Rock’n’Roll for Grownups #13: Rediscovering Classic Hits and Their Stories
By Denny Somach
Welcome back to Rock’n’Roll for Grownups, where we dive into the music that shaped our lives and revisit the stories behind the hits we know and love. In episode #13, I’m sharing an eclectic mix of classic rock tracks, some of which you might not hear on the radio as much these days. Join me as we listen to timeless tunes from legends like George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Phil Collins, Stevie Wonder, and many more, paired with stories that bring new depth to these unforgettable songs.
Exploring Rock’s Hidden Gems and Fan Favorites
We begin the episode with George Harrison’s rendition of If Not for You, a song written by his friend Bob Dylan. Dylan’s version, Subterranean Homesick Blues, also makes an appearance. Known for its groundbreaking music video where Dylan holds up cue cards with the lyrics, this track marked an era of creative expansion in both music and visual storytelling. Wrapping up the set is Simple Minds’ Don’t You Forget About Me, which became iconic as the theme song for the film The Breakfast Club, a movie that defined teenage angst and rebellion in the 80s.
Phil Collins’ Dual Life in Genesis and Solo Success
As we move forward, we explore Phil Collins’ career, balancing his work with Genesis and his solo ventures. Collins himself reflects on the challenges and joys of doing both. His debut single, In the Air Tonight, is one of those unforgettable songs that re-entered pop culture thanks to its appearance in The Hangover, with Mike Tyson humorously miming the iconic drum fill. We follow this with Leon Russell’s Tight Rope and Toto’s Hold the Line, adding layers of musical nostalgia that still resonate today.
Rock Anthems from the 70s and 80s
Next, we dive into the grooves of Bob Welch’s Sentimental Lady and Bob Seger’s Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man, songs that capture the spirit of rock’s golden era. Bachman–Turner Overdrive follows with You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet, a track that adds an extra dose of high-energy rock to the mix.
The journey continues with The Hollies’ Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress, Creedence Clearwater Revival’s Green River, and Linda Ronstadt’s You’re No Good. These songs showcase the diversity of sounds that defined the late 60s and early 70s, from CCR’s swamp rock to Ronstadt’s powerful voice that pushed boundaries in pop and rock.
Rockabilly and Rock Legends Unite
As we near the end, we throw in a little rockabilly with The Ozark Mountain Daredevils’ Jackie Blue and The Romantics’ What I Like About You, which gained popularity after appearing in a Budweiser commercial. We also have Stray Cats with Rock This Town, a true rockabilly classic that transports us back to the era of pompadours and leather jackets.
And before we wrap up, there’s Stevie Wonder’s Superstition. Originally written for Jeff Beck but recorded by Wonder on his album Talking Book, this song went on to become one of Stevie’s biggest hits. Beck eventually released his version too, and their mutual admiration brought them together to perform the song at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 25th anniversary show in 2009.
Paul McCartney and Wings
To close this episode, I leave you with Paul McCartney and Wings’ Band on the Run, the title track from their 1973 album. It’s a song that symbolizes the resilience of rock, and McCartney’s story of freedom and musical exploration resonates even today.
Rock’n’Roll for Grownups is more than just music; it’s about revisiting the songs and stories that defined our past, keeping these legendary tracks alive for future generations. Thanks for joining me, and I hope you’ll tune in next time as we continue this journey through the world of classic rock.
Rock’n’Roll for Grownups is produced by Denny Somach and Zach Martin, copyright 2024. All Rights Reserved.
EP.13 Track Listing
- If Not for You – George Harrison (3:36)
- Subterranean Homesick Blues – Bob Dylan (2:16)
- Don’t You Forget About Me – Simple Minds (4:20)
- Phil Collins on Solo vs. Group Work
- In the Air Tonight – Phil Collins (5:30)
- Tight Rope – Leon Russell (2:59)
- Hold the Line – Toto (3:59)
- Sentimental Lady – Bob Welch (4:30)
- Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man – Bob Seger System (2:21)
- You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet – Bachman–Turner Overdrive (3:44)
- Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress – The Hollies (3:15)
- Green River – Creedence Clearwater Revival (2:37)
- You’re No Good – Linda Ronstadt (3:45)
- Jackie Blue – The Ozark Mountain Daredevils (4:10)
- What I Like About You – The Romantics (2:55)
- Rock This Town – Stray Cats (3:00)
- Superstition – Stevie Wonder (4:26)
- Band on the Run – Paul McCartney and Wings (5:09)
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