May 13 | This week in 1971

#1 at KRUX/Phoenix: “Love Her Madly” by the Doors, jumping from #6 last week. In less than two months, lead singer Jim Morrison would die in Paris. It’s a good week for the Beatles, a year after their breakup. John… Continue reading

May 06 | This week in 1966

#1 at KRUX/Phoenix: “Monday, Monday,” second hit for the Mamas and the Papas following “California Dreaming.” The songs would end up at #1 and #2 on the year-end KRUX chart for 1966. Holding at #2 is Bob Dylan with “Rainy… Continue reading

Apr 29 | This week in 1972

#1 at KRIZ/Phoenix: “Vincent” by Don McLean, leaping from #7 last week. The follow-up single to the megahit “American Pie,” it’s an ode to Mr. Van Gogh and his “The Starry Night” painting. Jackson Browne holds at #2 with his… Continue reading

Apr 22 | This week in 1981

#1 at KZZP/Phoenix: “Just The Two Of Us” by jazz saxophonist Grover Washington Jr., featuring vocals by Bill Withers. Leaping from #13 to #6 is the future #1 song, “Bette Davis Eyes” by Kim Carnes, which was the top hit… Continue reading

Apr 15 | This week in 1975

#1 at KBBC/Phoenix: “Philadelphia Freedom” by the Elton John Band. Elton (without his Band being credited) also debuts at #37 singing the Who’s “Pinball Wizard” from the Tommy movie soundtrack (#3 album) — yet another huge radio hit despite not… Continue reading

Apr 08 | This week in 1970

#1 at KRUX/Phoenix: “Let It Be” by the Beatles, the group’s penultimate hit. On April 9, Paul McCartney announced in a press release that he was leaving the band — but, in fact, the group had disintegrated for various reasons… Continue reading