THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

262-The Crystals-Da Doo Ron Ron (When He Walked Me Home.)

1963-Number 5 single. It was re-issued in 1974, and this time reached Number 15.

Best Bit-At 1.04. ‘And after all you’re my ‘Wonder-Wall, of Sound.”

Phil Spector (1939-2021) (see also best songs 820-782-737-192-127-91 and 20) was born Harvey Phillip Spector on December 26th, 1939, in The Bronx, New York, United States, in later years Spector suffered with mental and physical ill health, including bipolar disorder, possible Parkinsons disease, and laryngeal papillomatosis, which meant he had lost the ability to speak. The cause of his death according to his daughter Nicole was complications from COVID-19. He died on January 16th, 2021, at the age of 81. Phil Spector is recognised as one of the most influential figures in Pop Music history for his achievements in the development of music production, which became known as the ‘Wall of Sound.’ He would record songs with, for example an acoustic piano and then duplicate with an electric piano and a harpsichord, when mixed the three instruments would be indistinguishable to the listener. Additionally Spector incorporated an array of orchestral instruments, woodwind, brass, and percussion, reverb from an echo chamber was also used for additional texture.

‘Da Doo Ron Ron (When He Walked Me Home’) was co-written by the legendary songwriting team of Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich, (1940-2009) (see also best songs 820-331 and 192) Phil Spector is also credited for his input, the song was the first collaboration between the three of them. The title ‘Da Doo Ron Ron’ was initially just nonsense syllables used to separate each stanza and chorus until proper lyrics could be written, but it was Spector who decided that ‘Da Doo Ron Ron’ should be kept in. Sonny Bono (1935-1998) (see also best songs 672) who was at the recording session has recalled Spector asking him if the song was ‘dumb enough,’ meaning was it accessible to the teenagers who were the target audience. On listening to the final recording Bono has said that Spector turned to him and said,’That’s solid gold coming out of that speaker.’

The Crystals are an all girl group, formed in New York City, United States, in 1960. The original quintet comprised of Barbara Alston, (1943-2018) Mary Thomas, Dolores ‘Dee Dee’ Kenniebrew, Myrna Giraud, and Patsy Wright, with the help of Alton’s uncle Benny Wells, the Crystals were signed to Phil Spector’s label ‘Philles Records.’ In total there have been nine different members come and go, and at the time of writing they remain active, with Dolores ‘Dee Dee’ Kenniebrew, being the only remaining member from the original line up. The discography of the Crystals includes three studio Albums released between 1962-1986, and 14 singles released between 1961-1967, there are also eight official compilation Albums available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, six of their singles have reached the top 40, with ‘He’s a Rebel,’ peaking the highest at Number 1 in 1962, while ‘Da Doo Ron Ron (When He Walked Me Home’) made Number 3. In the UK, the Crystals have had four top 40 hits, with ‘Then He Kissed Me’ peaking the highest at Number 2 in 1963. Incidentally, although ‘He’s a Rebel’ is classified as a hit for the Crystals, it was actually performed by Darlene Love (see also best songs 820) on lead vocals, as was the follow up single ‘He’s Sure the Boy I Love.’ It was Dolores ‘LaLa’ Brooks who sang the lead vocal on ‘Da Doo Ron Ron (When He Walked Me Home.’)

‘Da Doo Ron Ron (When He Walked Me Home’) which was first issued in April 1963, as a stand alone single, and then added to ‘The Crystals Sing the Greatest Hits, Volume 1’ also from 1963, was co-written by the legendary song writing team of Jeff Barry, and Ellie Greenwich, Phil Spector was added to the writing credits for his input. Jeff Barry was born Joel Adelberg, on April 3rd, 1938, in Brooklyn, New York, United States, he is a songwriter, singer, and music producer. Jeff Barry first met Ellie Greenwich at college in 1959, although it is possible they had been acquainted as children, since they shared a relative. They were married in 1962 after Barry’s first marriage had been annulled, but then divorced in 1965, although their working relationship continued to thrive. In 1964 the legendary songwriting duo of Jerry Leiber (1933-2011) and Mike Stoller (see also best songs 954-804-194 and 86) brought Barry and Greenwich on board to their new label, ‘Red Bird Records,’ as songwriter-producers. Of Red Bird’s first 20 releases, 15 became charts hits, all of which were written and/or produced by the Barry and Greenwich team, including ‘Remember (Walkin’ in the Sand’) and ‘Leader of the Pack (see also best songs 331) by The Shangri-Las. During the mid 1990’s, Jeff Barry served as president of the ‘National Academy of Songwriters,’ and in December 1998 he was a recipient of their ‘Lifetime Achievement Award.’ Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich were inducted into the ‘Songwriters Hall of Fame’ in 1991, and in 2004, the American magazine Rolling Stone’s list of the ‘500 greatest rock songs’ included six Greenwich and Barry compositions, more than by any other non-performing songwriting team.

‘Da Doo Ron Ron (When He Walked Me Home’) has been covered on numerous occasions, most notably by the American teen idol Shaun Cassidy who took his version to Number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1977, with a slight lyric change as ‘Bill’ became ‘Jill.’ In 1963 the French Rock N’ Roll singer Johnny Hallyday (1943-2017) took his recording to Number 1 in France, and Number 2 in Belgium. Also in 1963 Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich who were married at the time recorded a version, performing as ‘The Raindrops.’

‘I met him on a Monday and my heart stood still, da doo ron ron, da doo ron ron. Somebody told me that his name was Bill, da doo ron ron da doo ron ron.

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

263-Goo Goo Dolls-Iris.

1998-Number 50 Single. It re-entered the chart in 1999, this time reaching Number 26. With the advent of downloads the song peaked at an all time high of Number 3 in 2011, it was also a top 40 hit again in 2013, when reaching Number 12.

Best Bit-At 3.31. The band took their name from an advertisement in the American true crime magazine called ‘True Detective,’ for a toy called a ‘Goo Goo Doll.’ I have done my own detective work, but I can’t find a picture of a Goo Goo Doll toy anywhere.

The Goo Goo Dolls were formed in Buffalo, New York, United States, in 1986 by John Rzeznik, (guitar and vocals) Robby Takac, (bass and vocals) and George Tutuska (drums.) Tutuska left the band in 1995, and was replaced by Mike Malinin (drums) who played on this song, he left the band in 2013, and at the time of writing the Goo Goo Dolls remain active as a duo. The Goo Goo Dolls started out life as a covers band, and then developed a ‘Punk Rock’ sound, and steadily built up a loyal fan base, alongside being embraced by college radio. In 1995 the Goo Goo Dolls experienced mainstream success following the release of their commercial breakthrough single, ‘Name’ (Billboard Hot 100-Number 5.) The success of ‘Name’ marked a fundamental change in the band’s sound from ‘Alternative Rock’ to a more mainstream, adult-oriented direction. this disappointed many of the original fans of the band. ‘Name’ made the band popular, and led to guest appearances on the American teen drama ‘Beverly Hills, 90210,’ and the American fantasy drama series ‘Charmed.’

The discography of the Goo Goo Dolls who have sold in excess of 15 million records worldwide, includes 14 studio Albums released between 1987-2022, and 38 singles released between 1993-2024, there are also 11 extended plays, (EP’s) seven official compilation Albums, and five live Albums available. In America on the ‘Billboard 200’ chart, seven of their studio Albums have made the top 40, with their seventh release ‘Gutterflower,’ in 2002, peaking the highest at Number 4, while eight of their singles have reached the ‘Billboard Hot 100,’ with ‘Name’ peaking the highest at Number 5 in 1995, while ‘Iris’ made Number 9. In the UK, the Goo Goo Dolls only top 40 charting studio Album is their ninth release ‘Something for the Rest of Us,’ which reached Number 36 in 2010, while three of their singles have made the top 40, the other two being ‘Dizzy,’ (1999-Number 16) and ‘Stay With You,’ which was issued as a double ‘A’ side with ‘Iris’ (2006-Number 39.)

‘Iris’ was the first of five singles released from ‘Dizzy Up the Girl,’ which was the sixth studio Album by the Goo Goo Dolls, from September 1998, the song had previously appeared in March 1998 on the ‘City of Angels: Music from the Motion Picture’ soundtrack Album, ‘Iris’ was written by John Rzeznik, with the production credited to the Goo Goo Dolls, and Rob Cavallo, who was born Robert Siers Cavallo, on March 21st, 1963, in Washington, D.C. United States. With Album production sales in excess of 130 million worldwide, he is one of the best selling producers in Alternative Rock music. Rob Cavallo is primarily known for his production work with the American Rock band Green Day, (see also best songs 722) but other artists he has worked with include My Chemical Romance, Linkin Park, and Paramore. He has won three ‘Grammy awards,’ In 1998 for ‘Producer of the Year,’ in 2004 for ‘Best Rock Album,’ for producing Green Day’s American Idiot Album, and in 2005 ‘Record of the Year,’ for producing Green Day’s ‘Boulevard of Broken Dreams,’ Album.

‘Iris’ was written by John Rzeznik, who was born John Joseph Theodore Rzeznik on December 5th, 1965, in Buffalo, New York, United States, he co-founded the Goo Goo Dolls with Robby Takac in 1985. Away from the Goo Goo Dolls he has released one solo single, ‘I’m Still Here (Jim’s Theme,’) which made Number 38 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2002. In 1997 his marriage had just broken up and he was struggling with a bout of writer’s block, he has said, ‘It was a really manic time in my life, I was looking for something to hold on to, then came ‘Iris.’ Most of the time, for me, writing involves procrastination, fear, doubt, criticism… Most songs I write I have to torture myself, be a prima donna for about an hour, but ‘Iris’ came so easy. I’d broken two strings on my guitar, so I’d started winding all the strings up and down in these weird configurations, and that song just came out. It was like a gift – like, ‘Oh, thanks God!'”

In 1997 John Rzeznik was approached by the makers of the 1998 American romantic fantasy film ‘City of Angels’ with the view to the Goo Goo Dolls writing a song for the movies forthcoming soundtrack. The film is about an angel who falls in love with a human, and gives up his eternal life in order to become mortal, and be with this lady for the rest of his now human life. Rzeznik has said, ‘I was thinking about the situation of the Nicolas Cage character in the movie. This guy is completely willing to give up his own immortality, just to be able to feel something very human, and I think, ‘Wow! What an amazing thing it must be like to love someone so much that you give up everything to be with them. That’s a pretty heavy thought.’ Speaking of the songs title Rzeznik has explained, ‘I was trying to be pretentious and arty by calling it that, (Iris) I figured if Billy Corgan (see also best songs 623 and 374) can get away with it, so can I. So I figured, what the hell, I’ll tap into the pretentious market.’ Rzeznik actually called the song ‘Iris’ after the American Country/Folk singer Iris DeMent, he had seen her name in a concert listing in the ‘LA Weekly’ newspaper. The name ‘Iris’ is never mentioned in the song, and has nothing to do with the film.

‘And I’d give up forever to touch you, ’cause I know that you feel me somehow. You’re the closest to heaven that I’ll ever be, and I don’t want to go home right now.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

264-Buddy Holly-True Love Ways.

1958-It was not released until 1960, when reaching Number 25.

Best Bit-At 0.01. True Love Ways was recorded at the last studio session by Buddy Holly, 105 days before ‘the music died.’

Buddy Holly (see also best songs 898) was born Charles Hardin Holley on September 7th, 1936, in Lubbock, Texas, United States. In the early hours of February 3rd, 1959, a plane carrying Holly, along with fellow singers Ritchie Valens, (1941-1959) and The Big Bopper, (1930-1959) (see also best songs 1017) and the pilot Roger Peterson (1937-1959) crashed in inclement weather near Clear Lake, Iowa, United States, killing all four of them instantly shortly after take off. In his 1971 song ‘American Pie,’ (see also best songs 4) Don McLean referred to the event as ‘The day the music died.’

Buddy Holly is one of Pop Music’s most influential artists, Holly himself has said that his own early inspiration to follow a ‘Rock N’ Roll’ path was after watching Elvis Presley (1935-1977) (see also best songs 954-664-442 and 194) perform on television. In turn John Lennon (1940-1980) (see also best songs 927-473-456-168 and 20) and Paul McCartney (see also best songs 646 and 107) have said that it was after seeing Holly on television appearing on ‘Sunday Night at the London Paladium’ that inspired their performance and lyricism, they also partly chose the name the ‘Beatles,’ (see also best songs 599-319-238-218-141-80-51-10 and 5) after the Holly’s insect themed ‘Crickets.’ Although Buddy Holly was only 22 years old when he died he had already written a vast amount of songs, many not fully finished and left in the vaults. It was Holly’s producer Norman Petty (1927-1984) who overdubbed many of these songs, adding instrumentation, and sometimes backing vocals. During his lifetime Holly issued three studio Albums between 1957-1958, and 18 singles. Following his death a further 10 singles were released, and there have been 29 official posthumous compilation Albums issued between 1959-2018. Holly’s co-write of ‘That’ll Be the Day’ with fellow Cricket Jerry Allison was Number 1 in America and the UK in 1957, while ‘It Doesn’t Matter Anymore’ written by Paul Anka, gave Holly a posthumous UK Number 1 hit in 1959. For the discography of Buddy Holly see best songs 898.

‘True Love Ways’ was written by Buddy Holly, with additional melody and lyrics provided by Norman Petty (1927-1984.) The song was recorded along with three other tracks at Holly’s last recording session before his death. The melody borrows heavily from the Gospel song ‘I’ll Be All Right,’ which was a favourite of Holly’s, and was played at his funeral. According to Holly’s wife Marie Elena ‘True Love Ways’ was written for her as a wedding gift. The couple had met on June 20th, 1958, and married on August 15th, 1958, they were married for less than six months. ‘True Love Ways’ was the second of four singles released from ‘The Buddy Holly Story, Vol. 2,’ which was the second posthumous release for Buddy Holly, and his fifth Album release in total. The Album was the first of a series of Buddy Holly albums to feature overdubbing of unfinished tracks by Norman Petty, including Holly’s last original compositions. The Album also included production by the American orchestra conductor and composer Jack Hansen, but not on ‘True Love Ways. ‘The string arrangement on ‘True Love Ways’ was done by Dick Jacobs, (1918-1988) he was also the orchestral arranger on Holly’s 1959 posthumous UK Number 1 single ‘It Doesn’t Matter Anymore.’

Norman Petty was born on May 25th, 1927, in Clovis, New Mexico, United States, he died on August 15th, 1984, of leukaemia, at the age of 57. Norman Petty was a musician, record producer, publisher, and radio station owner, he is considered to be one of the founding fathers of early ‘Rock N’ Roll.’ In the early 1950’s Petty formed the ‘Norman Petty Trio,’ with his wife Vi Ann Petty, (1928-1992) and the guitarist Jack Vaughn, (-1984) due to the success of their recording of ‘Moon Indigo,’ (1954-Billboard Number 14) Petty was able to construct his own state of the art recording studio which he named ‘Clovis,’ after the city he was born, at a cost of around $100,000 (US$1,170,880 in 2024 dollars.) After Buddy Holly’s death, Norman Petty was put in charge of overdubbing unfinished Holly recordings and demos at the request of the Holly family. In 1999, Holly’s widow, Maria Elena, along with Holly’s siblings, filed a lawsuit against ‘MCA Inc.’ in which she alleged that Petty ‘Conspired with MCA to defraud the Holly heirs.’ It was eventually determined through extensive auditing that ‘MCA owed the Petty estate and the Holly heirs a combined $251,325 in additional royalties.’

‘True Love Ways’ was first recorded by Norman Petty’s wife Vi in June 1958, with initially, only limited promotional pressings made. In 1965 the British pop duo, Peter and Gordon, released their version which reached number 2 in the UK, and is the only version of the song to have made the Top 40 of the American Billboard Hot 100 singles charts, reaching number 14. In 1980 the American Country singer Mickey Gilley (1936-2022) took his version to Number 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, and in 1982 the British singer Cliff Richard’s recording of a live performance at the Royal Albert Hall with the London Philharmonic Orchestra reached Number. 8 on the UK Singles Chart.

María Elena the widow of Buddy Holly learnt of her husbands death from the reports on the television, at the time she was two weeks pregnant, she suffered a miscarriage shortly after, reportedly due to psychological trauma. Following the miscarriage, and because of the circumstances in which she was informed of his death, a policy was later adopted by authorities not to disclose victims names until after their families have been informed.

‘Sometimes we’ll sigh, sometimes we’ll cry, and we’ll know why just you and I know true love ways.

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

265-The Who-5.15.

1973-Number 20 single.

Best Bit-At 0.41. Quadrophenia is a word made up by Pete Townsend, it is similar to schizophrenia, but twice as bad.

The Who (see also best songs 926 and 306) were formed in London, England, in 1964, the classic lineup consisted of Pete Townshend, (guitar and vocals) (see also best songs 891) Roger Daltrey, (lead singer) Keith Moon, (1946-1978) (drums) and John Entwistle (1944-2002) (bass) with sales in excess of 100 million records they are one of the best selling acts of all time. One of the most famous questions asked in a Pop Quiz is how many UK Number 1 singles did the Who have? The answer surprisingly is none. In total there have been two other official members of The Who, Doug Sandom, (1930-2019) who was the groups first drummer between 1962-1964, and Kenney Jones, (see also best songs 1048-872-565 and 70) who was the drummer between 1978-1983, and then again in 1985, and 1989.

The discography of The Who includes 12 studio Albums released between 1965-2019, and 58 singles released between 1964-2019, (for their first single ‘Zoot Suit,’ they were credited as ‘The High Numbers’) there are also four extended plays, (EP’s) four soundtrack Albums, 36 official compilation Albums, and 18 live Albums available. In the UK, all of their studio Albums have reached the top 20, with ‘Who’s Next’ from 1971, peaking the highest at Number 1, while 24 of their singles have made the UK top 40, with ‘My Generation,’ (1965) and ‘I’m a Boy’ (1966) both peaking the highest at Number 2. In America on Billboard all of their last nine studio Albums have reached the ‘Billboard 200’ Album chart top 10, with three of those Albums all making the Number 1 spot, while 16 of their singles have reached the Billboard Hot 100 top 40, with ‘I Can See for Miles’ peaking the highest at Number 9 in 1967, and ‘5.15’ failing to chart.

Keith Moon was born Keith John Moon, on August 23rd, 1946, in Mayfair, London, England, he died on September 7th, 1978, at the age of 32. Keith Moon is best remembered as the drummer with The Who, and is regarded as one of the greatest drummers in the history of Rock music. He was noted for his unique style of playing, and his eccentric, often self destructive behaviour. Long after his death he is still praised by critics and musicians, and in 2011 he was voted the second greatest drummer in history by a ‘Rolling Stone’ magazine readers poll (John Bonham was voted Number 1.) He was inducted into the ‘Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’ in 1990, as a member of The Who. Keith Moon led a destructive lifestyle. During The Who’s early days he began taking amphetamines, and also steadily increased his alcohol intake, the combination of pills and alcohol escalated into alcoholism and drug addiction. Kieth Moon died of an accidental overdose of ‘Heminevrin’ that had been prescribed to alleviate his alcohol withdrawal symptoms. He died in Flat 12, 9 Curzon Place, Shepherd Market, Mayfair, London, while renting from the American singer Harry Nilsson (1941-1994) (see also best songs 388 and 39.) Coincidentally the American singer Cass Elliot (1941-1974) (see also best songs 660 and 247) had died there four years earlier. Keith Moon once said, ‘When you’ve got money and you do the kind of things I get up to, people laugh and say that you’re eccentric, which is a polite way of saying you’re fu#king mad.

‘5.15’ was the first of three singles released from ‘Quadrophenia,’ the sixth studio Album by The Who, from October 1973, the song was written by Pete Townshend, with the production credited to The Who. In 1968 The Who had released their first ‘Rock Opera’ Album called ‘Tommy,’ (see also best songs 306) which was later made into a film in 1975. In 1973 Pete Townshend wrote the bands second ‘Rock Opera,’ which was released as a double vinyl Album called ‘Quadrophenia,’ Whereas ‘Tommy’ had been based on fantasy, this time the story was loosely based on the experiences of some of The Who’s real life fans from the 1960’s. ‘Quadrophenia’ is about two groups of rival gangs, ‘The Mods,’ and ‘The Rockers.’ The story follows a young Mod called Jimmy, and his realisation that being a Mod is not living up to the expectations he thought that the lifestyle would. The lyrics of ‘5.15’ describe Jimmy, who is high on drugs travelling by train to Brighton. Of the songs meaning Pete Townshend has said, ‘His train journey down to Brighton, sandwiched between two city gents is notable for the rather absurd number of purple hearts he consumes in order to wile away the time. He goes through a not entirely pleasant series of ups and downs as he thinks about the gaudier side of life as a teenager that we see in newspapers like the News of the World. ‘5:15′ was written in Oxford Street and Carnaby Street while I was killing time between appointments. I must try it again sometime, it seems to work!’

In 1979 ‘Quadrophenia’ was made into a film loosely based on The Who’s 1973 Album, but unlike ‘Tommy,’ ‘Quadrophenia’ is not a musical, and The Who didn’t appear live in the film. The film starred the English actor Phil Daniels (see also best songs 256) as ‘Jimmy,’ and ‘Sting’ (see also best songs 1020 and 727) as ‘Ace Face.’ Although the Who do not perform live in the film, the writers teased us with a clip of the band performing ‘Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere,’ on the television programme ‘Ready Steady Go.’ Pictures of the Who, and a ‘Maximum R&B’ poster can be seen in Jimmy’s bedroom, while in the party gatecrashing scene the song playing in the background is ‘My Generation.’ The film is set in 1964, but a repackaged Who Album that was not available at that time is clearly seen.

‘Girls of fifteen sexually knowing. The ushers are sniffing, Eau-de-coloning. The seats are seductive, celibate sitting, pretty girls digging, prettier women.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

266-Ink Spots-If I Didn’t Care.

1939-It has never charted in the UK. There was no UK chart until 1952.

Best Bit- At 2.16. Introducing the ‘Top & Bottom.’ In 1938 band member Bill Kenny introduced the group to a new format that he called ‘Top & Bottom.’ The format called for the tenor, which was usually Bill Kenny to sing the lead for one chorus, this was followed by a chorus performed by the bass singer Hoopy Jones, reciting the lyrics rather than singing them. After a chorus of what became known as ‘Talking Bass,’ the lead tenor sang the rest of the song until the end.

The Ink Spots (see also best songs 702) were formed in New York City, New York, United States in 1934, by the quartet of Jerry Daniels, (1915-1995) Deek Watson, (1909-1969) Charlie Fuqua, (1910-1971) and Hoppy Jones, (1905-1994) in 1936 Jerry Daniels was replaced by Bill Kenny, (1914-1978) and they remained active until 1954. In total there were 16 official members of the Ink Spots come and go during their 20 years of activity, but it was the five mentioned above who were inducted into the ‘Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’ in 1989. Also in 1989 this song by the Ink Spots ‘If I Didn’t Care’ was was inducted into the ‘Grammy Hall of Fame.’ The Ink Spots were television pioneers when, on November 6th, 1936, they were the first musical group to perform live on television, during an ‘NBC’ test broadcast held at the ‘NBC/RCA Building’ for the press, and in 1948 they became the first black performers to appear on ‘The Ed Sullivan Show.’ The Ink Spots appeared in two films, as Pullman porters who sing during their breaks and ultimately ‘make it big time’ in the 1941 American musical comedy ‘The Great American Broadcast,’ and in 1942 they were featured in an Abbott and Costello film, ‘Pardon My Sarong,’ where they played singing waiters in a nightclub.

Bill Kenny was born William Francis Kenny Jr. on June 12th, 1914 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. In 1969 he was severely burnt when the petrol tank of his sports car exploded in an underground car park, he suffered third degree burns to his face and hands, and also inhaled fumes, he died from a respiratory illness on March 23rd, 1978, at the age of 63. Bill Kenny is remembered as the ‘Godfather’ of R&B tenor vocalists, and is regarded as one of the most influential high-tenor singers of all time, Kenny was noted for his ‘bell-like’ vocal clarity and impeccable diction. Elvis Presley (1935-1977) (see also best songs 954-664-442 and 194) who recorded Kenny’s composition ‘There Is No God But God,’ said that he could ‘Honestly never hope to equal the musical achievements of Bill Kenny.’ The Ink Spots, and particularly Kenny were the forerunners, and the inspiration for the next generation of vocal groups, such as ‘The Ravens,’ the ‘Orioles,’ and the ‘Clovers, leading to the R&B era in the 1950’s. Bill Kenny was a member of the Ink Spots from 1936, and between 1940-1949 he was the featured lead singer on 40 of 45 Ink Spots recordings that reached the American Billboard Hot 100 top 40. In 1951, he started upon a solo career that would last until his death. He released his first solo Album ‘Precious Memories’ that year on the ‘Decca Record’ label under the ‘Faith Series.’ From that Album the Gospel composition ‘It Is No Secret’ gave Kenny a hit single, reaching Number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 also in 1951.

The ‘Talking Bass’ on ‘If I Didn’t Care’ was provided by Hoppy Jones, who was born Orville Jones on February 17th, 1905, in Chicago, Illinois, United States, he died on October 18th, 1944, after he collapsed onstage at the ‘Zanzibar,’ in New York City, at the age of 39. Hoppy Jones began his career as a dancer, and his nickname was probably derived from his dancing style. In 1928, he was a member of a dance duo named ‘Jones and Campbell,’ the duo would later join another to become ‘Three Peanut Boys’ around 1931, According to a review in the ‘Pittsburgh Courier,’ this act combined singing and dancing. Hoppy Jones then became one of the ‘Four Riff Brothers’ when that group was formed in late 1932, and he remained a member until the group split in September of 1933. At some point in 1934 he became a member of the ‘King, Jack and Jester,’ who would soon become the ‘Ink Spots.’ The Ink Spots were famous for two main reasons. One was Bill Kenny’s high tenor ballads and the other was Hoppy Jones’ bass talking parts, where he often talked to his ‘honey child’ in the middle of several of their recordings.

‘If I Didn’t Care’ was written by Jack Laurence (1912-2009) (see also best songs 274) and first recorded by the Ink Spots in 1939. Although the song only peaked at Number 2 on the Billboard chart in America, it is currently the ninth best selling song for physical copies of all time, with sales in excess of 19 million copies. It is also one of only 14 songs to have sold more than 15 million physical copies, and is the oldest song in that listing. The other songs to have sold in excess of 15 million physical copies, and to feature in this ‘1000 Best Songs’ list are (see also best songs 822-768-704-628-457 and 220) ‘If I Didn’t Care’ has been recorded by many artists down the years, with the hit versions on Billboard in America being by the ‘Hilltoppers,’ (1954-Number 17) Connie Francis, (1959- Number 22) the ‘Platters,’ (1961-Number 30) and ‘The Moments,’ (1970-Number 44) while in the UK the song was a Number 9 hit for David Cassidy in 1974.

‘Honey child, if I didn’t care more than words had ever said, and if I didn’t care, would I, would I feel this way? Honey, if this isn’t love, then tell me, why do I thrill so much?’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

267-Kanye West, Jay-Z and Big Sean-Clique.

2012-Number 22 single.

Best Bit-At 3.02. The songs title is very apt, because it’s parent Album ‘Cruel Summer’ is a showcase Album for the artists signed to Kanye West’s record label ‘Good Music.’

In 2004 Kanye West (see also best songs 1049-636 and 477) founded the American record label ‘G.O.O.D.,’ which stands for ‘Getting Out Our Dreams,’ among his first signings were the singer John Legend, and the Rapper Common. Starting in 2010 as a promotional tool West would release several tracks featuring himself, and other members of the ‘Good Music’ roster, in a free weekly giveaway known as ‘G.O.O.D. Friday’s.’ To date the label can boast two Number 1 Billboard Hot 100 singles, from John Legend with ‘All of Me’ in 2013, and also from the Rap artist Desiigner, with his 2015 song ‘Panda.’ The label has also achieved eight Number 1 Albums on Billboards 200 Album chart, three of which are Kanye West Solo Albums.

In 2012 Kanye West released the Album ‘Kanye West Presents: Good Music – Cruel Summer,’ which was a compilation Album of only artists and producers contracted to the ‘Good Music’ record label. There were four singles released, of which ‘Mercy’ (see also best songs 849) was the first, and ‘Clique’ was the fourth. Several high profile Rappers were sent the songs ‘beat’ to freestyle over, and in the final mix only three were used. The first verse is provided by Big Sean, the second by Jay-Z, (see also best songs 636-477 and 23) and the final verse by Kanye West himself. Big Sean who had signed to ‘Good Music’ in 2010 was surprised to learn that his ‘Rap’ had been chosen as he hadn’t heard anything for a while, he explained,’Then I get a call a little bit later after that, and somebody told me that Hov is on the record and I was like, ‘damn. They were like Hov and ‘Ye hopped on it, so I’m thinking, ‘Ah, they’re probably gonna take my verse off even though I laced it,’ you know, the Throne, (see also best songs 477) Kanye and Jay … but then I get the call like, ‘Nah, it’s you Kanye and Jay-Z.'”

Kanye West was born Kanye Omari West on June 8th, 1977, in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, on October 18th, 2021, he officially was granted his request to change his name to ‘Ye,’ a nickname he had used for several years prior. He has said, ‘I believe ‘ye’ is the most commonly used word in the Bible. In the Bible it means you. So, I’m you. I’m us. It’s us. It went from being Kanye, which means the only one, to just Ye.’ Kanye West is considered to be one of the most talented and influential artists of the 21st Century, and has never been frightened to push the barriers of Hip-Hop music, in 2019 he released his ninth studio Album called ‘Jesus is King,’ which explored Christian and Gospel music.

Kanye West is one of the best selling artists of all time with record sales in excess of 160 million. The discography of Kanye West includes 10 studio Albums released between 2004-2021, and 138 singles released between 2001-2025, 54 of which are as the lead artist, and 84 as a featured artist, there are also eight mixtapes, four collaborative Albums, one official compilation Album, and two live Albums available. In America on Billboard nine of his 10 studio Albums have reached Number 1, with his debut ‘The College Dropout’ (2004) making Number 2, while as the lead artist, 40 of his singles have reached the Billboard Hot 100 top 40, with three of those tracks making the Number 1 position, with ‘Clique’ reaching Number 12. As a featured artist, Kanye West has appeared on 15 top 40 Billboard Hot 100 top 40 singles, with ‘Slow Jamz’ by Twista, featuring Kanye West, and Jamie Foxx, (2003) and ‘E.T.’ by Katy Perry featuring Kanye West (2011) both making Number 1. In the UK, Kanye West has had three of his studio Albums reach the Number 1 position, while as the lead artist he has had 36 top 40 hit singles, with ‘Stronger,’ (2007) peaking the highest at Number, while as a featured artist he has had 14 top 40 entries, with ‘American Boy’ by Estelle featuring Kanye West, (2007) and ‘Run This Town’ by Jay-Z featuring Kanye West and Rihanna (2009) both peaking the highest at Number 1.

‘Clique’ was the fourth and final single released from ‘Kanye West Presents: GOOD Music – Cruel Summer,’ which is commonly referred to simply as ‘Cruel Summer.’ It is a compilation Album by recording artists of the American record label ‘GOOD Music,’ and was released in September 2012. ‘Clique’ has five credited songwriters, Chauncey Hollis, Sean Anderson, (Big Sean) (see also best songs 849) Kanye West, Shawn Carter, (Jay-Z) and James Fauntleroy, with the production being by Chauncey Hollis using his working name of ‘Hit-Boy,’ and Kanye West. Chauncey Hollis (see also best songs 636 and 477) was born Chauncey Alexander Hollis Jr. on May 21st, 1987, in Fontana, California, United States, he is professionally known as ‘Hit-Boy,’ and is a Rapper, singer, songwriter, and music producer, who first signed with Kanye West’s ‘GOOD Music’ record label as as an in-house producer in 2011. His most commercially successful produced single in America is the Travis Scott track ‘Sicko Mode, (2018-Billboard Number 1) while in the UK it is the same song, which peaked at Number 9.

‘Went through deep depression when my momma passed, suicide, what kinda talk is that? But I been talking to God for so long, and if you look at my life I guess he’s talking back.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

268-Billy Fury-In Summer.

1963-Number 5 single.

Best Bit-At 0.38. If I had my way I would invent a new genre of music which I would call ‘Summer Music.’ There are many great songs in this countdown that make you dream of the sun beaming down on you on a lovely summers day (see also best songs 25-74-176-231-344-433-643-811-911-930 and 1000.)

The famous tale is that in 1958 Billy Fury went to the Essoldo Theatre, in Birkenhead, Merseyside, England, hoping to meet the singer Marty Wilde in order to try to get him interested in some of the songs he had written. Instead in an episode that has now become Pop legend, Marty Wilde’s manager Larry Parnes (1929-1989) pushed the young Ronald Wycherley up on to the stage and made him perform right away. He was such a success that Parnes signed him up immediately, and chose the stage name ‘Billy Fury’ for him. It has been suggested that Fury’s rapid rise to fame was due in some part to his Elvis Presley (1935-1977) (see also best songs 954-664-442 and 194) influenced hip swivelling, and at times highly suggestive stage act. His performances were considered too sexual and provocative, leading to censure, and forcing him to tone down his act.

Billy Fury was born Ronald Wycherley on April 17th, 1940, in Liverpool, England, he died on January 28th, 1983, from a heart attack at the age of 42. He had contracted Rheumatic fever as a child which damaged his heart and ultimately contributed to his death. Billy Fury was one of the first British Rock N’ Roll acts, competing with contemporaries such as Cliff Richard (see also best songs 709) and Marty Wilde. His 1960 Album ‘The Sound of Fury’ on which he wrote all 10 tracks has been described as ‘The best Rock N’ Roll Album to come out of England’s beat boom of the late 1950’s.’ The discography of Billy Fury includes six studio Albums released between 1960-1983, and 49 singles released between 1959-1989, there are also 11 extended plays, (EP’s) at least 36 official compilation Albums, one soundtrack Album, and two live Albums available. In the UK Billy Fury has had 26 top 40 hit singles, with ‘Jealousy’ from 1961 peaking the highest at Number 2, he has never charted on any of the American Billboard charts. Billy Fury was also an actor appearing in three films, ‘Play It Cool,’ (1962) ‘I’ve Gotta Horse,’ (1965) and ‘That’ll Be the Day’ (1973.) By 1967 the hit singles had begun to dry up, and he had to put touring on hold as he underwent surgery for heart problems in 1972 and 1976. In 1978, he was declared bankrupt for unpaid taxes to the Inland Revenue, the taxes dated back to 1962, and amounted to £16,780, he was also forced to sign over his royalties and publishing income. His last public appearance was at the ‘Sunnyside pub,’ in Northampton, England, on December 4th, 1982, a few days before he died.

‘In Summer’ which was issued as a stand alone single, was the 19th single release, from Billy Fury in July 1963, and became his 17th hit single, and his seventh to make the UK top 5. The song was written by Valerie Murtagh, along with her sister in law Elaine Murtagh, and Elaine’s husband Ray Adams. The three of them had previously tasted chart success in 1959 as ‘The Avons’ with their cover of ‘Seven Little Girls (Sitting in the Back Seat’) which had reached Number 3 in the UK, and Number 6 in Norway. The Avons are not to be confused with the 1950’s American ‘Doo-Wop’ group of the same name, or the girl group The Avons from Nashville, Tennessee whose 1960’s output is sought out by the ‘Northern Soul’ fraternity. The trio also co-wrote ‘Dance On’ which was a UK Number 1 for The Shadows in 1963, and Number 11 for Kathy Kirby when recorded as a vocal version in the same year. Valerie Murtagh was also one of the co-writers of ‘Long Live Love’ which was the British entrant to the Eurovision Song Contest in 1974, which tied for fourth place in the competition before going on to make Number 11 in the UK chart for Olivia Newton-John (1948-2022) (see also best songs 768.)

‘In Summer’ was produced by Dick Rowe, who was born Richard Paul Brutton Rowe on June 9th, 1921, in London, England, he died on June 6th, 1986, as a result of diabetes at the age of 64. Dick Rowe was head of A&R (Singles) at Decca Records from the 1950’s to the 1970’s, and produced many top selling records during that period. He was known as ‘The man with the golden ear,’ for discovering many legendary artists, including The Rolling Stones, (see also best songs 933-662-452-160 and 77) Van Morrison, (see also best songs 762) and Cat Stevens (see also best songs 384 and 203.) Dick Rowe is fondly remembered as being artist friendly and a true music lover, who always wanted the best for talent, sometimes putting him at odds with his bosses. He is also remembered for being the man who did not sign the Beatles (see also best songs 599-456-319-238-218-141-80-51-10 and 6.) In Brian Epstein’s (1934-1967) 1964 autobiography, Rowe is quoted as having rejected them with the words, ‘Guitar groups are on their way out, Mr. Epstein,’ although he denied ever having said that.

‘Walking with the boys, talking with girls, laughing with the boys and kissing all the girls in summer.’