THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

517-Mumford & Sons-Little Lion Man.

2009-Number 24 single.

Best Bit-At 1.10. Their name might lead you to think that they are a family run removals firm, but they are actually a Folk/Rock, Americana, Bluegrass trio, who used to be a quartet.

Mumford & Sons were formed in London, England, in 2007, by Marcus Mumford, (lead vocals, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, and drums), Ted Dwane, (vocals, bass guitar, and double bass), Ben Lovett, (vocals, keyboards, and piano) and Winston Marshall, (banjo, vocals, and guitar) Marshall departed the group in 2021, and at the time of writing they remain active as a trio. The groups name originated from Marcus Mumford being the most visibly active member of the group, both on and off stage, Ben Lovett has said that the name was meant to evoke the sense of an ‘Antiquated family business name.’ Before achieving commercial success with the release of their debut Album ‘Sigh No More’ in 2009, the group toured extensively throughout Europe and America, they also toured for several months as the backing band for the British Folk singer/songwriter Laura Marling. Mumford & Sons have been described as a ‘Folk/Rock’ band. They began by using ‘Bluegrass’ and ‘Folk’ instrumentation, with the core instruments of acoustic guitar, banjo, piano and a double bass, played with a rhythmic style based in ‘Alternative Rock’ and ‘Folk.’ Marcus Mumford has cited the American ‘Alternative Country’ group ‘Old Crow Medicine Show’ as a major influence, saying, ‘I first heard Old Crow’s music when I was, like, 16, 17, and that really got me into, like, folk music, bluegrass. I mean, I’d listened to a lot of Dylan, (see also best songs 792-621-358-103-36 and 7) but I hadn’t really ventured into the country world so much. So Old Crow was the band that made me fall in love with country music.’

The discography of Mumford & Sons includes four studio Albums released between 2009-2018, and 21 singles released between 2009-2024, there are also six studio EP’s, seven live EP’s, and three official live Albums available. In the UK, two of their studio Albums have reached the Number 1 spot, while in America on the Billboard 200 chart, three of their studio Albums have made Number 1. In the UK, five of their singles have reached the top 40, with ‘I Will Wait,’ from 2012, peaking the highest at Number 12, while in America on the Billboard Hot 100, three of their singles have made the top 40, with ‘I Will Wait,’ also charting the highest at Number 12, while ‘Little Lion Man’ stalled at Number 45.

‘Little Lion Man’ was the debut single, and the first of four singles released from ‘Sigh No More,’ the debut studio Album by Mumford & Sons, from October 2009. The songwriting for ‘Little Lion Man’ is credited to all four band members at that time, with the production of the track, and it’s parent Album being by Marcus Dravs, who is a British music producer, songwriter, programmer, engineer and mixer. Marcus Dravs began his career as an engineer, eventually working under the legendary Brian Eno, (see also best songs 766-302-190-118-109 and 57) and receiving his first co-production credit on Eno’s Album ‘Nerve Net’ in 1992. Marcus Dravs has gone on to work with many acts including, Florence + the Machine, and Kings of Leon, and he has won three ‘Grammy Awards,’ four ‘Billboard Music Awards,’ and three ‘Brit Awards’ for his production work. At the ’53rd Grammy Awards’ in 2011, he won ‘Album of the Year’ for Arcade Fire’s ‘The Suburbs.’ At the ’55th Grammy Awards,’ in 2013, he won the ‘Album of the Year’ for Mumford & Sons Album ‘Babel,’ and in 2009 at the ’51st Grammy Awards,’ he won ‘Best Rock Album’ for Coldplay’s ‘Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends.’

‘Little Lion Man’ has been critically acclaimed, particularly in Australia where it peaked at Number 3 on their singles chart. The track was voted the years best song (2009) in that countries prestigious ‘Triple J’s Hottest 100,’ by the listeners of the Australian radio station ‘Triple J.’ Marcus Mumford has spoken in detail about ‘Little Lion Man, ‘It’s a very personal story, so I won’t elaborate upon too much. Suffice to say, it was a situation in my life I wasn’t very happy with or proud of… and sometimes when you can’t describe a feeling with your own words, it’s almost easier to express in a song. And then, when you get asked about the songs, it’s quite difficult to explain. It’s a conundrum, you don’t want to seem self-indulgent explaining yourself; it’s always awkward. Which is weird again, because it’s never awkward actually singing them. I suppose the song should stand on its own and people draw their own interpretation from the words. It’s quite an aggressive song, a bit more of a punch in the face. Or at least, for our stuff, anyway, a lot of our stuff isn’t quite as hard-hitting as that. It felt like the right song to be the single because it represented the harder, darker side of what we do, and at the same time, the more folksy and punchy side

‘Weep for yourself, my man, you’ll never be what is in your heart. Weep Little Lion Man, you’re not as brave as you were at the start. Rate yourself and rake yourself, take all the courage you have left and waste it on fixing all the problems that you made in your own head.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

518-Eddy Grant-Living on the Frontline.

1979-Number 11 single.

Best Bit-At 3.26. A listen to this will change your mind, ‘I DO WANNA DANCE.’

Eddy Grant was born Edmond Montague Grant, on March 5th, 1948, in Plaisance, British Guiana, which is now Guyana, while at school his parents lived in the United Kingdom, and they would send money home for his education, in 1960 he emigrated to join them in London. It was while at school in London that he learned to read and write music, and it was after seeing Chuck Berry (1926-2017) (see also best songs 548-308 and 30) play live that he decided to pursue a career in music.

In 1965 Eddy Grant, along with four others who all knew each other from living around the ‘Hornsey Rise’ council estate, in North London, formed the group ‘The Equals,’ who would go on to become the first major interracial Rock group in the UK, and one of the few racially mixed bands of the era. Eddy Grant initially played guitar, and sang backing vocals with ‘The Equals,’ but would later become their main songwriter. With ‘The Equals’ Eddy Grant appeared on all of their first six studio Albums released between 1967-1970, and also their first 14 singles, released between 1966-1971, of which six of those tracks reached the UK top 40, with the Eddy Grant written ‘Baby, Come Back,’ making the Number 1 spot. In 1994 a cover version of ‘Baby, Come Back,’ by Pato Banton, featuring Ali and Robin Campbell, also reached Number 1 in the UK. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, the only charting song by The Equals is ‘Baby, Come Back,’ which reached Number 32 in 1968. In September 1969 all five group members of The Equals were injured in a motorway car accident in Germany while on tour, with Eddy Grant being the most severely injured, suffering a collapsed lung and heart infection. On January 1st, 1971, he then suffered a heart attack and collapsed lung, which led to his departure from The Equals to concentrate on production, and giving up touring.

After his departure from The Equals, Eddy Grant set up his own record label called ‘Ice Records.’ His solo career was slow to take off, and it wasn’t until this song, and it’s parent Album, his third Album release, ‘Walking on Sunshine’ in 1979, that Eddy Grant finally found himself back in the charts again, eight years after leaving The Equals. The solo discography of Eddy Grant includes 15 studio Albums released between 1975-2015, and 19 singles released between 1979-2001, there are also 13 official compilation Albums, and one live Album available. In the UK, eight of his singles have reached the top 40, with ‘I Don’t Wanna Dance’ from 1982, making the Number 1 spot, while in America on the Billboard Hot 100, he has had two top 40 hits, with ‘Electric Avenue’ peaking the highest at Number 2 in 1983, while ‘Living on the Frontline’ failed to chart. Eddy Grant is noted for recording in many different musical genres, including ‘Soul,’ ‘Funk,’ ‘Reggae, ‘Electronic’ music, ‘African poly-rhythms,’ and ‘Latin’ music genres such as ‘Samba, among many others. He is also known for creating the musical genre ‘Ringbang,’ in the mid 1990’s, which is a Caribbean fusion of music genres, including ‘Calypso,’ ‘reggae,’ and ‘Soca.’ Eddy Grant has said, ‘Ringbang is the thing that makes the soul quiet. That in a musical concept is rhythm. A child is given Ringbang when a mother rocks it in her arms. Ringbang allowed the slaves to communicate. Ringbang is a bridge that allows us to stop being insular; it is a concept predicated on our being able to communicate with one another.’ In 2016 Eddy Grant received a ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ from the government of Guyana. He had been previously honoured with a postage stamp featuring his likeness and Ringbang logo by the Guyana Post Office Corporation in 2005.

‘Living on the Frontline’ was the first of two singles released from Eddy Grant’s third solo studio Album ‘Walking on Sunshine,’ from 1978, the song was written, produced, and arranged by Eddy Grant, and released on his own ‘Ice Records’ label. He also played all of the instruments on the track, and on it’s parent Album, with the exception of congas, the drums on two songs, and the piano on another. The Album is an eclectic mix of many of the aforementioned musical genres stated above. and was re-issued in 2008 as a Deluxe Edition, with three bonus tracks.

‘Living on the Frontline’ is a call for peace, unity, and understanding, with Eddy Grant reminding us that we are all brothers who should choose the right path in life.

‘Ooh, what kind of man could I be if I can’t talk about what I see. Oh, they tell me got to beware, take the little money and go. Me no want no dirty money, no, me no want no dirty money, oh, mama, mama, you got me living on the frontline.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

519-Diana Ross-Love Hangover.

1976-Number 10 single.

Best Bit-At 2.42. It’s where she goes from Romantic Ross, to Disco Diana.

‘Love Hangover’ was the third of four singles released from Diana Ross’ (see also best songs 1001-900-411-365-212-183-148 and 28) self titled seventh solo studio Album from February 1976. This was her second self titled Album, as her 1970 debut was also called ‘Diana Ross.’ ‘Love Hangover’ was co-written by Marilyn McLeod, (1939-2021) and Pamela Sawyer, (see also best songs 411) with the production being by Hal Davis (1933-1998.) It was Hal Davis who wanted ‘Motown’ records to keep up with the latest musical trends, namely ‘Disco,’ but both the labels owner Berry Gordy, and also Diana Ross, were not too keen. The ballad ‘I Thought It Took a Little Time (But Today I Fell in Love’) had been chosen, and released as the Album’s first single, while the American group the ‘5th Dimension’ (see also best songs 572 and 202) had released their own version of ‘Love Hangover.’ When the 5th Dimension’s version entered the American Billboard Hot 100 at the lower reaches of the chart, Berry Gordy realised that he had made a mistake, and rush released Diana Ross’ version. The 5th Dimension stalled at Number 80, as Diana Ross shot up the charts, spending two weeks at Number 1, in May and June 1976. When ‘Love Hanger’ made Number 1, it gave Diana Ross her fourth solo Billboard chart topper, surpassing Helen Reddy, (1941-2020) Roberta Flack, and Cher, each of whom had three.

‘Love Hangover’ was produced by Hal Davis, who was born Harold Edward Davis, on February 8th, 1933, in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States, he died on November 18th, 1998, at the age of 65. Prior to joining the team at ‘Motown’ records in 1962, Hal Davis had began his music career in his teens as a singer, releasing several unsuccessful singles under his own name on small independent labels. In 1960 he turned his hand to production, and song writing, where he began working with future Motown artist Brenda Holloway. Hal Davis was the co-producer of Stevie Wonder’s fourth studio Album ‘Stevie at the Beach,’ (1964) but he is best remembered for his work with the ‘Jackson 5’ (see also best songs 249 and 137) at Motown, helping to steer their career, and co-writing, and co-producing hits such as ‘I’ll Be There,’ (1970-Billboard Number 1 & UK Number 4) and ‘Dancing Machine’ (1974-Billboard Number 2.) Following the success of ‘Love Hangover,’ Hal Davis once again used the same formula to produce the Thelma Houston cover version of ‘Don’t Leave Me This Way,’ (see also best songs 752.)

‘Love Hangover’ was co-written by Marilyn McLeod, and Pamela Sawyer. Marilyn McLeod was born on May 27th, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan, United States, and died on November 24th, 2021, at the age of 82. She was born into a musical family, as her half-brother Ernie Farrow (1928-1969) became a noted Jazz performer, and her sister Alice (1937-2007) married the American Jazz saxophonist John Coltrane, (1926-1967) and recorded many Albums as a Jazz keyboard player and harpist. The McLeod family were acquainted with Berry Gordy, and Marilyn was hired as a songwriter for the ‘Jobete’ publishing company at ‘Motown’ in the mid 1960’s. When ‘Motown’ moved to Los Angeles in the early 1970’s, McLeod was teamed with the lyricist Pam Sawyer, where together, as well as writing ‘Love Hangover,’ they also wrote other notable songs such as ‘Pops, We Love You (A Tribute to Father,’) which was recorded by the Motown stars Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson and Stevie Wonder, as a collaboration, (1978-Billboard Number 59 & UK Number 66) and the song ‘You Can’t Turn Me Off (in the Middle of Turning Me On,’) which was a Number 12 Billboard Hot 100 hit for the American R&B girl group ‘High Inergy,’ in 1977.

Diana Ross had not been keen on recording a ‘Disco’ song, so Hal Davis pulled out all the stops to set the right tone when she recorded her vocals. He scheduled the session late at night, when Diana Ross was at her most most agreeable. He had flashing disco lights set up in the studio, and gave her a vodka to relax her. Diana Ross recorded her vocals at 2.0.am, and after finally settling down, she kicked off her shoes, and got on with it, improvising, and at one point letting out a laugh which made it on to the record. Diana Ross has said, ‘It was a spontaneous thing that we captured on record and if I had to go back in and do it again, I couldn’t have. The music was me and I was the music. Things came out of my mouth that I didn’t even expect.’

‘Love Hangover’ is a very sexual song, where Diana Ross sings about her feelings after making love. Whereas the effect after a hangover brought on by too much alcohol can leave you feeling unwell, a ‘Love Hanger’ can leave you feeling elated.

Don’t call a doctor, don’t call her momma, don’t call her preacher, no, I don’t need it, I don’t want it. Sweet love, I love you, sweet love, need love. If there’s a cure for this I don’t want it.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

520-Mark Morrison-Return of the Mack.

1996-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 1.00. It’s probably what the inmates said to him every time he returned to Her Majesty’s Pleasure.

Mark Morrison was born on May 3rd, 1972, in Hanover, West Germany, both of his parents had originated from Barbados. As a child he emigrated to Highfields, Leicester, England, and then to Miami, Florida, United States, before returning to Britain at the age of 19. Mark Morrison has been involved in several legal issues, which have hindered his career from reaching even greater heights, including the conviction in 1997 for attempting to bring a firearm aboard an airliner, for which he served three months in jail, just as ‘Return of the Mack’ was beginning to take off on the American Billboard chart. In 1998 he was incarcerated in ‘Wormwood Scrubs’ prison in London for a year, for paying a lookalike to perform his court-appointed community service in his place, while he himself went on tour. Mark Morrison also had other major run-ins with the authorities during the first decade of the ‘noughties.’ In 2000 he signed a five year worldwide deal with Suge Knight the founder of the American record label ‘Death Row Records,’ making him the first, and only British, or European artist to be signed by the label.

The discography of Mark Morrison includes two studio Albums, released in 1996, and 2006, and 20 singles released between 1993-2022, there are also two extended plays (EP’s) available. In the UK, nine of those singles have reached the top 40, with ‘Return of the Mack’ making the Number 1 spot. Mark Morrison holds the record of being the first artist in British ‘Pop’ history to have five Top 10 hits from a debut album. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, Morrison is considered a ‘one hit wonder,’ as only ‘Return of the Mack,’ has charted, peaking at Number 2 in 1997, although ‘Moan and Groan,’ (1997) (UK-Number 7) did reach Number 76 on Billboard.

‘Return of the Mack’ was the third of seven singles released from Mark Morrison’s debut studio Album of the same name, from April 1996, the Album has sold in excess of three million copies worldwide. The single ‘Return of the Mack’ was written by Mark Morrison, with the production being by Morrison, Phil Chill, (see also best songs 365) and Cutfather & Joe.’ As of 2021, the single ‘Return of the Mack’ had sold in excess of three million copies worldwide, making it the 570th best selling song on Billboard since 1958, while in the UK, it had sold in excess of 1.2 million copies, making it one of 178 singles that have sold one million copies+ in that country. ‘Return of the Mack’ features unaccredited vocals by British singer Angie Brown, in the songs video her lyrics are lip-synced by the British model Suzannah Agrippa. Brown has performed backing vocals for many of the worlds top artists including The Rolling Stones, and Kate Bush. She is a credited co-artist with the English ‘Dance Music’ group ‘Bizarre Inc,’ on their 1992 UK Number 3 hit single ‘I’m Gonna Get You.’ ‘Return of the Mack’ has several samples, although none get any of the songwriting credits. The main sample is taken from the track ‘Genius of Love,’ which was a 1992 Billboard Number 31 hit for the American group ‘Tom Tom Club,’ ironically the opening lyrics to that song are, ‘What you gonna do when you get out of jail? I’m gonna have some fun.’ Another prominent sample is the 1992 track ‘Games,’ by the American R&B singer Chuckii Booker. Other samples that can be heard to a lesser extent include, ‘UFO’ by ESG, (1981) Cerrone’s ‘Rocket in the Pocket,’ (1978) and ‘Feel The Heartbeat,’ (1983) by The Treacherous Three.

‘Return of the Mack’ was co-produced by Mich Hedin Hansen, who goes by the working title of ‘Cutfather,’ he was born on April 9th, 1968, in Holbæk, Denmark. For many years he had a working relationship with Joe Belmaati, as ‘Cutfather & Joe,’ together they wrote and produced for artists, including Kylie Minogue, and the Pussycat Dolls. Joe Belmaati was born on March 6th, 1969, in Tarnby, Copenhagen, Denmark. ‘Return of the Mack’s other co-producer was Phil Chill, whose real name is Phillip Legg, he is a music producer and recording engineer, who is best known for his 1990 remix of ‘I’m Still Waiting,’ for Diana Ross, which reached Number 21 on the UK top 40 (see also best songs 365.)

According to the ‘Oxford English Dictionary,’ a ‘Mack’ is a ‘confident successful man who has many sexual partners.’ ‘Return of the Mack’ tells the story of Mark Morrison being rejected by his then girlfriend, but instead of feeling sorry for himself, he turns the experience to his advantage. Morrison has said, ‘When I wrote that song, it was all about my moving from the negative to the positive. And that’s how it turned out. Within the space of a year, I went from the lowest point of my life to return as The Mack and move forward to what’s become the highest point of my life.’

‘So I’m back up in the game, running things to keep my swing. Letting all the people know, that I’m back to run the show. ‘Cause what you did, you know was wrong, and all the nasty things you’ve done. So, baby, listen carefully, while I sing my come-back song.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

521-Little Richard-Good Golly, Miss Molly.

1958-Number 8 single.

Best Bit-At 0.17. Little Richard first heard the phrase ‘Good Golly, Miss Molly’ when it was used as a catchphrase by the American Disc Jockey Jimmy Pennick.

Little Richard was born Richard Wayne Penniman on December 5th, 1932, in Macon, Georgia, United States, he died on May 9th, 2020, from a cause related to bone cancer, at the age of 87. Little Richard who was the third of 12 children, was initially supposed to have been called ‘Ricardo,’ but an error switched it to ‘Richard.’ As a child he was nicknamed ‘Lil’ Richard’ by his family, because of his small and skinny frame, this was possibly as a result of complications at birth, he had a slight deformity that left one of his legs shorter than the other, which produced an unusual gait, and he was mocked for his effeminate appearance. Little Richard was born into a deeply religious family, and throughout the whole of his life he attempted to reconcile his wild lifestyle with the teachings of his religion. To complicate things even further Little Richard was also bi-sexual, and he struggled with the Bible’s teachings, and his own sexuality. In 1970 he was ordained a minister, preaching about the Bible’s black characters, and trying to unite the races through God’s love.

Little Richard is considered to be one of the most influential figures in popular music, and not just in the development of ‘Rock ‘N Roll,’ but also in the genres of ‘Soul,’ Funk,’ and ‘Rock’ music. He is cited as one of the first black artists to reach audiences of all races, at a time when black and white segregation was still the normal thing, his music and stage presence helped greatly to break down the barriers. When he was inducted into the ‘Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’ in 1986, as a member of the initial class of inductees chosen for that honour, they said about him, ‘He claims to be ‘the architect of rock and roll.’ and history would seem to bear out Little Richard’s boast. More than any other performer—save, perhaps, Elvis Presley, Little Richard blew the lid off the Fifties, laying the foundation for rock and roll with his explosive music and charismatic persona. On record, he made spine-tingling rock and roll. His frantically charged piano playing and raspy, shouted vocals on such classics as ‘Tutti Frutti,’ ‘Long Tall Sally,’ and ‘Good Golly, Miss Molly,’ defined the dynamic sound of rock and roll.’

The discography of Little Richard includes 19 studio Albums released between 1957-2005, and 77 singles released between 1951-1988, there are also 36 official compilations, and three live Albums available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, nine of his singles have reached the top 40, with ‘Long Tall Sally,’ peaking the highest at Number 6 in 1956, while ‘Good Golly, Miss Molly’ reached Number 10. In the UK, Little Richard has had 16 top 40 hits, with ‘Baby Face’ from 1958, charting the highest at Number 2. His final top 40 hit in the UK, was a live recording of ‘Good Golly, Miss Molly,’ which made Number 37 in 1977.

‘Good Golly, Miss Molly’ was the fifth of eight singles released from Little Richard’s second Album, from July 1958, called ‘Little Richard’ in America, but called ‘Volume 2’ in the UK. ‘Good Golly, Miss Molly’ was co-written by John Marascalco (1931-2020) and Robert ‘Bumps’ Blackwell, (1918-1985) with the production being by Blackwell. John S. Marascalco was born on March 27, 1931, in Grenada, Mississippi, and died on July 5th, 2020, at the age of 89. Together with Robert Blackwell he also wrote other hits for Little Richard, including ‘Ready Teddy,’ (1956) and ‘Rip It Up’ (1956.) Away from Blackwell he co-wrote ‘Be My Guest,’ (1959) made famous by Fats Domino, and ‘Goodnight My Love,’ (1956) a hit firstly for Jesse Belvin. Robert Alexander Blackwell was born on May 23rd, 1918, in Seattle, Washington, United States, he died in 1985, of pneumonia, at the age of 66. Blackwell led a Jazz group in the late 1940’s that included Ray Charles, (1930-2004) and Quincy Jones. In the mid 1950’s he began working at ‘Specialty Records,’ as an arranger and producer, where he worked with artists including Sam Cooke, Larry Williams, and Lloyd Price. In the mid 1960’s Blackwell took over as Little Richard’s manager, and continued to work with him into the 1970’s.

‘Good Golly, Miss Molly’ contains lots of sexual innuendo, for example ‘sure like to ball,’ was a euphemism for oral sex, and ‘rockin and rollin,” also refers to a sexual act. Little Richard has said that the songs intro is more or less a direct lift from the 1951 song ‘Rocket 88,’ by Ike Turner, (1931-2007) and Jackie Brenston, (1928 or 1930-1979) saying, I always liked that record, and I used the riff in my act, so when we were looking for a lead-in to ‘Good Golly Miss Molly,’ I did that and it fit.’

‘I am going to the corner, gonna buy a diamond ring. When she hugs me and kiss me make me ting-a-ling-a-ling. Good golly, Miss Molly, sure like to ball, when you’re rockin’ and a rollin’ can’t hear your momma call.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

522-Brenda Lee-Sweet Nuthin’s.

1960-Number 4 single.

Best Bit-At 1.40. ‘And the radio played that forgotten song, Brenda Lee’s ‘Comin’ On Strong’ (see also best songs 937.)

Brenda Lee was born Brenda Mae Tarpley on December 11th, 1944, in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, at her birth she weighed just 4lb and 11 ounces, and her height as a adult is four feet and nine inches, approximately 145 centimetres. She received her stage name from a local Disc Jockey called Peanuts Fairclough, as he said it would be easier to remember when she was famous. Brenda Lee’s breakthrough came in February 1955 at the age of 10, when she appeared on the same bill as the American ‘Country Music’ singer Red Foley, (1910-1968) who after hearing her sing ‘Jambalaya,’ (see also best songs 555) said, ‘I still get cold chills thinking about the first time I heard that voice. One foot started patting rhythm as though she was stomping out a prairie fire, but not another muscle in that little body even as much as twitched. And when she did that trick of breaking her voice, it jarred me out of my trance enough to realise I’d forgotten to get off the stage. There I stood, after 26 years of supposedly learning how to conduct myself in front of an audience, with my mouth open two miles wide and a glassy stare in my eyes.’ After recording the song ‘Dynamite’ in 1957, and because of her height, she would become affectionately known as ‘Little Miss Dynamite.’ John Lennon was once quoted, saying, ‘She has the greatest Rock N’ Roll voice.’ Between 1960-1962 she accumulated nine consecutive American Billboard top 10 singles, which set a record for a female solo artist, that was not surpassed until 1986 by Madonna. In 2023 Brenda Lee’s festive classic ‘”Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,’ finally made it to Number 1 on Billboard, 65 years after it was first issued, making Brenda Lee at 78 the oldest person to have a Billboard Number 1 single. After falling from the top spot, the song went back to Number 1 in January 2024, and with Brenda Lee now aged 79, she broke her own record.

The discography of Brenda Lee who has sold in excess of 100 million records worldwide, includes, 36 studio Albums released between 1959-2007, and 103 singles between 1956-2001, there are also four collaborative singles, and nine foreign language singles available. Brenda Lee has also issued 63 official compilation Albums, two box sets, and two live Albums. She has had 29 American Billboard top 40 hit singles, with three of those tracks reaching Number 1, while ‘Sweet Nothin’s’ peaked at Number 4. In the UK, Brenda Lee has charted within the top 40 on 19 occasions, with ‘Speak to Me Pretty’ peaking the highest at Number 3 in 1962.

‘Sweet Nothin’s’ as it was issued as in America, and as ‘Sweet Nuthin’s’ in the UK, was the second single released from Brenda Lee’s self titled second studio Album, from August 1960, the song was written by Ronnie Self, (1938-1981) and produced by Owen Bradley (1915-1998.) Ronnie Self was born, Ronald Keith Self on July 5th, 1938, in Tin Town, Missouri, United States, he was a heavy user of amphetamines, alcohol, and marijuana, and died on August 28th, 1982, at the age of 43. It is said that if it hadn’t have been for his erratic, and sometimes violent behaviour, he would have probably have had a very successful solo career in the genre of ‘Rockabilly,’ as well as composing many more songs. As well as writing ‘Sweet Nuffin’s,” he also wrote other hits for Brenda Lee, including, ‘I’m Sorry,’ (1960-Billboard Number 1 & UK Number 12) and ‘Everybody Loves Me But You’ (1962-Billboard Number 6.) His ‘Country Gospel’ song ‘Ain’t That Beautiful Singing,’ recorded by the American ‘Southern Gospel’ singer Jake Hess, (1927-2004) was awarded a ‘Grammy Award’ for ‘Best Sacred Performance’ in 1969.

‘Sweet Nuthin’s” saxophone break was played by Boots Randolph, who was born Homer Louis Randolph III, on June 3rd, 1927, in Paducah, Kentucky, United States, he died on July 3rd, 2007, after suffering a brain haemorrhage, at the age of 80. He said that one of his brothers gave him the nickname ‘Boots’ to avoid confusion, since his father and he had the same first name, though the reason for the nickname choice is unknown. Boots Randolph performed the saxophone on countless recordings, including Roy Orbison’s ‘Oh Pretty Woman,’ (see also best songs 657) Elvis Presley’s ‘Return to Sender,’ and Brenda Lee’s ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.’ He also composed the ‘Pop’ novelty instrumental ‘Yakety Sax,’ which reached Number 35 on Billboard in 1963, but has become far better known as the closing theme music of ‘The Benny Hill Show.’

In 2013 the ‘Hip-Hop’ artist Kanye West (see also best songs 1049-849-477-and 267) sampled Brenda Lee’s voice from ‘Sweet Nuthin’s” for his song ‘Bound 2,’ on his Album ‘Yeezus,’ which in turn was sample by the British ‘Drum and Bass’ duo ‘Sigma,’ on their 2014 single ‘Nobody to Love,’ Brenda Lee has stated that she was flattered. In 1986, the American music producer David Z adapted Brenda Lee’s vocals from ‘Sweet Nuthin’s” to produce the distinctive backing vocals in ‘Kiss,’ which went on to give Prince his third American Billboard Number 1 single.

‘Uh huh, honey alright. My baby whispers in my ear, mm sweet nothin’s. He knows the things I like to hear, mm sweet nothin’s. Things he wouldn’t tell nobody else, secret baby I keep them to myself. Sweet nothin’s um sweet nothin’s.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

523-Grandmaster & Melle Mel-White Lines (Don’t Don’t Do It)

1984-Number 7 single.

Best Bit-At 3.25. A second wonderful ‘Message.’

When ‘White Lines (Don’t Don’t Do It’) was originally released on the ‘Sugar Hill’ record label, it was credited to ‘Grandmaster & Melle Mel,’ this was to mislead the public into thinking that ‘Grandmaster Flash (see also best songs 290 and 87) had participated on the record, as he had done a year earlier on ‘The Message,’ but he hadn’t, as he had recently left ‘Sugar Hill’ records over a dispute about royalties.

Melle Mel was born Melvin Glover on May 15th, 1961, in The Bronx, New York City, United States, it is said that he may have been the first rapper to call himself ‘MC’ (master of ceremonies.) Melle Mel was one of the six founding members of the ‘Hip-Hop’ group ‘Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five,’ who were formed in The Bronx, New York City, in 1978. Another of the groups members was Keith ‘Cowboy’ Wiggins, (1960-1989) who is credited with coining the term ‘Hip-Hop,’ in 1978, while teasing a friend who had just joined the U. S. Army, by scat singing the made up words ‘hip/hop/hip/hop,’ in a way that mimicked the rhythmic cadence of marching soldiers. The discography of Melle Mel includes his only solo Album ‘Muscles,’ from 2007, and his two Albums as part of ‘Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five,’ in 1982, and 1988, he was also part of the group ‘Die Hard,’ who released an Album called ‘On Lock,’ in 2001. Melle Mel has released four collaborative Albums with others between 1984-2006, and he appears on 12 compilation Albums issued between 1983-2010. On the singles front, he has appeared on 47 tracks, as either a solo artist, as part of a group, or in collaboration with others between 1979-2016, but of course Melle Mel will always be best remembered for providing the ‘Rap’ on the Chaka Khan 1984, Billboard Number 3 & UK Number 1 single ‘I Feel For You’ (see also best songs 85.)

‘White Lines (Don’t Don’t Do It’) was released as a stand alone single in October 1983, on the ‘Sugar Hill’ record label, and can be filed under ‘Old-school Hip-Hop.’ The track was co-written by Sylvia Robinson, (1935-2011) (see also best songs 597-466-290 and 17) and Melle Mel, with the production credited to them both, as well as Joey Robinson Jr. (1962-2015.) Like it’s predecessor ‘The Message,’ the song is considered as an inspiration for future socially conscious, and politically orientated ‘Rap’ groups such as ‘Public Enemy, (see also best songs 578 and 37) and N.W.A. (see also best songs 564 and 128.) ‘White Lines (Don’t Don’t Do It’) is a song about Cocaine, and urges listeners not to take it. The song also makes the case that the drug laws in the United States are racist and unjust, with poor black kids getting much harsher penalties for drug offences than white businessmen. Some of the lyrics refer to the American car manufacturer John DeLorean, (1925-2005) who in 1982 became involved in a scheme to save his company from bankruptcy using drug money. He was arrested by the ‘FBI’ for trying to buy 24 kilos of Cocaine, but successfully defended himself against the charges, as he proved his alleged involvement was because of entrapment by federal agents.

‘White Lines (Don’t Don’t Do It’) heavily samples the song ‘Cavern,’ by the American group ‘Liquid Liquid,’ from 1983, interloping the bass line from that track, as well as that songs vocal melody, with ‘What side,’ becoming ‘White lines.’ ‘Liquid Liquid’s’ record label ’99 Records’ successfully sued ‘Sugar Hill’ records for $660,000, but ‘Sugar Hill’ who were struggling financially at that time didn’t pay, instead declaring themselves bankrupt.

In 1995 Melle Mel joined forces with the British group Duran Duran to record a new version of ‘White Lines (Don’t Don’t Do It’) for their covers Album called ‘Thank You,’ the song was a hit in the UK reaching Number 17, although the single and it’s parent Album were critically panned, with the British magazine ‘Q’ voting ‘Thank You’ the ‘Worst Album Ever Made in 2006.’

‘Ticket to ride, white line highway, tell all your friends, that they can go my way. Pay your toll, sell your soul, pound for pound costs more than gold. The longer you stay, the more you pay, my white line go a long way, either up your nose or through your vein, with nothin’ to gain except killin’ your brain. Freeze, rock, freeze, rock.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

524-Stealers Wheel-Stuck in the Middle with You.

1973-Number 8 single.

Best Bit-At 1.02. It’s the Reservoir, Dogs bollo#ks.

Stealers Wheel were a ‘Folk/Rock’ group who were formed in Paisley, Scotland, in 1972, by the schoolboy friends Joe Egan, and Gerry Rafferty. (1947-2011) (see also best songs 61) The first line up included three others who left before performing on the groups self titled debut studio Album, and were replaced by Paul Pilnick, (1941-2021) Tony Williams, and Rod Coombes, who all played on this track, and it’s parent Album. Shortly before the release of that debut Album, Gerry Rafferty quit the group, but after the success of ‘Stuck in the Middle with You’ he was persuaded to return. By the time of their second Album release ‘Ferguslie Park,’ in 1973, Stealers Wheel had become a duo of Joe Egan, and Gerry Rafferty, with various backing musicians on guitar, bass, and drums, brought in for recording purposes. The second Album proved to be no where as commercially successful as their debut Album, and with increasing tensions between Egan and Rafferty, they went on a year and a half hiatus. By the time their third and final album ‘Right or Wrong’ was released in 1975, they had completely disbanded. In 2008 previous members of Stealers Wheel not including Egan or Rafferty briefly got together at the request of ‘iTunes,’ and ‘K-tel’ in California, to promote their back catalogue, they also began writing new songs, but this venture was short lived. In total there have been 11 official members of Stealers Wheel at varying points.

The discography of Stealers Wheel includes three studio Albums released between 1972-1975, and five singles released between 1973-1975, there are also three official compilation Albums available. In the UK, three of their singles have reached the top 40, with ‘Stuck in the Middle with You’ peaking the highest at Number 8, while in America on the Billboard Hot 100, they have charted within the top 40 twice, with ‘Stuck in the Middle with You’ peaking at Number 6, and ‘Star’ making Number 29, both in 1973.

‘Stuck in the Middle with You’ was the third and final single released from Stealers Wheel’s self titled debut studio Album from November 1972. The song was co-written by Joe Egan, and Gerry Rafferty, with the production being by the legendary songwriting, and production duo of Jerry Leiber, (1933-2011) and Mike Stoller, (see also best songs 954-804-124 and 86) Leiber and Stoller would go on to produce all three studio Albums for Stealers Wheel. Joe Egan was born on October 18th, 1946, in Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland. He had known Gerry Rafferty since their school days, and prior to forming Stealers Wheel, the pair had previously played together in various other groups including ‘The Sensors,’ and ‘The Maverix.’ After the split of Stealers Wheel, Joe Egan released two solo Albums in 1979, and 1991, and then left the music business in the 1990’s.

‘Stuck in the Middle with You’ was written by Joe Egan and Gerry Rafferty, as a parody of Bob Dylan’s (see also best songs 792-621-358-103-36 and 7) paranoia, and it was sung in a style by Rafferty in order to imitate Dylan, which did indeed fool many in to thinking it was a Bob Dylan song. The lyrics refer to people in the music industry, the management and executives of record labels, who are the clowns and the jokers. The band had to reluctantly do a promotion in a fancy London restaurant, and the lyrics tell the tale of them trying to get out of the entire thing, which they detested. Throughout his whole career Gerry Rafferty hated that he had to act like a ‘Rock Star,’ when what he really wanted to do was just play his music, and than fade away in to the background, but he knew in order for his music to be heard, he had to play by the celebrity lifestyle rules. Gerry Rafferty had enjoyed alcohol from a young age, and in later years probably used it as a crutch to help him try to shun the fame and celebrity that accompanied his musical achievements. In 2010 he was admitted to hospital where he was put on a life-support machine and treated for multiple organ failure. After being taken off life support, he rallied for a short time, and doctors thought that he might recover. Gerry Rafferty died of liver failure on the 4th January, 2011, at the age of 63.

In 1992 ‘Stuck in the Middle with You’ was brought to the attention of a whole new generation when the film producer Quentin Tarantino chose to use the song for scene where the character of Mr Blonde taunts and tortures a policeman in the film ‘Reservoir Dogs. Tarantino has said, ‘That was one of those things where I thought the song would work really well, and during auditions, I told the actors that I wanted them to do the torture scene, and I’m gonna use ‘Stuck in the Middle With You,’ but they could pick anything they wanted, they didn’t have to use that song. And a couple people picked another one, but almost everyone came in with ‘Stuck in the Middle With You,’ and they were saying that they tried to come up with something else, but that’s the one. The first time somebody actually did the torture scene to that song, the guy didn’t even have a great audition, but it was like watching the movie. I was thinking, ‘Oh my God, this is gonna be awesome!” In 2001 the English singer ‘Louise’ released a cover version of ‘Stuck in the Middle With You,’ which reached Number 4 on the UK top 40.

‘Well, I don’t know why I came here tonight, I got the feeling that something ain’t right. I’m so scared in case I fall off my chair, and I’m wondering how I’ll get down the stairs. Clowns to the left of me, Jokers to the right, here I am stuck in the middle with you.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

525-Ramsey Lewis-Wade in the Water.

1966-On it’s initial release it did not chart in the UK. Due to it’s popularity with the ‘Northern Soul’ scene, it entered the UK chart in 1972, reaching Number 31.

Best Bit-At 0.12. ‘Slave to the Rhythm.’

‘Wade in the Water’ in it’s original form is a ‘Spiritual’ song that dates back to the early 19th Century, whose lyrics were meant to convey, encourage, and remind escaping slaves in a coded message, of the dangers they were in, for example, if the would be fugitive took to the water as a means of trying to escape, it would throw pursuing bloodhounds off the scent. In it’s original form the songs verses compare the plight of the African/American slave with that of the Israelite’s escape out of Egypt.

The lyrics to ‘Wade in the Water’ whose original writer is unknown, were first published in 1901, by the collector, arranger, harmoniser, and composer of songs, the American born Frederick Jerome Work, (1879-1942) and his brother, John Wesley Work Jr. (1871-1925) who was a musicologist, and the first African-American collector of Folk songs and Spirituals, he was also a choral director, educationalist singer and songwriter. ‘Wade in the Water’ and other traditional songs were published by the brothers as ‘New Jubilee Songs,’ and first performed by the ‘Fisk Jubilee Singers.’ The first commercial recording of ‘Wade in the Water’ was made in 1925 by ‘The Sunset Four Jubilee Singers,’ and released by ‘Paramount Records.’ Other famous recordings of the song are by Bob Dylan, the Staple Singers, Marlena Shaw, (1939-2024) Eva Cassidy, (1963-1996) and of course this one by Ramsey Lewis.

‘Wade in the Water’ was also the title of Ramsey Lewis’ 24th Album release, from July 1966, the Ramsey Lewis recording is an instrumental, and was produced by Esmond Edwards (1927-2007.) Playing on the track were Ramsey Lewis, (1935-2022) (keyboards) John Avant, (1927-1988) (trombone) Cleveland Eton, (1939-2020) (see also best songs 980) (bass) and Maurice White, (1941-23016) (see also best songs 916 and 462) (drums) who went on to form Earth Wind & Fire in 1969.

Ramsey Emmanuel Lewis Jr. was born on May 27th, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois, United States, he passed away in his sleep on September 12th, 2022, at the age of 87. His initial work was in the genre of ‘Jazz,’ but after finding commercial success with this song and others, a lot of his music became more ‘Pop’ orientated. In 1955, after playing with a number of local groups, Ramsey Lewis formed the ‘Ramsey Lewis Trio,’ with the drummer Isaac ‘Redd’ Holt,’ (1932-2023) and the bass player Eldee Young, (1936-2007) as a trio they signed with ‘Chess Records,’ and released their debut album, ‘Ramsey Lewis and his Gentle-men of Swing,’ in 1956. It was following their breakthrough hit ‘The ‘In’ Crowd’ (see also best songs 243) in 1965, that they decided to concentrate more on ‘Pop’ material. In 1966 Young and Holt left the trio to form ‘Young-Holt Unlimited,’ and were replaced by Cleveland Eaton, and Maurice White. In addition to recording, Ramsey Lewis also was a broadcaster, and hosted the weekly syndicated radio program ‘Legends of Jazz,’ which was created in 1990, and syndicated by ‘United Stations Radio Networks.’ He also hosted the ‘Ramsey Lewis Morning Show,’ on Chicago ‘smooth jazz’ radio station, ‘WNUA.’ Ramsey Lewis was also active in musical education in Chicago, where he founded the ‘Ramsey Lewis Foundation,’ established the ‘Ravinia’s Jazz Mentor Program,’ and served on the board of trustees for the ‘Merit School of Music,’ and ‘The Chicago High School for the Arts.’ In 2005 he founded the ‘Ramsey Lewis Foundation,’ which promoted musical instrument education to children.’ The discography of Ramsey Lewis includes over 80 Albums issued between 1956-2022, and 27 singles released between 1964-1987, of which six of those singles reached the American Billboard Hot 100, with ‘The ‘In’ Crowd,’ from 1965, peaking the highest at Number 5, while ‘Wade in the Water’ reached Number 19. In the UK, ‘Wade in the Water’ is his only chart entry.

‘Wade in the Water’ is an African American jubilee song, and can be filed under the musical genre of ‘Spiritual,’ which is in reference to a genre of music created and first sung by African/Americans in slavery. ‘Spirituals’ which are also known as ‘Negro spirituals,’ ‘African American spirituals,’ ‘Black spirituals,’ or ‘spiritual music,’ is a genre of Christian music that is associated with African Americans, which merged varied African cultural influences with the experiences of being held in bondage in slavery, at first during the transatlantic slave trade, and for centuries afterwards, through the domestic slave trade. ‘Spirituals’ encompass the ‘sing songs,’ ‘work songs,’ and ‘plantation songs,’ with many new derivative music genres such as the ‘Blues’ emerging from the ‘Spirituals’ song-craft down the centuries.

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

526-Nas-One Mic.

2002-It has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 1.18. Too often all ‘Rap’ is tarred with the same brush. There are those who brag about the six figure sums they have just been paid, the amount of bitc#es they have taken to bed, and the size of their genitalia, and then there are the ‘keeping it real’ Rappers, with a real message.

Nas was born Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, on September 14th, 1973, in Brooklyn, New York City, United States, to date he has sold in excess of 25 million records worldwide, and in many compiled lists of the best Rappers, and lyricists, he continuously appears in the all time top 10. Nas whose father is the Jazz musician Olu Dara, began his music career in 1989 as ‘Nasty Nas,’ and was first heard on record when guesting on the 1991 track ‘Live at the Barbecue,’ by the ‘East coast Hip-Hop’ group ‘Main Source.’ Nas then went on to record his debut Album ‘Illmatic’ in 1994, which is considered by many music critics to be one of the greatest ‘Hip-Hop’ Albums of all time. The American music journalist Peter Shapiro has written about Nas, saying that he creates a ‘Devastating match between lyrics and production.’ There have also been comparisons made between Nas and ‘Rakim’ (see also best songs 856.)

The discography of Nas includes 17 studio Albums released between 1994-2023, and 79 singles released between 1992-2024, there is also one collaborative Album, one group Album, four mixtapes, and five official compilation Albums available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, as the lead artist, he has had three top 40 entries, with ‘I Can’ from 2003, peaking the highest at Number 12, while ‘One Mic’ reached Number 43. On Billboard as a featured artist Nas has had seven top 40 hits, with ‘Hot Boyz,’ by Missy Elliott, featuring Lil’ Mo, Nas, Eve, and Q-Tip, making Number 5 in 1999. In the UK, Nas has charted within the top 40 as the lead artist on nine occasions, with both ‘If I Ruled the World (Imagine That’) featuring Lauryn Hill, (1996) and ‘Street Dreams’ (1996) both peaking the highest at Number 12. As the featured artist in the UK, Nas has had eight top 40 chart entries, with I’m Gonna Be Alright,” the Track Masters Remix,’ by Jennifer Lopez, featuring Nas, charting the highest at Number 3 in 2002.

‘One Mic’ was the last of four singles released from ‘Stillmatic,’ which is the fifth studio Album released by Nas, from December 2001. ‘One Mic’ was co-written, and co-produced by Nas, and Chucky Thompson, and contains samples from the songs ‘In the Air Tonight,’ by Phil Collins, and ‘I’m Gonna Love You Just a Little More Baby,’ by Barry White, although neither of those artists receive songwriting credits. Chucky Thompson was born Carl Edward Thompson Jr. on July 12th, 1968, in Washington D. C. United States, he died of complications of COVID-19, on August 9th, 2021, at the age of 53. Chucky Thompson worked as a music producer for ‘Bad Boy Entertainment’ ‘Hitmen,’ where he produced tracks for their rosta of artists, including The Notorious B.I.G.’s, Big Poppa, (see also best songs 307) from his ‘Ready To Die’ Album, (1994) and the Faith Evans tracks, ‘You Used to Love Me,’ and ‘Soon As I Get Home,’ from her Album ‘Faith’ (1995.)

‘One Mic’ is a ‘Hip-Hop’ track, that can also be filed under the musical sub-genre of ‘Conscious Hip-Hop.’ ‘Conscious Hip-Hop’ is a sub-genre of ‘Hip Hop’ that challenges the dominant cultural, social, political, philosophical, and economic consensus, and/or comments on, or focuses on, social issues and conflicts. Some themes of ‘Conscious Hip-Hop’ include’ social conscience, Afro-centricity, religion, culture, the economy, depictions of the struggles of ordinary people, and aversion to, or commentary on, crime and violence. ‘Conscious Hip-Hop’ often seeks to raise awareness of social issues, sometimes leaving the listeners to form their own opinions rather than advocating for certain ideas and demanding actions like another sub-genre of ‘Hip-Hop,’ called ‘Political Hip-Hop.’ ‘Conscious Hip-Hop’ artists often use their music to express their views on a wide range of topics, including politics, race, poverty, and the environment. Other examples of ‘Conscious Hip-Hop’ in this ‘1000 Best Songs’ list include, ‘The Message’ by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, (see also best songs 290) and ‘Fight the Power,’ by Public Enemy, (see also best songs 578) these songs could also be filed under ‘Political Hip-Hop.’

In ‘One Mic,’ Nas tells us of his experiences growing up in the ghetto. He tells us of his desire to lead a simple and positive life, with the guidance of God. Nas has said, ‘I’m a huge fan of Phil Collins, and I just wanted to take the vibe from In the Air Tonight. One Mic is just about the power. It’s almost like ‘Hip Hop is Dead’ (2006-Nas Album) in its infant stages, saying how much this is a blessing to be out here, speaking about what’s happening in my neighbourhood, having the whole world understand and relate. One Mic just gives me the ability, no matter how much ignorant people are mad that I’m exposing or talking about our country, no matter what the language is, I’m talking in a language that the people can hear, I’m not sugar-coating it. So if it scares people and people feel guilty, people feel like they’ve got to make up excuses to why the world’s this way, no matter what they say, like they’ve got their mic, I’ve got mine, and that’s what that song’s about.’

All I need is one mic, that’s all I need, that’s all I need. There’s nuttin’ else in the world, that’s all a nig#a need to do his thing.’