THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

396-Flamingos-I Only Have Eyes for You.

1959-Has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 2.14. One of the most fascinating things about compiling this list is noting the progression in Popular music. The Flamingos were influenced by groups such as The Mills Brothers, and The Ink Spots, and in turn The Temptations have publicly stated the debt they owe the Flamingos.

The Flamingos were formed in Chicago, Illinois, United States in 1953, and are considered one of the most influential vocal groups in Pop, and ‘Doo-Wop’ music history. None of the original quintet of Jake Carey, (bass) Zeke Carey, (second tenor) Paul Wilson, (first tenor) Paul Carter, and Earl Lewis are still alive, but Tommy Hunt who joined the group in 1956, and left to pursue a solo career in 1961, and Terry Johnson who joined in 1958 and still tours with three others as The Flamingos to this day, both performed on this song. Tommy Hunt is best remembered in the UK, and particularly by fans of ‘Northern Soul’ music for his 1976 Number 28 single ‘Loving on the Losing Side.’ The Flamingos have released nine studio Albums between 1953-1976, and 53 singles. In America they have only reached the Billboard top 40 twice, with this song reaching Number 11 in 1959, while in the UK their only charting song was ‘The Boogaloo Party’ which made Number 26 in 1966.

‘I Only Have Eyes for You’ was written by Harry Warren (1893-1981) who provided the music, and Al Dubin (1891-1945) who wrote the lyrics. The song was written for the 1934 Warner Brothers musical comedy ‘Dames,’ and was first performed in the film by the actors Dick Powell (1904-1963) and Ruby Keeler. (1909-1993) There were two popular versions of the song released in 1934, one by Ben Selvin (1898-1980) with vocals by Howard Phillips (1899-1992) and the other by Eddy Duchin (1909-1951) with vocals by Lew Sherwood (1903-1971) and Jane Froman (1907-1980.) The other significant recording of the song was by Art Garfunkel (see also best songs 529-200-96 and 71) who took his version to Number 1 in the UK for two weeks in 1975.Harry Warren (see also best songs 775 and 321) was born Salvatore Antonio Guaragna on December 24th, 1893, in Brooklyn, New York, United States, he died on September 7th, 1981, at the age of 87. Warren was a prolific songwriter, he wrote over 800 songs between 1918-1981, and was the first major American songwriter to write primarily for film.

‘I don’t know if we’re in a garden, or on a crowded avenue. You are here and so am I, maybe millions of people go by, but they all disappear from view, and I only have eyes for you.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

397-Andy Kim-Rock Me Gently.

1974-Number 2 single.

Best Bit-At 2.22. Nowadays nearly every new song has a remix, but back in 1974 if you got the instrumental on the ‘B’ side, then it was a real treat.

Andy Kim was born Andrew Youakim on December 5th, 1946, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, both of his parents were Lebanese immigrants. He chose to record using the different surname in order to obscure his Lebanese ethnicity. Kim has released 10 solo studio Albums between 1968-2015, two of those Albums, one from 1980, and another from 1984, were released with Kim using the stage name of Baron Longfellow. Kim has also released 28 singles between 1963-2015, with this song remaining his only hit in the UK. In America he has had six top 40 hits on Billboard, with this song reaching Number 1. In his home country of Canada he has charted on eight occasions, with this song, and ‘Baby I Love You’ from 1969, both making Number 1.

As a teenager Kim moved to New York to pursue a career in music at the world famous ‘Brill Building,’ which was where he first met the legendary song writer Jeff Barry (see also best songs 820-331-262-192 and 127.) Together they wrote ‘Sugar Sugar’ in 1967 which when recorded by the fictional cartoon band ‘The Archies’ became the best selling single worldwide in 1969, spending four weeks at Number 1 on Billboard, and eight weeks at Number 1 in the UK, Kim also sang backing vocals on the track.

By 1974 the hits had dried up, and Kim was also without a recording contract, so in an attempt to resurrect his career he formed his own label ‘Ice Records,’ and personally financed the recording of ‘Rock Me Gently.’ After sending promos of the track to various labels, it was ‘Capital Records’ who signed him up. He recorded his self titled Album ‘Andy Kim.’ for Capital, and there were also four singles released, before Kim reverted back to his own label ‘Ice Records’ for his next release.

‘Ain’t it good, ain’t it right, that you are with me here tonight. The music playing, our bodies swayin’ in time.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

398-Isaac Hayes-Shaft.

1971-Number 4 single.

Best Bit-At 2.40. Isaac Hayes’ utterance of the word ‘damn’ made this the first Number 1 song on Billboard to include a curse word.

Isaac Hayes (1942-2008) (see also best songs 530 and 1) was asked by Joel Freeman (1922-2018) the producer of the Metro Goldwyn Mayer film ‘Shaft’ to write the films soundtrack.Hayes agreed but only on the condition that he could audition for the lead role of ‘John Shaft,’ even after finding out the part had been given to Richard Roundtree, Hayes kept his end of the deal.

The ‘Theme from Shaft’ proved to be a groundbreaking song both musically and culturally. In 1972 the song won the ‘Acadamy Award for Best Original Song,’ with Isaac Hayes becoming the first African/American to win that honour, and in 2014 the Album was added to the ‘National Recording Registry,’ by the ‘Library of Congress’ for being ‘culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.’ The film ‘Shaft,’ and it’s soundtrack are also an early example of what was to become known as a ‘Blaxploitation’ film, blaxploitation is the mix of the two words ‘black’ and ‘exploitation, and was coined by Junius Griffin. Blaxploitation films were initially aimed at the African/American audience, but due to their popularity, soon found favour with audiences across racial and ethnic lines. The films were also the first to feature ‘Funk’ and ‘Soul Music,’ and there are many film soundtracks available. The ‘Theme from Shaft’ is also recognised by many music critics as an early influence on the soon to be coming ‘Disco’ era, with this song cited as one of the very first ‘Disco’ tracks.

The ‘Theme from Shaft’ and the accompanying 14 track double Album soundtrack ‘Shaft’ was written and produced by Isaac Hayes, 11 of the tracks are instrumentals. The musicians and vocalists who appear on the Album include James Alexander, (bass) who was a member of the ‘Bar-Kays.(see also best songs 831 and 1) Charles Pitts, (1947-2012) whose distinctive ‘wah-wah’ guitar style would become very influential in ‘Soul’ and ‘R&B,’ and Willie Hall (drums) who has played with many of the worlds top artists, and was the drummer on Isaac Hayes’ ‘Hot Buttered Soul’ Album (see also best songs 1.) The three female vocalists on the ‘Theme from Shaft’ are Pat Lewis, Rose Williams, and Telma Hopkins. Soon after recording this song Hopkins would become a member of the female duo ‘Dawn,’ as part of Tony Orlando’s backing group.(see also best songs 886) It was Hopkins who famously exclaims ‘Shut your mouth’ on the ‘Theme from Shaft.’ Hopkins went on to become an actress on the TV shows ‘Bosom Buddies,’ and ‘Family Matters,’ where she was often prompted to say ‘Shut Your Mouth!’ which became a catchphrase for her.

‘You see this cat Shaft is a bad mother (shut your mouth,) but I’m talkin’ about Shaft (then we can dig it.) He’s a complicated man, but no one understands him but his woman (John Shaft.)

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

399-Conway Brothers-Turn It Up.

1985-Number 11 single.

Best Bit-At 2.30. When I was in my youth, whenever I was called ‘young man’ I would find it very condescending. All these years later, if I was called it now, I would smile from ear to ear.

The Conway Brothers were a Funk, and Soul group formed in Chicago, Illinois, United States, in 1982, by the four brothers Frederick, (keyboards) Hiawatha, (drums) Huston, (bass) and James Conway. (guitar) They remained active until 1987 releasing two studio Albums, and five singles, with this song being their only chart hit in the UK, in the States it failed to reach the top 100 on Billboard, but did make Number 81 on the R&B chart.

The Conway Brothers were one of the first artists signed to ‘Ichiban Records’ set up in 1985 by the husband and wife team of John Abbey, and Nina Easton. Abbey was born on July 8th, 1945, in London, England, in 1966 he founded the magazine initially called ‘Home of the Blues,’ but soon renamed as ‘Blues & Soul.’ Prior to setting up ‘Ichiban Records,’ Abbey had founded ‘Action Records’ in 1968, and ‘Contempo Records’ in 1973.

‘Turn It Up’ was the title track from the Conway Brothers debut studio Album from 1985, and was written, and produced by all four band members. The song has been described by music critics as retaining the Old School feel of 70’s Disco, while incorporating the more up to date sound (of it’s era) of the mid 1980’s. To promote the song the Conway Brothers appeared on the British television music programme ‘Top Of the Pops,’ dancing, and attempting to mime to the song. I would love to know what John Peel who introduced them was thinking to himself at the time (I have posted the video.)

‘Came to here to smoke, but the vibe here is a joke, turn it up. We’re doing our best, we have just one request, turn it up. If the steam cook can take it, you better give us some more, got to keep the people on the floor.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

400-Pat Boone-Johnny Will.

1961-Number 4 single.

Best Bit-At 0.48. I have done some research, and it appears that $10 in 1961 is the equivalent of $91.74 in 2022.

Patrick Charles Eugene Boone was born on June 1st, 1934, in Jacksonville, Florida, Unites States. To date he has released 72 studio Albums between 1956-2006, there are a further 68 compilation Albums, and three soundtrack Albums available. He has also released 63 singles between 1953-1984, with 30 of them reaching the Billboard top 40, and six of those making Number 1. In the UK he has charted in the top 40 on 26 occasions, with his 1956 song ‘I’ll Be Home’ being his only chart topper. Boone has sold in excess of 45 million records, and in the late 1950’s was America’s second best selling artist behind Elvis Presley. Many of his early recordings were cover versions of Rock N’ Roll, and R&B songs, such as ‘Tutti Frutti,’ and ‘Ain’t That a Shame,’ bringing those genres, and the artists who wrote and recorded the originals to the attention of a much wider audience.

Pat Boone also had great success in film and television, and also as a writer. Between October 3rd, 1957, through until June 23rd, 1960, ‘The Pat Boone Chevy Showroom’ ran for 115 episodes, over three seasons on the ‘ABC’ television network. Boone has also appeared in 27 films, between 1955-2017, and as a writer has had 26 books published, many sharing his religious beliefs.

‘Johnny Will’ was the 53rd single released by Pat Boone, it was co-written by Paul Evans (music) and Fred Tobias (1928-2021) (lyrics.) Evans is best remembered in the UK for his 1959 hit ‘Seven Little Girls Sitting in the Back Seat,’ (Number 25) and ‘Hello This Is Joannie (The Telephone Answering Machine Song’) which reached Number 6 in 1978. He also co-wrote ‘Roses Are Red My Love’ which made Number 1 on Billboard in 1962 for Bobby Vinton, and ‘When’ which was a UK Number 1 for The Kalin Twins in 1961.

‘I checked and found they’re sellin’ tickets at five bucks each, and all that kinda’ money ain’t within my reach. But if I want to be the guy who is her only thrill, I better take her to the dance next week or Johnny Will.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

401-Velvet Underground-Sweet Jane.

1970-Has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 0.17. Lou Reed wrote lots of songs about drugs, and even the odd one about transvestites, but this isn’t one of them.

The Velvet Underground (see also best songs 165) were formed in 1964, in New York City, United States by Lou Reed, (1942-2013) (vocals, and guitar) John Cale, (bass guitar, and keyboards) Sterling Morison, (1942-1995) (guitar) and Angus MacLise (1938-1979) (percussion.)Prior to the Velvet Underground performing their first gig in 1965 MacLise quit, stating that the band were selling out, he was replaced by Moe Tucker, (drums) and those four are considered the classic line up.The Velvet Underground released five studio Albums between 1967-1973, but the fifth Album ‘Squeeze’ from 1973 features no original band members. There were also 11 singles released, with none of them reaching the charts. Although during their years together they achieved little commercial success, since their split they have become recognised as one of popular musics most influential acts. Music critics now see them as crucial in the development of Alternative Rock, Punk Rock, and New Wave.

‘Sweet Jane’ was released as a single from the Velvet Underground’s fourth studio Album ‘Loaded’ from 1970, and was written by Lou Reed (see also best songs 131 and 58.) The record company ‘Atlantic’ records had told the band that they needed hit singles, which is why the Album was called ‘Loaded,; as in loaded with hits. Although of course because of the groups reputation many thought that ‘Loaded’ was a drugs reference. There was a lot of infighting during the recording of the Album, and Reed left before it was finished. In his absence ‘Sweet Jane’ was edited down for radio play. This angered Reed who said,’If I knew they were going to press on with the Album I would have stayed with them and showed them what to do.’

‘Sweet Jane’ is a message, telling the younger generation not to make assumptions that they know everything, maybe the older people (Jack and Jane) were once like them. The song is partly about inter-generational understanding. Just because Jack and Jane have now compromised, and settled for a 9-5 suburban existence, doesn’t mean that they have forgone their thoughts and actions of yesteryear.

‘And everyone who ever had a heart, oh, that would turn around and break it. And anyone who ever played a part, whoa, and wouldn’t turn around and hate it.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

402-Blondie-Heart of Glass.

1979-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 1.51. A lot of the Debbie Harry fan base were not pleased at the bands change in musical style, but I bet they left her posters on their walls.

In 1978 the successful music producer Mike Chapman (see also best songs 860-773 and 686) who had already had a string of hits with acts including The Sweet, Suxi Quatro, and Mud, was drafted in to produce what would become Blondie’s third studio Album ‘Parallel Lines.’ He wanted to know if there were any demo’s from the past that had not been used. Debbie Harry, and Chris Stein played him a song that they had written back in 1974 called ‘Once I Had A Love,’ the song had a slow funky sound, with a disco beat, for this reason the band referred to it as ‘The Disco Song.’ Chapman convinced them to record the track in a Disco style, and ‘Heart of Glass’ was born, thus projecting the band Blondie in to the mainstream, and making them household names. Up until this point Blondie had been a Rock, and New Wave outfit, respected among their peers, but many of their early fan base chose to disown them, citing that they had sold out.

Debbie Harry was born Angela Trimble on July 1st, 1945, in Miami, Florida, United States. At the age of three months she was adopted by Catherine and Richard Harry, and renamed Deborah Ann Harry. She began her musical career as a backing singer in the Folk Rock band ‘The Wind in the Willows’ in the late 1960’s. In 1974 she joined the ‘Stilettoes,’ which was where she first met Chris Stein, who became her boyfriend, and the two would go on to form the band Blondie. The band took their name from comments made by truck drivers who catcalled ‘Hey Blondie’ to Harry as they drove past her. In total Blondie have recorded 11 studio Albums between 1976-2017, there have also been 45 singles released, including remixes. In the UK Blondie have achieved six Number 1 singles, the first five topped the chart between 1979-1981, with ‘Marie’ reaching Number 1 in 1999, which was taken from ‘No Exit,’ the bands first Album in 17 years.

‘Heart of Glass’ was the 10th single release by Blondie, and taken from the bands third studio Album ‘Parallel Lines,’ it was co-written by Debbie Harry and Chris Stein, and produced by Mike Chapman. There have been 16 members of Blondie throughout the years, but the six who recorded this track, and Album were Debbie Harry (vocals) Chris Stein (guitar) Clem Burke (drums) Jimmy Destri (keyboards) Nigel Harrison (bass) and Frank Infante (guitar.)

‘Once I had a love and it was a gas, soon turned out to be a pain in the ass.Seemed like the real thing only to find, mucho mistrust love’s gone behind.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

403-Fatman Scoop featuring the Crooklyn Clan-Be Faithful.

1999-It didn’t chart until 2003, when reaching Number 1.

Best Bit-At 0.23. If your looking for the answers to the great questions, such as the meaning of life, then your definitely on the wrong page this time.

Just because a song is not serious, or doesn’t have any hidden meaning, is not justification for passing it over. If there is a message it is ‘have fun,’ and that is just what this song has achieved, bringing together, and putting a smile on many a face.

Fatman Scoop was born Isaac Freeman on August 6th, 1971, in New York City, New York, United States. He acquired his nickname, which is also his stage name as a baby from his Unkle Jack, who would call him ‘Fatman Scoop,’ because he loved to eat ice cream. Fatman Scoop has released three Albums between 2003-2015, and nine singles as lead artist between 1998-2013, he has also appeared on 43 singles as featured artist to date. Fatman Scoop is also very famous as a ‘Hype Man,’ in Hip-Hop, and Rap, a hype man is a backup rapper or singer who supports the main act with interjections, and who attempts to increase the audience’s excitement with ‘call-and-response’ chants. They are also of great use if a Rapper is on stage for long periods, by taking over for a short while to let the main act catch their breath.

‘Be Faithful’ was produced by DJ Sizzahandz and DJ Riz, who formed a partnership in 1993 in Brooklyn, New York, and go by the stage name of ‘Crooklyn Clan,’ they have worked on many tracks for other artists over the years, with this song being their most successful. ‘Be Faithful’ was originally released in 1999, but due to getting in to legal difficulties over the many samples in the song having to be cleared it was taken off the market, in 2003 after everything was sorted the track was reissued.

‘Be Faithful’s’ main sample ‘Love Like This’ by Faith Evans, was a 1998 song that reached Number 24 in the UK chart, the ‘Faith’ in ‘Be Faithful’ is Faith Evans, she is the widow of ‘The Notorious B.I.G.'(see also best songs 955 and 307) ‘Love Like This’ itself was created from the 1978 track ‘Chic Cheer’ by the band ‘Chic,’ from their Album ‘C’est Chic.’ The song also samples the 1991 Hip-Hop song ‘The Choice Is Yours’ by the American Rap duo ‘Blacksheep. ‘The Choice Is Yours’ quotes ‘Engine, Engine Number 9,’ which in turn is used in ‘Be Faithful,’ ‘Engine, Engine Number 9′ was originally written and performed in 1965 by the American Country singer/songwriter Roger Miller (1936-1992,) although Miller does not receive songwriting credit. There are also another four songs that were sampled,’Party Ain’t a Party’ from Queen Pen,’Hip Hop Hooray’ by Naughty By Nature, ‘Off the Books’ by The Beatnuts,’ and ‘Can I Get A….’ from Jay-Z. In total 16 artists receive songwriting credits on the track, including Nile Rogers and Bernie Edwards of Chic,(see also best songs 175 and 17) and members of the American Funk band the ‘Bar-Kays'(see also best songs 831.)

‘Engine, engine number 9, on the New York transit line. If my train goes off the track, pick it up, pick it up, pick it up.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

404-Tennessee Ernie Ford-Sixteen Tons.

1956-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 2.13. We all like a good moan from time to time about our working conditions, but at least your not working to pay the company store.

The song is about the terrible conditions coal miners in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, United States, had to work in during the middle of the 20th Century. Apart from the dangers to their health, and possible injury from faulty machinery, they were also very poorly paid. Employee’s were paid in commodities rather than actual money. They would receive credit vouchers which had to be spent at the company run, and owned store, and their rent would be deducted from their wages, leaving many with little, or in debt.

‘Sixteen Tons’ was written, and first performed by Merle Travis in 1946. The line ‘You load sixteen tons and what do you get? Another day older and deeper in debt,’ came from a letter written to Travis by his brother John. Another line came from his father who had been a coal miner, who would often say,’I can’t afford to die, I owe my soul to the company store.’

Merle Robert Travis was born November 29th, 1917, in Rosewood, Kentucky, United States, he died of a heart attack in 1983 at the age of 65. Travis was a leading exponent in the development of Country, Western Swing, and Folk music. He developed a unique style of playing the guitar, which has become known as ‘Travis Picking,’ which was popularised by artists including John Lennon, and Chet Atkins. During his lifetime Travis released a total of 23 Albums between 1947-1982. Since his death there have been a further 17 releases of compilations, and reissues to date.

Tennessee Ernie Ford was born Ernest Jennings Ford on February 13th, 1919, in Bristol, Tennessee, United States, he died on October 17th, 1991, at the age of 72. Ford had been a heavy drinker for many years, having ignored warnings from his doctors many years earlier, he finally succumbed to liver failure. As well as being a singer with a rich baritone voice, Ford also worked as a DJ, and radio personality, where he created the stage name ‘Tennessee Ernie,’ In 1954 he became a household name in America due to his portrayal of the character ‘Cousin Ernie’ in three episodes of the ‘I Love Lucy’ sit com. Ford would go on to host his own prime-time variety program ‘The Ford Show,’ recording 125 episodes between 1956-1961. There are a total of 60 Albums of his recordings available, and 89 singles, of which 13 reached the Billboard top 40.

‘Sixteen Tons’ spent eight weeks at Number 1 in America for Tennessee Ernie Ford in 1955, selling over two million copies, despite a competing version from Johnny Desmond (1919-1985) which made Number 17. In the UK the song reached Number 1, and stayed there for four weeks in 1956, with competing versions being released by Edmund Hockridge (1919-2009) on the ‘B’ side of his single ‘Young and Foolish,’ (UK Number 10) and Frankie Laine (1913-2007) (UK Number 10.)

‘You load sixteen tons, what do you get? Another day older and deeper in debt. St Peter don’t you call me ’cause I can’t go, I owe my soul to the company store.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

405-John Cougar-Jack & Diane.

1982-Number 25 single.

Best Bit- At 2.31. In America Jack & Diane are probably Pop Music’s most famous couple, but worldwide there are others. Dire Straits sang about ‘Romeo and Juliet,'(see also best songs 298) Bon Jovi told us of Tommy and Gina,'(see also best songs 325) the Beatles introduced us to Desmond and Molly, Lesley Gore was sobbing her heart out over Judy and Johnny, I could go on, but I won’t.

John J. Mellencamp was born on October 7th, 1951, in Seymour, Indiana, United States, his first major breakthrough in the music industry occurred when being signed by Tony DeFries of MainMan Management, DeFries had already managed artists of the calibre of David Bowie, and Lou Reed. DeFries thought the name Mellencamp was unmarketable, and insisted that Mellencamp release his debut Album ‘Chestnut Street Incident’ in 1976 using the name Johnny Cougar, which Mellencamp hated, but felt he had to go along with. It wasn’t until he became a major star, that he got his own way, with the release of his seventh studio Album ‘Uh-Huh,’ recorded under the name John Cougar Mellencamp. In total Mellencamp has released 23 studio Albums between 1976-2017, and a total of 67 singles, with 21 of then reaching the Billboard top 40, with this song being his only chart topper.

‘Jack & Diane’ was the second single released from John Cougar’s fifth studio Album ‘American Fool,’ from 1982, the song was written by Cougar, and co-produced by Cougar, and Don Gehman. ‘Jack & Diane’ tells the tale of two American teenagers who take their relationship to levels that they are not yet ready to cope with. They eventually realise that being 16 and carefree is better than being grown up with all of life’s responsibilities. When Mellencamp first wrote the lyrics the song was about an interracial couple, with Jack being African/American, but his record label persuaded him to change that as they felt more people would relate to Jack being an aspiring football player.

Mellencamp has stated his debt to Mick Ronson (1946-1993) (see also best songs 661-440-334-186-131-58-37 and 5) for his input, he has said,’Mick was instrumental in helping me arrange that song, as I’d thrown it on the junk heap. Mick said,’Johnny, you should put baby rattles on there.’ I thought,’What the f..k does put baby rattles on the record mean?’ So he put percussion on there, and then he sang the part ‘Let it rock, let it roll,’ as a choir-ish type thing, which had never occurred to me, and that is the part everybody remembers on the song. It was Ronson’s idea.’

The song is also famous for it’s iconic drum break at 2.31. Mellencamp was inspired by the Phil Collins song ‘In the Air Tonight,’ and asked his drummer Kenny Aronoff to come up with something.The chances are that when you hear the song on the radio, you will find yourself doing some ‘air drumming.’

‘A little ditty ’bout Jack and Diane, two American kid’s growing up in the heart land. Jack he’s gonna be a football star, Diane debutante in the back seat of Jacky’s car.’