Music History Today: July 1, 2022

July 1, 2000: Lee Ann Womack with Sons of the Desert had a crossover hit when "I Hope You Dance" moved into the Billboard's Top 40.

“I Hope You Dance,” recorded by Lee Ann Womack with Sons of the Desert, and written by Tia Sillers and Mark D. Sanders, was one of 2000’s most successful singles in several genres, and is one of only a handful of songs in the past two decades that can truly be considered a classic.

Lee Ann Womack

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A life-affirming song with an uplifting, timeless message, it’s based on the narration of a mother expressing the wish that her children will step out and embrace life, and take a chance on love and faith. 

Read more: American Songwriter

July 1, 1967: The the second week on Billboard, "A Whiter Shade of Pale" by Procol Harum  skyrocketed from Number 80 to 28.

It’s a single with almost incomprehensible lyrics, has been the subject of drawn-out legal proceedings, and is the most played record by British broadcasting over the past 70 years or so. "A Whiter Shade Of Pale" was the debut release from Procol Harum that not only topped the UK charts for six weeks, but also made it to Number Five in America. 

Read more: Loudersound

 

July 1, 1972: The Hollies made a big move on the American music chart, from 75 to 50, with "Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress."

“Long Cool Woman” delivered a much-needed hit, reaching #2 on the Hot 100 on September 9, 1972. The song is the Hollies’ highest charting hit in America, ahead of such favorites as “Bus Stop” (#5), “Stop Stop Stop” (#7), and “Carrie Anne” (#9). 

Read more: Best Classic Bands

July 1, 1978: Joe Walsh had a US Top 40 hit when "Life's Been Good" moved from Number 50 to 31. 

Front-man for the James Gang, member of the Eagles, and a solo artist, Joe Walsh radiated rock and roll energy. During his friendships with Keith Moon and John Belushi, hell-raising became a notable pastime for Walsh. His antics were solidified by one of his biggest solo hit singles, 1978’s ‘Life’s Been Good’. 

Read more: Farout Magazine

July 1, 1995: "Misery" by Soul Asylum enters Billboard's Hot 100 at Number 24. 

"Misery" became Soul Asylum's second-biggest Pop success (after "Runaway Train") and also went to #1 on the Alternative Rock chart and #2 for Mainstream Rock. This song is heard at the end of the 2006 movie Clerks II. 

Read more: Songfacts

I Hope You Dance
Lee Ann Womack