THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

497-Stephen Bishop-On and On.

1976-It has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 0.56. Although the song’s subject is fictional, Bishop has stated, ‘I write much better when I’n heartbroken, and sad, or melancholy.’

Earl Stephen Bishop, was born on November 14th, 1951, in San Diego, California, United States, he is a singer/songwriter, actor, and guitarist. His first venture in to the music business occurred in 1967, when he was a member of a ‘British Invasion’ styled group called the ‘Weeds.’ After the ‘Weeds’ came to an end, he moved to Los Angeles, to pursue a solo career. Although he failed to land a solo recording contract over the next eight years, he continued to write songs, eventually landing a $50-a-week job with a publishing house. His big break came when his friend Leah Kunkel, who is the younger sister of Mama Cass Elliot (1941-1974) (see also best songs 660 and 274) gave Art Garfunkel (see also best songs 529-200-96 and 71) one of Bishop’s demo tapes, from which Garfunkel chose two of his songs ‘Looking for the Right One,’ and ‘The Same Old Tears on a New Background,’ for his second solo studio Album ‘Breakaway’ in 1975, which would go on to become Garfunkel’s best solo selling Album. Stephen Bishop finally secured a recording contract with ‘ABC Records’ in 1976, because of Art Garfunkel’s patronage. As well as having a career as a singer/songwriter Bishop has also appeared in many films, including ‘The Kentucky Fried Movie, (1977) and ‘The Blues Brothers (1980.) His songs have also appeared in many movies over the years, with perhaps the most notable being ‘Separate Lives,’ (Billboard Number 1 & UK Number 4) sung by Phil Collins, and Marilyn Martin, in the 1985 film ‘White Nights.’

The discography of Stephen Bishop includes 19 Albums released between 1976-2019, and five official compilation Albums released between 1988-2002, he has also released 16 singles between 1977-1991. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, four of his singles have reached the top 40, with ‘On and On,’ peaking the highest at Number 11. Although it failed to make the top 10, it still finished the year as Billboard’s 30th best selling single, due to it’s longevity of spending 28 weeks on the chart. ‘On and On’ was also very successful in Canada, where it reached Number 6. In the UK, Stephen Bishop’s only entry on the singles chart is ‘It Might Be You,’ which made Number 99 in 1983.

‘On and On’ was the second of two singles released from ‘Careless,’ the debut studio Album from Stephen Bishop, from October 1976, the song was written by Stephen Bishop, with the production being by Bishop, and Henry Lewis. ‘On and On’ features the American multi-instrumentalist Andrew Gold (1951-2011) on electric guitar, while it’s parent Album ‘Careless’ can boast many famous musical contributions, including backing vocals from Art Garfunkel, Chaka Khan, and Leah Kunkel. Other big names who appear on the Album include Eric Clapton, (electric guitar) Larry Knechtel, (1940-2009) (electric piano) and Jim Gordon (1945-2023) (drums.) In Eric Clapton’s (see also best songs 726 and 361) autobiography he mentions Stephen Bishop as one of his favourite singer/songwriters.

‘On and On’ and it’s parent Album ‘Careless’ was co-produced by Henry Lewy, who was born Heinz Lewy, on May 31st, 1926, in Magdeburg, Germany, after a period of declining health, which included a stroke and heart surgery, he died on April 8th, 2006, at the age of 79. At the age of 13 in 1939, Lewy, who was born to a Jewish family, left Germany, initially travelling to England, but eventually settling in Los Angeles. After graduating from high school in 1945, he served in the United States Army before working in radio stations in San Diego, Las Vegas and Los Angeles, as an audio engineer and announcer. During the 1950’s he studied engineering, and gained employment at ‘Liberty Records.’ In 1967 he moved to ‘A&M Records,’ and worked on songs with the Brazilian musician Sérgio Mendes. While working with Crosby, Stills and Nash, (see also best songs 417) he was introduced by David Crosby (1941-2023) to Joni Mitchell, (see also best songs 637 and 558) thus beginning a long collaboration with the Canadian singer-songwriter. Henry Lewy worked on many of the world’s top artists Albums, including Neil Young, (Harvest, 1972) Leonard Cohen, (Recent Songs, 1979) and Minnie Riperton (Minnie, 1979.) Lewy retired from music in the late 1980’s.

‘On and On’ is a tale of how cruel love can be. The narrator tells us of two unrelated couples, where in both cases one of the partners ends up heartbroken, and then in the final verse he gets personal, and tells of his own heartbreak, brought on by his partners infidelity. In the end he says that no matter how tough things get we must soldier on. ‘On and On’ has been covered, like many of Bishop’s songs, by other artists. I would highly recommend the 1989 Number 25 UK hit, 12 inch version, by the British Reggae group ‘Aswad,’ who work the song into a medley, along with ‘The Temptations’ song ‘My Girl’ (see also best songs 1031.)

‘Poor ol’ Jimmy sits alone in the moonlight, saw his woman kiss another man. So he takes a ladder, steals the stars from the sky, puts on Sinatra and starts to cry.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

498-Timmy Thomas-Why Can’t We Live Together.

1972-Number 12 single.

Best Bit-At 1.35. The message on the ‘Hotline Bling’ remains the same as it did back in 1972.

Timothy Earle Thomas was born on November 13th, 1944, in Evansville, Indiana, United States, he died of cancer on March 11th, 2022, at the age of 77. Thomas who was born one of 12 siblings, was a singer, songwriter, musician, and music producer. Prior to finding commercial success with this song, he had started his career as a session musician, and also released a few unsuccessful solo singles on the ‘Goldwax Records’ label. His fledgling career also included being a member of a group called ‘Phillip & the Faithfuls,’ whom he also released music with on ‘Goldwax Records,’ in Memphis, Tennessee. He found success when relocating to Miami Florida, in 1972, initially playing sessions for the artists on ‘TK Records,’ and then signing to the ‘TK’ subsidiary label ‘Glades Records,’ where he recorded this song ‘Why Can’t We Live Together.’

The discography of Timmy Thomas includes seven Albums released between 1972-1994, and 23 singles released between 1972-1991. His only charting Album was his debut ‘Why Can’t We Live Together,’ which reached Number 53 in America on Billboard, in 1972. He achieved three Billboard Hot 100 entries, with ‘Why Can’t We Live Together,’ being his only top 40 hit single, when reaching Number 3, while in the UK, ‘Why Can’t We Live Together,’ is also his only top 40 entry, although ‘New York Eyes,’ with the American R&B singer Nicole, just missed out, when peaking at Number 41 in 1985. As well as working as a session musician for ‘TK Records,’ in later years he also turned his hand to producing, most notably the ‘TK’ artist Gwen McCrae. In the 1990’s he worked as a producer for ‘LaFace Records,’ and released his final Album ‘With Heart and Soul.’

‘Why Can’t We Live Together’ was the only single released from Timmy Thomas’ debut Album of the same name from 1972. It was written and produced by Timmy Thomas, who also played all of the musical instruments on the track. Timmy Thomas has explained how the idea for the song came about, ‘I was sitting in my study, and I heard Walter Cronkite (1916-2009, American broadcaster.) I’ll never forget this, he said, ‘35,000 Viet Cong died today, 15,000 Americans.’ I said ‘WHAT,’ you mean that many mothers’ children died today. In a war that we can’t come to the table and sit down and talk about this, without so many families losing their loved ones, I said, ‘Why can’t we live together?’ And I did it as a one-man band. That was my foot playing bass, that was my left-hand playing guitar. Could never believe that as a one-man band, something like that would’ve been played that much. But I do believe that the world was ready to start changing a little bit, and that song made the change.’

‘Why Can’t We Live Together’ was released in it’s original ‘demo’ form. The idea was to take the song into the studio and add a full band, but after listening to it, the ‘TK Records’ staff producer Steve Alaimo suggested that the song would be best released without any further work. Timmy Thomas had recorded the song in mono, and had played every instrument on the track, predominantly using a ‘Lowrey organ.’ He also used an early version of a drum machine, which was highly unusual at that time. He recorded the track in around 15 minutes, and it went on to sell over two million copies worldwide.

Steve Alaimo whose idea it was to release ‘Why Can’t We Live Together’ in it’s original ‘demo’ form, was born Charles Stephen Alaimo, on December 6th, 1939. He joined ‘TK Records’ in 1969, and in 1974 formed a business partnership with Harry Casey, Richard Finch, and ‘TK Records’ label owner Henry Stone, (1921-2014) to oversee the career of ‘KC & the Sunshine Band’ (see also best songs 893.) Prior to joining ‘TK Records,’ Steve Alaimo had a career as a singer, releasing seven studio Albums between 1961-1966, and 25 singles between 1962-1972, where he was promoted as a ‘teen idol.’ He had nine of his singles reach the Billboard Hot 100, charting between Number 46 to Number 100, which is a record amount of chart entries for an artist, without ever reaching the top 40.

‘Why Can’t We Live Together’ has been covered on many occasions, with the English R&B group ‘Sade’ recording a version for their 1984 debut Album ‘Diamond Life,’ they later played the song at the 1985 ‘Live Aid’ concert. In 1982 the American music producer Mike Anthony recorded a ‘Disco’ version which became a hit in Belgium, and Holland. He was sued by the owners of the original Timmy Thomas recording for using elements from the original recording. A judge ordered a re-recording of the song with all the original parts removed. This ruling marked one of the first court cases in which the use of original samples in new recordings played a role, as a precursor to the many court cases in the 1990’s and 2000’s. In 2015 the Canadian Rapper Drake (see also best songs 1043-921 and 858) heavily sampled ‘Why Can’t We Live Together’ with different lyrics, as ‘Hotline Bling,’ reaching Number 2 on Billboard, and Number 3 in the UK. Timmy Thomas admitted that he had no idea what Drake was rapping about. He recalled: ‘I was excited that my kids had to say ‘Daddy, here’s what he’s saying.’ It’s like I had to get into a rap dictionary to find out some of the things he was saying.’

‘Everybody wants to live together,why can’t we be together. No matter, no matter what colour, you are still my brother.

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

499-The Rays-Silhouettes.

1957-It has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 1.56. A farcical case of mistaken identity (silly sod) but thankfully a happy ending.

The Rays were an American ‘Doo-Wop’ group. who were formed in 1955, in Brooklyn, New York City, United States, by Harold Miller, (1931-2021) (lead singer) Walter Ford, (tenor) David Jones, (1931-1995) (tenor) and Harry James, (baritone) they remained active as a group into the early 1960’s. During the 1970’s, and 1980’s, lead singer Harold Miller led several groups under the name ‘Hal Miller & The Rays,’ making personal appearances in ‘oldies’ shows. ‘Silhouettes’ would prove to be the only major hit single for The Rays, selling in excess of one million copies, and reaching Number 3 on the American Billboard Hot 100, and also Number 3 on the Billboard ‘Black Singles’ chart in 1957, although two of their other recordings, ‘Mediterranean Moon,’ in 1960, reached Number 95 on the Hot 100, and ‘Magic Moon,’ in 1961, made Number 49, also on the Hot 100 chart.

‘Silhouettes’ was co-written by the legendary Bob Crewe, (1930-2014) (see also best songs 1007-914-863-739-393-284-164-112 and 83) and Frank Slay Jr, (1930-2017) who at that time both co-owned the small independent record label ‘XYZ,’ in Philadelphia, United States. The Rays were signed to the label at that time, and their version of ‘Silhouettes’ was also produced by Bob Crewe, and Frank Slay Jr. The song became the first million seller for Bob Crewe, who in later years would go on to great success with the ‘Four Seasons,’ (see also best songs 739 and 284) and many others who are featured in this ‘1000 Best Songs’ list.

Frank Conley Slay Jr. was born on July 8th, 1930, in Dallas, Texas, United States, he died on September 30th, 2017, at the age of 87. As well as co-writing ‘Silhouettes’ with Bob Crewe, the duo were also the co-writers of the songs ‘Daddy Cool,’ (1957) and ‘Tallahassee Lassie’ (1959.) As a music producer his biggest success was producing the 1967 American Billboard Number 1 single ‘Incense and Peppermints,’ for the American Psychedelic Rock band Strawberry Alarm Clock. Frank Slay Jr. was the manager and producer for the American Rock ‘N Roll singer Freddy Cannon, and in 1961 he moved to Philadelphia, to become A&R Director for ‘Swan Records,’ which was Cannon’s record label.

‘Silhouettes’ gave The Rays a Billboard Number 3 hit single, but had it not been for a competing version by the Canadian Pop vocal quartet the ‘Diamonds,’ which reached Number 10 on Billboard, it would surely have gone even higher. Incidentally the ‘B’ side to ‘Silhouettes’ by both The Rays, and the Diamonds, was the song ‘Daddy Cool.’ ‘Silhouettes’ first became a hit in the UK in 1965 when it was covered by the English ‘Pop/Rock’ group ‘Herman’s Hermits,’ (UK-Number 3 & Billboard Number 5) and then in 1990, the English singer Cliff Richard released a live version of the song, which reached Number 10. The American ‘Doo-Wop’ group ‘The Silhouettes,’ who had a 1957 Billboard Number 1 single with ‘Get A Job,’ were named after the song. John Lennon (1940-1980) has said that the Beatles 1964 song ‘No Reply,’ was inspired by the lyrics of ‘Silhouettes.’

‘Silhouettes’ is considered to be a ‘Doo-Wop’ song, ‘Doo-Wop’ is a sub-genre of Rhythm and Blues music that originated in African-American communities during the 1940’s, mainly in the large cities of the United States, including New York, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh. ‘Doo-Wop’ features vocal group harmony, that is melodic, and set to a simple beat, with little or no instrumentation. The lyrics are simple, usually about love, and are sung by a lead vocal over background vocals, and often featuring, in the bridge, a mellow dramatic spoken word passage. Although the musical style originated in the late 1940’s, and was very popular in the 1950’s, the term ‘Doo-Wop’ itself did not appear in print until 1961, when it was used in reference to the Marcels’ song, ‘Blue Moon,’ (see also best songs 343) in ‘The Chicago Defender’ newspaper. The influence of ‘Doo-Wop’ has continued to play a part in the first quarter of the 21st Century, through inspired acts such as Bruno Mars, (see also best songs 40) and Meghan Trainor (see also best songs 538.)

Bob Crewe has explained how he got the idea for ‘Silhouettes,’ saying that he was travelling to Philadelphia by train, when he spotted a silhouette of a couple embracing inside a house at one of the stops. This gave him the idea for the song, and he worked on it the rest of the journey. ‘Silhouettes’ tells the story of someone who sees his sweetheart in an embrace with another behind closed curtains, in a dimmed light. He is overcome with dismay, as he knocks on the door, only to be told that he is in the wrong street, and it is not his sweetheart after all. He rushes round to his sweethearts’s house, and vows that they will be like those two silhouettes he saw, for all of their days.

‘Rushed out to your house with wings on my feet, loved you like I’d never loved you, my sweet. Vowed that you and I would be two silhouettes on the shade, all of our days, two silhouettes on the shade.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

500-Tenacious D-Tribute.

2002- The song has never been released as a single in the UK, but it did reach Number 84 on downloads in 2012.

Best Bit-At 1.56. Yes, I am well aware that this isn’t the best song in the world, it’s not even the 499th best.

Tenacious D are the ‘Comedy Rock,’ ‘Acoustic Rock,’ and ‘Hard Rock’ duo of Jack Black, and Kyle Gass, who formed in Los Angeles, California, United States, in 1994, and at the time of writing they remain active. Their name is derived from ‘tenacious defense,’ a phrase used by the American ‘NBA’ basketball sportscasters Walt Frazier and Marv Albert. Jack Black and Kyle Gass first met in Los Angeles, in 1986, as members of the ‘Actors’ Gang theater troupe,’ but they didn’t become friendly until 1989, when they were both performers at the ‘Edinburgh Fringe Festival.’ They bonded musically, and began to write together, and also perform as a duo, building up a cult following. Prior to the release of their debut Album in 2001, the duo had a three episode television series released on ‘HBO’ between 1997-2000. The series came about after Jack Black had featured in episodes of the ‘HBO’ American sketch comedy series ‘Mr. Show with Bob and David.’ In 2006 Jack Black and Kyle Gass starred in their own movie ‘The Pick of Destiny,’ the film was a box office flop, but the soundtrack to the film, which also provided the duo’s second studio Album release, was a financial and critical success.

The discography of Tenacious D includes four studio Albums released between 2001-2018, and eight singles released between 2001-2024, there are also two official live Albums available. They have had three top 40 Albums in America, on the Billboard 200, and three also in the UK. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, their only chart entry to date is ‘POD,’ which reached Number 78 in 2006, while they have charted twice on the UK top, with ‘Wonderboy,’ (2001) reaching Number 34, and ‘POD,’ (2006) reaching Number 24. ‘Tribute’ has found it’s greatest success in Australia, where it made Number 4, and in New Zealand, where it peaked at Number 9.

Jack Black was born Thomas Jacob Black, on August 28th, 1969, in Santa Monica, California, United States, with ‘Tenacious D’ he provides the lead vocals, and plays rhythm guitar. Jack Black is best known for being a very successful actor, with many starring roles, including in the films ‘Shallow Hal,’ (2001) ‘School of Rock, (2003) and ‘King Kong,’ (2005) he has also voiced ‘Po’ in the ‘Kung Fu Panda’ franchise since 2008, to the present, and ‘Bowser’ in ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’ (2023.) Kyle Richard Gass was born on July 14th, 1960, in Walnut Creek, California, United States, with ‘Tenacious D’ he plays lead guitar, as well as providing backing and lead vocals. He also has many film and television credits, and has released music away from ‘Tenacious D.’ In 2009, he released the Album ‘The Wreckoning,’ with the group ‘Trainwreck,’ and in 2013, and again in 2016, he released Albums with the ‘Kyle Gass Band.’

‘Tribute’ was the second of two singles released from the self titled debut studio Album by Tenacious D, from September 2001, the song was co-written by Jack Black, and Kyle Gass, with the production being by ‘The Dust Brothers’ (see also best songs 879.) ‘Tribute’ can be filed under the musical genre of ‘Comedy Rock,’ but don’t be fooled into thinking that they are just a novelty comic act. They have toured, opening for high profile acts, including ‘The Foo Fighters,’ and ‘Beck, and have used many top musicians to accompany then on their Albums. David Grohl (see also best songs 999-788-292 and 9) played on the duo’s self titled debut Album, as well as this song, playing guitar, and drums, and he also appears in the songs critically acclaimed video, playing the part of the Devil.

‘Tribute’ finds Jack Black, and Kyle Gass hitchhiking down the road when ‘Satan’ appears, and tells them to play the best song in the world, or he will eat their souls. Having nothing to lose by trying, the duo play the first thing that comes into their heads, the Devil is impressed thinking it is the best song in the world. The song we hear is a ‘tribute’ to that song, as the duo have forgotten the song that they played for the devil. Jack Black has said that he played the song ‘One’ (see also best songs 52) by Metallica to Kyle Gass, and told him it was ‘The best song in the world.’ This led the duo to attempt making something that could come close to it, but instead they decided to make a tribute to it. At the very end of ‘Tribute,’ you hear a guitar riff, which is ‘Stairway To Heaven,’ (see also best songs 66) and that probably signifies their general view of that song being the best in the world. It has been pointed out that the 1979 ‘Country’ song ‘The Devil Went Down to Georgia,’ by the ‘Charlie Daniels Band,’ (Billboard Number 3 & UK Number 14) has a very similar story line to that of ‘Tribute.’

‘And the peculiar thing is this my friends, the song we sang on that fateful night, it didn’t actually sound anything like this song. This is just a tribute! You gotta believe it.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

501-Black Box-Ride on Time.

1989-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 2.55. Having listened to music for well over 50 years, I can succinctly remember those very rare occasions when I knew that I was hearing something fresh and original that hadn’t been done before. This song hailed the start of the musical genre that would become known as ‘Italian House’ music (see also best songs 895 and 414.)

Black Box were formed in Italy in 1988 by the Italian music producers Daniele Davoli, Valerio Semplici, and Mirko Limoni, and at the time of writing they remain active, with a current fourth member, and there have also been two others who joined after their formation, but have since left. Prior to renaming themselves ‘Black Box’ in 1989, the trio called themselves ‘Starlight,’ and released their debut single ‘Numero Uno,’ in 1988, which reached Number 9 on the UK top 40. Shortly after the release of ‘Ride on Time’ in July 1989, as ‘Black Box,’ they once again charted in the UK under a different name, this time as ‘Mixmaster,’ they made Number 9 again, this time with the single ‘Grand Piano.’

The discography of Black Box includes two studio Albums released in 1990, and 1995, and 26 singles released between 1988-2018, there are also two official compilation Albums available. In their native Italy, on the ‘Musica e dischi,’ (‘Music and Records’) chart, six of their singles have made the top 40, with ‘Everybody Everybody,’ featuring Martha Wash, peaking the highest at Number 7 in 1990, while ‘Ride on Time’ reached Number 10. In the UK, Black Box have achieved 11 top 40 singles, with ‘Ride on Time’ spending six weeks at Number 1, and becoming the best selling UK single of 1989. While in America on the Billboard Hot 100, they have had two top 40 hits, with ‘Everybody Everybody,’ featuring Martha Wash, charting the highest at Number 8, while ‘Ride on Time’ failed to reach the top 100.

‘Ride on Time’ was the first of seven singles released from ‘Dreamland,’ the debut studio Album by ‘Black Box,’ from May 1990, and was co-written by Daniele Davoli, Valerio Semplici, Mirko Limoni, and Dan Hartman, (1950-1994) (see also best songs 1012) with the production being by Daniele Davoli, Valerio Semplici, and Mirko Limoni, The story behind ‘Ride on Time’ is a long and controversial one. Daniele Davoli had visited New York and purchased a 12-inch a capella version of the 1980 ‘Disco’ hit ‘Love Sensation,’ by the American ‘R&B’ singer Loleatta Holloway, (1946-2011) which had been written by Dan Hartman. Back home in Italy, and using the newly invented ‘Akai S900’ sampler, Daniele Davoli created the first version of ‘Ride on Time,’ using the a capella vocals from ‘Love Sensation.’ The three members of Black Box then added piano chords, and additional vocal samples to create the track.

‘Ride on Time’ was released without the samples being cleared by ‘Salsoul Records,’ who owned the rights to ‘Love Sensation,’ which led to a long legal battle over royalties. Dan Hartman the writer of ‘Love Sensation,’ was happy to settle for a third of the royalties, leading Davoli to call him ‘A true gentleman,’ as he could have asked for far more. ‘Love Sensation’s’ singer Loleatta Holloway was never paid for her vocals, as the sample was owned by ‘Salsoul Records.’ Davoli has said that he regretted not meeting Holloway before her death in 2011, and would like to apologise ‘For how messy things got.’ After the initial legal action was taken, Black Box were forced in to re-issuing ‘Ride on Time’ with re-recorded vocals. The identity of the singer was kept quiet, as she was about to launch her own career, the vocalist was Heather Small, who would go on to great success with ‘M People,’ (see also best songs 430) and also as a solo artist.

Nine songs were written and produced for the Black Box debut Album ‘Dreamland,’ and six of the tracks were sung by the American ‘R&B’ singer Martha Wash, who had previously found success with ‘Sylvester,’ (1947-1988) (see also best songs 162) and also as one half of ‘The Weather Girls.’ Martha Wash had been told by Black Box that she was only recording ‘demos,’ and that her vocals were to be used as a guide for another singer, but when the Album came out it was her voice on the recordings. Martha Wash successfully sued, which led to all vocal credits becoming mandatory on Album, and music video’s ever since. Further controversy occurred when ‘Ride on Time’ was performed on shows such as ‘Top of the Pops,’ as Black Box hired the French model Katrin Quinol to mime the vocals. Although it was a common practise in Italy, at that time it was heavily frowned upon in the UK, and America. In the song ‘Love Sensation,’ Loleatta Holloway sings the lyrics ‘right on time,’ but Davoli whose English was very limited at that time, thought that she was singing ‘ride on time,’ hence the songs title.

‘Let me tell you, let me tell you what you do, what you do, what you do to me. You’re such a hot temptation, you just walk right in, walk, walk, walk right in, and whoa-oh, whoa-oh, whoa-oh.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

502-Creedence Clearwater Revival-Bad Moon Rising.

1969-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 0.33. There’s a bathroom on the right.

This song contains one of the most famous misheard lyrics in ‘Pop’ music. ‘There’s a bad moon on the rise,’ is often misheard as ‘There’s a bathroom on the right.’ The mishearing became so famous that when the bands lead singer John Fogerty performs the song live, he sings the bathroom line, and points towards the toilets from the stage.

Creedence Clearwater Revival, which is often abbreviated to ‘CCR,’ were a Rock group, who were formed at Portola Junior High School, in El Cerrito, California, United States, in 1959, by the three school friends John Fogerty, (lead vocals, lead guitar, and primary songwriter) Stuart Cook, (bass) and Doug Clifford, (drums) they were soon joined by John Fogerty’s older brother Tom Fogerty, (1941-1990) (rhythm guitar) and initially went by the stage name of ‘Blue Velvets.’ In 1964 they were signed by ‘Fantasy Records,’ and re-named ‘The Golliwogs,’ after the children’s literary character Golliwog,’ by Max Weiss of ‘Fantasy Records.’ It was in January 1968 that the group made their final name change to ‘Creedence Clearwater Revival.’ According to interviews with the band members some 20 years later, the name’s elements came from three sources, Tom Fogerty’s friend Credence Newball, whose name they changed to form the word Creedence (as in creed,) a television commercial for the ‘Olympia Brewing Company’ (‘clear water,’) and the four members’ renewed commitment to their band. ‘CCR’ remained active until 1972, when the other three members frustration at John Fogerty’s dominance in the writing and producing of the groups songs finally came to a head, and they decided to call it a day.

As the ‘Blue Velvets,’ they released six non charting singles between 1961-1962, and 14 non charting singles as ‘The Golliwogs,’ between 1964-1967, with a further nine singles, which were unreleased during that time period, being made available in 2001. The discography of Creedence Clearwater Revival, who have sold in excess of 45 million Albums in America includes, seven studio Albums released between 1968-1972, and 29 singles released between 1968-1990, there are also 41 official compilation Albums, and five live Albums available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, 13 of their singles have reached the top 40, with five of those songs all peaking at Number 2, which is a record for an artist, or artists, who have never had a Billboard Hot 100 Number 1 single. In the UK, nine of their singles have made the top 40, with ‘Bad Moon Rising,’ reaching the Number 1 position.

‘Bad Moon Rising’ was the first of two singles released from ‘Green River,’ which was the third studio Album released by Creedence Clearwater Revival, from August 1969. The song was written and produced by John Fogerty, who was born John Cameron Fogerty, on May 28th, 1945, in Berkeley, California, United States. After parting ways with ‘CCR,’ John Fogerty has gone on to record 10 solo studio Albums between 1973-2020, and released 26 singles between 1972-2021. As a solo artist on the Billboard Hot 100, he has had five further top 40 hits, with ‘The Old Man Down the Road,’ peaking the highest at Number 10 in 1984. Apart from ‘Bad Moon Rising’ his other best known songs include ‘Proud Mary,’ (see also best songs 752) and ‘Rockin’ All Over the World,’ which was covered by the British Rock group Status Quo, (see also best songs 905 and 108) who opened ‘Live Aid’ with the song in 1985.

John Fogerty got the idea for ‘Bad Moon Rising’ after watching the 1941 American supernatural film ‘The Devil and Daniel Webster.’ The song was inspired by a scene in the film in which a hurricane destroys the crops of several farms, but spares those of Jabez Stone, the character in the film who makes a deal with the devil in exchange for wealth. It is ironic that a song inspired by a film should itself be used in so many movies over the years, most famously in ‘An American in London,’ in 1981. John Fogerty readily admits borrowing the songs guitar riff from the 1955 Elvis Presley song ‘I’m Left, You’re Right, She’s Gone,’ which was written by Scotty Moore (1931-2016.) In 1986 at an awards function, Moore jokingly grabbed John Fogerty from behind and said, ‘Give me back my licks.’ ‘Bad Moon Rising’ warns us that Armageddon is just around the corner, but what Fogerty was probably referring to was the state of America in the late 1960’s.

‘Hope you got your things together, hope you are quite prepared to die. Looks like we’re in for nasty weather, one eye is taken for an eye. Well don’t go around tonight, well it’s bound to take your life, there’s a bad moon on the rise.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

503-Minnie Riperton-Lovin’ You.

1975-Number 2 single.

Best Bit-At 3.23. I bet you’re surprised to see that I’ve included the birdie song.

Minnie Riperton was born Minnie Julia Riperton, on November 8th, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois, United States, she died on June 12th, 1979, from breast cancer at the age of 31. Minnie Riperton’s parents recognised her remarkable vocal abilities from a young age, and sent her for Operatic vocal training, however the young Riperton was more interested in ‘Soul,’ R&B,’ and ‘Rock Music.’ At the age of 15 Minnie Riperton joined the all girl group ‘The Gems,’ providing backing vocals for some of the songs recorded on the Chicago based ‘Chess’ record label, most notably for the American ‘R&B’ singer Fontella Bass, (1940-2012) on her 1965 hit ‘Rescue Me’ (Billboard Number 4 & UK Number 8.) With ‘The Gems,’ who also used different names, she featured on many mid to late 1960’s singles. including the song ‘My Baby’s Real,’ recorded in 1967 as the ‘Starlets,’ which over the years has achieved cult status with ‘Northern Soul’ fans and remains a favourite. In 1966 Minnie Riperton also recorded her first solo single called ‘Lonely Girl,’ using the name ‘Andrea Davis.’ Also that year she joined the ‘Psychedelic Soul’ band ‘Rotary Connection.’ which had been created by Marshall Chess, the son of ‘Chess Records’ founder Leonard Chess, (1917-1969) Minnie Riperton appeared on all six ‘Rotary Connection’ Albums between 1967-1971.’ It was in 1970 that she released her first solo Album ‘Come to My Garden,’ before going into a period of semi retirement from music in order to raise a family. In 1973 an employee for ‘Epic Records’ persuaded her to record again, which would lead to her most successful commercial period.

The discography of Minnie Riperton includes six solo studio Albums released between 1970-1980, and 14 singles released between 1972-1980, there are also five official compilation Albums available. In America on Billboard, four of her studio Albums have reached the top 40, with ‘Perfect Angel,’ (1974) making Number 1, while on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, only ‘Lovin’ You’ has charted within the top 40, when reaching Number 1. In the UK, Minnie Riperton has also had only the one top 40 hit with ‘Lovin’ You,’ which peaked at Number 2.

‘Lovin’ You’ was the last of three singles released from Minnie Riperton’s second solo studio Album ‘Perfect Angel,’ from May 1974, the song was co-written by Minnie Riperton and her husband Richard Rudolph, (see also best songs 735) with the production being by Rudolph and Stevie Wonder (920-843-834-682-570-366-205-152 and 65.) Richard Rudolph had began composing ‘Lovin’ You’ as far back as 1971, and then further developed it after their daughter was born in 1972. Minnie Riperton developed the final melody, while Rudolph wrote the lyrics and the bridge. When ‘Epic Records’ asked Minnie Riperton whom she wanted to produce the Album, she chose Stevie Wonder, who to avoid contract conflicts with ‘Motown Records’ was credited under the pseudonym ‘El Toro Negro,’ which is Spanish for ‘Black Bull,’ as Stevie Wonder’s astrological sign is Taurus. Stevie Wonder also wrote two tracks on the Album, the title track ‘Perfect Angel,’ and ‘Take a Little Trip,’ as well as playing many instruments, including acoustic piano, electric piano, and harmonica. Stevie Wonder had asked Riperton and Ruldolph to come up with a tune that they had considered to be their ‘most embarrassing song,’ Riperton mentioned a lullaby she sang to her daughter ‘Maya’ to put her to sleep at night, so that she and Rudolph could spend some ‘grown up time.’ Minnie Riperton has said that during the recording of the song’s demo, the bird chirping was recorded accidentally, she has said that it was kept in the song since it ‘Seemed to work,’ and was included on the song’s final version. On the day of recording, Minnie Riperton’s daughter Maya Rudolph was in the studio, and Riperton can be heard singing her daughter’s name at the end of the song, but only in the unedited, or Album version. The song fades out early in the radio edit because the powers that be felt that the repeated ‘Maya’ was being overdone, and that it could be misunderstood as a religious chant.

Minnie Riperton had a ‘five-octave vocal range,’ and is best remembered for her use of the ‘whistle register.’ The whistle register, which is also called the ‘flute register,’ or ‘flageolet register’ is the highest register of the human voice, lying above the ‘modal register,’ and ‘falsetto register.’ This register has a specific physiological production that is different from the other registers, and is so called because the timbre of the notes that are produced from this register is similar to that of a whistle. I am sure that it will come as no surprise whatsoever, that Mariah Carey (see also best songs 822) states Minnie Riperton as a significant influence.

‘No one else can make me feel the colours that you bring. Stay with me while we grow old, and we will live each day in springtime. ‘Cause lovin’ you has made my life so beautiful, and every day of my life is filled with lovin’ you.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

504-Jess Glynne-Hold My Hand.

2015-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 0.50. ‘I Cry When I Laugh’ is the title of Jess Glynne’s debut Album. Glynne has said, ‘I do actually cry when I laugh, it’s a known fact about me, the minute I laugh I cry.’

Jessica Hannah Glynne, was born on October 20th, 1989, in Hampstead, London, England, having appeared as either the lead artist, or as the featured artist on seven UK Number 1 singles, (which is eight if you include her appearance on the 2020 charity single ‘Times Like These,’ as part of Live Lounge Allstars’) Jess Glynne has had more UK Number 1 singles than any other British female artist. She was born into a Jewish family, whose name was originally Goldstein, but her grandfather changed it to Glynne. Her mother, Alexandra, worked in A&R in the music industry. After completing her A-levels in 2008, she took various jobs including working in a fitness centre, before spending a period of time travelling the world. In her late teens she began to take her music career seriously, when introducing herself to songwriters and producers. Jess Glynne first met one of this songs co-writers Janée Bennett, known professionally as ‘Jin Jin,’ at a month long music course at an East London college. One of the duo’s early compositions caught the attention of ‘Black Butter Records,’ who signed Glynne to a publishing deal, and introduced her to music managers and lawyers. The president of ‘Black Butter Records,’ Joe Gossa said of Jess Glynne, ‘Her voice just flipped me out, there was a fierceness to it. She can talk about everyday things in this way that’s just epic.’ In 2013, she signed a contract with ‘Atlantic Records.’

The discography of Jess Glynne includes three studio Albums released between 2015-2024, and 20 singles released between 2014-2024, both of her first two Albums reached Number 1 in the UK. On the UK top 40 singles chart, as the lead artist she has had eight hits, with three of those tracks reaching Number 1, and a further six top 40 hits as the featured artist, with five of those songs all making the Number 1 spot. In America on Billboard, her debut Album ‘I Cry When I Laugh’ peaked at Number 25, while her only charting single as the lead artist is ‘Hold My Hand’ which stalled at Number 86. As the featured artist, she charted in 2014, on the single ‘Rather Be,’ by Clean Bandit featuring Jess Glynne, which reached Number 10.

‘Hold My Hand’ was the third of six singles released from ‘I Cry When I Laugh,’ the debut studio Album by Jess Glynne, from August 2015. The song was co-written by Jess Glynne, Janée Bennett, Jack Patterson, and Ina Wrolssen, with the production being by Finlay Dow-Smith, who is better known by his working name of Starsmith. Since late 2015, ‘Hold My Hand’ has been featured in advertising for ‘Jet2holidays,’ as well as being used for various in-aircraft announcements with ‘Jet2.com.’

‘Hold My Hand’ was co-written by Janée Bennett, who is professionally known as ‘Jin Jin,’ and was born in Manchester, England, she is the daughter of the former professional Sunderland footballer Gary Bennett. Prior to finding success as a songwriter, Bennett was a singer, releasing nine singles between 2008-2015, four of which were as a featured artist. She has co-written dozens of hit singles, including Jess Glynne’s debut single ‘Right Here,’ (2014-UK-Number 6) and Tinie Tempah’s ‘Not Letting Go,’ featuring Jess Glynne (2015-UK-Number 1.) Another of the co-writers of ‘Hold My Hand’ is Jack Patterson, who was one of the co-founders of the ‘Electronic,’ and ‘Classical crossover,’ group ‘Clean Bandit,’ whom Jess Glynne made her major breakthrough with, when providing vocals on their 2014 UK Number 1 & Billboard Number 10 hit single ‘Rather Be.’ ‘Hold My Hand’s’ other writer is Ina Christine Wroldsen (Norwegian: [ˈîːnɑ krɪsˈtìːnɑ ˈʋrɔ̀ɫsn̩]; who was born on May 29th, 1984, in Sandefjord, Norway, she is a singer and songwriter. As a solo artist she has released 25 singles as the lead artist, and appeared on a further five as the featured artist between 2004-2019, she has also issued one Album as part of the duo ‘Ask Embla,’ in 2013, which produced two singles. In the UK she is probably best known for co-writing ‘How Deep Is Your Love,’ for
Calvin Harris and Disciples (UK-Number 2-2015.)

Jess Glynne has spoken about how ‘Hold My Hand’ came about, ‘It’s one of those songs that just kind of makes you feel at ease. It was inspired by my severe anxiety. Me and my friend wrote it together. It’s just about somebody being there when you feel insecure in a situation, and that person is just there to make you feel better, I love it, it’s got me written all over it.’ Jess Glynne has also gone on to say, ‘I actually wrote it with Jack [Patterson] from Clean Bandit, and this girl called Janee [Bennett] who I pretty much write all my songs with. When we started it, me and Janee had this idea before we even got to the studio of the line ‘Darling, hold my hand.’ It wasn’t originally like, ‘Oh we’re thinking country.’ But when we put the chords down and started singing, it kind of sounds a little bit like Dolly Parton’s ‘9 to 5.’ I later on realised that, but it wasn’t done on purpose.’

‘Standing in a crowded room, and I can’t see your face. Put your arms around me, tell me everything’s OK. In my mind, I’m running round a cold and empty space, just put your arms around me, tell me everything’s OK.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

505-Eagles-Lyin’ Eyes.

1975-Number 23 single.

Best Bit-At 4.57. Have you ever seen a beautiful young woman with a much older unfit fat guy? If you have, then maybe you too could have let your imagination run wild, and written this song as well.

The Eagles (see also best songs 198) were formed in Los Angeles, California, United States, in 1971, by Glenn Frey, (1948-2016) (guitars and vocals) Don Henley, (drums and vocals) Bernie Leadon, (guitars and vocals) and Randy Meisner, (1946-2023) (bass guitar and vocals.) They originally started out as touring members, as part of the backing band for the American ‘Folk/Country/Pop’ singer Linda Ronstadt, although all four, prior to forming the Eagles, only played live together once behind Ronstadt, in a concert in Disneyland, California, but they did all appear as musicians on Linda Ronstadt’s self titled third studio Album from January 1972. There are differing stories to how the quartet came up with the stage name ‘Eagles,’ with the American singer/songwriter J. D. Souther claiming that when he and Glenn Frey were out together, Frey saw some eagles above, and shouted out ‘Eagles!’ In 1974, Don Felder became an official member of the group, and then in December 1975, Bernie Leadon left, stating that the move from ‘Country/Rock,’ to a ‘Heavier Rock’ sound, was not for him, and he was replaced by Joe Walsh. In 1977, Randy Meisner departed, and was replaced by Timothy B. Schmit (bass guitar and vocals.) The Eagles remained active until 1980, but then reformed between 1994-2016, and then again in 2017, and they remain active at the time of writing. In total there have been nine different official members, with Vince Gill, (guitars and vocals) being a member since 2017, and Deacon Frey, (lead vocals and guitars) who is the the son of Glenn, being a member between 2017-2022, and then returning in 2023. For the discography of the Eagles (see best songs 198.)

‘Lyin’ Eyes’ was the second of three singles released from the Eagles fourth studio Album ‘One of These Nights,’ from June 1975, the song was co-written by Don Henley, and Glenn Frey, with the production being by Bill Szymczyk (see also best songs 556 and 198.) Although Henley and Frey were the two younger members of the original Eagles line up, they soon took over the majority of the groups songwriting duties, and have often been referred to as ‘The American Lennon and McCartney.’

Donald Hugh Henley, was born on July 22nd, 1947, in Gilmer, Texas, United States, he is the groups one remaining constant. After the Eagles split in 1980, Henley pursued a solo career, and has released five solo studio Albums between 1982-2015, and 27 singles within the same time period, there are also two official compilation Albums available, as well as three singles he has recorded for film soundtracks, and eight singles he has appeared on as a featured artist. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, he has had eight top 40 solo hit singles, with a further two as the featured artist, with ‘Sometimes Love Just Ain’t Enough,’ by Patty Smyth, featuring Don Henley, peaking the highest at Number 2 in 1992, while in the UK, Don Henley has had three top 40 hits without the Eagles, with ‘The Boys of Summer,’ peaking the highest at Number 12 in 1984, and then again on it’s UK re-release in 1998, when once again it made Number 12. With the Eagles he has sold in excess of 150 million Albums worldwide, and as a solo artist, he has sold a further 10 million Albums.

Glenn Lewis Frey was born on November 6th, 1948, in Detroit, Michigan, United States, he died on January 18th, 2016, from complications of rheumatoid arthritis, acute ulcerative colitis, and pneumonia. at the age of 67. When the Eagles split in 1980, he embarked on a solo career, which has included the release of five solo Albums between 1982-2012, and 19 singles released between 1982-1995, there are also three official compilation Albums, and one live Album available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, he has had seven solo top 40 hit singles, with ‘The Heat Is On,’ (1984) and ‘You Belong to the City,’ (1985) both peaking the highest at Number 2, while in the UK, he has charted twice, with ‘The Heat Is On’ peaking the highest at Number 12.

The idea for ‘Lyin’ Eyes’ came about when Glenn Frey and Don Henley were sat in ‘Dan Tana’s’ restaurant/bar, in West Hollywood, California. They would see all of these beautiful women come into the venue in search of male company, and then they saw a young girl with a much older fat, wealthy man, who was obviously a kept woman, and Glenn Frey commented, ‘She can’t hide those lyin’ eyes.’ ‘Lyin’ Eyes’ is a song about a young woman who marries a much older wealthy man for his riches, and her fianancial security, but she soon realises that it isn’t enough. He is distant, and shows no affection for her, so she goes seeking attention from a much younger man who can only offer her love, and she has to decide which she wants more, the money, or the love, as she can not have both.

‘City girls just seem to find out early, how to open doors with just a smile. A rich old man and she won’t have to worry, she’ll dress up all in lace and go in style. Late at night a big old house gets lonely, I guess every form of refuge has its price. And it breaks her heart to think her love is only given to a man with hands as cold as ice.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

506-Ohio Players-Fire.

1974-It has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 1.43. Many of the Ohio Players Album sleeves had pictures of scantily clad ‘Playboy’ girls on the cover, but that wasn’t the reason why this, then 13 year old boy, bought all of their records.

The Ohio Players were formed in 1959, in Dayton, Ohio, United States, as ‘The Ohio Untouchables.’ There were five original members who have all since passed on, including Marshall ‘Rock’ Jones, (1941-2016) (bass guitar) Ralph ‘Pee Wee’ Middlebrooks, (1939-1997) (trumpet, and trombone) and Clarence ‘Satch’ Satchell, (1940-1995) (saxophone, flute, and percussion) all of whom played on this track, along with four others. In total there have been 21 different members come and go, and at the time of writing the group remain active. In their early days as ‘The Ohio Untouchables,’ they called the music that they played, ‘R&B with a little flair,’ and an early claim to fame was when gaining recognition as playing as the backing band for the American R&B vocal group ‘The Falcons,’ whose members included the future ‘Soul’ legends Eddie Floyd, (see also best songs 828) and Wilson Pickett (see also best songs 488.) After internal problems which caused the group to briefly break up in 1964, they regrouped, and by 1965 had renamed themselves ‘Ohio Players,’ reflecting its members’ self-perceptions as musicians, and as ladies’ men. The group disbanded again in 1970, then reformed with new personnel including, notably the multi-instrumentalist, and producer Walter ‘Junie’ Morrison, (1954-2017) who was largely responsible for writing and arranging the Ohio Players commercial breakthrough 1973 hit single, ‘Funky Worm,’ which reached Number 15 on the American Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. Walter ‘Junie’ Morrison recorded three studio Albums as an ‘Ohio Player,’ before leaving in 1974, prior to the recording of this song, to become a member, and musical director of Parliament-Funkadelic (see also best songs 612-340-143 and 26.)

The discography of the Ohio Players who transformed from a 1960’s ‘R&B’ group into a ‘Funk’ group by the early 1970’s, includes 16 studio Albums released between 1969-1988, and 36 singles released between 1967-1988, there are also 14 official compilation Albums, and one live Album available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, eight of their singles have reached the top 40, with both ‘Fire,’ (1974) and ‘Love Rollercaoster,’ (1975) making the Number 1 spot, while in the UK, only ‘Who’d She Coo?’ (1976) has charted, when reaching Number 43.

‘Fire’ was the first of two singles released from the Ohio Players’ sixth studio Album of the same name from November 1974, the Album reached Number 1 on the American Billboard 200 Album chart. The songwriting credits, and the production of ‘Fire’ and it’s parent Album are credited to all seven members of the Ohio Players at that time. In 2005 the song was chosen as the theme music for the American reality competition cooking show ‘Hell’s Kitchen,’ which at the time of writing has run for 22 seasons, and 346 episodes.

Leroy ‘Sugarfoot’ Bonner, who wrote the lyrics for ‘Fire’ about getting ‘hot for a smokin’ woman,’ has said that his band mates came up with the title ‘Fire,’ and he took it from there. ‘They come with the names and I have to write to them. If the music is good, it doesn’t take long to get inspired, The inclusion of the telltale fire-truck sirens was a no-brainer. To use all the effects one could use on a track like that, the fire engines and all that seemed very apropos to what was going on on the albums of that era. Other people were using babies crying, and kids singing, and street sounds. A lot of people were using sound effects of various natures, so we thought about that also.’ Prior to the song becoming a hit, they had played the instrumental track to Stevie Wonder (see also best songs 920-843-834-682-570-503-366-205-152 and 65.) The Ohio Players drummer James ‘Diamond’ Williams has said, ‘He heard it and knew it was a smash. Just like before we even said any words on the track, we knew it was a smash. There was nothing that was going to stop this hit.’

As with many of the Ohio Players records, the ‘Fire’ Album cover is adorned with a beautiful female model wearing very little. Early on in their career the Ohio Players realised that they could boost Album sales by putting a sexy girl on the cover. James ‘Diamond’ Williams has said, ‘We thought if we put an attractive woman on the album cover that would draw attention. And maybe after drawing the attention, they’d take the album home and play it. It was just a concept where we were on the edge. We got with some ‘Playboy’ photographers and models in Chicago. The band would come up with these different ideas, and we went with it.’

‘Well, I can tell by your game, you’re gonna start a flame. Love, baby, baby, I’m not gon’ choke from the smoke, got me tightenin’ up my stroke, do you feel it, girl, yeah.’