Music History Today: May 18, 2022

May 18, 2001: The movie Shrek was released.

Almost all of the 12 songs on the soundtrack to Shrek feature prominently in the film.

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When it does deviate from the norm, it's for the eels' "My Beloved Monster," Rufus Wainwright's cover of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah," a cover of Joan Jett's "Bad Reputation" by Halfcocked and The Proclaimers' 1988 chestnut "I'm on My Way." 

Read more: Allmusic

May 18, 1959: Wilbert Harrison's "Kansas City" hit Number 1 in America.

"Kansas City" is a rhythm and blues song written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller in 1952. First recorded by Little Willie Littlefield the same year, the song later became a chart-topping hit when it was recorded by Wilbert Harrison in 1959.  

Read more: Wikipedia

May 18, 1968: Spanky & Our Gang moved into Billboard's Top 40, from 45 to 20, with "Like to Get to Know You."

As on Spanky and Our Gang's previous hit single, their new producer, Stuart Scharf, also employed session musicians to create the instrumental backing track while the group members provided lead and background vocals.

Spanky & Our Gang

This was the first hit they recorded in Los Angeles—all of their previous records were cut in New York with Jerry Ross producing.  A performance of this song was featured on The Ed Sullivan Show on March 24, 1968. In the uniquely staged presentation, the members of the group appear to be at a cocktail party. 

Read more: Wikipedia

May 18, 1974: William DeVaughn moved well into the US Top 40, from 54 to 30, with "Be Thankful for What You Got."

William DeVaughn wrote "A Cadillac Don't Come Easy", eventually re-written to become "Be Thankful for What You Got" in 1972, and spent $900 toward it under a development agreement, under which an artist will record a few initial demos or tracks where, if successfully approved, the company may reserve the right to extend the arrangement to Omega Sound, a Philadelphia production house, and release the song. 

Read more: Wikipedia

May 18, 1985:  Cyndi Lauper's "The Goonies' R' Good Enough" started the run-up Billboard's Hot 100 at Number 45.

Steven Spielberg made Lauper the music director of his movie, The Goonies. She put together the soundtrack with some of her favorite bands like The Bangles.  

One of 3 songs she contributed to the soundtrack, “The Goonies ‘R’ Good Enough” was originally just called “Good Enough” but execs found putting the movie title in the song made it somewhat more marketable. 

Read more: The Indy Review

I'm On My Way 
The Proclaimers