THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

156-Sam Cooke-A Change Is Gonna Come.

1964-It has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 2.29. The inspiration for this song my friend,’ is Blowin’ in the Wind.’

Samuel Cook was born on January 22nd, 1931, in Clarksdale, Mississippi, United States, he died from a shotgun wound that pieced his heart on December 11th, 1964, at the age of 33. Prior to starting his solo career in 1957, Cook had been a member of the Gospel group the ‘Soul Stirrers,’ which also included other future secular singers such as Johnnie Taylor, (1934-2000) and Lou Rawls (1933-2006) (see also best songs 322.) It was on pursuing a solo career that Cook added an ‘e’ to the end of his surname in order to signify a new start in his life. Such was the high esteem Cooke was held in during his short solo career for his distinctive vocals, that he was given the honorific nickname ‘King of Soul.’ Cooke was married twice, and had three children with his second wife Barbara Campbell, (1935-2021) one of which was Linda (see also best songs 494) Cooke also fathered at least three other children out of wedlock.

The discography of Sam Cooke consists of 14 studio Albums issued between 1958-1965, and 49 singles released between 1957-1986. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, 27 of his singles have reached the top 40, with his debut single ‘You Send Me’ making Number 1 in 1957. While in the UK, 10 of his songs have reached the top 40, with the 1986 re-issue of the double ‘A’ sided ‘Wonderful World,’ and ‘Chain Gang,’ peaking at Number 2.

On December 11th, 1964 Sam Cooke took a woman by the name of Elisa Boyer to the Hacienda Motel, in South Central Los Angeles. Later in court Boyer accused Cooke of trying to rape her, but associates of Cooke strongly denied that, saying that Boyer was actually trying to steal a large amount of money Cooke was carrying on him. As Boyer fled the hotel an inebriated, and almost naked Cooke (as Boyer had taken his clothes in her panic to escape) broke in to the office of Bertha Franklin the manager of the motel in an attempt to find Bower. Franklin said she shot Cooke in self defence after Cooke had grappled with her, with the two falling to the floor. The coroner’s jury ultimately accepted Franklin’s explanation and returned a verdict of justifiable homicide, with that verdict, authorities officially closed the case on Cooke’s death.

Sam Cooke wrote ‘A Change Is Gonna Come’ as a protest song to support the ‘Civil Rights Movement.’ Up until that point Cooke’s songs were mainly middle of the road lighthearted uptempo tunes, or romantic ballads, but it was after hearing Bob Dylan’s ‘Blowin’ in the Wind’ (see also best songs 792-358-103-36 and 7) that he became inspired, as he couldn’t believe it wasn’t written by a black man. Some of ‘A Change Is Gonna Come’s’ lyrics were derived from an incident at a motel in Shreveport, Louisiana, where Cooke and some of his friends had been turned away for being black. Cooke felt it was time that he wrote a protest song, as he felt ashamed that he hadn’t done so already.

‘I was born by the river in a little tent, oh and just like the river I’ve been running ev’r since. It’s been a long time, a long time coming, but I know a change gonna come, oh yes it will.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

157-Beatles-Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.

1967-It has never been released as a single in the UK.
Best Bit-At 1.49. ‘A great philosopher once wrote, naughty naughty very naughty.’

I have always been totally convinced that this song was about drugs, but the more I have read about it the more I am beginning to think it might not be, but then again I am a very gullible person.

‘Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds’ first appeared as track 3 on side 1 on the Beatles (see also best songs 599-319-238-218-141-80-51-10 and 5) eighth studio Album ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’ released in May 1967, the Album is the best selling British studio Album worldwide of all time with sales in excess of 32 million copies. ‘Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds’ songwriting was as always credited to Lennon/McCartney regardless of whom had the major input, with this one being mainly John Lennon (1940-1980) (see also best songs 927-473-473-456-168 and 20.) Paul McCartney (see also best songs 646 and 107) has claimed that he contributed the ‘newspaper taxis,’ and ‘cellophane flowers’ lyrics, to which Lennon in a 1968 interview confirmed.

John Lennon has said on many occasions that his inspiration for ‘Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds’ came about when his three year old son Julian showed him a nursery school drawing that he called ‘Lucy-in the sky with diamonds,’ depicting his classmate Lucy O’Donnell. Julian later recalled.’I don’t know why I called it that, or why it stood out from all my other drawings, but I obviously had an affection for Lucy at that age.’ Lucy O’Donnell who married and became Lucy Vodden died in 2009, Julian Lennon had been informed she was ill, and renewed their friendship before her death of complications of lupus.

John Lennon has said that the songs lyrics were largely derived from the literary style of Lewis Carroll’s (1832-1898) novel ‘Alice in Wonderland’ (1865) (see also best songs 512.) Rumours of the connection between the songs title and the initialism for the drug ‘LSD’ (Lysergig acid diethylamide) began circulating shortly after the release of the ‘Sgt. Pepper’s’ Album. Lennon has always maintained that the song wasn’t about drugs, and that the ‘LSD’ connection is a complete coincidence, he has said,’I didn’t even see it on the label. I didn’t look at the initials. I don’t look, I mean I never play things backwards. I listened to it as I made it. It’s like there will be things on this one, if you fiddle about with it. I don’t know what they are. Every time after that though I would look at the titles to see what it said, and usually they never said anything.’ In 1971 Lennon was interviewed on the American television programme ‘The Dick Cavett Show,’ where he said, ‘My son came home with a drawing of a strange looking woman flying around. He said, ‘It’s Lucy in the sky with diamonds.’ I thought, ‘That’s beautiful.’ I immediately wrote the song about it.’

‘Picture yourself in a boat on a river with tangerine trees and marmalade skies. Somebody calls you, you answer quite slowly a girl with kaleidoscope eyes.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

158-Santana-She’s Not There

1977-Number 11 single.

Best Bit-At 2.39. I am a believer in that the first version you hear of a song will very likely turn out to be your preferred version. Had I heard the original version by the Zombies first, would that have been my preferred version? I honestly am not sure.

‘She’s Not There’ was written by Rod Argent of the British Rock group the Zombies, (see also best songs 407) and released as their debut single in 1964, reaching Number 12 in the UK, and Number 2 on Billboard in America. Argent had taken a liking to the song title ‘No One Told Me,’ which was a 1964 song recorded by John Lee Hooker, and he decided to write lyrics incorporating those words, although it must be pointed out that nothing else from the Hooker song is part of ‘She’s Not There.’

The Rock band Santana were formed by by Carlos Santana, in San Francisco, California, United States, in 1966, they remain active with a total of 73 different members coming and going over the years, with only Carlos Santana being the groups one constant. Carlos Santana was born Carlos Augusto Santana Alves on July 20th, 1947, in Autlan, Jalisca, Mexico, he is considered to be one of the greatest guitarists of all time, regularly appearing in best of lists. Over the course of Santana’s 26 studio Albums released between 1969-2021 they have recorded in many different genres including ‘Latin Rock,’ Psychedelic Rock,’ and ‘Jazz Fusion.’ They have also issued 61 singles in the same time period, with 15 of those tracks making the Billboard Hot 100 top 40, including two of those songs reaching Number 1. While in the UK they have charted on five occasions, with ‘Smooth’ from 1999 charting the highest at Number 3. Santana have currently sold in excess of 100 million records world wide.

Santana recorded ‘She’s Not There’ for their ninth Album ‘Moonflower’ released in October 1977, it is a double Album with studio recordings, and live recordings interspersed throughout. ‘She’s Not There’ is the opening track on side 3 of the Album, and features the vocals of Greg Walker, who was a member of Santana sporadically between 1975-1985. The other artists to appear on the track were Carlos Santana, (guitar) Tom Coster, (keyboards) David Margen, (bass) Graham Lear, (drums) and Pete Escovedo, (percussion) incidentally Escovedo is the father of the drummer and singer Sheila E.

‘Well, no one told me about her, the way she lied. Well, no one told me about her, how many people cried, but it’s too late to say you’re sorry, how would I know, why should I care? Please don’t bother tryin’ to find her, she’s not there.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

159-Pete Seeger-Where Have All the Flowers Gone.

1955-It has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 1.42. The lyrics tell of the cycle of war. The girls pick the flowers, the men pick the girls, the men go off to war and fill graves with their dead, to which the girls then cover with flowers.

Peter Seeger was born on May 3rd, 1919, in New York City, United States, he died on January 27th, 2014, also in New York City, at the age of 94. In 1941 at the age of 21 Seeger performed as a member of ‘The Almanac Singers,’ who were an American Folk Music group, that also included Millard Lampell, (1919-1997) Lee Hays, (1914-1981) Woody Guthrie (1912-1967.) The group specialised in topical songs, mostly songs advocating an anti-war, anti-racism, and pro-union philosophy, The Almanac Singers remained active until 1943.
In 1948 Seeger and Hays formed the Folk group ‘The Weavers’ with Ronnie Gilbert, (1926-2015) and Fred Hellerman, (1927-2016) they had great success selling millions of records, including their cover of the Lead Belly (see also best songs 431) composition ‘Goodnight Irene,’ which spent 13 weeks at Number 1 on Billboard in America in 1950.

‘Where Have All the Flowers Gone’ is perhaps the song that Seeger is best remembered for, but two of his other co-writes, ‘If I Had a Hammer,’ made Number 3 for Trini Lopez on Billboard in 1963. and Turn! Turn! Turn!’ reached Number 1 on Billboard in 1965, when recorded by ‘The Byrds.’ Pete Seeger wrote ‘Where Have All the Flowers Gone’ as a call for peace, his initial inspiration for the song came while reading the 1934 novel ‘And Quiet Flows the Don,’ written by Mikhail Sholokhov (1905-1984) in which lyrics from the traditional Cossack folk song ‘Koloda-Duda’ are referenced,’Where are the flowers, the girls have plucked them. Where are the girls, they’ve all taken husbands. Where are the men, they’re all in the army.’ Seeger has said that he borrowed the melody for the song from an Irish lumberjack song with the words ‘Johnson says he’ll load more hay.’ He simply slowed the tune, and incorporated the lines into it.

Seeger completed the song in 1955, but it was Joe Hickerson, who was born on October 20th, 1935, in Lake Forest, Illinois, United States, who after hearing Seeger perform the song decided to add a further two verses,’Where have all the soldiers gone, gone to graveyards everyone. Where have all the graveyards gone, covered with flowers everyone.’ Hickerson’s name was added to the songs writing credits, with Seeger saying that he gives him 20% royalties.

‘Where Have All the Flowers Gone’ has been recorded by hundreds of artists in many differing styles. The Folk group ‘The Kingston Trio’ were the first to have a hit with it, when making Number 21 on Billboard in 1961. The actress Marlene Dietrich (1901-1992) recorded the song in English, French and German, while the American R&B group Earth Wind & Fire gave the song a complete musical overall on their 1972 Album ‘Last Days and Time.’

‘Where have all the graveyards gone, long time passing, gone to flowers everyone. Oh, when will they ever learn, oh, when will they ever learn.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

160-Rolling Stones-Miss You.

1978-Number 3 single.

Best Bit-At 2.20. The Rolling Stones once sang ‘It’s Only Rock ‘N’ Roll But I Like It,’ but this isn’t just Rock ‘N’ Roll, it’s ‘Disco’ as well.

By 1978 the Rolling Stones had already been superstars for at least 15 years, and had been at the top of the tree for longer than 99% of other artists could ever dream about. Their last truly critically acclaimed Album had been 1972’s ‘Exile on Main Street,’ and although the three studio Albums since then still showed them performing at a high level, the onset of ‘Punk’,and ‘Disco’, and also lots of new kids on the block, were all adding up to a steady decline in the bands popularity.
Like Lennon and McCartney, the songwriting team of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards also legally shared song writing credits regardless of whom had the most input. In 1977 Keith Richards was in trouble over his highly publicised heroin possession bust in Canada, and was waiting to find out if he might be sent to jail. This gave Jagger the freedom to expand his own musical barriers and experiment with modern ‘R&B’ and Disco Music.

‘Miss You’ started out life in March 1977 when Jagger was jamming with keyboardist Billy Preston, (1946-2006) (see also best songs 737) the pair came up with the basic track, but Bill Wyman (the Rolling Stones bassist) claims that it was he who wrote the ‘Bass Riff,’ which he also performed on the track.’When I did the riff for ‘Miss You,’ which made the song, and every band in the world copied it for the next year, Rod Stewart, all of them, it still said Jagger/Richards. When I wrote the riff for ‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash’, it became Jagger/Richards and that’s the way it was. It just became part and parcel of the way the band functioned.’

‘Miss You’ was the first of four singles released from the Rolling Stones (see also best songs 933-662-452 and 77) 14th UK, and 16th U.S. studio release ‘Some Girls,’ the Album has gone on to be the groups best ever selling studio Album with sales in excess of six million copies worldwide.’Miss You’ was the first Rolling Stones song to receive a remix, taking the original 4.48 Album version up to 8.38 for the ‘Special Disco Version,’ which was first issued on Pink 12 inch vinyl. The bands drummer Charlie Watts (1941-2021) has said,’A lot of those songs like ‘Miss You’ were heavily influenced by going to the discos. You can hear it in a lot of those four on the floor rhythms, and the Philadelphia style drumming. Mick and I used to go to discos a lot… It was a great period. I remember being in Munich and coming back from a club with Mick singing one of the Village People songs – ‘Y.M.C.A.’, I think it was – and Keith went mad, but it sounded great on the dance floor.’

‘Hey, what’s the matter man? We’re gonna come around at twelve with some Puerto Rican girls that are just dyin’ to meet you. We’re gonna bring a case of wine, hey, let’s go mess and fool around you know, like we used to.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

161-Nat King Cole-When I Fall in Love.

1957-Number 2 single.

Best Bit-At 0.29. Why was Nat King Cole the greatest singer of the pre ‘Rock ‘N’ Roll’ era? Imagine listening to a song that aggravates the hell out of you, then imagine Nat King Cole singing it,….it sounds better already doesn’t it.

Nathaniel Adams Cole (see also best songs 988-327 and 226) was born on March 17th, 1919, in Montgomery, Alabama, United States, he died of lung cancer on February 15th, 1965, at the age of 45. The extensive discography of Nat King Cole includes 28 studio Albums, and one live Album, issued in 12 inch format between 1955-1966. His first four Album releases between 1945-1949 as ‘The King Cole Trio,’ were issued in 10 inch format, as were his first seven solo Albums released between 1950-1954. Since his death there have been 61 official compilation Albums made available to date, which have been issued between 1965-2014. Unfortunately I have no reliable source as to how many singles Nat King Cole released, but in America he has achieved 89 top 40 singles between 1943-2007, with three of those making the Number 1 spot, while in the UK, from the first chart in 1952, he has had 32 top 40 singles, with three of his songs, including this one, peaking at the Number 2 position. Nat King Cole was also a regular on television, including hosting 42 episodes of ‘The Nat King Cole Show’ between 1956-1957, he also appeared in several films, and documentary’s, released between 1943-1989.

‘When I Fall in Love’ was co-written by Victor Young, (1900-1956) who wrote the music, and Edward Heyman, (1907-1981) who provided the lyrics, the song was first introduced in the 1952 American romantic war film ‘One Minute to Zero,’ where it was sung by Jeri Southern (1926-1991.) The song has become a standard with hundreds of versions being recorded over the years. In America on Billboard the first hit version was by Doris Day who reached Number 20 in 1952, while other charting versions have come from ‘The Lettermen,’ (1961, Number 7) and Celine Dion and Clive Griffin, (1993, Number 23) while in the UK, Donny Osmond made Number 4 with the song in 1973.

Nat King Cole recorded ‘When I Fall in Love’ for his 1957 Album ‘Love Is the Thing,’ he also performed the song in the 1957 American crime film ‘Istanbul.’ In 1987 the English singer Rick Astley (see also best songs 627) released his version of the song as a ‘double-A-side,’ with ‘My Arms Keep Missing You,’ in order to challenge for that years Xmas Number 1 single. His main rival was the ‘Pet Shop Boys,’ (see also best songs 871 and 378) with their cover of ‘Always on My Mind,’ and their record label ‘EMI’ decided to re-release the Cole version in an attempt to split the sales of both versions. The ploy was successful as the Pet Shop Boys managed to sneak that years prestigious Xmas Number 1. Rick Astley stalled at Number 2, and Nat King Cole, on the songs 30th anniversary, peaked at Number 4.

‘In a restless world like this is love is ended before it’s begun, and too many moonlight kisses seem to cool in the warmth of the sun.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

162-Sylvester-You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)

1978-Number 8 single.

Best Bit-At 2.18. I can see why Jimmy Somerville and Byron Stingily both did cover versions, and I could imagine the Bee Gees or even Frankie Valli making a very good attempt, but Barry White would have had no chance.

Sylvester James Jr. was born on September 6th, 1947, in Watts, Los Angeles, California, United States, he died on December 16th, 1988, at the age of 41, from AIDS-related complications. Sylvester was known for his flamboyant and androgynous appearance in an era where being Gay was not accepted in the same manner as it is today. Sylvester has come to be seen retrospectively as an icon, as he openly flaunted who he was, but even so he knew he could be leaving himself open to dangers, he wouldn’t let that stop him from being himself.

The discography of Sylvester consists of 11 studio Albums issued between 1973-1986, and 38 singles released between 1973-2013, which includes the issuing of updated remixes of his most successful songs. In America on Billboard he has had three top 40 hits with ‘Dance (Disco Heat’) charting the highest when making Number 19 in 1978, while in the UK he has also charted on three occasions, with this song being the most successful.

Sylvester who had a striking falsetto singing voice was signed by Harvey Fuqua (1929-2010) to the ‘Fantasy Record’ label in 1977. Fuqua had been an influential name at ‘Motown’ records in the 1960’s, as a songwriter, producer, and label executive, and was the producer of this song, as well as the aforementioned ‘Dance (Disco Heat.’) ‘You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real’) was co-written by Sylvester, and James Wirrick. Wirrick would go on to great success as a writer of music featured in many major motion pictures, and television programmes, such as ‘Beverley Hill Cops,’ and ‘Friends.’

‘You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real’) was originally recorded as a mid-tempo piano based Gospel song, but after hearing the song being rehearsed the music producer Patrick Cowley (1950-1982) offered to remix it. Cowley’s (see also best songs 11) use of electronic instrumentation, and use of effects on the track was ahead of it’s time, and would have a big influence on Dance Music of the 1980’s, and 1990’s. Cowley who played the synthesizers on ‘You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real’) as well as it’s parent Album ‘Step 2,’ would go on to work with Sylvester for the rest of his short life. Along with Giorgio Moroder, (see also best songs 163-78 and 11) Cowley is considered as a major pioneer of Electronic Dance Music.

‘You mean I’ve been dancin’ on the floor darlin,’ and I feel like I need some more, and I feel your body close to mine, and I move on love it’s about that time. Make me feel mighty real.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

163-Sigue Sigue Sputnik-Love Missile F1-11.

1986-Number 3 single.

Best Bit-At 0.29. Is that a Love Missile F1-11 in your pocket, or are you just pleased to see me.

Sigue Sigue Sputnik were formed in 1982, in London, England, by Tony James, (bass) and Neal X, (guitar) they would be soon joined by Martin Degville, (vocals) and Chris Kavanagh (drums.) The band with differing members remained active until 1990, but did re-unite in 1995 for a short time, before reforming again in 1998 to the present day. In total there have been 10 different members come and go, with Tony James, and Neal X being the only two constants. It was Fachna O’Kelly who has managed artists such as U2, and The Boomtown Rats who gave the band their name, it is a reference to a Filipino street gang, and meaning, in rough translation, ‘go, go satellite,’ ‘sigue’ coming from Tagalog, and from the original Spanish meaning “go on”, and Sputnik referencing the first man-made satellite launched by the Soviet Union in 1957. Prior to forming Sigue Sigue Sputnik, Tony James had been a member of the 1970’s Punk Rock group ‘Generation X,’ (see also best songs 945) and between 1990-1991 he was also a member of ‘The Sisters of Mercy'(see also best songs 593.) With their various line ups Sigue Sigue Sputnik have issued six studio Albums between 1986-2003, and 15 singles between 1986-2011, in the UK three of their singles have made the top 40, with this song being the most successful.

‘Love Missile F1-11 was the debut single release from Sigue Sigue Sputnik, and was one of six singles issued from their 1986 debut studio Album ‘Flaunt It.’ James, Degville, and Whitmore, are credited as the songs writers, while the track, and the Album, were produced by the legendary music producer Giorgio Moroder (see also best songs 78 and 11.)

‘Love Missile F1-11’ features a pulsating Electronic beat, over which many futuristic sound effects, and samples are played, including film dialogue, as Tony James was a big fan of the movies. The sampling on the record includes dialogue from the films ‘Scarface,’ and ‘The Terminator, and it’s use is considered a forerunner, and inspiration for groups such as ‘The KLF,’ (see also best songs 329) and ‘Pop Will Eat Itself,’ as well as in the genre of ‘Hip-Hop’ music.

The lyrics to ‘Love Missile F1-11’ probably tell of the perils of living in a nuclear war threatened world in the mid 1980’s, and in order to escape the terrors of what might be, the narrator turns to sex and drugs for his escapism, well at least that is the way I see it. Incidentally an ‘F-111’ was a supersonic, medium range, multi-role combat aircraft, whose roles included ground attack, and strategic bombing, and was in use between 1964-1998.

‘The US bombs cruising overhead, but there goes my love rocket red, shoot it up, oh, shoot it up. Blaster bomb bomb bomb ahead,multi millions still unfed.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

164-The Walker Brothers-The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine Anymore.

1966-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 2.01. Brothers by different mothers.

The Walker Brothers were formed in Los Angeles, California, United States, in 1964, by Noel Scott Engel, (Scott Walker) (1943-2019) John Maus, (John Walker) (1943-2011) and Gary Leeds, (Gary Walker) they remained active until 1968, but did reform again in 1975, through until their final parting in 1978.

Prior to forming The Walker Brothers all three members had been performing either solo, or with other musicians for sometime. John Maus had been performing as John Walker for quite a while, and it was at his suggestion that the trio decided to become ‘The Walker Brothers,’ It was in late 1964 that Gary Leeds, who had already toured in England, suggested that the bands ‘Rock ‘N’ Roll,’ and ‘Blues’ style would go down well in ‘Swinging London,’ Engel and Maus agreed to an exploratory visit which was financed by Leeds’ stepfather. In some ways this was an unusual move at the time as British bands were having great success in America, which would become known as ‘The British Invasion.’

The Walker Brothers went on to great short time success, with it said that at one point their British fan club, especially with teenage girls, being bigger than that of the Beatles. In total The Walker Brothers released eight studio Albums between 1965-1978, and 20 singles between 1965-1991, including re-issues. In the UK they achieved 10 top 40 singles, of which two made Number 1, the other being their Bacharach and David cover of ‘Make It Easy on Yourself’ in 1965, while in America on Billboard they only charted twice, with this song reaching Number 13, and being their highest charting in their home country. During The Walker Brothers first split, and then again after parting ways for a second time in 1978, all three artists continued recording separately, with Scott Walker achieving the greatest success, and in later years attaining a cult following for his music.

‘The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine Anymore’ was written by the legendary songwriting duo of Bob Crewe, (1930-2014) (see also best songs 914-863-739-499-393-284-112 and 83) and Bob Gaudio, (see also best songs 1007-914-863-739-499-393-284 and 112) and was originally recorded by Franki Valli in 1965 as his first single as a solo artist in around a decade, but surprisingly the song flopped when only making Number 128 on the Billboard chart.

In January 1966 The Walker Brothers decided to cover ‘The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine Anymore’ for their fourth studio Album of the same name. The track was co-produced Johnny Franz, (1922-1977) and Ivor Raymonde, (1926-1990) both were already very experienced music producers, and were often dubbed as the ‘Best British equivalents to ‘Phil Spector’s Wall of Sound.” Johnny Franz produced 10 UK Number 1 singles between 1954-1973, while Raymonde is probably best remembered for co-writing and arranging Dusty Springfield’s debut solo single ‘I Only Want to Be with You,’ which made Number 4 in 1963.

‘The sun ain’t gonna shine anymore, the moon ain’t gonna rise in the sky. The tears are always clouding your eyes, when you’re without love, baby.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

165-Velvet Underground-I’m Waiting for the Man.

1966-It has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 3.41. On which ever day that you wait for the man, be sure that it will never be a ‘Perfect Day.’

The Velvet Underground (see also best songs 401) were formed in New York City, New York, United States, in 1964, by Lou Reed, (1942-2013) (see also best songs 131 and 58) John Cale, (see also best songs 219) Sterling Morrison, (1942-1995) and Angus MacLise, (1938-1979) who was replaced by Moe Tucker in 1965. They took their name from a paperback book published in 1963 by the journalist Michael Leigh called ‘The Velvet Underground.’

‘I’m Waiting for the Man’ was first released on the Velvet Underground’s debut Album ‘The Velvet Underground & Nico’ from March 1967, and was written by Lou Reed. The production credit for the song is stated as Andy Warhol, (1928-1987) but although the band acknowledged Warhol for his insight, and financial backing, it was in fact the band themselves, and the legendary music producer Tom Wilson (1931-1978) who produced all of the tracks on that debut Album. Wilson (see also best songs 358-103-96 and 7) who was one of the most important producers of the 1960’s, and is considered by many to have turned around the careers of both Bob Dylan, and Simon & Garfunkel, by adding ‘Rock Music’ to their ‘Folk Music’ sound.

‘I’m Waiting for the Man’ is about Lou Reed’s true life experience of being addicted to drugs. The lyrics tell the story of Reed waiting on a street corner in Harlem, near the intersection of Lexington Avenue and 125th Street in New York City, and purchasing $26 worth of Heroin, (equivalent to $234 in 2022) the lyrics are sung from the point of view of the purchaser who has travelled to Harlem from another part of the city. The ‘man’ in the title is the drug dealer, and Lou Reed has said,’Everything about that song holds true, except the price.’

Although ‘I’m Waiting for the Man,’ and it’s parent Album ‘The Velvet Underground & Nico,’ only achieved a cult following initially, it has become in subsequent years to be regarded as one of the most important Albums of all time, for it’s influence on other artists, and for the development of Rock Music in general. The Album was a big influence on a young David Bowie, (1947-2016) who would play ‘I’m Waiting for the Man’ live many times over the years at his concerts. Another artist who was heavily influenced was Jimmy Page who has said,’I’m pretty certain we (the Yardbirds) were the first people to cover the Velvet Underground.’

‘Here he comes, he’s all dressed in black, PR shoes and a big straw hat. He’s never early, he’s always late, first thing you learn is you always gotta wait. I’m waiting for my man.’