Jun 02 | This week in 1971

#1 at KRUX/Phoenix: “It Don’t Come Easy” by Ringo Starr. This was his first solo hit after the Beatles, but he had lots of help: George Harrison produced it and played the distinctive guitar part; Stephen Stills was on piano;… Continue reading

Apr 21 | This week in 1972

#1 at KRUX/Phoenix: “Vincent,” Don McLean’s ode to Van Gogh, which leaps from #12 last week where it debuted. Holding at #2 is “Sylvia’s Mother,” first hit by Dr. Hook & The Medicine Show. It was written by Shel Silverstein,… Continue reading

Jan 27 | This week in 1972

#1 at KRUX/Phoenix: “Without You” by acclaimed songwriter (Harry) Nilsson — but this one is a Badfinger cover — from the great Nilsson Schmilsson album. Badfinger themselves are at #10 with “Day After Day,” produced by George Harrison, who also… Continue reading

Dec 09 | This week in 1970

#1 at KRUX/Phoenix: The double-sided classic, “My Sweet Lord” and “Isn’t It A Pity?” by George Harrison, the first #1 record by an ex-Beatle. It bumps out “Stoned Love,” the Supremes’ second big hit after Jean Terrell replaced Diana Ross. Harrison’s… 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