July 1984 -- Soundtracks everywhere

It's July 1984, when the veterans returned, and a music video and movie trailer were indistinguishable.  Footloose, Ghostbusters, Purple Rain, Streets of Fire, Breakin, Romancing the Stone -- all up and down the charts.

Last hit (of many):  the Go-Go's, Jefferson Starship, Sergio Mendes, Billy Squier, Robin Gibb (solo)
First hit (among many): John Waite (hitting #1), Shiela E

Very good chart overall -- lots of 4's
Favorite:  (5-star),: Springsteen, Squier, Pointers, Shiela E -- winner:  Jump for my Love!

1 1 WHEN DOVES CRY –•– Prince (Warner Brothers)-9 (4 Weeks at #1) (1)
2 3 GHOSTBUSTERS –•– Ray Parker, Jr. (Arista)-7 (2)
3 2 DANCING IN THE DARK –•– Bruce Springsteen (Columbia)-10 (2)
4 6 STATE OF SHOCK –•– The Jacksons with Mick Jagger (Epic)-5 (4)
5 4 EYES WITHOUT A FACE –•– Billy Idol (Chrysalis)-13 (4)
6 10 INFATUATION –•– Rod Stewart (Warner Brothers)-10 (6)
7 9 SAD SONGS (Say So Much) –•– Elton John (Geffen)-8 (7)
8 8 LEGS –•– ZZ Top (Warner Brothers)-11 (8)
9 16 WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT –•– Tina Turner (Capitol)-11 (9)
10 5 JUMP (For My Love) –•– The Pointer Sisters (Planet)-14 (3)

11 13 BREAKIN’… THERE’S NO STOPPING US –•– Ollie & Jerry (Polydor)-9 (11)
12 7 ALMOST PARADISE –•– Mike Reno & Ann Wilson (Columbia)-12 (7)
13 17 I CAN DREAM ABOUT YOU –•– Dan Hartman (MCA)-13 (13)
14 11 DOCTOR! DOCTOR! –•– Thompson Twins (Arista)-10 (11)
15 18 STUCK ON YOU –•– Lionel Richie (Motown)-6 (15)
16 12 MAGIC –•– The Cars (Elektra)-11 (12)
17 15 SELF CONTROL –•– Laura Branigan (Atlantic)-16 (4)
18 22 IF EVER YOU’RE IN MY ARMS AGAIN –•– Peabo Bryson (Elektra)-12 (18)
19 25 SUNGLASSES AT NIGHT –•– Corey Hart (EMI-America)-10 (19)
20 21 PANAMA –•– Van Halen (Warner Brothers)-6 (20)

21 14 THE REFLEX –•– Duran Duran (Capitol)-15 (1)
22 24 I’M FREE (Heaven Helps The Man) –•– Kenny Loggins (Columbia)-7 (22)
23 28 ROUND AND ROUND –•– Ratt (Atlantic)-7 (23)
24 20 DANCE HALL DAYS –•– Wang Chung (Geffen)-15 (16)
25 29 SHE’S MINE –•– Steve Perry (Columbia)-5 (25)
26 26 ROMANCING THE STONE –•– Eddy Grant (Portrait)-11 (26)
27 19 THE HEART OF ROCK ‘N ROLL –•– Huey Lewis & The News (Chrysalis)-15 (6)
28 23 NO WAY OUT –•– Jefferson Starship (Grunt)-12 (23)
29 36 MISSING YOU –•– John Waite (EMI-America)-6 (29)
30 32 SEXY GIRL –•– Glenn Frey (MCA)-5 (30)

31 31 ALIBIS –•– Sergio Mendes (A&M)-10 (31)
32 34 ROCK ME TONITE –•– Billy Squier (Capitol)-4 (32)
33 35 TURN TO YOU –•– The Go-Go’s (I.R.S.)-7 (33)
34 41 LIGHTS OUT –•– Peter Wolf (EMI-America)-3 (34)
35 45 IF THIS IS IT –•– Huey Lewis & The News (Chrysalis)-2 (35)
36 39 THE GLAMOROUS LIFE –•– Sheila E. (Warner Brothers)-7 (36)
37 40 THE WARRIOR –•– Scandal Featuring Patty Smyth (Columbia)-5 (37)
38 38 10-9-8 –•– Face To Face (Epic)-9 (38)
39 52 SHE BOP –•– Cyndi Lauper (Portrait)-2 (39)
40 37 BOYS DO FALL IN LOVE –•– Robin Gibb (Mirage)-9 (37)

July 1975 -- full swing disco

I got to hear most of the countdown today, which is one week later than the chart played last year which I blogged about.  Special things that caught my attention this year:  it starts off with two very slow songs.  Having now read a book about the countdown, I see what a problem it can be with the first 10 hits -- if they're too slow, or loaded with out-of-the-mainstream songs (spoken word, heavy country or R&B, instrumentals, ...) it can turn off your audience.  Yet, the countdown simply played the chart as it was, which as a chart lover, I appreciate.

A number of songs were follow-ons to #1's -- Earth Wind and Fire, Charlie Rich, Freddie Fender, Eagles, Tony Orlando -- and only the Eagles was a big hit, itself going to #1.

Glen Campbell would eventually hit #1, but not until 4 others would, including one not even in the 40.  What would not hit #1?  Elton John, despite Casey's prediction.  Casey also predicted that Elton's hot streak of #1 albums would threaten records by Bing Crosby (10) and Elvis (9) for most #1's by a male soloist.  Nope.  Only 1 more to come, leaving him at 7, which would be passed by some diverse artists: Bruce Springsteen, Kenny Chesney, Garth Brooks, and Jay-Z.

And at #1, a disco classic, "The Hustle," with other disco records at #6, #7, and #10.

First chart single (of many): Melissa Manchester, Ambrosia, Aerosmith, and Mike Post (strange bedfellows)

Last hit (of many) -- Ray Stevens

Favorites:  4-star Glen Campbell, Captain and Tennille, Hamilton Joe Frank, and Reynolds -- the winner -- "Rhinestone Cowboy"

1 2 THE HUSTLE –•– Van McCoy and the Soul City Symphony (Avco)-15 (1 week at #1)
2 3 I’M NOT IN LOVE –•– 10 c.c. (Mercury)-11
3 4 ONE OF THESE NIGHTS –•– The Eagles (Asylum)-9
4 5 PLEASE MR. PLEASE –•– Olivia Newton-John (MCA)-8
5 1 LISTEN TO WHAT THE MAN SAID –•– Paul McCartney and Wings (Capitol)-9
6 7 SWEARIN’ TO GOD –•– Frankie Valli (Private Stock)-11
7 9 JIVE TALKIN’ –•– The Bee Gees (RSO)-9
8 15 SOMEONE SAVED MY LIFE TONIGHT –•– Elton John (MCA)-4
9 11 MIDNIGHT BLUE –•– Melissa Manchester (Arista)-12
10 10 ROCKIN’ CHAIR –•– Gwen McCrae (Cat)-11

11 13 DYNOMITE (Part 1) –•– Bazuka (Tony Camillo’s) (A&M)-15
12 12 THE WAY WE WERE / TRY TO REMEMBER (Medley) –•– Gladys Knight and the Pips (Buddah)-14
13 8 LOVE WILL KEEP US TOGETHER –•– The Captain and Tennille (A&M)-15
14 16 WHY CAN’T WE BE FRIENDS –•– War (United Aritsts)-13
15 17 THE ROCKFORD FILES –•– Mike Post (MGM)-11
16 19 RHINESTONE COWBOY –•– Glen Campbell (Capitol)-9
17 20 HOW SWEET IT IS (To Be Loved By You) –•– James Taylor (Warner Brothers)-6
18 18 I’M ON FIRE –•– The Dwight Twilley Band (Shelter)-14
19 22 EVERYTIME YOU TOUCH ME (I Get High) –•– Charlie Rich (Epic)-9
20 24 MORNIN’ BEAUTIFUL –•– Tony Orlando and Dawn (Elektra)-6

21 21 WILDFIRE –•– Michael Murphy (Epic)-18
22 25 SLIPPERY WHEN WET –•– The Commodores (Motown)-12
23 6 MAGIC –•– Pilot (EMI)-17
24 30 FIGHT THE POWER (Part 1) –•– The Isley Brothers (T-Neck)-6
25 32 AT SEVENTEEN –•– Janis Ian (Columbia)-7
26 14 MISTY –•– Ray Stevens (Barnaby)-14
27 33 FALLIN’ IN LOVE –•– Hamilton, Joe Frank and Reynolds (Playboy)-6
28 28 DISCO QUEEN –•– Hot Chocolate (Big Tree)-9
29 35 SATURDAY NIGHT SPECIAL –•– Lynyrd Skynyrd (MCA)-7
30 34 JUST A LITTLE BIT OF YOU –•– Michael Jackson (Motown)-8

31 37 HOLDIN’ ON TO YESTERDAY –•– Ambrosia (20th Century)-7
32 38 WASTED DAYS AND WASTED NIGHTS –•– Freddy Fender (ABC / Dot)-6
33 44 FEEL LIKE MAKIN’ LOVE –•– Bad Company (Swan Song)-4
34 40 COULD IT BE MAGIC –•– Barry Manilow (Arista)-5
35 41 THAT’S THE WAY OF THE WORLD –•– Earth, Wind and Fire (Columbia)-4
36 36 SWEET EMOTION –•– Aerosmith (Columbia)-7
37 50 BLUEBIRD –•– Helen Reddy (Capitol)-4
38 46 THIRD RATE ROMANCE –•– The Amazing Rhythm Aces (ABC)-6
39 27 I’M NOT LISA –•– Jessi Colter (Capitol)-17
40 51 SEND IN THE CLOWNS –•– Judy Collins (Elektra)-6

Best by Chart Position -- #40

Starting a new series today of my favorites by each chart position, today starting at #40.  Interesting how many of these ended up being the first or last (or both!) by an artist.

1980's 

The Cure                   - Just Like Heaven                         1987 - Best overall, 5-star, first hit

Donna Summer   - Who Do You Think You're Foolin' 1981

Barbra Streisand   - Way He Makes Me Feel, The         1983        - From "Yentl"

Yes                           - Rhythm Of Love                         1987        - Last Top 40 hit

Paul Anka           - Hold Me 'Til the Morning Comes      1983        - Last Top 40 hit

Blue Öyster Cult   - Burnin' For You                                 1981        - Last Top 40 hit

Communards*          - Don't Leave Me This Way                 1987        - Only Top 40 hit

Kim Carnes               - Invisible Hands                                 1983

Jeffrey Osborne   - Last Time I Made Love (w/ Joyce Kennedy) 1984 - Only Top 40 hit

Eurythmics           - Don't Ask Me Why                         1989        - Last Top 40 hit

1970's

Yes                           I've Seen All Good People                 1977

1990's

Melissa Etheridge  Nowhere to Go                                 1995

2000's

Coldplay                  Violet Hill                                         2008          - 5-star

2010's

Ke$ha                   Crazy Kids (f/ Juicy J)                         2013

July 1988 -- long runs of #1s

Last year they counted down the chart for two weeks from this one, so not much difference.  Whitney Houston's climbing with her first song to miss #1 in 8 tries...an unbelievable track record even when the door to #1 rotated so frequently -- no one else has matched that on the pop charts.  In a related record, "Dirty Diana" is falling after being the fifth #1 in a row from the same album, another feat yet to be broken.

More variety than in much of the 80's as we have rap, a/c, jazzy sophisti-pop, big hair rock, pop, classic rock, R&B, dance, and folk. 

First hits (of many): None
Last hits:  The Jets

Favorite:  Elton John

1 1 THE FLAME –•– Cheap Trick – 15 (1)

2 2 MERCEDES BOY –•– Pebbles – 11 (2)
3 3 POUR SOME SUGAR ON ME –•– Def Leppard – 13 (3)
4 4 NEW SENSATION –•– INXS – 10 (4)
5 8 HOLD ON TO THE NIGHTS –•– Richard Marx – 9 (5)
6 12 ROLL WITH IT –•– Steve Winwood – 6 (6)
7 10 NITE AND DAY –•– Al B. Sure! – 15 (7)
8 14 HANDS TO HEAVEN –•– Breathe – 14 (8)
9 16 MAKE ME LOSE CONTROL –•– Eric Carmen – 9 (9)
10 6 NOTHIN’ BUT A GOOD TIME –•– Poison – 13 (6)

11 15 RUSH HOUR –•– Jane Wiedlin – 11 (11)
12 13 LOST IN YOU –•– Rod Stewart – 11 (12)
13 7 FOOLISH BEAT –•– Debbie Gibson – 13 (1)
14 17 SIGN YOUR NAME –•– Terence Trent D’Arby – 8 (14)
15 5 DIRTY DIANA –•– Michael Jackson – 11 (1)
16 9 THE VALLEY ROAD –•– Bruce Hornsby & The Range – 12 (5)
17 21 PARENTS JUST DON’T UNDERSTAND –•– D.J. Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince – 9 (17)
18 22 PARADISE –•– Sade – 10 (18)
19 24 1-2-3 –•– Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine – 7 (19)
20 11 MAKE IT REAL –•– The Jets – 14 (4)

21 27 I DON’T WANNA GO ON WITH YOU LIKE THAT –•– Elton John – 5 (21)
22 25 JUST GOT PAID –•– Johnny Kemp – 10 (22)
23 31 I DON’T WANNA LIVE WITHOUT YOUR LOVE –•– Chicago – 7 (23)
24 28 DO YOU LOVE ME –•– The Contours – 7 (24)
25 29 THE COLOUR OF LOVE –•– Billy Ocean – 8 (25)
26 18 I STILL BELIEVE –•– Brenda K. Starr – 16 (13)
27 34 LOVE CHANGES (EVERYTHING) –•– Climie Fisher – 10 (27)
28 33 I SHOULD BE SO LUCKY –•– Kylie Minoque – 11 (28)
29 36 THE TWIST –•– The Fat Boys & Chubby Checker – 5 (29)
30 19 TOGETHER FOREVER –•– Rick Astley – 14 (1)

31 23 BEDS ARE BURNING –•– Midnight Oil – 16 (17)
32 20 KISS ME DEADLY –•– Lita Ford – 16 (12)
33 38 RAG DOLL –•– Aerosmith – 7 (33)
34 26 TALL COOL ONE –•– Robert Plant – 14 (25)
35 40 LOVE WILL SAVE THE DAY –•– Whitney Houston – 3 (35)
36 42 MONKEY –•– George Michael – 2 (36)
37 43 FAST CAR –•– Tracy Chapman – 7 (37)
38 32 ONE MORE TRY –•– George Michael – 14 (1)
39 35 TROUBLE –•– Nia Peeples – 10 (35)
40 46 SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE –•– Robert Palmer – 3 (40)

July 1974 -- Disco begins in earnest

Replacing the (debatably) first disco song to hit #1 ("Rock the Boat") is the 2nd -- "Rock your Baby" -- bow, plenty of non-disco songs hit #1 in the next 5 years, but this really noted the beginning of the Disco Era that so dominated pop music in the late 70's.  And interesting that these trailblazers went on to such modest success.

In contrast, the charts (as noted by this guy) were filled with much adult contemporary pop, including the especially embarassing Anne Murray song at #8 and weak #1's of "the Night Chicago Died" and "Billy, Don't be a Hero."

First hit (of many) -- Abba, the Commodores, Jimmy Buffett, Rufus (f/ Chaka Khan)

Last -- Jim Croce :'-(, in his very last week in the top 40

Strangely never heard: Elvis

Favorites (all 4-star): McCrae, Hues Corporation, Dave Loggins, John Denver and the best -- Waterloo!

1 1 ROCK YOUR BABY –•– George McCrae (T.K.)-8 (2 weeks at #1)
2 2 ANNIE’S SONG –•– John Denver (RCA)-8
3 10 ROCK AND ROLL HEAVEN –•– The Righteous Brothers (Haven)-9
4 6 DON’T LET THE SUN GO DOWN ON ME –•– Elton John (MCA)-5
5 5 ON AND ON –•– Gladys Knight and the Pips (Buddah)-9
6 3 ROCK THE BOAT –•– The Hues Corporation (RCA)-9
7 13 RIKKI, DON’T LOSE THAT NUMBER –•– Steely Dan (ABC)-11
8 8 YOU WON’T SEE ME / HE THINKS I STILL CARE –•– Anne Murray (Capitol)-14
9 9 THE AIR THAT I BREATHE –•– The Hollies (Epic)-14
10 12 IF YOU LOVE ME (Let Me Know) –•– Olivia Newton-John (MCA)-15

11 14 SIDESHOW –•– Blue Magic (Atco)-10
12 4 SUNDOWN –•– Gordon Lightfoot (Reprise)-15
13 7 BILLY, DON’T BE A HERO –•– Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods (ABC)-14
14 11 ONE HELL OF A WOMAN –•– Mac Davis (Columbia)-17
15 16 RADAR LOVE –•– Golden Earring (Track)-11
16 22 FEEL LIKE MAKIN’ LOVE –•– Roberta Flack (Atlantic)-5
17 21 I FINALLY GOT MYSELF TOGETHER (I’m a Changed Man) –•– The Impressions (Curtom)-12
18 18 WATERLOO –•– Abba (Atlantic)-8
19 23 PLEASE COME TO BOSTON –•– Dave Loggins (Epic)-8
20 24 TAKIN’ CARE OF BUSINESS –•– Bachman-Turner Overdrive (Mercury)-10

21 25 IF YOU TALK IN YOUR SLEEP / HELP ME –•– Elvis Presley (RCA)-7
22 26 MACHINE GUN –•– The Commodores (Motown)-6
23 27 CALL ON ME –•– Chicago (Columbia)-5
24 28 THIS HEART –•– Gene Redding (Haven)-12
25 39 TELL ME SOMETHING GOOD –•– Rufus (ABC)-6
26 15 BAND ON THE RUN –•– Paul McCartney and Wings (Apple)-14
27 20 BE THANKFUL FOR WHAT YOU GOT –•– William DeVaughn (Roxbury)-12
28 35 KEEP ON SMILIN’ –•– Wet Willie (Capricorn)-9
29 34 FISH AIN’T BITIN’ –•– Lamont Dozier (ABC)-6
30 30 COME MONDAY –•– Jimmy Buffett (Dunhill)-10

31 38 SURE AS I’M SITTIN’ HERE –•– Three Dog Night (Dunhill)-4
32 40 THE NIGHT CHICAGO DIED –•– Paper Lace (Mercury)-6
33 36 BALLERO –•– War (United Artists)-7
34 63 SHININ’ ON –•– Grand Funk (Capitol)-2
35 62 WILDWOOD WEED –•– Jim Stafford (MGM)-3
36 42 ROCK ME GENTLY –•– Andy Kim (Capitol)-5
37 43 YOU AND ME AGAINST THE WORLD –•– Helen Reddy (Capitol)-6
38 17 HOLLYWOOD SWINGING –•– Kool and the Gang (De-Lite)-14
39 52 HANG ON IN THERE BABY –•– Johnny Bristol (MGM)-4
40 32 WORKIN’ AT THE CAR WASH BLUES –•– Jim Croce (ABC)-7

July 1983 -- almost a re-run

Last year they played the countdown immediately following this one, so not a lot of profound observations.  I noticed this time how many number ones were represented, despite the Police holding for 8 weeks -- "Let's Dance," Eurythmics, Beat It, Maniac, Flashdance...

The DJs noted that Prince had an uncredited hand in writing "Stand Back" by Stevie Nicks, my favorite of the week.

Little River Band fell off this week with their last top 40 hit, "We Two," thus retiring another Yacht Rock artist -- no match for the Eurythmics.  Ditto for the Bee Gees who took a chart hiatus for 6 years after such an incredible run through the 70's.  Sadly, it was also the last top 40 hit for Quarterflash & (especially) Flock of Seagulls, who were among my favorites of the era despite only 3 hits each (2 more than Kajagoogoo).

"1999" was barreling up the chart -- but it stopped short of the top 10 somehow and missed the year-end top 100 on Casey Kasem.  But it did much better on the Billboard official year-end chart since this run in July was actually a re-release from December, and combined it charted for a LONG time.  It then re-charted in December 1998, again in December 1999, and then after Prince's death in 2016.

Looking backwards in time, I'm especially surprised Elton John didn't do better with "I"m Still Standing" and I'm sure Michael Jackson would've done better (#1?) if this had been released in the same high-turnover chart environment as "Bad."  At the time, it was an extraordinary feat being the 4th top 5 from the same album, but by the end of the 80's this was commonplace.

And starting it's 8-week run at #1, locking out Eddy Grant, was the Police.

1 3 EVERY BREATH YOU TAKE –•– The Police (A&M)-6 (1 week at #1) (1)
2 2 ELECTRIC AVENUE –•– Eddy Grant (Portrait)-13 (2)
3 1 FLASHDANCE…WHAT A FEELING –•– Irene Cara (Casablanca)-15 (1)
4 5 NEVER GONNA LET YOU GO –•– Sergio Mendes (with Joe Pizzulo & Leza Miller) (A&M)-13 (4)
5 7 TOO SHY –•– Kajagoogoo (EMI-America)-12 (5)
6 9 WANNA BE STARTIN’ SOMETHIN’ –•– Michael Jackson (Epic)-7 (6)
7 4 TIME (Clock Of the Heart) –•– Culture Club (Virgin)-13 (2)
8 11 COME DANCING –•– The Kinks (Arista)-10 (8)
9 6 DON’T LET IT END –•– Styx (A&M)-11 (6)
10 13 OUR HOUSE –•– Madness (Geffen)-10 (10)

11 8 FAMILY MAN –•– Daryl Hall & John Oates (RCA)-11 (6)
12 14 I’M STILL STANDING –•– Elton John (Geffen)-10 (12)
13 17 IS THERE SOMETHING I SHOULD KNOW –•– Duran Duran (Capitol)-6 (13)
14 19 STAND BACK –•– Stevie Nicks (Modern)-6 (14)
15 23 **1999** –•– Prince (Warner Brothers)-18 (15)
16 10 SHE’S A BEAUTY –•– The Tubes (Capitol)-14 (10)
17 18 ALL THIS LOVE –•– DeBarge (Gordy)-12 (17)
18 25 SHE WORKS HARD FOR THE MONEY –•– Donna Summer (Mercury)-7 (18)
19 21 BABY JANE –•– Rod Stewart (Warner Brothers)-7 (19)
20 26 SWEET DREAMS (Are Made Of This) –•– The Eurythmics (RCA)-9 (20)

21 12 AFFAIR OF THE HEART –•– Rick Springfield (RCA)-13 (9)
22 33 CUTS LIKE A KNIFE –•– Bryan Adams (A&M)-5 (22)
23 35 HOT GIRLS IN LOVE –•– Loverboy (Columbia)-5 (23)
24 16 BEAT IT –•– Michael Jackson (Epic)-20 (1)
25 39 MANIAC –•– Michael Sembello (Casablanca)-6 (25)
26 28 WISHING (If I Had a Photograph Of You) –•– A Flock Of Seagulls (Jive)-9 (26)
27 27 ROLL ME AWAY –•– Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band (Capitol)-7 (27)
28 32 (Keep Feeling) FASCINATION –•– The Human League (A&M)-7 (28)
29 38 TAKE ME TO HEART –•– Quarterflash (Geffen)-4 (29)
30 41 SAVED BY ZERO –•– The Fixx (MCA)-7 (30)

31 15 LET’S DANCE –•– David Bowie (EMI-America)-16 (1)
32 42 IT’S A MISTAKE –•– Men At Work (Columbia)-2 (32)
33 20 ALWAYS SOMETHING THERE TO REMIND ME –•– Naked Eyes (EMI-America)-18 (8)
34 43 ROCK OF AGES –•– Def Leppard (Mercury)-5 (34)
35 40 STOP IN THE NAME OF LOVE –•– The Hollies (Atlantic)-6 (35)
36 36 WHITE WEDDING –•– Billy Idol (Chrysalis)-8 (36)
37 22 FAITHFULLY –•– Journey (Columbia)-13 (12)
38 45 CHINA GIRL –•– David Bowie (EMI-America)-6 (38)
39 44 ROCK ‘N’ ROLL IS KING –•– ELO (Jet)-3 (39)
40 30 TRY AGAIN –•– Champaign (Columbia)-15 (23)

OFF THE CHARTS

41 24 THE WOMAN IN YOU –•– The Bee Gees (RSO)-8 (24)
42 34 DON’T PAY THE FERRYMAN –•– Chris DeBurgh (A&M)-11 (34)
47 29 WE TWO –•– The Little River Band (Capitol)-10 (22)
49 31 OVERKILL –•– Men At Work (Columbia)-14 (3)
63 37 MY LOVE –•– Lionel Richie (Motown)-14 (5)

July 1970 -- where it all began

Over July 4th weekend, SiriusXM traditionally plays the very first American Top 40, which was broadcast July 4th, 1970.  Somehow I missed it these last two years, but I caught it today.  Just stunning how professional it sounded and with so, so many of the little bits and phrases we've some to know over the years.

The biggest difference between this and every other chart is that Casey had very little to say regarding songs that debuted or moved up, though he still noted a few for unusual chart movement.

While not everyone on this chart is a superstar, it ended up being quite an array of 60's and 70's stars.  The Beatles and Elvis were both in the top 10.  Legends from the 60s:  The Temptations, Four Tops, Aretha Franklin, and Marvin Gaye.   70's icons the Carpenters, Three Dog Night, Stevie Wonder, and the Jacksons.

A remarkable collection of big artists missed being played on the first AT40 by a single week -- Bobby Sherman, Joe Cocker, Chicago, Sly & the Family Stone, Simon & Garfunkel, and Credence Clearwater Revival.  Wow!  All would make further appearances.  The week before, the last artist to miss ever being played on AT40 departed:  the Sandpipers, with their last hit, "Come Saturday Morning."

Unusual chart action for any week:  two hits by Crosby, Stills, and Nash, with both climbing (very rare!)  A top 40 debut way up in the top 20 by Bread, with their first hit no less -- so quite a splashy AT40 debut.  Eric Burden & War also debuted with their first of many hits.

To other early 70's trends on day 1:  A distinctly Christian record (Ray Stephens) and some explicit political protest.  I think one song was also an instrumental

Biggest new artists:  Carpenters, War, Bread
Last hits: the Beatles (barring re-releases and medleys)

I think Casey would have been surprised to know how many of these artists charted into the late 80s, and I expect he might've guessed Michael Jackson would've had the most longevity.

Favorite:  Jackson 5!

1 2 MAMA TOLD ME (Not To Come) –•– Three Dog Night (Dunhill)-8 (1 week at #1) (1)
2 1 THE LOVE YOU SAVE / I FOUND THAT GIRL –•– Jackson 5 (Motown)-7 (1)
3 3 BALL OF CONFUSION (That’s What the World Is Today) –•– The Temptations (Gordy)-8 (3)
4 6 RIDE CAPTAIN RIDE –•– Blues Image (Atco)-10 (4)
5 7 BAND OF GOLD –•– Freda Payne (Invictus)-12 (5)
6 8 LAY DOWN (Candles In the Rain) –•– Melanie with the Edwin Hawkins Singers (Buddah)-12 (6)
7 14 (They Long To Be) CLOSE TO YOU –•– The Carpenters (A&M)-4 (7)
8 4 THE LONG AND WINDING ROAD / FOR YOU BLUE –•– The Beatles (Apple)-8 (1)
9 9 THE WONDER OF YOU / MAMA LIKED THE ROSES –•– Elvis Presley (RCA)-9 (9)
10 5 HITCHIN’ A RIDE –•– Vanity Fare (Page One)-17 (5)

11 12 GIMME DAT DING –•– The Pipkins (Capitol)-8 (11)
12 18 O-O-H CHILD / DEAR PRUDENCE –•– The Five Stairsteps (Buddah)-15 (12)
13 10 GET READY –•– Rare Earth (Rare Earth)-18 (4)
14 13 UNITED WE STAND –•– The Brotherhood Of Man (Deram)-13 (13)
15 17 A SONG OF JOY –•– Miguel Rios (A&M)-5 (15)
16 15 MY BABY LOVES LOVIN’ –•– White Plains (Deram)-13 (13)
17 20 TIGHTER, TIGHTER –•– Alive and Kicking (Roulette)-6 (17)
18 19 LOVE LAND –•– Charles Wright and the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band (Warner Brothers)-14 (18)
19 29 ARE YOU READY –•– Pacific Gas and Electric (Columbia)-7 (19)
20 44 MAKE IT WITH YOU –•– Bread (Elektra)-5 (20)

21 23 MISSISSIPPI QUEEN –•– Mountain (Windfall)-13 (21)
22 16 LOVE ON A TWO-WAY STREET –•– The Moments (Stang)-14 (3)
23 11 WHICH WAY YOU GOIN’ BILLY –•– The Poppy Family Featuring Susan Jacks (London)-16 (2)
24 30 TEACH YOUR CHILDREN –•– Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young (Atlantic)-6 (24)
25 25 SUGAR SUGAR / COLE, COOKE AND REDDING –•– Wilson Pickett (Atlantic)-15 (25)
26 39 SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED I’M YOURS –•– Stevie Wonder (Tamla)-3 (26)
27 21 QUESTION –•– The Moody Blues (Threshold)-11 (21)
28 28 CHECK OUT YOUR MIND –•– The Impressions (Curtom)-9 (28)
29 22 EVERYTHING IS BEAUTIFUL –•– Ray Stevens (Barnaby)-15 (1)
30 49 OHIO –•– Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young (Atlantic)-3 (30)

31 32 SAVE THE COUNTRY –•– The 5th Dimension (Bell)-5 (31)
32 24 IT’S ALL IN THE GAME –•– The Four Tops (Motown)-12 (24)
33 34 WESTBOUND #9 –•– The Flaming Ember (Hot Wax)-8 (33)
34 36 MISSISSIPPI –•– John Phillips (Dunhill)-9 (34)
35 31 SPIRIT IN THE DARK –•– Aretha Franklin with the Dixie Flyers (Atlantic)-8 (23)
36 53 I JUST CAN’T HELP BELIEVING –•– B.J. Thomas (Scepter)-4 (36)
37 37 GO BACK –•– Crabby Appleton (Elektra)-10 (37)
38 60 SPILL THE WINE –•– Eric Burdon and War (MGM)-8 (38)
39 47 SILVER BIRD –•– Mark Lindsay (Columbia)-5 (39)
40 48 THE END OF OUR ROAD –•– Marvin Gaye (Tamla)-5 (40)

July 1973 -- "Get Back"

Fun chart this week as I drove across Virginia.  My subtitle is in reference to a big deal Casey made about the #1 song -- Billy Preston, who followed George Harrison, who followed Paul McCartney at #1...and all three performed on a former #1 "Get Back."  I feel confident that has never happened before, even with songs like "We Are the World" which had a huge array of artists but few who hit #1 subsequently.

It seemed like an especially heavy R&B chart, especially the first 20, but check out 11-20.  We've got country, and old Andrews sister song, a former Halloween #1 from the 60's (!!), an early yacht rock, and a giant of classic rock in Pink Floyd, featuring the only "bleep" I've heard on American Top 40.

First hits: Pink Floyd

Last hits: Perry Como dropped off this week

Favorite:  Long Train Running!

1 1 WILL IT GO ROUND IN CIRCLES –•– Billy Preston (A&M)-16 (2 weeks at #1)
2 2 KODACHROME –•– Paul Simon (Columbia)-9
3 5 BAD, BAD LEROY BROWN –•– Jim Croce (ABC)-13
4 7 SHAMBALA –•– Three Dog Night (Dunhill)-9
5 4 GIVE ME LOVE (Give Me Peace On Earth) –•– George Harrison (Apple)-9
6 8 YESTERDAY ONCE MORE –•– The Carpenters (A&M)-7
7 6 PLAYGROUND IN MY MIND –•– Clint Holmes (Epic)-17
8 11 SMOKE ON THE WATER –•– Deep Purple (Warner Brothers)-8
9 3 MY LOVE –•– Paul McCartney and Wings (Apple)-14
10 9 RIGHT PLACE WRONG TIME –•– Dr. John (Atco)-14

11 12 LONG TRAIN RUNNIN’ –•– The Doobie Brothers (Warner Brothers)-13
12 13 NATURAL HIGH –•– Bloodstone (London)-13
13 17 DIAMOND GIRL –•– Seals and Crofts (Warner Brothers)-10
14 14 BOOGIE WOOGIE BUGLE BOY –•– Bette Midler (Atlantic)-10
15 10 I’M GONNA LOVE YOU JUST A LITTLE MORE BABY –•– Barry White (20th Century)-14
16 18 BEHIND CLOSED DOORS –•– Charlie Rich (Epic)-12
17 20 MONEY –•– Pink Floyd (Harvest)-9
18 16 PILLOW TALK –•– Sylvia (Vibration)-17
19 22 SO VERY HARD TO GO –•– The Tower Of Power (Warner Brothers)-11
20 26 MONSTER MASH –•– Bobby “Boris” Pickett and the Crypt-Kickers (Parrot)-28

21 29 TOUCH ME IN THE MORNING –•– Diana Ross (Motown)-7
22 24 DOING IT TO DEATH –•– Fred Wesley and the JB’s (People)-7
23 15 ONE OF A KIND (Love Affair) –•– The Spinners (Atlantic)-12
24 19 DADDY COULD SWEAR, I DECLARE –•– Gladys Knight and the Pips (Soul)-12
25 30 MISDEMEANOR –•– Foster Sylvers (Pride / MGM)-7
26 32 FEELIN’ STRONGER EVERY DAY –•– Chicago (Columbia)-4
27 21 FRANKENSTEIN –•– The Edgar Winter Group (Epic)-19
28 35 SATIN SHEETS –•– Jeanne Pruett (MCA)-10
29 42 THE MORNING AFTER –•– Maureen McGovern (20th Century)-4
30 23 I’M DOIN’ FINE NOW –•– New York City (Chelsea)-20

31 48 GET DOWN –•– Gilbert O’Sullivan (MAM)-4
32 41 I BELIEVE IN YOU (You Believe In Me) –•– Johnnie Taylor (Stax)-4
33 34 WHERE PEACEFUL WATERS FLOW –•– Gladys Knight and the Pips (Buddah)-5
34 45 IF YOU WANT ME TO STAY –•– Sly and the Family Stone (Epic)-3
35 37 WHY ME –•– Kris Kristofferson (Monument)-15
36 39 GOIN’ HOME –•– The Osmonds (MGM / Kolob)-5
37 61 BROTHER LOUIE –•– The Stories (Kama Sutra)-4
38 38 I’LL ALWAYS LOVE MY MAMA (Part 1) –•– The Intruders (Gamble)-7
39 44 SWAMP WITCH –•– Jim Stafford (MGM)-10
40 40 THE PLASTIC MAN –•– The Temptations (Gordy)-6

OFF THE CHARTS

45 31 AND I LOVE YOU SO –•– Perry Como (RCA)-14

July 1980 -- a re-run

Not much to report this week as Sirius XM did a re-run of last year's chart from the 4th of July weekend.  The DJs did say new things, but still, it's a bit annoying...

Notable last chart hit:  Carole King, the Spinners, and the Manhattans

Among my ten 5-star songs, I'm going to give the nod to Bette Midler.  Just amazing.

1 1 COMING UP / COMING UP (Live At Glasgow) –•– Paul McCartney and Wings (Columbia)-11 (2 weeks at #1) (1)
2 2 FUNKYTOWN –•– Lipps, Inc. (Casablanca)-15 (1)
3 3 THE ROSE –•– Bette Midler (Atlantic)-16 (3)
4 4 IT’S STILL ROCK AND ROLL TO ME –•– Billy Joel (Columbia)-7 (4)
5 6 LITTLE JEANNIE –•– Elton John (MCA)-10 (5)
6 5 AGAINST THE WIND –•– Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band (Capitol)-10 (5)
7 7 STEAL AWAY –•– Robbie Dupree (Elektra)-13 (7)
8 9 CUPID / I’VE LOVED YOU FOR A LONG TIME (Medley) –•– The Spinners (Atlantic)-8 (8)
9 8 BIGGEST PART OF ME –•– Ambrosia (Warner Brothers)-14 (3)
10 11 LET’S GET SERIOUS –•– Jermaine Jackson (Motown)-15 (10)

11 12 LET ME LOVE YOU TONIGHT –•– The Pure Prairie League (Casablanca)-9 (11)
12 13 SHINING STAR –•– The Manhattans (Columbia)-11 (12)
13 10 SHE’S OUT OF MY LIFE –•– Michael Jackson (Epic)-12 (10)
14 16 MAGIC –•– Olivia Newton-John (MCA)-7 (14)
15 18 TIRED OF TOEIN’ THE LINE –•– Rocky Burnette (EMI-America)-9 (15)
16 17 ONE FINE DAY –•– Carole King (Capitol)-8 (16)
17 14 CARS –•– Gary Numan (Atco)-21 (9)
18 21 I’M ALIVE –•– Electric Light Orchestra (MCA)-7 (18)
19 19 SHOULD’VE NEVER LET YOU GO –•– Neil Sedaka and Dara Sedaka (Elektra)-15 (19)
20 25 IN AMERICA –•– The Charlie Daniels Band (Epic)-6 (20)

21 23 MORE LOVE –•– Kim Carnes (EMI-America)-6 (21)
22 29 GIMME SOME LOVIN’ –•– The Blues Brothers (Atlantic)-6 (22)
23 36 TAKE YOUR TIME (Do It Right) (Part 1) –•– The S.O.S. Band (Tabu)-6 (23)
24 34 LOVE THE WORLD AWAY –•– Kenny Rogers (United Artists)-3 (24)
25 31 ALL NIGHT LONG –•– Joe Walsh (Asylum)-8 (25)
26 15 CALL ME –•– Blondie (Chrysalis)-21 (1)
27 20 DON’T FALL IN LOVE WITH A DREAMER –•– Kenny Rogers with Kim Carnes (United Artists)-15 (4)
28 24 STOMP! –•– The Brothers Johnson (A&M)-17 (7)
29 47 EMPIRE STRIKES BACK (Medley) –•– Meco (RSO)-4 (29)
30 30 TWO PLACES AT THE SAME TIME –•– Ray Parker, Jr. and Raydio (Arista)-12 (30)

31 35 MISUNDERSTANDING –•– Genesis (Atlantic)-7 (31)
32 37 STAND BY ME –•– Mickey Gilley (Full Moon)-8 (32)
33 — EMOTIONAL RESCUE –•– The Rolling Stones (Rolling Stones)-1 (33)
34 53 SAILING –•– Christopher Cross (Warner Brothers)-4 (34)
35 50 LET MY LOVE OPEN THE DOOR –•– Pete Townshend (Atco)-4 (35)
36 33 THEME FROM NEW YORK, NEW YORK –•– Frank Sinatra (Reprise)-10 (32)
37 39 ASHES BY NOW –•– Rodney Crowell (Warner Brothers)-9 (37)
38 44 WALKS LIKE A LADY –•– Journey (Columbia)-7 (38)
39 40 ATOMIC –•– Blondie (Chrysalis)-8 (39)
40 41 CLONES (We’re All) –•– Alice Cooper (Warner Brothers)-8 (40)