Music History Today: July 8, 2021

July 8,  2000: "Wonderful" by Everclear debuted at Number 77 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart.  

“Wonderful” begins with the word wonderful repeated over and over again by different people of different ages. Voices sweet, gruff and skeptical. Young and old. Male and female. 

Everclear

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“Ain’t life wonderful?” we are finally asked. It is as if they are trying to convince themselves that everything is going to be alright. “Wonderful” tells the all too common story of a kid trying to navigate his way through the difficult and complicated life changes brought on by divorce, even though the life affected may be simple and innocent. 

Read more: Glick Man Online

July 8, 1967: "Come on Down to My Boat" by Every Mother's Son peaked at Number 6 on the US singles chart.

“Come on Down to My Boat” was written by musicians, producers, and businessmen Jerry Goldstein and Wes Farrell. It was first recorded by The Rare Breed in 1966, a group also produced by Farrell. Every Mother’s Son released it in 1967. 

Every Mothers’ Son

Every Mother’s Son formed in New York City with members Dennis Larden and his brother Larry Larden, Bruce Milner, Christopher Augustine, and Schuler The band was seen as a clean-cut alternative to The Beatles — with a touch of The Beach Boys. The group disbanded in 1968. Dennis Larden later became part of Rick Nelson’s Stone Canyon Band. 

Read more: Pass the Paisley

 

July 8, 1978: "Bluer Than Blue" by Michael Johnson peaked just short of the Top 10 and number 12 on the US singles chart.

A 1978 song by Michael Johnson, “Bluer Than Blue” was written by noted pop and country songwriter Randy Goodrum.

Michael Johnson

Originally recorded as a demo, “Bluer Than Blue” was taken as the first single from Johnson’s subsequent LP, The Michael Johnson Album. The song is from the point of view of a man who is in a failing relationship and is trying to convince himself his situation will improve once the one he loved moves on. However, it is evident by the lyrics to the song his efforts are thus far ineffective. 

Read more: Country Thang Daily

 

July 8, 1989: The Fine Young Cannibals sat at the top of the US music chart with their hit "Good Thing."

"Good Thing" made its first appearance in the 1987 film Tin Men.  Fine Young Cannibals portrayed a nightclub band in the movie, performing this song and three others.

The film is set in Baltimore in 1963, and the song's retro soul style is consistent with that setting. Jools Holland played piano on the track, noting that it was "one of the biggest selling records I've ever played on". 

Read more: Wikipedia

 

July 8, 1995: "Waterfalls" by TLC took the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart.

For legendary girl group TLC, 1995 was the year fame stopped knocking and barged in, ready or not, and the trio had to reckon, quickly, with who they were and what they wanted.

TLC

TLC’s sophomore album, CrazySexyCool, had come out the autumn before, but it was the May 29, 1995 release of the album’s third single, “Waterfalls,” that changed the game. If you've only heard one TLC song in your life, this is the one you’ve heard. 

Read more: PBS

 

Wonderful
Everclear