“5-10-15-20-25-30 Years Of Love” #11 12/26/1970

Sometimes I have difficulty finding out a lot about the acts that show up here, especially with the one-hit wonders. But, this one hit by the Presidents (oddly enough, from Washington, DC) is a pretty good one. They were produced by Van McCoy, who would have a huge hit several years later in 1975 with “The Hustle.”

“One Less Bell To Answer” #2 12/26/1970

People tend to forget Burt Bacharach and Hal David wrote this song, but not for the 5th Dimension. They had Keely Smith in mind (Louis Prima’s singing partner back in the day), but she never recorded it. Rosemary Clooney did the tune first; producer Bones Howe revived the track for 5D. A superb showcase for the Wrecking Crew and for Marilyn McCoo in particular.

“My Sweet Lord” #1 12/26/1970

The first solo #1 single from an ex-Beatle became a worldwide chart-topper for George Harrison. It dealt with his dedication to the Hare Krishna movement, with a slight nod to Judeo-Christian religions. He initially didn’t plan to release any singles from his triple-disc “All Things Must Pass” album; Phil Spector talked him into it. George had some high-powered help from Billy Preston, Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr and an all-star cast. Peter Frampton supposedly played lead guitar here. The almost absurd lawsuits over the song’s unintended similarity to the Chiffons’ “He’s So Fine” are well documented and would take hours to delve into. Google it if you like.

“Sleigh Ride” (Ronettes) 1963

Another enduring Christmas classic was this, a seasonal hit first done in 1949 by Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops Orchestra. The lyrics were written in 1950. The definitive rock version came from the Ronettes off an album of holiday songs produced by Phil Spector. It had the misfortune of being issued the same day as the JFK assassination and was overlooked for a few years. But great songs always rise to the top, and in recent years that LP has received its due recognition.

We’re taking tomorrow off. Merry Christmas!

“The Christmas Song” (Nat King Cole)

There are only a select few Christmas songs that become timeless classics. Written by Robert Wells and Mel Tormé in 1946, Nat King Cole recorded this on at least four separate occasions. The definitive version included here was from 1961. Nobody ever did it better than Mr. Cole - a classic. Chestnuts roasting in the microwave...

“Do It “ (1970) #36 12/19/1970

There were times when the battle between Neil Diamond and his former label, BANG Records, became almost comical in its pettiness. Almost every single Neil released on Uni Records was followed immediately by BANG releasing one of his older songs. This track was first done in 1966 as the B-side to “Solitary Man” and remixed in late 1970, and Diamond couldn’t legally prevent it from being issued. He got the rights to his older material in 1977.

“He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” (Neil Diamond) #20 12/19/1970

An outstanding song will always shine through no matter who sings it. Originally a smash for the Hollies (after Joe Cocker turned it down!), Neil Diamond’s version was also a Top 20 hit. He included this on his very bold “Tap Root Manuscript” album. It’s always interesting when a great songwriter records a tune that they didn’t write.