Music History Today: October 14, 2021

October 14th, 1978: "Josie" by Steely Dan peaked at Number 26 on the Billboard Hot 100 single's chart.

Almost a year after the release of Aja, ABC Records released Josie as a single in North America. In Europe, “Josie” had served as the B side to “Deacon Blues.” 

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Ordinarily, a song like “Josie” would be earmarked as the advance single but, as you know, Aja was no ordinary album. The single version is identical to the elpee version; you don’t mess with perfection. 

Read more: Progrography

 October 14th, 1967: "I Can See For Miles" by The Who entered the US Top 100 chart.

Pete Townshend wrote ‘I Can See For Miles’ shortly after meeting his future wife, Karen.

The Who 1969

The track was intended as a reminder for his new beau that even though he was on the road, he would still be keeping a watchful eye over her every move, which feels a bit uncomfortable now in 2020. Townshend would go on to marry her in 1968 with the couple remaining together for over 40 years until their divorce in 2009. 

Read more: Farout Magazine

 

October 14th, 1972: Bill Withers peaked at Number 2 on the US chart with "Use Me."

"Use Me" by Bill Withers was his second-biggest hit in the United States, released in September 1972 and later reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It was kept from No. 1 by both "Ben" by Michael Jackson and "My Ding-a-Ling" by Chuck Berry. 

Read more: Wikipedia

 

October 14th, 1978:  Dan Hartman debuted on Billboard's Hot 100 single's chart with "Instant Replay."

"Instant Replay" is about the joy and ecstasy of meeting the right woman and looking forward to the future with her.

Dan Hartman

It was Hartman's first hit as a solo artist. He was a member of The Edgar Winter Group from 1972-1976, and is often remembered for this 1984 hit "I Can Dream About You." 

Read more: Songfacts

 

October 14, 1989: Rolling Stones peaked at Number 5 on the US music chart with "Mixed Emotions."

If Keith Richards was the subject of the Rolling Stones’ last mainstream Top 10 hit, 1989's “Mixed Emotions,” he could hardly accuse Mick Jagger of throwing the first punch. The lead track from that year’s return-to-form album, 

Steel Wheels, represented a new understanding between the pair, even if it didn’t represent the complete settling of their differences. Richards and Jagger had fallen out during the making of 1986’s Dirty Work. The last straw was laid when the singer refused to tour in support of the album. 

Read more: Ultimate Classic Rock

 

Josie
Steely Dan