. Check out our webpage, like us on Facebook, and tune in to 93.5 or stream the show every Saturday night from 6-9pm! (Or download the WVBR+ app now available for iOS and Android!)
Thanks to our sponsors Island Health &
Fitness and Rasa Spa for their support every
week!
Date: 12/18/2021
Host: John Rudan (JR)
Feature: Golden Oldies+
6pm - 7pm
It Came Out Of The Sky - Creedence Clearwater Revival - 1969
You Could Have Been A Lady - April Wine - 1972
The Little Black Egg - The Nightcrawlers - 1967
Matthew And Son - Cat Stevens - 1967
Smackwater Jack - Carole King - 1971 - Carole recently received a second induction to the Rock and Roll HOF as a performer, while previously inducted as a songwriter. First off Tapestry, a story of a bounty hunter named Jack. That will be followed by The Byrds with one of the last songs written with partner Gerry Goffin, although she disliked (or didn't understand) the lyrics.
Wasn't Born ToFollow- The Byrds - 1969 - Gerry Goffin wrote the lyrics to this while tripping on LSD on a cross-country sojourn from L.A. to NY; featured in Easy Rider.
Thin Line Between Love And Hate - The Persuaders - 1973
Fool in the Rain - Led Zeppelin - 1979 - From Zeppelin's last studio LP In Through The Out Door, in which J.P. Jones took over the LP with nice keyboard and synthesizer runs. I love this song, but it features one of Page's weakest guitar solos. Some hardcore Zep fans claimed the band "went disco" for using a whistle during the instrumental; Plant claimed it was supposed to be a tribute to Carnivale in Brazil!
Join Together - The Who - 1972 - Recorded between Who's Next and Quadrophenia, this didn't see a Who LP release until the compilation Hooligans in 1980.
River Deep Mountain High - Eric Burdon & The Animals - 1968 - A mind-blowing version of the old Phil Spector chestnut! Click here to listen! The 45 is a shade over 4 minutes while the LP version is 7:30...
Christmas Dream - Perry Como - 1974 - From the film The Odessa File starring Jon Voight.
Here At The Western World - Steely Dan - 1978
7pm - 8pm Birthday Calendar
December 12th - Frank Sinatra - 1915
Connie Francis (Concetta Rosa Maria Franconero) - 84 Dionne Warwick - 82 Dickey Betts - 78
December 13th - Ted Nugent - 73 Steve Forbert - 67
December 14th - Charlie Rich - 1932
December 15th -Jesse Belvin - 1932 Dave Clark - 82
December 16th - Tony Hicks (Hollies) - 76
Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top) - 72
December 17th - Eddie Kendricks - 1939
Paul Rodgers - 72
December 18th - Chas Chandler - 1938
Keith Richards - 78
Cycles - Frank Sinatra - 1969 - This is classic Sinatra; black tux, cigarette, singing on a barstool...
Then Came You -Dionne Warwick and The Spinners - 1974
Where The Boys Are - Connie Francis - 1960
Ramblin' Man - The Allman Brothers Band - 1973 - Written and sung by Dickey Betts, although it was fellow Southern Rocker Les Dudek who played lead guitar!
Baby Please Don't Go - Amboy Dukes - 1967 - Ted Nugent, the Motor City Madman: not much of a vocalist, but one heckuva axe man!
It Isn't Gonna Be That Way - Steve Forbert - 1980
Behind Closed Doors - Charlie Rich - 1973
Goodnight My Love - Jesse Belvin - 1959 - When I first was involved with Remnants this was the closing theme! Hard to talk over, though...
Bits And Pieces - Dave Clark Five - 1964
Stop, Stop, Stop - Hollies - 1966 - Featuring birthday boy Tony Hicks on... banjo! Pretty progressive for a pop band in the 60's.
Cheap Sunglasses - ZZ Top - 1979
The Weight - Diana Ross and the Supremes with The Temptations - 1969 - Former Temp David Ruffin left the group in 1968 when Berry Gordy Jr. refused to give him top-billing like he gave Diana Ross. He did, however, continue as a solo artist at the label and Berry did have a thing for Diana...
Young Blood - Bad Company - 1976 - Paul Rogers is one of the most soulful voices in rock history, and how many other vocalists could take over for Freddie Mercury in Queen?
Before They Make Me Run - Rolling Stones - 1978 - Keith on lead vocals from Some Girls.
Hey Joe - The Jimi Hendrix Experience - 1967 - Former Animals bassist Chas Chandler discovered Jimi in NYC, brought him to England and formed The Experience with Mitch Mitchell on drums and Noel Redding on bass and produced Are You Experienced.
8pm - 9pm
So High (Rock Me Baby Roll Me Away) - Dave Mason - 1977
Fairport Convention - Percy's Song - 1969 - Written by Bob Dlyan, based on a true story about a fatal car crash.
Pressure Drop - Robert Palmer - 1975 - Title track of Palmer's second album featuring backing by...
Roll Um Easy - Little Feat - 1973
So Bad - Paul McCartney - 1985 - From Paul's vanity movie project called Give My Regards To Broad Street.
I've Done Everything For You - Rick Springfield - 1981 - Rick wrote most of his own material but this was off the pen of Sammy Hagar!
Hypnotized - Fleetwood Mac - 1973 - Bob Welch on vocals. He's the chap in the middle of the pic.
All I Ever Wanted - Santana - 1979
Loves Me Like A Rock - Paul Simon - The closest a Jewish kid from Queens ever got to Southern Gospel Music, with the Dixie Hummingbirds and the Muscle Shoals Swampers.
Lonesome L.A. Cowboy - New Riders Of The Purple Sage - 1973 - This hippie band from San Fran gained notoriety as an opening act for the Grateful Dead and enlisted Jerry to play pedal steel on this!
45 Corner
Can't Find The Time -Orpheus - This is the mono 45 version on MGM Records, that has an extra percussion dub and eliminates the outro instrumental section, trimming 30 seconds from the stereo LP version. Despite the hooks and under 3 minute run time, the single didn't get any higher than #80 on the Hot 100 in 1969.
Mary's Boy Child - Harry Belafonte - 1957
Do You Hear What I Hear - Bing Crosby - 1963
CLOSING THEME: Sleepwalk – Santo & Johnny (1959 - #1 for two weeks)
Rockin' Remnants is broadcast from WVBR-FM Ithaca. Check out our webpage, like us on Facebook, and tune in to 93.5 or stream the show every Saturday night from 6-9pm! (Or download the WVBR+ app now available for iOS and Android!)
·all chart information comes from the Billboard Top 100 (for chart dates before/during July 1958) or Billboard Hot 100 (for chart dates during/after Aug 1958) unless otherwise noted
·a glossary of terms is below the playlist
OPENING THEME: Good Old Rock ‘n’ Roll – Cat Mother & the All-Night Newsboys (1969 - #29: produced by Jimi Hendrix)
A set of songs for the season:
Here Comes Santa Claus - Elvis Presley (1957 - DNC: from the Elvis Christmas Album, released October 15, 1957, which is the best-selling Christmas album of all time in the US with over 17 million sold!)
Please Come Home for Christmas - Charles Brown (1962 - #76: song made its chart debut on Christmas Day, 1961)
Jingle Jangle - The Penguins (1955 - DNC: the doo-wop group was famous for their big hit "Earth Angel")
It's Christmas Time - The Five Keys (1951 - DNC: one of the early doo-wop groups that played a role in the evolution of rhythm and blues to rock and roll)
(It's A) Happy Holiday - The Shells (1962 - DNC: the Brooklyn doo-wop group had a #21 single with "Baby Oh Baby" in 1961)
This Time of the Year - Brook Benton (1959 - #66: the last of 8 singles that charted for Benton in 1959)
Let It Be - The Beatles (1970 - #1: this version of the classic song is Take 28 from the Deluxe Anniversary Edition of the LP and contains a vital lyric change in the last verse)
Hurricane - Bob Dylan (1976 - #33: the 45 divided the song into Parts I and II on each side, but we heard the full 8:33 LP version of the song which drew publicity to the cause of boxer Rubin "Hurricane" Carter)
(If You Let Me Make Love to You Then) Why Can't I Touch You? - Ronnie Dyson (1970 - #8: Dyson was only 20 years old when he recorded the hit song)
Heed the Call - Kenny Rogers and the First Edition (1970 - #33: song was the group's last to break the Top 40 before Rogers embarked on a solo career)
Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down) - Cher (1966 - #2: then-husband Sonny Bono wrote Cher's second charting single; (You're My) "Soul and Inspiration" by the Righteous Brothers kept it out of the #1 spot)
45 Corner
Freight Train - Chas McDevitt Skiffle Group featuring Nancy Whiskey (1957 - #40: originally an American folk song written by Elizabeth Cotten between 1906-12, it became part of the British skiffle movement of the 1950s and was even sung by the pre-Beatles band, the Quarrymen)
Rock and Cry - Clyde McPhatter (1957 - #93: song was used in the Alan Freed movie "Mr. Rock and Roll")
When I Die - Motherlode (1969 - #18: one-hit wonder for the band from London, Ontario)
You Tell My Why - The Beau Brummels (1965 - #38: follow-up to their hit, "Just a Little")
The Birthday Calendar
Background song: Take Five - Dave Brubeck (1961 - #25)
December 5:
Little Richard (Wayne Penniman) - born 1932
Jim Messina - 74
December 6:
Dave Brubeck - born 1920
George Williams (The Tymes) - born 1935
Steve Alaimo - 72
Mike Smith (Dave Clark 5) - born 1943
Jonathan King - 77
December 7:
Harry Chapin - born 1942
December 8:
Sammy Davis, Jr. - born 1925
Jerry Butler - 82
Jim Morrison - born 1943
George Baker (Johannes Bouwens) - 77
Greg Allman - born 1947
December 9:
Donny Osmond - 64
December 10:
Chad Stuart (Chad & Jeremy) - born 1941
Peter Sarstedt - born 1941
Jessica Cleaves (Friends of Distinction) - born 1948
December 11:
Willie Mae "Big Momma" Thornton - born 1926
David Gates - 81
Brenda Lee - 77
Jermaine Jackson - 67
Good Golly Miss Molly - Little Richard (1958 - #10: Little Richard was one of the pioneers of early rock and roll and the song ranks #94/RS500)
Your Momma Don't Dance - Loggins & Messina (1972 - #4: Messina was a member of Buffalo Springfield and Poco, and, although he meant to only produce Kenny Loggins' album, contributed so much that they became a duo)
So Much in Love - The Tymes (1963 - #1: lead singer George Williams co-wrote the song that spent one week at #1 in August of '63; the seagull and surf intro even feels like summer)
Every Day I Have to Cry - Steve Alaimo (1962 - #46: Alaimo was an early '60s teen idol who set a record for having 9 songs make the BB Hot100 with none of them breaking into the Top 40)
Bits and Pieces - Dave Clark Five (1964 - #4: Mike Smith was lead vocalist, keyboardist, and co-wrote many of the group's big hits with Dave Clark)
It's Good News Week - Hedgehopper's Anonymous (1966 - #48:
Jonathan King wrote and produced this hit that peaked at #5 in the UK)
W.O.L.D. - Harry Chapin (1974 - #36: song about an aging DJ is said to have helped inspire the TV show WKRP in Cincinnati)
I've Gotta Be Me - Sammy Davis, Jr. (1969 - #11: the Harlem-born Davis was a leading actor/singer/entertainer and a member of the "Rat Pack")
Ain't Understanding Mellow - Jerry Butler w/ Brenda Lee Eager (1972 - #21: song made its chart debut 12/11/71, 50 years to the day it was played on Rockin' Remnants!)
Tell All the People - The Doors (1969 - #57: from the SoftParade LP; Jim Morrison was one the most charismatic and influential frontmen of rock and roll)
Little Green Bag - George Baker Selection (1970 - #21: one of the songs that made up the early '70s "Dutch Invasion"; Quentin Tarantino used in the movie Reservoir Dogs)
Revival (Love Is Everywhere) - The Allman Brothers (1971 - #92: the band's first charting single)
Down by the Lazy River - The Osmond Brothers (1972 - #4: brothers Alan and Merrill wrote the hit for the family group)
From a Window - Chad & Jeremy (1965 - #97: Paul McCartney wrote the song that was first recorded by Billy J. Kramer and the Dakotas)
Where Do You Go To (My Lovely)? - Peter Sarstedt (1969 - #70: only a minor hit in the US, the song called "a romantic novel in a song" spent 4 weeks at #1 in the UK; Wes Anderson used the tune in his movie The Darjeeling Limited)
Love or Let Me Be Lonely - Friends of Distinction (1970 - #6: Jessica Cleaves would go on to be a member of Earth, Wind, & Fire as well as Parliament Funkadelic)
Hound Dog - Willie Mae "Big Momma" Thornton (1953 - #1 R&B: original version of Lieber & Stoller song that Elvis Presley would make legendary)
Make It With You - Bread (1970 - #1: David Gates wrote this first hit for the soft-rock group)
Sweet Nothin's - Brenda Lee (1959 - #4: the singer who was nicknamed "Little Miss Dynamite" had 47 singles chart on the BB Hot100)
The Love You Save - The Jackson Five (1970 - #1: Jermaine Jackson provided co-lead vocals with brother Michael on the group's third #1 in a row)
Waterloo - Stonewall Jackson (1959 - #4: Jackson passed away on 12/4/21 and had 44 songs on the Country & Western charts from 1958-73; this was his biggest crossover hit)
Once in a While - The Chimes (1960 - #11: the Brooklyn doo-wop group's cover of a song that was a #1 hit for Tommy Dorsey in 1937)
St. Dominic's Preview - Van Morrison (1972 - DNC: "B" side of single "Redwood Tree" that charted at #98, and title track of the LP from which both songs came)
I Walk the Line - Johnny Cash (1956 - #17: first charting single for "The Man in Black" that ranks #30/RS500)
Let's Get Together - We Five (1965 - #31: follow-up to their hit "You Were on My Mind" and the only other single to chart for the San Francisco group)
The Last of the Singing Cowboys - The Marshall Tucker Band (1979 - #42: from the LP "Running Like the Wind")
Master Jack - 4 Jacks and a Jill (1968 - #18: one-hit wonder for the group out of South Africa)
I Wonder What She's Doing Tonight? - Boyce and Hart (1967 - #8: Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart wrote several big hits for The Monkees, this one they kept for themselves)
Don't Just Stand There - Patty Duke (1965 - #8: biggest hit for the movie/TV star)
*Beach Baby - First Class (1974 - #4: one-hit wonder for the group out of England)
My Prayer - The Platters (1956 - #1: song spent 5 weeks at #1; original was a #1 song for the Inkspots in 1939)
CLOSING THEME: Sleepwalk – Santo & Johnny (1959 - #1 for two weeks; brothers Santo [steel guitar] and Johnny [rhythm guitar] Farina from Brooklyn)
Rockin’ Remnants is broadcast from WVBR-FM Ithaca. Check out our webpage, like us on Facebook, and tune in to 93.5 FM or stream the show every Saturday night from 6-9 p.m. Eastern. (Or download the WVBR+app now available for iOS and Android.)
Thanks to our sponsors Island Health & Fitness and Rasa Spa for their support every week!
Date:December 4, 2021
Host: Gregory James
Feature: The Brill Building
Birthday Calendar
November 28
Berry Gordy Jr.92 years old
Bruce Channel81 years old
Randy Newman78 years old
November 29
John Mayall88 years old
Denny Doherty(b. 1940 d. 2007)
Felix Cavaliere79 years old
Joel Whitburn82 years old
November 30
Frank Ifield84 years old
Rob Grill (Grass Roots singer/bassist) (b. 1943 d. 2011)
Luther Ingram(b. 1937 d. 2007)
Dick Clark(b. 1929 d. 2012)
December 1
Lou Rawls(b. 1933 d. 2006)
John Densmore77 years old
Bette Midler76 years old
December 4
Freddy Cannon85 years old
Dennis Wilson(b. 1944 d. 1983)
Southside Johnny73 years old
Bob Mosley(Moby Grape)79 years old
Rock n’ Roll Trivia
Question: What three spousal teams were famous Brill Building songwriters?
(scroll down to find the answer below the playlist)
Playlist
* songs with * were requests
* all chart information comes from the Billboard Top 100 (for chart dates before/during July 1958) or Billboard Hot 100 (for subsequent dates) unless otherwise noted
* glossary of terms is below the playlist
6-7 pm
OPENING THEME: Good Old Rock n’ Roll—Cat Mother and the All Night Newsboys (1969, #29, produced by Jimi Hendrix)
Who Put the BompBarry Mann1961 #7
Barry Mann and Jerry Goffin wrote it, so I guess Barry Mann wanted to shake his own hand. All in all, Barry Mann had a hand in writing 635 songs, according to his website.
Up on the RoofLaura Nyro 1970 #92
Carole King and Jerry Goffin wrote it. There are plenty of versions, but the phrasing and emotion that Nyro brings to the song are unparalleled. This record was Nyro’s only charting single.
Stoned Soul Picnic5th Dimension 1968 #3
Laura Nyro had even greater success as a composer, her songs having been covered by legions of recording artists.
Nilsson did a fabulous job with the song, but it is really nice to hear the composer sing this iconic song.
Time Is On My SideIrma Thomas 1964DNC
Jerry Ragovoy was the composer, and you can hear how much the Stones lifted from the Irma Thomas version.
*Rock Me GentlyAndy Kim #1 1974
Canadian Andy Kim was one of several Brill Building composers who recorded his own songs. Requested by Scottie for Brooktondale Peggy.
Hey SchoolgirlTom and Jerry 1957 #49
Paul Simon (as Jerry Landis) wrote this tune, with echoes of the Everly Brothers in his head.
Dead Man’s CurveJan and Dean 1964 #8
Artie Kornfeld was one of four composers of this song that foreshadowed an actual (non-fatal) car accident. In 1966, Jan Berry crashed his Stingray into a parked truck near, but not actually on, Dead Man’s Curve.
*You Make Me Feel Like DancingLeo Sayer 1976 #1
Requested by Alvin, this record won the 1978 Grammy for Best R&B Song. Guitarist Ray Parker Jr. claimed that he was an uncredited songwriter.
UptownCrystals 1962 #13
Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann wrote 82 Brill Building Songs, Carole King and Jerry Goffin wrote 72.
When I Need YouLeo Sayer 1977 #1
An extra dose of Leo…Once again, Sayer’s songwriting originality could be called into question by comparing his melody to Leonard Cohen’s “Famous Blue Raincoat” and Elton John’s “Little Jeannie.” According to one musicologist, the melody can be traced back to Schubert, thus rendering it in the public domain.
Baby I Love You Ronettes 1963 #24
Written by Ellie Greenwich and Jeff Barry. Lead singer Ronnie Bennett was accompanied by Leon Russell on piano and backing vocals were provided, not by the Ronettes (who were on tour in a Dick Clark Caravan), but by Cher, Sonny Bono and the Blossoms.
The Kind Of Boy You Can’t Forget Raindrops 1963 #17
Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich not only composed 40 songs together, they also sang some of their compositions. All of the many voices heard on the recording belong to Greenwich and Barry.
Sweets for my SweetDrifters 1961 #16
Written by the songwriting team of Mort Shuman and Doc Pomus. The backing singers were the A-team of Cissy Houston, Doris Troy, Dionne Warwick and Dee Dee Warwick. Mort Shuman played piano on this track.
Stand By MeBen E King1961 #4
Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller (using the collective pseudonym Elmo Glick), along with Ben E. King, penned this uplifting ode to friendship, love and loyalty. Mike Stoller credits Ben E. King with 50 percent of the song’s creation.
7-8 pm
You’ve Made Me So Very HappyBrenda Holloway 1967#39
Berry Gordy was a co-composer on this song. He and Holloway disagreed about the record’s musical arrangement, but Gordy prevailed. The record was her last single for the Tamla label.
Hey BabyBruce Channel1962 #1
Delbert McClinton’s harmonica segment inspired Lennon's playing on the Beatles' first single "Love Me Do", and the harmonica break on Frank Ifield's "I Remember You."
It’s Lonely At The TopRandy Newman1972
Newman wrote the song for Frank Sinatra who, when Newman played and sang it for him, said, “Next.”
Don’t Hang Me UpJohn Mayall1973NR
From Mayall’s 1973 Polydor LP “Ten Years Are Gone.”
I Saw Her AgainMamas and Papas1966 #5
Co-written by John Phillips and Denny Doherty, who was having an affair with Michelle Phillips at the time. Awkward, but a good song created specifically as single in the style of the Beatles.
It’s a Beautiful MorningRascals1968#3 H100 #36 R&B
This was their first record using the name “Rascals.” Lots of praise for the bass player and backing singers, whoever they are.
Lovesick BluesFrank Ifield1963#44
Ifield’s cover of this Hank Williams song was a perfect fit because both singers made extensive and skillful use of yodeling.
Things I Should Have SaidGrass Roots1967 #23
The song was a P.F. Sloan and Jeff Barry creation.
I’ll Be Your ShelterLuther Ingram1972 #40
Love Is a Hurting ThingLou Rawls1966#13 H100 #1 R&B
Lyrics by Ben Raleigh of the Brill Building
Love Her MadlyDoors1971#11
Legend has it that the song was based on the trouble Robby Krieger was having with his girlfriend Lynn whom he subsequently married.
Buckets of RainBette Midler and Bob Dylan 1978 NR
Midler was born in Honolulu and rose to prominence in the 1970’s as a songstress during her gigs at the Continental Baths in New York. From her 1976 LP “Songs for the New Depression,” Dave Webster played slide guitar and arranger Moogy Klingman played piano and harmonica.
ForeverBeach Boys1970DNC
From their LP “Sunflower,” this track was written and sung by Dennis Wilson and arranged by Brian (who praised the song). You could hear that the mix is a little rough, with a stray vocal harmony that one of the Beach Boys thought better of.
Murder in My Heart for the JudgeMoby Grape 1968DNC
A little known fact, but a true one, revealed here for the first time: Moby Grape bassist Bob Mosley and I went to the same high school!
ActionFreddy Cannon1965 #13
This song was written by Tommy Boyce of the Brill Building and was the theme for the TV show “Where the Action Is.”
The FeverSouthside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes 1976
Composer Bruce Springsteen did not originally intend to release the song. Springsteen gave the song to Southside Johnny and said that he liked what Johnny did with the song “a lot.” Springsteen’s 1973 version was officially released in 1998. The quality of the video below is not the best, but the performance will give you chills and, yes, the fever.
8-9 pm
Needles and Pins Searchers 1964 #13
Sonny Bono and Jack Nitzsche composed this using an opening chord progression that has been used in countless rock and folk songs. Check out the fierce hair on these guys in the video.
A Little Bit Me A Little Bit YouMonkees 1967 #2
Neil Diamond gave this song to the Monkees, but his handprint is clearly on the song.
Twist and ShoutTop Notes 1961 DNC
Bert Berns wrote this, and the song did not enter the consciousness of most music fans until the Isley Brothers reworked it in 1962, taking it to #17. The Beatles’ version made it to #2 in 1964. Clearly everybody saw the song’s potential. King Curtis played the blazing sax solo.
The Look of Love Dusty Springfield 1967 #22
And we can’t forget the team of Hal David and Burt Bacharach. The song was originally intended to be an instrumental, but when it was incorporated into the soundtrack of the film “Casino Royale,” Hal David added words.
*It’s My LifeAnimals 1966 #23
Composed by Brill Building songwriters Roger Atkins and Carl D’Errico. Lyricist Atkins said he wrote: “Sure I’ll do wrong, hurt you some time,” but Eric Burdon sang “Show me I’m wrong, hurt me some time.”
Remember (Walking In The Sand) Shangri-Las 1964 #5
Shadow Morton was challenged by Jeff Barry to prove that he could actually write a song instead of just hanging around the Brill Building paying too much attention to Ellie Greenwich. The legend is that Morton drove out to a Long Island beach and started writing the song in his car and finished it in the shower.
Handy ManJimmy Jones 1960 #2
Otis Blackwell co-wrote and produced the record and provided the whistling. Check out Jones' dance moves at 0:56 and 1:08.
Run To HimBobby Vee 1961 #2
Jack Keller and Gerry Goffin wrote the song, Keller being the more established songwriter at that point. Music publisher Don Kirshner, who co-founded Aldon Music which was a major component of the Brill Building sound, originally wanted the song for the Everly Brothers. Is the song about selfless love, or a passive aggressive guilt trip?
16 CandlesCrests 1958 #2
Luther Dixon started his songwriting career composing doo-wop, but he branched out to compose for Elvis, the Beatles, Jerry Lee, BB King, Dusty Springfield, the Shirelles, Perry Como, and Bobby Darin.
Happy Birthday Sweet SixteenNeil Sedaka 1961 #6
Howard Greenfield wrote the lyrics to Sedaka’s melody, which sounds to some ears to resemble “Take Good Care of My Baby.” Sedaka and Carole King were high school friends, and King’s writing style influenced Sedaka.
Won’t Be LongAretha Franklin 1961 #76 H100 #7 R&B
John Leslie McFarland composed this piece for the 18 year-old Aretha Franklin on her first Columbia LP.
You’re The Devil In Disguise Elvis Presley 1963 #3
Bill Giant, Bernie Baum & Florence Kaye were the songwriters. Ray Walker sang the bass vocal line, intended to sound like the undisguised devil.
Hello Mary LouRicky Nelson 1961 #9
Gene Pitney’s composition bore a resemblance to an earlier song “Merry, Merry Lou” and a settlement was reached to give credit and royalties to the composer of the earlier song.
It’s Gonna Work Out Fine Ike And Tina Turner 1961 #14 H100 #2 R&B
Rose Marie McCoy co-wrote the song. If the track sounds like Mickey and Sylvia, that’s because Sylvia played guitar and Mickey spoke the dialogue.
See You in September Happenings 1966 #3
Sherman Edwards and Sid Wayne sat down to lunch at a midtown restaurant and in short order came up with the concept of the song. By 4:30 the same day they started making the rounds of the Brill Building, pitching the song to publishers and by 8:00 p.m. they had a deal with Jack Gold for $500 to split between them for the Tempos to record the song. The Happenings liked the song and knew they could make a better version of it with Herb Bernstein’s arrangement.
California Nights Lesley Gore 1967 #16
Marvin Hamlisch did most of his composing for films, but early on he did write this catchy pop tune. Check out this scene from TV's "Batman" (with Julie Newmar as Cat Woman) in which Gore sings "California Nights."
Out Here on My OwnIrene Cara 1980 #19
Lesley Gore was a lyricist as well as a singer, and this was a very successful composition, co-written with her brother Michael. Below is the clip from "Fame" in which Cara sings the song.
CLOSING THEME: Sleep Walk – Santo and Johnny (1959, #1 for two weeks)
Trivia Answer
Carole King/Jerry Goffin, Cynthia Weill/Barry Mann, Ellie Greenwich/Jeff Barry
Congratulations to Jack from Etna for correctly answering the question and winning a pair of movie passes to Cinemapolis in downtown Ithaca.
Glossary of Terms:
DNC = did not chart
NR = not released as a single at the time
AC = Billboard’s chart for Adult Contemporary records
BB = Billboard Magazine, publisher of the Hot 100 and other charts
H100 = Billboard Hot 100
Bubbling Under = songs that were ranked but fell below the top 100
CW = Billboard’s chart for country and western records
R&B = Billboard’s chart of rhythm and blues records
RRHOF = Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
RS 500 = Rolling Stone Magazine’s ranking of the top 500 singles of all time.
Host December 11, 2021: Jan Hunsinger
Thanks for tuning in! You can listen to Rockin’ Remnants every Saturday night from 6-9 p.m. Eastern on WVBR (93.5 FM in Ithaca NY) or streaming on WVBR.com.
Thanks again to our sponsors Island Health & Fitness and Rasa Spa for their support every week!
