"The Entertainer" #31 5/8/1965

A Top 10 R&B hit and the only Top 40 chart appearance for Tony Clarke. A few years after this record, he attacked his estranged wife with a tire jack, so she shot and killed him in self-defense. Wow. Just wow.

Tony Clarke - The Entertainer

"Orange Blossom Special" (Johnny Cash) Bonus

Today's song was on the country charts this week in 1965, and concerns the famous 20th century steam train from NYC to Miami and sometimes Tampa. It's a fiddle instrumental (I've seen Charlie Daniels play the hell out of it) but Mr. Cash sang and played the harmonica on this version - his voice has an odd quality to it, as he allegedly did lots of those funny white pills back then. I think Boots Randolph did the sax solo, as it sure fits his style.

Johnny Cash - Orange Blossom Special

"It's Gonna Be Alright" #23 5/8/1965

This was the next-to-last US hit for Gerry and the Pacemakers - their final Top 40 hit over here would happen in about 18 months. Video is from a London-based segment of "Hullabaloo" hosted by their manager Brian Epstein, who also managed another little band from Liverpool called the Beatles.

Gerry and the Pacemakers - It's Gonna Be Alright

"Ooh Baby Baby" #16 5/8/1965

More ridiculously great harmonies from the Miracles. Linda Ronstadt had a wonderful remake of this in the late 70's, but OMG, Smokey Robinson never put a smoother sound on record. Man, this is as good as it gets.

Miracles - Ooh Baby Baby

"Cast Your Fate To The Wind" #10 5/8/1965

Today's instrumental selection was written and originally done by Vince Guaraldi, who did the music for "A Charlie Brown Christmas" and all those other Peanuts cartoons. It also appeared on the "Good Morning, Vietnam" soundtrack. They Might Be Giants also did a version titled "Cast Your Pod To The Wind." Go figure.

Sounds Orchestral - Cast Your Fate To The Wind

"Count Me In" #2 5/8/1965

The follow-up to "This Diamond Ring" didn't quite do as well - that reached #1, but this only got to #2 for Gary Lewis and the Playboys. Leon Russell arranged and played piano on today's tune, as it was pretty much a Wrecking Crew production. Those musicians appeared on sooooo many L.A.-based records of the 60's.

Gary Lewis and the Playboys - Count Me In

"Whipped Cream" #68 5/1/1965

Aaaaaaand here come the bachelors! This was the music used when the female contestant interviewed the guys on "The Dating Game" back in the day. The album cover was out there for the times, featuring a ostensibly nude model covered in whipped cream - actually shaving cream, since that didn't melt! Video is from a TV special filmed at Herb Alpert's A&M Records, then located at La Brea and Sunset in Hollywood where Charlie Chaplin once owned a film studio. You'll see the connection.

Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass - Whipped Cream