"Bad Moon Rising" is a song written by John Fogerty and performed by Creedence Clearwater Revival. It was the lead single from their album Green River and was released on April 16, 1969 four months before the album. The song peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart on 28 June 1969 and reached No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart for three weeks in September of that year (see 1969 in music). It was CCR's second gold single.[4]

Bad Moon Rising - Creedence Clearwater Revival - Billy Bob Martin

The song is sung from the point of view of a rodeo cowboy, driving at night from San Antonio to a county fair in Amarillo, that will begin the following morning. The man recounts the hardships his occupation has caused him, including divorce, broken bones, and poverty, but states that he does not regret his lifestyle: "I ain't rich/ But Lord, I'm free." The song has appeared in several lists of the best country songs.

Amarillo By Morniing

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

"Having a Party" became the closing song of Cooke's live performances from the time it was recorded to his death.[2] These concerts would typically end with all other acts joining Cooke and company onstage, throwing confetti while Cooke worked the audience to "keep on having that party" after the show is over.[2] A version can be heard on Cooke's posthumous live recording, Live at the Harlem Square Club, 1963.

Havin A Party - Sam Cooke - Billy Bob Martin

Elvis Presley's version of "Mystery Train" was first released on August 20, 1955, as the B-side of "I Forgot to Remember to Forget".[12] In 2003, Rolling Stone magazine ranked it at number 77 on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.[13] Sam Phillips at Sun Studios again produced the recording, and featured Presley on vocals and rhythm guitar, Scotty Moore on lead guitar, and Bill Black on bass. Moore used a country lead break and fingerstyle picking, with a touch of slapback echo.[14] Moore also drew on elements from earlier songs, such as the guitar riffs from Junior Parker's "Love My Baby" (1953),[15] played by Pat Hare, and "Sixteen Tons" (1946) by Merle Travis.[16][17]

Paired with "I Forgot to Remember to Forget", the single reached the Top 10 in Billboard's Country & Western listings.[18]

Mystery Train - Elvis Presley - 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 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

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

Blue Moon Of Kentucky Live

Classic Songs Of The Past

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