The week of July 27, 1965, saw a couple of repeats atop the Billboard Hot 100: The Rolling Stones’ ‘(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction‘ and Herman’s Hermits’ ‘I’m Henry VIII, I Am.’
In third place that week was the titular theme song from the film What’s New Pussycat?, written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, and performed by Tom Jones. Jones was reluctant to sing this crazy tune but was convinced by Bacharach that it could work only with a boisterous voice like his.
Throwing back to the week of July 26, 1955, we find Bill Haley and the Comets holding on to the top spot with ‘Rock Around the Clock.’ And really, that’s how it should be… imagine when a song that iconic and genre-defining was just a new release.
Nat King Cole held the #2 spot, with both sides of his ‘A Blossom Fell‘ single designated as the runner-up that week. This was during a time when Billboard would combine the performance of a double-sided hit and assign the results to both songs.
Darlene Love’s induction on the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s Class of 2011 raised a few eyebrows. While nobody questioned her vocal talent, her lack of credits as a solo artist prompted some to suggest she was included primarily due to her connections (having Bruce Springsteen in your corner can’t hurt).
Love was lead singer of The Blossoms (not in the Hall) and a background vocalist for scores of major artists, including Frank Sinatra, The Beach Boys, Elvis Presley, Tom Jones, Dionne Warwick, and Sam Cooke. I suppose it’s fair that a prolific background singer deserves recognition, but it’s a bit odd that she made it in 13 years before, say, Warwick.
The next Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee from the Class of 2011 is not The Doors, but rather the man who signed them (along with many other artists) to his Elektra Records label — Jac Holzman.
Holzman was one of two recipients of 2011’s Ahmet Ertegun Award, given to non-performers who have made a substantial behind-the-scenes contribution to popular music.
Dr. John is another Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee who made it in on his first ballot, though he had to wait 17 years after his initial eligibility.
The singer-songwriter was a staple of the New Orleans music scene, blending traditional jazz and R&B with modern soul and funk. He won six Grammys and released dozens of albums as both a band leader and a supporting artist. His biggest hit was ‘Right Place Wrong Time,’ which made it to #9 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Meet Me In Montauk 