THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

306-The Who-Pinball Wizard.

1969-Number 4 single.

Best Bit-At 0.24. It’s highly unlikely that a deaf dumb and blind kid could play pinball, because he wouldn’t be able to find the slot to put the 50 pence into.

‘Pinball Wizard’ was written by Pete Townshend (see also best songs 926-891 and 265) who was born Peter Dennis Blandford Townshend on May 19th, 1945, in Chiswick, England. Townshend was the co-founder of ‘The Who’ along with Roger Daltrey, and John Entwistle, (1944-2002) the recognised classic lineup was completed by Keith Moon (1946-1978) who joined the band in 1964.

By 1968 Pete Townshend felt that The Who’s shelf life was coming to an end, and if he didn’t take the band in a different direction then they may split. For The Who’s fourth studio Album ‘Tommy,’ Townshend wrote a concept ‘Rock Opera’ that tells the story about a deaf, dumb and blind boy, his life’s experiences, and his relationship with his family. Townshend came up with the concept of ‘Tommy’ after being introduced to the work of Meher Baba (1894-1969) who was an Indian who claimed to be God in human form, and gained a following of hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. The story of ‘Tommy’ was an attempt by Townshend to translate Baba’s teachings into music.

‘Pinball Wizard’ and it’s parent Album ‘Tommy’ have become one of Pete Townshend, and The Who’s most enduring works. In 1975 ‘Tommy’ was made into a film, with a not entirely, but similar story line, starring Jack Nicholson, and Ann-Margret, as well as vocal contributions from Tina Turner (Acid Queen) (see also best songs 752-485 and 192) and Elton John (Pinball Wizard) (see also best songs 946-481-237 and 62.) A year later in 1976 Elton John’s version of Pinball Wizard was released as a single and reached Number 7 in the UK, the only time that a cover version of a ‘Who’ song has made the top 10. There is a famous story that Rod Stewart had been offered the role to sing in ‘Tommy,’ and had asked Elton John if he should accept, to which Elton replied,’Don’t touch it with a barge pole.’ A year later The Who asked Elton John to sing the same song, Elton grabbed his barge pole and took up the offer. Years later Elton said,’I don’t think Rod’s quite forgiven me for that.”

‘Tommy’ was also made into a ‘Rock Musical’ first opening in San Diego, California, in 1992. Other productions have been performed on Broadway, and in the West End.

‘Pinball Wizard’s lyrics are written from the perspective of a pinball champion called ‘Local Lad,’ who is astounded by the skills of the deaf, dumb and blind kid called ‘Tommy Walker.’ The ‘Local Lad’ always thought of himself as being the very best, but after watching Tommy he has to concede that Tommy is better.

‘I thought I was the Baly table king, but I just handed my pinball crown to him. Even on my favourite table he can beat my best, his disciples lead him in and he just does the rest.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

307-The Notorious B.I.G.-Big Poppa.

1995-Number 63 single.

Best Bit-At 2.38. He was known by many names including MC West, Biggie, Biggie Smalls, and The Notorious B.I.G., but his mother called him Christopher.

Christopher George Latore Wallace was born on May 21st, 1972, in New York City, United States, he was shot dead on March 9th, 1997, in Los Angeles, California, United States, at the age of 24. Wallace who was nicknamed ‘Big’ at the age of 10 because he was overweight, started rapping as a teenager using his earliest stage name ‘MC CWest.’ At the age of 17 he dropped out of high school and became involved in crime, two years later in 1991 he was arrested for dealing in crack cocaine, and spent nine months in jail.

On his release from jail he made a demo tape, calling himself ‘Biggie Smalls,’ alluding to both Calvin Lockhart’s (1934-2007) character in the 1975 film ‘Let’s Do It Again,’ and to his own stature and obesity. In 1993 he found out that another artist had already claimed that name, so he finally settled on ‘The Notorious B.I.G.’ The demo tape was circulated and eventually came to the attention of Sean ‘Puffy’ Combs who was at that time was working with the A&R department of ‘Uptown Records,’ who signed him up.

During his lifetime ‘Biggie’ only released one studio Album, with his second Album ‘Life After Death’ being released just two weeks after his death, (see also best songs 955) there have since been three posthumous compilation Albums. In total there have been 27 singles released, of which 17 of those were with him as a featured artist. 13 of those singles reached the Billboard top 40, with two of them reaching Number 1, while in the UK he has made the top 40 on 11 occasions, with ‘Nasty Girl’ in 2005 making the Number 1 spot.

On March 9th, 1997,The Notorious B.I.G. was in California to promote his new Album ‘Life After Death.’ At 12.45.am, the vehicle he was travelling in stopped at a red light where a black Chevy Impala pulled up alongside. The Impala’s driver rolled down his window, drew a 9 mm blue-steel pistol, and fired at ‘Biggie’s’ car. Four bullets hit him, and he was rushed to hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 1.15.am., no one has ever been arrested for the murder.

‘Big Poppa’ was the second single released from The Notorious B.I.G.’s first studio Album ‘Ready to Die’ from 1994. The song heavily samples The Isley Brothers (see also best songs 823-681-382 and 176) 1983 song ‘Between the Sheets,’ with all six members of that group receiving co-writing credit along with The Notorious B.I.G., who wrote the songs lyrics. The track was produced by Chucky Thompson (1968-2021) and Sean Combs who would go on to work under the name ‘Puff Daddy,’ and later as ‘P-Diddy.’

As like many other Rap records, the Notorious B.I.G. Raps about his successful lifestyle, and how he attracts women with his vocal ‘flow,’ his wealth, and fame.

‘How ya livin’ Biggie Smalls? In mansion and Benz’s givin’ ends to my friends and it feels stupendous. Tremendous cream, f..k a Dollar and a dream, still tote gats strapped with infrared beams (what?’)

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

308-Chuck Berry-Roll Over Beethoven.

1956-Has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 0.01. It’s a Rock N’ Roll Classic-al.

Chuck Berry was born Charles Edward Anderson Berry on October 18th, 1926, in St Louis, Missouri, United States, he died of a heart attack on March 18th, 2017, at the age of 90. No one person can solely claim to have invented Rock N’ Roll, but many agree that Chuck Berry came the closest, blending together the guitar riffs of Country & Western, with the sounds of Rhythm & Blues, earning him the nickname the ‘Father of Rock and Roll.’ As with all artists involved in Popular Music, Chuck Berry (see also best songs 548 and 30) was also influenced by a previous generation, in the case of Berry he cited the American Blues guitarists ‘T-Bone Walker, (1910-1975) and Carl Hogan (1917-1977) as inspirations, as he incorporated their style and sound in to his own.

Berry’s showmanship on stage has been influential on the next generation of Rock guitarists, particularly his famous ‘Duck Walk.’ He first did it as a child when he walked (in his own words) ‘Stooping with full-bended knees, but with my back and head vertical, under a table to retrieve a ball’, which his family found entertaining and funny. It was when performing in New York for the first time that a journalist branded it the ‘Duck Walk’.

‘Roll Over Beethoven’ was first released as a single in May 1956, and later appeared on Chuck Berry’s 1959 third studio Album ‘Chuck Berry Is on Top’, the song was written by Berry, and co-produced by Leonard Chess (1917-1969) and his brother Phil Chess, (1921-2016) who were the co-owners of the ‘Chess Records’ label. Chuck Berry got his initial idea for the song after watching his sister Lucy using the family piano to play Classical Music, while he wanted to play Popular Music. The lyric ‘Roll over Beethoven, and tell Tchaikovsky the news’ refers to how Classical composers would roll over in their graves upon hearing that Classical Music had given way to Rock N’ Roll.’

The songs clever lyrics are worth having a look at. ‘Early in the morning’ refers to the title of the 1947 song by Louis Jordan, (1908-1975) while the mention of ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ is a nod to the 1955 song by Carl Perkins (1932-1998) (see also best songs 664.) The ‘Hey diddle diddle’ from the nursery rhyme ‘The Cat and the Fiddle’ is an indirect reference to Berry’s fellow Chess Records recording artist Bo Diddley, (1928-2008) (see also best songs 381) and although the lyrics mention ‘rocking and rolling,’ the genre of music that the Classics are supposed to step aside for is referred to as ‘Rhythm & Blues. ‘Roll Over Beethoven’s’ iconic guitar intro was lifted by Berry from the 1946 song ‘Ain’t That Just Like a Woman’ by Louis Jordan, originally played by Carl Hogan, and to further show how music recycles, in 1964 the Beach Boys (see also best songs 930-811-180 and 74) lifted the intro of ‘Roll Over Beethoven for their Billboard Number 5 hit ‘Fun, Fun, Fun.’

‘Well I’m-a write a letter, I’m gon’ mail it to my local DJ. Yeah that’s the jumpin’ little record I want my jockey to play, roll over Beethoven, I gotta hear it again today.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

309-Smokey Robinson-Just My Soul Responding.

1974-Number 35 single.

Best Bit-At 1.50. When Smokey sings, it’s as easy as ABC.

William Robinson Jr. was born on February 19th, 1940, in Detroit, Michigan, United States. He has explained how his nickname ‘Smokey’ came about.’My Uncle Claude was my favourite uncle, he was also my godfather. He and I were really, really close. He used to take me to see cowboy movies all the time when I was a little boy because I loved cowboy movies. He got a cowboy name for me, which was Smokey Joe. So from the time I was three years old if people asked me what my name was I didn’t tell them my name was William, I told them my name was Smokey Joe. That’s what everyone called me until I was about 12, and then I dropped the Joe part. I’ve heard that story about him giving it to me because I’m a light skinned black man, but that’s not true.’

In 1972 Smokey Robinson left ‘The Miracles’ (see also best songs 193) the band he had co-founded in 1955, retiring from music, but still working in his role as vice president of Motown Records. After a year of retirement Robinson (see also best songs 1031) announced his comeback as a solo artist with the release of his 1973 Album ‘Smokey’ from where this song was taken. In total Smokey Robinson has released 23 solo studio Albums between 1973-2017, and 58 solo singles, of which 10 have reached the Billboard top 40 singles chart, and three have made the UK top 40. His most successful single on both sides of the Atlantic is his 1981 song ‘Being With You,’ which reached Number 2 in America, and Number 1 in the UK.

‘Just My Soul Responding’ was co-written by Smokey Robinson, and fellow ex member of The Miracles Marv Tarplin, (1941-2011) who had been a member of The Miracles from 1958, until leaving the band shortly after Robinson in 1973. Tarplin co-wrote numerous songs with Robinson and others for his fellow Motown artists including ‘Ain’t That Peculiar’ and ‘I’ll Be Doggone for Marvin Gaye. Tarplin and Robinson had first met in 1958 when Tarplin turned up at Motown Records accompanying the ‘Primettes’ on guitar, as they auditioned for Smokey Robinson. Robinson was impressed with Tarplin’s guitar playing and lured him away from the Primettes to join The Miracles.The Primettes managed to survive without him, as they would go on to future success as the Supremes (see also best songs 1001-411-212 and 148.)

‘Just My Soul Responding’ is a protest song dealing with the hardships of ghetto life in America, it also addresses the plight of the Native American Indian.

‘This land once belonged to my father, and to his father before him too. Let me tell you now, I’m on a reservation, living in a state of degradation. What’s a soul suppose to do?

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

310-Al Jolson-After You’ve Gone.

1949-Has never charted in the UK, there was no UK chart until 1952.

Best Bit-At 2.05. Before Elvis, and before the Rock N’ Roll era, this man was known as ‘The World’s Greatest Entertainer.’

Al Jolsen was born Asa Yoelson on May 26th, 1886, in Seredzus, Kovno Governorate, Russian Empire, he died of a massive heart attack on October 23rd, 1950, at the age of 64, his last words were ‘Oh…oh, I’m going.’ Al Jolson was the highest paid artist of the 1920’s, with more recent critics referring to him as ‘The King of Blackface.’ Blackface is a form of theatrical makeup used by performers of non-African descent to portray a caricature of a dark skinned person of African descent. In America the practice gained popularity during the 19th Century, and contributed to the spread of racial stereotypes. By the middle of the 19th Century ‘blackface minstrel shows’ had become very popular, and by the early part of the 20th Century this had spread to the stage all over America, becoming part of everyday entertainment. In the 1940’s it’s popularity began to decline, and by the time of the ‘Civil Rights Movement’ in the 1950’s and 1960’s, it was considered highly offensive, and disrespectful, and by the 21st Century it is considered racist as well.

As well as being a recording artist, and a performer in the theatre, Al Jolson was also an actor and singer in the movies. His second film appearance was in 1927 in the groundbreaking ‘The Jazz Singer,’ the first feature length motion picture with both a synchronised recorded music score, as well as lip-synchronous singing and speech. The release of ‘The Jazz Singer’ marked the end of the silent movie era, and the ascendance of ‘sound films.’ Al Jolson certainly left his mark on future generations of performers, with many as diverse as Rod Stewart, Neil Diamond, David Lee Roth, Bing Crosby, and Jerry Lee Lewis having all been quoted praising his talents, and significant influence.

‘After You’ve Gone’ was co-written in 1918 by Turner Leyton (1894-1978) who wrote the music, and Henry Creamer (1879-1930) who provided the lyrics. Of the other songs that they collaborated on, perhaps the best remembered is ‘Way Down Yonder in New Orleans,’ a song they wrote in 1922, which would become a million seller in the Rock N’ Roll era when recorded by Freddie Cannon in 1959. ‘After You’ve Gone’ was first recorded by Marion Harris (1896-1944) in 1918, Harris is best remembered as the first widely known white singer to sing Jazz, and Blues songs. In the following decades the song has been recorded dozens of times, by many of the worlds top artists.

‘After You’ve Gone’ is a warning from a lover spurned. He tells her that if she goes he will be heartbroken, and although she doesn’t realise it yet, in time her heart will also be broken because of what she is doing, the way his is now.

‘There’ll come a time, now don’t forget it, they’ll come a time, when you’ll regret it. But baby think what your doin,’ I’m gonna haunt you so, I’m gonna taunt you so, it’s gonna drive you to ruin.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

311-Sean Paul-Get Busy.

2003-Number 4 single.

Best Bit-At 0.01. This guy has more words than the Oxford Dictionary of English.

Sean Paul Ryan Francis Henriques was born on January 9th, 1973, in Kingston, Jamaica, he is Jamaica’s most successful musical export of the 21st Century, and this was recognised in 2019 when he received the Jamaican ‘Order of Distinction’, Commander class, for his contribution to the global popularity and promotion of Reggae music. Sean Paul had been recommended to the manager and music producer Jeremy Harding after being seen singing at an open mic night in Kingston. Harding took Paul under his wing, which led to an association between the two of them from 1997-2011.

Sean Paul has to date released seven studio Albums between 2000-2021, and 53 singles as the lead artist. He has also appeared on a further 37 singles as a featured artist, and appeared on 51 tracks as a guest artist on several different artists Albums. He has appeared on 19 UK top singles, four of which have reached Number 1. In America on Billboard he has appeared on 13 top 40 hits, with four of them making the top spot.

‘Get Busy’ was co-written by Sean Paul, and Steven ‘Lenky’ Marsden who was also the songs producer. The song was taken from Paul’s second studio Album ‘Dutty Rock’ from 2002, which also included Paul’s duet with Beyonce ‘Baby Boy,’ both that song and ‘Get Busy’ reached the Number 1 spot on Billboard. The music, or ‘riddim’ as it is called in Jamaica was written by Marsden who produced an Album with 17 various artists in 2002 using the same riddim, with the songs appearing on the ‘Greensleeves Rhythm Album #27.’ Other well known songs that have used the same riddim include ‘Pon de Replay,’ by Rihanna, and ‘No Letting Go,’ from Wayne Wonder.

‘Get Busy’ became the first song of the ‘Dancehall’ genre to become a Billboard Number 1 single. Dancehall takes it’s name from the Jamaican dance halls which first became popular in the 1940’s, they were places where people would go to listen to music on sound systems. ‘Dancehall’ is a sub genre of Reggae, incorporating new digital instrumentation and electronic instruments developed in the 1980’s. The lyrics are often spoken in ‘Jamaican Patois,’ which is spoken by the majority of Jamaican’s as a native language.

The lyrics to ‘Get Busy’ don’t appear to break any new ground. Basically Sean Paul get the ladies excited with his riddim, and the ladies get Sean Paul excited with their dance moves.

‘Yo sexy ladies want par wid us inna di car wid us. Inna di club dem wah flex wid us, to get next to us.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

312-Cameo-Word Up!

1986-Number 3 single.

Best Bit-At 1.14. When Larry Blackmon sang about ‘Sucker DJ’s’ he was actually referring to the ‘Old School Rappers’ of the early 1980’s who would Rap about the negative rather than the positive, thankfully he wasn’t singing about you (if you’re a DJ) or me.

Cameo were formed in New York City, United States, in 1974 by Larry Blackmon, the original line up consisted of 14 members. Initially they were called ‘The New York City Players’ but in order to avoid any confusion with the ‘Ohio Players’ (see also best songs 506) they changed the bands name to Cameo. They were active until 2001, but reformed as a four piece in 2016, and remain active at the time of writing, in total there have been 32 different members come and go. Cameo have released 17 studio Albums between 1977-2000, and 44 singles between 1975-2019. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, three of their singles have reached the top 40, while in the UK eight of their singles have charted.

Larry Blackmon was born on May 24th, 1956, in New York City, United States. He started his music career as a session drummer, he played on some of the tracks recorded by the American R&B group ‘Black Ivory’ whose songs have been extensively sampled by the Hip-Hop community. Prior to forming Cameo, Blackmon was a member of a band called ‘East Coast’ which included six future members of Cameo, as well as the singer Gwen Guthrie (1950-1999) who would go on to have four UK top 40 singles in the 1980’s, including the 1986 Number 5 single ‘Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ on But the Rent,’ as East Coast’ the septet released one self titled Album in 1973. Larry Blackmon is known for his unique vocal style, including his signature ‘Ow!’ which has been used in many Cameo songs. He is also known for his elaborate ‘Hi-top fade’ haircut, and a daring ‘Codpiece’ over his trousers, which was made famous in this songs official video.

‘Word Up!’ was taken from Cameo’s 12th studio Album of the same name, and was released in 1986, it represented the group’s most successful period, as the Album also contained the bands other best known song ‘Candy.’ Both of those songs were co-written by Larry Blackmon, and fellow band member Tomi Jenkins, the songs were produced by Blackmon. ‘Word Up’ was a slang term used in 1980’s New York, and other U.S. areas, it was a cooler way of saying ‘I agree,’ or ‘You bet.’ Larry Blackmon developed a character around the saying and wrote lyrics about what he would say. Blackmon called the character ‘Vicious’ and had him tell all the ‘negative’, Rappers that they should be creating music you can dance to.

‘Word Up’ has charted on three other occasions in the UK. In 1994 the Scottish Rock group ‘Gun’ took their version to Number 8, while in 1999 ex Spice Girl Mel B took her recording to Number 13, and in 2014 the girl group ‘Little Mix’ recorded the song for ‘Sport Relief,’ and their version made Number 6.

‘Now all you sucker DJ’s who think you’re fly, there’s got to be a reason and we know the reason why, and act real cool, but you got to realise that your acting like fools.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

313-The Moody Blues-Nights in White Satin.

1967-Number 19 single. The song was re-issued in 1972, this time peaking at Number 9. The song was re-released for a third time in 1979, and this time reached Number 14.

Best Bit-At 5.51. Like many a great song the lyrics are vague and open to interpretation, but it is probably not about a very comfortable pair of pyjamas.

The Moody Blues were formed in Erdington, Birmingham, England, in 1964, the original line up were Graeme Edge (1941-2021) (drums) Denny Laine, (guitar) Mike Pinder, (keyboards) Ray Thomas, (1941-2018) (flute and harmonica) and Clint Warwick, (1940-2004) (bass) all five members also provided vocals. The Moody Blues first found success with the release of their second single ‘Go Now’ in 1964, it was a cover of an R&B track first recorded by the American artist Bessie Banks earlier in the same year. The lead vocals were provided by Denny Laine (see also best songs 646 and 107) who would stay wit the band until 1966, that year also saw the departure of Clint Warwick, and the arrival of their replacements Justin Hayward, and John Lodge. It was Mike Pinder who chose the bands name, as they played a mixture of R&B and the ‘Blues,’ Pinder has said he was interested in how music changes people’s moods. The Moody Blues were active until going on hiatus in 1974, but they reformed in 1977, until the band were retired in 2018, in total their have been nine members, with Graeme Edge being the bands one constant. They released 16 studio Albums between 1965-2003, and 36 singles, of which 10 reached the UK top 40, and 13 made the Billboard top 40, with this song being their most successful making Number 2.

‘Nights in White Satin’ was written by Justin Hayward, and first appeared on The Moody Blues second studio Album ‘Days of Future Passed’ from 1967. In it’s original form it was the middle segment of three pieces of music, part one is ‘The Night’ written by Hayward and Pete Knight, (1917-1985) and part three ‘Late Lament/Resolvement’ was written by Edge and Knight. The arrival of Justin Hayward and John Lodge marked a significant shift in the type of music The Moody Blues recorded. The original line up had started out playing mainly covers of R&B songs, but Hayward in particular changed their sound by introducing Art/Progressive/Psychedelic, and Symphonic Rock. ‘Days of Future Passed’ is considered to be a ground breaking recording, and one of the first examples of what would become known as Progressive Rock.

Justin David Hayward was born on October 14th, 1946, in Swindon, Wiltshire, England, he was 19 years old when he wrote ‘Nights in White Satin.’ Hayward has said,’It was a series of random thoughts and was quite autobiographical. It was a very emotional time as I was at the end of one big love affair, and the start of another, a lot of that came out in the song.’

‘Nights in white satin never reaching the end, letters I’ve written never meaning to send. Beauty I’d always missed with these eyes before, just what the truth is I can’t say anymore.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

314-Shania Twain-When.

1998-Number 18 single.

Best Bit-At 0.50. Stand by for some surprises. With sales of over 100 million records Shania Twain is the best selling female Country Music artist of all time. Her Album ‘Come On Over’ which has sold 40 million copies worldwide isn’t just the best selling Country Music Album ever, it is also the best selling Album ever by a Canadian artist, and to top it all off the Album is also the best selling solo studio Album ever by a female artist, that’s why she’s called the ‘Queen of Country Pop.’

Shania Twain was born Eilleen Regina Edwards on August 28th, 1965, in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Her parents divorced when she was two years old, and when her mother married again she legally took her step fathers surname. Twain’s step father was ‘Ojibwe’ who are one of the largest tribal populations among Native American peoples, and in the ‘Ojibwe’ language the word ‘Shania’ roughly translates to ‘she’s on the way.’

The family were poor and in order to earn some money Twain began singing in bars at the age of eight, sometimes working until 1.0.am, she has said,’I hated going in to bars and being with drunks.’ In 1993 Twain sent demo tapes to a few record labels, and was signed by ‘Mercury Nashville Records’, which was when she changed her name to Shania. Although her self titled debut Album was not a commercial success, it was critically praised, and came to the attention of the music producer Robert ‘Mutt’ Lange who offered to produce and write songs with her. After many telephone conversations they finally met in Nashville where they became close, and were married six months later in December 1993.

Robert John Lange was born on November 11th, 1948, in Mufulira, Northern Rhodesia, Africa, he acquired the nickname ‘Mutt’ at an early age. Lange (see also best songs 632 and 479) began as a producer in 1976, with early success coming when in 1978 he wrote and produced the Ipswich Town Football Club’s FA Cup final single ‘Ipswich Get That Goal.’ Lange has written and produced for dozens of artists, with highlights including producing AC/DC’s 1980 Album ‘Back in Black’ which is the second best selling Album worldwide of all time, and co-writing and producing ‘(Everything I Do) I Do It For You’ for Bryan Adams, which holds the record for the longest number of consecutive weeks at Number 1 in the UK, which is 16. Lange and Shania Twain were divorced in 2010, they have one son who was born in 2001.

‘When’ was the fifth single released in the summer of 1998 from Shania Twain’s third studio Album ‘Come On Over’ from 1997, it was never released as a single in America. In total 12 of the 16 tracks were released as singles, with ‘That Don’t Impress Me Much’ and ‘Man I Feel Like A Woman’ both reaching Number 3 in the UK, and ‘That Don’t Impress Me Much’ being the most successful on Billboard when making Number 7.

‘When’ is a song about a break up. The narrator regrets the parting, and in a humorous manner states things that are impossible to happen as having the same chance as her getting back with her lover.

‘I’d love to wake up smiling full of the joys of spring, and hear on CNN that Elvis lives again, and that John’s back with the Beatles and they’re going out on tour.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

315-Dinah Washington-What a Diff’rence a Day Makes,

1959-Has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 0.15. The legendary Quincy Jones (see also best songs 1022-889-812-703-511-357 and 191) said of Dinah Washington,’She had a voice that was like the pipes of life. She could take the melody in her hand, hold it like an egg, crack it open, fry it, put the egg back in the box and back in the refrigerator and you would’ve still understood every single syllable of every single word she sang.’

Dinah Washington was born Ruth Lee Jones on August 29th, 1929, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States, she is remembered as the most popular black female singer of the 1950’s, and helps to link the bridge between Bessie Smith (see also best songs 345) Billie Holiday (see also best songs 624) and Aretha Franklin (see also best songs 644 and 366.) Washington’s breakthrough came in 1942 when she was spotted by the Jazz artist manager Joe Glazer (1896-1969) performing at the ‘Garrick Bar’ in Chicago, on Glazer’s recommendation she joined Lionel Hampton’s (1908-2002) band. It was either Glazer or Joe Sherman, who owned the Garrick Bar, who gave Jones her stage name, no one is quite sure.

During her short but full life Dinah Washington released 30 Albums between 1947-1963, a further five official compilations have been issued since her death. She released 68 singles between 1944-1964, with 47 of them reaching the United States R&B chart, and 11 of them also charting on the Billboard top 40 singles chart. In the UK her only charting single was ‘September in the Rain’ which made Number 36 in 1961. Dinah Washington was married at least six times, and had suffered insomnia, and weight problems for much of her life. She died on December 14th, 1963, at the age of 39 from an accidental overdose of prescription drugs for insomnia, and her diet, which had caused a fatal heart attack.

‘What a Diff’rence a Day Makes’ was originally written in Spanish by Maria Grever in 1934. The song was called ‘Cuando vyelva a tu lado’ (‘When I Return to Your Side.’) The English lyrics were written by the American songwriter Stanley Adams, (1907-1994) with the first English version recorded by the ‘Dorsey Brothers’ in 1934. Maria Grever was born on September 14th, 1885, in Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico, she died after a prolonged illness in New York City, at the age of 66. Grever was the first female Mexican composer to achieve international acclaim, writing over 1000 songs.

‘What a Diff’rence a Day Makes’ gave Dinah Washington her first top 10 hit on Billboard when reaching Number 8 in 1959. The song has been covered on countless occasions by many of the worlds top artists, with the most successful in the UK being a ‘Disco’ version recorded by Esther Phillips (1935-1984) in 1975, reaching Number 6, her version also peaked at Number 20 on the Billboard singles chart.

‘There’s a rainbow before me, skies above can’t be stormy since that moment of bliss, that thrilling kiss. It’s heaven when you find romance on your menu, what a difference a day made, and the difference is you.’