A very early Elvis Presley tune. Very laid back and a little Rockabilly

A Mess Of Blues - Elvis Presley - Billy Bob Martin

Another John Denver hit. He knew he had what it takes. His parents did not want him to follow his passion. What a talent. 

Some Days Are Diamonds Stereo

This song drew me back to listening to country music. Natural chord progressions and simple but effective lyrics and performed by a realistic country performer.

A Thousand Miles From Nowhere

Elvis loved Gospel Music and his savior, Jesus Christ. I do too. Enjoy this classic spiritual song.

Amazing Grace - Elvis Presley - Billy Bob Martin

I auditioned for the part of the King Of Rock And Roll in the 70s. George Klein, a very close High School friend wanted to do a movie to counter a book called Elvis What Happened. Written by Elvis's body guards.  They said I had a great voice. 

Where Could I Go But To The Lord-001

"Hold On, I'm Comin'" (officially registered as "Hold On, I'm Coming",[2] and shown on the original single release as "Hold On! I'm Comin'" and "Hold On! I'm a Comin'")[3] is a 1966 single recorded by soul duo Sam & Dave, issued on the Atlantic-distributed Stax label in 1966.

Hold On I'm Comin - Sam And Dave - Billy Bob Martin

The inspiration for this song came from Lightfoot worrying about his girlfriend, who was out at bars all day while he was at home writing songs. He recalled during a Reddit AMA: "I had this girlfriend one time, and I was at home working, at my desk, working at my songwriting which I had been doing all week since I was on a roll, and my girlfriend was somewhere drinking, drinking somewhere. So I was hoping that no one else would get their hands on her, because she was pretty good lookin'!"

"As a matter of fact, it was written just around Sundown," he added, "just as the sun was setting, behind the farm I had rented to use as a place to write the album."

Sundown - Gordon Lightfoot - Billy Bob Martin

"Take It Easy" is the debut single by the American rock band Eagles, written by Jackson Browne and Eagles band member Glenn Frey, who also provides lead vocals. It was released on May 1, 1972, and peaked at No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart on July 22, 1972.[3][4] It was also the opening track of the band's eponymous debut album and has become one of their signature songs, included on all of their live and compilation albums. It is listed as one of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll.

Take It Easy - The Eagles - Billy Bob Martin

"Nothing from Nothing" is a song written by Billy Preston and Bruce Fisher and recorded by Billy Preston for his 1974 album The Kids & Me. The song reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for one week in October 1974, becoming Preston's second solo chart-topper in the United States (following his 1973 hit "Will It Go Round in Circles").[2] It spent four and a half months on the chart.

Preston performed "Nothing from Nothing" on Saturday Night Live, the first musical performance ever on the show.

The song was also used in late 2002 for all GM-brand commercials and was also prominently featured in both the 1975 low-budget independent bank-heist caper Flash and the Firecat and the 2008 film Be Kind Rewind.

Nothing From Nothing - Billy Preston - Billy Bob Martin

Written by Billy Preston, Bruce Fisher and Dennis Wilson, this song was first released in 1974 on Preston’s album The Kids & Me. Cocker’s heart-wrenching version also released in 1974 on the album “I Can Stand a Little Rain” popularized the song.

You Are So Beautiful - Joe Cocker - Billy Bob Martin

In "Remember When", Jackson looks back on his life with his wife. He describes their love from their first time together, through raising their children, and describes how he and his wife will "remember when" the children were young after they are old.

Remember When - Alan Jackson - Billy Bob Martin

"Everybody's Talkin' (Echoes)" is a song written and recorded by the American singer-songwriter Fred Neil in 1966 and released two years later. A version of the song performed by the American singer-songwriter Harry Nilsson became a hit in 1969, reaching No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and winning a Grammy Award after it was featured in the film Midnight Cowboy. The song, which describes the singer's desire to retreat from the harshness of the city to a more peaceful place and an easier life, is among the most famous works of both artists, and has been covered by many other notable performers.

Everybody's Talkin - Harry Nilsson - Billy Bob Martin

"Doctor, My Eyes" is a 1972 song written and performed by Jackson Browne and included on his debut album Jackson Browne. Featuring a combination of an upbeat piano riff coupled with lyrics about feeling world-weary, the song was a surprise hit, reaching number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 in spring 1972, after debuting on the chart at number 80. Browne would not see the chart's Top 10 again until 1982's soundtrack hit "Somebody's Baby", although "Running on Empty" just missed the Top 10, reaching number 11.[2][3][4] Billboard ranked "Doctor My Eyes" as the No. 92 song for 1972. In Canada, the song peaked at number four.[5]



Doctor My Eyes - Jackson Browne - Billy Bob Martin

The song was written by Mark James, who was introduced to producer Chips Moman around 1967 by Moman's mutual friend Steve Tyrell, a singer and James' manager.[5]: 81–82  James was hired by early 1968[6] to write for Moman's publishing company, which led to him writing songs for many artists, including his childhood friend B.J. Thomas.[5]: 81–82  One of these songs was "Hooked on a Feeling", which James wrote about the thrills of being in love, inspired by his feelings for his childhood sweetheart.[5]: 169 [7] It was recorded at the American Sound Studio in Memphis, Tennessee in 1968,[8] with musicians Tommy Cogbill (guitar) Reggie Young (guitar), Mike Leech (bass) and Buddy Emmons (drums). It was first released on October 29 of that year. Country artists Louise Mandrell and RC Bannon also recorded and released this song in 1979. The band Mercy included a version on their first album in 1968.

Hooked On A Feeling - BJ Thomas - Billy Bob Martin

The lyrics to the song were written by country music singer-songwriter Mac Davis. The version recorded by Elvis Presley is played in the key of B flat. "In the Ghetto" was recorded during Presley's session for his From Elvis in Memphis album at the American Sound Studio in Memphis, Tennessee. It was Presley's first creative recording session after his 1968 comeback special Elvis. Other hits recorded at this session were "Suspicious Minds", "Kentucky Rain", and the Davis-written "Don't Cry Daddy".

The song was published by Gladys Music, Inc., Elvis Presley's publishing company, and was Presley's first Top 10 hit in the United States in four years, peaking at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, and number 2 in Canada. It was his first UK Top 10 hit in three years, also peaking at No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart. It hit No. 1 on Cashbox and No. 8 Easy Listening.[6] It was a number-one hit in West Germany, Norway, Australia, New Zealand and on the Irish Singles Chart.

In The Ghetto - Elvis Presley - Billy Bob Martin

Baby, What You Want Me To Do” remains a notable part of Elvis Presley’s legacy, particularly in the context of his ’68 Comeback Special. The electrifying performance captures Elvis’s versatility as an artist and his ability to interpret and infuse emotion into different musical styles. The song continues to be remembered as a highlight of his live repertoire.

Elvis Presley’s rendition of “Baby, What You Want Me To Do” is a testament to his musical prowess and stage presence. The live performance not only showcases his roots in blues and rock and roll but also emphasizes his enduring impact on the cultural landscape of music.

Baby What You Want Me To Do - Elvis Presley - Billy Bob Martin

"Treat Her Like a Lady" is a 1971 single by Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose. Written by Eddie Cornelius, it was a big success in the American R&B and pop charts reaching the U.S. R&B Top 20 and the Billboard Hot 100 No. 3 in July. The song also charted in Canada, reaching No. 10.

Treat Her Like A Lady - Cornelius Brother And Sister Rose - Billy Bob Martin

Released in 1965, Nat King Cole’s “L.O.V.E.” is a timeless jazz standard that celebrates the powerful emotion of love. The song’s lyrics, penned by Dr. Seuss (pen name Theodor Geisel), paint a vivid picture of love’s transformative effects. Cole’s smooth vocals and the lush orchestral arrangement create a romantic and intimate atmosphere.

The song’s opening lines, “L.O.V.E. is a four-letter word, but it’s the greatest word of all,” immediately set the tone for the lyrical exploration of love’s power. Dr. Seuss’s clever wordplay and playful rhymes add a touch of whimsy to the song, while also conveying the profound impact of love. The lyrics explore the various aspects of love, from its ability to make one feel “silly” and “crazy” to its power to “turn the world around.”

Nat King Cole’s interpretation of the song is masterful. His voice is warm and inviting, conveying a sense of tenderness and sincerity. The orchestral arrangement, featuring lush strings and a swinging rhythm section, complements Cole’s vocals perfectly. The song’s bridge, with its soaring melody and heartfelt lyrics, is a particular highlight.

L.O.V.E. - Nat King Cole - Billy Bob Martin

The song's first musical arrangement was in an orchestration by Nelson Riddle, and the orchestral backing was played by Les Baxter and his Orchestra.[5] The recording was originally the B-side of "The Greatest Inventor Of Them All."[6] In an American Songwriter magazine interview, Jay Livingston recalled that the original advertisements for the record did not even mention "Mona Lisa"; only upon returning home from a publicity junket of numerous radio programs did the song become a hit.[6]

The cover version by Nat King Cole spent five weeks at number one on the Billboard singles chart in 1950. Cole's version of the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1992.[7] Cole recorded this song again in a stereo version (with Ralph Carmichael and his Orchestra) on March 30, 1961. Cole described this song as one of his favorites among his recordings.[8]

Mona Lisa - Nat King Cole - Billy Bob Martin

The title refers to a popular expression used to justify drinking at any time of day, given that somewhere in the world, it is 5:00 p.m., the end of the workday for a traditional "nine-to-five" worker. The narrator states that he has not had a day off in over a year and that he wants to leave work and relieve his stress by drinking alcohol. The lyrics include the phrase, "It's only half-past twelve but I don't care. It's five o'clock somewhere": even though it is not 5:00 in the narrator's time zone, it is in another part of the world. For example, a time of 12:30 in Newnan, Georgia, Jackson's hometown, translates to a time of 5:30 in London, England. Even though it would not exactly be 5:00 in London, one can still assume that it is five o'clock in London.

The lyrics request the bartender serve "something tall and strong," specifically a Hurricane, a potent cocktail made with a large amount of rum.

Just before Buffett's chorus, Jackson sings "What would Jimmy Buffett do?" both a reference to the Christian What Would Jesus Do advertising campaign and a joke at Buffett's expense, due to his large amount of alcohol-related songs.

Its Five Oclock Somewhere - Alan Jackson - Billy Bob Martin

In December 1981, Charley Pride released a cover version, which topped the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in March 1982.[7] Charley Pride's version of "Mountain of Love" was his twenty-sixth No. 1 on the country chart.

Mountain Of Love - Charley Pride - Billy Bob Martin

The version most often associated with the song was recorded by American singer and actor Mel Carter, released in 1965 on Imperial.[8] Carter's version spent 15 weeks on the US Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number eight,[9] while reaching number one on Billboard's Easy Listening chart,[10][11] number two on Canada's "RPM Play Sheet",[12] and number four on Canada's CHUM Hit Parade.[1

Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me - Mel Carter - Billy Bob Martin

Cold Shot - Stevie Ray Vaughan - Billy Bob Martin

"Blue Moon of Kentucky" is a waltz written in 1945 by bluegrass musician Bill Monroe and recorded by his band, the Blue Grass Boys. Some think the origins may trace back to "Roll Along, Kentucky Moon", a similar waltz recorded 15 years prior by Jimmie Rodgers. The song has since been recorded by many artists, including Elvis Presley and Paul McCartney. The song is the official bluegrass song of Kentucky.

Blue Moon Of Kentucky Live

"Bad, Bad Leroy Brown" is an uptempo, strophic story song written by American folk rock singer Jim Croce. Released as part of his 1973 album Life and Times, the song was a No. 1 hit for him, spending two weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 in July 1973. Billboard ranked it as the No. 2 song for 1973.[2]

Bad Bad Leroy Brown - Jim Croce - Billy Bob Martin

"Shambala" is a song written by Daniel Moore and made famous by two near-simultaneous releases in 1973: the better-known but slightly later recording by Three Dog Night, which reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, and a version by B. W. Stevenson. Its title derives from a mythical place-name also spelled Shamballa or Shambhala.

Shambala - Three Dog Night - Billy Bob Martin

My Cover Songs 2

MASTER

Famous Rock N Roll Song From Elvis Presley

Don't Be Cruel - Elvis Presley -  Billy Bob Martin

True Love Ways - Buddy Holly - Billy Bob Martin

Oh Boy - Buddy Holly - Billy Bob Martin

Peggy Sue - Billy Bob Martin

Rave On - Buddy Holly - Billy Bob Martin

Buddy Holly Songs Composite - Buddy Holly - Billy Bob Martin

Teenage Idol - Ricky Nelson - Billy Bob Martin

Treat Me Nice - Elvis Presley - Billy Bob Martin

Enjoy Ray Charles Song With Me Doing The Cover.  Rock On!

I Got A Woman - Ray Charles - Billy Bob Martin

Beyond The Sea - Billy Bob Martin

Mack The Knife - Bobby Darin - Billy Bob Martin

Love the classic music of the past. Hope what I put out there will enlighten young listeners that may never have heard these songs.

Classic Songs Of The Past

Popular tracks