“Where Do You Go To (My Lovely)?” UK #1

This week’s British #1 in 1969 was a love/hate situation with the record buying public over there. People either dug the biggest hit from Peter Sarstedt, or not. It was loosely based on a Sophia Loren-type who rose from nothing to a European jet-set lifestyle. This got to #70 in America in May of ‘69. Peter’s brother Richard also had a UK #1 in 1961, using the name Eden Kane. Video is from “Top Of The Pops.”

“Daddy Sang Bass” #42 (#1 country) 2/22/1969

This spent six weeks at #1 on the country chart and just missed the pop Top 40 for Johnny Cash. He and his wife, June Carter Cash, had recently visited Israel and Johnny developed the concept of a gospel album about the Holy Land. The song was written by Mr. Blue Suede Shoes himself, Carl Perkins, and also featured the Carter Family and the Statler Brothers; all of them were part of Cash’s road show. “Mama sang tenor” was sung by June (some say it’s Jan Howard); “Me and little brother...” was by Don Reid and Lew DeWitt of the Statlers.

“Sweet Cream Ladies, Forward March” #28 2/22/1969

The things I find while researching this blog astound me sometimes. I had NO idea this Box Tops song was all about hookers. Shows how naive I must have been. Apparently this was used in a TV ad back in the day for some type of whipped topping - not Cool Whip, but a similar product. The ad was quickly pulled when the maker figured out the song’s meaning.

“Goodnight My Love” (Paul Anka) #27 2/22/1969

Paul Anka was a star in the early days of rock and roll with hits like “Diana” and “Lonely Boy.” But like so many, the British Invasion put a huge dent in his career. He didn’t even have a moderate hit for years until this remake of a Jesse Belvin R&B classic. However, it would be Anka’s last Top 40 single until 1974’s “(You’re) Having My Baby.” In the meantime, Paul composed the English language lyrics to “My Way,” a signature song for both Frank Sinatra and Elvis.

“I’m Livin’ In Shame” #10 2/22/1969

Written by the five-person collective known as the Clan that also composed “Love Child,” this could be considered its sequel. Here, the protagonist lied about her upbringing and paid a steep psychological price. As was the norm by now, Diana Ross was the only Supreme here, backed by the Andantes. Neither Mary Wilson or Cindy Birdsong contributed.

“Can I Change My Mind” #5 2/22/1969

Tyrone Davis only had two major pop hits (this was the first), but he had 14 Top 10 R&B hits and several more which just missed. He was born in Greenville, Miss. as Tyrone Fettson, grew up in Saginaw, Mich. and broke into the music biz in Chicago, taking on his producer’s surname. He suffered a stroke in late 2004 and passed away several months later.

“Build Me Up Buttercup” #3 2/22/1969

One from the Foundations that showed up almost 30 years later on the soundtrack of “There’s Something About Mary.” Good thing Brett Favre stuck with football. The flick made me ponder hair products, too. Around this time the group had a falling out with their producer, who didn’t allow them to record their own songs except as scattered B-sides. The hits dried up soon afterward.