Your (Almost) Daily Playlist: 9-19-23

Producer Phil Spector had Righteous Brother Bill Medley sing the first verse of “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’.” When his righteous brother Bobby Hatfield (they’re not brothers in the familial sense, see) asked what he was supposed to do during that verse, Spector told him “You can go directly to the bank.” To the bank he went, as YLTLF became one of the biggest US hits of 1965.

Bill Medley turns 83 today. A couple of his duo’s hits are included on today’s playlist.

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Your (Almost) Daily Playlist: 8-6-23

Judy Craig, the lead singer of The Chiffons, was a senior in high school when “He’s So Fine” hit number one. Written by the group’s manager, Ronnie Mack, the song was recorded with the band The Tokens providing the instrumentation. The Tokens brought the recording to their record label, Capitol, to see if they’d be interested in releasing it, but the label president thought it “too trite.” Laurie Records signed the group and made “He’s So Fine” one of the biggest hits of 1963. The group hit the top ten twice more, with “One Fine Day” and “Sweet Talkin’ Guy.” Judy Craig, who turns 79 today, still tours with The Chiffons, now comprised of her, her daughter and her niece.

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Throwback Thursday: 1964

Nobody would deny that 1964 was among the most pivotal years in rock and roll. Nobody except Lester, a guy I worked with decades ago. He was an idiot. The Beatles and the other artists who stormed the US pop charts during the first British Invasion made an indelible impact on contemporary music and culture. Motown was ascending and producing classic singles. Girl groups were still hanging around creating pop perfection. Bob Dylan was making himself known, messing with the vocals one expected on a hit record. And Dionne Warwick was already the queen of Twitter.

Here are thirty songs that partly defined 1964. Take note, Lester.

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