"He Called Me Baby" Bonus

This one has been recorded by dozens of artists through the years, using both the male and female pronouns. Charlie Rich eventually had a #1 with this on the country charts in the 70's. Here's the Patsy Cline version from this week in '64 in what was her final recording session, released almost two years after her passing. Wonder what country music would've sounded like had she lived - Patsy was so far ahead of her time.

Patsy Cline - He Called Me Baby

"Goin' Out Of My Head" #6 12/26/1964

The second of three career Top 10 hits for these guys. They started out as the Imperials - legendary DJ Alan Freed dubbed them Little Anthony and the Imperials after playing their first hit, "Tears On My Pillow" in 1958.

Little Anthony and the Imperials - Goin' Out Of My Head

"No Reply" album cut

John, Paul, George and Ringo went after it at a breakneck pace in the beginning - seven albums were released in America in '64 alone. By the time "Beatles For Sale" came out in the UK in December of that year, they were rather physically and mentally drained, but were still on top of their game. This one is a pretty strong entry in the catalog.

Beatles - No Reply

"Honey Don't" album cut

Carl Perkins wrote and originally performed this, which first appeared as the B-side of his "Blue Suede Shoes" 45 in 1956. The Fab Four were huge fans of Carl, and recorded three of his songs, this one from the UK "Beatles For Sale" and the US "Beatles '65." Rock on, George, one time for Ringo!

Beatles - Honey Don't

"She's A Woman" US version w/echo

Here's the more "echo-y" version that was released only in the US - the rest of the world always got the "dry" version. Guess Capitol Records thought America was kinda special.

Beatles - She's A Woman (original US version)

"She's A Woman" #4 12/26/1964

The other side of this week's #1 45, like its A-side, sounded like mud on the original US release in December 1964. Definitely a testament to the Fab Four that they were able to overcome blunders like that. Listen for John's mistake about halfway into the song where he missed a strum on the rhythm guitar part - this was missed on the original remaster, too, but corrected on other re-releases in the 2000's.

Beatles - She's A Woman

"I Feel Fine" US version w/echo

This is the version that had all the gawdawful echo just for the American audience, thanks to some fool at Capitol Records in L.A. and his vast expertise. Thank goodness modern technology cleaned it up and made it listenable. All versions have the unmistakable feedback at the beginning, believed to be the first intended use of that effect on record.

Beatles - I Feel Fine (original US version)

"I Feel Fine" #1 12/26/1964

When compact discs first came along in the 80's, one of the very first records re-mastered for better sound quality was this two-sided hit. An empty suit at Capitol Records in LA added so much echo after the production was finished for US release in '64, that it rendered both songs almost unintelligible - and this A-side STILL reached #1. (The B-side got to #4 this week.) I guess that clown figured he knew more than the Beatles or George Martin what the Beatles should sound like.

Beatles - I Feel Fine

"Sleigh Ride" Leroy Anderson 1948

We will take tomorrow off to enjoy some family time, as it should be, and return to this feature on the 26th. Meanwhile, we leave you with one that I always closed out my Saturday night oldies radio show on the weekend before Christmas. Leroy Anderson composed this in the middle of a New England heat wave, meant to be a general wintertime piece but one that will always be associated with Christmas. Enjoy and be merry!

Leroy Anderson - Sleigh Ride

"Nut Rocker" B. Bumble and the Stingers 1962

Perhaps the most whacked-out version ever of a classical song, one that's definitely associated with Christmas. Adapted (sort of) from Tchaikovsky's ballet; this version has been rearranged and covered by Emerson, Lake and Palmer and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra among others. Do you like nuts?

B. Bumble and the Stingers - Nut Rocker

"Twistin' Bells" Santo and Johnny 1960

Let's get a little wacky with our Christmas tunes today. I promise, no Alvin and the Chipmunks or barking dogs, however. There were some strange records associated with the twist craze in the early 60's - even "Jingle Bells" gets a twistin' beat here. Santo and Johnny Farina were best known for their instrumental "Sleepwalk" a year or so prior to this one.

Santo And Johnny - Twistin' Bells

RIP, Joe Cocker

Today we lost yet another unique voice of rock music. Joe passed away from lung cancer at age 70. This video with John Belushi may have been the best segment ever on "Saturday Night Live." We saw him in concert back in the day at JMU in Harrisonburg, VA, and much as I dug his music, it was very disappointing. He was falling down drunk, as happened a lot then. The opening act was...Little Feat. We'd never heard of them, but we got our dose of rock from those guys that night. Joe...not so much. http://youtu.be/aZsOyO_lXD8

"Jingle Bell Rock" Bobby Helms 1957

Recorded by approximately 519,261 people over the years, this has become a Christmas standard. Wikipedia claims this to be a rockabilly-style record - if so, it's the most watered down rockabilly I've ever heard. The burnout factor is quite high for most folks but it still works for me.

Bobby Helms - Jingle Bell Rock

"Saturday Night At The Movies" #18 12/19/1964

The final Top 40 hit for the legendary Drifters, Rock and Roll Hall of Famers and deservedly so. Written by Barry Mann and his wife Cynthia Weil - their next hit was "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' " by the Righteous Brothers several months later.

Drifters - Saturday Night At The Movies

"I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" John Mellencamp 1987

You gotta love John's daughter and her vocals at the end of the song. His little girl even has the big 80's hair going on like everyone else in the band...well, except the drummer, but he's bald.

John Mellencamp - I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus

"The Warmth Of The Sun" B-side

This was the B-side to "Dance, Dance, Dance" which was featured yesterday in this space. Brian Wilson and Mike Love wrote it on November 22, 1963 - they started that morning before JFK was shot, and finished up later in the day, which accounts for its mellow tone. From a musical standpoint, this song has a unique structure with some very unexpected chord changes. As always, the harmonies are impeccable.

Beach Boys - The Warmth Of The Sun

"Pretty Paper" Roy Orbison 1963

This brought together two of my all-time musical favorites - written by the great Willie Nelson and sung by the great Roy Orbison. An absolute fave of mine any time of the year.

Roy Orbison - Pretty Paper

"Dance, Dance, Dance" #8 12/19/1964

Here's the first Beach Boys hit with a co-writing contribution from Carl Wilson, along with the usual suspects (Brian Wilson and Mike Love). You can hear jingle bells on the record, so that makes it sort of Christmas-sy, I guess.

Beach Boys - Dance, Dance, Dance

"Please Come Home For Christmas" Charles Brown 1960

We all know the Eagles' version of this one - here's the original. Not quite as polished as Don Henley and the guys, but still pretty doggone good.

Charles Brown - Please Come Home For Christmas

"Come See About Me" #1 12/19/1964

Here's one of those hits that reached #1, dropped out of the top spot, then regained #1 a week or two later. This was the third of five straight chart-toppers and the third of 12 #1's overall for the Supremes.

Supremes - Come See About Me

RIP, Larry Henley "Everything's Alright" #16 12/12/1964

We lost another 60's rocker today. Larry Henley was the lead singer of the Newbeats, the guy with the falsetto. One of their songs was in the Top 20 this week in 1964, being the followup to "Bread And Butter" which peaked at #16. He also co-wrote "The Wind Beneath My Wings" among other hits. RIP, dude.

Newbeats - Everything's Alright

"Little Saint Nick" Beach Boys 1963

Another Christmas tune that sounded a lot like a previous hit by the artist. There are some ridiculous harmonies going on here...but Brian Wilson and Mike Love wrote this, so what else would you expect?

Beach Boys - Little Saint Nick

"Run Run Rudolph" Chuck Berry 1958

The other day I referenced Johnny Marks and his Christmas songwriting credits. Here's another of his holiday hits, which sounded suspiciously a lot like Chuck's own "Little Queenie.”

"Everybody's Trying To Be My Baby" Album Cut

Carl Perkins was one of the Beatles' musical heroes (and mine as well). I dig this tune for several reasons: George was my favorite of the Fab Four, and the echo on George's vocals is sooooo cool. Recorded in a single take for the "Beatles For Sale" UK album and "Beatles '65" in the U.S.

Beatles - Everybody's Trying To Be My Baby

"Linus And Lucy" Vince Guaraldi Trio 1965

"A Charlie Brown Christmas" is required viewing for me this time of year. It took some chutzpah (a nod to my friends descended from the Twelve Tribes of Israel) to have a jazz trio perform the music. It fit perfectly! Trivia: The Vince Guaraldi Trio had the original version of "Cast Your Fate To The Wind" which became a Top 10 instrumental hit in 1965 for the British group Sounds Orchestral.

Vince Guaraldi Trio - Linus And Lucy

"Blue Christmas" Elvis 1957

Yesterday I said there were two songs I had to hear before it was officially Christmas. One is "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree" - this is the other. One of the most recorded holiday songs ever...Ernest Tubb even did it in 1949, way before Elvis' definitive version. Clip is from his '68 comeback special - in leather, even.

Elvis - Blue Christmas

"I'll Be Back" Album Cut

A major irritant for the Beatles was that Capitol Records radically altered the content of their UK albums for the US audience. Over there, the albums usually had 13 or 14 tracks whereas here, 10 or 11 tracks was the norm, thus creating additional product. Case in point is "Beatles For Sale" which came out in England this month in '64. Capitol created two albums from those 14 tracks - eight on "Beatles '65" and six on "Beatles VI" a few months later, plus assorted leftovers. Today's tune is from the British "A Hard Day's Night" album and appeared on the '65 album here.

Beatles - I'll Be Back

"Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree" Brenda Lee 1958

There are two songs I have to hear before it's officially Christmas - this is one of them. Brenda Lee recorded this at age 13, with the swingin' sax solo from Boots Randolph. Written by Johnny Marks, who also wrote "Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer", "Run Run Rudolph" and "A Holly Jolly Christmas" among others - and he was Jewish! Great songs transcend everything.

Brenda Lee - Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree

"I'm Into Something Good" #13 12/12/1964

The first hit for Herman's Hermits, which reached #1 in the UK and #13 over here. Written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin and originally done earlier in '64 by Earl-Jean, lead singer of the Cookies.
They were known for "Chains" which was covered by the Beatles.

Herman's Hermits - I'm Into Something Good

"Santa Claus Is Back In Town" Elvis 1957

Who knew you could bump and grind your way through a holiday song? Elvis Presley did.

Elvis - Santa Claus Is Back In Town

"I'm Gonna Be Strong" #9 12/12/1964

Short, sweet, and most definitely a dramatic flourish to this one by Gene Pitney. Originally done in '63 by Frankie Laine, pop star of the '40s and '50s, who sang the theme from "Rawhide" as well.

Gene Pitney - I'm Gonna Be Strong

"White Christmas" Drifters 1954

I'm gonna throw in some Christmas tunes as well as the Hot 100 stuff over the next few weeks - because it's my blog. This will forever and always be associated with Bing Crosby - but this version might be the best for my money. Featuring the bass vocals of Bill Pinckney and the high tenor of Clyde McPhatter from the classic Drifters lineup in the mid 1950's.

Drifters - White Christmas

"She's Not There" #2 12/12/1964

The British Invasion keeps on rolling along. The first hit for the Zombies here and in the UK. Some excellent keyboard work by Rod Argent on this one. Clip is from "Hullabaloo."

Zombies - She's Not There

"Mr. Lonely" #1 12/12/1964

Originally recorded in '62 during his "Roses Are Red" sessions but not released until late '64, this was the fourth and last #1 from Bobby Vinton. The message and sentiment are timeless.

Bobby Vinton - Mr. Lonely

"Sidewalk Surfin' " #25 12/5/1964

If this sounds like a Beach Boys song, you're 100% correct. Jan and Dean asked Brian Wilson to put new lyrics to the melody of "Catch A Wave" to capitalize on the new craze of skateboarding. Bet they never thought fifty years later the "fad" would still be here! Back then the boards were wooden and had metal wheels - and nobody wore helmets or padding. Trust me, my backside knows this firsthand.

Jan and Dean - Sidewalk Surfin'

"Walking In The Rain" #23 12/5/1964

We present the last hit of consequence for the Ronettes. A shining example of the Phil Spector "Wall of Sound" which subscribes to the principle of why have one piano on a recording when you can put five pianos on it? Re-done by Jay and the Americans a few years later. Trivia: The Ronettes recorded "I Can Hear Music" several years before the Beach Boys had a hit with it.

Ronettes - Walking In The Rain

"Big Man In Town" #20 12/5/1964

This tune was featured in the "Jersey Boys" musical on Broadway, but not in the movie. We saw the flick and hope to see the stage show in the near future! These guys were billed for several years at the height of their fame in the 60's as The 4 Seasons Featuring The "Sound" Of Frankie Valli. Seems a little pretentious to me, but what do I know?

Four Seasons - Big Man In Town

"Right Or Wrong" #14 12/5/1964

Boy, do I remember our local AM radio station (WRAA in Luray, VA) playing the daylights out of this one back in the day. It was a very schizophrenic daytime-only station, as they played Top 40 in mornings and late afternoons, and were solid country in middays. This one fit both formats. Ronnie Dove was from Herndon, VA and started in the music biz in the DC/Baltimore area. A remake of the Wanda Jackson country hit from a few years earlier that stayed pretty true to the original.

Ronnie Dove - Right Or Wrong

"Mountain Of Love" #9 12/5/1964

This was written and originally recorded by Harold Dorman in 1960 and re-done by Johnny Rivers in late '64. Also a huge country hit for Charley Pride in the early 80's. Trivia: Harold Dorman was born in Archie Manning's home town of Drew, Miss. and grew up in Charley Pride's home town of Sledge, Miss.

Johnny Rivers - Mountain Of Love

"Time Is On My Side" #6 12/5/1964

The first Top 10 hit stateside for Mick and the boys. This version, with the guitar intro, is what we're all familiar with, but a completely different take with an organ-based intro was the one that actually charted in '64. Go figure.

Rolling Stones - Time Is On My Side

"Ringo" #1 12/5/1964

I'm sure millions of young girls in 1964 were disappointed to discover this song was about a Western outlaw, and not the drummer for some little band from Liverpool. One of the rare spoken word #1 records, and boy, did Lorne Greene ever have a set of pipes - he was a CBC Radio newsreader during WWII and was known across Canada as the "Voice Of Doom" long before his Ben Cartwright days. The "Bonanza" thing of being the patriarch of a Nevada ranching family was so incongruous with his family's Canadian-Russian-Jewish roots. It's quite impressive when one can overcome stereotypes.

Lorne Greene - Ringo

"Four Strong Winds" #60 Pop and #3 Country 11/28/1964

Don't let the #60 chart position fool you. This was written and originally recorded by Ian and Sylvia, and CBC Radio has declared their version the all-time #1 homegrown Canadian song ever. They were among the first to record songs written by Bob Dylan and Gordon Lightfoot. Bobby Bare put out a slightly more uptempo version in late '64, and although it didn't do that well on the US pop charts, it became a Top Five country hit for him.

Bobby Bare - Four Strong Winds

"Shaggy Dog" #38 11/28/1964

Another record I was unfamiliar with from '64 - and after hearing this one, it's easy to see why. I'm still trying to figure out who thought it was a good idea to release this. A clunker for sure, but hey, even the Beatles had a few clunkers.

Mickey Lee Lane - Shaggy Dog

"Slaughter On 10th Avenue" #35 11/28/1964

This was originally part of a ballet from a Rodgers and Hart Broadway musical in 1936. The Ventures recorded a radically different arrangement of the song, which made the Top 40 in late 1964. The video is from a Japanese concert in 1966.

Ventures - Slaughter On 10th Avenue

"Reach Out For Me" #20 11/28/1964

Another Burt Bacharach/Hal David hit for Dionne Warwick. When you had a collaboration like that, why mess with success? Dionne had more charted records than any other female vocalist, except for Aretha Franklin. I'd say she did OK.

Dionne Warwick - Reach Out For Me

"Ask Me" #12 11/28/1964

Here's an instance where the B-side of a 45 did somewhat better than the A-side, although I have seen record sleeves of this one with each song given top billing. Beats me. By now, Elvis wasn't quite the market force he had been earlier in his career, but he and Colonel Parker still sold a ton of product.

Elvis Presley - Ask Me

"You Really Got Me" #7 11/28/1964

Sorry for the lateness of today's post - we were traveling for Thanksgiving. In one year on the Hot 100 from fifty years ago, we've gone from "Dominique" by the Singing Nun...to this!!

Our featured song today may have been the hardest rockin' song of 1964. The Kinks' Dave Davies achieved the distortion for the iconic intro by sticking pinholes into his amplifier speaker, then slicing said speaker with a razor. Their record producer, Shel Talmy, worked with The Who a few years later, and Pete Townshend admitted they stole the band's early sound from the Kinks. Van Halen had a GREAT remake of this on their debut album, but it's hard to beat the original!

Kinks - You Really Got Me

"Leader Of The Pack" #1 11/28/1964

A textbook example of the "teen tragedy" songs that the Shangri-Las took to #1. As with their previous hit, Billy Joel claimed to have played piano on the demo - others who were there differ. A very odd video clip with lots of big hair, and a surprise guest.

Shangri-Las - Leader Of The Pack

Happy Turkey, Turkey, Turkey!

Enjoy yourselves and your families and loved ones today!

"Needle In A Haystack" #45 11/21/1964

The Velvelettes got lost in the shuffle at Motown in the 60's and never really had that breakthrough hit on the Hot 100 - they did somewhat better on the R&B charts.

Velvelettes - Needle In A Haystack

"When You Walk In The Room" #35 11/21/1964

Boy, I was surprised this barely cracked the Top 40. It really should've done better. Written by Jackie DeShannon, and charted again by Pam Tillis on the country side 30 years later.

Searchers - When You Walk In The Room

"Who Can I Turn To?" #33 11/21/1964

Another MOR (middle-of-the-road) record by Tony Bennett that made it into the upper half of the Hot 100, in the midst of everything else going on at the time.

Tony Bennett - Who Can I Turn To?

"Is It True" #17 11/21/1964

Originally this record was only supposed to be released in the UK. Eventually Brenda Lee's label (Decca) released it in the US as well. The guitarist is...Jimmy Page. Yes, THAT Jimmy Page.

Brenda Lee - Is It True

"Ain't That Loving You Baby" #16 11/21/1964

From 1958-69, Billboard would list A- and B-sides of a 45 separately. Sometimes the B-side charted higher than the A-side. This happened here - we'll feature the flip side (which did better) of this record soon. This was recorded in 1958 while Elvis was on furlough from the Army, but wasn't released until late '64.

Elvis Presley - Ain't That Loving You Baby

"Come A Little Bit Closer" #3 11/21/1964

This guy had SUCH a set of pipes. Definitely a personal favorite. Clip is from "Where The Action Is" and is sufficiently goofy.

Jay and the Americans - Come A Little Bit Closer

RIP, Jimmy Ruffin

One more artist who has been here and now departed...Jimmy Ruffin (from Collinsville, Miss., near Meridian) recorded one of the most iconic Motown songs ever, "What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted." His followup single was pretty doggone good, too.

Jimmy Ruffin - I've Passed This Way Before

"It Ain't Me Babe" Bonus

Turned out Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash were fans of each other's music. Who woulda thunk it? Johnny (with June Carter) had a Top Five country hit with this one, which got as high as #58 on the Hot 100 in November 1964. The Turtles broke through with their version in '65.

Johnny Cash and June Carter - It Ain't Me Babe

"Once A Day" Bonus

This one "bubbled under" the Hot 100, but starting next week in 1964, it began an eight week run at the top of the country charts. It was the first debut #1 single by a female country singer - it would be 27 years until Trisha Yearwood did it again with "She's In Love With The Boy" in 1991. Connie Smith is currently married to Philadelphia, Mississippi's own Marty Stuart.

Connie Smith - Once A Day

"Wendy" #44 11/14/1964

I was quite surprised to find this record, to me one of the most recognizable Beach Boys songs ever, didn't even make the Top 40 in its original release. It did appear several years later as the B-side of "Good Vibrations" worldwide, except in the U.S. *shrug*

Beach Boys - Wendy

"The Door Is Still Open To My Heart" #6 11/14/1964

They used to call this MOR music - middle of the road. In the midst of the British Invasion, Motown, etc., a song by Dino or Frank or Sammy would sneak onto the Hot 100. Don't you like it that we can still recognize these guys solely by their first names?

Dean Martin - The Door Is Still Open To My Heart

"Have I The Right?" #5 11/14/1964

This was a #1 record in the UK that made the Top 5 stateside. I can't recall another act that had a major hit with a female drummer until the Carpenters came along in the early 70's. A quirky production by Joe Meek - google him for an interesting read sometime.

Honeycombs - Have I The Right?

"When You're Young And In Love" #48 11/7/1964

From time to time we feature records from the middle to lower reaches of the Hot 100 from this week in 1964 that ought to have done better. Ruby and the Romantics recorded this first - it's been done by others over the years. Written by DC's own Van McCoy way before he did "The Hustle."

Ruby and the Romantics - When You're Young And In Love

"I'm Crying" #19 11/7/1964

Usually, British rockers in the 60's had a better handle than their U.S. counterparts on what American rock and roll should sound like. Here's a perfect example - this record was positively smokin' hot for the times. The sound mix on this clip is a little bit off, but enjoy!!

Animals - I'm Crying

"I Like It" #17 11/7/1964

Just like another little band called the Beatles, these guys were from Liverpool, were managed by Brian Epstein and had their records produced by George Martin. This was their second UK single in '63 and their third US hit in '64. The British Invasion rolls on.

Gerry and the Pacemakers - I Like It

"I Don't Want To See You Again" #16 11/7/1964

Another tune written by Lennon/McCartney that was deemed not Beatle-worthy, so it was given to someone else, who made it a hit. Their throwaways were far better that most people's best. Mostly it's a Paul composition.

Peter and Gordon - I Don't Want To See You Again

"Everybody Knows" #15 11/7/1964

Another somewhat mellow track from the DC5. It was their sixth hit in the US in '64 alone. Those British groups sure cranked out the product back then.

Dave Clark Five - Everybody Knows

"Tobacco Road" #14 11/7/1964

This and the next three posts are for records that topped out in consecutive positions this week in 1964. The Nashville Teens were British, not American, and this was their only hit over here. It was rather hard rockin' for the times. Written by John D. Loudermilk, who came from the wrong side of the tracks in Durham, NC, and also wrote "Talk Back Trembling Lips," "Thou Shalt Not Steal," "Waterloo," "Indian Reservation" and a whole bunch of country hits for George Hamilton IV.

Nashville Teens - Tobacco Road

"Chug-A-Lug" #9 11/7/1964

A Top Five country hit from 1964 that made the Top Ten on the pop charts as well. Roger Miller was always a little bit squirrelly back then, but he could write a thought-provoking song, too (see "Husbands And Wives") and also wrote a well-received Broadway show, "Big River."

Roger Miller - Chug-A-Lug

"Let It Be Me" #5 11/7/1964

This was a French language song written in 1955, and was a huge hit in 1960 for the Everly Brothers. An excellent remake by two stalwarts of Chicago R&B.

Jerry Butler and Betty Everett - Let It Be Me

"Last Kiss" #2 11/7/1964

There was a strange "teen tragedy" sub-genre of rock music in the 50's and 60's, of which this song is the perfect example. The BBC even banned these types of records. It was re-made by Pearl Jam in the 90's (rather wretchedly, IMHO). J. Frank Wilson never could deal with being a one-hit wonder and died an alcoholic in 1991 at age 49.

J. Frank Wilson and the Cavaliers - Last Kiss

"All Cried Out" #41 10/31/1964

Why this wasn't a bigger hit completely eludes me. I absolutely dug Dusty Springfield.

Dusty Springfield - All Cried Out

"Softly, As I Leave You" #27 10/31/1964

In the midst of the British Invasion and Motown and all that, we find Ol' Blue Eyes. This was Frank's highest charting Hot 100 record for a while, until "Strangers In The Night." Doo bee doo bee doo...

Frank Sinatra - Softly, As I Leave You

"Ride The Wild Surf" #16 10/31/1964

If Jan and Dean weren't doing hot rod songs, they were doing surfing songs, like the theme from this movie of the same name. The scene with the stars pretending to surf in front of a blue screen is sooooo cheesy. Check out a naturally blonde Barbara Eden (before "Jeannie") - with brunette hair!!

Jan and Dean - Ride The Wild Surf

"Little Honda" #9 10/31/1964

The Hondells were a studio creation of producer Gary Usher. He hired several of the famed Wrecking Crew musicians (Glen Campbell played the prominent guitar part), and used one of the studio singers to front the faux group for personal appearances. Brian Wilson wrote this song, as the Beach Boys first recorded it to use as an album filler. Clip is from "Shindig."

Hondells - Little Honda

"Baby Love" #1 10/31/1964

This was the second of 12 #1's for the Supremes, and was deliberately structured to sound like their first chart topper "Where Did Our Love Go" right down to the foot stomps in the intro. That's how things were done back in the day, and it seemed to work.

Supremes - Baby Love

"Monster Mash" Bonus

Sometimes, ya just gotta go with the obvious. A Halloween perennial for sure. Igor, you impetuous young boy...

Bobby "Boris" Pickett and the Crypt Kickers - Monster Mash

"Underdog" Theme - Bonus

Hard to believe this cartoon turned 50 this fall. It was definitely part of my youth, and partly why my brain has turned to mush. Not plane nor bird nor even frog...it's just little ol' me - Underdog!

"Underdog" Theme

"Gomer Pyle - USMC" Theme Bonus

All I can say is...SHAZAM!! It's a shame nobody uses theme songs any more on TV. I miss that.

Gomer Pyle USMC Theme

"Daniel Boone" Bonus

Fess Parker portrayed Davy Crockett in the 50's for Disney, and played another historical figure on TV for six seasons in the 60's. Some scenes were a tad sketchy on the accuracy front, but hey, they got ratings.

"Daniel Boone" TV Theme

"Mercy, Mercy" #35 10/24/1964

Here's another record I was unfamiliar with, that made the Top 40 in October 1964. Don Covay wrote several hits, such as "Pony Time" (Chubby Checker), "Chain Of Fools" (Aretha Franklin) and one of the best B-sides ever (co-written with the legendary Steve Cropper), "Sookie Sookie" - the flip side of "Magic Carpet Ride" for Steppenwolf.

Don Covay - Mercy, Mercy

"I've Got Sand In My Shoes" #33 10/24/1964

A popular move back in the day was to structure a song for an artist as much as possible like the record released just prior. This one was the follow-up to "Under The Boardwalk" and was written by the same guys, and sounds suspiciously like the previous hit.

Drifters - I've Got Sand In My Shoes

RIP, Jack Bruce...

Jack Bruce was one of the best damn bassists ever in rock music. As an ex-bass player, I appreciated what he did to no end. Such a shame the three members of Cream were so great individually, but just couldn't get along as a group.

Cream - White Room

"20-75" #31 10/24/1964

Willie Mitchell ran Hi Records in Memphis back in the day, and produced all those hits for Al Green in the 70's.  He made a few records, too, like this instrumental with no title until they decided to call it by the label's internal release number, 20-75.

Willie Mitchell - 20-75

"On The Street Where You Live" #28 10/24/1964

The goal of our blog is to recognize popular songs when they topped out on the Billboard Hot 100 during this week 50 years ago. We're in one of those weeks from 1964 where the higher charting songs were either still on their way up, held steady, or had maxed out and were sliding down. Thus, for the next few days we'll look at tunes that peaked in the lower regions of the Top 40, like this Andy Williams version of a song from "My Fair Lady" done by artists ranging from Lawrence Welk to Bobby Darin to Dean Martin.

Andy Williams - On The Street Where You Live

"The Ballad Of Ira Hayes" Bonus

Native American Ira Hayes was one of the Marines who raised the flag at Iwo Jima. He was basically exploited by the military and the media afterward, and had issues dealing with the notoriety. He was arrested over 50 times for public drunkenness before his death in 1955. Johnny Cash brought attention to Ira's situation with this country hit, from October '64.

Johnny Cash - The Ballad Of Ira Hayes

"Matchbox" #17 10/17/1964

The Beatles were big fans of Carl Perkins, one of the forgotten fathers of rock and roll, and covered three of his songs. Carl was touring England and was in the studio when the Fab Four recorded this one, with Ringo singing lead. Clip is from a BBC Radio appearance.

Beatles - Matchbox

"When I Grow Up (To Be A Man)" #9 10/17/1964

A great example of the group's evolution from surfing and hot rod songs to deeper themes. This song appears on about 300 Beach Boys compilation albums...OK, I made that up. Not sure what TV show this video clip is from.

Beach Boys - When I Grow Up (To Be A Man)

"A Summer Song" #7 10/17/1964

Chad and Jeremy's previous single, "Yesterday's Gone" was their only UK chart record. They had somewhat more success in America, with this one being their biggest hit over here.

Chad and Jeremy - A Summer Song

"We'll Sing In The Sunshine" #4 10/17/1964

Another one-hit wonder for today's selection. Gale Garnett was born in New Zealand, raised in Canada, and had a worldwide hit with this one. She later got into acting and appeared in "My Big, Fat Greek Wedding." I had heard years ago she bought a radio station in San Bernardino, CA with royalties from this song, but I can't find any confirmation via Google.

Gale Garnett - We'll Sing In The Sunshine

"Dancing In The Street" #2 10/17/1964

One of the best party songs ever. If this doesn't get you moving, check yourself into your local funeral home. Co-written by Marvin Gaye. Some fine remakes of this one by the likes of Van Halen, the Grateful Dead and Bowie/Jagger. An absolute Motown signature song.

Martha and the Vandellas - Dancing In The Street

"Do Wah Diddy Diddy" #1 10/17/1964

Lots of 60's chart hits were re-makes, sometimes from decades earlier. This was originally by the Exciters, who had their one hit with "Tell Him" in '63 - I didn't know this was a re-make. Written by Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich. Manfred Mann had some UK success before "Diddy" reached #1 on both sides of the Atlantic. Bill Murray ruined this song for me forever in "Stripes"...juuuust kidding.

Manfred Mann - Do Wah Diddy Diddy

"I Don't Care (Just As Long As You Love Me)" Bonus

From October '64, this was the fourth of 14 straight #1's on the country charts for Buck Owens. There was nothing like that distinctive Fender Telecaster sound of Don Rich - Buck admitted his career slipped after Don died in a motorcycle crash in 1974. Clip is from his syndicated TV show prior to "Hee Haw" - oddly, it wasn't taped in Nashville or L.A. or his home town of Bakersfield, but in Oklahoma City.

Buck Owens - I Don't Care (Just As Long As You Love Me)

"Slow Down" #25 10/10/1964

In 1958 Billboard changed their method of ranking two-sided hits, listing the A and B sides separately. They went back to combining both sides of the single in 1969, probably affecting the Beatles more than any other act. This, together with A-side "Matchbox" likely would've done much better had both sides been counted as one. Clip is from one of their 50+ BBC radio appearances.

Beatles - Slow Down

"Rhythm" #24 10/10/1964

Occasionally a record shows up in this feature that I didn't remember from back in the day. Oldies radio today certainly doesn't play this song, the last hit of consequence by Major Lance, the poor man's Sam Cooke. Written and co-produced by Curtis Mayfield.

Major Lance - Rhythm

"From A Window" #23 10/10/1964

Another Lennon/McCartney tune (mostly Paul's) that they gave away. This was Billy J. Kramer's last hit record of any consequence here and in the UK in his brief career. The British Invasion would carry on, however.

Billy J. Kramer and the Dakotas - From A Window

"I'm On The Outside Looking In" #15 10/10/1964

Little Anthony and the Imperials hadn't had a hit in over four years until this one revitalized their career. Smooooooth stuff.

Little Anthony and the Imperials - I'm On The Outside Looking In

"Any Time At All" album cut

Another song I had a really hard time finding online, thanks to the legal eagles at Capitol Records and EMI. Guess they pay interns to scour the web in order to make things difficult for bloggers. I found a working link on a Brazilian site for this track, from the Fab Four's "Something New" album. The lengths ya gotta go thru in order to serve the adoring public!

Beatles - Any Time At All

"Funny (How Time Slips Away)" #13 10/10/1964

Boy, this one is tough to find. YouTube keeps telling me the clip of the version by Joe Hinton that made the Top 20 in October 1964...is unavailable for use in my country. I can tell you Joe's take is very reminiscent of Brook Benton or Lou Rawls - quite bluesy. I did find a version by the songwriter - Willie Nelson. You'll get the idea.

Funny (How Time Slips Away)

"The Race Is On" Bonus 10/3/1964

Here's one that was on its way up the country charts in October 1964, eventually reaching the Top Five in early 1965. Trivia: George Jones provided the war whoops on Johnny Preston's "Running Bear" in 1958; the song was written by J.P. Richardson aka the Big Bopper. They all came from the same area of East Texas.

George Jones - The Race Is On

"I Guess I'm Crazy" Bonus 10/3/1964

From the country charts, the first of six posthumous #1 records from Gentleman Jim Reeves, who died on my 8th birthday (7/31/1964) in a small plane crash. One of the most mellifluous voices in any musical genre. Trivia: Jim was a minor league pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1940's until a nerve injury pushed him into radio and then a singing career.

Jim Reeves - I Guess I'm Crazy

RIP, Paul Revere. "Just Like Me"

Yet another part of 60's music is no longer with us. This was the Raiders' first big hit from January 1966, and had the very recognizable organ intro played by Paul Revere. It sucks that he and Mark Lindsay never really patched things up after all these years. How much was the dry cleaning bill for those Minutemen outfits, anyway?

Paul Revere and the Raiders - Just Like Me

"James Bond Theme" #58 10/3/1964

You never knew what lurked in the bottom half of the Hot 100 back in the day. Case in point - Billy Strange, session guitarist and arranger with L.A.'s legendary Wrecking Crew studio musicians. How many Bond movies opened with this? He also played on "Sloop John B" and contributed that distinctive guitar lick for "The Munsters" theme, and co-wrote (with Mac Davis) "A Little Less Conversation" for Elvis.

Billy Strange - James Bond Theme

"You'll Never Get To Heaven (If You Break My Heart)" #34 10/3/1964

I was surprised this barely cracked the Top 40, although it did get to #10 on the Billboard R&B charts. Such a recognizable song of hers. Another Burt Bacharach/Hal David tune (duh!).

Dionne Warwick - You'll Never Get To Heaven (If You Break My Heart)

"Baby I Need Your Loving" #11 10/3/1964

The breakthrough hit that put the Four Tops on the map. Johnny Rivers' remake a few years later actually charted higher, at #3. Clip is from an Australian TV show in the 90's. Trivia: their lead singer, Levi Stubbs, was a cousin of R&B legend Jackie Wilson.

Four Tops - Baby I Need Your Loving

"It Hurts To Be In Love" #7 10/3/1964

If you think this is a Neil Sedaka record, you're almost 100% right. See, Neil recorded this in a non-RCA approved studio, thus violating his contract. RCA wouldn't release the song, so he took the master tapes to his bud Gene Pitney, who substituted his lead vocals. Everything else about the record is a Neil Sedaka production right down to leaving in Neil's harmony vocals. Gene did a couple of successful country duets with George Jones in the mid 60's as well.

Gene Pitney - It Hurts To Be In Love

"Out Of Sight" #24 9/26/1964

This single came out just before "Papa's Got A Brand New Bag" in late 1964. Video is from the legendary T.A.M.I. concert that year - no mere mortal is supposed have these kind of dance moves. The Rolling Stones had to follow J.B. at that show. Mick Jagger was a little intimidated, and wound up dancing on stage like never before. I feel good! Hit me! Hit me!

James Brown - Out Of Sight

"Maybellene" #12 9/26/1964

The second big hit by Johnny Rivers was a lot like the first one ("Memphis") - a Chuck Berry cover. He would progress to doing non-Chuck Berry material quite successfully.

Johnny Rivers - Maybellene

"Haunted House" #11 9/26/1964

No, it's not THAT dude - although the KISS member took his stage name from Tupelo, Mississippi's own one-hit wonder Jumpin' Gene Simmons. He later wrote "Indian Outlaw" which was Tim McGraw's first hit on the country charts. This record has since become a staple of Halloween parties everywhere.

Jumpin' Gene Simmons - Haunted House

"Save It For Me" #10 9/26/1964

The real Jersey Boys score once again with the followup to "Rag Doll." You can't go wrong with a Four Seasons record.

Four Seasons - Save It For Me

"Remember (Walking In The Sand)" #5 9/26/1964

The Shangri-Las always seemed like an pre-Beatles early 60's girl group but this was their first hit. Their bad-girl image wasn't all record label hype, either. The version here has a slightly different, longer intro. Billy Joel claims to have played piano on this session but never got paid. Aerosmith had a pretty good remake of this song, from one of the best album titles ever - "Night In The Ruts."

Shangri-Las - Remember (Walking In The Sand)

"GTO" #4 9/26/1964

It wouldn't be 1964 without the random song about a hot rod. The Pontiac GTO was a rather badass car, actually. Vroom vroom.

Ronny and the Daytonas - GTO

"Oh, Pretty Woman" #1 9/26/1964

Enough of the TV themes. There were SO many iconic songs from 1964 alone, but this is at the top of my list. Ever. As in my all-time personal favorite 60's tune. I could put this record on an endless loop and never tire of it. Van Halen did an excellent remake in the 80's, but nothing tops Roy.

Roy Orbison - Oh, Pretty Woman

"The Man From U.N.C.L.E." Theme (Bonus)

Well...it was either this or "Daniel Boone" for our 1964 premieres TV theme today. David McCallum went on to appear in "NCIS" as Ducky. I think Robert Vaughn is still doing local TV ads for law firms around the country.

The Man From U.N.C.L.E. Theme (Bonus)

"Addams Family" Theme (Bonus)

I promise the hit tunes will return on Friday 9/26 when the 1964 Billboard charts were updated. Until then...the Addams Family started, when Uncle Fester farted...

Theme from "The Addams Family"

"Munsters" Theme (Bonus)

What were they smoking in the 60's that got TV shows like this greenlighted? Uhh, yeah...silly question. Ohhhh, Lily...

"The Munsters" Theme

"Flipper" Theme (Bonus)

On this week's 1964 Billboard rock charts, records were either falling (and we've already covered them) or still rising (and we'll get to them over the next few weeks). Except for "Bread And Butter" I don't see any record of importance that maxed out over the next few days. So let's head off to the Florida Keys and visit the world's smartest dolphin!

Theme From "Flipper"

"Bewitched" Theme (Bonus)

This and "Gilligan's Island" premiered within nine days of each other in September 1964. Another silly premise for a TV show, but it ran for seven seasons. So let's twinkle our noses and go visit Dr. Bombay. (I just like saying Dr. Bombay.)

Theme from "Bewitched"

"Gilligan's Island" Theme (2nd season) Bonus

Not a lot of new stuff this week on the Billboard charts, so let's go on a three-hour tour. A three-hour tour. 50 years ago this week one of the silliest TV shows of all time premiered. Only 98 episodes were made - it just seems like 10,000. Weird Al Yankovic wondered how the Professor could make a nuclear reactor out of coconuts, but couldn't build a boat to get them off the island. The theme was altered in the second season to include "the Professor and Mary Ann" in the lyrics.

Gilligan's Island - 2nd Season Show Open

"Bread And Butter" #2 9/19/1964

Sometimes the most nonsensical phrase would turn into a hit record. Enter the Newbeats, a rare rock act from Nashville. I remember this song from a TV ad for a bread company. It was kept from #1 by the Animals and then by Roy Orbison. Frankie Valli still did the falsetto better.

Newbeats - Bread And Butter

"When I Get Home" album cut

From the UK "A Hard Day's Night" soundtrack but it wasn't on the US version of said album - it first appeared over here on their "Something New" LP. Video clip is an odd collection of home movies of the Fab Four.

Beatles - When I Get Home

"I'm Happy Just To Dance With You" album cut

Another Fab Four album cut that appeared in the flood of product surrounding the movie "A Hard Day's Night." Video is from the flick, but the audio is synched from a BBC radio show called "From Us To You." George transposes a couple of lines in the performance - see if you can catch where. This was the US B-side of "I'll Cry Instead" which got to #25. "I'm Happy..." barely cracked the Hot 100 on its own.

Beatles - I'm Happy Just To Dance With You

"Things We Said Today" Album Cut 9/12/1964

The Beatles' UK and US album content radically differed up thru and including "Revolver." This song was on the UK "A Hard Day's Night" soundtrack; also on the US soundtrack, which had a much different track listing; and on the US "Something New" LP, which had no true British counterpart. "Something New" only had 11 tracks and a total running time of less than 25 minutes.

Beatles - Things We Said Today

"Maybe I Know" #14 9/12/1964

Lesley Gore was a high school junior when "It's My Party" (her first release) made it to #1 just over a year prior to this one. Clip is a slightly truncated version of today's song, from "Shindig" I believe, introduced by Jan & Dean.

Lesley Gore - Maybe I Know

"Clinging Vine" #17 9/12/1964

I admit I don't remember this one. And no, it's not about the ivy at Wrigley Field. It's very country sounding, actually. Bobby Vinton's next release was "Mr. Lonely."

Bobby Vinton - Clinging Vine

"In The Misty Moonlight" #19 9/12/1964

From the guy who brought you "Primrose Lane" in the late 50's, Jerry Wallace would have a modicum of success on the country side of Billboard in the 70's. Dean Martin re-did this one a few years later, and it reached #1 on the Easy Listening charts for Dino.

Jerry Wallace - In The Misty Moonlight

"Because" #3 9/12/1964

The Dave Clark Five's early US hits were all stompers, so this was a little outside the box for them as a single. It turned out quite well for them.

Dave Clark Five - Because

"Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)"

This isn't the day to talk about what the charts looked like on 9/11/1964. On 9/11/2001 I was preparing to fly the next day to the Quad Cities for a genealogy conference in Davenport, Iowa. Needless to say, that didn't happen. Alan Jackson released this a few weeks later, and I cried like a baby the first time I heard it. Nothing else to add.

Alan Jackson - Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)

"C'mon And Swim" #5 8/29/1964

The video is from the 1965 pilot for "Where The Action Is" - a mid-60's weekday afternoon music show hosted by Dick Clark. It ran immediately after "Dark Shadows" so I never missed it! Dig those crazy dancers and the swimsuits.

Bobby Freeman - C'mon And Swim

"You Never Can Tell" #14 9/5/1964

Chuck Berry had just gotten out of jail in 1964 for transporting a 14-year-old girl from Juarez, Mexico to St. Louis for...well, after all, I try to keep this blog G-rated.  He had a couple of hits in '64, then disappeared from the charts until the innuendo-laden "My Ding-A-Ling" in the early 70's. This one was featured in the dance scene with John Travolta and Uma Thurman in "Pulp Fiction" - video is from 1972 on German TV.

Chuck Berry - You Never Can Tell

"How Do You Do It?" #9 9/5/1964

A song the Beatles recorded, but never released until their anthology box set in 1995. George Martin gave it to fellow Liverpool act Gerry and the Pacemakers, who took it to #1 in the UK in '63 and the Top 10 in the US in '64.

Gerry and the Pacemakers - How Do You Do It?

"House Of The Rising Sun" #1 9/5/1964

You can't begin to discuss 60's rock without bringing this into the mix. One of the most definitive hits from that decade ever recorded. I think the video is from a "Shindig" appearance.

Animals - House Of The Rising Sun

"Mixed-Up, Shook-Up Girl" #37 8/22/1964

This falls into the "lost oldie" one-hit wonder category. In the early days of rock and roll, almost every city had its own regional style, like New Orleans, Memphis, Detroit, etc. - the British Invasion helped to do away with that. Philadelphia-based artists like Chubby Checker, DeeDee Sharp, the Orlons, Bobby Rydell and others reflected that city's genre. Here's a last vestige of Philly-style music (Camden, NJ, actually).

Patty and the Emblems - Mixed-Up, Shook-Up Girl

"I'll Keep You Satisfied" #30 8/22/1964

Here's another one written by Lennon/McCartney and given to another group. This reached #4 in the UK but only got to #30 on this side of the pond - should've done better. Video is from British network ITV's "Thank Your Lucky Stars" where this episode features Liverpool acts, including Billy J. Kramer, Cilla Black, Gerry and the Pacemakers and some band calling themselves the Beatles. The intro shows the Fab Four getting out of a police car and running into the TV studio in Birmingham, UK. I'd like to find this entire show out on YouTube or some such.

Billy J. Kramer and the Dakotas - I'll Keep You Satisfied

"Walk Don't Run '64" #8 8/22/1964

A surf-style arrangement of their 1960 hit of the same name, minus the '64 designation, of course. I think this is still the only time two different arrangements of the same song by the same artist each made the Top 10 on Billboard.

Ventures - Walk Don't Run '64

"C'mon And Swim" #5 8/29/1964

There were some goofy dances going on during the 60's. This was certainly one of them. Produced by a 20-year-old Sylvester Stewart (who became Sly of Sly and the Family Stone). And he wasn't the youngest to produce a hit record - Barry White was 19 in '63 when he produced the original version of "Harlem Shuffle" way before the Rolling Stones re-did it. Video is a compilation of 60's sitcoms where folks were doing the Swim.

Bobby Freeman - C'mon And Swim

"People Say" #12 8/22/1964

The followup to "Chapel Of Love" by this New Orleans trio.

Dixie Cups - People Say

"Such A Night" #16 8/22/1964

Originally done by the Drifters in 1954, Elvis recorded it in 1960 but for some reason it wasn't released as a single by RCA until the summer of 1964.

Elvis - Such A Night

"Under The Boardwalk" #4 8/22/1964

A real triumph over tragedy.  The Drifters had several lead singers through the years, and Rudy Lewis was to sing lead on this song, but he died the night before the session. Their management and label tried to spin the death as a brain aneurysm, but it was really from a heroin overdose. The label wouldn't postpone the recording session, so the group contacted former lead singer Johnny Moore, and with almost no notice, a classic summer record came out of it all.

Drifters - Under The Boardwalk

"Where Did Our Love Go" #1 8/22/1964

The songwriting team of Holland-Dozier-Holland at Motown were the black Bacharach and David, in that they cranked out the hits at an unbelievable pace in the 60's. Diana Ross wanted to sing this an octave higher, but had to be talked into doing it in the lower register. It wound up being their first #1 record. These things usually work out somehow.

Supremes - Where Did Our Love Go

"Everybody Loves Somebody" #1 8/15/1964

Dean Martin's TV show was a hoot. His celebrity roasts were even more of a hoot. He really was the King Of Cool. One of the unlikeliest #1 songs on the Hot 100 ever, and an absolute signature song of his.

Dean Martin - Everybody Loves Somebody

"The Little Old Lady From Pasadena" #3 8/1/1964

The song title was in part from a running joke at the time on "The Tonight Show."  Johnny Carson always made reference to a used car dealer who said the vehicle he was selling was only driven on Sundays by a little old lady from Pasadena. Turned out she was the terror of Colorado Boulevard.

Jan & Dean - The Little Old Lady From Pasadena

"A Hard Day's Night" #1 8/1/1964

Perhaps the wackiest opening chord ever to a song - and one of the most recognizable. According to George Harrison and George Martin, it's an F chord with a G note on the top string, along with a D note played on bass by Paul. The notes would thus be F-A-C-G with that D bass. Try it sometime. I think the video is from a concert in Paris in 1965.

Beatles - A Hard Day's Night

"Can't You See That She's Mine" #4 7/18/1964

After the Beatles, the Dave Clark Five were the most successful of the first wave of British Invasion groups in 1964. The Rolling Stones didn't have huge success over here until 1965.

Dave Clark Five - Can't You See That She's Mine

"Rag Doll" #1 7/18/1964

Not to be confused with the similarly titled Aerosmith song (WHICH I LOVE). The B-side was the original version of "Silence Is Golden" that was a hit a few years later for the Tremeloes.

Four Seasons - Rag Doll

"Don't Let The Sun Catch You Crying" #4 7/4/1964

This group was managed by Brian Epstein and produced by George Martin, just like their fellow Liverpudlians (I like that word!) the Beatles. This was their breakthrough hit in the US, and like the Fab Four, their previous UK hits were then re-released over here to much success.

Gerry and the Pacemakers - Don't Let The Sun Catch You Crying

"My Boy Lollipop" #2 7/4/1964

Some Jamaican ska music (the predecessor to reggae). Urban legend says a then-unknown Rod Stewart (age 19) played the harmonica solo on the record, but he denies it. Not sure where the video is from - think it's from the BBC.

Millie Small - My Boy Lollipop

"I Get Around" #1 7/4/1964

How appropriate that the Beach Boys had a #1 record on July 4th. Doesn't get more American than that, does it?

Beach Boys - I Get Around

"A World Without Love" #1 6/27/1964

Other than Elton John's "Lucy In The Sky (With Diamonds)" this was the only other non-Beatles version of a Lennon-McCartney song to reach #1 in America. Paul felt it wasn't good enough for his band to record, so he gave the song to his girlfriend's brother Peter Asher.

Peter and Gordon - A World Without Love

"Walk On By" #6 6/6/1964

Another ridiculously successful Burt Bacharach/Hal David tune for Dionne Warwick. Isaac Hayes did a 12 minute + version in 1969, way before "South Park."

Dionne Warwick - Walk On By

"P.S. I Love You" #10 6/6/1964

The B-side to "Love Me Do" on both sides of the pond which made the Top 10 on its own strength over here. Ringo played maracas and session musician Andy White played drums on this track from their first UK album in 1962.

Beatles - P.S. I Love You

"Chapel Of Love" #1 6/6/1964

A New Orleans trio who took this, written by Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich, and Phil Spector, to #1. Video is from the syndicated "Hollywood A Go Go" TV show. Check out those crazy background dancers' moves.

Dixie Cups - Chapel Of Love

"(Just Like) Romeo And Juliet" #6 5/30/1964

A one-hit wonder from Detroit. Video is from "American Bandstand" broadcast on the same day this record peaked on Billboard.

Reflections - (Just Like) Romeo And Juliet

"Love Me Do" #1 5/30/1964

After a three week break, the Fab Four return to the #1 spot in America with a alternate take of "Love Me Do" than the version released as their first UK single in 1962. Paul said he wrote this song at age 16 while skipping school.

Beatles - Love Me Do

"It's Over" #9 5/23/1964

Roy Orbison was a musician's singer...meaning he could do things with his voice that fit perfectly with what the musicians on the record were doing. Plus, as popular as he was with the public, other musicians appreciated him even more highly. A true talent that will never be duplicated.

Roy Orbison - It's Over

"Ronnie" #6 5/16/1964

Wonder if Ronnie Spector was the inspiration for this song?

Four Seasons - Ronnie

"My Guy" #1 5/16/1964

Written by Smokey Robinson and the last solo hit for Mary Wells at Motown.  She broke her contract after this, and her career was never quite the same.

Mary Wells - My Guy

"Dead Man's Curve" #8 5/9/1964

The real Dead Man's Curve is on Sunset Boulevard in L.A. near the UCLA campus. Not only did Jan Berry have a near-fatal accident close to there - so did Mel Blanc, the Man Of 1000 Voices, a few years earlier. Mel had to record his cartoon voiceovers from his hospital bed due to his injuries.

Jan & Dean - Dead Man's Curve

"Do You Want To Know A Secret" #2 5/9/1964

From their debut UK album in 1963, but it was first released as a 45 by Vee-Jay instead of Capitol Records. It didn't appear on any Capitol LP until 1965. Lots of legal nonsense involved. Don't let that distract you from the fact it's a GREAT record.

Beatles - Do You Want To Know A Secret

"Hello, Dolly!" #1 5/9/1964

One of the last Broadway show tunes to do well on the pop charts, and certainly one of the last Dixieland jazz tunes to do so. Louis - don't call him Louie - Armstrong only recorded this song as a demo, and then only as a favor to his manager. The demo got to #1. Beats me.

Louis Armstrong - Hello, Dolly!

"Shangri-La" #15 5/2/1964

Originally from 1946 and sung by a bunch of folks since then. Co-writer Robert Maxwell recorded an instrumental version and made the Top 20 in 1964, in the midst of all the other things happening on the charts. The harp player goes wild at the end.

Robert Maxwell - Shangri-La

"Bits And Pieces" #4 5/2/1964

Still catching up to my FB posts. I promise they will be in synch soon. I believe the DC5 were the only Brits besides the Beatles to have more than one US Top 10 hit on the charts at the same time. Herman's Hermits might have done so - I'll research.

Dave Clark Five - Bits And Pieces

"Glad All Over" #6 4/25/1964

The first British Invasion act not named the Beatles to score a US Top 10 hit. A few British acts got there but did so prior to 1964.

Dave Clark Five - Glad All Over

"Needles And Pins" #13 4/11/1964

Co-written by Sonny Bono and originally a Canadian #1 hit for Jackie DeShannon in 1963. These guys were from Liverpool, too.

Searchers - Needles And Pins

"The Shoop Shoop Song (It's In His Kiss)" #6 4/11/1964

Betty Everett had the first charted version of "You're No Good" which was huge for Linda Ronstadt in the 70's. Cher later re-did this song for the movie "Mermaids" and reached #1 in the UK.

Betty Everett - The Shoop Shoop Song (It's In His Kiss)

"Suspicion" #3 4/11/1964

If you think this sounds like Elvis, you're almost right. Elvis recorded it first as a throwaway on his 1962 album "Pot Luck." Terry Stafford re-did the song and had a #3 record on 4/11/1964. It also had the distinction the previous week of being at #6 while the Beatles held down the entire Top 5. In 1973 Terry also first recorded and co-wrote "Amarillo By Morning" which became a George Strait signature song.

Terry Stafford - Suspicion

"Can't Buy Me Love" #1 4/4/1964

Their third chart topper in the States. No one had ever succeeded themselves at the top of the charts three times in a row without a break. Part of a 14 consecutive week run the Beatles had at #1. Video is from the BBC's "Ready, Steady, Go!"

Beatles - Can't Buy Me Love

"Twist And Shout" #2 4/4/1964

On 2/11/1963 the Beatles recorded 10 songs in a marathon 13-hour session for their first UK album. This one was saved for last, since at their live shows, the song would usually shred John's voice. They nailed this in one take, which was good, since they tried a second take and John's vocal cords gave out. Immortalized in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off." Clip is from the 1963 Royal Variety Show where John famously admonished those down front to rattle their jewelry.

Beatles - Twist And Shout

"She Loves You" #3 4/4/1964

One more video from the DC 2/11/1964 show. Total pandemonium.

Beatles - She Loves You

"I Want To Hold Your Hand" #4 4/4/1964

Clip is from their concert in DC 2/11/1964.  George (I think) makes a big mistake on the intro, but who cares?

Beatles - I Want To Hold Your Hand

"Please Please Me" #5 4/4/1964

April 4, 1964 was an amazing day in rock and roll history. On that date the Beatles held down the entire Top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 - a feat never done before, and most likely will never happen again. See, Capitol Records passed on the Fab Four's first three records over here, so their parent EMI allowed two smaller labels to release them in 1963...and each of them bombed. Well, after Beatlemania took hold, the small labels re-released the earlier 45's, creating this anomaly and legal nightmare. Clip is from the legendary 2/11/1964 concert at the Washington Coliseum.

Beatles - Please Please Me

"Kissin' Cousins" #12 3/21/1964

Col. Parker kept Elvis in all those schlocky movies long after the Beatles arrived in America, which almost totally derailed his career. I believe the dancer in the solid blue dress in this clip is Teri Garr, who went on to much larger roles, such as in "Young Frankenstein." Would you care for a roll in zee hay? Roll, roll, roll in zee hay...

Elvis - Kissin' Cousins

"Fun, Fun, Fun" #5 3/21/1964

Supposedly Glen Campbell played the guitar intro on the record. From here forward, the Beach Boys made liberal use of L.A.'s famous Wrecking Crew of studio musicians, of which Glen was a huge part. He even toured once as part of the band when Brian Wilson had the first of his zillions of meltdowns.

Beach Boys - Fun, Fun, Fun

"I Only Want To Be With You" #12 3/14/1964

The second British Invasion artist to chart over here, after the Beatles. It was her first solo hit here and there, and a signature song of hers.

Dusty Springfield - I Only Want To Be With You

"Navy Blue" #6 3/14/1964

A remnant of pre-Beatles pop music produced by Bob Crewe, who also produced the Four Seasons hits.

Diane Renay - Navy Blue

"Stop And Think It Over" #8 3/7/1964

The song that made Dale and Grace a two-hit wonder. Some Louisiana "swamp pop."

Dale & Grace - Stop And Think It Over

"California Sun" #5 2/29/1964

Originally done by Mr. "You Talk Too Much" Joe Jones from New Orleans. Some good old rock and roll.

Rivieras - California Sun

"Dawn (Go Away)" #3 2/29/1964

The original Jersey Boys could've easily had another #1, if not for those pesky Beatles. One of their signature songs.

Four Seasons - Dawn (Go Away)

"Anyone Who Had A Heart" #8 2/15/1964

This was the biggest female pop record of the 60's in the UK - but not for Dionne Warwick. Cilla Black's version holds that distinction over there, which PO'd Dionne to no end. Another Bacharach/David composition.

Dionne Warwick - Anyone Who Had A Heart

"What Kind Of Fool (Do You Think I Am)" (Tams) #9 2/22/1964

Still catching up to my current FB posts from the 1964 charts. A song that is still a staple of the Carolina beach music scene, both this version and the remake in 1969 by Virginia Beach's Bill Deal and the Rhondels.

Tams - What Kind Of Fool (Do You Think I Am)

"Hey Little Cobra" #4 2/8/1964

The Rip Chords were basically Terry Melcher (Doris Day's son, who later produced records by the Byrds and Paul Revere and the Raiders) and future Beach Boy Bruce Johnston, along with the famous Wrecking Crew of L.A. studio musicians.



Rip Chords - Hey Little Cobra

"Out Of Limits " #3 2/1/1964

Originally called "Outer Limits" as a homage to the TV show of the same name, until the legal eagles forced a title change. Featured in the "Pulp Fiction" soundtrack.

Marketts - Out Of Limits

"You Don't Own Me" #2 2/1/1964

Probably the first feminist hit record on the Hot 100, and a little bit ahead of its time. Kept from #1 by the Beatles. Video is from the T.A.M.I. show later in 1964.

Lesley Gore - You Don't Own Me

"It Won't Be Long" Album cut 2/1/1964

Oddly, this was never released as a single here or in the UK - a reflection of how strong the Beatles' material truly was. It's in my personal all-time Beatles Top Five. Video is from the BBC's "Ready, Steady, Go!" as they received an award from Billboard for their US chart success.

Beatles - It Won't Be Long

"I Saw Her Standing There" B-side 2/1/1964

We flipped over the 45 of "I Want To Hold Your Hand" and got another darned good tune as well. It was the opening track on the Fab Four's debut UK album and eventually reached #14 on the US Hot 100 on its own. Not sure where this clip is from, either, but it sure is a weird mix, with John's vocals way too loud.

Beatles - I Saw Her Standing There

"I Want To Hold Your Hand" #1 2/1/1964

The record that, along with "Rock Around The Clock," singlehandedly changed Western civilization. Not sure where the video clip is from, but enjoy!

Beatles - I Want To Hold Your Hand

"Surfin' Bird" #4 1/25/1964

The only one-hit wonder surf music band from Minneapolis. They got into legal hot water over stealing a couple of songs by the Rivingtons, "The Bird's The Word" and "Papa-Ooo-Mow-Mow" and doing what is now called a mash-up, without proper credit.

Trashmen - Surfin' Bird

"Popsicles And Icicles" #3 1/4/1964

Written by David Gates, who became the front man of the group Bread in the early 70's. The Murmaids were hosed out of royalties from this record, and the group broke up over that.

Murmaids - Popsicles And Icicles

"There! I've Said It Again" #1 1/4/1964

1. Bobby Vinton and Perry Como were both from the Pittsburgh suburb of Canonsburg, PA. I've been to Canonsburg, and it ain't that big.
2. Vaughn Monroe scored first with this song in 1945.
3. The record has a very important place in American pop music history. It was the final #1 song (for the whole month of January 1964) prior to the Beatles and the British Invasion overrunning the U.S. charts.

Bobby Vinton - There! I've Said It Again

"Louie Louie" #2 12/14/1963

In the post-JFK landscape, most everything on the charts was rather mellow...and then there was this. Paul Revere and the Raiders had perhaps the first rock version of this, but fellow Portland, OR act the Kingsmen had the much bigger hit, supposedly done in a drunken stupor. Maybe the sloppiest rock record ever made...and one of the most fun records ever.

Kingsmen - Louie Louie

"Talk Back Trembling Lips" #7 1/4/1964

A successful cover by Johnny Tillotson of a #1 country hit by Ernest Ashworth a few months earlier.

Johnny Tillotson - Talk Back Trembling Lips

"You Don't Have To Be A Baby To Cry" #3 12/21/1963

A British one-hit wonder group (a duo, actually) who reached #3 over here just before the Beatles onslaught. Again, very mellow and reflecting the times.

Caravelles - You Don't Have To Be A Baby To Cry

"Drip Drop" #6 12/28/1963

There just wasn't a lot of movement on the pop charts after JFK was shot. Essentially, the same group of songs traded a few spots week to week at this point. The Drifters did this tune first in 1958, and it was Dion's last hit of consequence until "Abraham, Martin, And John" in the summer of 1968. The Del-Satins sing backup.

Dion - Drip Drop

"Twenty Four Hours From Tulsa" #17 12/7/1963

A Burt Bacharach/Hal David tune that was a little outside the box for late 1963. Get your kicks on Route 66!!

Gene Pitney - Twenty Four Hours From Tulsa

"Walking The Dog" #10 12/7/1963

Some Memphis R&B that Aerosmith covered on their first album 10 years later. Good stuff.

Rufus Thomas - Walking The Dog

"Dominique" The Singing Nun #1 12/7/1963

America was in a total funk in December 1963 (Late December back in '63...wait!). The fact that a French-language ditty by The Singing Nun was #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for that entire month says it all.

The Singing Nun - Dominique

"500 Miles Away From Home" #10 11/16/1963

The followup to "Detroit City" reflected the downbeat mood of the country after the JFK killing.

Bobby Bare - 500 Miles Away From Home

"Down At Papa Joe's" #9 11/30/1963

Here's one that sounds like it should've been a New Orleans record, but the Dixiebelles were from Memphis. Close enough.

Dixiebelles - Down At Papa Joe's

"Mean Woman Blues" #5 11/9/1963

A song originally performed in 1957 with a different arrangement by Elvis in his movie "Loving You." Gotta dig Roy's patented growl!

Roy Orbison - Mean Woman Blues

"Bossa Nova Baby" - #8 11/23/1963

Once the British Invasion hit, Elvis had somewhat of a career decline until his '68 comeback TV special. Here's one from the movies from late 1963.

Elvis - Bossa Nova Baby (from "Fun In Acapulco")

"Maria Elena" - #6 11/16/1963

A beautiful guitar instrumental by two Brazilian brothers that got lost in the shuffle in late 1963. It matched the low-key mood of the country.

Los Indios Tabajaras - Maria Elena

"I'm Leaving It Up To You" #1 11/23/1963

We are still playing catch-up from November 1963. This one had the misfortune of reaching #1 the day after the JFK shooting; thus, like so many other records around this time, it became forever lost in the aftermath. Dale Houston was from our area (Seminary, Miss.) and along with Grace Broussard, had a handful of hits around this time.

Dale & Grace - I'm Leaving It Up To You

"Washington Square" #2 11/23/1963

This record speaks volumes on where the Billboard Hot 100 was in November 1963. A Dixieland jazz instrumental by a group from NYC got to #2. The Beatles REALLY needed to come along, and soon. Village Stompers - Washington Square

"Sugar Shack" #2 11/16/1963

Recorded at Norman Petty's studio in New Mexico where Buddy Holly recorded his early hits. This had been at #1 for five weeks and slipped to #2 the week JFK was shot. Jimmy Gilmer & the Fireballs - Sugar Shack

"Deep Purple" #1 11/16/1963

This was #1 the week of the JFK assassination - 11/16/1963 and originally a hit in 1933. Supposedly the band Deep Purple took their name from the favorite song of Richie Blackmore's granny. Nino Tempo was an in-demand sax player as a member of LA's famous Wrecking Crew studio musicians in the 60's. His sister, using the stage name April Stevens, whispered the lyrics to the second verse, as Nino forgot them! Nino Tempo & April Stevens - Deep Purple

Intro

Well..., here we go. This is my first blog so bear with me...I'm learning on the fly. The idea is to discuss what was going on 50 years ago on the music charts. I began doing this on my FB page last November (2013). I'll add to this blog on an irregular basis, because I'm an irregular kind of guy. (Wait, let me rephrase that!) My hope is to put up a few links to YouTube clips of the songs from back then, and have some fun talking about those great songs! To start with, I'll try to post several of these each day to get caught up from November 1963 to 50 years ago today and where they were on the Billboard charts. I'll try to post a piece of trivia about each song as we go. We'll start with what topped the charts just before 11-22-63. Hopefully these links will work. If not I'll do my best to fix them. I'm only claiming fair use under the copyright laws. Enjoy!

Nino Tempo & April Stevens - Deep Purple  #1  11/16/63

Jimmy Gilmer & the Fireballs - Sugar Shack  #2 11/16/63

Village Stompers - Washington Square   #3  11/16/63