Once again, I am stringing together a group of songs and every single one of them is connected to July 10. I’m willing to bet you have heard all of them before – with the possible sole exception of the last one (and that’s the video you need to see) – but here’s the thing …
Good Music Doesn’t Have An Expiration Date
On July 10, 1958 (62 years ago today!), the Everly Brothers recorded this song at RCA Studios in Nashville.
The song was issued as the flip side of Bird Dog but reached the charts on its own, hitting #10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 in Canada.
In addition, the song reached #7 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and # 2 on the Rhythm & Blues chart.
On July 10, 1963 (57 years ago today!), Elvis Presley recorded Viva Las Vegas at Radio Recorders in Hollywood.
Released as a single in 1964 from the film of the same name, Viva Las Vegas only got as high as #29 on the Billboard Hot 100 but did reach #17 on the UK Singles Chart.
On July 10, 1965 (55 years ago today!), the Rolling Stones reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, giving the group their first #1 in the U.S.
In the UK, the song initially was played only on pirate radio stations, because its lyrics were considered too sexually suggestive. It later became the Rolling Stones’ fourth # in the United Kingdom.
On July 10, 1967 (53 years ago today!), Bobbie Gentry released Ode To Billie Joe
The single – which had been recorded at Studio C in the Capitol Tower in Hollywood – was a #1 hit in the U.S. within three weeks of release and a big international seller, reaching #1 in Canada, #13 in England, and #4 in Australia.
The recording – originally the B-side to Mississippi Delta before DJs started flipping the 45 over – earned Gentry three Grammy Awards: Best Pop Vocal Performance (Female), Best Solo Vocal Performance (Female) and Best New Artist.
On July 10, 1972 (48 years ago today!), Harry Nilsson released the Son of Schmilsson album in England.
It failed to chart in the UK despite having guest musicians such as Peter Frampton, Ringo Starr, George Harrison, Lowell George and Nicky Hopkins playing on various cuts. It was released in late July in the U.S. and reached #12.
The album included this gem with Nilsson’s voice reaching angelic heights as he stretches the word “dream” into five heavenly syllables.
On July 10, 1991 (29 years ago today!), Alan Jackson was at #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart with Don’t Rock the Jukebox’, the lead single from the album of the same name.
It would later receive an ASCAP award for Country Song of the Year.
And finally…
This will mess up the chronological order of things but on July 10, 1947 (73 years ago today!), Arlo Guthrie was born.
No, I’m not going to play Alice’s Restaurant or City of New Orleans. Instead you are going to get a 1993 live performance of a song that just might move you to tears.
I’ll be back with more music on Monday.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Wow, more great memories! I think I wore out that Stone’s lip. Never played any other Stone’s album like that one. Allen Jackson always speaks to me. Love that you went deep with the Arlo cut. You always make me think and it’s always good thoughts. Thank you.
Thanks, Don.
That Stones album had so many wonderful tracks. It showed the promise of what was to come for the songwriting team of Jagger and Richards.
Alan is another one of my favorite country singers. He seems very down to earth.
And that Arlo cut is dedicated to every soldier who didn’t get the “welcome home” they deserved.
Your last sentence absolutely made my day. Thank YOU!
Viva La Raymond !
Thanks, Dale. 🙂
I hope all is well with you.
Love them all except Viva but especially loved Harry and Arlo! Thanks for the memories. Music is so powerful and old music our music the most poignant at times.
My brother was one of the unsung Vietnam vets…and he died fighting the affects of agent orange and the despicable practices of the veteran system. So Arlo hit home for me. Harry made me tear up because life goes so fast.
Thanks, Donna. I thought ‘Viva’ was one of Presley’s poorer efforts and if I never have to hear ‘Ode To Billie Joe’ again, I’ll be fine. Both songs were included because of their connection to the date.
As for Arlo’s song, it has always been one of my favorites. Every time I hear it, I am reminded of the terrible treatment the boys who fought in Vietnam received when they returned.
And the living were left walking down
A long and lonely road
Because nobody seemed to care back then
When a soldier made it home