THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

525-Ramsey Lewis-Wade in the Water.

1966-On it’s initial release it did not chart in the UK. Due to it’s popularity with the ‘Northern Soul’ scene, it entered the UK chart in 1972, reaching Number 31.

Best Bit-At 0.12. ‘Slave to the Rhythm.’

‘Wade in the Water’ in it’s original form is a ‘Spiritual’ song that dates back to the early 19th Century, whose lyrics were meant to convey, encourage, and remind escaping slaves in a coded message, of the dangers they were in, for example, if the would be fugitive took to the water as a means of trying to escape, it would throw pursuing bloodhounds off the scent. In it’s original form the songs verses compare the plight of the African/American slave with that of the Israelite’s escape out of Egypt.

The lyrics to ‘Wade in the Water’ whose original writer is unknown, were first published in 1901, by the collector, arranger, harmoniser, and composer of songs, the American born Frederick Jerome Work, (1879-1942) and his brother, John Wesley Work Jr. (1871-1925) who was a musicologist, and the first African-American collector of Folk songs and Spirituals, he was also a choral director, educationalist singer and songwriter. ‘Wade in the Water’ and other traditional songs were published by the brothers as ‘New Jubilee Songs,’ and first performed by the ‘Fisk Jubilee Singers.’ The first commercial recording of ‘Wade in the Water’ was made in 1925 by ‘The Sunset Four Jubilee Singers,’ and released by ‘Paramount Records.’ Other famous recordings of the song are by Bob Dylan, the Staple Singers, Marlena Shaw, (1939-2024) Eva Cassidy, (1963-1996) and of course this one by Ramsey Lewis.

‘Wade in the Water’ was also the title of Ramsey Lewis’ 24th Album release, from July 1966, the Ramsey Lewis recording is an instrumental, and was produced by Esmond Edwards (1927-2007.) Playing on the track were Ramsey Lewis, (1935-2022) (keyboards) John Avant, (1927-1988) (trombone) Cleveland Eton, (1939-2020) (see also best songs 980) (bass) and Maurice White, (1941-23016) (see also best songs 916 and 462) (drums) who went on to form Earth Wind & Fire in 1969.

Ramsey Emmanuel Lewis Jr. was born on May 27th, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois, United States, he passed away in his sleep on September 12th, 2022, at the age of 87. His initial work was in the genre of ‘Jazz,’ but after finding commercial success with this song and others, a lot of his music became more ‘Pop’ orientated. In 1955, after playing with a number of local groups, Ramsey Lewis formed the ‘Ramsey Lewis Trio,’ with the drummer Isaac ‘Redd’ Holt,’ (1932-2023) and the bass player Eldee Young, (1936-2007) as a trio they signed with ‘Chess Records,’ and released their debut album, ‘Ramsey Lewis and his Gentle-men of Swing,’ in 1956. It was following their breakthrough hit ‘The ‘In’ Crowd’ (see also best songs 243) in 1965, that they decided to concentrate more on ‘Pop’ material. In 1966 Young and Holt left the trio to form ‘Young-Holt Unlimited,’ and were replaced by Cleveland Eaton, and Maurice White. In addition to recording, Ramsey Lewis also was a broadcaster, and hosted the weekly syndicated radio program ‘Legends of Jazz,’ which was created in 1990, and syndicated by ‘United Stations Radio Networks.’ He also hosted the ‘Ramsey Lewis Morning Show,’ on Chicago ‘smooth jazz’ radio station, ‘WNUA.’ Ramsey Lewis was also active in musical education in Chicago, where he founded the ‘Ramsey Lewis Foundation,’ established the ‘Ravinia’s Jazz Mentor Program,’ and served on the board of trustees for the ‘Merit School of Music,’ and ‘The Chicago High School for the Arts.’ In 2005 he founded the ‘Ramsey Lewis Foundation,’ which promoted musical instrument education to children.’ The discography of Ramsey Lewis includes over 80 Albums issued between 1956-2022, and 27 singles released between 1964-1987, of which six of those singles reached the American Billboard Hot 100, with ‘The ‘In’ Crowd,’ from 1965, peaking the highest at Number 5, while ‘Wade in the Water’ reached Number 19. In the UK, ‘Wade in the Water’ is his only chart entry.

‘Wade in the Water’ is an African American jubilee song, and can be filed under the musical genre of ‘Spiritual,’ which is in reference to a genre of music created and first sung by African/Americans in slavery. ‘Spirituals’ which are also known as ‘Negro spirituals,’ ‘African American spirituals,’ ‘Black spirituals,’ or ‘spiritual music,’ is a genre of Christian music that is associated with African Americans, which merged varied African cultural influences with the experiences of being held in bondage in slavery, at first during the transatlantic slave trade, and for centuries afterwards, through the domestic slave trade. ‘Spirituals’ encompass the ‘sing songs,’ ‘work songs,’ and ‘plantation songs,’ with many new derivative music genres such as the ‘Blues’ emerging from the ‘Spirituals’ song-craft down the centuries.

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

526-Nas-One Mic.

2002-It has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 1.18. Too often all ‘Rap’ is tarred with the same brush. There are those who brag about the six figure sums they have just been paid, the amount of bitc#es they have taken to bed, and the size of their genitalia, and then there are the ‘keeping it real’ Rappers, with a real message.

Nas was born Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, on September 14th, 1973, in Brooklyn, New York City, United States, to date he has sold in excess of 25 million records worldwide, and in many compiled lists of the best Rappers, and lyricists, he continuously appears in the all time top 10. Nas whose father is the Jazz musician Olu Dara, began his music career in 1989 as ‘Nasty Nas,’ and was first heard on record when guesting on the 1991 track ‘Live at the Barbecue,’ by the ‘East coast Hip-Hop’ group ‘Main Source.’ Nas then went on to record his debut Album ‘Illmatic’ in 1994, which is considered by many music critics to be one of the greatest ‘Hip-Hop’ Albums of all time. The American music journalist Peter Shapiro has written about Nas, saying that he creates a ‘Devastating match between lyrics and production.’ There have also been comparisons made between Nas and ‘Rakim’ (see also best songs 856.)

The discography of Nas includes 17 studio Albums released between 1994-2023, and 79 singles released between 1992-2024, there is also one collaborative Album, one group Album, four mixtapes, and five official compilation Albums available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, as the lead artist, he has had three top 40 entries, with ‘I Can’ from 2003, peaking the highest at Number 12, while ‘One Mic’ reached Number 43. On Billboard as a featured artist Nas has had seven top 40 hits, with ‘Hot Boyz,’ by Missy Elliott, featuring Lil’ Mo, Nas, Eve, and Q-Tip, making Number 5 in 1999. In the UK, Nas has charted within the top 40 as the lead artist on nine occasions, with both ‘If I Ruled the World (Imagine That’) featuring Lauryn Hill, (1996) and ‘Street Dreams’ (1996) both peaking the highest at Number 12. As the featured artist in the UK, Nas has had eight top 40 chart entries, with I’m Gonna Be Alright,” the Track Masters Remix,’ by Jennifer Lopez, featuring Nas, charting the highest at Number 3 in 2002.

‘One Mic’ was the last of four singles released from ‘Stillmatic,’ which is the fifth studio Album released by Nas, from December 2001. ‘One Mic’ was co-written, and co-produced by Nas, and Chucky Thompson, and contains samples from the songs ‘In the Air Tonight,’ by Phil Collins, and ‘I’m Gonna Love You Just a Little More Baby,’ by Barry White, although neither of those artists receive songwriting credits. Chucky Thompson was born Carl Edward Thompson Jr. on July 12th, 1968, in Washington D. C. United States, he died of complications of COVID-19, on August 9th, 2021, at the age of 53. Chucky Thompson worked as a music producer for ‘Bad Boy Entertainment’ ‘Hitmen,’ where he produced tracks for their rosta of artists, including The Notorious B.I.G.’s, Big Poppa, (see also best songs 307) from his ‘Ready To Die’ Album, (1994) and the Faith Evans tracks, ‘You Used to Love Me,’ and ‘Soon As I Get Home,’ from her Album ‘Faith’ (1995.)

‘One Mic’ is a ‘Hip-Hop’ track, that can also be filed under the musical sub-genre of ‘Conscious Hip-Hop.’ ‘Conscious Hip-Hop’ is a sub-genre of ‘Hip Hop’ that challenges the dominant cultural, social, political, philosophical, and economic consensus, and/or comments on, or focuses on, social issues and conflicts. Some themes of ‘Conscious Hip-Hop’ include’ social conscience, Afro-centricity, religion, culture, the economy, depictions of the struggles of ordinary people, and aversion to, or commentary on, crime and violence. ‘Conscious Hip-Hop’ often seeks to raise awareness of social issues, sometimes leaving the listeners to form their own opinions rather than advocating for certain ideas and demanding actions like another sub-genre of ‘Hip-Hop,’ called ‘Political Hip-Hop.’ ‘Conscious Hip-Hop’ artists often use their music to express their views on a wide range of topics, including politics, race, poverty, and the environment. Other examples of ‘Conscious Hip-Hop’ in this ‘1000 Best Songs’ list include, ‘The Message’ by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, (see also best songs 290) and ‘Fight the Power,’ by Public Enemy, (see also best songs 578) these songs could also be filed under ‘Political Hip-Hop.’

In ‘One Mic,’ Nas tells us of his experiences growing up in the ghetto. He tells us of his desire to lead a simple and positive life, with the guidance of God. Nas has said, ‘I’m a huge fan of Phil Collins, and I just wanted to take the vibe from In the Air Tonight. One Mic is just about the power. It’s almost like ‘Hip Hop is Dead’ (2006-Nas Album) in its infant stages, saying how much this is a blessing to be out here, speaking about what’s happening in my neighbourhood, having the whole world understand and relate. One Mic just gives me the ability, no matter how much ignorant people are mad that I’m exposing or talking about our country, no matter what the language is, I’m talking in a language that the people can hear, I’m not sugar-coating it. So if it scares people and people feel guilty, people feel like they’ve got to make up excuses to why the world’s this way, no matter what they say, like they’ve got their mic, I’ve got mine, and that’s what that song’s about.’

All I need is one mic, that’s all I need, that’s all I need. There’s nuttin’ else in the world, that’s all a nig#a need to do his thing.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

527-Barry McGuire-Eve of Destruction.

1965-Number 3 single.

Best Bit-At 0.34. Unfortunately the songs lyrics will probably ring as true tomorrow, as they do today, and did yesterday.

‘Eve of Destruction’ was written in 1965 by the then 19 year old singer/songwriter P. F. Sloan, (1945-2015) who also co-produced the song along with Lou Adler, and Steve Barri. The song became one of the biggest protest songs of the 1960’s, referencing many of the social problems of that period, including the Vietnam War, the threat of Nuclear war, the Civil Rights Movement, and the American Space Programme. Due to the songs ‘controversial’ lyrics, many American radio stations refused to play the song, claiming it was ‘An aid to the enemy in Vietnam,’ which of course only helped to bring the song even more to the attention of the general public, and helping it to reach Number 1 on Billboard.

‘Eve of Destruction’ was first offered to the American ‘Folk/Rock’ group the ‘Byrds,’ (see also best songs 621) but they rejected it. The song was then first recorded by another Los Angeles group ‘The Turtles,’ whose version was issued as a track on their October 1965 debut Album ‘It Ain’t Me Babe.’ The Turtles recording was finally issued in 1970 as a single, and reached Number 100 on the Billboard Hot 100. But of course the most famous recording of ‘Eve of Destruction’ is this one by Barry McGuire, who released the track as the only single taken from his 1965 debut studio Album also called ‘Eve of Destruction.’

Barry McGuire was born on October 15th, 1935, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States. He started his musical career as a ‘Folk/Rock’ singer, before turning to ‘Christian Music,’ when becoming a born again Christian in 1971. Prior to pursuing a solo career in 1965, Barry McGuire had been a member of the American ‘Folk’ group ‘The New Christy Minstrels,’ since 1962, and had co-written their 1963 Billboard Hot 100 Number 14 hit ‘Green Green.’ With ‘The New Christy Minstrels,’ Barry McGiure appeared on their first nine Album released between 1962-1965, and as a solo artist he has released at least 25 Albums between 1963-2000, and has had one Billboard top 40 hit single. Barry McGuire recorded ‘Eve of Destruction’ in one take late at night, his voice was raspy, and he was tired, and the take was only meant as a guide, but on hearing it the producer Jay Lasker (1924-1989) liked it so much, he took the ‘demo’ to the Los Angeles radio station ‘KFWB’ the very next morning, where it was played for the first time. McGuire has stated that he sang the lyrics while reading them off a crumpled up piece of paper, and at one point in the song you can hear him go ‘ahhh,’ when he couldn’t read the words properly. The accompanying musicians on the track were P. F. Sloan on guitar and the ‘Wrecking Crew’ (see also best songs 978-846-811-744-672-660-486-262-202-197-192-180-127 and 81) session musicians, Hal Blaine (1929-2019) on drums, and Larry Knechtel (1940-2009) on bass guitar.

‘Eve of Destruction’ was written by P. F. Sloan, who was born Philip Gary Schlein, on September 18th, 1945, in New York City, United States, he died on November 15th, 2015, from pancreatic cancer, at the age of 70. The ‘F’ in his stage name stands for ‘Flip,’ which was his nickname. In 1957 his family moved to West Hollywood, California, where his father, a pharmacist, changed the family name from ‘Schlein’ to ‘Sloan’ after repeatedly being denied a liquor license for his store. At the age of 16 Sloan landed a job on the songwriting staff at the music publisher ‘Screen Gems,’ which was then the largest publisher on the West Coast. There, he formed a partnership with Steve Barri, three years his senior, and the duo made several attempts at recording a hit single under a variety of different names. In 1963 the pair came to the attention of ‘Screen Gems’ executive Lou Adler, who decided to use them as backing singers and musicians, most notably on the records of ‘Jan and Dean’ (see also best songs 811.) P. F. Sloan combined his songwriting with session work, often working as part of the ‘Wrecking Crew.’ P. F. Sloan wrote the intro, and also played the guitar on the intro of the ‘Mamas & the Papas’ 1965 Billboard Number 4 and UK Number 23 hit ‘California Dreamin” (see also best songs 660.) As a songwriter P. F. Sloan would often team up with Steve Barri, with their most successful songs being ‘A Must to Avoid,’ recorded by Herman’s Hermits, (1966-UK-Number 6) and ‘Secret Agent Man,’ recorded by Johnny Rivers (1966-Billboard-Number 3.) P. F. Sloan also released 12 solo Albums between 1965-2014, and 11 singles between 1959-1972, there are also five Albums recorded with Steve Barri between 1964-1967, and 13 singles within the same time period that the duo issued under 10 different names including ‘Themes Inc,’ Phillip and Stephan, and ‘The Grass Roots.’

‘The Eastern world, it is explodin,’ violence flarin,’ bullets loadin.’ You’re old enough to kill, but not for votin.’ You don’t believe in war, but what’s that gun you’re totin.”

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

528-Real Thing-You to Me Are Everything.

1976-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 0.57. Everybody knows about ‘Mersey Beat,’ but here’s some classic ‘Mersey Disco/Soul.’

The Real Thing were formed in Liverpool, England, in 1970, by Chris Amoo, Dave Smith, Kenny Davis, and Ray Lake, (1946-2020) and at the time of writing they remain active as a duo of Chris Amoo, and Dave Smith. The Real Thing started out performing ‘Soul’ influenced covers of American hits, which led to them being signed by ‘EMI’ records, for whom they released seven of their own compositions, which all failed to chart between 1970-1975. During that period they appeared on the British television talent show ‘Opportunity Knocks,’ (see also best songs 692) and were invited to tour Europe with David Essex (see also best songs 611.) After parting ways with ‘EMI,’ the Real Thing signed a new record deal with ‘Pye’ records, after which Eddie Amoo, (1944-2018) the brother of Chris, joined the group. They finally achieved commercial success in 1976, when teaming up with Ken Gold, and Michael Denne, who took over the songwriting duties for the group.

The discography of the Real Thing, whose name was chosen by their manager at that time Tony Hall, (1928-2019) after he saw a Coca-Cola advert on a large billboard in Piccadilly Circus, London, includes, five studio Albums released between 1976-2022, and 37 singles released between 1972-2005, there are also four official compilation Albums, and two live Albums available. In the UK, they have charted within the top 40 on 12 occasions, with ‘You to Me Are Everything,’ getting to Number 1 in 1976, While in America on the Billboard Hot 100, that song remains their only chart entry, reaching Number 64.

After the success of ‘You to Me Are Everything,’ and it’s follow up ‘Can’t Get By Without You,’ (1976-UK-Number 2) which was also written by Ken Gold, and Michael Denne, the Real Thing then took to writing their own material, notably ‘Can You Feel the Force?’ (1979-UK-Number 5.) In 1986, after being away from the charts for seven years, three of the Real Thing’s songs were remixed, and all entered the UK top 40, ‘You to Me Are Everything (The Decade Remix 76–86’) was the brainchild of the English music producers DJ Froggy, (1950-2008) Simon Harris, and KC. This time the song reached Number 5 in the UK, spending 13 weeks in the top 40, which was two weeks longer than the original version in 1976. The other two songs which were remixed and made the chart were ‘Can’t Get By Without You’ (The Decade Remix II) which made Number 6 in 1986, and ‘Can You Feel the Force? (86 Remix) which reached Number 24, also in 1986. In 2005 the Real Thing were back in the UK top 40 again, when being credited as the featured artists on the ‘Freeloaders’ version of ‘So Much Love to Give,’ (UK-Number 9) the Real Thing’s 1977 track ‘Love’s Such a Wonderful Thing,’ (UK-Number 33) was used as a sample for that song. Incidentally the ‘Freeloaders’ were the English ‘House Music’ duo of Kevin O’Toole and Dale Longworth, the founder members of N-Trance (see also best songs 278.)

‘You to Me Are Everything’ was the first of four singles released from the Real Thing’s debut studio Album ‘Real Thing,’ from 1976, the song was co-written by Ken Gold, and Michael Denne, with the production being by Gold. Michael Denne had come up with the songs chorus, and it is said that Ken Gold wrote the melody and the lyrics in under an hour. Ken Gold has said, ‘Chris (Amoo) wanted to take the melody in his own direction. He said he was trying to put some soul into it. But sitting up there in the control room, it just wasn’t working for me and I remember getting very nervous because he was starting to get a little combative. I said: ‘Honestly, Chris, I’d just like to hear you sing the melody exactly as it was written.’ And that’s what we did. If you can write a melody that gets into someone’s head after just one play, then you have something people can sing.’

Ken Gold has attributed the song’s longevity to its simple sentiment of a girl who means everything to a guy, but she doesn’t feel the same way. Gold has said, ‘We were trying to grab a good lyric that made sense and rhymed.’ Possibly why the song failed to make a greater impact in America is because two other competing versions were released at the same time, by the American groups ‘Broadway,’ and ‘Revelation,’ who both just sneaked in the lower reaches of the ‘Billboard Hot 100.’ ‘You to Me Are Everything’ has also been a UK hit on two further occasions. In 1991 the singer Sonia, who is also from Liverpool, took her recording to Number 13, and in 1995 the English singer and actor Sean Maguire reached Number 16 with his version. The song has also been covered by the legendary Franki Valli, (see also best songs 739-284-and 83) and can be found on the ‘B’ side of his 1978 single ‘We’re All Alone’ (Billboard Number 78.)

‘You give me just a taste of love to build my hopes upon. You know you’ve got the power girl to keep me holding on. Oh, now you’ve got the best of me, come on and take the rest of me, oh baby, yeah, oh.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

529-Simon & Garfunkel-Homeward Bound.

1966-Number 9 single.

Best Bit-At 1.40. It’s Widnes railway stations claim to fame.

Widnes railway station, which is located in Farnworth, Halton, England, is one of three railway stations where Paul Simon reputedly composed ‘Homeward Bound,’ the others being ‘Ditton,’ and ‘Warrington Bank Quay.’ The probability is that Paul Simon composed the song in all three. Widnes railway station has a plaque commemorating the event, which is actually the third plaque, as the first two were both pinched by memorabilia collectors.

‘Homewood Bound’ was written by Paul Simon while he was on tour in England in the spring of 1964. He had just recorded his first Album ‘Wednesday Morning 3 AM,’ with Art Garfunkel, and he felt that it would be a commercial failure. While on tour he met the 16 year old Kathy Chitty who was working at the ‘Raiway Hotel,’ in Essex, where Simon was performing nightly. Simon became infatuated with her, but she wasn’t willing to travel with him to London and other city’s, resulting in an emotional farewell. Following a performance in Liverpool, Paul Simon was waiting for the morning train, and he began to write ‘Homeward Bound’ on a scrap of paper. Kathy Chitty never wanted to be part of the ‘Pop Star’ lifestyle, and married and settled down quietly in Wales, away from any limelight. ‘Homeward Bound’ was not the only song that Paul Simon wrote about Kathy Chitty, as ‘Kathy’s Song,’ and ‘America,’ are also about time spent with her. When ‘The Sound of Silence’ became a surprise hit in the States, reaching Number 1 a year after it’s initial release , Paul Simon left England, and flew back to America to renew his partnership with Art Garfunkel.

‘Homeward Bound’ was the second single release by the duo of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel as ‘Simon & Garfunkel,’ (see also best songs 200-96 and 71) as their previous three singles which had been released between 1957-1958, were issued under the name ‘Tom & Jerry.’ All those three earlier singles had failed to chart, but ‘The Sound of Silence’ went to Number 1 on Billboard. ‘Homeward Bound’ was released as the second of three singles taken from ‘Simon & Garfunkel’s, second studio Album ‘Sounds of Silence,’ from January 1966, the song was written by Paul Simon, with the production being by Bob Johnston (1932-2015) (see also best songs 428 and 96) In America ‘Homeward Bound’ first appeared on their third studio Album ‘Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme,’ from October 1966.

Art Garfunkel was born Arthur Ira Garfunkel, on November 5th, 1941, in Forest Hills, Queens, New York City, United States, he is a singer, actor, and poet. Art Garfunkel first Paul Simon at school when they were both cast in the elementary school graduation play, ‘Alice in Wonderland.’ Garfunkel has said that Simon first became interested in singing after hearing him sing a rendition of Nat King Cole’s ‘Too Young’ in a school talent show. Between 1956-1962 the pair performed together as ‘Tom & Jerry,’ Their idols were The Everly Brothers, (see also best songs 799) whom they imitated in their use of close two-part vocal harmony. As ‘Tom & Jerry’ they released three singes, with their debut ‘Hey Schoolgirl’ reaching Number 49 on Billboard in 1957. After the demise of ‘Tom & Jerry, Art Gafunkel released two non charting solo singles in 1959, and 1961. In 1963 the duo reformed under the name ‘Simon and Garfunkel,’ and released their debut studio Album ‘Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M’ on ‘Columbia Records’ in October 1964. The Album was neither a critical or commercial success, and disheartened by this this they decided to split. The pair got back together again in 1965 after the music producer Tom Wilson (1931-1978) (see also best songs 358-96 and 7) lifted the song ‘The Sound of Silence” from that debut Album, and dubbed an electric backing onto it, and released it as a single that went to Number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. ‘Simon and Garfunkel’ remained together until 1970, but have reformed to tour and perform together on many occasions, with their last performance together to date being in 2010.

The solo discography of Art Garfunkel includes 10 studio Albums released between 1973-2007, and 29 singles released between 1959-2002, there are also eight official compilation Albums, and one live Album available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, seven of his singles have made the top 40, with both ‘All I Know,’ (1973) and ‘My Little Town,’ with Paul Simon, (1975) peaking the highest at Number 9. In the UK Art Garfunkel has had three top 40 hits, with both ‘I Only Have Eyes for You,’ (1975) and ‘Bright Eyes,’ (1979) making the Number 1 spot.

‘Tonight I’ll sing my songs again, I’ll play the game and pretend, but all my words come back to me in shades of mediocrity. Like emptiness in harmony, I need someone to comfort me. Homeward bound I wish I was.’

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO COMMENT.
For a list of all the best 1000 songs Google Barry Philips Discos Blog.

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

530-Sam & Dave-Soul Man.

1967-Number 24 single.

Best Bit-At 0.08. Soul Music is a genre of music that originated in the African/American community throughout the United States in the 1950.s, and 1960’s, but it was this songs title that made ‘Soul’ a household word, and known to a much wider audience.

Sam & Dave were the American singing duo of Sam Moore, and Dave Prater, (1937-1988) Moore is a tenor, and Prater was a baritone, they formed in Miami, Florida, United States, in 1961, and remained active as a duo through until 1981. They were nicknamed ‘Double Dynamite,’ or ‘The Sultans of Sweat,’ due to their all action live performances, and the American Soul revivalist duo ‘The Blues Brothers’ were modelled on them. The discography of Sam & Dave includes five Albums released between 1966-1975, and 10 official compilation Albums released between 1966-1993, they have also released 32 singles between 1962-1977. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, three of their singles have reached the top 40, with ‘Soul Man’ peaking the highest at Number 2 in 1967, they have also had 13 chart entries on the ‘Billboard R&B chart, with ‘Hold On, I’m Comin” (1966) and ‘Soul Man’ (1967) both making Number 1. In the UK Sam & Dave have had four top 40 hits, with ‘Soul Sister Brown Sugar,’ peaking the highest at Number 15 in 1969.

Sam Moore was born Samuel David Moore, on October 12th, 1935, in Miami, Florida, United States. Both he, and David Prater, were both experienced Gospel music singers, having performed individually with groups the ‘Sensational Hummingbirds,’ and the ‘Melionaires.’ They first met in ‘The King of Hearts Club,’ in Miami, in 1961, where they were soon discovered by the regional producer Henry Stone, (1921-2014) who signed them to ‘Roulette Records.’ In 1964 they were signed by Jerry Wexler (1917-2008) (see also best songs 882 and 644) to ‘Atlantic Records, and then were ‘loaned’ out to ‘Stax’ Records to produce, record and release their records. As well as Sam Moore’s recordings as ‘Sam & Dave,’ he has also issued one solo studio Album ‘Overnight Sensational,’ in 2006, and Two Christmas Albums, both of which were released in 1998.

Dave Prater Jr. was born on May 9th, 1937, in Ocilla, Georgia, United States, he died in a single car accident, on April 9th, 1988, at the age of 50. According to the American monthly magazine ‘Rolling Stone,’ ‘Sam & Dave were the most successful and critically acclaimed duo in Soul Music history, and brought the sounds of the black Gospel church to Pop music with their string of call-and-response hit records. In 1992 they were both inducted in to the ‘Rock and Roll Hall of Fame,’ and in 1999 they were inducted in to the ‘Grammy Hall of Fame,’ for their song ‘Soul Man.’

‘Soul Man’ was the only single released from Sam & Dave’s third Album ‘Soul Men,’ from October 1967, the song was co-written and co-produced by Isaac Hayes, (1948-2008) (see also best songs 398 and 1) and David Porter. Isaac Hayes was watching a television news programme in July 1967 about the ‘Civil Rights Movement,’ and the aftermath of the 12th Street riot in Detroit, Michigan. Hayes noted that black residents had marked buildings that had not been destroyed during the riots, mostly African/American owned and operated, with the word ‘Soul.’ Hayes related the scene to the story of Passover in the Bible. Isaac Hayes has said, ‘I got the idea from watching on TV the riots in Detroit. It was said that if you put ‘soul’ on the door of your business establishment, they wouldn’t burn it. Then the word ‘Soul,’ it was a galvanising kind of thing for African Americans, and it had an effect of unity, it was said with a lot of pride. So I thought, ‘Why not write a tune called ‘Soul Man.’ And all you had to do was write about your personal experiences, because all African Americans in this country at the time had similar experiences. But we realised that in addition to being an African American experience, it was a human experience, and therefore it crossed over and became very commercial.’ Hayes has also said, ‘It’s a story about one’s struggle to rise above his present conditions. It’s almost a tune kind of boasting, I’m a Soul man. It’s a pride thing.’

Isaac Hayes may have come up with the songs title, but it was David Porter who wrote the lyrics, describing what he thought a ‘Soul Man’ should be. Porter has said, ‘He didn’t have the fancy big slant, but had the emotional thing happening inside of him that made people really love him. In 1971 Isaac Hayes was commissioned to write the soundtrack to the film ‘Shaft,’ in which Hayes describes the ‘Soul Man’ John Shaft, as a ‘bad mother…..’ As Sam & Dave recorded on the ‘Stax’ record label, the instrumentation was provided by members of ‘Booker T & the M.G.’s, (see also best songs 906) as well as the ‘Mar-Key Horns.’ ‘Soul Man’ has a very famous intro that was written and played by Steve Cropper, (see also best songs 906 and 828) who had been asked by Isaac Hayes to develop something, as he was struggling with the start of the song.

‘Coming to you on a dusty road, good loving, I got a truck load. And when you get it, you got something, don’t worry, ’cause I’m coming. I’m a soul man.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

531-Pitbull featuring Ne-Yo, Afrojack and Nayer-Give Me Everything.

2011-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 0.43. In ‘Pop,’ musical snobbery runs rife, and no one is more guilty than me, but sometimes you just have to hold your hands up, and appreciate a song for the joy it brings.

Pitbull (see also best songs 876) was born Armando Christian Pérez, on January 15th, 1981, in Miami, Florida, United States, to date he has sold in excess of 15 million Albums, and 100 million singles worldwide. Pitbull has said that he chose his stage name of ‘Pitbull’ because the dogs ‘Bite to lock. The dog is too stupid to lose, and they’re outlawed in Dade County, they’re basically everything that I am, it’s been a constant fight.’ Pitbull began his music career in 2000, recording in the genres of ‘Reggaeton,’ ‘Latin.’ ‘Hip-Hop,’ and ‘Crunk’ music, but it was after re-branding himself as a ‘Pop’ artist in 2011 that he finally achieved major mainstream commercial success. The discography of Pitbull includes 12 studio Albums released between 2004-2023, and he has appeared on in excess of 300 singles, there are also four official compilation Albums available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, as the lead artist, he has had 17 top 40 entries, with ‘Give Me Everything,’ featuring Ne-Yo, Afrojack, and Nayer, (2011) and ‘Timber,’ featuring Kesha, (2013) both getting to Number 1, while as a featured artist, he has appeared on five top 40 singles, with ‘On the Floor,’ by Jennifer Lopez, featuring Pitbull, peaking the highest at Number 3 in 2010 (see also best songs 876.) In the UK, Pitbull has had 14 top 40 singles as the lead artist, with ‘Give Me Everything, and ‘Timber,’ both making Number 1. He has also had a further 11 top 40 hits as a featured artist, with ‘On the Floor’ making the Number 1 spot.

‘Give Me Everything’ was the second of four singles released from ‘Planet Pit,’ which was the sixth studio Album from Pitbull, from June 2011. The song was co-written by Pitbull, Afrojack, (see also best songs 210) and Ne-Yo, with the production being by Afrojack, and DJ Buddha. The lyrics were written by Pitbull, and Ne-Yo, both of whom also provided vocals, with the music provided by Afrojack. The female vocals on the track are by the American singer Nayer Regalado, who has worked with Pitbull on other occasions. To date ‘Give Me Everything’ has sold in excess of 8 million copies worldwide.

Ne-Yo was born Shaffer Chimere Smith, on October 18th, 1979, in Camden, Arkansas, United States, he is a singer, songwriter, actor, dancer, and music producer. Ne-Yo started his music career, adopting the stage name ‘GoGo,’ and joining an ‘R&B’ group called ‘Envy,’ who appeared during amateur night on ‘Showtime at the Apollo,’ an American television variety programme, and then on the short lived ‘MTV’ series ‘The Cut,’ hosted by Lisa Left Eye Lopes of the American girl group ‘TLC.’ ‘Envy’ parted ways in 2000, and Ne-Yo then concentrated on song writing, and the launching of his solo career. The stage name Ne-Yo was coined by ‘Big D Evans,’ a producer with whom Ne-Yo once worked, because Evans claimed that Ne-Yo sees music like the character ‘Neo’ sees the ‘Matrix.’ Prior to finding success as a singer, Ne-Yo first gained recognition for his songwriting abilities following the success of his first major credit on the American ‘R&B’ singer Mario’s 2004 single ‘Let Me Love You,’ (2004-Billboard & UK Number 2) its release prompted a meeting between Ne-Yo and ‘Def Jam’ records then-president Jay-Z (see also best songs 636-477-267 and 23) resulting in a contract.

The discography of Ne-Yo includes nine studio Albums released between 2006-2022, and 41 singles released between 2005-2023. On the Billboard Hot 100 in America, as the lead artist he has had 11 top 40 hits, with ‘So Sick,’ from 2006, reaching Number 1, he has also had a further eight hits as a featured artist, with ‘Give Me Everything’ making the Number 1 position. In the UK he has achieved 14 top 40 singles, with four of those tracks reaching Number 1. He has also had a further seven hits as a featured artist, with ‘Give Me Everything’ topping the chart.

‘Give Me Everything’ has received more than it’s fare share of criticism, from it’s lyrical message about a one night stand, to as the ‘NME’ wrote, it’s random components. The review said, ‘So how many types of wrong is this? You’ve got the earnest vocal jibbering about living in the moment, you’ve got your cheap rave wibble, a high frequency irritation that buzzes like a fly trapped in jism.’ Even the use of the word ‘Kodak’ at the start of the song has been criticised, because Pitbull rhymed ‘Kodak’ with ‘Kodak,’ and did you know Pitbull was under contract to promote ‘Kodak’ at that time.

‘Tonight I want all of you tonight, give me everything tonight, for all we know we might not get tomorrow. Let’s do it tonight.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

532-Ultravox-Vienna.

1981-Number 2 single.

Best Bit-At 3.08. It was an American vocalist imitating an Italian accent that stopped this song from being a UK Number 1 single, and initiating the most asked Pop quiz question ever. Which song stopped ‘Vienna’ from getting to Number 1? In 2012 ‘Vienna’ was named the greatest ever single to peak at Number 2 in the UK, in a poll carried out by ‘BBC Radio 2,’ and the official chart company. I have to beg to differ, as there are several songs which reached Number 2, a lot higher placed in this ‘1000 Best Songs’ list.

Ultravox were formed in London, England, in 1974, originally calling themselves ‘Tiger Lily,’ before the name change to ‘Ultravox!’ in 1976. The exclamation mark was in tribute to the German band ‘Neu!,’ but was later dropped. The original line up included John Foxx, who left to pursue a solo career in 1979, and guitarist Steve Shears, who left in 1978. The other three original members who were Bill Currie, (see also best songs 543) Warren Cann, and Chris Cross, (1952-2024) were joined by Midge Ure (see also best songs 543 and 455) in 1979, to complete what is considered the groups classic line up. ‘Ultravox’ probably took their name from the Latin, ‘Ultra,’ meaning ‘beyond,’ and ‘Vox,’ meaning voice. ‘Ultravox’ were active until 1987, but have reformed with old and new members on two further occasions, before the band was finally retired in 2013.

The discography of Ultravox includes 11 studio Albums released between 1977-2012, and 32 singles released between 1975-1995, there are also three box sets, six extended plays (EP’s,) 16 official compilation Albums, and six live Albums available. In the UK, 17 of their singles have reached the top 40, with ‘Vienna’ charting the highest at Number 2, while in America on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, only ‘Reap the Wild Wind,’ from 1982, has made any impression, when reaching Number 71.

‘Vienna’ was the third of four singles released from the fourth studio Album of the same name by Ultravox, from July 1980. The song was co-written by Warren Cann, Chris Cross, Billy Currie, and Midge Ure, (the four members of Ultravox at that time) with the production being by the German music producer Conny Plank, (1940-1987) who had previously worked with, among many others, ‘Kraftwerk,’ (see also best songs 41) and Brian Eno (see also best songs 766-302-190-118-109 and 57.)

Midge Ure (see also best songs 543 and 455) was born James Ure, on October 10th, 1953, in Cambuslang, (on the outskirts of Glasgow) Scotland, his stage name, ‘Midge,’ is a phonetic reversal of Jim, a hypocorism of his given name. Midge Ure began his music career in 1972 as the guitarist in the Glasgow group ‘Salvation,’ In April 1974 he took over as the groups lead singer, and then in November 1974, the band changed its name to ‘Slik,’ and with Bill Martin, (1938-2020) and Phil Coulter, writing for them, they had a UK Number 1 hit with ‘Forever and Ever’ in 1975. Also in 1975, Midge Ure turned down an offer to be the lead vocalist of the ‘Sex Pistols,’ (see also best songs 576-92 and 27) stating that he felt at the time that Malcolm McLaren (1946-2010) (see also best songs 751) had ‘His priorities completely wrong,’ a position he later reversed. After parting ways with ‘Slik’ in 1977, Midge Ure next joined the ‘Punk Rock’/New Wave’ group ‘Rich Kids,’ and charted with the single ‘Rich Kids’ (1978-UK Number 24.) Midge Ure then left the ‘Rich Kids’ stating musical differences, as he and fellow ‘Rich Kids’ band member Rusty Egan were now getting into ‘Electronic’ music, and were wanting to incorporate synthesizers, this led to them forming ‘Visage’ (see best songs 543) with Steve Strange (1959-2015) in 1978. By 1979 ‘Ultravox’ had all but collapsed, and it was Billie Currie (a founding member) who persuaded Midge Ure to join forces and resurrect the group. But of course Midge Ure will always be best remembered for his charity work, and the co-writing, with Bob Geldof, (see also best songs 632 and 455) of the charity single ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ (see also best songs 455) which has sold in excess of 3.7 million copies in the UK, and is the second best selling song of all time in that country. As a solo artist, Midge Ure has released eight studio Albums between 1985-2017, and 25 singles between 1982-2022, there are also eight official compilation Albums, and 15 live Albums available. In the UK, six of his singles have reached the top 40, with ‘If I Was’ from 1985, making the Number 1 spot.

The lyrics for ‘Vienna’ were written by Midge Ure about a brief love affair in the city of Vienna. Bill Currie has said that Midge Ure was hesitant about the classical romantic feel of the songs orchestration and said, ‘This means nothing to me,’ to which the songs producer Konrad Plank replied, ‘Well sing that then.’ Midge Ure has said, ‘We wanted to take the song, and make it incredibly pompous in the middle, leaving it very sparse before, and after, but finishing with a typically over the top classical ending.’ Midge Ure has also said that inspiration for the song came from ‘The Walker Brothers’ 1978 song ‘The Electrician.’

We walked in the cold air, freezing breath on a window pane. Lying and waiting, a man in the dark in a picture frame, so mystic and soulful, a voice reaching out in a piercing cry.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

533-Rose Royce-Do Your Dance.

1977-Number 30 single.

Best Bit-At 1.51. The Rolls Royce of Funky music.

The group who would eventually become ‘Rose Royce’ (see also best songs 233) started out life in the early 1970’s when members of several local bands from the ‘Watts,’ and ‘Inglewood’ areas of Los Angeles joined forces under the name ‘Total Concept Unlimited,’ these musicians were Henry Garner, (drums) Terral “Terry” Santiel, (congas) Lequeint “Duke” Jobe, (bass) Michael Moore, (saxophone) Kenny Copeland, (trumpet, and lead vocals), Kenji Brown, (guitar, and lead vocals) Freddie Dunn, (trumpet) and Victor Nix (keyboards.) In 1973 they toured Europe and Japan backing Edwin Starr, (1942-2003) (see also best songs 429) who would later introduce them to the legendary music producer Norman Whitfield (1940-2008) (see also best songs 911-777-569-480-346 and 233.) Whitfield had spent the previous decade writing and producing at ‘Motown’ records, and was now ready for a new challenge, setting up his own record label ‘Whitfield’ records. While touring in Miami, Joe Harris of the ‘Motown’ group ‘Undisputed Truth’ was introduced to Gwen Dickey, who was then a member of a local group called ‘The Jewels.’ Harris informed Norman Whitfield of his find, and Whitfield signed Dickey to be lead singer of ‘Total Concept Unlimited.’ In 1975 Whitfield was contacted by the film director Michael Shultz to write music for his next film ‘Carwash.’ The soundtrack released in 1976 would become the debut Album by ‘Rose Royce,’ with their name changed from ‘Total Concept Unlimited,’ to ‘Rose Royce’ after the movies automotive theme. The groups new lead singer Gwen Dickey was re-named ‘Rose Norwalt by Norman Whitfield. In total there have been 12 different members of Rose Royce come and go, and at the time of writing they remain active as a touring group.

Gwen Dickey was born on December 1st, 1953, in Biloxi, Mississippi, United States. She began here career by singing professionally at local clubs, and then performing with a local venue’s house band known as ‘The Jewels,’ which was where Joe Harris discovered her. Gwen Dickey would stay as the lead singer of ‘Rose Royce’ until 1980, when leaving to pursue a solo career, after experiencing turmoil with other members of the group, she can be heard performing on all the first four studio Albums of ‘Rose Royce.’ In 1993 she released her one solo studio Album ‘Time to Change,’ and was then back in the charts in 1994, appearing with the British group ‘KWS,’ on a cover of the ‘Rufus and Chaka Khan’ song ‘Ain’t Nobody,’ which reached Number 21 in the UK. She also had a hit with the American Rapper Jay-Z (see also best songs 636-477-267 and 23) in 1998, duetting on a cover of the Rose Royce song ‘Wishing on a Star,’ which made Number 13 in the UK. In 2010, Gwen Dickey experienced a spinal cord injury in her London home, leaving her reliant on a wheelchair, and at the time of writing she still performs concerts while seated on stage.

‘Do Your Dance’ was the first of four singles released from ‘In Full Bloom,’ which was the second studio Album released by ‘Rose Royce,’ from July 1977. The song was co-written by Norman Whitfield, and Dwight Turner, with the production being by Whitfield. The full length Album version of the track which closes side 1 on ‘In Full Bloom,’ goes for 9.15, but for purposes of airplay, the song was edited and released as a 7 inch single as ‘Do Your Dance’ (Part 1) with a running time of 3.30. In America ‘Do Your Dance’ (Part 1) stalled at Number 39 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, although it did make Number 4 on the ‘Billboard R&B chart.

‘Do Your Dance’ was co-written by Norman Whitfield, and Dwight Turner, who was born Dwight David Turner, on February 4th, 1947, in Beckley, West Virginia, United States, he is professionally known as ‘Spyder Turner.’ Turner is best known as a ‘Soul’ singer, and first began recording after winning a contest at the ‘Apollo Theater,’ in New York City, recording some solo tracks, and singing backup for several groups, including ‘The Stereophonics,’ (no not the Welsh one) and ‘Soul/Funk’ group ‘The Fabulous Counts.’ In 1967 Spyder Turner made the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, with his cover of the 1961 Ben E King (1938-2015) classic ‘Stand By Me,’ (see also best songs 804.) In the song, Turner not only imitated the voices of Ben E. King, Smokey Robinson, Chuck Jackson, and Billy Stewart, amongst others, but he also named them as he sang verses of the song in their style., the track peaked at Number 12.

‘We gon’ start at midnight, party till the mornin’ light. You see, we can’t give up or stop, until we get it right. Ain’t that right, ain’t that right.’