#1 at KRUX/Phoenix: “We’re An American Band,” a tribute to rock ‘n’ roll hedonism by Grand Funk — their first hit after dropping “Railroad” from their name. Moving up three to #3 is “Live And Let Die,” the original version… Continue reading
#1 at KRIZ/Phoenix: “Sweet Hitch-Hiker” by Creedence Clearwater Revival, the 19th in their incredible string of 20 Top 40 radio hits before breaking up. It all began just three years earlier with “Suzi Q.” The band saturated the airwaves because… Continue reading
#1 at KRIZ/Phoenix: “Annie’s Song” by John Denver. After divorcing Annie, perhaps John wished he had named it “You Fill Up My Senses” — the song’s opening line. Former #1 “Sundown” by Gordon Lightfoot holds at #2. It’s the title… Continue reading
#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
#1 at KBBC/Phoenix: “Pinball Wizard” by Elton John, a rare non-single topping the radio chart. It’s from the #2 album, the movie soundtrack Tommy, based on the Who’s “rock opera” from 1969. Elton’s official single at the time, the former… Continue reading
#1 song of the year at KRIZ/Phoenix: “Let It Be” by the Beatles. The Fab Four were followed by Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and “Close To You” by the Carpenters. These were the top three songs of… Continue reading
#1 at KUPD/Phoenix: “Rock On” by David Essex, a very cool record that still sounds cool today. It appeared on the soundtrack to a film from earlier in the year titled That’ll Be The Day, which also starred Essex as… Continue reading
#1 at KBBC/Phoenix: “Evil Woman” by the Electric Light Orchestra, first single from the #7 album, Face The Music. Among this week’s songs are several that would have long shelf lives on classic hits or classic rock radio: The Ohio… Continue reading
#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
#1 at KRIZ/Phoenix: “Baby, I Love Your Way” by Peter Frampton, second hit from the #1 album Frampton Comes Alive. The #2 album is the classic Silk Degrees by Boz Scaggs, with lead-off single “Lowdown” moving up from #14 to… Continue reading
