THROWBACK THURSDAY
Welcome back to Throwback Thursday! Each week we compile a playlist of music that has come out in this week’s past. Today we have an excellent group of songs, going all the way back to the fifties, ranging from artists like Dolly Parton, to bands like Black Sabbath.
Before we dive into the playlist, I couldn’t go without mentioning some notable historic musical events from this week. On February 12 1997, David Bowie was awarded his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His star is located near the Hollywood Galaxy Theater.
On February 15 1987, Ben and Jerry’s announced their new flavor Cherry Garcia, which is named after the Grateful Dead’s Jerry Garcia. Not only is it one of their longest- serving flavors, but it has remained a top seller since its debut.
Last but not least, in 2010, Mumford & Sons made their first television debut in the United States. They appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman on February 17.
Getting into our playlist, we start off with “The Book of Love” by The Monotones. After hearing a catchy jingle in a toothpaste commercial, lead singer Charles Patrick wrote this song out of inspiration. Its legacy lives beyond its years, with several bands and musicians not only covering this song, but mentioning it in other music as well; most notably Don McLean’s “American Pie.”
“The Book of Love” - The Monotones (1958)
“Wicked World” - Black Sabbath (1970)
“Dumb Blonde” - Dolly Parton (1967)
“Strawberry Fields Forever” - The Beatles (1967)
“Heart of Stone” - The Rolling Stones (1965)
“Fly by Night” - Rush (1975)
“Sail Away” - Deep Purple (1974)
“Can’t Take That Away” - Lynyrd Skynyrd (1993)
“I Can’t Stand It” - Eric Clapton (1981)
“Wuthering Heights”- Kate Bush (1978)
In 1967, Dolly Parton released her debut album, Hello, I’m Dolly, which featured her first charting song, “Dumb Blonde.” It peaked at 24, and spent a total of 14 weeks on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart.
“Strawberry Fields Forever” was released by The Beatles in 1967 as a double A-side single, along with “Penny Lane.” John Lennon wrote the hit, taking inspiration from his childhood, where he often played in the garden of Strawberry Field, a Salvation Army children’s home. The single is, in his opinion, his best work with the band.
Next we have “Heart of Stone” by The Rolling Stones, which was released in 1965. It was written in collaboration with Mick Jagger and Kieth Richards, and peaked at 18 in the United States on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. This song is regarded as a rather unique one, with some country infusion, but rather melancholic melodies.
To close out this week’s playlist, I chose none other than Kate Bush. At just 18-years-old, Bush wrote her hit song “Wuthering Heights” inspired by the novel written by Emily Brontë. It was released in 1978 as the lead single on her debut album The Kick Inside, and was a number one charting single in the U.K..
Join us next week for a brand new playlist with blasts from the past from your favorite artists and bands!
