Sonya Alexander
Fire and Rain – James Taylor
14 November 2017
There is songwriting, then there’s SONGWRITING. Prolific and profound singer/songwriter James Taylor emerged in the late 60s as the ultimate laid-back troubadour and the multi-Grammy Award-winning artist remains one of the top selling artists of all time. His first album, which was self-titled, was released in 1968 and received a warm reception from critics…
Jackie Blue – The Ozark Mountain Daredevils
31 October 2017
The Ozark Mountain Daredevils’ “Jackie Blue” was released in 1975 as a single from their It’ll Shine When it Shines album and is a piece of music that runs deeply through the artery of American culture and wraps around the heart like a warm blanket of nostalgia…
Heart Of The Night – Poco
24 October 2017
Poco has to be one of the most underrated bands of the 70s. The trio consisted of Richie Furay, Rusty Young and Jim Messina, all former members of Buffalo Springfield who formed this group after Buffalo Springfield disbanded. Messina was also part of a soft rock duo with Kenny Loggins. They created the precious musical jewels “Danny’s Song” and “Angry Eyes.”
Sour Suite – The Guess Who
17 October 2017
The Guess Who is a Canadian group that hit the music scene in the early sixties. Their first single was “I Just Didn’t Have the Heart,” which was released in 1962, when their name was still the much more conventional Chad Allen and the Reflections. It wasn’t until 1965 that they officially became The Guess Who and started to blow up on the charts and on the stage.
Runaway – Jefferson Starship
10 October 2017
When Jefferson Airplane became Jefferson Starship, they left behind full-throttle, psychedelic rock and roll and swapped it for more thoughtful, soft pop ballads. “Runaway,” which was on their 1978 Earth album, showcased lead singer Marty Balin’s plaintive vocals, with soul-piercing lyrics and a memorable melody anchoring.
My Cherie Amour – Stevie Wonder
3 October 2017
Stevie Wonder’s “My Cherie Amour” was released in 1969, so not quite the 70s, but on the cusp of it. Co-written with Sylvia Moy and Henry Cosby, it has more of a 70s sound than 60s. It veers away from his R&B popish Motown sound and has more of a straight R&B sound, sans harmonica.
Time in a Bottle – Jim Croce
25 September 2017
Jim Croce’s music was pure poetry. The poignant singer/songwriter died in September of 1973, just as his career was taking off. His third studio album, You Don’t Mess Around With Jim, was released in April of 1972.
Sara Smile – Hall & Oates
19 September 2017
John Hall and Daryl Oates are the definition of “blue-eyed soul.” Their songs are a perfect melding of pop, soul, soft rock and R&B. One song from their extensive catalog that exemplifies their sound is “Sara Smile,” which was on their self-titled, Gold certified album from 1975.
Peaceful Easy Feeling – Eagles
12 September 2017
No group signifies the laid back, sun-kissed 70s better than the Eagles. Their crystalline harmonies, stellar musicianship and satisfying lyrics make them one of the best rock bands of all time.
Tangerine – Led Zeppelin
5 September 2017
When most people think of Led Zeppelin, they think of vibrating, electric, bad-to-the-bone rock and roll. However, as most bands worth their salt, they had a kaleidoscope of sounds, sounds that involved an overlapping of genres, including blues, country, reggae, R&B and folk. “Tangerine” is one of their songs that doesn’t quite fall into the category of their usual sound, while simultaneously being their quintessential sound.
More Than a Feeling – Boston
29 August 2017
There are some classic rock songs that are unquestionably part and parcel of the rock and roll rubric. “Stairway to Heaven,” “Imagine,” “Hound Dog”…all are staples of rock. Boston’s “More Than a Feeling” certainly fits into this category as well. Released in September of 1976, it hit number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. Much like the group Kansas, the name of the group as well as the music itself, represents big sky, limitless wheat fields, rich soil, simplicity and freedom.
Southern Nights – Glen Campbell
15 August 2017
Country music legend Glen Campbell recently passed. He leaves a legacy of crossover country hits that will be part of pop culture consciousness forever. Known for reflective, everyman songs, his 1977 hit “Southern Nights” was one of his more dance-oriented, upbeat tunes. The song was originally written and recorded by Louisiana legend Allen Toussaint in 1975.