THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

561-Bobby Byrd-Hot Pants (I’m Coming)

1971-It has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 0.30. If you are too young to know what Hot Pants are, then my advice is download some images.

Bobby Howard Byrd was born on August 15th, 1934, in Toccoa, Georgia, United States, he died of cancer on September 12th, 2007, at the age of 73. Bobby Byrd began his music career in 1952 as member of the gospel group, the ‘Gospel Starlighters,’ who later changed their name to the ‘Avons’ in 1953, and the ‘Five Royals’ in 1954, before changing to the the ‘Flames’ in 1955, it was the music agent Clint Brantley who suggested the further name change to ‘The Famous Flames.’

Bobby Byrd first met James Brown (1933-2006) (see also best songs 880-349-270 and 88) in 1952. Brown was a pitcher on the baseball team in Georgia youth prison, where he was an inmate, having been convicted of car burglary. Bobby Byrd was playing for a local team, who had come to the prison for a game. The two of them hit it off, and after Brown’s release, Byrd invited him to join his musical group, who at that time were called the ‘Avons.’ Bobby Byrd and James Brown would have an on and off relationship through until 1973, with their sound evolving from ‘Do Wop,’ to ‘R&B,’ to ‘Soul,’ and then becoming leading exponents in the new musical genre that was to become known as ‘Funk.’

It has been hotly disputed how much input Bobby Byrd had on many of James Brown’s recordings, but the chances are his influence is far greater than the songwriting credits would have you believe. In 1971, Brown and Byrd formed the record label ‘People Records,’ issuing several records for themselves, and others, (including Byrd’s future wife Vicki Anderson 1939-2023) after the pair parted ways in 1973, Brown began struggling with production of the music on ‘People Records,’ and soon began experiencing financial troubles as well. In 2003, Bobby Byrd, and other ex members of The Famous Flames,’ sued James Brown, and ‘Universal Music’ for non-payment of royalties, stating that monies that rightfully belong to them for numerous ‘Famous Flames’ hits, were sent by ‘Universal’ to James Brown instead, who allegedly kept them. The suit was dismissed due to the statute of limitations having run out.

‘Hot Pants (I’m Coming’) should not be confused with another song also called ‘Hot Pants,’ ((She Got to Use What She Got to Get What She Wants’) performed by ‘James Brown with the J.B.’s,’ (James Brown’s backing band from 1970, through to the early 1980’s) and co-written by James Brown, and Fred Wesley, (see also best songs 850-612 and 88) on which Bobby Byrd played the organ, and which was also released in 1971. When Bobby Byrd, and James Brown, and the members of the ‘J.B.’s’ were touring Europe, they had seen girls wearing the garment known as ‘Hot Pants,’ and that was where the inspiration for the song came from.

Many songs written by Bobby Byrd have been sampled over the years, especially by the ‘Hip-Hop’ community, including his co-writes with James Brown, on songs such as ‘I Know You Got Soul.’ (1971) and ‘Think (About It’) (1972.) ‘Hot Pants (I’m Coming’) includes a much used drumbeat, which was played by John ‘Jabo’ Starks, (1937-2018) who was a member of the ‘J.B.’s’ at that time. The most famous sampling of the drumbeat, which had first been used by James Brown on his 1970 song ‘Funky Drummer,’ was by the English Rock group ‘The Stone Roses,’ on their 1989 track ‘Fools Gold’ (see also best songs 253.) The most successful and famous collaboration between Bobby Byrd and James Brown is their 1970 recording ‘Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine,’ (see also best songs 88) which is a call and response song, where Brown sings ‘Get up,’ and Byrd responds ‘Get on up.’

‘I’m coming, I’m coming, baby, I’m coming, help me. Make your baby understand, don’t try love, why don’t you take your man. Love can be a two-sided thing, you never get more than you can bring, hey.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

562-Eurythmics-Here Comes the Rain Again.

1984-Number 8 single.

Best Bit-At 2.36. No expense spared, there’s a 30 piece orchestra playing on this.

The Eurythmics were officially formed in 1980, in Wagga Wagga, Australia, by David A. Stewart, and Annie Lennox. The pair had first met in a London restaurant in 1975, where Lennox was working at the time. They first played together in 1976, in a ‘Punk Rock’ band called ‘The Catch,’ who after one unsuccessful single evolved into ‘The Tourists.’ With ‘The Tourists’ they released three studio Albums between 1979-1980, and six singles within the same time period, of which thee reached the UK top 40, with their cover of the 1963 Dusty Springfield hit ‘I Only Want to Be with You,’ peaking the highest at Number 4 in 1979. It was during this period that Stewart and Lennox were romantically involved, but both felt stifled at ‘The Tourists’ lack of creativity, and they decided that they wanted to branch out on their own as a duo, even so their romance had come to an end. The duo’s name ‘Eurythmics’ came from a method of teaching music through movement, (Dalcroze eurhythmics) developed by the Swiss musician Emile Jaques-Dalccroze, (1865-1950) Lennox had studied it while a student.

The Eurythmics were active between 1980-1990, and again between 1999-2005, they have also got to together again in 2014, 2019, and 2022, to perform live. They have sold in excess of 75 million records worldwide, with their discography including eight studio Albums released between 1981-1999, and 33 singles released between 1981-2005, there are also two official compilation Albums, one box set, one live Album. and one soundtrack Album available. In the UK, 24 of their singles have reached the top 40, with ‘There Must Be an Angel (Playing with My Heart’) making the Number 1 spot in 1985, while in America on the Billboard Hot 100, 10 of their singles have reached the top 40, with ‘Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This’) making the Number 1 position in 1983, while ‘Here Comes the Rain Again,’ peaked at Number 4.

Ann Lennox was born on December 25th, 1954, in Aberdeen, Scotland, according to the British ‘Official Charts Company,’ she is the most successful female British artist in UK music history, having sold in excess of 80 million records. The American cable television network ‘VH1,’ have named her, ‘The Greatest White Soul Singer Alive,’ In 2015 At the ‘Ivor Novello Awards,’ she was made a fellow of the ‘British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors’ (The Ivors Academy,) becoming the first woman to receive the honour. In 2020 along with her ‘Eurythmics’ partner Dave Stewart, they were inducted into the ‘Songwriters Hall of Fame,’ and the duo were then inducted into the ‘Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’ in 2022. Away from music Annie Lennox has been a public supporter of ‘Amnesty International,’ and ‘Greenpeace’ for many years. In November 2009, she was awarded the ‘Peace Summit Award 2009,’ by the ‘World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates,’ for her engagement in the fight against the HIV pandemic in South Africa. In 2013 the South African Anglican bishop Desmond Tutu (1931-2021) said of Annie Lennox, ‘She is one of those exemplary human beings who chose to put her success in her chosen career to work in order to benefit others. She is a true friend of Africa and of South Africa. Her Aids activism in general, and support for the treatment action campaign in-particular, contributed significantly to turning the pandemic around in our country.’

The solo discography of Annie Lennox includes six studio Albums released between 1992-2014, and 23 singles released between 1988-2017, there is also one official compilation Album, and one soundtrack Album available. In the UK, 10 of her solo singles have reached the top 40, with ‘No More ‘I Love You’s,’ charting the highest at Number 2 in 1995, while in America on the Billboard Hot 100, she has had four top 40 hits, with ‘Put a Little Love in Your Heart’ (with Al Green) peaking the highest at Number 9 in 1988.

‘Here Comes the Rain Again’ was the last of three singles released from the Eurythmics third studio Album ‘Touch,’ from November 1983, the song was co-written by Annie Lennox, and David A. Stewart, who also produced the track. The string arrangements were by Michael Kamen, (1943-2003) who was an American composer, especially of film scores, which were performed on the song by members of the ‘British Philarmonic Orchestra.’ Dave Stewart has said the song was written while he and Annie Lennox were staying at the ‘Mayflower Hotel’ in New York. It was an overcast day, and while Stewart was playing a melancholy melody on his keyboard, Lennox looked out of the window at the grey skies over the New York skyline, and spontaneously sang, ‘Here comes the rain again.’

‘Here Comes the Rain Again’ is probably a song about unrequited love. The narrator wants the one she loves to share the same feelings, but when they don’t, she gets depressed.

‘Here comes the rain again, falling on my head like a memory, falling on my head like a new emotion. I want to walk in the open wind, I want to talk like lovers do. Want to dive into your ocean, is it raining with you?’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

563-Fine Young Cannibals-Johnny Come Home.

1985-Number 8 single.

Best Bit-At 0.44. The age of ’17’ is the most used number in ‘Pop Music’ lyrics, (see also best songs 353) and ‘Johnny’ surely has be the most used name. From the 1950’s ‘Rock ‘N Roll’ classic ‘Johnny B Goode,’ (see also best songs 30) to the 1960’s ‘Pop’ of ‘Johnny Remember Me,’ and ‘Johnny Angel,’ to the 1980’s, and that guy who sings ‘Be, Bop, A, Lua, Baby,’ in the Dire Straits song ‘Walk of Life,’ are just a few of the many examples.

Fine Young Cannibals (FYC) were formed in Birmingham, England, United Kingdom, in 1984, by Andy Cox, (guitar) David Steele, (bass guitar, synthesizers, piano, and drum machine) and Roland Gift (vocals.) They took their name from the 1960 American drama film ‘All the Fine Young Cannibals.’ Andy Cox, and David Steele had both previously been members of the English ‘Ska’ band ‘The Beat,’ who had been active between 1978-1983, being known in America and Canada as ‘The English Beat,’ and in Australia as ‘The British Beat.’ Cox and Steele recorded three studio Albums with ‘The Beat’ between 1980-1982, and were involved in the writing of six of their eight UK hit singles, which would be eight if you include the groups two double ‘A’ sided singles.

When ‘The Beat’ split n 1983, Andy Cox, and David Steele auditioned for a lead singer for their next project, which would become ‘Fine Young Cannibals.’ Their choice was Roland Lee Gift, who was born on May 28th, 1961, in Birmingham, England. His previous musical experience had been as the lead singer of the Hull, England, base ‘Ska’ band ‘Akrylykz,’ who had released two singles in 1980 without success, but had toured as the opening act for ‘The Beat,’ ‘The Specials,’ ‘Madness,’ and ‘The Clash.’

The discography of the Fine Young Cannibals includes two studio Albums released in 1985, and 1989, and 13 singles issued between 1985-1997, there are also four official compilation Albums, and one remix Album available. In the UK, nine of their singles have reached the top 40, with ‘She Drives Me Crazy’ peaking the highest at Number 5 in 1988, while in America on the Billboard Hot 100 top 40, three of their singles have charted, with ‘She Drives Me Crazy,’ (1988) and ‘Good Thing,’ (1989) both reaching the Number 1 spot, while ‘Johnny Come Home’ stalled at Number 76. Between the release of their self titled 1985 debut studio Album, and their 1989 second and final studio Album ‘The Raw and the Cooked,’ Andy Cox, and David Steele had chart success with their side project called ‘Two Men, A Drum Machine and A Trumpet,’ releasing the 1987 instrumental ‘House Music’ track ‘Tired of Getting Pushed Around.’ Also in 1987 the duo collaborated with the British female rap duo ‘Wee Papa Girl Rappers,’ on their single ‘Heat It Up,’ which reached Number 21 on the UK top 40 in 1988.

Roland Lee Gift was born on May 28th, 1961, in Birmingham, England, he made his first recordings as the saxophonist with the ‘Ska’ band ‘Akrylkz’ in 1979, and although the recordings were unsuccessful, it did bring him to the attention of Andy Cox and David Steele of The Beat. After the Fine Young Cannibals split, Roland Gift released a self titled solo Album in 2002, and he released a further single in 2009 called ‘Crushed,’ as Roland Lee Gift. He has also had a successful acting career, appearing in the 1987 film ‘Sammy and Rosie Get Laid,’ and later in the 1989 film ‘Scandal.’

‘Johnny Come Home’ was the first of three singles released from the Fine Young Cannibals self titled debut studio Album from December 1985, the song was co-written by David Steele (music) and Roland Gift, (lyrics) with the production credited to the Fine Young Cannibals. ‘Johnny Come Home’ tells the story of ‘Johnny’ leaving home because of tensions in the family. Even if it means he has to sleep rough, it is better than living with at least one alcoholic parent. His parents plead with him to come home, promising to change their ways.

‘Johnny, we’re sorry, won’t you come on home? We worry, won’t you co

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

564-N.W.A.-Straight Outta Compton.

1988-It never charted in the UK on it’s initial release, but reached Number 66 in 2015.

Best Bit-At 0.12. After listening to Ice Cube’s opening verse, I think it would be safer to be his friend, rather than his enemy.

‘N.W.A.’ (see also best songs 126) is an abbreviation for ‘Niggaz Wit Attitudes.’ They were formed in Compton, California, United States, in 1987 by Eric Lynn Wright, (Easy-E) (1964-1995) Andre Young, (Dr. Dre) O’Shea Jackson, (Ice Cube) Lorenzo Patterson, (MC Ren) Antoine Carraby, (DJ Yella) and Kim Nazel, (Arabian Prince.) They remained active until 1991, but members have reformed again between 1999-2001, and then again in 2015, and 2016. ‘N.W.A.’ were the first group to make a commercial breakthrough with the genre of music that would become known as ‘Gangsta Rap,’ with the release of their debut studio Album ‘Straight Outta Compton,’ in 1988. ‘Gangsta Rap’ was initially called ‘Reality Rap,’ and emerged in the in the mid 1980’s, describing the culture, and values that were typical of American street gangs. ‘N.W.A.’ have said that they were heavily influenced by the Philadelphia rapper ‘Schooly D,’ and the Los Angeles rapper ‘Ice-T,’ who were both early exponents of the genre.

‘Straight Outta Compton’ was the first of three singles released from ‘N.W.A.’s’ debut studio Album of the same name from August 1988, the songs lyrics were written by Ice Cube, (see also best songs 681) MC Ren, and Tracy Curry, (The D.O.C.) who wrote the verse performed by Easy-E. The track was co-produced by Dr. Dre, (see also best songs 544-482-189-128 and 48) and DJ Yella.

‘Straight Outta Compton’ details the everyday ups and downs of ‘Gangsta’ life on the streets of South Central, Los Angeles, with critics accusing the group of glorifying the ‘Gangsta’ lifestyle. The opening verse is rapped by Ice Cube, with MC Ren delivering the second, and Easy-E the third. Dr. Dre does the intro, as well as introducing Easy-E’s verse. Ice Cube who wrote around 50% of the Albums lyrics said in 1989,’The parents, the police and the people of the local community are scared of what we say. We use the same kind of language as the kids use every day. In the black community, the ministers and teachers don’t deny that the problems we rap about exist, but they’d rather sweep it under the rug. Maybe that’s why we sell so many records because the people in the community all tell the kids what to do, the police are watching them 24-7, so when they party, they don’t want to hear, ‘Don’t do this and don’t do that.’ Our raps are documentary. We don’t take sides.’ Ice Cube in later years has also admitted to being a hot headed angry young man at that time.

In 2015 a biographical drama film was made depicting how the six members of ‘N.W.A.’ originally got together and changed the ‘Rap’ world forever. In the film Ice Cube is played by his son O’Shea Jackson Jr. Ice Cube and Dr. Dre worked on the films production, with Dr. Dre also releasing the films soundtrack ‘Compton,’ as his third solo studio Album, and his first since 1999. The success of the film saw the single ‘Straight Outta Compton’ reach Number 38 on the American Billboard Hot 100, giving ‘N.W.A.’ their very first top 40 hit single in the States, it would also chart for the first time in the UK, where it peaked at Number 66.

‘Straight Outta Compton’ was one of the first albums to feature explicit lyrics. This inspired her to co-found the ‘Parents Music Resource Center,’ which aids parents to monitor inappropriate material, which is considered ‘unsuitable for minors,’ for example, sex, drugs, alcohol, violence, and even the occult. The group’s goal was to increase parental and consumer awareness of music that contained explicit content, through voluntary labeling Albums with Parental Advisory stickers.

Straight outta Compton, crazy motherf#ker named Ice Cube, from the gang called Niggaz With Attitudes. When I’m called off, I got a sawed off, squeeze the trigger, and bodies are hauled off. You too, boy, if ya f#ck with me.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

565-Faces-Pool Hall Richard.

1973-Number 8 single.

Best Bit-At 4.21. If you don’t think that the song is ‘SMASHING’ by this stage, you never will.

Faces were formed in 1969, in London, England, after Steve Marriott (1947-1991) had left the ‘Small Faces’ (see also best songs 1048 and 872) in order to form ‘Humble Pie. The remaining three Small Faces, Ian McLagan, (1945-2014) (keyboards) Ronnie Lane, (1946-1997) (bass guitar, and vocals) and Kenney Jones, (drums) joined with Ronnie Wood, (guitar) (see also best songs 160 and 70) and Rod Stewart, (vocals) (see also best songs 965-206-179-70 and 34) who had both just left ‘The Jeff Beck Group,’ to form the ‘Faces.’ They remained active through until 1975, before reforming between 2009-2011, and then again in 2021, as well as performing one offs for special events, although after 1975 none of the five original members ever played together as a unit at the same time again. In total there have been nine official members come and go, with Jones, Stewart and Wood being the three current members. When forming in 1969, their record label ‘Warner Bros.’ wanted to stick with the name ‘Small Faces,’ for marketing purposes, but the group insisted on dropping the ‘Small,’ stating that the new members Ronnie Wood and Rod Stewart were 5’9′ and 5’10’ respectively.

Faces were active until 1975 releasing four studio Albums, and 10 singles, of which four entered the UK top 20. As well as being the groups lead singer, Rod Stewart also had a very successful solo career running concurrently with his time with the Faces. Ronnie Lane left the group shortly before the recording of this song, stating his frustration at, has he saw it, the lack of opportunities to contribute new songs, and take the lead vocal. Ronnie Lane would later develop multiple sclerosis, and he passed away on June 4th, 1977. Lane was replaced by the Japanese bass guitarist Tetsu Yamauchi, who played on this song, and the groups final Album release, the live recording ‘Coast to Coast: Overture and Beginners,’ from 1974. In 1978 drummer Kenney Jones joined ‘The Who’ as the replacement for the recently deceased Keith Moon, (1946-1978) Ronnie Wood joined The Rolling Stones and has played on all of their studio Albums since 1976, and keyboard player Ian McLagan also joined The Rolling Stones as part of their touring band, as well as playing electric piano on their 1978 single ‘Miss You’ (see also best songs 160.) Rod Stewart who was already a very successful solo artist by 1975, would go on to even greater success as a solo artist after the initial split.

Ian Patrick McLagan, was born on May 12th, 1945, in Hounslow, Middlesex, England, he died on December 3rd, 2014, of a stroke, at the age of 69. McLagan first started playing in bands in the early 1960’s in London, eventually joining the Small Faces as a replacement for Jimmy Winston (1945-2020) in 1965. With the Small Faces he played on all of their final five studio Albums, and then on all four studio Albums with the Faces, he has also released 10 solo Albums between 1979-2014.

‘Pool Hall Richard’ which was issued as a stand alone single in December 1973, was co-written by Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood, with the production credited to Ron Nevison, and Mike Bobak. Ron Nevison is an American music producer, and audio engineer. He started his career in the early 1970’s, getting his big break as an engineer on ‘Quadrophenia,’ (see also best songs 265) the sixth studio Album by The Who in 1973, this was followed shortly with his first production on Thin Lizzy’s fourth studio Album ‘Nightlife,’ in 1974. Ron Nevison has gone on to produce for some of the worlds top artists, including Ozzy Osbourne, Meatloaf, and Grace Slick. In 1987 he produced the Album ‘Crazy Nights,’ for the American Rock band ‘Kiss,’ which provided the hit single ‘Crazy Crazy Nights,’ (UK Number 4) which is perhaps his most recognisable produced track.

‘Pool Hall Richard’ which first appeared on a Faces Album in 1976, as the opening track on their compilation ‘Snakes and Ladders / The Best of Faces,’ tells the tale of a pool player, who is also the songs narrator. The narrator knows he has met his match in his opponent, who goes by the name of ‘Pool Hall Richard.’ He is in awe of his talent, and also thinks that he could take his lady as well, if he wanted to.

‘Sweatin’ hard, I didn’t get a shot, all I did was stand around and get too hot. Knowin’ all the people walkin’ on my side, losin’ all my money and I’m getting tired.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

566-Rihanna-Where Have You Been.

2012-Number 6 single.

Best Bit-At 1.16. A good idea for a song can emerge from the most unlikely of places.

Robyn Rihanna Fenty (see also best songs 858) was born on February 20th, 1988, in Saint Michael, Barbados, with record sales in excess of 250 million she is the second best selling female artist of all time, behind her childhood idol, and inspiration Madonna (see also best songs 774 and 587.) Away from music Rihanna is recognised for her humanitarian involvement, entrepreneurship, and fashion industry influence. She established the ‘Clara Lionel Foundation’ in 2012, which is a nonprofit organisation, that funds groundbreaking education, and emergency preparedness and response programs around the world. In 2017 she founded the cosmetics brand ‘Fenty Beauty,’ and fashion house ‘Fenty,’ working with the French multinational holding and conglomerate ‘LVMH,’ becoming the first black woman to lead a luxury brand for ‘LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton.’ Rihanna has two children born in 2022, and 2023 with her partner, the American rapper ASAP Rocky.

The discography of Rihanna includes eight studio Albums released between 2005-2016, and 70 singles as either the lead artist, (53) or featured artist, (17) there are also seven official box sets available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, as the lead artist, 42 of her tracks have reached the top 40, with seven of them making the Number 1 spot, with ‘Where Have You Been,’ reaching Number 5, while as a featured artist she has had 13 top 40 hits, with three of those songs making Number 1. In the UK, Rihanna has had 37 top 40 hits as the lead artist, with six of those tracks reaching Number 1, and a further 13 as the featured artist, of which three of those songs have made the Number 1 spot.

‘Where Have You Been’ was the fifth of six singles released from ‘Talk That Talk,’ the sixth studio Album from Rihanna from November 2011. The writing of the song is credited to Ester Dean, (see also best songs 858) Dr Luke, (see also best songs 953-874 and 824) Calvin Harris, (see also best songs 760 and 652) Henry Walter, and Geoff Mack, (1922-2017) with the production credited to Dr Luke, Henry Walter, Calvin Harris, and Kuk Harrell. ‘Where Have You Been’ is loosely based around the 1959 song ‘I’ve Been Everywhere,’ written by Geoff Mack, who was born Albert Geoffrey McElhinney, on December 20th, 1922, in Surrey Hills, Victoria, Australia, he died on July 21st, 2017, at the age of 94. Geoff Mack was one of Australia’s most celebrated musicians, having been inducted into the ‘Songwriters Hall of Fame,’ in Nashville in 1963. In 2005 he was awarded the ‘Medal of the Order of Australia,’ for his service to Country Music, and his support of community and senior citizens’ groups, and in 2008 he was inducted in to the ‘Australian Country Music Roll of Renown.’

In Geoff Mack’s original version called ‘I’ve Been Everywhere,’ he lists some of the places he has visited, whereas in Rihanna’s version, she states that she has been everywhere in search of a sexual partner, who can please her all night long. The Geoff Mack song has been covered many times, notably by the Australian singer ‘Lucky Starr,’ who reached Number 1 on the Australian ‘Sydney’ chart in 1962, and in the same year by the Canadian singer Hank Snow, (1914-1999) who took his re-written ‘American friendly’ lyrics to Number 1 on the ‘Billboard Country Music’ chart. ‘I’ve Been Everywhere’ is said to have been recorded by at least 130 artists down the years, with another notable version being by Johnny Cash, (1932-2003) who covered the song for his 1996 Album ‘Unchained.’

‘Where Have You Been’ is one of Rihanna’s best selling singles, with worldwide sales being around seven million copies to date. Like many ‘Dance Music’ tracks there are several official remixes of the song available, including the ‘Hardwell Club Mix,’ the ‘Vice Club Mix,,’ and the ‘Papercha$er remix,’ which all accompanied the single on it’s initial release.

I’ve been everywhere, man, looking for someone, someone who can please me, love me all night long. I’ve been everywhere, man, looking for you, babe, looking for you, babe, searching for you, babe. Where have you been?’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

567-Frank Sinatra & Sammy Davis Jr.-Me and My Shadow.

1962-Number 20 single.

Best Bit-At 2.29. Sammy Davis Jr. was once asked while playing a round of golf, what his handicap was, ‘Handicap?’ he asked. ‘Talk about handicap. I’m a one-eyed Negro who’s Jewish.’

Samuel George Davis Jr. was born on December 8th, 1925, in New York City, United States, he died of complications from throat cancer on May 16th, 1990, at the age of 64. Sammy Davis Jr. is recognised as one of the greatest all round entertainers of the 20th Century, appearing in numerous films, and television programmes between 1933-1990, including his own television shows ‘The Sammy Davis Jr. Show’ in 1966, and the ‘Sammy and Company’ show between 1975-1977. Davis who was a singer, actor, comedian and dancer, began his career in ‘Vaudeville’ at the age of two with his father Sammy Davis Sr. (1900-1988) who was a dancer, and his associate, the dancer and singer Will Mastin, (1878-1979) the three would perform as the ‘Will Mastin Trio’ touring nationally. In 1954, at the age of 29 Davis lost an eye in a car accident, and for the rest of his life he wore a glass eye. It was in 1961 that he converted to Judaism, finding commonalities between the oppression experienced both by black Americans, and the Jewish communities.

Sammy Davis Jr. recorded extensively throughout his career, with his discography including 15 Albums recorded for ‘Decca Records’ between 1955-1963, and 24 Albums recorded for ‘Reprise Records’ between 1961-1970. In 1970, in an attempt to appeal to a younger audience he signed with ‘Motown Records,’ and recorded an Album called ‘Something For Everyone,’ which was critically panned, and is considered the lowest point of his musical career. Sammy Davis Jr. released 91 singles between 1950-1984, of which nine of those tracks have made the American Billboard Hot 100, with ‘The Candy Man’ reaching Number 1 in 1972, while in the UK, eight of his singles have made the top 40, with ‘Love Me or Leave Me,’ peaking the highest at Number 8, in 1955.

‘Me and My Shadow’ was written in 1927 by Billy Rose, (1899-1966) who provided the lyrics, and Dave Dreyer, (1894-1967) who was responsible for the music. Officially the American singer Al Jolson, (1885-1950) (see also best songs 310) is also credited as a co-writer, but his input would have been minimal, as he would often insist on having his name added to a song he was willing to record, or promote. Jolson did perform the song live, but never got around to producing a studio version. ‘Me and My Shadow’ has become a standard over the years with dozens of artists stamping their interpretation on it. One of the earliest recordings was by ‘Whispering’ Jack Smith, (1896-1950) in 1927. The American entertainer Ted Lewis, (1890-1971) first performed the song in 1928, and for the rest of his career he would use it to close his act. The British comedy duo Eric Morecambe (1926-1984) and Ernie Wise (1925-1999) recorded a parody version in 1961, and more recently the English singers Robbie Williams, (see also best songs 406) and Jonathan Wilkes duetted the song for Williams 2001 Album ‘Swing When Your Winning.’

Frank Sinatra 1915-1998) (see also best songs 877-469-120 and 73) and Sammy Davis Jr. have recorded the song twice. The first time was in 1958 for ‘Capitol Records,’ when conducted by Nelson Riddle, (1921-1985) (see also best songs 286 and 73) and released on the Album ‘Classic Duets.’ The version of the song I have chosen was recorded in 1962, for the ‘Reprise’ record label, and released on the Album ‘At the Cocoanut Grove,’ with the arrangement being by Billy May (1916-2004.)

Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. were both members of a small group of performers known as the ‘Rat Pack’ in the 1960’s. The other members were Dean Martin, (1917-1995) (see also best songs 919) Joey Bishop, (1918-2007) and Peter Lawford (1923-1984.) It is said that they got their name after the American actress Angie Dickinson approached the group, and said, ‘You all look like a pack of rats.’ The nickname caught on, and they were then called the ‘Rat Pack.’ Another group of performers that originated in the 1940’s were also called the ‘Rat Pack,’ these elite group of celebrities included Frank Sinatra, Humphrey Bogart, (1899-1957) and Lauren Bacall (1924-2014.)

The original lyrics for ‘Me and My Shadow’ tell the tale of a lonely person who goes home each evening to an empty house, where they just have their shadow for company. Over the years the lyrics have been altered in many of the numerous recordings of the song. For example in the Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. version they sing, ‘We’re closer than Bobby is to J.F.K.,’ John Fitzgerald Kennedy, (1917-1963) was the President of the United States of America at the time they recorded their version. Whereas the original lyrics are a tale of loneliness, Sinatra and Davis turn the song into a tale of warm companionship.

‘Before we get finished, we’ll make the town roar, we’ll make all the late spots, and then a few more. We’ll wind up at Jilly’s right after Toot’s Shore, life is gonna be a we-wow-whee, for my shadow and me.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

568-Drifters-Saturday Night at the Movies.

1964-Number 35 single. When it was re-issued in 1972 it peaked at Number 3.

Best Bit-At 0.36. The Drifters must have been very partial to a night at the movies, because I can recall another occasion when they told us what they got up to when sitting in the back row.

The Drifters are one of, if not the longest running act in Pop Music, having formed in New York City, United States, in 1953. Since their inception there has been a total of 45 different group members, with several splinter groups being formed by former members, usually identified with a ‘possessive credit,’ such as ‘Bill Pinkney’s Original Drifters,’ or’Charlie Thomas’ Drifters,’ as examples. The Drifters have had nine different lead singers appear on their chart hit singles since 1953, with perhaps the best acknowledged being Clyde McPhatter, (1932-1972) who was the first lead singer with the original Drifters between 1953-1955. Ben E, King (1938-2015) (see also best songs 804) was the lead singer between 1958-1960, before leaving for a solo career, and then returning for a second stint between 1981-1985. The lead singer with the longest longevity was Johnny Moore, (1934-1998) who joined the Drifters in 1954, and intermittently was in and out of the group until his death.

The discography of the Drifters includes 10 studio Albums released between 1956-1976, and 72 singles released between 1953-2013, there are also nine official compilation Albums available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, 16 of their singles have reached the top 40, with ‘Save the Last Dance for Me,’ with Ben E King on lead vocals making it all the way to Number 1, while ‘Saturday Night At the Movies’ reached Number 18. In the UK, the Drifters have had 17 top 40 hits, with both ‘Save the Last Dance for Me,’ (1960) and ‘Kissin’ in the Back Row of the Movies,’ (1974) both peaking at Number 2.

‘Saturday Night At the Movies’ which had the lead vocals sung by Johnny Moore, was written by Barry Mann, and Cynthia Weil. (1940-2023) with the production being by Bert Berns, (1929-1967) (see also best songs 762) the song was added to the Drifters fifth studio Album ‘The Good Life with the Drifters,’ from 1965. In America the song was far more successful than in the UK, where it didn’t become a major hit until 1972, when re-issued as a double ‘A’ sided single with ‘At the Club’ (1965-Billboard Number 43.) This led to a resurgence in popularity in the UK for the Drifters, as their then current record label ‘Bell Records’ released new material, giving the group nine consecutive UK top 40 hits between 1973-1976, with Johnny Moore providing lead vocals on eight of them, the exception being ‘Like Sister and Brother,’ (1973-UK Number 7) which had lead vocals by Bill Fredericks (1941-1999) In America the Drifters couldn’t replicate that success, as ‘Saturday Night At the Movies’ (1964) remains their final chart entry on Billboard to date.

‘Saturday Night At the Movies’ was co-written by the legendary song writing team of Barry Mann (melody) and Cynthia Weil, (lyrics) (see also best songs 782 and 247) who were husband and wife from 1961 until Cythia Weil’s death in 2023. Barry Mann was born Barry Imberman, on February 9th, 1939, in Brooklyn, New York City, United States, and Cynthia Weil was born on October 18th, 1940, in New York City, United States, she died at her home on June 1st, 2023, at the age of 82. Prior to writing their first hit together in 1961, Barry Mann had a singing career that began in 1959, and had charted on Billboard in 1961 at Number 7 with ‘Who Put the Bomp (in the Bomp, Bomp, Bomp’) but although he would continue to record, his first love was songwriting. Classic songs written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil that would help shape the sound of the 1960’s include ‘You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ for The Righteous Brothers, (1964-Billboard & UK Number 1) ‘We Gotta Get out of This Place,’ for The Animals (1965-Billboard Number 13 & UK Number 2) and ‘Make Your Own Kind of Music,’ for Mama Cass Elliot (1969-Billboard Number 36.) Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil have also written with others and as individuals, with Mann having written or co-written 98 Billboard hits, and 53 UK hit singles. In 1987 they were both inducted into the ‘Songwriters Hall of Fame,’ and in 2011, they jointly received the ‘Johnny Mercer Award,’ which is the highest honour bestowed by that Hall of Fame.

‘Well, there’s Technicolor and CinemaScope, a cast out of Hollywood, and the popcorn from the candy stand makes it all seem twice as good. There’s always lots of pretty girls, with figures they don’t try to hide, but they never can compare to the girl sitting by my side. Saturday night at the movies.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

569-The Temptations-Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone.

1972-Number 14 single.

Best Bit-At 3.54. The legend is that the songs lead singer Dennis Edwards thought that the songs co-writer Norman Whitfield was trying to aggravate him with the songs opening line,’It was the 3rd of September, that day I’ll always remember, yes I will, ’cause that was the day my daddy died.’ Edwards father was said to have died on that date, but he actually found out later it had been October 3rd. Norman Whitfield said that he chose the date because it fit in well with the song, he said he had no idea when Edwards father had died.

The Temptations (see also best songs 1031-1001 and 777) were formed in Detroit, Michigan, United States, in 1960, and at the time of writing they remain active, with the groups one constant being the only surviving co-founder of the group Otis Williams. Over the 60 plus years there have been 27 different official members come and go, with Williams having performed on all of The Temptations recordings. Otis Williams was born Otis Miles Jr. on October 30th, 1941, in Texarkana, Texas, United States, shortly after his birth his parents split, and when he became a teenager, he adopted his mother’s maiden name for his stage name. Although Williams has been the groups one constant, he has very rarely sung lead vocals, focusing instead on his role as the group’s leader and organiser, and as the background ‘baritone.’ Williams can notably be heard providing the spoken word contribution on The Temptations & Supremes duet ‘I’m Gonna Make You Love Me’ (see also best songs 1001.)

‘Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone’ was the only single released from The Temptations 15th studio Album ‘All Directions,’ from July 1972, the song was co-written by Norman Whitfield, (1940-2008) (see also best songs 911-777-533-480-346 and 233 ) and Barrett Strong, (1941-2023) (see also best songs 777) with the production being by Whitfield. ‘Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone’ was originally written in 1971, and first recorded by fellow ‘Motown’ group ‘The Undisputed Truth,’ but when it was released as a single it got no higher than Number 63 on Billboard in 1972. Norman Whitfield who was always trying to push the musical barriers, reworked the song in to a 12 minute epic, filling the song with long instrumental parts. This didn’t please everyone, with some saying that The Temptations were only playing a bit part, while Whitfield put the music first. The five members of The Temptations at that time who performed on the track were Dennis Edwards, (1943-2018) Damon Harris, (1950-2013) Richard Street, (1942-2013) Melvin Franklin, (1942-1995) and Otis Williams. Lead vocals on the track were performed by Edwards, Franklin, and Street, who sang a verse each, taking on the roles of siblings questioning their mother about their now dead father.

Barrett Strong Jr. was born on February 5th, 1941, in West Point, Mississippi, United States, he died on January 28th, 2023, at the age of 81. Barrett Strong is the co-writer of some of Motown records most enduring classics, including ‘I Heard It Through the Grapevine,’ originally recorded by Gladys Knight & the Pips,’ but made timeless by Marvin Gaye, (1968-Billboard & UK Number 1) and ‘War,’ for Edwin Starr (1970-Billboard Number 1 & UK Number 3) Barrett Strong was also the co-writer with Norman Whitfield of many of The Temptations hits of their ‘Psychedelic Soul’ period. His solo recording discography includes four studio Albums released between 1975-2001, and at least 14 singles released between 1959-1981. In 1959 Barrett Strong recorded ‘Money (That’s What I Want’) which became the first ever ‘Motown’ hit single, when reaching Number 23 on Billboard in America in 1960.

The music for ‘Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone’ was provided by the ‘Motown’ in house studio band ‘The Funk Brothers,’ (see also best songs 948-920-650-411-382-212-148 and 28) with some of the players on the track being Maurice Davis, (1941-2012) (trumpet) Melvin ‘Wah Wah Watson Ragin, (1950-2018) (guitar) Bob Babbitt, (1937-2012) (bass) and Aaron Smith (drums.) ‘Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone’ was the last classic ‘Motown’ track to be recorded at the original famous ‘Studio A’ in Detroit, as most of Motown’s studio work had moved to Los Angeles by then, but The Temptations chose to record this in Detroit.

Berry Gordy the founder of Motown records in 1959, has paid a glowing tribute to Norman Whitfield, saying, ‘He could take one chord, like on ‘Papa Was A Rolling Stone,’ and play the same chord and do all these different beautiful melodies and stuff that many people could not really imagine this guy doin’. And I would watch him and he did it all by himself as a producer. He would work with five guys in the Temps, and he would change leads on each one. He would pick the right lead for the right song, ya know, and he’d utilise all five of those leads in a song that was just incredible. When I listen to ’em today, now that I have time to listen to ’em, I’m saying, “Wow! This guy was probably the most underrated producer we had.’

‘It was the 3rd of September, that day I’ll always remember, yes I will, ’cause that was the day that my daddy died. I never got a chance to see him, never heard nothin’ but bad things about him, Momma I’m depending on you to tell me the truth. Momma just hung her head and said, son Papa was a rolling stone.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

570-Jermaine Jackson-Let’s Get Serious.

1980-Number 8 single.

Best Bit-At 2.50. When performing the song on various music shows, not only did Jermaine Jackson have to mime his own vocals, he also had to mime the verse sung by Stevie Wonder. I wonder how many people actually realised.

Jermaine La Jaune Jackson was born on December 11th, 1954, in Gary, Indiana, United States, he is the fourth oldest of the 10 Jackson children, his brother Marlon’s twin brother Brandon died shortly after his birth in 1957. Jermaine and his brothers first signed as the ‘Jackson 5’ (see also best songs 249 and 137) with the Gary, Indiana, record label ‘Steeltown Records’ in 1967 where they recorded two singles, before being signed by Berry Gordy of ‘Motown’ records in 1969. The Jackson’s would stay at Motown until 1975, when they left due to financial disputes, although Jemaine refused to join his brothers, staying with Motown to pursue a solo career. His four brothers signed with ‘Epic Records,’ changing their name to the ‘Jacksons,’ (as Berry Gordy owned the name ‘Jackson 5’) with Jermaine being replaced in the group by his brother Randy. The main reason for Jermaine remaining at ‘Motown,’ was probably because at that time he was married to Hazel Gordy, the daughter of Motown supremo Berry Gordy.

The solo discography of Jermaine Jackson includes 14 studio Albums released between 1972-2012, and 32 singles released between 1972-2015, there are also eight official compilation Albums available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, seven of his singles have reached the top 40, with both ‘Daddy’s Home,’ (1972) and ‘Let’s Get Serious,’ (1980) both peaking the highest at Number 9, while in the UK, he has had three top 40 entries, with ‘Do What You Do,’ (1984) charting the highest at Number 6. Like his brother Michael, (1958-2009) (see also best songs 812-511 and 191) Jermaine had a solo career that ran concurrently with the Jackson 5 while at Motown Records.

After his brothers parted Motown Records, Jermaine struggled to stay successful as a solo artist. Berry Gordy was concerned that his son-in-law’s career was waning, so he approached fellow Motown artist Stevie Wonder, (see also best songs 920-843-834-682-503-366-205-152 and 65) who provided three songs for Jermaine’s sixth studio Album ‘Let’s Get Serious,’ from March 1980. The Album’s title track ‘Let’s Get Serious’ was released as the first of two singles off the Album, the other ‘You’re Supposed to Keep Your Love for Me,’ (1980-Billboard Number 34) was also a Stevie Wonder composition. ‘Let’s Get Serious’ was co-written by Stevie Wonder and Lee Garrett, with the production being by Stevie Wonder, who also sang co-lead vocals, and played piano, synthesizers, celesta, guitar, and drums on the track. The Album ‘Let’s Get Serious’ would go on to be Jermaine Jackson’s most successful of his career, selling in excess of 2 million copies worldwide, with the title track being ranked Number 1 on the ‘Billboard Soul chart’ for 1980, ahead of his brother Michael’s ‘Rock With You,’ which ranked at Number 2.

Lee Garrett who co-wrote ‘Let’s Get Serious’ with Stevie Wonder, was born on June 30th, 1943, in Mississippi, United States, like Stevie Wonder, Lee Garrett is also blind, the pair initially met at the ‘Michigan School for the Blind.’ Lee Garrett worked in radio as a DJ in the 1960’s, and 1970’s, where he was known as ‘The Rocker Mr G,’ while working in Philadelphia and Detroit. He has also had a recording career, releasing an Album in 1976, and issuing several singles since 1964. His biggest success as a solo artist was with his 1976 track ‘You’re My Everything,’ which reached Number 15 in the UK. Lee Garrett co-wrote several songs with Stevie Wonder, including ‘Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours,’ (1970-Billboard Number 3 & UK Number 15) and ‘It’s a Shame,’ for The Detroit Spinners (1970-Billboard Number 14 & UK Number 20) (see also best songs 834.)

Lee Garrett has spoken about the first time Stevie Wonder introduced the track that would become ‘Let’s Get Serious’ to him. ‘He said, ‘What do you hear?’ I listened and listened, and all of a sudden it hit me, and I started jumping up and down, singing ‘let’s get serious.’ That’s it. He wrote most of the words and stuff. I just kind of did the track and the melody. I felt particularly proud of that, because it was only our two names on it.’

‘In your arms is the place I want to be, with my love in you, and your love inside of me. Longing for each other just ain’t fair, when we’ve got so much love we want to share. Let’s get serious, let’s get serious, let’s get serious and fall in love.’