Music History Today: January 19, 2022

January 19, 1980: Bette Midler's cover of "When a Man Loves a Woman," from the soundtrack of The Rose, entered the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Paul A. Rothchild produced the final Janis Joplin studio album, Pearl, as well as many a Doors disc. 

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The late producer was the perfect guy to tackle this tribute to Joplin featuring "The Divine Miss M" as "Pearl"/"The Rose." In March of 1980, the version of "When a Man Loves a Woman" from this 1979 film soundtrack went Top 35, and Midler's biggest hit followed her Oscar nomination. 

Read more: Allmusic

January 19, 1966: Simon & Garfunkel released "Homeward Bound."

It was while he was sitting on a platform at Widnes railway station on Merseyside, waiting for a train to take him back to London to his girlfriend, that Paul Simon began scribbling the lyrics of his haunting song Homeward Bound. 

Read more: The Guardian

January 19, 1973: The Moody Blues released the single "I'm Just a Singer." 

John Lodge is bass guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter for the iconic rock band, The Moody Blues.

 

The band’s eighth album, 1972’s Seventh Sojourn, spawned two singles – Isn’t Life Strange and I’m Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band) – both of which John wrote. The latter release reached No 12 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it one of their highest-charting hits in the US. 

Read more: Songwriting Magazine

January 19, 1974: Rick Derringer's solo version of "Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo" debuted at 100 on Billboard's singles chart.

Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo" is a rock song written by American musician Rick Derringer. 

Rick Derringer

It was first recorded in 1970 by Johnny Winter and his band, Johnny Winter And, of which Derringer was a member. In 1973, Derringer recorded a solo version, which was his only Top 40 chart hit as a solo artist in the U.S.

Read more: Wikipedia

January 19, 1985: Chicago peaked at Number 3 on the US music chart with "You're the Inspiration." 

Say what you will about Chicago’s “You’re the Inspiration,” but it is one of those hits that’s highly unappreciated by many. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it's done two great things for Chicago: 1. Brought them success in reaching a new audience. 2. Helped them receive commercial success on the charts. 

Read more: Something Else Reviews

When a Man Loves a Woman
Bette Midler