THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

328-Chicago-If You Leave Me Now.

1976-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 1.36. And today’s Pop quiz question is, do you know where this band were originally formed?

And of course I wouldn’t dream of being naughty, this isn’t a trick question. The band Chicago have indeed got their origins in Chicago, Illinois, United States. The original line up of Walter Parazaider, (saxophone) Terry Kath, (1946-1978) (guitar) Danny Seraphine, (drums) James Pankow, (trombone) Lee Loughnane, (trumpet) and Robert Lamm, (vocals, and keyboards) formed as ‘The Big Thing’ in February 1967, with some of the band members having previously played in other local bands. It was some months later that bassist, and future lead singer Peter Cetera would also become a band member. After signing with ‘Columbia Records’ in 1968 they changed their name to the ‘Chicago Transit Authority,’ but after the success of their self titled debut Album, they changed their name to ‘Chicago,’ in order to avoid legal action from the ‘Chicago Transit Bus Authority’ (C.T.A.) from where they took the name. In total 28 different band members have come and gone, with Lamm, Loughnane, and Pankow, being the groups three constants, and at the time of writing they remain active. Speaking of the formation of the band, the original drummer Danny Seraphine has said that he wanted to form a group of ‘talented, skilled musicians, with a horn section, that could play an inventive mix of Rock and Jazz. My idea was to make horns an integral part of a Rock band.’ Fellow founding member James Pankow has said that Chicago set out to be ‘basically a Rock and Roll band with a horn section’ (see also best songs 631.)

The early sound of ‘Chicago’ was more ‘Rock’ orientated than their later work, with the major writing being provided by Terry Kath, and Robert Lamm, ‘If You Leave Me Now’ would signify the start of a new era for the band, who were to become better known as a ‘Soft Rock’ act. ‘If You Leave Me Now’ was written and sung by the bands bass player Peter Cetera, with very little input from the other band members, which led to friction within the group. With the success of this new style of sound, the bands record company were eager to pursue the recording of further ballads.

With sales in excess of 100 million worldwide, Chicago are one of the best selling acts of all time, and were the best selling singles group on the American Billboard Hot 100 during the 1970’s. The discography of Chicago includes 26 studio Albums released between 1969-2022, and 67 singles released within the same time period, there are also 11 official compilation Albums, and seven live Albums available. In an unusual piece of marketing, the first four studio Albums issued by Chicago were all double Albums. In America on Billboard, five of their studio Albums have reached Number 1, while 35 of their singles have made the Billboard Hot 100, with three of those tracks making Number 1, including ‘If You Leaver Me Now.’ In the UK, Chicago have had six top 40 hit singles, with ‘If You Leave Me Now’ ending 1976 as the UK’s sixth best selling song of that year.

‘If You Leave Me Now’ was the second of three singles released from ‘Chicago X’ the eighth studio Album from Chicago from June 1976, because of the Album sleeves artwork, the groups fans affectionately call it ‘The Chocolate Album.’ ‘If You Leave Me Now’ was written by Peter Cetera, with the production being by James William Guercio, who was born on July 18th, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois, United States, he is best known for producing the first 11 studio Albums by Chicago. He also produced the early recordings of the American Pop band ‘The Buckinghams,’ and the American Jazz/Rock group ‘Blood, Sweat & Tears.’ In the mid 1970’s he became the manager of the Beach Boys, (see also best songs 930-811-180 and 74) and was also a member of their backing band. James William Guercio, who had given Chicago their name, parted ways with the band in 1977, after the group discovered that his contract was paying him 51% of profits, with the other 49% shared between the eight band members. The group revealed that ‘millions of dollars’ had gone to Guercio while he was their manager. He has also been accused of mismanagement by Chicago, having been found to have pocketed royalty payments for most of the band’s tenure.

Peter Cetera was born Peter Paul Cetera, on September 13th, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois, United States. After the success of ‘If You Leave Me Now’ Cetera wanted to pursue a solo career alongside still being a member of Chicago, much in the same way Phil Collins had a solo career separate from Genesis, (see also best songs 741) while still being acknowledged as a band member. Peter Cetera released his first self titled solo Album in 1981 which was a commercial failure, only making Number 143 on the Billboard Album chart, with Cetera blaming his record company for lack of promotion. Cetera eventually parted ways with Chicago in 1984, having recorded 14 studio Albums with the group. As a solo artist he has released seven studio Albums between 1981-2004, and 28 singles, of which seven have reached the Billboard top 40, with two of them ‘Glory of Love,’ (1986) and ‘The Next Time I Fall,’ with Amy Grant, (1986) making the Number 1 spot. In the UK, Peter Cetera has had two top 40 solo hits, with ‘Glory of Love’ peaking the highest at Number 3.

‘A love like ours is love’s that hard to find, how could we let it slip away. We’ve come too far to leave it all behind, how could we end it all this way.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

329-The KLF featuring Tammy Wynette-Justified & Ancient (Stand By the JAMs.

1991-Number 2 single.

Best Bit-At 0.26. This is perhaps the most unusual match-up in Pop music history, where the critically acclaimed, House, Techno, and Hip-Hop act, The KLF, teamed up with the ‘First Lady of Country Music,’ Tammy Wynette, who was making the transition from ‘Stand By Your Man,’ to ‘Stand By the JAM’s.’

The KLF are Bill Drummond, (King Boy D) and Jimmy Cauty, (Rockman Rock) who joined forces in 1987, in London, England, they have also worked together using six other names, ‘Justified Ancients of Mu Mu,’ ‘The JAMs,’ ‘The Timelords,’ K Foundation,’ ‘2K,’ and ‘K2 Plant Hire.’ Bill Drummond was born William Ernest Drummond, on April 29th, 1953, in Butterworth, South Africa. In 1978 he was the co-founder of the Liverpool ‘Punk Rock’ band ‘Big in Japan,’ who although never achieving commercial success were responsible for kick starting the careers of several artists, including Holly Johnson, (see also best songs 19) Budgie, (see also best songs 668 and 238) and Ian Broudie. After the demise of ‘Big in Japan,’ Drummond and another member of that group, David Balfe, co-founded ‘Zoo Records’ in 1978, which remained in business until 1982. Bill Drummond then took a job as an A&R consultant for the record label ‘WEA,’ which was where he first met Jimmy Cauty, who was a member of the ‘Rock’ group ‘Brilliant.’ Jimmy Cauty was born James Francis Cauty, on December 19th, 1956, in Wirral, Cheshire, England, alongside working with Drummond, he was also the co-founder of the ‘Ambient House,’ ‘Electronic’ group ‘The Orb,’ with Alex Patterson in 1988, Cauty has been married to Alannah Currie, formerly of the ‘Thompson Twins,’ (see also best songs 552) since 2011.

In early 1987 Bill Drummond who was already a big name in the music industry, having been the manager of ‘Echo & the Bunnymen,’ (see also best songs 971) and the ‘Teardrops Explodes,’ decided it was time for a change, and wanting to make a ‘Hip-Hop’ record he got in touch with Jimmy Cauty. The duo named themselves ‘The Justified Ancients of Mu Mu.’ a name along with ‘The KLF,’ that were both inspired by ‘The Illuminatus! Trilogy,’ a series of three novels by Robert Shea, (1933-1994) and Robert Anton Wilson, (1932-2007) which had been published in 1975. The discography of The KLF in all of their different guises includes six studio Albums between 1987-1997, and 22 singles released within the same time period, there are also five official compilation Albums available. In the UK they have achieved eight top 40 singles, with both ‘Doctorin’ the Tardis,’ as ‘The Timelords,’ and ‘3 a.m. Eternal (Live at the S.S.L.) as ‘The KLF,’ both reaching Number 1, while in America two of their singles have reached the Billboard top 40, including this song, which made Number 11 in 1991.

‘Justified & Ancient (Stand By the JAMs’) was the fourth and final single released from ‘The White Room,’ which was the fifth studio Album by The KLF, from March 1991, the song was co-written by Bill Drummond, Jim Cauty, and Ricardo Lyte, (1967-2013) with the production being by Drummond and Cauty. ‘Justified & Ancient’ (Stand By the JAM’s’) was partly written back in 1987, with a more downbeat version eventually appearing on ‘The White Room’ Album, vocals on the Album version were provided by the English Reggae singer Errol Nicholson, under his stage name ‘Black Steel.’ In 1991 Bill Drummond flew to Nashville, Tennessee, to personally produce the recording of Tammy Wynette’s vocals. Tammy Wynette has said that she she thought the track was called ‘Justified And Anxious’ until the day KLF’s Bill Drummond turned up with the tapes under his arm. She has said, ‘As it was, I didn’t understand what some of the words meant. I know about ice cream vans, but I’d never heard of a ’99’ before. Bill explained it to me, and now it makes perfectly good sense. I’m still not sure about Justified and Ancient though.’

Tammy Wynette, was born Virginia Wynette Pugh, on May 5th, 1942, in Tremont, Mississippi, United States, she died on April 6th, 1998, from a blood clot on her lung, at the age of 55. Tammy Wynette had suffered with many medical problems during her life, including an addiction to pain killers, and it is said that she had to have in the region of 26 major operations. Along with Loretta Lynn, Lynn Anderson, (1947-2015) and Dolly Parton, (see also best songs 704) she is credited with defining the role of women in ‘Country Music’ in the 1970’s. Tammy Wynette who had been known by her middle name ‘Wynette’ since being a child, was given her stage name by the record producer Billy Sherrill, (1936-2015) who after seeing Wynette wearing her long blonde hair in a ponytail was reminded of Debbie Reynolds (1932-2016) in the 1957 romantic comedy film ‘Tammy and the Bachelor.’ The discography of Tammy Wynette, who has sold in excess of 30 million records worldwide, includes 33 studio Albums released between 1967-1994, and 65 singles released between 1966-1998, she also released nine studio Albums, and 15 singles with George Jones, (1931-2013) during their marriage, and after they had separated and divorced as well, between 1971-1995. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, Tammy Wynette has charted twice within the top 40, with ‘Stand by Your Man’ reaching Number 19 in 1968, and also with this song as well. On the Billboard ‘Hot Country Songs’ chart she has had 45 top 40 entries, with 16 of those tracks reaching the Number 1 position. In the UK, she has had four top 40 chart entries, with her biggest solo success being ‘Stand by Your Man’ reaching Number 1 in 1975.

‘Justified & Ancient (Stand By the JAMs’) tells the tale of when Bill Drummond and Jimmy Cawty bought an ice cream van to use as a promotional tool, it also tells of the duo getting in touch with Tammy Wynette to record the song. The unaccredited ‘Rap’ on the track was performed by Ricardo Lyte, (1967-2013) who along with Drummond and Cawty are credited as the songs writers.

‘They called me up in Tennessee, they said ‘Tammy stand by the Jams,’ but if you don’t like what they’re going to do, you better not stop them ’cause they’re coming through.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

330-Frankie Smith-Double Dutch Bus.

1981-It has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 1.44. The ‘slang’ language used in this song would become a staple in ‘Hip-Hop’ music, with artists such as Snoop Dogg, (see also best songs 544) and Jay Z, (see also best songs 636-477 and 23) being amongst those influenced.

Frankie Smith was born Franklyn Leon Smith, on January 29th, 1940, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, he died on March 8th, 2019, at the age of 79. Frankie Smith along with this songs co-writer Bill Bloom had both been employed in the early 1970’s at ‘Philadelphia International Records,’ where they worked with some of the labels top acts including the O’Jays, (see also best songs 648) and The Detroit Spinners, (see also best songs 834) but it wasn’t until they released this track that they found major success. The discography of Frankie Smith includes two Albums, ‘Children of Tomorrow,’ (1981) and ‘Frankie Smith and His World Wide Party Crew,’ (2006) and eight singles released between 1980-1985. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, ‘Double Dutch Bus’ is his only charting single, peaking at Number 30, it also made the Number 1 spot on the ‘Billboard Best Selling Soul Singles’ chart. The song also found commercial success in the Netherlands, where it reached Number 7, and in Belgium, where it made Number 19.

‘Double Dutch Bus’ was co-written, and co-produced by Frankie Smith and Bill Bloom, and was the first of four singles released from Frankie Smith’s debut studio Album ‘Children of Tomorrow,’ from 1981. The 12 inch single was certified ‘Gold’ in 1981 for sales of over 500,000, making it just the second 12 inch single at that time to earn the certification, the first was ‘No More Tears (Enough Is Enough’) by Barbra Streisand and Donna Summer from 1979.’ Bill Bloom who was born William A. Bloom, on December 10th, 1948, is an American songwriter and musician, who was a staff writer, and producer for ‘Philadelphia International Records,’ and ‘WMOT Records,’ which was also based in Philadelphia. Bloom also co-wrote and co-produced with Frankie Smith the ‘Children of Tomorrow’ Album, as well as working with some of ‘Philadelphia International Records’ biggest names, including ‘Archie Bell & The Drells,’ (see also best songs 571) ‘The Jones Girls,’ and Jean Carn.

‘Double Dutch Bus’ is probably best remembered for it’s use of slang which was used by African/American pimps and hustlers in the 1970’s. The ‘iz-izzle-izzo-ilz’ speak was originally developed by African/Americans in the 1920’s, with hot spots of the speak in Oakland, New York City, and Philadelphia. It was partially developed as young African/American girls improvised chants and nursery rhymes while jumping with rope, with the ‘iz’ dialect serving to add syllables when necessary to maintain the rhythm. The Rapper Snoop Dogg (see also best songs 544) is probably the best known artist who uses the ‘slang’ in his music, and his everyday speech. Another good example is Jay Z, (see also best songs 636-477 and 23) who in 2001 had a hit with ‘Izzo (H.O.V.A.’) (Billboard Number 8 & UK Number 21) where he spells out ‘HOVA’ in ‘izzle-speak.’ The bus that Frankie Smith was rapping about is a very common sight in Philadelphia, having been inaugurated by the ‘Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority’ (SEPTA) in 1964, with around 200 of them now in service. The skipping game of ‘Double Dutch’ originated amongst Dutch immigrants in New York City, in the early 1900’s, it’s popularity spread across America, and today sporting competitions are held worldwide.

‘Double Dutch Bus’ which is a fine example of ‘Old-school Hip-Hop,’ which is also spelled ‘Old skool,’ and is also known as ‘Disco-Rap,’ is the earliest commercially recorded ‘Hip-Hop’ music (see also best songs 523) and the original style of the genre. It typically refers to the music created around 1979-1983, as well as any ‘Hip-Hop’ that does not adhere to contemporary styles. Prominent artists in the genre who appear on this ‘1000 Best Songs’ list include, ‘Grandmaster Flash,’ (see also best songs 523-290 and 87) The Sugarhill Gang,’ (see also best songs 17) and ‘Run DMC (see also best songs 305 and 113.) Much of the subject matter of ‘Old-school Hip-Hop’ centres around partying and having a good time, but the release of ‘The Message’ (see also best songs 290) in 1982, credited to ‘Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five,’ marked the arrival of ‘Hip-Hop’ as social commentary, making it possible for future artists like Public Enemy, (see also best songs 578 and 37) and N.W.A (see also best songs 564 and 128) to create an identity based on socially conscious themes in later years. In the 2009 book ‘How to Rap: The Art & Science of the Hip-Hop MC,’ by Paul Edwards, the American Rapper ‘Immortal Technique’ explains how party content played a big part in ‘Old-school Hip-Hop,’ ‘Hip-Hop was born in an era of social turmoil… in the same way that slaves used to sing songs on a plantation… that’s the party songs that we used to have.’

In ‘Double Dutch Bus’ Frankie Smith is rapping about a ‘Funky’ bus where everybody’s getting down. He misses his bus and has to walk 15 blocks to get to work. Frankie Smith has said of the song, ‘Double Dutch’ is a tribute to all the girls in the world, especially the girls on my block. I’ve been watching them for 25 years, they use their mothers clotheslines to play the game, it’s an art. It’s a tribute to them, they’re really good at it.’

‘Hizzey gizzirls y’izzall hizave t’ mizzove izzout the wizzay sizzo the gizzuys can plizzay bizzasketbizzal.’ (‘Hi girls, you have to move out the way so the guys can play basketball.’)

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

331-The Shangri-Las-Leader of the Pack.

1965-Number 11 single. It was reissued in 1972, this time reaching Number 3, and again in 1976 making Number 7.

Best Bit-At 0.01. The song is perhaps the most famous ‘Teenage tragedy song,’ which are also known as ‘Tear Jerkers,’ ‘Death Discs,’ and ‘Splatter Platters.’ Other examples of successful songs with a similar lyrical theme from the late 1950’s to the mid 1960’s include ‘Teen Angel’ by Mark Dining, from 1959, ‘Johnny Remember Me’ by John Leyton, from 1961, and ‘Dead Man’s Curve’ from Jan and Dean, recorded in 1964.

The Shangri-Las were formed in 1963, in New York City, United States, by two pairs of sisters who had first met at Andrew Jackson High School, in Queens, New York City. They were Mary Weiss, (1948-2024) and her sister Betty, and the identical twins Marge Ganser, (1948-1996) and Mary Anne Ganser (1948-1970.) They began performing at school shows, and talent contests, which brought them to the attention of the American record producer Artie Ripp, who signed them to their first record deal with ‘Kama Sutra’ records, this was when they began calling themselves ‘The Shangri-Las,’ taking their name from a restaurant in Queens, New York. In April 1964 while the girls were still minors their parents signed them to ‘Red Bird Records,’ which had been co-founded by the legendary songwriters Jerry Leiber, (1933-2011) and Mike Stoller, (see also best songs 954-804-124 and 86) that was when they first started working with this songs co-writer and producer George ‘Shadow’ Morton. The Shangri-Las remained active until 1968, but did reform to tour in 1977, and then again in 1989. The girls streetwise image was initially a promotional device for this song, and it set them apart from many of the other girl groups of the 1960’s, with many of their songs dealing with taboo subjects of the time. Many artists have cited them as an influence, including Blondie, (see best songs 402) New York Dolls, and The Jesus and Mary Chain (see also best songs 878 and 336.)

The discography of The Shangri-Las includes two studio Albums, ‘Leader of the Pack,’ released in 1965, and ‘Shangri-Las-65!’ issued seven months later, there have also been 18 singles released between 1963-1976, as well as nine official compilation Albums. In America both of their studio Albums failed to reach the Billboard 200 Album chart, but six of their singles did make the Billboard Hot 100 top 40, with ‘Leader of the Pack’ going all the way to Number 1, while in the UK, as well as ‘Leader of the Pack’ charting on three separate occasions, they have also reached the top 40 with ‘Remember (Walking in the Sand,’) which made Number 14 in 1964.

‘Leader of the Pack’ was the second of four singles released from The Shangri-Las debut studio Album of the same name from February 1965, the song was written by George ‘Shadow’ Morton, and the legendary songwriting team of Jeff Barry, and Ellie Greenwich, (1940-2009) (see also best songs 820-262 and 192) though Morton claimed to have only added Barry and Greenwich to the songwriting credits for business reasons, Greenwich has questioned Morton’s recollection. George ‘Shadow’ Morton, was born George Francis Morton, on September 3rd, 1941, in Richmond, Virginia, United States, he died on February 14th, 2013, from cancer, at the age of 71. George ‘Shadow’ Morton had first met Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich when they were working at the ‘Brill Building’ (see also best songs 397) in Manhattan, New York City. Barry was sceptical that Morton wasn’t quite the songwriter he claimed to be, so Barry challenged him to write a song, and he came up with ‘Remember (Walking in the Sand,’) which would become The Shangri-Las first hit in 1964, reaching Number 5 on Billboard. Morton who earned his nickname ‘Shadow’ from George Goldner, (1918-1970) the co-owner of ‘Red Bird Records,’ because his whereabouts could never be pinned down, is remembered for his innovative production work with sound effects and percussion. After leaving ‘Red Bird Records’ he went on to work with many artists including Janis Ian, (see also best songs 353) Vanilla Fudge, and New York Dolls.

‘Leader of the Pack’ is the tale of tragic young love. The girl falls in love at first sight with the leader of a motorbike gang, to which her parents strongly disapprove of. The girls father tells her in no uncertain terms that they must split, when she tells her love that it is over he drives away in to the night, but skids on a rainy road and is killed. In 2007 the lead singer of The Shangri-Las, Mary Weiss said, ‘I don’t think I would be able to put feeling into the song unless I had really thought about the lyrics. I put a lot of my own pain into that song. I don’t think teenage years are all that rosy for a lot of people, they certainly weren’t for me. They are the most confusing time of people’s lives and there is a tremendous dark side to the record, which I think teenagers related to. The studio was a great place to let the pain out.’ She has also commented, ‘I thought it was amusing when they (British radio and TV stations) banned ‘Leader’ because of the ‘Mod’ and ‘Rocker’ stuff. When I got off the plane in my leather jacket everyone knew which side I was on.’

The British ‘Punk Rock’ group The Damned paid tribute to ‘Leader of the Pack’ when the groups lead singer David Vanian spoke the songs opening line, ‘Is she really going out with him?,’ at the start of the debut single by The Damned, ‘New Rose,’ (see also best songs 273) which is recognised as the very first ever single released by a British Punk Rock band.

‘He sort of smiled and kissed me goodbye, the tears were beginning to show. As he drove away on that rainy night I begged him to go slow, but whether he heard I’ll never know.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

332-Lorde-Royals.

2013-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 0.45. I would imagine that for the convenience of saving time, that when a fan asks for an autograph, she signs Lorde, rather than Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O’Connor.

Lorde (pronounced Lord) was born Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O’Connor, on November 7th, 1996, in Auckland, New Zealand, she chose her stage name from her interest in history, and the aristocracy, adding the ‘E’ on to Lord, in order for it to sound feminine. When she was a child one of her school teachers suggested to her mother that she may have above average intelligence, and after tests it was concluded that at the age of six she indeed was a gifted child. In her early teens Lorde attended ‘Belmont Intermediate School’ in Auckland, where she and some of her fellow students finished runners up in the 2009 ‘Kids Lit Quiz,’ World Finals, which is a global literature competition for students aged 10 to 14. In May 2009 Lorde and her friend Louis McDonald won the ‘Belmont Intermediate School’ annual talent show, leading to an appearance on the Jim Mora show on ‘Radio New Zealand.’ Louis McDonald’s father sent recordings of the duo to Scott Maclachlan of the ‘Universal Music Group,’ leading to Maclachlan signing Lorde to the label. It was Maclachlan who paired Lorde with this songs co-writer, and producer Joel Little.

The discography of Lorde includes three studio Albums released between 2013-2021, and 12 singles released between 2013-2024, she has also appeared on a further two singles as a featured artist, and released four extended plays, (EP’s) and one soundtrack Album. In New Zealand on the ‘Official Aotearoa Music Charts,’ all three of her studio Albums have reached Number 1, and she has had 23 top 40 entries on the singles chart, including promotional singles, and appearing as a featured artist, with three of those tracks including ‘Royals’ reaching the Number 1 position. In the UK, Lorde has had five top 40 hit singles, with ‘Royals’ peaking the highest at Number 1, while in America on the Billboard Hot 100, she has had four top 40 hits, with ‘Royals’ also charting the highest at Number 1.

‘Royals’ which was co-written by Lorde and Joel Little, who also produced the song, first appeared as one of the five tracks on ‘The Love Club EP,’ which was the debut release from Lorde, from November 2012, it was next issued as an official single in June 2013, and then appeared as the first of four singles taken from ‘Pure Heroine,’ the debut studio Album by Lorde, from September 2013. Joel Little was born on February 13th, 1983, in Aukland, New Zealand, he is a music producer, songwriter, and musician. Prior to teaming up with Lorde in 2012, Joel Little had been the singer and guitarist with the New Zealand ‘Pop/Punk’ band ‘Goodnight Nurse,’ of which he was a founding member in 2001, the group remained active until 2010, releasing two studio Albums, and 11 singles, six of which made the New Zealand ‘Official Aotearoa Music Charts,’ top 40. Goodnight Nurse are remembered as New Zealand’s answer to American ‘Pop/punk’ bands such as Green Day, (see also best songs 722) and Blink-182. Joe Little has since gone on to write and produce for many other high profile artists, including Ellie Goulding, Imagine Dragons, and Taylor Swift, with whom he co-wrote four tracks on her seventh studio Album ‘Lover’ in 2019.

‘Royals’ is considered to be a very influential song and seen ‘as a precedent for mainstream Pop music’s transition to minimalist, dark, pop sounds.’ Some sources have said it paved the way for other alternative-leaning female Pop artists such as Billie Eilish, Halsey, and Olivia Rodrigo, completely rewriting the rules for young women making radio-friendly Pop music. Lorde has said that she always loved the word ‘Royal’ and wrote the song around the word, writing some of the lyrics at the age of just 12. She has stated that she was also inspired to write the lyrics after listening to the Kanye West and Jay Z collaborative Album ‘Watch the Throne,’ (see also best songs 477.) ‘Royals’ is a take down of the luxurious lifestyle that ‘Hip-Hop’ artists brag about. Lorde has said, ‘All those references to expensive alcohol, beautiful cars, I was thinking, this is opulent, but it’s also bullsh#t.’ She has recalled writing the song, ‘I was just at my house, and I wrote it before I went to the studio. I wrote it in like half an hour – the lyrics, anyway. I wrote all the lyrics and took them to the studio and my producer (Joel Little) was like, ‘Yeah, this is cool.’ We worked on that and on two other songs on the EP in a week, and just did a little bit every day.’ On being told the news that the song had reached Number 1 on Billboard she said, ‘It feels like a combination of my birthday, Christmas and washing my hair after a month of not doing so.’

At the age of 16 years and 11 months Lorde became the youngest female artist to achieve a Billboard Number 1 single with ‘Royals,’ since Tiffany, who was also 16 years old when reaching Number 1 with ‘I Think Were Alone Now’ in 1987 (see also best songs 364.) Lorde also became the first artist born in New Zealand to top the Billboard Hot 100 as a lead artist. The song also made Lorde the youngest solo artist ever to write, and perform a Billboard Hot 100 chart topper.

‘But every songs like gold teeth, Grey Goose, trippin’ in the bathroom, bloodstains, ball gowns, trashin’ the hotel room. We don’t care, we’re driving Cadillacs in our dreams.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

333-Les Brown and His Band of Renown with vocals by Doris Day-Sentimental Journey.

1944-Has never charted in the UK. There was no UK chart until 1952.

Best Bit-At 1.23.’You get the grey skies outta my way, you make the sun shine brighter than Doris Day.’

Doris Day was born Doris Mary Anne Kappelhoff on April 3rd, 1922, in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States, she died on May 13th, 2019, of pneumonia, at the age of 97. Doris Day who was named by her parents after the American actress Doris Kenyan, (1897-1979) was given her stage name in 1939 by the American orchestra leader Barney Rapp (1900-1970) for whom she was working for at the time. Rapp probably thought that ‘Kappelhoff’ was a bit of a mouthful, and he admired Doris’ rendition of the song ‘Day After Day.’ For most of her life, Doris Day stated that she was born in 1924, but on the occasion of her 95th birthday, the ‘Associated Press’ found her birth certificate that showed that 1922 was actually the year of her birth. At an early age she developed an interest in dance, and in the mid-1930’s formed a dance duo with Jerry Doherty that performed in nationwide competitions. On October 13th, 1937, while she was riding with friends, their car collided with a freight train, and she broke her right leg, ending her prospects of ever being a professional dancer. Doris Day has said that as a youngster growing up she listened to the radio, and the one voice she admired above all the others was that of Ella Fitzgerald (1917-1996) (see also best songs 944-702-286-231 and 100.) Doris Day has said, ‘There was a quality to her voice that fascinated me, and I’d sing along with her, trying to catch the subtle ways she shaded her voice, the casual yet clean way she sang the words.’ Doris Day was married four times, and had one child, the American record producer, singer and songwriter Terry Melcher, (1942-2004) (see also best songs 621) who was instrumental in shaping the mid-to-late 1960’s ‘California Sound,’ and ‘Folk Rock’ movements. Although Doris Day is critically acclaimed as one of the greatest, and most successful singers of the 1940’s, and 1950’s, it can be strongly argued that she had an even greater film career. She appeared in 39 feature films between 1948-1968, starring alongside nearly all the biggest names during the ‘Golden Age of Hollywood.’ Notable films include ‘Calamity Jane’ from 1953, (her favourite role) and the 1956 Alfred Hitchcock (1899-1980) suspense thriller ‘The Man Who Knew Too Much,’ with James Stewart (1908-1997.)

Doris Day who recorded in excess of 650 songs, and started her singing career in 1939 as a Big Band vocalist, released 30 studio Albums between 1949-1965, with a further two Albums released later. Her 1967 ‘The Love Album’ wasn’t released until 1994, and ‘My Heart’ (her last recording) was recorded in 1985, but not released until 2011. A total of 59 of her singles between 1945-1958 have reached the Billboard top 40 in America, with five making the Number 1 spot, including ‘Sentimental Journey,’ while in the UK, 15 of her singles have made the top 40, with ‘Secret Love,’ (1954) and ‘Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be,’) (1956) both reaching Number 1.

‘Sentimental Journey’ which was recorded on November 20th, 1944, was co-written by Les Brown, (1912-2001) and Ben Homer, (1917-1975) who wrote the music, and Bud Green, (1897-1981) who provided the lyrics.) Les Brown and His Band of Renown had been performing the song, but were unable to record it because of the 1942-1944 musician’s strike. When the strike ended the song was recorded with Doris Day as the vocalist, giving her, her first hit single, and also her first Billboard Number 1 in 1945. The songs release coincided with the end of the Second World War in Europe, and it became the unofficial homecoming theme for many soldiers.

Les Brown was born Lester Raymond Brown, on March 14th, 1912, in Reinerton, Pennsylvania, United States, he died of lung cancer on January 4th, 2001, at the age of 88. He was a professional musician for over six decades, making music in the genres of ‘Jazz,’ ‘Big Band,’ ‘Swing, and ‘Traditional Pop.’ ‘Les Brown and the Band of Renown’ performed with the legendary English born American comedian, and actor, Bob Hope, on radio, stage, and television, for almost fifty years. They did 18 ‘USO Tours’ for American troops around the world, and entertained over three million people. Before the ‘Super Bowls’ were televised, the ‘Bob Hope Christmas Specials’ were the highest rated programmes in television history. The American singer Tony Bennett (1926-2023) (see also best songs 868) was ‘discovered’ by Bob Hope, and did his first public performance with Les Brown and the Band of Renown.

The lyrics to ‘Sentimental Journey’ were written by Bud Green, who was born Moses David Green, on November 19th, 1897, in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, he died on January 2nd, 1981, at the age of 82. Bud Green immigrated to the United States as an infant, and grew up in Harlem at 108th & Madison Avenue at the turn of the 20th century, he was the eldest of seven children. It is said that in his youth he started keeping a notebook of poems and rhymes that he thought would be useful someday. By 1928, he had co-written the songs ‘Alabamy Bound,’ which was popularised by Al Jolson, (1886-1950) (see also best songs 310) and ‘That’s My Weakness Now,’ which became a huge hit for Ukulele Ike, (1895-1971) and Helen Kane (1904-1966.) Bud Green’s sister Helen (1913-2002) was married to the American lyricist Bob Russell, (1914–1970) who wrote ‘Don’t Get Around Much Anymore,’ (see also best songs 1039) and ‘He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother,’ as well as many other songs.

‘Sentimental Journey’ tells the story of someone excitingly anticipating a trip by train to somewhere that they haven’t visited for quite some time. The narrator is feeling great emotional attachment to be ‘going home,’ and wonders why they ever left in the first place.

‘Got my bag, got my reservation, spent each dime I could afford. Like a child in wild anticipation, I long to hear that all aboard.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

334-Mott the Hoople-All the Young Dudes.

1972-Number 3 single.

Best Bit-At 0.53. A dude is a term of address for a young man. In the late 19th Century a dude was a person who dressed outlandishly. In the 1970’s ‘Glam Rock’ gave people the opportunity to cross dress, maybe giving Aerosmith a good idea for a song title.

Mott the Hoople were formed in 1969, in Hereford, Herefordshire, England, initially playing ‘Hard Rock’ music. It was the ‘Island Records’ employee Guy Stevens (1943-1981) who gave the band the name ‘Mott the Hoople,’ after reading the Wilard Manus (1930-2023) 1966 novel ‘Mott the Hoople,’ incidentally it was Stevens who was also responsible for the naming of Procol Harum (see also best songs 434.) In total there have been 17 band members come and go, with the classic line up being recognised as Ian Hunter, (vocals) (see also best songs 661) Mick Ralphs, (guitar and keyboards) Verden Allen, (organ) Pete Overend Watts, (1947-2017) (bass) and Dale ‘Buffin’ Griffin (1948-2016) (drums.) In 1973 Mick Ralphs left the band, going on to co-found the English Rock group ‘Bad Company, this was followed a year later by the exit of Ian Hunter, who began his solo career. With new members the group shortened their name to ‘Mott,’ and then in 1978 with John Fiddler (see also best songs 728) becoming a member, they changed the name again, this time to ‘British Lions.’ Members of Mott The Hoople finally came together in 2009 for a series of reunion concerts, then again in 2013, 2018, and 2019.

The discography of Mott The Hoople includes seven studio Albums released under The Mott The Hoople banner between 1969-1974, there are a further two as ‘Mott,’ released in 1975, and 1976, and a further two as ‘British Lions’ in 1977, and 1980. There have also been a total of 15 singles released between 1969-1978, 13 official compilation Albums, and nine live Albums between the three incarnations of the group. In the UK, Mott The Hoople achieved six top 40 singles, with ‘All the Young Dudes’ peaking the highest at Number 3 in 1972, while in America on the Billboard Hot 100, their only top 40 entry is ‘All the Young Dudes,’ which made Number 37.

‘All the Young Dudes’ was the first of three singles released from Mott the Hoople’s fifth studio Album of the same name, from September 1972, the song was written and produced by David Bowie (1948-2016) (see also best songs 807-440-302-209-186-47-31 and 5) (see also his production work 701-131 and 58.) By 1972 Mott the Hoople had recorded four studio Albums, and although they were critically acclaimed, they had met with poor sales, and the band were on the verge of splitting up. David Bowie was a friend of the bands bass player Pete Overend Watts, as well as a long term fan of the band, and wanting some of his songs to be recorded by other artists, he offered Mott the Hoople his song ‘Suffragette City’ from his not yet released ‘The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust’ Album. Mott the Hoople considered the song not the style they were looking for, so Bowie went away and quickly wrote ‘All the Young Dudes.’ On first hearing the song Ian Hunter recalled, ‘He just played it on an acoustic guitar. I knew straight away it was a hit. There were chills going down my spine. It’s only happened to me a few times in my life, when you know this is a biggie.’ Drummer Dale Griffin said, ‘We couldn’t believe it. In the office at Regent Street he’s strumming it on his guitar and I’m thinking, he wants to give us that? He must be crazy. We broke our necks to say yes, you couldn’t fail to see it was a great song.’ Bowie would go on to produce the Album of the same name, as well as providing backing vocals. Bowie would later offer Mott the Hoople ‘Drive-In Saturday’ for the follow up single, but the band declined, as they wanted to pursue with their own material.

In 2002, David Bowie in an interview with the British music magazine ‘Mojo’ said, ‘I literally wrote that within an hour or so of reading an article in one of the music rags that their breakup was imminent. I thought they were a fair little band, and I almost thought, ‘This will be an interesting thing to do, let’s see if I can write this song and keep them together.’ It sounds terribly modest now, but you go through that when you’re young.” Ian Hunter was asked why he thought Bowie gave ‘All the Young Dudes’ away, ‘I presume he was fed up with it. His version was in a lower key so it wasn’t quite so exciting and he had a lot of alto sax. He was stuck. He knew it was good, but it needed a fresh approach, which is what we gave it.’

‘All the Young Dudes is considered a ‘Glam Rock’ classic, with David Bowie recording his own studio version in December 1972 during the sessions for the ‘Aladdin Sane’ Album, but the track went unreleased until appearing in 1995 in mono on the compilation Album ‘Rarestonebowie.’ Had Mott the Hoople not recorded the song then it would have appeared on ‘The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust.’ The ‘all the young dudes carry the news’ line refers to part of Bowie’s story where there is no electricity, and Ziggy Stardust uses songs to spread the news. Bowie said, ‘All the Young Dudes is a song about the news. It’s not a hymn to the youth, as people thought, it is completely the opposite.

‘Lucy looks sweet ’cause he dresses like a queen, but he can kick like a mule, it’s a real mean team. And my brother’s back home with his Beatles and his Stones, we never got it off on that revolution stuff, what a drag too many snags.’