“For The Good Times” #11 1/2/1971

Kris Kristofferson was on an absolute roll as a songwriter by late 1970. His “ Sunday Morning Comin’ down” had recently hit #1 on the country charts for Johnny Cash, as did this one recorded by Ray Price. It’s generally acknowledged as one of the saddest country songs ever written - and that’s saying something. This would be Price’s only Top 40 pop appearance.

“Domino” #9 1/2/1971

Fats Domino remains a favorite for tributes in the rock world. No wonder, because his influence was immeasurable. For instance, Paul McCartney wrote “Lady Madonna” as a tribute to the Fat Man. Van Morrison’s highest charting single was also in that vein, though it could also be considered a tribute to American R&B in general. As always, the horn section is just impeccable.

“Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?” #7 1/2/1971

One that its writer, Robert Lamm, said was the first song Chicago worked on for its first album back in 1968. However, this wasn’t released as a single for over two years. Like a number of their songs, several edits exist. An intro consisting of some noodling on the piano by Lamm was cut from the 45. Some great trumpet work by Lee Loughnane here. Definitely a personal fave.

“Coal Miner’s Daughter” #83 (#1 Country) 12/26/1970

Welcome, 1971! Once again, we have a super-twangy country record making it onto the pop charts. This recent country #1, an autobiographical Loretta Lynn song, originally had ten verses. Producer Owen Bradley told Loretta that the lengthy “El Paso” had already been done and the world didn’t need another one. She complied and cut out a few verses, now forever lost. The song served as the basis for a self-penned book and the 1980 movie starring Cissy Spacek.