THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

336-The Jesus and Mary Chain-Some Candy Talking.

1986-Number 13 single.

Best Bit-At 1.24. The BBC banned the track because they thought it was about Heroin. Ironically the first recording of the song was made for the BBC Radio 1 John Peel (1939-2004) (see also best songs 728-659-435 and 409) in session show.

The Jesus and Mary Chain (see also best songs 878) were formed in East Kilbride, Scotland, United Kingdom, in 1983 by the brothers Jim Reid (born December 29th, 1961) and his brother William Reid, (born October 28th, 1958) they are the bands only two constants. The Reid brothers then recruited Douglas Hart on bass, and Murray Dalglish on drums as their initial lineup. After the release of their debut single ‘Upside Down’ in 1984, Murray Dalglish left, and was replaced by Bobby Gillespie (see also best songs 724) on drums, who would play on the groups debut Album ‘Psychocandy,’ and the ‘EP’ (extended play) from which this song was taken. The Jesus and Mary Chain broke up in 1999, but got together once again in 2007, and at the time of writing they remain active as a quintet, in total there have been 22 different members come and go. As for where they took their group name from, they initially told journalists that they had taken it from a line in a Bing Crosby film, although six months later they admitted that this was not true. Other accounts suggest that the name derived from an offer on a breakfast cereal packet, where customers could send off for a gold Jesus & Mary chain. Jim and William Reid have said that wanted to form a band in the early 1980’s in response to their distaste of the music at the time, William Reid has said, ‘It was the crap coming out of the radio that made us want to be in a band. This worked in our favour, it was perfect timing, because there weren’t any guitar bands, everybody was making this electronic pop music.’

The discography of The Jesus and Mary Chain includes eight studio Albums released between 1985-2024, and 21 singles released between 1984-2023, there are also six extended plays, (EP’s) seven official compilation Albums, and three live Albums available. In the UK, The Jesus and Mary Chain have had seven of their eight studio Albums reach the top 40, with their second release ‘Darklands’ peaking the highest at Number 5 in 1987, while 11 of their singles have reached the UK top 40, with ‘April Skies,’ from 1987 charting the highest at Number 8. The Jesus and Mary Chain’s only entry on the American Billboard Hot 100 singles chart is ‘Sometimes Always,’ which reached Number 96 in 1994, although five of their tracks have made the Billboard ‘Alternative Airplay’ chart, with ‘Blues from a Gun’ peaking the highest at Number 1 in 1989.

‘Some Candy Talking’ was co-written by William Reid and Jim Reid, with the production being by the English music producer Phil Ward Large, who has worked with other high profile groups including ‘The Farm,’ and ‘That Petrol Emotion.’ ‘Some Candy Talking’ was first issued in July 1986 as part of a three track extended play, which was also called ‘Some Candy Talking.’ The EP was issued eight months after the release of their critically acclaimed debut studio Album ‘Psychocandy,’ from November 1985. Following the Albums reissue on Compact Disc in 1986, ‘Some Candy Talking’ was added as a bonus track.

With the release of ‘Psychocandy’ The Jesus and Mary Chain created a new genre of music that has become known as ‘Noise Pop,’ The duo would structure the traditional type of ‘Pop’ song, but as so to gain attention they would add guitar feedback, and noise, which would prove highly influential on the fourth coming ‘Shoegazing’ genre, and ‘Alternative Rock Music’ in general. ‘Noise Pop’ has been described by the American online music database ‘AllMusic’ as ‘the halfway point between ‘Bubblegum’ (see also best songs 1000) and the avant-garde, the combination of conventional ‘Pop’ songwriting with experimental sounds of white noise, distorted guitars and drones.’ ‘AllMusic’ cites the Velvet Underground (see also best songs 401 and 165) as the earliest roots of the genre, with their experiments with feedback and distortion on their early Albums. ‘Noise Pop’ continued to be influential in the ‘Indie Rock’ scene into the 1990’s.

When ‘Some Candy Talking’ was released it was banned by all the major radio stations as it was thought that the song was about Heroin, but the bands lead singer Jim Reid, in an interview in 2005 stated that the song had nothing to do with drugs. I shall leave you to make up your own minds.

‘I’m going down to the place tonight, to see if I can get a taste tonight. A taste of something warm and sweet, that shivers your bones and rises to your heat.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

337-Willie Nelson-Funny How Time Slips Away.

1961-It has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 0.48. …and the older you get, the quicker it slips.

Willie Nelson was born Willie Hugh Nelson on April 29th, 1933, in Abbott, Texas, United States, he was named Willie by his cousin Mildred, who also chose Hugh as his middle name, in honour of her recently deceased younger brother. Willie Nelson had thought for much of his life that his birthday was April 30th, but he discovered late in life from an elderly relative that he was actually born just before midnight on the 29th, as the doctor hadn’t recorded his time of birth accurately, now Willie celebrates both days. Much of Willie Nelson’s early success came as a songwriter, with two of his most famous compositions being ‘Crazy,’ a song which when recorded by Patsy Cline (1932-1963) (1961-Billboard Number 9) has gone on to become one of the most played songs in ‘Country Music,’ and ‘Pretty Paper,’ which when recorded by Roy Orbison, (1936-1988) (see also best songs 657) reached Number 6 in the UK in 1963. Willie Nelson is considered one of the most important figures in American music, in the genres of ‘Country Music,’ ‘Country Rock,’ and ‘Outlaw Country,’ which is a sub genre of American Country Music, of which Nelson is considered one of it’s originators. Willie Nelson has also appeared in numerous films since making his acting debut in ‘The Electric Horseman’ in 1979, other acting highlights include appearing in ‘Barbarosa’ in 1982, and the film version of his 1975 Album ‘Red Headed Stranger,’ in 1986.

The discography of Willie Nelson, who has sold in excess of 50 million records worldwide, includes a staggering 102 studio Albums released between 1962-2023, and 132 singles released between 1957-2024, there are also two soundtrack Albums, 51 official compilation Albums, and 14 live Albums available. In America on Billboard, 10 of his singles have reached the Hot 100, with ‘To All the Girls I’ve Loved Before,’ his 1984 duet with Julio Iglesias, peaking the highest at Number 5. Willie Nelson has had great success on the Billboard ‘Hot Country Songs’ chart with 74 of his singles making the top 40, with 19 of those singles reaching Number 1, he has also appeared on that chart as a guest artist on a further nine occasions, with five of those tracks making the Number 1 spot. In the UK his only charting single to date is his 1984 collaboration with Julio Iglesias on the Number 17 hit ‘To All the Girls I’ve Loved Before.’

‘Funny How Time Slips Away’ which has never been issued as a single by Willie Nelson is track 4 on side 1 of his debut studio Album ‘…And Then I Wrote,’ from September 1962, the song was written by Willie Nelson, with the production being by Joe Allison, who was born Joe Marion Allison on October 3rd, 1924, in McKinney, Texas, United States, he died on August 2nd, 2002, of lung cancer, at the age of 77. Joe Allison worked in the genre of ‘Country Music’ as a songwriter, Disc Jockey, business executive, and music producer. He wrote hit singles for a number of well known ‘Country’ artists, with his most successful being his co-write with his wife Audrey of ‘He’ll Have to Go’ (1960-Billboard Number 2 & UK Number 12) for Jim Reeves (1923-1964.) In the 1970’s Joe Allison was head of ‘Paramount Music,’ and ‘Capitol Records’ ‘Country divisions.’ In 1976, he was inducted into the ‘Disc Jockey Hall of Fame,’ and in 1978, into the ‘Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame,’ he is also an inductee in the ‘Country Music Hall of Fame.’

Willie Nelson recorded three studio Albums between 1985-1995 as part of the American Country Music ‘supergroup’ ‘The Highwaymen,’ who were made up of Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, (1932-2003) (see also best songs 857-428 and 199) Waylon Jennings, (1937-2002) and Kris Kristofferson (1936-2024) (see also best songs 341.) The genre of ‘Country’ music the quartet produced became known as ‘Outlaw Country.’ The group recorded ‘Country Music’ with more of a ‘Rock’ orientated slant, as opposed to the slick production style, of the ‘Nashville Sound.’

‘Funny How Time Slips Away’ was written by Willie Nelson in 1961, with the first recorded version being by the American Country Music singer Billy Walker in 1961, (1929-2006) whose recording peaked at Number 23 on the Billboard ‘Hot Country Songs’ chart. The most commercially successful version of the song was by Jimmy Elledge (1943-2012) who took his recording to Number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1961, and it has since gone on to sell in excess of one million copies. In 1964 the American Soul singer Joe Hinton (1929-1968) took his version to Number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100, and in 2017 Willie Nelson recorded a duet of the song with Glen Campbell, (1936-2017) which appeared on Campbell’s final Album ‘Adios.’

‘Funny How Time Slips Away. is a song of bitterness. The narrator bumps in to his ex girlfriend, and he tells her that he is doing fine. He says that he has heard that she has told her new love that she will be with him until the end of time, the same thing she once said to him. He hints to her that one day she may also get dumped the way he was by her. With the passing of time the narrator has got over his broken heart, hence the songs title,’Funny How Time Slips Away.’

‘I gotta’ go now, guess I’ll see you hanging around. Don’t know though, oh no, never know when I’ll be back in town. But I remember what I told you, that in time your gonna pay.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

338-Little Anthony & The Imperials-Better Use Your Head.

1966-It didn’t chart in the UK until it was re-released in 1976, when reaching Number 42.

Best Bit-At 0.38. How about this for an accolade. The legendary songwriter, and producer Kenny Gamble (see also best songs 1001-896-725-648-604-571 and 322) has stated that Little Anthony & The Imperials and their music, were a major influence in the development of ‘Philadelphia Soul,’ and on artists such as the Stylistics, (see also best songs 765) the Delfonics, and the Chi-Lites.

When it comes to longevity Little Anthony & The Imperials must be closing in on number one. The Imperials were officially formed in 1958 in Brooklyn, New York City, United States by Clarence Collins, Tracey Lord, Nathanial Rodgers, Ernest Wright, and Anthony Gourdine. They had previously recorded for ‘Apollo’ records as a ‘Doo-Wop’ group in 1957, with a slightly different line up. known as ‘The Chesters.’ As The Imperials, success was instant, as their first single ‘Tears on My Pillow’ reached Number 4 on Billboard in America, selling over one million copies. It was the legendary DJ Alan Freed (1921-1965) who first started calling them ‘Little Anthony & The Imperials’ when playing ‘Tears on My Pillow,’ having been impressed with the falsetto vocals of lead singer Anthony Gourdine. In 1990 a cover version of ‘Tears on My Pillow’ by Kylie Minogue (see also best songs 928) in a similar style became a UK Number 1 single. Like many acts of longevity, band members have come and gone over the years, and their have been a total of 12 official group members in that time. In the current line up are the original forming members Anthony ‘Little Anthony’ Gourdine, and Ernest West, who both performed on ‘Better Use Your Head.’ After the success of ‘Tears on My Pillow’ the group struggled for further immediate success, and members came and went, but by 1963 the four vocalists which are now recognised as the ‘classic line up’ were Gourdine, Wright, Collins, and Samuel Strain, who had become a group member in 1961.

The discography of Little Anthony & The Imperials includes 10 studio Albums released between 1959-1975, and 49 singles released between 1958-1979, there are also two official compilation Albums available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, seven of their singles have reached the top 40, with ‘Tears on My Pillow’ peaking the highest at Number 4 in 1958, with ‘Better Use Your Head’ stalling at Number 54. They also had great success on the ‘Billboard Hot R&B’ singles chart, with 11 top 40 entries. In the UK, Little Anthony & The Imperials have had one top 40 chart entry, with ‘Who’s Gonna Love Me,’ making Number 17 in 1978.

‘Better Use Your Head’ was the first of three singles released from ‘Payin’ Our Dues,’ which was the fifth studio Album by Little Anthony & The Imperials, from 1966, the song was co-written by Teddy Randazzo, (1935-2003) and his then wife Victoria Pike, with the production credited to Teddy Randazzo, who was born Alessandro Carmelo Randazzo, on May 13th, 1935, in Brooklyn, New York, United States, he died on November 21st, 2003, at the age of 68. Teddy Randazzo was a singer, songwriter, arranger, and a music producer. Prior to finding success as a songwriter, he pursued a career as a solo singer, which saw three of his singles reach the Billboard Hot 100, with ‘The Way of a Clown’ peaking the highest at Number 44 in 1960. It is as a songwriter that he is best remembered, composing several hit singles, many with his songwriting partner Bobby Weinstein (1939-2022.) His best known compositions include, ‘Pretty Blue Eyes,’ which was a top 10 hit for Steve Lawrence on Billboard in America, and for Craig Douglas in the UK in 1959, ‘Hurt So Bad,’ which has been a top 20 Billboard hit for the Zombies, (1965) the Lettermen, (1969) and Linda Ronstadt, (1980) ‘Yesterday Has Gone,’ a UK Number 4 hit for Cupid’s Inspiration in 1968, and ‘It’s Gonna Take a Miracle’ which when covered by Deniece Williams in 1982 reached Number 10 on Billboard. Teddy Randazzo also wrote other hit songs for Little Anthony & The Imperials, including ‘Goin’ Out of My Head’ (1964-Billboard Number 6.)

‘Little Anthony’ was born Jerome Anthony Gourdine, on January 8th, 1941, in Brooklyn, New York, United States, it was while in high school that he and his friends created a ‘Doo-Wop’ group called, ‘The Duponts.’ He was then the lead singer of ‘The Chesters,’ who became ‘The Imperials,’ who would later become ‘Little Anthony & The Imperials.’ Fellow long term group member Sammy Strain, who was born Samuel Strain Jr. on December 9th, 1939, in Brooklyn, New York City, United States, joined The Imperials in 1961, he was also a member of ‘The O’Jays’ between 1976-1992, before re-joining ‘Little Anthony & The Imperials.’ Strain holds the distinction of being twice inducted into the ‘Rock and Roll Hall of Fame,’ in 2005 with The O’Jays, (see also best songs 648) and in 2009 with Little Anthony & The Imperials.’ At one time Sammy Strain was married to the American ‘Soul & Funk’ singer Yvonne Fair (1942-1994) (see also best songs 480.)

In the early 1970’s ‘Better Use Your Head’ began to gain popularity within the Northern Soul scene, (see also best songs 969) with the track becoming a favourite in the clubs. This led to the song being reissued, and reaching Number 42 in the UK in 1976.

‘Better Use Your Head’ is the tale of a couple whose relationship is threatened when one of them is attracted to another, and may take up with that other person. The other partner is willing to give their relationship a second chance, but warns that if they stray there will be no going back.

‘You better stop and think what you’re sayin’, you’d better hold on make sure you’re sold on letting me go. Make sure you know what you wanna surpass.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

339-Carly Rae Jepsen-Call Me Maybe.

2012-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 2.00. Lust at first sight.

Carly Rae Jepsen was born on November 21st, 1985, in Mission, British Columbia, Canada. After performing several lead roles in her high school’s musical productions, she enrolled at the ‘Canadian College of Performing Arts,’ in Victoria, British Columbia. In 2007 she competed on the fifth season of ‘Canadian Idol,’ where she finished in third place. This attracted the attention of the music manager Jonathan Simkin, who signed her to a management deal with ‘604 Records’ later that year, where she released her debut single, which was a cover of the John Denver song ‘Sunshine on My Shoulders,’ in June 2008. Her debut studio Album ‘Tug of War,’ which was issued three months later is a ‘Pop Rock,’ and ‘Folk’ influenced Album, Carly Rae Jepsen would then move away from ‘Folk,’ and more towards ‘Dance Pop,’ with ‘Electronic’ influences.

The discography of Carly Rae Jepsen includes seven studio Albums re;eased between 2008-2023, and 33 singles released within the same time period, there are also four extended plays, (EP’s) and two remix Albums available. In Canada, on the ‘Canadian Hot 100,’ eight of her singles have made the top 40, with ‘Call Me Maybe,’ peaking the highest at Number 1, while in America on the ‘Billboard Hot 100,’ she has charted within the top 40 on three occasions, with ‘Call Me Maybe,’ peaking the highest at Number 1, and in the UK, Carly Rae Jepsen has had four top 40 chart entries, with ‘Call Me Maybe’ also charting the highest at Number 1.

‘Call Me Maybe’ was co-written by Carly Rae Jepsen, Tavish Crowe, and Josh Ramsey, who also produced the track. The song made it’s first appearance on Carly Rae Jepsen’s second EP release ‘Curiosity,’ from February 2012, as track two of the six track EP, the song would later appear on Jepson’s second studio Album ‘Kiss,’ released in September 2012. ‘Call Me Maybe’ was originally written as a ‘Folk’ song by Jepsen, and Tavish Crowe, who was a guitarist with Jepson’s touring band, and has since collaborated with her on many other occasions. The song received a complete overhaul when Josh Ramsey came on board, transforming it into the ‘Bubblegum Pop’ (see also best songs 1000) track we now all know. Josh Ramsey who was born Joshua Keeler Ramsay on June 11th, 1985, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, is a singer, songwriter, producer, recording engineer, and multi-instrumentalist, who is best known for being the lead vocalist of the Canadian ‘Pop Rock’ band Marianas Trench whom he co-founded in 2001. With Marianas Trench he has released six studio Albums between 2006-2024, and 27 singles within the same time period. Josh Ramsey has also released one solo studio Album, ‘The Josh Ramsay Show,’ in 2022, seven singles as the lead artist, and two as a featured artist between 2009-2023.

In December 2011, prior to ‘Call Me Baby’ becoming a worldwide hit, the singers Justin Bieber, and Selena Gomez were in Canada, and heard the track on the radio. Both were impressed with what they heard and wrote about it on their Twitter accounts, instantly gaining Jepsen international attention, leading to her being signed by Scooter Brawn (Bieber’s manager) to his ‘Schoolboy Record’ label. Beiber’s tweet had said, ‘The song is possibly the catchiest song I’ve ever heard.’ ‘Call Me Maybe’ went on to top the charts in 18 countries, and to date has sold, and streamed over 18 million times worldwide, making it the best selling single by a female artist in the 21st Century to date. ‘Call Me Maybe’ has also been ranked by Billboard Magazine as Number 1 on the list of ‘The best chorus’ of the 21st Century.’

Carly Rae Jepsen has spoken about the songs phenomenal worldwide success, ‘When you write a bunch of songs, it’s like being asked to pick a favourite kid. You wonder what will be loved and which will just be my own little journal entry that I personally like. It was a surprise that it took off the way it did, but a welcome surprise. I think how it was written – it was a folk song to begin with – and how it is about trying to pick up a guy. It is simple and feels good, and I am a romantic at heart. I like the idea of being in the moment of meeting someone, feeling that buzz and that feeling of attraction that you act on. You have to be spontaneous and brave. I have never been brave enough to ask for his number, but that’s how I would do it if I was.’

‘Call Me Maybe’ is the story of a female being smitten at seeing a very attractive male take off his shirt, as she watches from across the street. She immediately want’s this guy, and try’s to catch his attention. The song’s memorable video show’s Carly Rae Jepsen rehearsing in a garage with her band, and when the guy walks over to them, it isn’t her who he is interested in, but the male guitarist, who he gives his phone number to. In 2018 Holden Nowell who played the part of Jepsen’s love interest in the video said that it was his idea to hand over his phone number on a piece of paper, as the original story line had called for him to kiss the male band member, and Nowell told the directors, ‘I’m going to be completely honest with you, I’m not going to kiss a guy, especially for $500.’

‘I threw a wish in the well, don’t ask me I’ll never tell. I looked at you as it fell, and now you’re in my way.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

340-Funkadelic-(Not Just) Knee Deep.

1979-It has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 6.59. The ‘Freak’ in the song is name of a dance, and like ‘Rock ‘N Roll’ it has that naughty double entendre interpretation.

The mastermind behind Funkadelic is George Clinton who was born George Edward Clinton, on July 22nd, 1941, in Kannapolis, North Carolina, United States. In 1955 he co-founded the ‘Doo-Wop’ group ‘The Parliaments’ who were originally based on ‘Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers (see also best songs 250.) Over the years ‘The Parliaments’ sound developed with the adding of Soul, R&B, Rock, and Funk, they remained active until 1969. Due to contractual problems with his record label, and in order to continue recording for other labels George Clinton was forced to change the bands name, it was the bassist Billy ‘Bass’ Nelson’ who coined the new name ‘Funkadelic’ (see also best songs 26.) Clinton didn’t just form the Rock and Funk orientated Funkadelic, he also simultaneously formed the Funk, R&B, and Psychedelic Soul outfit Parliament as well (see also best songs 612 and 143.) Clinton who would work with many differing musicians released Albums with both acts, with Parliament releasing nine studio Albums between 1970-1980, with a 10th Album ‘Medicaid Fraud Dogg’ issued in 2018, their first in 38 years, while his sister act Funkadelic released 13 studio Albums between 1970-1981, there has also been a 14th studio Album issued in 2014 called ‘First Ya Gotta Shake the Gate,’ the first new material under the Funkadelic banner in 33 years.

‘(Not Just) Knee Deep’ was the first of two singles released from Funkadelic’s 10th studio Album ‘Uncle Jam Wants You,’ from September 1979, and at 15 minutes and 21 seconds it is one of the longest songs on this countdown, although when it was released as a single it was edited down to 4 minutes and 25 seconds. ‘(Not Just) Knee Deep’ was produced by George Clinton, and although Clinton is down as the songs sole writer, one of the songs vocalists Philippé Wynne also received royalties according to the songs publishers. Philippé Wynne was born Phillip Walker, on April 3rd, 1941, in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States, he died of a heart attack, on July 14th, 1984, at the age of 43. Prior to joining the Funkadelic collective he had been a member of the Spinners (known in the UK as the Detroit Spinners) (see also best songs 834) during their time at Atlantic Records, staying with that group until 1977. While associated with Parliament-Funkadelic, Philippé Wynne also appeared on the Bootsy Collins (see also best songs 850-612-340-143 and 88) Album ‘Sweat Band’ in 1980. After leaving The Detroit Spinners, Philippé Wynne released three solo studio Albums between 1977-1984, including one on George Clinton’s record label ‘Uncle Jam’ records, and one on ‘Sugarhill’ records.

Other musicians who played a big part in the making of (‘Not Just) Knee Deep,’ included Walter ‘Junie’ Morrison, who was the tracks arranger, and keyboard player, Booty Collins, who played the drums, and Michael Hampton, (see also best songs 26) who provided the tracks critically acclaimed guitar solo. Walter ‘Junie’ Morrison (see also best songs 506-143 and 26) was born on June 28th, 1954, in Dayton, Ohio, United States, he died on January 21st, 2017, at the age of 62, his death was reported the following month, but the details remained private. Of his part in creating ‘(Not Just) Knee Deep,’ Morrison has said, ‘I created ‘Knee Deep’ using a drum machine, Fender Rhodes, Steinway Grand, Mini-Moog for the lead and bass lines, and a Gibson L6S for my jazzy guitar solo. Bootsy (Collins) added his drums at a later date. In fact, Bootsy was also the drummer on ‘One Nation (Under A Groove.’) Michael Hampton added his monumental guitar solo to the Knee Deep mix some time later, as well. Although Bernie Worrell (1944-2016) (see also best songs 612-143 and 26) is a phenomenal musician, contrary to popular belief, he did not perform on (‘Not Just) Knee Deep.’ The track is of my conception. It originally began with the idea, groove and keyboard parts that I had created a few years prior to producing the track for Funkadelic, which later became (‘Not Just) Knee Deep,’ as you now know it today.’

(‘Not Just) Knee Deep’ is just one of the Funkadelic tracks that have been sampled on many occasions, particularly noteworthy is the 1989 UK Number 22 hit single by the ‘Hip-Hop’ trio De La Soul, (see also best songs 444 and 246) with their song ‘Me Myself and I.’ George Clinton has said, ‘I get back more than they do. They used ‘Knee Deep’ and they paid, but I get paid in a different way because I know how to appreciate it, the fact that they used the music. If they’re hot with the kids and the kids like them then they’ll like me. According to Clinton, he earned $100,000 for the sample. Many other artists including The Black Eyed Peas (see also best songs 899 and 234) and Tone Loc have sampled the track. Dr Dre’s (see also best songs 564-544-482-189-128 and 48) use of Funkadelic samples has also led to them becoming a big influence in the genre of ‘Gangsta Rap.’

(‘Not Just) Knee Deep’ is the tale of a guy meeting a girl at a club. He sees her dancing to the ‘Monkey,’ the ‘Chicken,’ and the ‘Jerk,’ but he is besotted by her after she ‘busts’ her moves to ‘The Freak.’

‘The girl is a freak, the girl never misses a beat. Not just knee deep, she was totally deep, when she did the freak with me.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

341-Janis Joplin-Me and Bobby McGee.

1970-It has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 3.21. Think about it, what a clever thing to do. Use a name (Bobby) that can refer to either sex, and double the amount of artists who can record it.

It was the music producer, and one time owner of ‘Monument Records,’ Fred Foster (1931-2019) (see also best songs 657) who gave Kris Kristofferson (1936-2024) the task of creating this song. Kristofferson was a struggling singer/songwriter recently signed to Monument Records when Foster suggested he come up with a fantasy song about someone called Barbara Bobbie McKee, which Kristofferson misheard as ‘McGee.’ Barbara Bobby McKee was actually the name of the 29 year old studio secretary working at Monument Records at that time. For this reason, and with Kristofferson’s blessing, Foster is credited as the songs co-writer. Kris Kristofferson has said that the inspiration for the song didn’t happen overnight, but in fact took several months to piece together. When asked where he was when he came up with the famous line ‘Freedom is just another word for nothing to lose,’ he said,’ I was working the Gulf of Mexico on oil rigs, flying helicopters, I’d lost my family to my years of failing as a songwriter. All I had was bills, child support, and grief, and I was just about to get fired for not letting 24 hours go between the throttle and the bottle. It looked like I’d trashed my act, but there was something liberating about it. By not having to live up to people’s expectations, I was somehow free.’

Kristoffer Kristofferson was born on June 22nd, 1936, in Brownsville, Texas, United States, he died on September 28th, 2024, at the age 88. He had requested for the first three lines of Leonard Cohen’s (1934-2016) (see also best songs 196) 1968 song ‘Bird on the Wire’ to be engraved on his tombstone, ‘Like a bird on the wire, like a drunk in a midnight choir, I have tried in my way to be free.’ Kris Kristofferson had a wide and varied career, finding success in several fields, including being a singer/songwriter, film and television actor, and a helicopter pilot. He was a famous film star, appearing in 89 films between 1971-2018, including ‘A Star is Born,’ (1976) and the vampire film trilogy ‘Blade’ (1998-2002 and 2004.) Kris Kristofferson was married three times, including his second marriage to the American Country singer Rita Coolidge between 1973-1980, with whom he recorded three collaborative Albums. He was a pioneering figure in the ‘Outlaw Country’ movement of the 1970’s, being a member of the American ‘Country Music’ ‘supergroup,’ ‘The Highwaymen,’ with Johnny Cash, (1932-2003) (see also best songs 857-428 and 199) Willie Nelson, (see also best songs 337) and Waylon Jennings, (1937-2002) whose sound moved away from the polished ‘Nashville’ sound, and toward a more raw, introspective style. The discography of Kris Kristofferson includes 18 studio Albums released between 1970-2016, and 31 singles released between 1967-2009, there are also six collaboration Albums, five official compilation Albums, and four live Albums available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, two of his singles have made the top 40, with ‘Why Me,’ peaking the highest at Number 16 in 1973, while in the UK, he has never charted on the singles chart.

‘Me and Bobby McGee’ was co-written by Kris Kristofferson and Fred Foster, with the production on the Kristofferson recording being by Paul A. Rothchild (1935-1995) (see also best songs 235.) The Kris Kristofferson version first appeared on his debut studio Album ‘Kristofferson,’ from June 1970. The first recording of ‘Me and Bobby McGee’ was in May 1969 by the American singer Roger Miller, (1935-1992) whose version made Number 12 on the ‘Billboard Country Music’ chart. A posthumously released version by Janis Joplin (1943-1970) topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 1971, making the song the second posthumously released Number 1 single in American Billboard chart history, after (‘Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay’ by Otis Redding (see also best songs 712.) It was the Janis Joplin recording of this song which finally brought Kris Kristofferson the success in the the music business he had been chasing.

Janis Joplin was born Janis Lyn Joplin, on January 19th, 1943, in Port Arthur, Texas, United States, she died on October 4th, 1970, at the age of 27 from an accidental drugs overdose. With Jimi Hendrix (1942-1970) (see also best songs 983 and 492) dying just 16 days earlier, also at the same age, this would lead to the ‘celebrated’ ’27 club’ (see also best songs 806.) Janis Joplin released two studio Albums as lead singer with ‘Big Brother & the Holding Company’ in 1967, and 1968, and two studio Albums as a solo artist. The second Album ‘Pearl,’ which like the ‘Kristofferson’ Album, was produced by Paul A. Rothchild, was released after her death in January 1971, and features her version of ‘Me and Bobby McGee,’ recorded only a short time before here death, with Kris Kristofferson saying, he only first heard her rendition after she had died, and didn’t even know she had recorded it. Kris Kristofferson and Janis Joplin had been lovers for a short time, in 2015 he told the ‘Performing Songwriter’ magazine, ‘Every time I sing it, I still think of Janis.’

‘Me and Bobby McGee’ is the story of two drifters, who eventually become lovers. The pair hitch-hike through the American South, and after they have visited California they split up, with the songs narrator expressing sadness at their parting.

‘One day up near Salinas, Lord, I let him slip away. He’s lookin’ for that home, and I hope he finds it. Well, I’d trade all my tomorrows for one single yesterday, to be holdin’ Bobby’s body next to mine.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

342-George Michael-Outside.

1998-Number 2 single.

Best Bit-At 1.41. If you’re having your dinner on his kitchen table, give it a wipe first.

George Michael was born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou, on June 25th, 1963, in East Finchley, Middlesex, England, he died on December 25th, 2016, at the age of, 53, his death was attributed to natural causes due to dilated cardiomyopathy, with myocarditis, and a fatty liver. It was just prior to his breakthrough success in the early 1980’s with Wham! (see also best songs 991 and 142) that he changed his name legally to George Michael, as he thought it would fit better with his ‘Pop’ profile. With sales in excess of 130 million records sold worldwide, (30 million with Wham! & 100 million solo) George Michael is one of the worlds all time best selling artists. His numerous awards and achievements include five ‘Brit Awards,’ and two ‘Grammy Awards.’ In November 2023 he was posthumously inducted into the ‘Rock and Roll Hall of Fame,’ with his former Wham! partner Andrew Ridgeley as his induction presenter. The ‘Radio Academy’ have stated that George Michael was the most frequently played artist on British radio during the period 1984–2004.

George Michael was an ‘LGBT’ rights campaigner and ‘HIV/AIDS’ charity fundraiser, the proceeds from the 1991 single ‘Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me’ were divided among 10 different charities for children, AIDS and education. Following his death various charities revealed that George Michael had privately supported them for many years. Those charities included ‘Childline,’ to whom he had donated ‘millions,’ the ‘Terrence Higgins Trust,’ and ‘Macmillan Cancer Support.’ He also donated to individuals, he reportedly called the production team of the British television quiz show ‘Deal or No Deal’ after a contestant had revealed that she needed £15,000 to fund ‘IVF’ treatment, and anonymously paid for the treatment. On January 3rd, 2017, another woman came forward, and with the permission of his family, revealed that George Michael had anonymously paid for her ‘IVF’ treatment, after seeing her talk about her problems conceiving on an episode of the British television magazine programme ‘This Morning’ in 2010. The woman gave birth to a girl in 2012.

The solo discography of George Michael includes five studio Albums released between 1987-2004, and 44 singles released between 1984-2020, there is also one extended play, (EP) two official compilation Albums, and one live Album available. In the UK, four of his studio Albums have reached Number 1, with the other ‘Songs from the Last Century’ making Number 2, while 36 of his singles have reached the top 40, with seven of those all making the Number 1 position. In America on Billboard his only studio Album to reach Number 1 is his debut ‘Faith’ from 1987, while 17 of his singles have made the Billboard Hot 100, with eight of those tracks all reaching Number 1. ‘Outside’ has never charted on the Billboard Hot 100, having never been issued as a physical single, and only being released to radio. Some of George Michael’s hit singles have been in collaboration with other major artists, including ‘I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me’) with Aretha Franklin, (1987-UK & US Number 1) Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me,’with Elton John, (1991-UK & US Number 1) and ‘Somebody to Love,’with Queen (1993-UK Number 1 & US Number 30.)

‘Outside’ was the first of two singles released from ‘Ladies & Gentlemen: The Best of George Michael,’ from November 1998, which was the first official compilation Album by George Michael. ‘Outside’ was one of only two new tracks recorded for the compilation, with ‘As,’ a duet with Mary J Blige, (1999-UK-Number 4) being the other single released. ‘Outside’ was written by George Michael, with the production being by George Michael and Jon Douglas, who was born Jonathan Simon Douglas, on April 4th, 1970, in Kingston Upon Hull, Yorkshire, England. Jon Douglas is credited as working with several other high profile artists, including Kylie Minogue, (see also best songs 928) and has recordings he has worked on estimated as selling in excess of 70 million.

In 1998 George Michael had been arrested by an undercover police officer in the public lavatory of the ‘Will Rogers Memorial Park,’ in Beverley Hills, California, an incident which led him to finally declare his homosexuality. George Michael wrote ‘Outside’ about that incident in a humorous, and self deprecating manner, which is aided by the tracks memorable official video. The songs self mocking lyrics include ‘I’d service the community, but I already have you see.’ Along with a fine, George Michael had been sentenced to 80 hours community service for the offence. The Album’s title ‘Ladies and Gentlemen: The Best of George Michael’ was also a pun on what had happened in the lavatory, as ‘The Ladies,’ and ‘The Gentlemen’ are a British colloquial term for a gender pacific public toilet. In the UK the Album has sold in excess of 2.7 million copies, and in excess of four million copies worldwide. George Michael donated all British profits from the Album to the ‘Terence Higgins Trust.’

‘So my angel she says ‘don’t you worry’ about the things they’re saying, yeah. Got no friends in high places, and the game that you gave away wasn’t worth playing.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

343-The Marcels-Blue Moon.

1961-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 1.33. Co-writer of the song, the legendary Richard Rodgers hated The Marcels ‘Doo-Wop’ arrangement so much that he took out advertisements in the music papers urging people not to buy it.

‘Blue Moon’ was written in 1934, with the music by Richard Rodgers, (1902-1979) (see also best songs 842 and 60) and the lyrics by his long term writing partner Lorenz Hart (1895-1943.) In May 1933 Rodgers and Hart were contracted by ‘Metro-Golden-Mayer’ to write songs for the musical film ‘Hollywood Party.’ ‘Blue Moon’ which at first was titled ‘Prayer (Oh Lord, Make Me a Movie Star’) was not selected for the film, but with re-written lyrics, and this time titled ‘It’s Just That Kind of Play,’ was offered to the 1934 film ‘Manhattan Melodrama,’ but was once again not used. It was Jack Robbins (1894-1959) who was head of the studio’s publishing company at ‘MGM’ who saw commercial potential in the song, and persuaded Hart to re-write it again, but this time with romantic lyrics. ‘Blue Moon’ is one of the most covered songs in this ‘1000 Best Songs’ list, with dozens of versions recorded by artists of many differing genres over the decades. It is also a favourite for use in several films, and television programmes.

The Marcels were formed in 1959, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States, taking their name from a popular hair style of the day, the ‘marcel wave.’ They were a ‘Doo-Wop’ group who were known for recording popular old songs in the new ‘Rock ‘N Roll’ style. They remained active until 1962, before reforming in 1972 to tour and record, with changes in band membership they continued to perform until into the 2010’s. The original quintet who also performed on ‘Blue Moon’ were made up of Cornelius Harp, (1940-2013) Fred Johnson, (1942-2022) Gene Bricker, (1938-1983) Ron Mundy, (1940-2017) and Richard Knauss, in total there were 12 different members come and go. The discography of The Marcels includes one studio Album also called ‘Blue Moon,’ from July 1961, and 21 singles released between 1961-1982. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, two of their singles have reached the top 40, ‘Blue Moon,’ (1961-Number 1 ) and ‘Heartaches,’ (1961-Number 7) while in the UK, The Marcels are true ‘One Hit Wonders,’ with ‘Blue Moon’ reaching Number 1, and following that they never achieved another top 40 single.

‘Blue Moon’ was recorded by The Marcels at the request of Stuart Phillips, who was in the employment of ‘Colpix Records’ at the time. It was Phillips who suggested the introduction to the song, (‘Bomp-baba-bomp,’ and ‘dip-da-dip-da-dip’) which had been an excerpt of an original song that The Marcels had previously had in its act, Phillips had felt that the song needed a little something extra. ‘The Marcels recording of ‘Blue Moon’ was co-produced by Danny Winchell, (1926-2011) and Stuart Phillips, who was born on September 9th, 1929. Stuart Phillips is best remembered for providing the incidental music for numerous films and television programmes, including writing the themes for the American science fiction television series ‘Battlestar Galactica,’ and the American action crime drama television series ‘Knight Rider'(see also best songs 966 and 675.) He also scored the music for 29 films between 1961-2004, including ‘Buck Rogers in the 25th Century,’ (1979) and he scored the music for 54 of the 58 ‘The Monkees’ (see also best songs 121) American television musical sitcoms, between 1966-1968.

‘Blue Moon was originally written in 1934 by Richard Rodgers, (1902-1979) (see also best songs 842 and 60) who wrote the music, and Lorenz Hart, who wrote the lyrics. Lorenz Hart was born Lorenz Milton Hart, on May 2nd, 1895, in New York City, United States, he died on November 22nd, 1943, from pneumonia, at the age of 48. With Richard Rodgers whom he first met in 1919, the pair wrote the music and lyrics for 26 Broadway musicals, their most famous compositions include The Lady is a Tramp,’ from ‘Babes in Arms’ (1937) Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered,’ from Pal Joey,’ (1940) and ‘My Funny Valentine,’ from ‘Babes in Arms’ (1937.) Lorenz Hart had a very troubled life, he was an alcoholic, and also had trouble coming to terms with his sexuality. He lived with his widowed mother Frieda, and would sometimes disappear for weeks at a time on drinking binges. Hart experienced depression, and his erratic behaviour was often the cause of friction between him and Richard Rodgers, that led to Rodgers teaming with the lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II (see also best songs 842-687-82 and 60) in 1942. In April 1943, Hart’s mother Frieda died, which it is said left him devastated, from which he did not recover emotionally. The American writer Robert Gottlieb (1931-2023) wrote, ‘There were rumours about Larry (Lorenz Hart) while he was alive, but nothing about his sexuality ever appeared in print. One night in Los Angeles, in 1933, someone from a Hollywood trade magazine approached Dick (Richard Rogers) at a party and said, ‘I’ve got to ask you something about Larry … Is it true Larry’s a fairy?’ Dick grabbed him by the collar, (biographer Gary Marmorstein recounts) and said, ‘I never heard that. And if you print it, I’ll kill you.”

So what is a Blue Moon? About every 2.7 years, there are four full moons in a season instead of three – the third moon, not the fourth, is dubbed the blue moon. The rarity of the occasion inspired the old saying ‘once in a blue moon.’ What Lorenz Hart was suggesting in his lyrics was that finding true love was very rare, perhaps a once in a lifetime chance, in fact once in a blue moon.

‘And then there suddenly appeared before me the only one my arms will hold. I heard somebody whisper ‘please adore me,’ and when I looked the moon had turned to gold.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

344-Arrow-Hot Hot Hot.

1984-Number 59 single. It was remixed, and re-released in 1994 as the ‘World Carnival Mix 94,’ and this time reached Number 38.

Best Bit-At 5.54. The song has been featured in numerous film and television programmes over the years, but of course most fittingly, when used as the theme for the 1989 Miss Universe competition.

Arrow was born Alphonsus Celestine Edmund Cassell on November 16th, 1949, in Plymouth, Montserrat, West Indies, he died at his home in Montserrat on September 15th, 2010, at the age of 60 from cerebral cancer. Arrow first started out singing Calypso, but over time he would fuse other genres such as ‘R&B’ and ‘Salsa,’ and he is best remembered as a ‘Soca’ musician. Arrow first began performing at the age of 10 in a concert at the Montserrat Secondary School. He then began singing ‘Calypso’ in 1967, and took the ‘Junior Monarch’ title that year. He took up singing professionally in 1969, and in the same year he was runner up in the ‘Montserrat Calypso King’ competition. He won the title the next year, following in the footsteps of his brothers Justin, who is known as ‘Hero,’ and Lorenzo, who is known as ‘Young Challenger,’ in total Arrow won the title four times. Arrow has received an ‘MBE’ for his charitable work, which has included organising a fund raising Calypso festival on the Caribbean island of Montserrat in 1996, after many businesses were destroyed by the devastation caused by the Soufriere Hills volcanic eruption. In 1988, he was given the ‘Living Legends’ award by the organisers of the ‘Caribbean Song Festival,’ and the ‘Bahamas Tourist Board.’ His last live performance was at a fund raising concert for Haiti at the ‘Montserrat Cultural Center,’ in January 2010.

The discography of Arrow includes 30 Albums released between 1972-2002, and at least 10 singles released between 1973-1994. He has never charted on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, although two of his tracks, ‘Groove Master,’ (1988-Number 23) and ‘O’ La Soca,’ (1989-Number 38) have both made the Billboard ‘Dance Club Songs’ chart. In the UK, he has had two top 40 hit singles, with ‘Long Time’ peaking the highest at Number 30 in 1984, and the 1994 ‘World Carnival Mix’ of ‘Hot Hot Hot’ making Number 38, this remixed version is Arrow’s most successful chart single, having also peaked at Number 9 in Australia.

‘Hot Hot Hot’ which was also the title of Arrow’s eighth Album release from 1982, was written by Arrow, with the production and arrangement being by the Trinidadian music producer and musician Leston Paul, who in the 1980’s was a pioneer in ‘Electronic Music’ production in Trinidad. ‘Hot Hot Hot’ which is the the biggest selling ‘Soca’ hit of all time, gained worldwide recognition when it was adopted as the theme song of the 1986 ‘FIFA World Cup’ in Mexico. In America the song is best known for it’s 1987 cover version by the American singer David Johansen as his lounge singer persona ‘Buster Pointdexter,’ the song reached Number 45 on the Billboard Hot 100 in America. This was quite a change in style for Johansen who had previously been the lead singer with the influential ‘Punk Rock’ band ‘New York Dolls’ between 1971-1976, he also rejoined that group for their 2004-2011 reunion. David Johansen has called ”Hot Hot Hot’ ‘The bane of my life,’ owing to its popularity as a karaoke and wedding song. In America the song became a staple of cruise ships, weddings, and other festive occasions, and was also a regular video played on ‘MTV.’

‘Soca’ is a genre of music that originated in Trinidad and Tobago in the early 1970’s, by the fusing of other musical genres such as ‘Calypso,’ ‘Reggae,’ ‘Latin,’ and traditional ‘West African rhythms.’ It was the Trinidadian musician Garfield Blackman (1941-2000) better known by his stage name ‘Lord Shorty’ who is recognised as defining the genre. It was originally spelt ‘Sokah,’ by Lord Shorty, (taken from SOul of CAlypso) but through an error in a local newspaper when reporting on the new genre, it was misspelled as ‘Soca,’ Lord Shorty confirmed the error but chose to leave it that was in order to avoid confusion.

‘Soca’ music is based on a strong rhythmic section that is often recorded using synthesised drum sounds and then sequenced using computers, however, for live shows, the live human drummer emulates the recorded version, often using electronic drums to trigger drum samples. The drum and percussion are often loud in this genre of music, and are sometimes the only instruments to back up the vocal. ‘Soca’ is indeed defined by its loud, fast percussive beats.

‘Calypso’ (see also best songs 390) music originated in Trinidad and Tobago during the early to mid 19th Century. As English replaced ‘patois’ (Antillean creole) as the dominant language, the lyrics in the songs were often used by the masses to put their point across to challenge those in government. In 1996 Arrow explained what he saw as the difference between ‘Soca’ and ‘Calypso,’ using this song as an example. ’Feeling ‘Hot Hot Hot’ makes you forget that there’s a volcano, and remember there’s fun to be had. Soca was made for dancing, and didn’t carry any political messages.’

Me mind on fire, me soul on fire, all da people all around me feelin’ hot hot hot. A what to do on a night like this, is it sweet, I can’t resist. We need a party sound, a fun-da-mental charm so we can rhum boom boom boom.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

345-Bessie Smith-Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out.

1929. It has never charted in the UK. There was no UK chart until 1952.

Best Bit-At 0.55. Bessie Smith’s ‘honorific’ nickname was initially ‘Queen of the Blues,’ but as her career progressed she was promoted to the ‘Empress of the Blues.’

Honorific nicknames are often used by the media, or fans of an artist to indicate their significance, they are often religious, royal, or aristocratic titles, used metaphorically. There are literally dozens and dozens of artists who have been given honorific nicknames, some which come instantly to mind are ‘The King of Rock ‘N Roll’ (Elvis Presley) ‘The King of Pop’ (Michael Jackson) and ‘The Boss’ (Bruce Springsteen.)

Bessie Smith was born on April 15th, 1894, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States, she died on September 26th, 1937, at the age of 43 after being critically injured in a car crash on ‘U.S. Route 61,’ between Memphis, Tennessee, and Clarksdale, Mississippi. Smith was the most popular female Blues singer of the 1920’s, and 1930’s, and a major influence on fellow Blues singers, and the generations to come, including Billie Holiday (1915-1959) (see also best songs 624.) Smith herself was inspired by the ‘Mother of the Blues’ Gertrude ”Ma” Rainey (1886-1939) with whom she toured with before starting her recording career. After her death Smith’s estranged husband Jack Gee (1889-1973) thwarted all efforts to purchase a stone to mark her grave, once or twice pocketing the money raised for that purpose for himself. Smith’s grave remained unmarked until 1970 when a tombstone was paid for by Janis Joplin (1943-1970) (see also best songs 341) and Juanita Green, who in her youth had done housework for Smith. There was no official record chart in the United States until 1936, so no official chart positions are available for the recordings of Bessie Smith who released 162 ’78 RPM Singles’ between 1923-1933, of which ‘Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out,’ was her 133rd release, recorded on May 15th, 1929. Since her death there have been 13 official compilation Albums issued between 1938-1997.

Bessie Smith was one of the early innovators of what is now called ‘Classic female blues,’ which was an early form of ‘Blues music,’ popular in the 1920’s. ‘Classic female blues’ is a mixture and blend of traditional ‘Folk Blues,’ and ‘Urban theatre music,’ the style is also known as ‘Vaudeville Blues.’ ‘Classic Blues’ were performed by female singers accompanied by pianists or small Jazz ensembles, and were the first Blues music to be recorded. Ma Rainey, (1886-1939) Bessie Smith, (1894-1937) Ethel Waters, (1896-1977) and other singers in this genre, were instrumental in spreading the popularity of the ‘Blues.’ ‘Blues’ is a type of ‘black Folk music’ that originated in the American South, and was mainly in the form of work songs until about 1900. The ‘Classic female blues’ singers were pioneers in the record industry, being among the first black singers and Blues artists recorded. Artists including Mahalia Jackson, (1911-1972) and Janis Joplin, (1943-1970) are among those who named Bessie Smith as an influence.

‘Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out’ was written in 1923, two years before his death at the age of 42, by the American Vaudeville pianist Jimmy Cox (1882-1925.) Cox was inspired to write the song following the 1920–1921 economic depression. The depression occurred amid a post–World War I recession that affected much of the world’s leading economies. During this period, the United States economy experienced a severe downturn, and unemployment skyrocketed. It was the largest one year economic decline in nearly a century and a half, and was far worse than any year during the ‘Great Depression.’ Although Jimmy Cox copyrighted the song in 1923, the first known recording did not appear until 1927, by the Blues artist Bobby Leecan, (1897-1946) who recorded his version under the name ‘Blind Bobby Baker and his guitar.’ Bessie Smith recorded ‘Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out’ on May 15th, 1929, in New York City. She recorded the song with instrumental accompaniment, including a small trumpet section. When the record was released on Friday, September 13th, 1929, the lyrics turned out to be oddly prophetic. The New York stock market had reached an all time high less than two weeks earlier, only to go into its biggest decline two weeks later in the ‘Wall Street Crash’ of 1929, which signalled the beginning of the 10 years ‘Great Depression.’ The version recorded by Bessie Smith has become her signature song, and has led to the song becoming a ‘Blues standard.’

‘Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out’ was written during the ‘Roaring Twenties,’ a time of economic prosperity. The lyrics are a warning not to squander your money because the good times may not last all that long, and the people that want to know you while you are on top, will not be so keen to, once your finances have gone.

‘Once I lived the life of a millionaire, spent all my money, I just did not care. Took all my friends out for a good time, bought bootleg liquor, champagne and wine.’