THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

701-Iggy Pop-Lust for Life.

1977-It did not chart in the UK until it was re-released in 1996, when it reached Number 26.

Best Bit-At 1.12. The song reached Number 3 in Holland in 1977, in part due to Iggy Pop’s performance on the Dutch television music programme ‘Top-Pop.’ A bare chested Iggy Pop wrecked part of the stage set, which consisted of a couple of potted plants, and some cardboard scenery. That’s ‘Rock ‘N Roll.’

Iggy Pop (see also best songs 219) who was born James Newell Osterberg Jr. first began collaborating with David Bowie (1948-2015) (see also best songs 807-440-334-302-209-186-118-47-31 and 5) (see also his production work 131 and 58) while still a member of the ‘Stooges’ in 1971. Bowie would go on to co-write and co-produce both of the the first two Iggy Pop solo Albums ‘The Idiot,’ (1977) and ‘Lust for Life’ (1977.) It was a very busy period for Bowie, as in-between the making of those two Albums, he also released his own 11th studio Album ‘Low’ (1977.) After 1977, Iggy Pop, and David Bowie would not work together again until the early 1980’s.

‘Lust for Life’ is one of two singles released from Iggy Pop’s second studio Album of the same name from September 1977, the other single release was ‘Success,’ which failed to chart in any territory. Another track from the Album ‘The Passenger,’ became a UK hit in 1998, after being used in a ‘Toyota Avensis’ television commercial, reaching Number 22. ‘Lust for Life’ was co-written by Iggy Pop, (lyrics) and David Bowie, (medley) with the production being by Bowie, and Colin Thurston, (1947-2007) who co-engineered the single and Album with Iggy Pop and David Bowie, where the trio are credited as the ‘Bewlay Bros’ taking the pseudonym from a track from Bowie’s 1971 Album ‘Hunky Dory.’ Colin Thurston would also go on to work with Bowie in a similar capacity on his 1977 Album ‘Heroes.’ Other notable work by Thurston includes producing both of the debut studio Albums from the Human League, ‘Reproduction,’ from 1979, and Duran Duran (see also best songs 903.)

‘Lust for Life’ was composed by David Bowie on a ukulele, when he and Iggy Pop were sharing a flat while recording what would become the ‘Lust for Life’ Album in Berlin, Germany. At the time both Iggy Pop and David Bowie were also trying to get clean from their respective drug addictions. Iggy Pop has explained how Bowie got the idea for the medley to Lust for Life,’Once a week the Armed Forces Network would play Starsky & Hutch, and that was our little ritual. AFN would broadcast an ID when they came on the air, a representation of a radio tower, and it made a signal sound, ‘beep-beep-beep, beep-beep-ba-beep.’ And we went, ‘Aha we’ll take that!’. David grabbed his ukulele, worked out the chords, and away we went.’

‘Lust for Life’ is a song about Iggy Pop’s drug addiction. The songs title ‘Lust for Life’ is taken from the 1956 film of the same name, which itself is an adaptation of Irving Stone’s (1903-1989) 1934 biographical novel about the Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh. In a 1995 interview Ray Manzarek (1939-2013) of the American Rock group the ‘Doors,’ (see also best songs 235 and 133) and their manager Danny Sugerman, (1954-2005) stated that the opening lyrics,’Here comes Johnny Yen again,’ were about their deceased Heroin dealer, nicknamed ‘Gypsy Johnny.’ The songs iconic drumbeat intro was played by the long term David Bowie collaborator Hunter Sales, who would go on to form ‘Tin Machine’ with Bowie in 1988. Like very nearly everything in ‘Pop Music,’ the rhythm was not totally original, as it was itself derived from ‘You Can’t Hurry Love,’ (see also best songs 148) released in July 1966 by the ‘Supremes,’ and ‘I’m Ready for Love,’ released in October 1966 by ‘Martha and the Vandellas,’ both of which are ‘Motown’ songs.

‘Lust for Life’ became a UK hit in 1996, after featuring on the soundtrack to the British black comedy drama film ‘Trainspotting,’ (see also best songs 989) whose central theme is drug abuse. After the song finally received commercial success, Iggy Pop said,’When I made Lust for Life, I really thought America was gonna rock to this mother….er. And it took 20 f…in’ years, which is a really long time to wait. I guess what happened is that there was this system that wasn’t gonna f…in’ give me a break, and I outlived the system. The movies and advertisers have subverted the stranglehold of radio in America, and there are now other ways for people to hear music. All of a sudden, a few years ago when Trainspotting came out, I was walkin’ down the street and I’d heard ‘Raw Power’ (1973 Album by The Stooges) comin’ out of the bars.’

‘Here comes Johnny Yen again, with the liquor and drugs, and a flesh machine. He’s gonna do another striptease, hey man, where’d you get that lotion?’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

702-The Ink Spots and Ella Fitzgerald-Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall.

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

Best Bit-At 1.11. There is an old Arabic proverb, ‘Sunshine is pleasant, but sunshine everyday only makes a desert.’

The Ink Spots (see also best songs 266) were formed in New York City, New York, United States in 1934, by the quartet of Jerry Daniels, (1915-1995) (tenor) Deek Watson, (1909-1969) (tenor) Charlie Fuqua, (1910-1971) (baritone) and Hoppy Jones, (1905-1994) (bass) Bill Kenny (1914-1978) (lead tenor) joined in 1936, and they were active until 1954, with various lineup changes. Between 1939-1952 they achieved 48 hit singles on the American chart, with six of those tracks making the Number 1 spot. Ella Fitzgerald (1917-1996) (see also best songs 944-286-231 and 100) who guested on this song, also featured for The Ink Spots on ‘Cow Cow Boogie (Cuma-Ti-Yi-Yi-Ay’) from 1944, (Billboard Number 10) ‘I’m Making Believe,’ from 1944 (Billboard Number 1) and ‘I’m Beginning to See the Light,’ from 1945 (Billboard Number 5.)

The Ink Spots performed in the genres of ‘Pop,’ Easy Listening,’ and ‘Swing,’ and had their greatest commercial success in the 1930’s, and 1940’s. They were a groundbreaking act in that their musical style predated ‘Rhythm and Blues,’ and the ‘Rock and Roll’ musical genres, and also the sub-genre ‘Doo-Wop.’ Prior to becoming ‘The Ink Spots’ they had started out life as ‘King, Jack, and Jester,’ before becoming ‘The 4 Ink Spots,’ and finally ‘The Ink Spots.’ The above five named members are recognised as the classic line up, but a further 11 members also came and went through until they split in 1954. Following the split, it is said that from then to the present, more than 100 groups have used the name ‘The Ink Spots.’ In 1967 the US federal judge Emmet C. Choate ruled that since so many groups had been using the name ‘Ink Spots,’ it had become ‘public domain,’ and was free for anyone to use.

‘Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall’ was co-written by Doris Fisher, (1915-2003) (melody) and Allan Roberts, (1905-1966) (lyrics) The Ink Spots recorded their version of the song with Ella Fitzgerald on August 30th, 1944 for the ‘Decca Records’ label. Ella Fitzgerald would record the song again in 1963 for the Album ‘Ella and Basie!’ ‘Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall’ gave The Ink Spots there fourth of six Billboard Number 1 singles, and their fourth of five Billboard R&B Number 1 hits. For Ella Fitzgerald the song gave her, her fourth and final Billboard Number 1 song.

‘Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall’ which was co-written by Doris Fisher, and Allen Roberts, originated from a quotation by the American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882) from his poem ‘Rainy Day.’ Doris Fisher was born on May 2nd, 1915, in New York City, New York, United States, she died on January 15th, 2003, at the age of 87. Doris Fisher was the daughter of the noted German songwriter Fred Fisher, (1875-1942) and her brothers Dan Fisher, (1920-2001) and Marvin Fisher (1916-1993) were also songwriters. Among Doris Fisher’s best known compositions are the 1940 song ‘Whispering Grass,’ which she co-wrote with her father, and was recorded by The Ink Spots in 1940, but would find it’s greatest success when recorded by the British actors Windsor Davies, (1930-2019) and Don Estelle, (1933-2003) and spending three weeks at Number 1 in the UK in 1975. Other notable songs co-written by Doris Fisher include ‘You Always Hurt the One You Love,’ (see also best songs 535) with Allan Roberts, and ‘That Ole Devil Called Love,’ also with Roberts, which having originally being recorded by Billie Holiday (1915-1959) in 1945, found great success when covered by Alison Moyet in 1985, with her version reaching Number 2 in the UK, and Number 1 in New Zealand. Doris Fisher retired from the music business in 1947, in order to raise her two children. On her death her friend the American singer and pianist Michael Feinstein praised her tenacity and talent, in what at the time was a man’s world. On her working relationship with Allen Roberts, Fisher once said,’Allan is the tear-jerker of the team, and I specialise in light stuff.

‘Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall’ tells us that inevitably life will always have it’s ups and downs.The rain symbolises the challenges and difficulties, metaphorically representing the setbacks and struggles that we all face along our journey. Just like the rain, these obstacles can sometimes be overwhelming and cause us to falter. However, the song reminds us that rain is a necessary part of life, and it is through these challenges that we grow and become stronger individuals.

Into each and every life some rain has got to fall, but too much of that stuff is fallin’ into mine. And into each heart some tears gotta fall, and I know that someday that sun is bound to shine.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

703-Quincy Jones featuring Chaka Khan and Ashford & Simpson-Stuff Like That.

1978-Number 32 single.

Best Bit-At 4.21. Quincy Jones has certainly crammed a whole lot of ‘STUFF’ into his 90+ years.

Quincy Jones (see also best songs 1022-889-812-511-357 and 191) was born Quincy Delight Jones Jr. on March 14th, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois, United States, he is a record producer, conductor, arranger, record executive, and songwriter, who has worked in the genres of Rhythm and Blues, Soul, Funk, Big Band, Swing, Bossa Nova, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Rock and Roll, Pop, and Disco. Quincy Jones has several career highlights, which include producing the three Michael Jackson Albums, ‘Off the Wall,’ (1979) ‘Thriller,’ (1982) and ‘Bad,’ (1987) (see also best songs 889-812 and 703) with sales in excess of 70 million copies sold worldwide, ‘Thriller’ is the best selling Album of all time. In the early to mid 1960’s, Quincy Jones produced all four of the million selling singles by the American singer Lesley Gore, (1946-2015) including ‘It’s My Party,’ (1963) and ‘You Don’t Own Me,’ (1963) he was also the co-producer, and conductor on the 1985 charity single ‘We Are the World,’ which was recorded in order to raise funds for the famine in Ethiopia, with physical sales in advance of 20 million copies sold worldwide, ‘We Are the World’ is currently the eighth best selling single of all time, in that format. Quincy Jones also worked closely with Frank Sinatra, (1915-1998) (see also best songs 877-567-469-120 and 73) arranging and conducting Sinatra’s second Album with Count Basie, (1904-1984) ‘It Might as Well Be Swing’ (1964.) He also conducted and arranged Sinatra’s live album with the Basie Band, ‘Sinatra at the Sands’ (1966.)

The discography of Quincy Jones includes 16 studio Albums, 24 soundtrack Albums, four official compilation Albums, and three live Albums, released between 1955-2010. He has also played on the recordings of many of the top Jazz artists of the 20th Century, including Dizzy Gillespie, (1917-1993) and Dinah Washington, (1924-1963) with his compositions being recorded by such legendary names as Ray Charles, (1930-2004) and Tony Bennett (1926-2023.) The 16 film soundtrack Albums that Quincy Jones produced, and also wrote music for, include, ‘The Italian Job,’ (1969) and ‘The Wiz’ (1978.) He has also issued 22 singles between 1962-2010, of which five have reached the Billboard Hot 100 singles top 40 in America, with ‘One Hundred Ways,’ with James Ingram, peaking the highest at Number 14 in 1981, and ‘Stuff Like That’ reaching Number 21. In the UK, he had had five top 40 hits, with ‘Razzamatazz,’ with Patti Austin, charting the highest at Number 11 in 1981. Now that is a lot of ‘STUFF!’

‘Stuff Like That’ has a star studded cast, and is taken from Quincy Jones’ 27th Album release ‘Sounds…and Stuff Like That!!’ from 1978. ‘Stuff Like That’ which was written at the height of the ‘Disco’ era, originally started out life as an instrumental track, which was worked on by the top session musicians Steve Gadd, (percussion) Richard Tee, (1943-1993) (piano) and Eric Gale (1938-1994) (guitar.) The song was completed, with lyrics added by by Quincy Jones, (production) Ashford & Simpson, (vocals) (see also best songs 1001-359-228 and 28) and Chaka Khan, (vocals) (see also best songs 228 and 85) with the songs arrangement being by Ralph MacDonald (1944-2011.) The memorable alto saxophone which can be heard at 4.21, was played by the American Jazz saxophonist George Young, who can also be heard prominently on ‘A Fifth of Beethoven,’ which was a Billboard Number 10, and UK Number 28 hit for ‘Walter Murphy and the Big Apple Band’ in 1976. Incidentally Steve Gadd, who played the percussion on ‘Stuff Like That,’ is probably best known for providing the drums on the Paul Simon track ’50 Ways to Leave Your Lover,’ which was a 1976 Billboard Number 1 single, and also reached Number 23 in the UK.

Quincy Jones re-recorded ‘Stuff Like That’ for his 1995 Album ‘Q’s Jook Joint,’ where this time the vocals were provided by Ashford & Simpson, Chaka Khan, Brandy, Charlie Wilson, and Ray Charles (1930-2004.) In 2002 the song was featured in a ‘Gap’ television commercial, this time the track was credited to ‘QJ’s Jook Joint and Brothers Johnson’ (see also best songs 1022 and 889.) ‘Stuff Like That’ is probably a song about ‘love at first sight,’ or maybe even ‘lust at first sight.’

‘Before my eyes was the promise of paradise, is she real, can she feel, is she a dream, if you know what I mean. ‘Cause she was built out of stuff like that.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

704-Whitney Houston- I Will Always Love You.

1992-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 3.08. Dolly Parton has said that she wrote ‘I Will Always Love You’ on the same day that she wrote ‘Jolene,’ a fairly productive, and profitable day then.

Dolly Rebecca Parton was born on January 19th, 1946, in Pittman Center, Tennessee, United States, the fourth of 12 children, she is a singer, songwriter, and an actress. She has sold in excess of 100 million records worldwide, and has been described as a ‘Country Music legend.’ Up until around 1976 Parton recorded solely in the ‘Country Music’ genre, but then successfully transitioned in to mainstream ‘Pop Music.’ The extensive discography of Dolly Parton includes 49 solo studio Albums released between 1967-2023, and 198 singles released as the lead artist between 1959-2023, she has also released 13 studio Albums, and 21 singles with the American Country Music singer Porter Wagoner between 1967-1980. Dolly Parton also has 237 official compilation Albums, and nine live Albums available in her discography. In America on the ‘Billboard Top Country Songs’ chart Dolly Parton hold the record of 25 Number 1 singles by a female artist. On the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, she has had seven top 40 hits, with ‘9 to 5,’ reaching Number 1 in 1980, and ‘Islands in the Stream,’ with Kenny Rogers, making Number 1 in 1983. while in the UK, she has had three top 40 hits, with both ‘Jolene’ (1973) and ‘Islands in the Stream,’ (1983) both peaking at Number 7.

Whitney Elizabeth Houston was born on August 9th, 1963, in Newark, New Jersey, United States, she died on February 11th, 2012, which was caused by drowning and the ‘effects of atherosclerotic heart disease and cocaine use.’ The manner of her death was listed as an ‘accident,’ she was 48 years old. Whitney Houston who was nicknamed ‘The Voice,’ is one of the best selling artists of all time, with record sales in excess of 220 million worldwide, Whitney was also an actress, appearing in seven films that have been released between 1992-2018. The discography of Whitney Houston includes seven studio Albums released between 1985-2009, and 57 singles released between 1984-2022, she has also appeared on a further four singles as the featured artist. In America on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, she had had 30 top 40 hits, including 11 Number 1 singles, which include ‘I Will Always Love You,’ which with worldwide sales in excess of 22 million is the best selling single of all time by a female artist. In the UK, Whitney Houston has had 33 top 40 hits, with four of those tracks reaching Number 1.

‘I Will Always Love You’ was written by Dolly Parton, and was written as a farewell to Parton’s business partner and mentor Porter Wagoner, (1927-2007) as a way of expressing her decision to pursue a solo career, Dolly Parton’s original version of the song was a commercial success, reaching Number 1 on the ‘Billboard Hot Country Songs’ chart in 1974. In 1982 Dolly Parton re-recorded the song for the film ‘The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas’ soundtrack, starring Dolly Parton, and once again it became a ‘Billboard Hot Country Songs’ Number 1 hit. In 1995 Dolly Parton recorded the song for a third time, this time as a duet with the American Country singer Vince Gill, for her 33rd solo studio Album ‘Something Special,’ this time the song when issued as single reached Number 15 on the ‘Billboard Hot Country Songs’ chart.

In 1992 Whitney Houston recorded a new arrangement of ‘I Will Always Love You,’ for the soundtrack to ‘The Bodyguard,’ which was her film debut, the song was produced by the Canadian composer, arranger, and music producer David Foster. Whitney Houston was originally going to record Jimmy Ruffin’s 1966 Motown track ‘What Becomes of the Brokenhearted,’ but it was soon discovered that the song had been used previously in the 1991 film ‘Fried Green Tomatoes.’ It was Whitney’s co-star in ‘The Bodyguard,’ Kevin Costner, who suggested ‘I Will Always Love You,’ having heard the recording of the song by the American singer Linda Ronstadt, on her 1975 Album ‘Prisoner in Disguise.’ Whitney Houston’s version of ‘I Will Always Love You’ is not the only version of the song featured in the film. In a scene where she dances with Kevin Costner, a recording by the American Rock artist John Doe can be heard playing on a jukebox.

‘I Will Always Love You’ which was the best selling single of 1992 worldwide, spent 14 weeks at Number 1 on Billboard, which was a new record at that time, it also spent 10 weeks at Number 1 in the UK. It’s parent Album ‘The Bodyguard: Original Soundtrack Album,’ is the best selling soundtrack Album worldwide of all time. Speaking about Whitney Houston’s cover of ‘I Will Always Love You,’ Dolly Parton has reminisced about the first time she heard Whitney’s rendition of her song, ‘I turned the radio on, and all of a sudden I heard that a cappella part. I knew it was something familiar, and then by the time it dawned on me what I was hearing, when Whitney went into the chorus, I had to stop the car because I almost wrecked it. I thought my heart was gonna just bust right out of my body.’

‘If I should stay, I would only be in your way, so I’ll go, but I know I’ll think of you every step of the way. And I will always love you.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

705-Example-Kickstarts.

2010-Number 3 single.

Best Bit-At 1.03. His real name is Elliot Gleave, and when Rapping as a youngster in the playground, one of the kids gave him the nickname ‘Example,’ which are his initials. ‘E.G.’ is an abbreviation of the Latin phrase ‘exempli gratia,’ meaning ‘for example.’

‘Example’ was born Elliot John Gleave, on June 20th, 1982, in Hammersmith, London, England, he is a singer, songwriter, rapper and record producer. In 2012 he stated that he has Asperger syndrome, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder. He has said, ‘I was diagnosed with Asperger’s when I was younger. I was amazing with numbers, I had a photographic memory, and I hated reading fiction, preferring books on nature and history. All symptoms of mild autism.’

The discography of Example includes eight studio Albums released between 2007-2022, and 54 singles that have been released between 2006-2023, there are also three official compilation Albums, and three Mixtapes available. In the UK, four of Example’s Albums have reached the top 40, with his third studio Album ‘Playing in the Shadows,’ (2011) reaching Number 1. He has also reached the UK top 40 singles chart on 13 occasions as the lead artist, with two of those tracks, ‘Changed the Way You Kiss Me.’ (2011) and ‘Stay Awake,’ (2011) both reaching Number 1. He has also charted within the top 40 on five occasions as a featured artist. Example has written songs for other artists, including the 2012 UK Number 2 & American Billboard Number 50 hit, ‘Chasing the Sun,’ for the British/Irish boy band the ‘Wanted.’

‘Kickstarts’ was the third of five singles released from ‘Won’t Go Quietly,’ which was the second studio Album released by Example from June 2010, the track was written by Example, with the production being by ‘Sub Focus.’ Sub Focus is the stage name of Nicolaas Douwma, who was born on April 13th, 1982, in Guildford, Surrey, England, he works in the musical genres of ‘Drum and Bass,’ ‘Drumstep,’ ‘Dubstep,’ and ‘Electro House.’ Sub Focus has stated that his first love was ‘Rock’ music as a schoolboy, but after hearing the ‘Drum and Bass’ track ‘Incredible,’ (1994) by General Levy, (see also best songs 1053) he was converted. As ‘Sub Focus’ he has released four studio Albums between 2009-2023, and 31 singles between 2003-2023, of which seven have reached the UK top 40, with ‘Endorphins,’ featuring Alex Clare, (2013) and ‘Turn Back Time,’ (2013) both peaking the highest at Number 10.

Example has explained how ‘Kickstarts,’ which is an ‘Electro/Pop’ song came about, when he was on tour and missing his girlfriend. ‘I heard the beat and I was on tour at the time. Sub Focus, the Drum’n’Bass producer, sent it to me, and I was on tour supporting Lily Allen. When you’re on tour non-stop for three weeks you kind of get a bit lonely and miss your loved ones. You miss your bed because you’re staying in hotels every night and driving everyday. It came from quite an emotional place and out of that emotion I just started thinking about life without my girlfriend, which is where the lyrics ‘Think of life without you’ comes from. The song suggests going through a bad stage with your girlfriend or boyfriend. I wasn’t so much going through a bad stage with my girlfriend it was more just a case of feeling a bit lonely on tour. I wrote the whole song in about two hours on the way back from Glasgow to London. That’s where that song stems from. Some people have read into it and thought it’s about love fizzling out, and what makes you stay with a person. Other people have interpreted it as drugs kicking in at a festival so it’s open to interpretation.’

‘You want me to come over I got an excuse. Might be holding your hand, but I’m holding it loose. Go to talk then we choke its like our necks in a noose, avoid the obvious we should be facing the truth. Start to think it could be fizzling out, kinda shocked because I never really had any doubts. Look into your eyes imagine life with out ya, and the love kick starts again.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

706-Johnny Mathis-Misty.

1959-Number 12 single.

Best Bit-At 0-14. Hey Mr DJ,’Play Misty for me.’

Johnny Mathis was born John Royce Mathis, on September 30th, 1935, in Gilmer, Texas, United States, with worldwide record sales in excess of 360 million, he is one of the best selling artists of all time. Johnny Mathis has recorded in many musical genres, including ‘Traditional Pop,’ ‘Latin American,’ ‘Soul,’ ‘Rhythm and Blues,’ ‘Show tunes,’ Country,’ and ‘Disco,’ his 1958 Album ‘Johnny’s Greatest Hits,’ which is often described as the ‘original greatest hits package,’ once held the record of most weeks on the American Billboard 200 Album chart, notching up a total of 490, three of which were spent at Number 1. The extensive discography of Johnny Mathis includes 73 studio Albums released between 1956-2017, and 113 singles issued between 1956-2013, there are also 30 official compilation Albums, and three live Albums available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, 20 of his singles have reached the top 40, with ‘Chances Are,’ (1957) and ‘Too Much, Too Little, Too Late,’ (1978) which was a duet with Deniece Williams, both making the Number 1 position. On Billboard ‘Misty’ peaked at Number 12, the same position it reached in the UK. In the UK, Johnny Mathis has had 12 top 40 hits, with ‘When a Child Is Born,’ making Number 1 in 1976.

‘Misty’ in it’s original form is considered to be a ‘Jazz Standard.’ It was written as an instrumental by the American Jazz pianist Erroll Garner, (1921-1977) in 1954, and recorded for his 1955 Album ‘Contrasts.’ Garner was inspired to write ‘Misty while on a flight from San Francisco to Chicago, which passed through a thunderstorm. As the plane descended into the Chicago airport, Garner looked through the window to see a rainbow glowing through a haze, and was moved to begin composing ‘Misty’ on the spot. The lyrics to ‘Misty’ were added sometime between 1955-1956 by the American lyricist Johnny Burke, (1908-1964) at the insistence of the pianist Herb Mesick. It was said that Mesick would play the tune every time Burke came into the room, until Burke said, ‘Alright, give me the damn music, and I’ll do it.’ It is said that Burke wrote the lyrics in two to three hours in his bedroom.

As a teenager Johnny Mathis had heard Garner’s original version of ‘Misty,’ and had told him that if words were ever added he would record the song himself. It finally came to fruition in 1959 when Johnny Mathis recorded the song for his eighth studio Album ‘Heavenly,’ which would become his most successful studio Album, spending 295 weeks on the Billboard Album chart. Both ‘Misty’ and it’s parent Album ‘Heavenly’ were produced by Mitch Miller, (1911-2010) and Al Ham (1925-2001.) At first there was no plans to release ‘Misty’ as a single, with the song, and the Erroll Garner original, being sent only to the broadcasting industry as a back-to-back single for promotional use, but such was the interest in the Johnny Mathis recording, that Columbia Records decided to issue the track as a single in September 1959.

‘Misty’ was first recorded with vocals by the American Jazz vocalist Dakota Staton, (1930-2007) in 1957, with the first vocal version that attracted attention being by Sarah Vaughan in 1958. The most successful version of ‘Misty’ on both sides of the Atlantic is the 1975 recording by the American Country singer Ray Stevens, whose version made Number 14 on Billboard, and Number 2 in the UK. In 1971 the American actor and film director Clint Eastwood, who was always a fan of the Erroll Garner recording, used that version in his 1971 psychological thriller film ‘Play Misty for Me’ (see also best songs 251.) Garner drove a hard bargain, by charging Eastwood $25,000 for the right to use the song in the film.

‘Look at me I’m as helpless as a kitten up a tree, and I feel like I’m clinging to a cloud. I can’t understand, I get misty, holding your hand. Walk my way, and a thousand violins begin to play, or it might be the sound of your hello. That music I hear, I get misty the moment you’re near.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

707-Ramones-Don’t Come Close.

1978-Number 39 single.

Best Bit-At 0.01. ‘1-2-3-4!’

The Ramones (see also best songs 102) were formed in 1974, in Forest Hills, Queens, New York, United States, by Jeffrey Hyman, (1951-2001) who was a guitarist, and went by the stage name of ‘Joey Ramone,’ he died of lymphoma, at the age of 49. John Cummings, (1948-2004) was also a guitarist with the group, who went by the stage name of ‘Johnny Ramone,’ he died after a five year battle with prostrate cancer, at the age of 55. Douglas Colvin, (1951-2002) played bass, and went by the stage name of ‘Dee Dee Ramone,’ he died of a Heroin overdose, at the age of 50, and the other founding member was Thomas Erdelyi, (1949-2014) who was the groups drummer, and took the stage name ‘Tommy Ramone, he died of bile duct cancer, at the age of 65. These four are considered, along with Marc Bell, (Marky Ramone) who replaced Erdelyi on drums in 1978, as the classic line up, in total there have been eight different members, with Richard Reinhardt, (Richie Ramone) being the groups drummer between 1983-1987, Clem Burke, (Elvis Ramone) (see also best songs 402) was the groups drummer for part of 1987, and Christopher Ward, (C. J. Ramone) who played bass between 1989-1996. Although none of the group members were related, they all used the same surname ‘Ramone,’ which was inspired by Paul McCartney, who used the the name ‘Paul Ramon,’ when touring with an early incarnation of the ‘Beatles,’ in Scotland in 1960.

The Ramones are considered by many music critics to be one of the most influential groups of all time, with some placing them second in importance only to the Beatles (see also best songs 599-319-238-218-157-141-80-51-10 and 5.) On both sides of the Atlantic, they are considered as the main forerunners in what was to become known as ‘Punk Rock,’ with British groups such as the Sex Pistols, (see also best songs 967-323 ans 27) and The Clash, (see also best songs 867-638 and 294) both acknowledging their influence on them, while in America their influence was just as great on bands, including Black Flag, Dead Kennedy’s, and Bad Religion.

‘Don’t Come Close’ was the first of four singles released from ‘Road to Ruin,’ which was the fourth studio Album released by the Ramones, from September 1978. ‘Don’t Come Close’ which was written by Dee Dee Ramone, (Douglas Colvin) and produced by Tommy Ramone, under his real name Thomas Erdelyi, along with Ed Stasium, was the second longest track on the Album at 2.44. ‘Road to Ruin’ was the first Ramones Album to feature new drummer Marky Ramone, who replaced Tommy Ramone, who had grown tired of continuous touring, and the groups lack of commercial success, but he stayed with the band to be co-producer.

‘Road to Ruin’ was a marked change in the musical style of the Ramones, whereas previously they had been out and out ‘Punk Rock,’ with the majority of their songs barely approaching the two minute mark, this Album was more ‘Heavy Metal’ based, with guitar solos, and 1960’s style ballads. The songs on ‘Road to Ruin’ are considered by some music critics as an attempt to get the band more airplay. The Album did not sell as well as the group had hoped, peaking at only Number 103 on the American Billboard 200 Album chart. Many of the groups fan base felt that the Ramones had sold out with their more commercial sound, but over the years many have mellowed, and now see the Album in a more favourable light.

‘Don’t Come Close,’ along with it’s parent Album ‘Road to Ruin,’ was co-produced by Ed Stasium, who was born in New Jersey, United States. Stasium began his music career in 1970 fronting the band ‘Brandywine,’ and appearing on their only Album called ‘Aged.’ In 1973 he started work as a recording engineer, and was the engineer on ‘Midnight Train to Georgia,’ by Gladys Knight and the Pips (see also best songs 667.) His first production work with the Ramones was on their second studio Album ‘Leave Home’ in 1977, he would go on to work with the group on a five further of their Albums. It was in the latter half of the 1980’s where Stasium had his greatest successes, with Album productions including, ‘ Living Colour’s, ‘Vivid’, (1988) Soul Asylum’s, ‘Hang Time,’ (1988) and Julian Cope’s, ‘Saint Julian’ (1987.)

You know it’s generally known, you got everything at home. Kisses out of desperation, bring you more aggravation. And you don’t come close, you don’t come close, you don’t come close.

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

707-Ramones-Don’t Come Close.

1978-Number 39 single.

Best Bit-At 0.01. ‘1-2-3-4!’

The Ramones (see also best songs 102) were formed in 1974, in Forest Hills, Queens, New York, United States, by Jeffrey Hyman, (1951-2001) who was a guitarist, and went by the stage name of ‘Joey Ramone,’ he died of lymphoma, at the age of 49. John Cummings, (1948-2004) was also a guitarist with the group, who went by the stage name of ‘Johnny Ramone,’ he died after a five year battle with prostrate cancer, at the age of 55. Douglas Colvin, (1951-2002) played bass, and went by the stage name of ‘Dee Dee Ramone,’ he died of a Heroin overdose, at the age of 50, and the other founding member was Thomas Erdelyi, (1949-2014) who was the groups drummer, and took the stage name ‘Tommy Ramone, he died of bile duct cancer, at the age of 65. These four are considered, along with Marc Bell, (Marky Ramone) who replaced Erdelyi on drums in 1978, as the classic line up, in total there have been eight different members, with Richard Reinhardt, (Richie Ramone) being the groups drummer between 1983-1987, Clem Burke, (Elvis Ramone) (see also best songs 402) was the groups drummer for part of 1987, and Christopher Ward, (C. J. Ramone) who played bass between 1989-1996. Although none of the group members were related, they all used the same surname ‘Ramone,’ which was inspired by Paul McCartney, who used the the name ‘Paul Ramon,’ when touring with an early incarnation of the ‘Beatles,’ in Scotland in 1960.

The Ramones are considered by many music critics to be one of the most influential groups of all time, with some placing them second in importance only to the Beatles (see also best songs 599-319-238-218-157-141-80-51-10 and 5.) On both sides of the Atlantic, they are considered as the main forerunners in what was to become known as ‘Punk Rock,’ with British groups such as the Sex Pistols, (see also best songs 967-323 ans 27) and The Clash, (see also best songs 867-638 and 294) both acknowledging their influence on them, while in America their influence was just as great on bands, including Black Flag, Dead Kennedy’s, and Bad Religion.

‘Don’t Come Close’ was the first of four singles released from ‘Road to Ruin,’ which was the fourth studio Album released by the Ramones, from September 1978. ‘Don’t Come Close’ which was written by Dee Dee Ramone, (Douglas Colvin) and produced by Tommy Ramone, under his real name Thomas Erdelyi, along with Ed Stasium, was the second longest track on the Album at 2.44. ‘Road to Ruin’ was the first Ramones Album to feature new drummer Marky Ramone, who replaced Tommy Ramone, who had grown tired of continuous touring, and the groups lack of commercial success, but he stayed with the band to be co-producer.

‘Road to Ruin’ was a marked change in the musical style of the Ramones, whereas previously they had been out and out ‘Punk Rock,’ with the majority of their songs barely approaching the two minute mark, this Album was more ‘Heavy Metal’ based, with guitar solos, and 1960’s style ballads. The songs on ‘Road to Ruin’ are considered by some music critics as an attempt to get the band more airplay. The Album did not sell as well as the group had hoped, peaking at only Number 103 on the American Billboard 200 Album chart. Many of the groups fan base felt that the Ramones had sold out with their more commercial sound, but over the years many have mellowed, and now see the Album in a more favourable light.

‘Don’t Come Close,’ along with it’s parent Album ‘Road to Ruin,’ was co-produced by Ed Stasium, who was born in New Jersey, United States. Stasium began his music career in 1970 fronting the band ‘Brandywine,’ and appearing on their only Album called ‘Aged.’ In 1973 he started work as a recording engineer, and was the engineer on ‘Midnight Train to Georgia,’ by Gladys Knight and the Pips (see also best songs 667.) His first production work with the Ramones was on their second studio Album ‘Leave Home’ in 1977, he would go on to work with the group on a five further of their Albums. It was in the latter half of the 1980’s where Stasium had his greatest successes, with Album productions including, ‘ Living Colour’s, ‘Vivid’, (1988) Soul Asylum’s, ‘Hang Time,’ (1988) and Julian Cope’s, ‘Saint Julian’ (1987.)

You know it’s generally known, you got everything at home. Kisses out of desperation, bring you more aggravation. And you don’t come close, you don’t come close, you don’t come close.

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

708-Jeannie C. Riley-Harper Valley PTA.

1968-Number 12 single.

Best Bit-At 2.47. ‘Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.’

Jeannie C. Riley was born Jeanne Carolyn Stephenson, on October 19th, 1945, in Anson, Texas, United States, she gained her initial success as a ‘Country Music’ singer, but in the early 1970’s she became a born-again Christian, and started recording ‘Gospel Music’ during the late 1970’s. Jeannie C. Riley has released 26 Albums between 1968-2017, and 29 singles between 1968-1991. Her debut studio Album called ‘Harper Valley PTA,’ was a Number 1 Album on the Billboard ‘Top Country Albums’ chart in America in 1968. Her only top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart remains ‘Harper Valley PTA,’ which has gone on to sell in excess of six million copies worldwide, though she has had 13 top 40 hits on the Billboard ‘Hot Country Songs’ chart. In the UK, ‘Harper Valley PTA,’ remains her only top 40 entry to date. In America on Billboard, ‘Harper Valley PTA,’ was the first single to top both the Billboard Hot 100, and the Billboard Country chart by a female artist, although it happened on alternate weeks.

The original version of ‘Harper Valley PTA’ was recorded by the Country singer Margie Singleton, who had asked the songwriter Tom T. Hall to write her a song similar to Bobby Gentry’s ‘Ode to Billie Joe’ (see also best songs 18.) Jeannie C. Riley got to hear Singleton’s version, and recorded her own version, which was rush released ahead of Singleton’s. Such was the popularity of the song that it inspired the 1978 comedy film ‘Harper Valley PTA,’ and the 1981 television series ‘Harper Valley,’ that ran for two seasons.

‘Harper Valley PTA’ was written by Tom T. Hall, with the production being by Shelby Singleton, (1931-2009) and was released as a single in August 1968 by Jeannie C. Riley. Tom T. Hall was born Thomas Hall, on May 25th, 1936, in Tick Ridge, Kentucky, United States, he died at his home on August 20, 2021, of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. He left no suicide note, but was found to have ‘Chlordiazepoxide,’ which is used to treat anxiety, and alcohol withdrawal, in his system. At the time of his death he was rumoured to have been suffering from numerous old age related illnesses, he was 85 years old. Tom T. Hall was a Country Music singer, a songwriter, and an author, who was nicknamed ‘The Storyteller.’ He released 35 studio Albums between 1969-2007, and 50 singles between 1967-1986, there are also nine official compilation Albums available. He had 39 of his singles chart within the Billboard ‘Hot Country Songs’ chart, with seven of those tracks reaching Number 1. His 1973 song ‘I Love,’ was his only crossover hit, reaching Number 12 on the Billboard ‘Hot 100’ singles chart. Hall who was also the author of seven books between 1976-1996, wrote 12 Country Number 1 singles in total, with many of the genres greats, such as Johnny Cash, George Jones, and Loretta Lynn, covering his songs.

‘Harper Valley PTA’ tells the story of the widowed wife Mrs Johnson, who is frowned upon by members of the local schools PTA, who accuse her of wearing her skirts too short, drinking, and being seen with many men. Mrs Johnson addresses the PTA, and puts them in their place by pointing out their indiscretions. Tom T. Hall revealed in 2005 that his inspiration for the song came about after witnessing a similar scenario when he was a child in the mid 1940’s, when one of the mothers of one of his classmates had angered one of the local school board members, because of her modern ways, and the school was taking out their frustrations on her daughter. The mother gave a verbal tongue lashing at the school, which was something that was unheard of at the time.

In 1984, Jeannie C. Riley recorded a sequel to ‘Harper Valley PTA’ called ‘Return to Harper Valley,’ which was also written by Tom T. Hall, but it failed to chart. In the sequel, Riley sings as Mrs. Johnson, who is now a grandmother. She observes that some townsfolk conquered their vices, while others did not.

‘I wanna tell you all the story ’bout a Harper Valley widowed wife, who had a teenage daughter who attended Harper Valley Junior High. Well, her daughter came home one afternoon, and didn’t even stop to play, and she said, “mom, I got a note here from the Harper Valley PTA.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

709- Cliff Richard and the Drifters-Move It.

1958-Number 2 single.

Best Bit-At 1.16. John Lennon said,’Before Cliff and The Shadows, there had been nothing worth listening to in British Music.’ As you probably know, he didn’t live long enough to hear ‘The Millennium Prayer.’

Sir Cliff Richard OBE, was born Harry Roger Webb, on October 14th, 1940, in Lucknow, United Provinces, British India. In 1948 following Indian independence, he emigrated to Carshalton, South London, England, with his parents, and three sisters. His stage name ‘Cliff’ was chosen as it sounds like ‘cliff face,’ suggesting ‘Rock,’ and ‘Richard,’ which was suggested by this songs writer Ian Samwell, is in tribute to Webb’s musical hero Little Richard (1932-2020) (see also best songs 521.) In the UK, only the Beatles, and Elvis Presley (1935-1977) have sold more records.

The extensive discography of Cliff Richard, who has sold in excess of 250 million records worldwide, includes 49 studio Albums released between 1959-2023, and over 200 singles which have been issued worldwide, of which 159 have been released in the UK between 1958-2022, there are also 17 official compilation Albums, 11 live Albums, 12 box sets, and seven soundtrack Albums available. In the UK, Cliff Richard has had 123 top 40 hit singles, with 14 of those tracks reaching Number 1, while in America on the Billboard Hot 100, nine of his singles have made the top 40, with ‘Devil Woman’ from 1976, charting the highest at Number 6, in America, ‘Move It’ has never charted.

‘Move It’ was the debut single by Cliff Richard and the Drifters, from August 1958, it was written by Ian Samwell, with the production being by Norrie Paramor (1914-1979.) ‘Move It,’ which is credited with being one of the first authentic ‘Rock N’ Roll’ songs produced outside of the United States, was originally planned as the ‘B’ side to ‘Schoolboy Crush,’ however when producer Jack Good (1931-2017) heard ‘Move It,’ he insisted that Cliff Richard would have to sing that if he was to appear on his music television show ‘Oh Boy!’ ‘Move It’ proved very popular, and the decision was taken to flip sides, with ‘Schoolboy Crush relegated to the ‘B’ side.

Ian Ralph Samwell was born on January 19th, 1937, in Lambeth, South London, England, in the 1990’s he underwent a heart transplant, and died on March 13th, 2003, at the age of 66. Samwell first met Cliff Richard in 1958, when hearing him perform at the ‘2i’s Coffee Bar,’ in Soho, London, this led to Samwell joining Cliff’s group as a guitarist, which would soon be re-named ‘ Cliff Richard and The Drifters.’ Ian Samwell who was inspired to write ‘Move It’ after listening to the music of Chuck Berry, (1926-2017) (see also best songs 548-308 and 30) would go to write Cliff Richard’s second hit single ‘High Class Baby, (1956-UK Number 7) as well as several other of Richard’s early songs. In the early 1970’s while working as a staff producer at ‘Warner Bros, Records’ in London, Samwell discovered the American Rock band ‘America,’ he produced their self titled debut Album in 1972, as well as their signature song ‘A Horse with No Name.’

The original lineup who made up the ‘Drifters,’ who were Cliff Richards backing group, were Ken Pavey, (guitar) Terry Smart, (drums) Norman Mitham, (guitar) and Ian Samwell, (guitar) although only Samwell and Smart played on ‘Move It,’ as the session musicians Ernie Shears, (guitar) and Frank Clarke, (1924-2007) (upright bass) were used instead, as they were thought to be superior musicians. In 1959 the management of the American R&B vocal group ‘The Drifters’ (see also best songs 804 and 568)) threatened legal action over naming rights, forcing the ‘Drifters’ to re-name themselves. It was Jet Harris (1939-2011) who came up with the new name ‘The Shadows.’ In total there have been 17 different members of the ‘Drifters,’ and ‘The Shadows,’ who at the time of writing remain active.

‘Move It’ was written with only one verse, so Cliff Richard sang that verse twice. Finally in 1995 Ian Samwell wrote a second verse, which first appeared on the Hank Marvin Album ‘Hank Plays Cliff,’ The new version was debuted live at a ‘Royal Variety Performance’ in front of Queen Elizabeth II that year. Since then, Cliff Richard has continued to perform the song live with the additional verse. In 2006 Cliff Richard re-recorded ‘Move It’ with Brian May of Queen on guitar, and Brian Bennett of The Shadows on drums. The track was released as the second track on a double ‘A’ side CD single, alongside ’21st Century Christmas,’ which reached Number 2 on the UK top 40.

‘The rhythm that gets into your heart and soul, well, let me tell you baby, it’s called Rock N’ Roll. They say it’s gonna die but please let’s face it, Well, they just don’t know what’s a goin’ to replace it.’