THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

301-Link Wray & His Ray Men-Rumble.

1958-It has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 0.01 Sometimes fact can be stranger than fiction. This song was banned from being played on the radio. ‘IT’S AN INSTRUMENTAL!’

Link Wray was born Fred Lincoln Wray Jr. on May 2nd, 1929, in Dunn, North Carolina, United States, he died on November 5th, 2005, of heart failure at the age of 76. Wray’s mother was descended from ‘Shawnee,’ who are a Native American people of the Northeastern Woodlands, and as a result of being indigenous, Wray and his family were always in fear of their lives from the ‘Ku Klux Klan,’ Wray has said, ‘The cops, the sheriff, the drugstore owner, they were all Ku Klux Klan. They put the masks on and, if you did something wrong, they’d tie you to a tree and whip you or kill you,’ his family listed themselves as White on census records. Between 1942-1955 Link Wray lived with his family in Portsmouth, Virginia, where he and his brothers Ray, and Doug (1933-1984) drove taxi cabs during the day, while working at night clubs in the Portsmouth and Norfolk, Virginia area. Wray’s first bands, ‘The Lucky Wray Band,’ and ‘The Palomino Ranch Gang,’ were formed in Portsmouth, and included brothers Ray, Doug, and Vernon (1924-1979.) Link Wray served in the United States Army during the Korean War between 1950-1953, where he contracted tuberculosis, leading to him having a lung removed, and doctors telling him that they thought he would never be able to sing again.

Link Wray is considered one of the most influential guitarists of all time for his groundbreaking use of ‘distortion,’ and ‘tremolo’ on this track ‘Rumble,’ which enhanced ‘Rock N’ Roll,’ and if not giving birth to ‘Rock’ music, then it certainly gave it a big push. Among the many greats who have acknowledged this are Pete Townshend (see also best songs 926-891-306 and 265) who has said, ‘He is the king, if it hadn’t been for ‘Rumble’ I would have never picked up a guitar.’ Jimmy Page (see also best songs 135 and 66) said that as a kid he used to listen to anything with a guitar on, ‘But the first time I heard ‘Rumble’ that was something that had so much profound attitude to it,’ and Bob Dylan (see also best songs 792-621-358-103-36 and 7) has called ‘Rumble’ The best instrumental ever.’

The discography of Link Wray includes 24 Albums released between 1960-2019, and 40 singles released between 1958-2019, he has also released three Albums in collaboration with the American Rockabilly singer Robert Gordon (1947-2022) between 1977-2014, and there are also a further 23 official compilation Albums available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, both of Link Wray’s first two singles charted within the top 40, ‘Rumble’ made Number 16 in 1958, and ‘Raw-Hide’ reaching Number 23 in 1959. Link Wray has never had a charting single in the UK.

‘Rumble’ was officially written by Link Wray, and Milt Grant, (1923-2007) but the chances are Grant had nothing to do with the composing of the song. Grant was a radio and television presenter who probably had his name added to the credits in return for commercial exposure. When Link Wray first came up with the instrumental he called it ‘Oddball,’ and was pleased with the reaction when performing it live. The song was brought to the attention of Archie Bleyer (1909-1989) of the ‘Cadence Records’ label, who being from a previous generation had a very low tolerance when it came to ‘Rock N’ Roll,’ he only agreed to the record being released due to his step-daughters fascination with the song. It was also Bleyer’s step-daughter who suggested the songs title ‘Rumble.’ as it reminded her of the ‘rumble’ scenes in ‘West Side Story, although there is another story which suggests that it was Phil Everly (1939-2014) (see also best songs 799) who suggested the songs title, the Everly Brothers were also signed to ‘Cadence Records’ at that time. The title made the song somewhat controversial because it implied gang violence, with ‘rumble’ being a slang name for street fighting among gangs of youths in America. This led to some radio stations refusing to play it for fear of glorifying juvenile delinquency. The song can be heard at it’s most ‘menacing’ in a scene from the 1994 film ‘Pulp Fiction,’ between John Travolta, (see also best songs 768) and Uma Thurman.

‘Rumble’ is considered a groundbreaking song for it’s utilising techniques of ‘distortion,’ and ‘tremolo,’ which in 1958 was largely unexplored in ‘Rock N’ Roll.’ Distortion and overdrive are forms of audio signal processing used to alter the sound of amplified electric musical instruments, usually by increasing their gain, producing a ‘fuzzy,’ ‘growling,’ or ‘gritty’ tone. Distortion is most commonly used with the electric guitar, but may also be used with other electric instruments such as electric bass, electric piano, synthesizer and Hammond organ. What Link Wray achieved with his experimentation of the electric guitar by distorting it’s output led to being a key part in future genres of music, notably ‘Hard Rock,’ ‘Punk Rock,’ ‘Hardcore Punk,’ ‘Acid Rock, ‘Grunge,’ and ‘Heavy Metal.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

302-David Bowie-Boys Keep Swinging.

1979-Number 7 single.

Best Bit-At 2.02. (Check out the songs official video) I don’t fancy yours much.

‘Boys Keep Swinging’ was the first of four singles released from David Bowie’s (1948-2016) (see also best songs 807-440-334-209-186-118-47-31 and 5) and for his production work (see also best songs 701-131 and 58) 13th studio Album ‘Lodger,’ from May 1979. ‘Boys Keep Swinging’ was co-written by David Bowie, and Brian Eno, (see also best songs 766-190-118-109 and 57) who had worked with Bowie on his previous two Albums ‘Low,’ and ‘Heroes,’ The song and the ‘Lodger’ Album were co-produced by Bowie, and Tony Visconti, (see also best songs 790-386-209-118 and 67) who had previously worked with Bowie since 1969 on seven Albums, and would go on to produce another six, including Bowie’s final studio Album ‘Blackstar’ in 2016. Although the ‘Lodger’ Album is the third in the so called ‘Berlin Trilogy,’ following on from ‘Low’ (January 1977) and ‘Heroes,’ (October 1977) the ‘Lodger’ Album was not recorded at the ‘Hansa’ studio in West Berlin, Germany, where the previous two had been, in fact ‘Lodger’ was recorded at the ‘Mountain’ studio in Switzerland, and mixed at the ‘Record Plant’ in New York City.

For ‘Boys Keep Swinging’ David Bowie wanted to create a ‘Garage band’ sound, so at the suggestion of Brian Eno, the musicians on the song actually played instruments that they were not totally familiar with, for example the accomplished guitarist Carlos Alomar played the drums on the track, while the lead guitar on the track was played by Adrian Belew, who was told to improvise as he wished. Tony Visconti added bass guitar over the finished song, which many music critics have noted has a similarity to the Beach Boys 1965 song ‘You’re So Good to Me.’ The other musicians on the track were David Bowie, (vocals, guitar, and piano) Brian Eno, (piano, and synthesizer) and Simon House (violin.)

Carlos Alomar was born on May 7th, 1951, in Ponce, Puerto Rico, he has played on 11 David Bowie studio between 1975-2003, which is more than any other musician. He is a guitarist who started out in the 1960’s performing during ‘Amateur Hour’ at the Apollo Theater, in New York City, eventually joining their house band, and backing Chuck Berry (1926-2017) (see also best songs 548-308 and 30) and many leading Soul artists. Carlos Alomar met David Bowie in early 1974, and they first worked together in the studio on Bowie’s ninth studio Album ‘Young Americans,’ which was released in March 1975. It was Carlos Alomar who wrote the guitar riff for ‘Fame’ one of the tracks on the Album, which gave David Bowie his first American Billboard Number 1 single. He was also a regular member of Bowie’s touring band from the ‘Diamond Dogs’ tour of 1974, through to the ‘Outside Tour’ between 1995-1996. Carlos Alomar has played on Albums for artists of the calibre of Paul McCartney, (Press to Play-1986) and Mick Jagger (She’s the Boss-1985.) He has also released one solo Album called ‘Dream Generator,’ in 1987.

David Bowie was always one step ahead with the latest technological breakthroughs, and the ever changing ways in which new music was promoted. This was two years before the debut of ‘MTV,’ but Bowie knew that the best way to get his music across to the masses was to make a promotional video. The songs memorable video which was directed by David Mallet sees Bowie dressed in drag, as a ‘working class tart,’ the actress Lauren Bacall, and also, in a third guise, as a combination of the actresses Marlene Dietrich, and Greta Garbo. Bowie also promoted the release of ‘Boys Keep Swinging’ with a comical performance on ‘The Kenny Everett Video Show,’ which was again directed by Mallet, that also helped get the song in to the UK top 10 singles chart. At the end of the promotional video, two of the dancers (Bowie in drag) turn to the camera, remove their wigs and smear their makeup in a style Bowie borrowed from the Dutch dancer Romy Haag, after observing her at a Berlin nightclub. The final dancer simply blows a kiss into the camera. Regarding the smearing bit, Bowie has said, ‘That was a well-known drag act finale gesture which I appropriated. I really liked the idea of screwing up the make-up after all the meticulous work that had gone into it. It was a nice destructive thing to do, quite anarchistic.’

‘Boys Keep Swinging’ was never released as a single in America, but Bowie did perform the song for the American ‘Saturday Night Live’ television show on the 15th December 1979, although it was not broadcast until the 5th January 1980, during the broadcast, ‘NBC’ muted the line ‘When you’re a boy, other boys check you out.’ For the performance of Boys Keep Swinging,’ Bowie’s head was superimposed over a puppet body being operated by himself. The America magazine ‘Rolling Stone’ later ranked Bowie’s appearance the seventh best musical performance in ‘SNL’ history in 2017.

David Bowie teases us with the lyrics on ‘Boys Keep Swinging.’ It can appear that Bowie is telling us how wonderful it is to be born male, as you can achieve so much with the advantage of being born that gender, but with tongue in cheek he was probably having a dig at the stereo typical male who sees himself as ‘a bit of a lad.’ Bowie has said, ‘The glory in that song was ironic. I do not feel that there is anything remotely glorious about being either male or female. I was merely playing on the idea of the colonisation of a gender.’

‘Uncage the colours, unfurl the flag, luck just kissed you hello when you’re a boy. They’ll never clone ya, you’re always first on the line, when you’re a boy.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

303-Cab Calloway-Minnie the Moocher.

1931-It has never charted in the UK. There was no UK chart until 1952.

Best Bit-At 0.50. A Hoochie Coochie dancer would even make a twerking Beyonce blush.

Cab Calloway was born Cabell Calloway III on December 25th, 1907, in Rochester, New York, United States, on June 12th, 1944, he suffered a stroke, and then died from pneumonia, and other complications on November 18th, 1994, at the age of 86. His energetic live performances were an influence on future artists such as James Brown, (1933-2006) (see also best songs 880-349-270 and 88) and Michael Jackson (1958-2009) (see also best songs 812-511-249-191 and 137.) The film director John Landis who produced ‘The Blues Brothers’ film, which was Cab Calloway’s last movie performance in 1980, said of Calloway when asked about his influence on ‘Rap’ artists, ‘Cab Calloway is ‘Hip-Hop.” With the success of ‘Minnie the Moocher,’ Cab Calloway became the first ever African/American to sell a million records from one single, he gained the nickname, ‘The Hi De Ho Man,’ because of this song. Cab Calloway was also a very successful actor, appearing in 15 films between 1932-1980, including the 1943 movie ‘Stormy Weather,’ (see also best songs 634) where he played himself, and his final film performance in 1980, where he performed ‘Minnie the Moocher’ in ‘The Blues Brothers’ movie. Cab Calloway was very energetic on stage when performing, and his dance moves included a gliding back-step dance which some observers have described as the precursor to Michael Jackson’s ‘moonwalk’ (see also best songs 581.) Calloway said some 50 years later, ‘It was called The Buzz back then.’ Calloway was also the first African-American to have a nationally syndicated radio programme, and in 2008 he posthumously received the ‘Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.’ The discography of Cab Calloway includes six Albums released between 1943-1968, and several official compilation Albums released from 1974 onwards. In America on Billboard 48 of his singles have charted, with ‘Minnie the Moocher’ peaking the highest at Number 1. His final chart entry in 1978 was a ‘Disco’ version of ‘Minnie the Moocher,’ which reached Number 91.

‘Minnie the Moocher’ was co-written by Cab Calloway, Clarence Gaskill, (1892-1948) and the Jazz music publisher Irving Mills (1894-1985) (see also best songs 370.) The song is based lyrically on the Vaudeville performer Frankie ‘Half Pint’ Jackson’s (1896 or 1897-1953) version of the early 1900’s song ‘Willie the Weeper,’ with some similar lyrics, and also a drugs theme. ‘Minnie the Moocher’ tells the story of a woman called Minnie who was a ‘Hoochie Coocher,’ which is a kind of provocative dancer, that was heavily frowned upon in some quarters in those times. The guy she was in love with was addicted to Cocaine, and he took her to Chinatown, where he introduced her to Opium. Her dreams of living the good life with this man are shattered when they get arrested for driving while under the influence. Minnie ends up in jail, and further down the line ends up in a mental asylum, where she probably died. The song describes her opium-induced wishful fantasy, in which the king of Sweden gives her many gifts, including ‘A diamond car, with the platinum wheels.’ A ‘moocher’ is American slang for a person who constantly asks others for money, or who takes unfair advantage of someone’s generosity. Basically the song is saying that Minnie got in with the wrong crowd, and made some bad decisions, but deep down she was kind, and we should feel sorry for her. Minnie the Moocher” is riddled with jive slang which most white listeners of the time didn’t understand. So, although it is quite a sordid tale, the song was not censored and reached a very wide audience. Cab Calloway became an authority on this ‘jive talk’ and was highly enthusiastic about the subject. In 1944 he published a dictionary of the Harlem patois called ‘The New Cab Calloway Hipster’s Dictionary: Language of Jive.’

The thing which made ‘Minnie the Moocher’ so popular with the public was it’s call-and-response ‘Scat’ battle that Cab Calloway would engage in with the audience. He would start off with ‘Hi De Hi De Hi De Ho,’ which a crowd could easily repeat, but then his scats would steadily get faster, and more difficult, until finally he would give them a ‘Skeedle-a-booka-diki diki skeedy beeka gookity woop,’ to which the people couldn’t repeat, but would find very humorous. ‘Skat’ singing is vocal improvisation with wordless vocables, nonsense syllables, or without words at all. In scat singing, the singer improvises melodies and rhythms using the voice solely as an instrument rather than a speaking medium. Some of the biggest names in ‘Jazz’ music are associated with the development and popularity of ‘Skat’ singing, Louis Armstrong’s (1901-1971) (see also best songs 944-767-702-286-231 and 100) 1926 recording of ‘Heebie Jeebies’ is often cited as the first modern song to employ scatting, while Ella Fitzgerald (1917-1996) (see also best songs 944-702-286-231 and 100) and Sarah Vaughan’s (1924-1990) improvisation mimics the sounds of swing-era big bands, with which they performed. In more recent years many ‘Hip-Hop’ artists and Rappers have used Scat singing to come up with the rhythms of their raps.

‘Folks here’s a story about Minnie the Moocher, she was a real live hoochie coocher. She was the roughest toughest frail, but Minnie had a heart as big as a whale. Hi De Hi De Hi De Ho.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

304-Ellie Goulding-Anything Could Happen.

2012-Number 5 single.

Best Bit-At 3.07. In an era when music is constantly being judged against what came before, here is a song which would stand out in any decade of Popular music.

Ellie Goulding was born Elena Jane Goulding on December 30th, 1986, in Hereford, Herefordshire, England, she began playing the clarinet at the age nine, and then the guitar at the age 14. It was while at drama school in her final year that she met Jamie Lillywhite the son of Kirsty MacColl, (1959-2000) (see also best songs 32) and Steve Lillywhite (see also best songs 1004-962-603-254 and 32) who became her manager. He introduced her to the music producer Starsmith, (see also best songs 504) who would become her collaborator, and the primary producer of her debut studio Album ‘Lights.’ Ellie Goulding is a soprano, and is noted for her high piercing vibrato, breathy tone and emotive vocal delivery. She has described her own voice, ‘I think sometimes it sounds like my voice is like, out of control… I have to really control it because it just kind of goes everywhere. Like, sometimes stuff comes out that I don’t expect. A lot, actually. It’s so funny because my favourite thing to do is imitate opera singers, but I’ve never had a singing lesson. Oh, I had a lesson just to teach me how to breathe better, but I never really had a singing lesson.’

Ellie Goulding whose music has been described as ‘Electropop,’ ‘Synth-pop,’ ‘Indie pop,’ and ‘Folktronica,’ has sold in excess of 27 million Albums worldwide. In the UK, she has had four Number 1 Albums, which ties with Adele as the most for a British female singer. The discography of Ellie Goulding includes five studio Albums released between 2010-2023, and 50 singles released between 2009-2025, there are also eight extended plays, (EP’s) and two remix Albums available. In the UK, she has had 22 top 40 hit singles, with four of those tracks reaching Number 1, she has also had a further three top 40 hits as a featured artist, and appeared on two charity singles which both made Number 1. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, as the lead artist five of her singles have made the top 40, with ‘Lights,’ from 2011, peaking the highest at Number 2, while ‘Anything Could Happen’ stalled at Number 47. She has also had a further two top 40 hits as a featured artist, both with Calvin Harris (see also best songs 760-652 and 566.)

‘Anything Could Happen’ was the first of three singles released from ‘Halcyon,’ which is the second studio Album by Ellie Goulding, from October 2012, the song was co-written and co-produced by Ellie Goulding and Jim Eliot, who also co-wrote with Goulding seven of the 12 tracks on the first edition release of the Album. Jim Eliot who was born in London, England, has been a member of the ‘Electropop’ duo ‘Kish Mauve’ with the vocalist Mima Stilwell since 2005. The duo are probably best known for providing several of the songs that appeared on the American television series ‘Dirty Sexy Money’ first aired in 2007. Eliot’s other notable successes include co-writing and producing Kylie Minogue’s 2007 UK Number 4 hit ‘2 Hearts,’ and 2010’s ‘All the Lovers,’ which reached Number 3. He also co-wrote the song ‘Jealousy,’ which was a Number 5 hit for Will Young in 2011.

‘Anything Could Happen’ can be filed under the musical genre of ‘Electropop,’ which is a popular music fusion genre combining elements of the ‘Electronic music,’ and ‘Pop’ styles. The genre was developed in the 1980’s and saw a revival of popularity and influence in the late 2000’s. Martin Gore of Depeche Mode (see also best songs 968-261 and 134) has said, ‘For anyone of our generation involved in Electronic music, Kraftwerk (see also best songs 41) were the godfathers.’ In 2007 the American singer Britney Spears released her influential Album ‘Blackout,’ which is credited for bringing the genre to mainstream prominence. In the 2010’s ‘Electropop’ music saw an increase in its commercial popularity, owing to the success of artists such as Avicii, (1989-2018) (see also best songs 123 ) Lady Gaga, (see also best songs 363) and Calvin Harris (see also best songs 760-652 and 566.) One of the most commercially successful ‘Electropop’ artists that came out from the early 2010’s is Ellie Goulding.

‘Anything Could Happen’ is a song about not taking anything for granted, it tells us to live for today, because tomorrow isn’t promised. Ellie Goulding has said, ‘I suppose it’s one of those songs where I sort of talk about bits of my childhood, but also about my friendship with this person, and um, I suppose it’s a song of realisation. I’m hoping it will make people go out and propose to their girlfriends, or go on that holiday they never ended up doing. I hope it will provoke positivity, as opposed to make people really sad.’ On working with Jim Eliot, Goulding said, ‘This was fun because Jim’s a really experienced, clever producer, but acts like a child like me. We’re both like little kids, just wanting to create sounds, like ‘Oh that sounds cool,’ and let’s see what happens when we do this. It’s like child play, and that’s how ‘Anything Can Happen’ started, it’s quite childlike and quite innocent.’

‘Stripped to the waist we fall into the river, cover your eyes so you don’t know the secret I’ve been trying to hide. We held our breath to see our names are written on the wreck of ’86, that was the year I knew the panic was over.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

305-Run-DMC and Aerosmith-Walk This Way.

1986-Number 8 single.

Best Bit-At 1.13. ‘Ebony and Ivory living together in perfect harmony.’

Aerosmith were formed in Boston, Massachusetts, United States, in 1970 by Steven Tyler, (vocals) Joe Perry, (lead guitar) Joey Kramer, (drums) Tom Hamilton, (bass) and Ray Tabano, (guitar) Tabano would leave in 1971 to be replaced by Brad Whitford (guitar.) There have been a total of eight different band members come and go, and at the time of writing they remain active. As for the name ‘Aerosmith,’ Joey Kramer has said that when he was in school, he would write the word ‘aerosmith’ all over his notebooks. The name had popped into his head after listening to Harry Nilsson’s (1941-1994) (see also best songs 388 and 39) 1968 Album ‘Aerial Ballet,’ which featured sleeve art of a circus performer jumping out of a biplane. Initially, Kramer’s band mates were unimpressed, they all thought he was referring to the 1925 Sinclair Lewis novel they were required to read in high school English class called ‘No, not Arrowsmith,’ Kramer explained. ‘A-E-R-O…Aerosmith.’ Other names considered were the ‘Hookers,’ and ‘Spike Jones,’ and for a brief period in 1971 they were known as ‘Fox Chase.’ Aerosmith are considered to be one of the most influential American Rock bands of all time, their style, which is rooted in ‘Blues’ based ‘Hard Rock,’ was influenced by 1960’s British groups such as the Rolling Stones, (see also best songs 933-662-452-160 and 77) Led Zeppelin, (see also best songs 135 and 66) and the Yardbirds, (see also best songs 361) in turn Aerosmith incorporated elements of ‘Pop Rock,’ ‘Heavy Metal,’ ‘Glam Metal, and ‘Rhythm and Blues,’ with numerous artists, including Guns N’ Roses, (see also best songs 463 and 8) Metallica, (see also best songs 730 and 52) and the Motley Crew acknowledging their influence.

Aerosmith are the best-selling American ‘Hard Rock band of all time, with sales in excess of 150 million records sold worldwide, approximately 85 million of those records have been sold in the United States. The discography of Aerosmith includes 15 studio Albums released between 1973-2012, and 72 singles released between 1973-2013, there are also two extended plays, (EP’s) 15 official compilation Albums, and nine live Albums available. In America on the ‘Billboard 200’ Album chart, two of their Albums ‘Get a Grip,’ (1993) and ‘Nine Lives,’ (1997) have both reached Number 1, while 21 of their singles have made the ‘Billboard Hot 100’ top 40 singles chart, with ‘I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing’ peaking the highest at Number 1 in 1998, while ‘Walk This Way’ with ‘Run-DMC’ made Number 4. In the UK, Aerosmith have had seven top 40 charting Albums, with ‘Get a Grip,’ (1993) peaking the highest at Number 2, while 13 of their singles have made the UK top 40, with ‘I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing’ peaking the highest at Number 4 in 1998.

The original version of ‘Walk This Way’ first appeared on Aerosmith’s breakthrough third studio Album ‘Toys in the Attic,’ from April 1975, and was co-written by Joe Perry, (music) and Steven Tyler, (lyrics) the song was the second of three singles issued from the Album, and on it’s initial release failed to chart, but when re-issued it reached Number 10 on Billboard in 1976, but it has never charted in the UK. In 1986 the ‘Hip-Hop’ group Run-DMC (see also best songs 113) heard their music producer Rick Rubin (see also best songs 977 and 610) playing ‘Toys in the Attic’ and they started free styling over the intro of ‘Walk This Way,’ which led to them introducing it into their live shows. It was a friend of Rubin’s called Sue Cummings, who was an editor at ‘Spin’ magazine, who first suggested a collaboration between Aerosmith, and Run-DMC.

By the mid 1980’s Aerosmith had fallen from grace, their record sales had dropped dramatically, and they were struggling, partly through their drug abuse. Run-DMC were already acknowledged as pioneers of ‘Hip-Hop,’ but it was this collaboration that brought them to the attention of a much wider audience. Both groups were nervous of what public reaction would be to them joining forces, and neither party had any idea if the mixing of ‘Rock,’ and ‘Rap’ would even work. ‘Walk This Way’ did break new ground, introducing the music genre of ‘Rap Rock.’ and paving the way for bands such as The Red Hot Chilli Peppers, (see also best songs 977) Linkin Park, and Faith No More (see also best songs 335.)

The re-make of ‘Walk This Way’ by Run-DMC and Aerosmith was the second of four singles released from ‘Raising Hell,’ the third studio Album by Run-DMC, from May 1986, although Run-DMC provided many of the songs new lyrics, only Steven Tyler, and Joe Perry of Aerosmith are given the official songwriting credits, with the production being by Russell Simmons, and Rick Rubin. The songs lyrics were written about a teenage boys sexual enlightening, where he has an encounter with not one, not two, but three women at the same time. It is the women who are in charge though, as the line ‘walk this way’ refers to the experienced girl showing the young man where to put his finger, showing him how to walk. The songs title came before the lyrics were written. Some of the band had been to see the film ‘Young Frankenstein,’ (1974) a comedy starring Gene Wilder (1933-2016.) There is a scene in the film where ‘Igor’ played by Marty Feldman (1934-1982) tells Dr. Frankenstein to ‘Walk this way,’ meaning to follow him. Dr. Frankenstein imitates Igor’s walk which the band thought was hilarious, on their return they told Steven Tyler, and suggested it as a great title for a song. Tyler however has said that his inspiration for the songs title came from watching ‘The Three Stooges’ on television, something the band all did together while getting high.

‘School girl sleazy with a classy kind of sassy, little skirt hangin’ way up her knee. It was three young ladies in the school gym locker, and they find they were lookin’ at D.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

306-The Who-Pinball Wizard.

1969-Number 4 single.

Best Bit-At 0.24. It’s highly unlikely that a deaf dumb and blind kid could play pinball, because he wouldn’t be able to find the slot to put the 50 pence into.

Pete Townshend (see also best songs 926-891 and 265) was born Peter Dennis Blandford Townshend on May 19th, 1945, in Chiswick, West London, England, he is the co-founder of the ‘Who,’ along with Roger Daltrey, and John Entwistle, (1944-2002) the recognised classic lineup was completed by Keith Moon (1946-1978) who joined the band in 1964. As a member of the Who he is their principal songwriter, guitarist, and second lead vocalist. Pete Townshend can play multiple instruments, being self-taught on the keyboards, banjo, accordion, harmonica, ukulele, mandolin, violin, synthesizer, bass guitar, and drums, these are instruments he plays on the Who’s Albums, and also on his own solo Albums. His many honours include being inducted into the ‘Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’ as a member of the Who in 1990. He is considered to be one of the key figures in the development of feedback in Rock guitar, with many Rock guitarists citing him as an influence, among them Slash, (see also best songs 463 and 8) Alex Lifeson, and Steve Jones (see also best songs 576-92 and 27.)

The discography of Pete Townshend as a solo artist includes seven studio Albums released between 1972-1993, and 18 singles released between 1980-2023, there is also one soundtrack Album, two box sets, three official compilation Albums, and nine live Albums available. His most commercially successful solo Album is his 1980 third studio Album ‘Empty Glass,’ which reached Number 11 in the UK, and Number 5 on the American Billboard 200 Album chart. In the UK, his only top 40 solo charting single is his 1980 debut release ‘Rough Boys,’ which reached Number 39, while in America on the Billboard Hot 100, two of his singles have made the top 40, ‘Let My Love Open the Door,’ (1980-Number 9) and ‘Face the Face’ (1985-Number 26.)

By 1968 Pete Townshend felt that the Who’s shelf life was coming to an end, and if he didn’t take the band in a different direction then they may split. For the Who’s fourth studio Album ‘Tommy,’ Townshend wrote a concept ‘Rock Opera’ that tells the story about a deaf, dumb and blind boy, his life’s experiences, and his relationship with his family. Townshend came up with the concept of ‘Tommy’ after being introduced to the work of Meher Baba, (1894-1969) who was an Indian spiritual master, who claimed to be God in human form, and gained a following of hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. The story of ‘Tommy’ was an attempt by Townshend to translate Baba’s teachings into music. Surprisingly Pete Townshend has always disliked his song Pinball Wizard, calling it, ‘The most clumsy piece of writing I’ve ever done.’ In the liner notes to the 2003 Tommy Album reissue, he said, ‘I’m embarrassed. This sounds like a Music Hall song. Sure plays a mean pinball. I scribbled it out and all the verses were the same length and there was no kind of middle eight. It was going to be a complete dud, but I carried on. I attempted the same mock baroque guitar beginning that’s on ‘I’m a Boy’ and then a bit of vigorous kind of flamenco guitar. I was just grabbing at ideas, I knocked a demo together and took it to the studio and everyone loved it.’

‘Pinball Wizard’ was the first of three singles released from ‘Tommy,’ the fourth studio Album by the Who, from May 1969, the song was written by Pete Townshend, with the production being by Kit Lambert (1935-1981.) ‘Pinball Wizard’ and it’s parent Album ‘Tommy’ have become one of Pete Townshend’s, and the Who’s most enduring works. In 1975 ‘Tommy’ was made into a film, with a not entirely, but similar story line, starring Jack Nicholson, and Ann-Margret, as well as vocal contributions from Tina Turner (1939-2023) (Acid Queen) (see also best songs 752-485 and 192) and Elton John (Pinball Wizard) (see also best songs 946-481-237 and 62.) A year later in 1976 Elton John’s version of Pinball Wizard was released as a single and reached Number 7 in the UK, the only time that a cover version of a ‘Who’ song has made the top 10. There is a famous story that Rod Stewart (see also best songs 965-565-206-179-70 and 34) had been offered the role to sing in ‘Tommy,’ and had asked Elton John if he should accept, to which Elton replied, ‘Don’t touch it with a barge pole.’ A year later the Who asked Elton John to sing the same song, Elton grabbed his barge pole and took up the offer. Years later Elton said, ‘I don’t think Rod’s quite forgiven me for that.’ ‘Tommy’ was also made into a ‘Rock Musical’ first opening in San Diego, California, in 1992. Other productions have been performed on Broadway, and in the West End.

‘Pinball Wizard’s’ lyrics are written from the perspective of a pinball champion called ‘Local Lad,’ who is astounded by the skills of the deaf, dumb and blind kid called ‘Tommy Walker.’ The ‘Local Lad’ always thought of himself as being the very best, but after watching Tommy, he has to concede that Tommy is better.

‘I thought I was the Baly table king, but I just handed my pinball crown to him. Even on my favourite table he can beat my best, his disciples lead him in and he just does the rest.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

307-The Notorious B.I.G.-Big Poppa.

1995-Number 63 single.

Best Bit-At 2.38. He was known by many names, including MC West, Biggie, Biggie Smalls, and The Notorious B.I.G., but his mother called him Christopher.

Christopher George Latore Wallace (see also best songs 955) was born on May 21st, 1972, in New York City, United States, he was shot dead on March 9th, 1997, in Los Angeles, California, United States, at the age of 24. Wallace who was nicknamed ‘Big’ at the age of 10 because he was overweight, started rapping as a teenager using his earliest stage name ‘MC CWest.’ At the age of 17 he dropped out of high school and became involved in crime, two years later in 1991 he was arrested for dealing in crack cocaine, and spent nine months in jail. On his release from jail he made a demo tape, calling himself ‘Biggie Smalls,’ alluding to both Calvin Lockhart’s (1934-2007) character in the 1975 American action crime comedy film ‘Let’s Do It Again,’ and to his own stature and obesity. In 1993 he found out that another artist had already claimed that name, so he finally settled on ‘The Notorious B.I.G.’ He explained that the acronym ‘B.I.G.’ stood for ‘Business Instead of Game.’ The demo tape he had made was circulated and eventually came to the attention of Sean ‘Puffy’ Combs, (see also best songs 955) who was at that time working with the A&R department of ‘Uptown Records,’ who signed him up.

On March 9th, 1997,The Notorious B.I.G. was in California to promote his new Album ‘Life After Death.’ At 12.45.am, the vehicle he was travelling in stopped at a red light where a black Chevy Impala pulled up alongside. The Impala’s driver rolled down his window, drew a 9 mm blue-steel pistol, and fired at ‘Biggie’s’ car. Four bullets hit him, and he was rushed to hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 1.15.am, no one has ever been arrested for the murder. The Notorious B.I.G. is considered by many music critics to be the number 1 ‘Rapper’ of all time. The American music magazine ‘The Source’ named him ‘The greatest rapper of all time,’ in its 150th issue in March 2002, ‘MTV’ ranked him number 3 on their 2006 list of The Greatest MC’s of All Time, calling him potentially ‘The most skillful ever on the mic,’ Rolling Stone magazine hailed him as the ‘Greatest rapper that ever lived,’ and in 2015, Billboard named him ‘The greatest rapper of all time.’

The discography of The Notorious B.I.G. who has sold in excess of 28 million records, includes one studio Album released before his death, and a further four issued posthumously between 1994-2017, there are also 14 singles released between 1993-2022 on which he is the lead artist, and a further 16 released between 1993-2009 on which he appears as a featured artist. There is one soundtrack Album, and two official compilation Albums also available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, he has charted on 14 top 40 singles, with ‘Hypnotize,’ (1997) and ‘Mo Money Mo Problems’
featuring Mase and Puff Daddy, (1997) both reaching Number 1, making The Notorious B.I.G. the only artist on Billboard to have achieved two posthumous Number 1 singles. In the UK, The Notorious B.I.G. has had 10 top 40 hit singles, with Nasty Girl,’
featuring P Diddy, Nelly, Jagged Edge, Avery Storm and Jazze Pha, peaking the highest at Number 1 in 2005.

‘Big Poppa’ which was officially released as a double ‘A’ side with the track ‘Warning,’ (also on the Album) was the second of three singles released from ‘Ready to Die,’ the debut studio Album, and only studio Album released during the lifetime of The Notorious B.I.G., from September 1994. ‘Big Poppa’ heavily samples The Isley Brothers (see also best songs 823-681-382 and 176) 1983 song ‘Between the Sheets,’ from their Album of the same name, with all six members of that group at that time, receiving co-writing credit, along with The Notorious B.I.G., who wrote the songs lyrics. The track was produced by Chucky Thompson, (1968-2021) (see also best songs 526) Nashiem Myrick, and Sean Combs, who would go on to work under the name ‘Puff Daddy,’ and later as ‘P-Diddy.’

The Notorious B.I.G., is considered the leading player in the genre of ‘East Coast Hip-Hop’ in the mid 1990’s. East Coast Hip-Hop is a regional sub genre of Hip-Hop music that originated in New York City during the 1970’s, and Hip-Hop is recognised to have originated and evolved first in The Bronx, New York City. In contrast to other styles, East Coast Hip-Hop music prioritises complex lyrics for attentive listening rather than beats for dancing. East Coast Hip-Hop is occasionally referred to as ‘New York rap’ due to its origins and development at block parties thrown in New York City during the 1970’s. According to the American online database ‘AllMusic,’ ‘At the dawn of the Hip-Hop era, all rap was East Coast rap. Leading up to Hip-Hop, there were spoken-word artists such as the ‘Last Poets,’ who released their debut album in 1970, and Gil Scott-Heron, (1949-2011) (see also best songs 181) who gained a wide audience with his 1971 track ‘The Revolution Will Not Be Televised.’ These artists combined spoken word and music to create a kind of ‘proto-rap vibe.” Following this, early artists of Hip-Hop such as DJ Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash, (see also best songs 290 and 87) Afrika Bambaataa, (see also best songs 716) the Sugarhill Gang, (see also best songs 17) Kurtis Blow, (see also best songs 594) Jam Master Jay (1965-2002) and Run-DMC, (see also best songs 305 and 113) pioneered East Coast Hip-Hop during Hip-Hop’s earlier years in the 1970’s and 1980’s.

As like many other Rap records, on ‘Big Poppa’ The Notorious B.I.G. Raps about his successful lifestyle, and how he attracts women with his vocal ‘flow,’ his wealth, and fame.

‘How ya livin’ Biggie Smalls? In mansion and Benz’s givin’ ends to my friends and it feels stupendous. Tremendous cream, fu#k a Dollar and a dream, still tote gats strapped with infrared beams.

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

308-Chuck Berry-Roll Over Beethoven.

1956-It has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 0.01. It’s a Rock N’ Roll Classic-al.

Chuck Berry (see also best songs 548 and 30) was born Charles Edward Anderson Berry on October 18th, 1926, in St Louis, Missouri, United States, he died of a heart attack on March 18th, 2017, at the age of 90. No one person can solely claim to have invented ‘Rock N’ Roll,’ but many agree that Chuck Berry came the closest, blending together the guitar riffs of ‘Country & Western,’ with the sounds of ‘Rhythm & Blues,’ earning him the nickname the ‘Father of Rock and Roll.’ As with all artists involved in Popular Music, Chuck Berry was also influenced by a previous generation, in the case of Berry he cited the American Blues guitarists ‘T-Bone Walker, (1910-1975) and Carl Hogan (1917-1977) as inspirations, as he incorporated their style and sound in to his own. Berry’s showmanship on stage has been influential on the next generation of Rock guitarists, particularly his famous ‘Duck Walk.’ He first did it as a child when he walked (in his own words) ‘Stooping with full-bended knees, but with my back and head vertical, under a table to retrieve a ball’, which his family found entertaining and funny. It was when performing in New York for the first time that a journalist branded it the ‘Duck Walk’.

‘Roll Over Beethoven’ was first released as a single in May 1956, and later appeared on Chuck Berry’s 1959 third studio Album ‘Chuck Berry Is on Top’, the song was written by Berry, and co-produced by Leonard Chess, (1917-1969) and his brother Phil Chess, (1921-2016) who were the co-owners of the ‘Chess Records’ label. Chuck Berry got his initial idea for the song after watching his sister Lucy using the family piano to play ‘Classical Music,’ while he wanted to play Popular Music. The lyric ‘Roll over Beethoven, (Ludwig van Beethoven 1770-1827) and tell Tchaikovsky (Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky 1840-1893) the news’ refers to how Classical composers would roll over in their graves upon hearing that ‘Classical Music’ had given way to ‘Rhythm and Blues,’ and ‘Rock N’ Roll.’ The musicians who played on ‘Roll Over Beethoven’ were Chuck Berry, (vocals and guitar) Johnnie Johnson, (1924-2005) (piano) Willie Dixon, (1915-1992) (bass) and Melvin Billups (drums.)

‘Roll Over Beethoven’ was co-produced by Leonard Chess and his younger brother Phil Chess. Leonard Samuel Chess (see also best songs 596-548-381 and 30) was born Lejzor Szmuel Czyż; on March 12th, 1917, in Motal, Poland, (now Belarus) he died of a heart attack on October 16th, 1969, at the age of 52. Philip Chess was born Fiszel Czyż; on March 27th, 1921, also in Motal, Poland, he died on October 18th, 2016, at the age of 95. In 1928 the Chess Brothers, their sister, Malka, and their mother arrived in New York, they quickly went to Chicago to join their father, Joseph, who was already engaged in the liquor business, which was illegal at the height of Prohibition and controlled in Chicago by Al Capone, (1899-1947) this was when the family name was changed to Chess. The brothers became involved in the nightclub scene in Chicago in 1938, running a series of Jazz clubs, and by 1947 Leonard became associated with ‘Aristocrat Records,’ eventually he and Phil acquired full control of the label, and in 1950, the Chess brothers renamed the label ‘Chess Records.’ Leonard Chess then contacted Sam Phillips (1923-2003) (see also best songs 362 and 99) of ‘Sun Records,’ to help him find and record new artists from the South. Phillips supplied Chess with recordings by Howlin’ Wolf, (1910-1976) Rufus Thomas, (1917-2001) and Doctor Ross (1925-1993) among others. In 1969 the Chess brothers sold ‘Chess Records’ to General Recorded Tape (GRT) for $6.5 million, approximately six months before the death of Leonard. The British music industry historian John Broven has written that ‘Leonard Chess was the dynamo behind Chess Records, the label that, along with ‘Atlantic’ and ‘Sun,’ has come to epitomise the independent record business. Leonard Chess set new standards for the industry in artist development, deal making, networking, and marketing and promotion.’ Leonard Chess was inducted into the ‘Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’ in 1987, posthumously, in the non-performer category.

‘Roll Over Beethoven’ has clever lyrics that are worth having a look at. ‘Early in the morning’ refers to the title of the 1947 song by Louis Jordan, (1908-1975) while the mention of ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ is a nod to the 1955 song by Carl Perkins (1932-1998) (see also best songs 664.) The ‘Hey diddle diddle’ from the nursery rhyme ‘The Cat and the Fiddle’ is an indirect reference to Chuck Berry’s fellow Chess Records recording artist Bo Diddley, (1928-2008) (see also best songs 381) and although the lyrics mention ‘rocking and rolling,’ the genre of music that the ‘Classics’ are supposed to step aside for is referred to as ‘Rhythm & Blues.’ ‘Roll Over Beethoven’s’ iconic guitar intro was lifted by Berry from the 1946 song ‘Ain’t That Just Like a Woman’ by Louis Jordan, originally played by Carl Hogan, and to further show how music recycles, in 1964 the Beach Boys (see also best songs 930-811-180 and 74) lifted the intro of ‘Roll Over Beethoven’ for their Billboard Number 5 hit ‘Fun, Fun, Fun.’

‘Well I’m-a write a letter, I’m gon’ mail it to my local DJ. Yeah that’s the jumpin’ little record I want my jockey to play, roll over Beethoven, I gotta hear it again today.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

309-Smokey Robinson-Just My Soul Responding.

1974-Number 35 single.

Best Bit-At 1.50. When Smokey sings, it’s as easy as ABC.

William Robinson Jr. (see also best songs 1031 and 193) was born on February 19th, 1940, in Detroit, Michigan, United States. He has explained how his nickname ‘Smokey’ came about. ‘My Uncle Claude was my favourite uncle, he was also my godfather. He and I were really, really close. He used to take me to see cowboy movies all the time when I was a little boy because I loved cowboy movies. He got a cowboy name for me, which was Smokey Joe. So from the time I was three years old if people asked me what my name was I didn’t tell them my name was William, I told them my name was Smokey Joe. That’s what everyone called me until I was about 12, and then I dropped the Joe part. I’ve heard that story about him giving it to me because I’m a light skinned black man, but that’s not true.’ In 1972 Smokey Robinson quit ‘The Miracles’ (see also best songs 193) the band he had co-founded in 1955, retiring from music, to spend more time with his family, but still working in his role as vice president of ‘Motown Records.’ After a year of retirement from making music Robinson announced his comeback as a solo artist with the release of his 1973 Album ‘Smokey.’ The awards and accolades bestowed on Smokey Robinson include an individual star on ‘The Hollywood Walk of Fame,’ in 1983, and then in 1987, he was inducted to the ‘Rock & Roll Hall of Fame,’ and in 1989, he was inducted to the ‘Songwriter’s Hall of Fame.’

The solo discography of Smokey Robinson includes 24 studio Albums released between 1973-2023, and 58 singles released between 1973-2011. In America on the ‘Billboard 200’ Album chart, seven of his Albums have reached the top 40, with his ninth Album ‘Being with You,’ peaking the highest at Number 10 in 1981. On the ‘Billboard Hot 100,’ 10 of his singles have reached the top 40, with ‘Being with You’ charting the highest at Number 2, in America ‘Just My Soul Responding’ was never issued as a single. In the UK, Smokey Robinson has had three top 40 hit singles as a solo artist, with ‘Just My Soul Responding,’ (1974-Number 35) ‘Being with You,’ (1981-Number 1) and ‘Indestructible,’ by the Four Tops featuring Smokey Robinson (1989-Number 30.)

‘Just My Soul Responding’ was the last of three singles released from ‘Smokey,’ the debut solo studio Album from Smokey Robinson, from June 1973, the song was co-written by Smokey Robinson, and Marvin Tarplin, with the production being by Robinson, and Willie Hutch. Marvin Tarplin (known professionally as Marv Tarplin) was born on June 13th, 1941, in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, he died on September 30th, 2011, of undetermined causes, at the age of 70. Marv Tarplin along with Smokey Robinson was one of the original members of the Miracles, with whom he played guitar, and co-wrote many of their biggest hits including ‘The Tracks of My Tears’ (see also best songs 193.) Other well known ‘Motown songs co-written by Marv Tarplin include, ‘Ain’t That Peculiar,’ for Marvin Gaye, (1965-Billboard Number 8) ‘Going to a Go-Go,’ for the Miracles,’ (1965-Billboard Number 11 & UK Number 44) and ‘Cruisin,” for Smokey Robinson (1979-Billboard Number 4.) Tarplin and Smokey Robinson had first met in 1958 when Tarplin accompanied the Supremes (then known as the Primettes) (see also best songs 1001-411-212 and 148) to audition for ‘Motown Records,’ Robinson was impressed by Tarplin’s guitar playing, and lured him away from the Primettes to join the Miracles. On February 9th, 2012, five months after his death, it was announced that Marv Tarplin would be posthumously inducted with the rest of the Miracles into the ‘Rock and Roll Hall of Fame,’ alongside the groups lead singer Smokey Robinson, who had been inducted 25 years earlier.

‘Just My Soul Responding’ and it’s parent Album ‘Smokey’ were produced and arranged by Willie Hutch, who was born William McKinley Hutchinson on December 6th, 1944, in Los Angeles, California, United States, he died on September 19th, 2005, at the age of 60, no cause was given when he died. Willie Hutch came to the attention of Motown producer Hal Davis (1933-1998) (see also best songs 519-183 and 97) after releasing his first two studio Albums in 1969, and 1970, Davis asked Hutch to write lyrics to ‘I’ll Be There,’ (1970-Billboard Number 1 & UK Number 4) a song Davis had co-written for The Jackson 5. After that success Motown founder Berry Gordy signed him to be a staff writer, arranger, producer, and musician for the label. Willie Hutch released 17 solo studio Albums between 1969-2002, two of which were soundtrack Albums for Blaxploitation films, and 33 singles between 1965-1991, with his most commercially successful single being ‘Love Power,’ which peaked at Number 41 on Billboard in 1975.

‘Just My Soul Responding’ is a protest song dealing with the hardships of ghetto life in America, it also addresses the plight of the Native American Indian.

‘This land once belonged to my father, and to his father before him too. Let me tell you now, I’m on a reservation, living in a state of degradation. What’s a soul suppose to do?

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

310-Al Jolson-After You’ve Gone.

1949-It has never charted in the UK, there was no UK chart until 1952.

Best Bit-At 2.08. Before Elvis, (see also best songs 954-664-442-and 194) and before the Rock N’ Roll era, this man was known as ‘The World’s Greatest Entertainer.’

Al Jolson was born Asa Yoelson (Yiddish: אַסאַ יואלסאָן;) on May 26th, 1886, in Seredzus, Kovno Governorate, Russian Empire, which is now known as Seredžius, near Kaunas, in Lithuania, he died of a massive heart attack on October 23rd, 1950, at the age of 64, his last words were ‘Oh…oh, I’m going.’ Al Jolson was the highest paid artist of the 1920’s, with more recent critics referring to him as ‘The King of Blackface.’ Blackface is a form of theatrical makeup used by performers of non-African descent to portray a caricature of a dark skinned person of African descent. In America the practice gained popularity during the 19th Century, and contributed to the spread of racial stereotypes. By the middle of the 19th Century ‘blackface minstrel shows’ had become very popular, and by the early part of the 20th Century this had spread to the stage all over America, becoming part of everyday entertainment. In the 1940’s it’s popularity began to decline, and by the time of the ‘Civil Rights Movement’ in the 1950’s and 1960’s, it was considered highly offensive, and disrespectful, and by the 21st Century it is considered racist as well.

As well as being a recording artist, and a performer in the theatre, Al Jolson also performed for the United States troops during World War II, and then later during the Korean War. Al Jolson was an actor and singer in the movies. His second film appearance was in 1927 in the groundbreaking ‘The Jazz Singer,’ the first feature length motion picture with both a synchronised recorded music score, as well as lip-synchronous singing and speech. The release of ‘The Jazz Singer’ marked the end of the silent movie era, and the ascendance of ‘sound films.’ Al Jolson certainly left his mark on future generations of performers, with many as diverse as Rod Stewart, Neil Diamond, David Lee Roth, Bing Crosby, (1903-1977) and Jerry Lee Lewis, (1935-1922) having all been quoted praising his talents, and his significant influence.

‘After You’ve Gone’ was originally written in 1918 by Turner Layton, (1894-1978) (music) and Henry Creamer, (1879-1930) (lyrics) with the first recording of the song being by the American singer Marion Harris (1897-1944) in 1918, Harris is best remembered as the first widely known white singer to sing Jazz, and Blues songs ‘After You’ve Gone’ has been recorded by many of the worlds top artists down the decades and into the 21st Century, with notable early recordings being by Bessie Smith, (1894-1937) and Sophie Tucker (1886-1966) in 1927, and Louis Armstrong, (1901-1971) and Bing Crosby (1903-1977) in 1929. More recent versions can be found by Phil Collins in 1996, and Jamie Cullum in 2007. At one time ‘After You’ve Gone’ became so popular that the sheet music was decorated with tiny photographs of 45 of the male vocalists who had made the song famous, including Paul Whiteman, (1890-1967) Rudy Vallée, (1901-1986) and Guy Lombardo (1902-1977.)

Turner Layton who wrote the music for ‘After You’ve Gone’ was born John Turner Layton, Jr. on July 2nd, 1894, in Washington, D.C., United States, he died in London, England, on February 6th, 1978, at the age of 83. His daughter A’Lelia Shirley inherited his musical estate and left the copyright and royalties to her father’s music to ‘Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children’ in London in her will, on her death, in January 2001. Turner Layton is best remembered for his many compositions with Henry Creamer, including ‘Way Down Yonder in New Orleans,’ a song they wrote in 1922, which would become a million seller in the ‘Rock N’ Roll’ era when recorded by Freddie Cannon in 1959. Creamer and Layton contributed music and lyrics to many Broadway shows, including the ‘Ziegfeld Follies’ of 1917, 1921 and 1922, ‘Three Showers,’ (1920) ‘Some Party,’ (1922) and Creamer’s own ‘Strut Miss Lizzie’ (1922.) Henry Creamer was born Henry Sterling Creamer on June 21st, 1879, in Richmond, Virginia, United States, he died on October 14th, 1930, at the age of 51.

‘After You’ve Gone’ was recorded in by Al Jolson in 1949, and is credited on the record to ‘Al Jolson with Four Hits and a Miss and Matty Malneck and his Orchestra.’ ‘Four Hits and a Miss’ who were also at times known as ‘Six Hits and a Miss,’and ‘Three Hits and a Miss,’ depending on how many group members there were at the time, consisted of male singers and one female, thus the word ‘miss’ in their name having a double meaning. The group was formed in Los Angeles, California, United States, in 1936 as a ‘Swing’ era singing group foursome, and they recorded as back up singers for artists including Judy Garland, (1922-1969) and Jimmy Durante (1893-1980.) In total there were 12 different members at varying times, including for a short while Andy Williams, (1927-2012) (see also best songs 914 and 112.) Matty Malneck was born Matthew Michael Malneck, on December 9th, 1903, in Newark, New Jersey, United States, he died on February 25th, 1981, at the age of 77. As well as being an orchestra leader Matty Malneck was also a songwriter, with his best known composition being ‘Goody Goody,’ (1936) with lyrics by Johnny Mercer (1909-1976.)

‘After You’ve Gone’ is a warning from a lover spurned. He tells her that if she goes he will be heartbroken, and although she doesn’t realise it yet, in time her heart will also be broken because of what she is doing, the way his is now.

‘There’ll come a time, now don’t forget it, they’ll come a time, when you’ll regret it. But baby think what your doin,’ I’m gonna haunt you so, I’m gonna taunt you so, it’s gonna drive you to ruin.’