THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

271-Camisra-Let Me Show You.

1998-Number 5 single.

Best Bit-At 4.13. It is said by some, that the anticipation during the build up to this songs ‘drop’ is even better than sex. I suppose it depends on what kind of equipment you are lucky enough to have.

‘Camisra’ is one of the stage names used by Paul Newman, who was born in Blackpool, England, on May 5th, 1971. I was rather hoping that the word ‘Camisra’ would have had an exciting or mysterious meaning to go alongside such a wonderful song, but it appears it is no more than just a made up word. Newman is probably better known by his original stage name of ‘Tall Paul,’ (due to his height, he stands around six foot and six inches) a name he began using in 1994, and still does at the time of writing, but he also used ‘Camisra’ for that project between 1998-1999.

Tall Paul started his career in music in 1985 at ‘Turnmills’ nightclub in Clerkenwell, London, England, which was owned by his father John Newman. After perfecting his craft he has gone on to headline events around the world including in America, and Europe. His breakthrough as a music producer came in 1997 when as Tall Paul his first single release ‘Rock Da House’ reached Number 12 in the UK. As Tall Paul he has released a further five singles between 1997-2005, with a remix of ‘Rock Da House’ making Number 29 in 2001, and ‘Precious Heart’ reaching Number 14 in the same year. Newman has also charted twice in the UK using the name ‘Escrima,’ with ‘Train of Thought’ (1995-Number 36) and ‘Deeper’ (1995- Number 27.) Under the name ‘Partizan’ his song ‘Drive Me Crazy’ reached Number 36 in 1997, and in 1999 he also recorded using the name ‘Grifters.’ His biggest chart success was achieved with this song which peaked at Number 5 in the UK in February 1998, it also made Number 19 in Ireland, and Number 53 in Holland. As Camisra, Newman has issued a further two tracks, ‘Feel the Beat’ which was the follow up single to ‘Let Me Show You,’ reached Number 32 in 1998, and ‘Clap Your Hands’ made Number 34 in 1999. His best known remixes for others include, The Original ‘I Luv U Baby,’ (1995) Liquid ‘Sweet Harmony,’ (1992) and The Stone Roses’ ‘Fools Gold ’95’ (1995.)

‘Let Me Show You’ was the first of three singles released by Paul Newman using the name ‘Camisra, and should be filed under the genre of ‘House Music.’ The genre was created in Chicago, Illinois, United States, in the early 1980’s, and took over from the ‘Disco’ music of the late 1970’s. While Disco was associated with live orchestration, House music incorporated sounds produced by synthesizers, and electronic drum machines. There are various explanations as to where the name ‘House’ music originated, with some stating it got it’s name from the ‘Warehouse’ nightclub which existed in Chicago from 1977-1983. The American DJ and music producer Frankie Knuckles (1955-2014) who was known as the ‘Godfather of House’ has said that the first time he heard the term House music was upon seeing ‘we play house music’ on a sign in the window of a bar on Chicago’s South Side. One of the people with Knuckles joked ‘You know that’s the kind of music you play down at the Warehouse.’

‘House’ is a genre of Electronic Dance Music that is characterised by a repetitive ‘four-on-the-floor’ beat with a typical tempo of 115–130 beats per minute. It was created by DJ’s and music producers from Chicago’s underground club culture and evolved slowly in the early to mid 1980’s as DJ’s began altering Disco songs to give them a more mechanical beat. By early 1988, House music had entered the mainstream and became part of late 1980’s ‘Pop.’ The term ‘four-on-the-floor,’ or ‘four-to-the-floor’ is a rhythm used primarily in dance genres such as ‘Disco’ and ‘Electronic Dance Music.’ It is a steady, uniformly accented beat, in which the bass drum is hit on every beat (1, 2, 3, 4.) This was popularised in the Disco music of the 1970’s, and the term ‘four-on-the-floor’ was widely used in that era since the beat was played with the pedal-operated, drum-kit bass drum.

House music was created and pioneered by DJ’s and producers in Chicago such as Frankie Knuckles, Ron Hardy, (1958-1992) Steve ‘Silk’ Hurley, (see also best songs 935) Farley “Jackmaster” Funk, (see also best songs 981) Marshall Jefferson, and others. House music initially expanded to New York City, then internationally to cities such as London, and ultimately became a worldwide phenomenon. House music has a large influence on ‘Pop’ music, especially Dance music. It was incorporated into works by major international artists including Whitney Houston, (1963-2012) (see also best songs 704) Mariah Carey, (see also best songs 822) Janet Jackson, (see also best songs 679) Madonna, (see also best songs 774 and 587) Pet Shop Boys, (see also best songs 871 and 378) Kylie Minogue (see also best songs 928) and Lady Gaga, (see also best songs 363) and has produced many mainstream hits such as ‘Pump Up the Jam’ by Technotronic, (see also best songs 424) ‘French Kiss’ by Lil Louis, (see also best songs 922) and ‘Show Me Love’ by Robin S (see also best songs 994.) Many House music DJ’s also did and continue to do remixes for a wide range of Pop artists. House music has remained popular on the radio and in clubs, while retaining a foothold on the underground scenes across the world.

‘Let me show you what I’m capable of. Honey, would you just give me the chance by doing something you won’t ever believe.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

272-Fats Domino-Blueberry Hill.

1956-Number 6 single.

Best Bit-At 0.11. In 1969 Elvis Presley (1935-1977) (see also best songs 954-664-442 and 194) said, ‘A lot of people seem to think I started this business, but ‘Rock N’ Roll’ was here a long time before I came along. Let’s face it I can’t sing like Fats Domino can, I know that.’

Fats Domino (see also best songs 617) was born Antoine Caliste Dominique Jr. on February 26th, 1928, in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States, he died of natural causes on October 24th, 2017, at the age of 89. Although Fats Domino is considered to be one of the leading lights in the development of Rock N’ Roll in the 1950’s, he was never convinced that Rock N’ Roll was a new genre. In 1957 he said, ‘What they call Rock N’ Roll now is Rhythm and Blues. I’ve been playing it for 15 years in New Orleans.’ Music critics writing for the ‘Rolling Stone’ magazine have backed up this statement by stating that ‘All Fifties rockers, black and white, country born, and city bred, were fundamentally influenced by ‘R&B,’ the black popular music of the late Forties and early Fifties.’

The discography of Fats Domino who has sold in excess of 65 million records, with five of his songs including ‘Blueberry Hill’ selling over one million copies, includes 25 studio Albums released between 1956-2006, and 96 singles released between 1949-1985, there are also 32 official compilation Albums, and 20 live Albums available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, 36 of his singles have reached the top 40, with ‘Blueberry Hill’ peaking the highest at Number 2 in 1956, while 58 of his singles have made the Billboard ‘Rhythm and Blues’ chart, which is currently known as the ‘Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs’ chart, with nine of those tracks including ‘Blueberry Hill, all reaching the Number 1 position. In the UK, Fats Domino has had 16 top 40 hit singles, with ‘Blueberry Hill’ peaking the highest at Number 6.

‘Blueberry Hill’ was the third of four singles released from ‘This Is Fats Domino!’ the third studio Album released by Fats Domino, from December 1956. ‘Blueberry Hill’ was co-written by Vincent Rose, (1880-1944) (music) Larry Stock, (1896-1984) (lyrics) and Al Lewis, (1901-1967) (lyrics) with the production being by Dave Bartholomew, (1918-2019) (see also best songs 617) who was a long time collaborator with Fats Domino, but had reservations about recording ‘Blueberry Hill,’ stating that it had been done too many times already, he can be heard playing the trumpet on the track. ‘Blueberry Hill’ was recorded several times in 1940, with the original version being by the Sammy Kaye (1910-1987) Orchestra, with vocals by Tommy Ryan, (1921-2007) recorded on May 31st. The most successful version prior to Fats Domino was recorded by the Glenn Miller Orchestra, (see also best songs 808-321 and 146) which reached Number 2 on the American chart in 1940, with vocals by Ray Eberle (1919-1979.) In 1949 Louis Armstrong (1901-1971) (see also best songs 1039-767-286-231 and 100) recorded a version which reached Number 29 on Billboard, and it was Armstrong’s recording that inspired Fats Domino to record it in 1956. Another notable recording was made in 1941 by the American singer and actor Gene Autry, (1907-1998) who also sang it in the 1941 western movie ‘The Singing Hill.’

Vincent Rose who wrote the music for ‘Blueberry Hill’ was born Vincenzo Cacioppo, on June 13th, 1880, in Palermo, Italy, he died on May 20th, 1944, at the age of 63. Vincent Rose who was a violinist, pianist, composer, and bandleader achieved great success in the 1920’s with his ‘Montmartre Orchestra,’ recording for ‘RCA.’ The same personnel later recorded for the ‘Columbia’ label as the ‘Hollywood Orchestra.’ After leaving California, he settled in New York, but continued to record as ‘Vincent Rose and His Orchestra,’ for various labels throughout the 1930’s. Rose was a prolific songwriter, having published well over 200 songs, most notably ‘Avalon’ in 1921, which was a big hit for Al Jolson, (1886-1950) (see also best songs 310) who also wrote that songs lyrics.

The lyrics for ‘Blueberry Hill’ were co-written by Larry Stock, and Al Lewis. Larry Stock was born Lazarus Goldberger, on December 4th, 1896, in Manhattan, New York City, United States, he died on May 4th, 1984, at the age of 87. At 12 years old he was accepted by the ‘Institute of Musical Art’ in New York, which later became the ‘Juilliard School.’ After graduating at 16 years old he continued his studies at the ‘City College of New York.’ Larry Stock’s other best known songs include the Dean Martin (1917-1995) hit ‘You’re Nobody till Somebody Loves You,’ (1964-Billboard Number 25) and ‘Morning Side of the Mountain,’ a hit for Tommy Edwards, (1959-Billboard Number 27) and Donny & Marie Osmond (1974-Billboard Number 8 & UK Number 5.) Larry Stock who was posthumously inducted into the ‘Songwriters Hall of Fame’ in 1998. was a second cousin of Jerry Wexler (1917-2008) (see also best songs 882-644-530 and 475.) Al Lewis was born Alvin Lewis on April 18th, 1901, in New York City, United States, he died on April 4th, 1967, at the age of 65. His other best known songs include, ‘You Gotta Be a Football Hero,’ (1933) which has become one of the most widely recorded and performed American football anthems of all time, and ‘Tears on My Pillow,’ first recorded by Little Anthony and the Imperials, (1958-Billboard Number 4) and covered by Kylie Minogue, who took her version to Number 1 in the UK in 1990.

‘Blueberry Hill’ is a song about lost love, the narrator has fond memories of his time with his partner on Blueberry Hill, but now he is alone, and sadly reminiscing.

‘The wind in the willows played love’s sweet melody, but all of those vows you made were never to be. Though we’re apart you’re part of me still, for you were my thrill on Blueberry Hill.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

273-The Damned-New Rose.

1976-It failed to chart on it’s initial release, but did make Number 81 when re-issued in 1986.

Best Bit-At 0.19. This song is generally accepted as the very first British Punk Rock single.

The Damned were formed in London, England, in 1976 by Dave Vanian. (born David Lett) (lead vocals) Brian James, (1955-2025) (born Brian Robertson) (bass guitar) Captain Sensible, (born Raymond Ian Burns) (guitar) (see also best songs 833) and Rat Scabies (born Christopher John Millar) (drums.) Dave Vanian, Captain Sensible, and Rat Scabies had all previously been members of ‘Masters of the Backside’ who were an early Punk Rock Band managed by Malcolm McLaren, (1946-2010) (see also best songs 751-576-92 and 27) another member of that group was Chrissie Hynde, who would later go on to be the lead singer of The Pretenders. Prior to joining The Damned, Brian James had been a member of the Pub Rock outfit ‘London SS,’ whose other members included Mick Jones, who went on to form The Clash, and Big Audio Dynamite, (see also best songs 867-638 and 294) and Tony James who would join the Punk band ‘Chelsea,’ before finding further success with Generation X, and Sigue Sigue Sputnik (see also best songs 163.) In total there have been 21 official members of The Damned come and go, and at the time of writing they remain active, with David Vanian being the bands one constant. The Damned started out life as a leading light in the fledgling Punk Rock scene, but over the course of time they also became recognised as one of the first ‘Gothic’ Rock bands, with lead singer Dave Vanian’s baritone singing, dark lyrics, and vampire-themed costume, being a major influence on the Goth subculture.

The discography of The Damned includes 12 studio Albums released between 1977-2023, and 48 singles released between 1976-2023, there are also five extended plays, (EP’s) four box sets, 28 official compilation Albums, and 22 live Albums available. In the UK, nine of their singles have reached the top 40, with their 1986 cover version of ‘Eloise’ (see also best songs 515) peaking the highest at Number 3. ‘New Rose’ failed to chart in the UK when first released in 1976, and was later re-issued as the follow up single to ‘Eloise’ in 1986, and this time it peaked at Number 81. The only one of their releases to chart in America on Billboard is their 1987 single ‘Alone Again Or,’ which reached Number 50 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.

‘New Rose’ was the first of two singles released from ‘Damned Damned Damned,’ which was the debut studio Album released by The Damned from February 1977, the song was written by Brian James, with the production being by Nick Lowe. ‘New Rose’ is considered to be the first British ‘Punk Rock’ single, from the first full length Album released by a British Punk group. The majority of the Album, and ‘New Rose’ was written by Brian James who would also write the bands second Album ‘Music for Pleasure,’ before leaving the band at the end of 1977. Brian James was born Brian Robertson on February 18th, 1955, in Hammersmith, London, England, he died on March 6th, 2025, at the age of 70, the cause of death has not been shared. After leaving The Damned in 1977, he would go on to release five solo Albums, six solo singles, and one extended play (EP) between 1990-2017, he also released music as a member of ‘Tanz Der Youth,’ ‘Lords of the New Church,’ ‘Dripping Lips,’ and the ‘Racketeers.’

‘New Rose’ was produced by Nick Lowe, who was born Nicholas Drain Lowe on March 24th, 1949, in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, England, he is a singer, songwriter, musician, and producer. As a music producer Nick Lowe earned himself the nickname ‘Basher,’ which was inspired by his supposed instructions to bands to ‘bash it out, we’ll tart it up later.’ In 1976 he became an in house music producer at ‘Stiff Records,’ which was where he teamed up with The Damned.’ He also produced the first five studio Albums by Elvis Costello between 1977-1981, including the single ‘Oliver’s Army’ (see also best songs 836.) Nick Lowe has released 14 solo studio Albums between 1978-2024, and 23 singles between 1976-2011. In the UK he has had three top 40 solo hit singles, with ‘I Love the Sound of Breaking Glass’ peaking the highest at Number 7 in 1978. He has written songs that have been hits for others, including (‘What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding,’ for Elvis Costello, ‘I Knew the Bride (When She Used to Rock ’n’ Roll’) for Dave Edmunds, (1977-UK Number 26) and ‘Milk and Alcohol’ for Dr Feelgood (1979-UK Number 9.)

At the very start of ‘New Rose’ David Vanian says ‘Is she really going out with him,’ this is a tribute to the ‘Shrangri-Las’ 1964 classic ‘Leader of the Pack’ (see also best songs 833.) ‘New Rose’ is about the emergence of a new scene, a new fashion, a new culture, and of course a new genre of music that was happening in 1976, which was to be coined ‘Punk Rock,’ a term previously used by American Rock critics in the early 1970’s to describe the mid-1960’s ‘Garage’ bands. Brian James has explained the songs meaning, ‘Everyone thinks New Rose is about a girl or a new relationship, but it’s not. It was about this emerging scene, this lovely buzz that you’d never dreamed could possibly happen. It was like, I’d got my own Swinging 60’s, that sorta vibe.’

‘I got a feeling inside of me, it’s kind of strange like a stormy sea. I don’t know why, I don’t know why, I guess these things have got to be.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

274-Charles Trenet-La Mer.

1946-It has never charted in the UK. There was no UK chart until 1952.

Best Bit-At 2.28. ‘La Mer’ has been recorded in several different languages, in Italy it is ‘II Mare,’ while in Belgium it is ‘De Zee.’ German speaking countries call it ‘Das Meer,’ in Russia it is known as ‘Volna,’ and in English speaking countries it is called ‘Beyond The Sea.’

‘La Mer’ (in English the sea) was written by the French singer/songwriter Charles Trenet, who was born Louis Charles Augustin Georges Trenet on May 18th, 1913, in Narbonne, Occitanie, France, he died after suffering a second stroke on February 19th, 2001, at the age of 87. Trenet is one of France’s most celebrated artists, who wrote nearly 1000 songs, his other most notable compositions include ‘Boum!’ from 1938, and ‘Que reste-t-il de nos amours?’ from 1942. Several of his songs had unconventional subject matter, with whimsical imagery bordering on the surreal, for example ‘Y’a d’la joie’ (1937) evokes joy through a series of disconnected images, including that of a subway car shooting out of its tunnel into the air, the Eiffel Tower crossing the street, and a baker making excellent bread. Many of his hits from the 1930’s and 1940’s combine the melodic and verbal nuances of French song with American swing rhythms. At the start of World War II, Charles Trenet was called up. Like many other artistes of the time, he chose to entertain the occupying forces rather than sacrifice his career. He agreed, when asked by the Germans, to sing for French prisoners of war in Germany. During the Épuration légale (‘legal purge’), the wave of official trials that followed the Liberation of France and the fall of the Vichy Regime, a court examined whether Trenet was guilty of collaboration. The inquiry resulted in a reprimand, without any other consequences. After the end of World War II Trenet moved to the United States where he lived for a few years, and where he quickly became a success. After a few concerts at the ‘Bagdad’ in New York City, he became a big star and was approached by Hollywood. He met Louis Armstrong (1901-1971) (see also best songs 1039-767-286-231 and 100) and began a long lasting friendship with Charlie Chaplin (1889-1977) (see also best songs 327.) Charles Trenet received four of France’s most prestigious honours and awards, including the highest, the ‘National Order of the Legion of Honour,’ (French: Ordre national de la Légion d’honneur [ɔʁdʁ nɑsjɔnal də la leʒjɔ̃ dɔnœʁ] in 1998. In 2017, a service centre on the A9 autoroute between Narbonne and Béziers was renamed in his honour. It contains an exhibition evoking his life and work, and sculptures by Pascale, and Thierry Delorme.

Charles Trenet said that he wrote the lyrics in the form of a poem to ‘La Mer’ in 1929 at the age of 16, but didn’t come up with the melody until 1943 when he was travelling by train between Montpellier and Perpignan His inspiration came as he was gazing out the window at the ‘Etang de Thau, a lagoon in the South of France. Trenet took his ideas to Leo Chauliac (1913-1977) a Jazz pianist who Trenet was working with at that time, and further input was provided by Albert Lasry (1903-1975) who also produced Trenet’s own recording of the song in 1946.

Charles Trenet wrote ‘La Mer’ as an ode to the sea, but the English language lyrics which were written by Jack Laurence are about a couple who are separated by the sea, and the narrator lives in hope that one day they will be reunited. Jack Laurence was born Jacob Louis Schwartz on April 7th, 1912, in Brooklyn, New York, United States, he died after a fall at his home on March 16th, 2009, at the age of 96. Other notable songs written by Laurence include ‘If I Didn’t Care,’ (see also best songs 266) recorded by the Ink Spots, and ‘Linda,’ a 1947 Billboard Number 1 for Ray Noble & Buddy Clark. Jack Laurence wrote ‘Linda’ in 1942, taking the name from the then one year old daughter of his attorney, Lee Eastman (1910-1991.) The Linda in question would grow up to be the future wife of Paul McCartney, Linda Eastman (1941-1998) (see also best songs 646 and 107.)

‘La Mer’ is a ‘Chanson,’ which is generally any lyric-driven French song. It was first recorded by Roland Gerbeau (1919-2012) with Jo Bouillon (1908-1984) and His Orchestra in 1945, Charles Trenet made his first recording of the song a year later. Over the years the song has become a Chanson, and Jazz standard, and has been recorded hundreds of times. The most famous and successful English language version is the recording by Bobby Darin. (1936-1973) (see also best songs 43.) The English version is known as ‘Beyond the Sea,’ and became Darin’s signature song after reaching Number 6 on Billboard, and Number 8 in the UK in 1960. Prior to Bobby Darin charting with the song it had been a hit twice before in instrumental form, for Benny Goodman (1909-1986) in 1948, and for Roger Williams (1924-2011) in 1956, when reaching Number 37 on Billboard. It is reckoned that ‘La Mer’ has more than 4,000 different recordings of it, with over 70 million copies sold in total. The song is considered to be France’s best selling song, together with Édith Piaf’s (1915-1963) (see also best songs) (see also best songs 178) ‘La Vie en rose.’

‘La mer qu’on voit danser le long des golfes clairs a des reflets d’argent.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

275-Coldplay-Yellow.

2000-Number 4 single.

Best Bit-At 1.50. Chris Martin is very well known for being coy, and for also teasing interviewers when it comes to explaining his songs meanings, but it is probably safe to say this ones not about The Simpsons.

Coldplay were formed in London, England, in 1996 by Chris Martin, (vocals and piano) Jonny Buckland, (guitar) Guy Berryman, (bass) and Will Champion, (drums) the bands former manager, and creative director Phil Harvey is considered a fifth group member. Chris Martin and Jonny Buckland first met each other in September 1996 while studying at University College London, where using the name ‘Big Fat Noises’ they began to write songs together. It was in 1998 that Guy Berryman, and then Will Champion, who were also students at University College London would join forces with Martin and Buckland, and perform as a quartet, this time using the name ‘Starfish.’ Prior to releasing their first EP (extended play) called ‘Safety’ which had been financed by Phil Harvey in May 1998, the band finally settled on the name ‘Coldplay,’ which was suggested to them by another student called Tim Crompton, who had been contemplating using the name for a group of his own. The name was taken from the book ‘Child’s Reflections, Cold Play,’ by the author Philip Horky. With sales in excess of 100 million Albums, Coldplay are the best selling act of the 21st Century worldwide, and amongst the best selling artists of all time. They are also the first group in ‘Spotify’ history to reach 90 million monthly listeners. In the UK they have three of the 50 best selling Albums, and the distinction of being the most played group of the 21st Century on British media. The band have received numerous accolades throughout their career, becoming the most awarded and nominated group of all time at the ‘Brit Awards,’ with nine victories from their 32 nominations, they have also won seven ‘Grammy Awards,’ from 39 nominations.

The discography of Coldplay includes 10 studio Albums released between 2000-2024, and 43 singles released between 1999-2024, there are also 18 extended plays, (EP’s) 12 official compilation Albums, and six live Albums available. In the UK all 10 of their studio Albums have reached Number 1, while 29 of their singles have made the top 40, with ‘Viva la Vida,’ (2008) and ‘Paradise,’ (2011) both making Number 1. In America on the ‘Billboard 200’ chart, five of their studio Albums have reached Number 1, while 15 of their singles have made the ‘Billboard Hot 100’ top 40, with ‘Viva la Vida,’ (2008) and ‘My Universe’ featuring the South Korean ‘K-Pop’ boy band ‘BTS,’ (2021) both reaching Number 1.

‘Yellow’ was the first of four singles released from ‘Parachutes,’ the debut studio Album from Coldplay, from July 2000. The song was co-written by all four members of Coldplay, with the production credited to Coldplay and Ken Nelson, who was born on February 6th, 1959, in Liverpool, England. Nelson’s first major success was working on the debut studio Album ‘Bring It On,’ by the English Indie Rock group Gomez in 1998, he has also worked on three studio Albums by Coldplay, as well as engineering or producing for others including Badly Drawn Boy, Feeder, and Paolo Nutini. He has won three ‘Grammy Awards,’ two ‘Mercury Music Prizes,’ and was ‘Music Week’ magazine’s ‘Producer of the Year’ in 2003.

Chris Martin was born Christopher Anthony John Martin, on March 2nd, 1977, in Exeter, Devon, England. Away from Coldplay, Chris Martin has written or co-written for other artists including ‘Gravity’ for Embrace, (2004-UK Number 7) ‘See It in a Boy’s Eyes’ for Jamelia, (2004-UK Number 5) ‘All Good Things (Come to an End’) for Nelly Furtado, (2006-UK Number 4) and also for many others. In 2012 Chris Martin revealed that he had been suffering from tinnitus since his early adult years, as a result, he wears specially filtered earplugs or customised in-ear monitors while performing, and has encouraged his fellow band members to do the same as a preventive measure. Coldplay donate 10% from all of their profits to charity. The fund is held in a bank account that none of the band members can access. They have endorsed over 30 organisations over the years, including ‘Amnesty International,’ ‘Migrant Offshore Aid Station,’ and ‘Global Citizen Festival.’

Probably being bored with being asked the same question every time when interviewed, Chris Martin has admitted to giving several different explanations as to what ‘Yellow’ means. He told one interviewer that he got the idea from the book that happened to be nearest him when writing the song, it was the UK telephone directory, which is named ‘Yellow Pages,’ Martin has also said that the lyrics are about being devoted to someone, wanting to do anything for them. ‘Writing a song for them, swimming across the sea for them. It’s not necessarily a romantic devotion, but could be about someone that you look up to and would do anything for, a brotherly love.’

‘Look at the stars, look how they shine for you, and everything you do, yeah, they were all yellow. I came along, I wrote a song for you and all the things you do, and it was called yellow.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

276-Rupert Holmes-Escape (The Piña Colada Song.)

1979-Number 23 single.

Best Bit-At 2.32. They have both just found out that their partner has been cheating on them, so what do they do? They laugh for a moment and say,’ I never knew that you liked Pina Colada.’

Rupert Holmes was born David Goldstein on February 24th, 1947, in Northwich, Cheshire, England, at the age of six he emigrated with his family to Nanuet, New York, United States. He took his stage name from the English poet Rupert Brooke, (1887-1915) and ‘Holmes’ was a nod to the fictional detective Sherlock Holmes, created by the British author Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930.) Rupert Holmes is a composer, singer/songwriter, playwright, and an author, he also plays keyboards, saxophone, and is a vocalist. His songs have been recorded by many of the worlds top artists including Barbra Streisand, (see also best songs 699 and 145) and Dolly Parton, (see also best songs 704) and as a music producer he has worked with artists including Sparks, (see also best songs 840) producing their 1976 Album ‘Big Beat.’ Holmes is also a playwright, he made his professional debut as a playwright in 1985 with the musical ‘The Mystery of Edwin Drood,’ in total he has worked on 18 musicals. Rupert Holmes has also written for film and television, most famously the American comedy drama series ‘Remember WENN,’ writing all 56 episodes, he has also written three books. Holmes has said of his varied career, ‘I have a feeling that if I saved an entire orphanage from a fire and carried the last child out on my shoulders, as I stood there charred and smoking, they’d say,’Aren’t you the guy who wrote the pina colada song?’

The discography of Rupert Holmes includes 16 Albums released between 1974-2012, and 18 singles released between 1974-1983. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, three of his singles have reached the top 40, with ‘Escape (The Piña Colada Song’) peaking the highest at Number 1, while in the UK, he has charted twice within the top 40, with ‘Escape (The Piña Colada Song’) reaching Number 23 in 1979, and it;s follow up ‘Him,’ making Number 31 in 1980.

‘Escape (The Piña Colada Song’) was the first of three singles released from ‘Partners in Crime,’ the fifth studio Album by Rupert Holmes, from August 1979, the song was written by Rupert Holmes, with the production being by Holmes, and Jim Boyer (1951-2022.) Jim Boyer was born James Boyer on May 19th, 1951, in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, United States, he died on June 15th, 2022, at the age of 71. Jim Boyer who was a music producer and audio engineer, got his first job at Phil Ramone’s (1934-2013) ‘A&R Recording Studios,’ where he was hired by Don Frey as an assistant engineer, with his first credit with Ramone being on the 1976 film ‘A Star is Born’ with Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson (1936-2024) (see also best songs 341.) Jim Boyer worked as an engineer or producer for many of the worlds top artists, including on eight of Billy Joel’s (see also best songs 810 and 215) studio Albums between 1977-1987.

Rupert Holmes got the initial idea for ‘Escape (The Piña Colada Song’) after seeing the personal columns in the American news and culture publication ‘The Village Voice’. He got to thinking what it would be like to arrange a meeting with a complete stranger, and then he let his imagination run wild, what if the stranger turned out to be his partner. It had been a last minute decision to introduce pina colada into the song. The original lyrics written by Holmes were ‘If you like Humphrey Bogart and getting caught in the rain’, but Holmes felt that someone yearning escapism would want something more exotic sounding, and also more modern. Holmes thoughts turned to escaping to a vacation on a beach where you may order a pina colada, he has acknowledged that the last minute decision to change the lyrics changed his life.

‘Escape (The Piña Colada Song’) is the tale of a man who reads the personal advertisements in the newspaper and spots an ad that catches his attention, a woman seeking a man who among other things enjoys pina colada’s. He replies to her ad, and they arrange to meet, where on meeting they are both shocked to realise that they are each others partners. The morale of the story is give your relationship every chance to blossom, before looking elsewhere. The song was the last Number 1 on the American Billboard Hot 100 chart for the 1970’s, and after being knocked off the top spot the following week, regained the Number 1 spot again for the second week of 1980. At the time of writing the song is the 357th best selling song on Billboard since it’s inception in 1958. Rupert Holmes has said about ‘Escape (The Piña Colada Song’) ‘It’s tough when you have this one thing that pulls focus from all these other things that you’ve done, yet every songwriter lives to have a song that most everybody knows.’

‘So I waited with high hopes, then she walked in the place. I knew her smile in an instant, I knew the curve of her face. It was my own lovely lady, and she said, ‘Oh it’s you,’ and we laughed for a moment, and I said ‘I never knew.”

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

277-Nina Simone-My Baby Just Cares for Me.

1958-It did not chart in the UK until 1987, when it reached Number 5.

Best Bit-At 1.12. It is said that Sybil Burton (1929-2013) the ex wife of the actor Richard Burton (1925-1984) became incensed when she heard this song, having heard the lyric ‘Liz Taylor is not his style.’ Sybil and Richard had recently divorced, after Richard had left her for Liz Taylor.

‘My Baby Just Cares for Me’ is considered a ‘Jazz Standard.’ A Jazz Standard is a song that is widely known, and performed often by many Jazz musicians. The song was written for the 1928 American Musical Comedy ‘Whoopee!’ which starred the American actor/dancer/singer/songwriter Eddie Cantor, (1892-1964) who first introduced the song in the film, and it went onto become one of his signature tunes. ‘My Baby Just Cares for Me’ was co-written by Walter Donaldson, (1893-1947) who provided the lyrics, and Gus Khan, (1886-1941) who wrote the melody, both had been commissioned to write the soundtrack for ‘Whoopee!’ which also included the other notable song ‘Makin’ Whoopee,’ also introduced by Cantor.

Walter Donaldson was born on February 15th, 1893, in New York City, United States, he died on July 15th, 1947, after being ill for a year with kidney problems, at the age of 54. Donaldson who was primarily known as a composer, rather than as a lyricist, and published in excess of 600 songs, first began working with Gus Khan in 1915. At the end of the 1920s, Donaldson moved to Hollywood, California, and worked composing and arranging music for motion pictures. His film credits include work on such pictures as ‘Glorifying the American Girl,’ (1929) ‘Suzy,’ (1936) and ‘The Great Ziegfeld,’ (1936.) Gus Khan was born Gustav Gerson Kahn on November 6th, 1886, in Bruschied, in the Rhine Province of the Kingdom of Prussia, which was part of the German Empire, he died on October 8th, 1941, of a heart attack, at the age of 54. By 1933, Kahn had become a full-time motion picture songwriter, contributing to movies such as ‘Flying Down to Rio,’ (1933) ‘A Day at the Races,’ (1937) and ‘Ziegfeld Girl’ (1941.)

In 1957 Nina Simone recorded ‘My Baby Just Cares for Me’ for her debut studio Album ‘Little Girl Blue,’ (also known as ‘Jazz As Played in an Exclusive Side Street Club,’) it was released on the ‘Bethlehem Records’ label in February 1959. Simone only recorded the Album as a way to financing her true love which was to become a Classical concert pianist, so she immediately sold the rights for the Album to ‘Bethleham Records’ for $3,000 (around 28,000 in 2020.) ‘My Baby Just Cares for Me’ remained relatively obscure until it was used in a 1987 television commercial for ‘Chanel No. 5’ perfume. To follow up the exposure the song was receiving, record companies fought over the rights to release the song as a single, with ‘Charly Records’ winning the battle. Nina Simone who had sold her rights to the song many years earlier, and had always had a tenuous relationship with record labels was outraged, claiming she didn’t receive any royalties.’They went behind my back and stole from each other like I was a slave. They took me and sold me, from one record company to another, because they couldn’t deal with me openly.’ It is probably the case that Nina Simone selling the rights to the song cost her well over $1,000,000.

Nina Simone was born Eunice Kathleen Waymon on February 21st, 1933, in Tryon, North Carolina, United States, she had suffered from breast cancer for several years, before she died in her sleep on April 21st, 2003, at the age of 70. In 1954 in order to make a living she played piano in a nightclub in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and because her parents didn’t approve of her playing the ‘devils music’ she changed her name to ‘Nina Simone,’ ‘nina’ was a nickname given to her by a boyfriend, and ‘Simone’ was taken from the French actress ‘Simone Signoret,’ (1921-1985) whom she had seen in the 1952 movie ‘Casque d’Or.’ Nina Simone was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in the late 1980’s. She was known for her temper, and outbursts of aggression, and after an incident in 1995, when she shot and wounded her neighbour’s son with an air gun, she was sentenced to eight month in prison, which was suspended pending a psychiatric evaluation, and treatment. In the 1960’s Simone was a prominent public figure as a civil rights activist for ‘The American Civil Rights Movement,’ with her own composition ‘Mississippi Goddam,’ from 1964 becoming a well known song during the civil rights years. Another of Nina Simone’s best known songs is ‘To Be Young, Gifted and Black,’ which has famously been recorded by Aretha Franklin in 1972, and was a 1970 UK Number 5 hit for the Reggae duo of Bob and Marcia. Among the many awards accrued by Nina Simone, include being posthumously inducted into the ‘Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’ by fellow R&B artist Mary J. Blige (see also best songs 359) in 2018.

The discography of Nina Simone includes 19 studio Albums released between 1959-1993, and 71 singles released between 1959-2003, there are also 83 official compilation Albums, of which 14 of them are live recordings, issued between between 1960-2022. In America on the Billboard Hot 100 her only chart entry is her debut single ‘I Love You, Porgy,’ which made Number 18 in 1959, while in the UK, she has had seven top 40 hit singles, with ‘Ain’t Got No, I Got Life,’ (1968) and ‘Do What You Gotta Do,’ (1968) both peaking the highest at Number 2.

‘My baby don’t care for shows,my baby don’t care for clothes, my baby just cares for me. My baby don’t care for cars and races, my baby don’t care for high-tone places.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

278-N-Trance-Set You Free.

1994-Number 39 single. When it was re-issued in 1995 it peaked at Number 2. In 2001 it was again re-issued with new remixes, and this time reached Number 4.

Best Bit-At 4.23. Because they made one of the best Dance songs of the 1990’s, I think we should forgive them for some horrendous cover versions.

N-Trance were formed in Oldham, England, in 1990 by the Electronic music producers Kevin O’Toole, and Dale Longworth. The pair met at Oldham College in Greater Manchester, where they were both studying sound engineering. They were initially signed to ‘380 Records’ which was a subsidiary of the ‘PWL’ label which at that time was owned by Pete Waterman, (see also best songs 627) but they were not happy with that labels marketing, so they moved to the ‘All Around he World’ label in September 1993. At the time of writing N-Trance remain active with Kevin O’Toole now being the only constant, as Dale Longworth split from the group in 1999. Since 1991 Lee Limer, also from Oldham, has worked as a dancer for the group, but is not an official group member.

The discography of N-Trance includes three studio Albums released between 1995-2009, and 19 singles released between 1993-2009, there is also one official compilation Album ‘The Best of N-Trance 1992–2002,’ which was released in 2001. N-Trance have achieved 13 top 40 singles in the UK, which includes three different versions of ‘Set You Free,’ they have also had four hit singles which are cover versions, including ‘Stayin’ Alive,’ (see also best songs 211) (originally by the Bee Gees) ‘Da Ya Think I’m Sexy? featuring Rod Stewart, (originally by Rod Stewart) and ‘Paradise City,’ (see also best songs 8) originally recorded by Guns N’ Roses.’ Both ‘Set You Free’ featuring Kelly Llorenna, (1995) and ‘Stayin’ Alive’ featuring Ricardo da Force, (1995) (see also best songs 329) have peaked the highest on the UK top 40 at Number 2. In 2004 Kevin O’Toole, and Dale Longworth formed the side project ‘Freeloaders,’ releasing one studio Album called ‘Freshly Squeezed’ in 2006, and two singles, of which the first ‘So Much Love to Give’ in 2005, reached Number 9 in the UK, the project was brought to an end in 2006.

‘Set You Free’ was the first of five singles either released or added to ‘Electronic Pleasure,’ which was the debut studio Album by N-Trance, from November 1995, the song was co-written and co-produced by Kevin O’Toole, and Dale Longworth. The unaccredited vocals on ‘Set You Free’ were provided by a then 16 year old Kelly Llorenna, who was born in Slough, Berkshire, England, on May 1st, 1975, but raised in Oldham. Kelly Llorenna has explained how she first met ‘N-Trance, ‘They came to my college and asked if anyone sung, and everyone replied ‘Kelly sings!’ They then recorded Llorenna’s vocals for a demo of ‘Set You Free,’ and she joined N-Trance to perform live. Kelly Llorenna has said, ‘It was just me and five lads in a transit van going up to Belfast or Glasgow every week, playing the song for petrol money.’ She claims that when people hear the opening of ‘Set You Free’, which features thunder, lightning and rain, ‘Their faces light up, and they’re transported back to where they were.’

Kelly Llorenna would go on to provide vocals for other N-Trance songs, notably ‘Da Ya Think I’m Sexy,’ featuring Rod Stewart, which reached Number 7 in the UK in 1997. She has also had a successful solo career, releasing one Album ‘All Clubbed Up – The Best of Kelly Llorenna,’ in 2002, and 12 singles as the lead artist, and a further eight as a featured artist between 1995-2009. In the UK, Kelly Llorenna has had four solo hit singles, with ‘Forever,’ from 2003, peaking the highest at Number 6. As a featured artist away from N-Trance, her biggest commercial success is providing the vocals on the track ‘True Love Never Dies,’ for the English Electronic Dance Music duo ‘Flip & Fill,’ which made Number 7 in 2002.

‘Set You Free’ has stood the test of time, and is still one of the most popular songs to fill the dance floor when playing ‘1990’s classic Dance tracks.’ The song was the 17th best selling single in the UK in 1995, but due to it’s longevity, it has now sold in excess of 1,200,000 copies in the UK, making it one of the best selling singles of all time in that country. ‘Set You Free’ was inspired by a night out in the ‘Haçienda’ club in Manchester, England, that N-Trance’s Kevin O’Toole had in 1989 after a woman came up and hugged him tightly. He has said, ‘They used to pass round pints of water, and a woman came up to me and I felt her heartbeat through her top, the songs created a diary of what was happening at the time.’ It was the hug which inspired the songs opening line, ‘When I hold you baby, feel your heart beat close to me. Wanna stay in your arms forever, only love can set you free.’ Initially only 500 12 inch vinyl copies were made for promotional use in 1992, but slowly the record grew in popularity, and was pushed to even greater success by several remixes.

‘When we touch each other in a state of ecstasy, want this night to last forever, only love can set you free.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

279- Pérez Prado-Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White.

1955-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 1.01. Perez Prado may have written ‘Mambo No 5,’ but this was definitely Mambo’s Number 1 song.

Pérez Prado was born Dámaso Pérez Prado on December 11th, 1916, in Matanzas, Cuba, he died of complications from a stroke after being in ill health for the previous two years on September 14th, 1989, at the age of 72. In 1949 Prado moved to Mexico where he formed his own band after signing with ‘RCA Victor’ records in Mexico City. Prado had 23 Albums released by that label between 1951-1976, he also provided the soundtrack to eight films in the 1950’s. His most well known compositions and covers include his 1958 American Billboard Hot 100 Number 2 and UK Number 8 single ‘Patricia,’ his 1958 cover of ‘Guaglione,’ which reached Number 2 in the UK in 1995 after it was used for a ‘Guinness’ advert, and also ‘Mambo No 5,’ from 1949. In 1999 ‘Mambo No 5’ was sampled by the German singer Lou Bega for his worldwide hit ‘Mambo No 5 (A Little Bit’) In 2001 the song once again topped the UK chart, when a novelty version by ‘Bob the Builder,’ from the BBC children’s television show, was sung by the British actor Neil Morrissey. Perez Prado who became affectionately known as the ‘King of the Mambo’ performed for the last time in 1987, but his son Perez Jr. continues to direct the Perez Prado Orchestra in Mexico City. In 1999, Pérez Prado was posthumously inducted into the ‘International Latin Music Hall of Fame.’

‘Mambo’ is a genre of Cuban dance music that was developed by the Cuban multi-instrumentalist Orestes Lopez, (1908-1991) his brother Israel ‘Cachao’ Lopez, (1918-2008) and the Cuban flautist Antonio Arcario (1911-1994) in the late 1930’s. By the late 1940’s Mambo had become a dance craze in the United States, with bandleaders such as Perez Prado refining the genre. Prado adapted the fast Mambo rhythm to the American style Big Bands of the 1940’s, distancing the style away from it’s more traditional quieter Cuban roots.

‘Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White’ is the English version of ‘Cerisiers Roses et Pommiers Blancs’ with the music written by Louis ‘Louiguy’ Guglielmi, (1916-1991) his other most notable composition is ‘La Vie en Rose,’ which became the signature song of Edith Piaf (1915-1963) (see also best songs 178.) The French lyrics to ‘Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White’ were written by Jacques Larue, (1906-1961) while the English lyrics were written by Mack David, (1912-1993) the older brother of Hal David (1921-2012) (see also best songs 902-832-815-740-644-376 and 224.)

Mack David was born on July 5th, 1912, in New York City, United States, he died on December 30th, 1993, at the age of 81. Mack David is credited with writing lyrics or music or both for over 1000 songs. He is best remembered for his work on the ‘Disney’ films Cinderella, (1950) and Alice in Wonderland, (1951) and for his translation of song lyrics into English. Although Mack David did not write an English translation of Édith Piaf’s lyrics to what would become her signature tune ‘La Vie en rose,’ his words captured the spirit of the song. ‘La Vie en rose’ was recorded by over 80 international singers and musicians, and has been featured in several dozen motion pictures as well. Between 1950-1966, eight of Mack David’s songs received nominations for an ‘Acadamy Award,’ including Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo,’ with Jerry Livingston (1909-1987) and Al Hoffman, (1902-1960) from ‘Cinderella,’ (1950) ‘Walk on the Wild Side,’ with Elmer Bernstein, (1922-2004) from ‘Walk on the Wild Side,’ (1962) and ‘Hush, Hush, Sweet Charlotte,’ with Frank De Vol, (1911-1999) from ‘Hush…Hush, Sweet Charlotte’ (1964.) Mack David also had his songs cross over into the ‘Pop’ charts, including ‘I Don’t Care If The Sun Don’t Shine,’ a hit for Patti Page, (1927-2013) (see also best songs 1050) (1950-Billboard Number 8) it was later covered by Elvis Presley (1935-1977) (see also best songs 954-664-442 and 194) as a Rockabilly-styled tune in 1954. Mack David also co-wrote the lyrics for ‘Baby It’s You,’ which has been a hit for the Shirelles, (1961-Billboard Number 8) and the band ‘Smith,’ (1969-Billboard Number 5) and was covered by the Beatles (see also best songs 599-456-319-238-218-141-80-51-10 and 5) on their debut studio Album ‘Please Please Me’ in 1963.

Pérez Prado’s instrumental with his orchestra, of ‘Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White’ which features the very distinctive trumpet playing of Billy Regis, was first recorded for the 1955 movie ‘Underwater!’ where Jane Russell (1921-2011) can be seen dancing to the song. When released as a single it topped the American chart, and went onto be the best selling single of 1955. The most successful vocal version in America was by Alan Dale, (1925-2002) whose recording made Number 14, also in 1955. In the UK the Perez Prado version spent two weeks at Number 1, while a competing instrumental recording by the British trumpeter Eddie Calvert (1922-1978) also made Number 1, but for four weeks. The song also charted in the UK in 1982 for the British Pop/Salsa group ‘Modern Romance,’ whose vocal version peaked at Number 15.

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

280-Pink Floyd-Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2.)

1979-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 2.18. And they say that school days are meant to be the best days of your life.

‘Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2’) was the first single released by Pink Floyd (see also best songs 992) in 11 years. The band felt that the single format didn’t suit their music, as all their songs were parts of concept Albums. It was the groups producer Bob Ezrin who talked the band around to the idea of a single release, even coming up with the idea of giving the song a ‘Disco’ beat, which to a Progressive Rock group would have probably seemed abhorrent at the time. ‘Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2’) went on to top the chart in both America and the UK, and has sold in excess of four million copies. In the UK it was the Christmas Number 1 single of 1979, and also the last Number 1 single of the 1970’s.

‘Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2’) was the first of three singles released from ‘The Wall,’ which was the 11th studio Album by Pink Floyd, from November 1979, the song was written by Roger Waters, who also wrote the majority of the other tracks on the Album, with the production being by Roger Waters, Bob Ezrin, David Gilmour, and James Guthrie. ‘The Wall’ is a concept Album, and loosely deals with Roger Waters life as an adolescent growing up after World War II. In 1982 ‘The Wall’ was made into a musical psychological drama film called ‘Pink Floyd – The Wall,’ the screenplay was written by Roger Waters, with Bob Geldof (see also best songs 632 and 455) starring as the Rock Star character ‘Pink.’ The character ‘Pink’ was based on Waters himself, and also his ex-Pink Floyd band mate Syd Barrett (1946-2006.) ‘The Wall’ is one of the best selling Albums of all time, with sales in excess of 30 million copies. The Album is Pink Floyd’s second biggest seller behind their 1973 eighth studio Album ‘The Dark Side of the Moon,’ which has estimated sales of 45 million. ‘Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2’) appears on ‘The Wall’ Album in a slightly different format to the songs single release. On ‘The Wall’ it follows on continuously from ‘Another Brick in the Wall Part 1, and ‘The Happiest Days of Our Lives,’ both of those songs were also written by Waters.

‘Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2′) is a protest song, with Roger Waters relaying the torrid time he had as child at school, where not only was he bullied by other children, but also by his school teachers. Waters has explained,’ You couldn’t find anybody in the world more pro-education than me, but the education I went through in a boys’ grammar school in the 50’s was very controlling and demanded rebellion. The song is meant to be a rebellion against people who have power over you, who are wrong.’ The lyrics attracted controversy, with the ‘Inner London Education Authority’ describing the song as ‘Scandalous,’ and it was also rumoured that Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher (1925-2013) ‘hated it.’

Roger Waters was born George Roger Waters on September 6th, 1943, in Great Bookham, Surrey, England, and was the co-founder of Pink Floyd, following the departure of Syd Barrett (1946-2006) in 1968, he took over as the bands main lyricist. Pink Floyd were formed in London, England in 1965, and are one of the worlds best ever selling artists, with sales in excess of 250 million Albums. It was Syd Barrett who chose the bands name, using the names of his favourite ‘Blues’ artists Pink Anderson, (1900-1974) and Floyd Council (1911-1976.) Waters left Pink Floyd in 1984, and has since released four solo studio Albums between 1984-2018.

‘Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2’) and it’s parent Album ‘The Wall’ was co-produced by Bob Ezrin, who was born Robert Alan Ezrin on March 25th, 1949, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, he is a music producer, musician and vocalist. Bob Ezrin has produced for many of the world’s top artists, including three studio Albums by Pink Floyd, 15 Albums by Alice Cooper, and Albums by Lou Reed, (1942-2013) Rod Stewart, and many more. Bob Ezrin has been described by Alice Cooper as ‘Our George Martin.’ and was the producer of the Alice Cooper classic track ‘School’s Out,’ (1972-Billboard Number 7 & UK Number 1) so both of Bob Ezrin’s most commercially successful ‘singles’ productions, have had the theme of being at school as their basis. Ezrin was inducted into the ‘Canadian Music Hall of Fame’ in April 2004, and the ‘Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame’ in March 2006, and in 2022 he was named an ‘Officer of the Order of Canada,’ ‘For his ongoing contributions to music and entertainment production, and for his sustained advocacy of musical education, journalism and environmental justice.’ It was Bob Ezrin who instructed another of this songs co-producers Nick Griffiths to record a children’s choir singing on the track. The children were from ‘Islington Green School,’ Greater London, close to Pink Floyd’s recording studio. The children’s choir in the recording featured 23 students, who practised for about a week to prepare. According to Ezrin, when he played the children’s vocals to Roger Waters, ‘There was a total softening of his face, and you just knew that he knew it was going to be an important record.’ Waters said, ‘It was great, exactly the thing I expected from a collaborator.’

‘Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2’) is about Roger Waters schooldays, but the Album ‘The Wall’ explores his life growing up, including his Rock Star career, and the death of his father. Each event, and the problems that occur in his life, are ‘another brick in the wall.’

‘We don’t need no education, we don’t need no thought control. No dark sarcasm in the classroom, teachers leave those kids alone.’