Only The Good Die Young

To say this 1977 Billy Joel release stirred up some controversy would be an understatement. In fact, the ensuing condemnation by the clergy had kids racing to the record stores to buy it. Virginia was Virginia Callahan, a Catholic girl Billy had a crush on who wouldn't have premarital sex.

American Woman

Arguably, the best Canadian single of all time, Burton Cummings and The Guess Who secured their place in the world music scene back in 1970. The song is controversial in its lyrics, written when times were turbulent, and I have put into this video some of what they say to me.

Come Go with Me

One of the best doo-wop songs ever recorded. The Dell Vikings (sometimes spelled "Del" and sometimes hyphenated) embody the spirit and excitement of the 50's in their 1957 hit.

I Got You, Babe

Sonny and Cher's 1965 number one hit. The duo was universally loved. Their split was deeply felt by millions all over the world who tuned in every week to watch their unique show. To this day, I get a pang in my chest whenever I think about how great the two were together and how sad it was for all of us to be a party to that separation.

Gotta See Jane

R. Dean Taylor was born in Toronto, Canada and is a singer, song writer and recording artist best known for his smash hit "Indiana Wants Me". This is is another of his most successful recordings, both songs from the early 70's.

These Eyes

This was the Canadian rock group The Guess Who's first hit to reach the top ten on the U.S charts. It was released in 1968 in Canada and in 1969 in the U.S. It would go on to be certified gold, selling over a million copies.

Chipmunks cover Ringo

You're Sixteen

In January 1974, Ringo's cover of this song hit number one. The performance reunited Ringo Starr with his former Beatles bandmates Paul McCartney, John Lennon and George Harrison. McCartney is credited on the album cover as having played the instrumental solo on a kazoo. Starr's version remains one of the few #1 singles to feature a kazoo solo.

Saturday in the Park

A perenial favourite reminiscent of sunny days and happy times in the park. Recorded by Chicago in 1971, it was inspired by a walk through New York's Central Park where most of the photos in this video were shot.

Green Eyed Lady

Mysterious and supernatural sounds and lyrics make this 1970 hit by Sugarloaf a favourite of mine.

Imagine

John Lennon's 1971 message of peace. Nothing more to say about it.

Last Kiss

This song was written by Wayne Cochran and released by Wayne Cochran & the C.C. Riders in 1963 but with limited success. When it was covered by J. Frank Wilson and the Cavaliers just a year later, it was a smash hit. The song was loosely based on a real incident. When Pearl Jam covered the song in 1998, it became their biggest hit.

Thanks go out to Barbie for her collaboration.

Original (Wilson) version:



Pearl Jam's cover:

Ebony and Ivory

Sir Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder teamed up in 1982 to make this gentle protest song against racism.