“White Bird” #118 10/25/1969

This song from a San Francisco group, It’s A Beautiful Day, got a lot of airplay on album rock stations. It was written while the band was broke and stuck in Seattle during a typical gloomy winter. According to Wikipedia, when rock promoter Bill Graham was negotiating to have the Grateful Dead perform at Woodstock, he also wanted them to take one of two other SF bands. It came down to a coin flip and It’s A Beautiful Day lost out to...Santana. Ponder the ramifications of THAT.

“Mr. Turnkey” #106 10/25/1969

After the massive success of “In The Year 2525,” there was considerable pressure on Zager and Evans to follow that up with a second hit. Didn’t happen. This was their only effort after “2525” to even bubble under on the Billboard charts. Let’s just say the subject matter here was...unsettling. You’ve been forewarned.

“Walk On By” (Isaac Hayes) #30 10/25/1969

The first charting single from Isaac Hayes was an edit of his 12-minute version of the Dionne Warwick hit from 1964. Long before “South Park,” Hayes and his writing partner David Porter composed numerous songs for Stax Records in Memphis. Isaac was part of the Stax house band as well. What a voice and stage presence.

“Make Believe” #28 10/25/1969

From the “before they were famous” file (sort of), Wind was a studio group fronted by Tony Orlando. He had a 1961 hit with “Halfway To Paradise” but by now, Tony was working for Clive Davis at CBS Music. When this fell off the charts, he recorded a track as a favor for a couple of friends. The song was “Candida,” his boss looked the other way when it was billed as being by Dawn, and the rest is history.

“You, I” #24 10/25/1969

Yet another one-hit wonder, being a very psychedelic entry from the Rugbys out of Louisville, Kentucky. They were signed to one of Shelby Singleton’s labels - Singleton had a hand in all sorts of country, rock, and soul records, most notably producing “Harper Valley PTA.” Shelby passed away in 2009.

“I’m Gonna Make You Mine” #10 10/25/1969

The last of five Top 40 hits from Lou Christie. He was something of a prodigy in high school back in the Pittsburgh area. His choir director wanted him to pursue a career in classical music; Lou wanted to make a rock and roll record and appear on “American Bandstand.” I’d say he made the right career choice. These days he does a lot of gigs on the oldies circuit.

“Tracy” #9 10/25/1969

It must have sucked to have two Top 10 records at the same time and be required to stay anonymous. That happened to Ron Dante, but he apparently wasn’t too bitter about it. He sang lead on “Sugar, Sugar” by the cartoon Archies and on this one by the fictitious Cuff Links. Ron multitracked all 15 or so vocal parts here. His contract with Don Kirshner prevented him from further Cuff Links recordings; he was replaced by a then-unknown Rupert Holmes (“If you like piña coladas...”). Dante went on to co-produce all of Barry Manilow’s hits in the 70’s. Written by the same guys who wrote “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini.”

“I’ll Never Fall In Love Again” (Bobbie Gentry) UK #1

This week’s #1 record in the UK came from Mississippi’s own Bobbie Gentry, but her version was never issued as a single in America. Johnny Mathis actually recorded it first; Dionne Warwick did the song later (a Bacharach/David tune she didn’t record first, surprisingly) and scored a Top 10 US hit in 1970. Bobbie racked up the frequent flier miles, as she had a sizable fan base in Great Britain.

“Octopus’s Garden”

Ringo’s featured spot on “Abbey Road” came from the time he’d quit the band  during the White Album sessions. He and his family relaxed on Peter Sellers’ yacht in the Mediterranean, and the captain told them how an octopus would arrange stones, etc., on the sea floor to create a rock garden of sorts. George contributed a pretty cool intro, and Starr blew bubbles through a straw for effect. A fun kiddie song - Ringo had a knack for writing that sort of thing.

“Oh! Darling”

A remaster from the 50th anniversary reissue of “Abbey Road,” a doo-wop style (but very Louisiana sounding) tune. Since Paul lived right down the street from the studio, he’d go there early to attempt a raspy-sounding vocal but would only try it once each day. John thought he could’ve sung it better, but since McCartney wrote the song, he deferred. Lennon did play the fine piano part, though.

“Sugar On Sunday” (Clique) #22 10/18/1969

The Clique was a sunshine pop band from Beaumont, Texas; they made a name for themselves on the Houston music scene. Their one national hit was this cover of a Tommy James and the Shondells album track. But sunshine pop was falling out of favor with the record buying public and they never saw the Top 40 again.

“That’s The Way Love Is” #7 10/18/1969

After this huge hit, Marvin Gaye’s next few releases, though they still did OK on the soul charts, didn’t do that well on the pop side. He slipped into a bit of a funk as Tammi Terrell’s health worsened. Marvin seriously wanted to try out for the Detroit Lions after befriending star players like Mel Farr and Lem Barney. Berry Gordy nixed that idea, however, saying a possible injury could affect Gaye’s singing voice.

“Hot Fun In The Summertime” #2 10/18/1969

Even though this record peaked in the fall, one of the better summertime songs from the 60’s was by Sly and the Family Stone. It’s very laid back and evokes those lazy summer days of our youth. Behind the scenes, though, there was a lot of drama going on. The band had moved to L.A. and got sidetracked with all the city’s temptations and distractions, which affected their music in the end.

“I Can’t Get Next To You” #1 10/18/1969

The first Hot 100 #1 for the Temptations since “My Girl” in early 1965, but their ninth R&B/soul chart-topper. It starts out with applause and a party atmosphere until Dennis Edwards says “Hold it, everybody! Hold it, hold it, listen...” All five Temps once again traded lead vocals. Just your basic superb Temptations record.

“Don’t It Make You Want To Go Home” #41 10/11/1969

This was credited to Joe South and the Believers, which included Joe’s brother Tommy and sister-in-law Barbara. Joe went on to write one of the biggest pop and country hits of 1971, “Rose Garden” for Lynn Anderson. Later in ‘71 Tommy South committed suicide, which understandably sent Joe into a clinical depression.

“In A Moment” #31 10/11/1969

The Intrigues were a one-hit wonder trio out of Philadelphia, produced by Thom Bell. This has a not-unexpected slick Philly vibe which reflected the sound of that city. Despite changing producers (replacing Bell with Van McCoy) further success eluded them. I understand several members are still out there plugging away.

“Carry Me Back” #26 10/11/1969

The final Top 40 record from the Rascals. Vocalist Eddie Brigati would soon depart the band; guitarist Gene Cornish followed the next year. A long period of competing acts with one or two Rascals apiece then occurred. They reunited for a series of shows in 2013. These guys epitomized the genre of blue-eyed soul.

“What’s The Use Of Breaking Up” #20 10/11/1969

The last Top 20 hit for the Iceman, Jerry Butler. He would have success on the soul music charts throughout the 1970’s. Jerry recently stepped down as a Cook County (Chicago) commissioner after 23 years. In 1991, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame along with the rest of the Impressions, with whom he first found success. Jerry really deserves a solo induction as well.

“When I Die” #18 10/11/1969

The group Motherlode had their one hit in the US, reaching #1 in their native Canada, then broke up and re-formed several times before finally disbanding in 1971. Several of the revolving door of musicians went on to appear in later editions of Lighthouse and April Wine. Carol Kaye of the Wrecking Crew went to Toronto to play bass on this track.

“This Girl Is A Woman Now” #9 10/11/1969

The last Top 40 entry by Gary Puckett and the Union Gap. The group had a falling out with their producer, Jerry Fuller, over the material he chose for them to record. After he departed the band released this track, which sounded suspiciously like the very songs Fuller had presented them before, which became hits. Go figure.

“Everybody’s Talkin’ “ (1969 reissue) #6 10/11/1969

We’ve featured songs lately that were originally flops but became hits upon reissue. Today’s selection from Harry Nilsson falls along those lines. It was first released in late 1968 and bubbled under at #113. He wrote a different song to be considered for the soundtrack of “Midnight Cowboy” but the producers preferred this instead. Nilsson released the other track as his next single, which barely made the Top 40.

“Maxwell’s Silver Hammer”

From “Abbey Road,” Paul tried his best to make this bouncy tune about a homicidal psychopath (yes, that’s right) into a single; the others HATED it with a passion. They spent three solid days recording this track, but George and Ringo said it felt like weeks; John didn’t even participate in what he felt was another of McCartney’s “granny songs.” Paul played a very primitive Moog synthesizer, George played six-string bass plus lead and Ringo struck the anvil, rented from a theatrical supplier.

“Can’t Find The Time” (1969 reissue) #80 10/4/1969

This single was first released in early 1968 and only reached #111. It shows up on numerous “shoulda been a hit” lists. The band Orpheus came from Massachusetts, but had a sound perhaps more reminiscent of the Association or other West Coast groups. Front man Bruce Arnold lives in northern California these days.

“Mah Na Mah Na” #55 10/4/1969

Who would believe a song from a soft-core porn movie would be forever linked to the Muppets? From the 1968 flick “Svezia, inferno e paradiso” (“Sweden: Heaven and Hell”) with music by Piero Umiliani, Red Skelton used it behind a recurring sketch on his show. Not sure why “Sesame Street” producer Joan Ganz Cooney thought it would fit, but she used it during an early appearance by the Muppets. Jim Henson put it behind a skit on Ed Sullivan; later, I believe it was the first song on the first episode of the Muppet Show. Benny Hill also appropriated the tune.

“The Weight” (Supremes/Temptations) #46 10/4/1969

The second album of Diana Ross and the Supremes/Temptations collaborations produced this version of The Band’s rock classic. It still wasn’t enough to propel the record into the Top 40. The Supremes’ next release was a #1 and the last issued with Ross’s name attached, as she went solo. The Temps’ next 45 also hit #1.

“You Got Yours And I’ll Get Mine” #40 10/4/1969

Formed in the mid 60’s, the Delfonics were another in a long line of entertainment and sports figures who came from Overbrook High School in West Philadelphia (born and raised!). They joined Will Smith, Len Barry and the Dovells, the Orlons, Solomon Burke, Wilt Chamberlain, Merrill Reese (play-by-play voice of the NFL’s Eagles) and a plethora of other celebrities. The group’s next single would be huge.

“Little Woman” #3 10/4/1969

The first hit for Bobby Sherman. He was part of the “Shindig!” cast during its run, then had a starring role on “Here Come The Brides.” When his singing career wound down, Bobby landed a gig on “Emergency!” playing a paramedic. That led to him becoming a real-life Los Angeles EMT, a reserve LAPD officer and San Bernardino County reserve deputy. In the late 90’s he returned to performing on a 60’s teen idol concert tour with Peter Noone and Davy Jones.

“Jean” #2 10/4/1969

Oliver followed “Good Morning Starshine” with a #1 easy listening song from the movie “The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie.” He would have one more Top 40 record but when further success eluded him, Oliver got out of the biz and entered real estate, then pharmaceutical management. He died from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2000.

“The Night Time Is The Right Time” (CCR) Album cut

From one of this week’s top albums, “Green River,” we give you CCR’s cover version of a bluesy tune most famously done by Ray Charles in 1959. Early on, Creedence decided they weren’t going to be like other San Francisco bands with stoned-out guitar solos and such. The work ethic and dedication to their music set them apart. It helped that John Fogerty was such a prolific songwriter.

“Tall Dark Stranger” #1 Country 9/27/1969

This week’s #1 country song was the 20th for Buck Owens. He was arguably the most successful male country singer of the 60’s; Owens had just begun co-hosting “Hee Haw.” However, things weren’t quite the same after his guitarist Don Rich died in a motorcycle accident in 1974. Buck struggled a bit until a 1988 duet, “Streets Of Bakersfield” with Dwight Yoakam, took him back to the top again. The video, well-produced for the era, is from a short-lived ABC-TV show called “Music Scene.”

“Your Good Thing (Is About To End)” #18 9/27/1969

The biggest hit from Lou Rawls since “Love Is A Hurtin’ Thing” in 1966. Co-written by David Porter and Isaac Hayes, who also wrote “Soul Man,” “Hold On! I’m Comin’” and plenty more Stax classics, this has a decidedly different feel. Lou became a successful spokesman in the 70’s voicing Budweiser spots and doing TV ads for Colonial Penn insurance long before Alex Trebek. That led to Lou hosting the United Negro College Fund telethons for many years. Rawls was also the singing voice of Garfield the cat in those cartoons.