"Gallant Men" #29 1/21/1967

One of the few spoken word records to reach the Top 40, our selection today is notable on several fronts. The very patriotic poem was written and recited by Sen. Everett Dirksen of Illinois, although Rep. Sonny Bono remains the only member of Congress to ever have a #1 record. Yes, that's an unfair comparison. The backing music was co-written by Charles Wood III, better known by his professional name of Charles Osgood, longtime CBS newsman. Before joining the network, Osgood spent a few years in Washington, DC local radio, notably at WTOP, WGMS and WPGC.