As summer delightfully descends upon us, music on the radio only means one thing.
It’s the 60’s and I’m back at New Trier High School and I’m in a cool car headed for the beach or 31 or the Teatro or the Edens or the bowling alley or Highwood.
The top is down and WLS has been selected.
Here’s what’s playing.
1964
1965 was a great year for summer songs. In fact, for me, the BIGGEST summer song of all time EVER was playing in 1965.
The Silver Dollar Survey says:
But there were also memorable tunes playing that summer. Let Gene Taylor spin a couple for you.
As great as the summer songs of 1965 were, 1966 had some real humdingers, too. Let Dick Biondi play these.
That brings us to 1967. A very big music year. I graduated in June and went off to summer school in Madison at the University of Wisconsin.
I remember playing Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band non-stop in the dorm. (That album changed my life, btw. It had the lyrics printed on the back. OMG. What an answer to my song-memorizing prayers.)
I also listened to Somebody to Love and White Rabbit by the Jefferson Airplane over and over again.
But the radio was playing these tunes in their Top Ten List:
Okay, that could be the most annoying song of all time. But how about this one?
The summer of 1968 had pretty groovy summer music, too. My folks had moved to Los Angeles and I can close my eyes and still hear Born To Be Wild blaring from KHJ.
But here’s what was playing back in Chi-Town. Remember?
And who can forget?
This one also takes me back to LA instantly.
The summer of ’69 was a turning point in my life. I got married on July thirteenth. Here was what was going on tune-wise the week before.
Whenever I hear this next one, in a heartbeat I am transported to our back yard in Encino before I headed to Chicago to tie the knot. I am in a bikini drifting on a raft in our pool whenever this one is playing.
And I love this one madly to this very day.
My car battery is dying so I’ll wrap it up.
I want to end this post on a current note and I cast around in my mind for a song that will always remind me of the summer of ’17.
I found it last night. It’s an oldie but a real goodie and it’s been brought back to life by two very popular singers of right now.
Listen and remember that they’re performing it for a great cause.
I think the kids of the 60’s would say “Right on.”
Great Stuff
SWAK
Thanks, buddy! For a guy with swell seats at the Opera, you’ve got great taste in real music. ❤️🎼🎤🎸
As Vivian Kramer and I can attest
The beaches on the South Side
Were really the best.
The songs of the late 50’s
Outshined those you addressed
It was the first decade with Rock and Roll at its crest.
So I leave you today with this old summer cheer.
Up with South Shore
And down with New Trier!!
Now Bernie, I know you’re loyal to
the South Shore and songs when we were teenagers are always the sweetest so I’ll let this calumny and slander stand. But “Boo!” “Here’s to our team they’re the green and the gray…” 🎼
Remember them all with memories attached to each. But one song in 1965 stands out for me:
Oh, God said to Abraham, “Kill me a son”
Abe said, “Man, you must be puttin’ me on”
God said, “No” Abe say, “What?”
God say, “You can do what you want, Abe, but
The next time you see me comin’, you better run”
Well, Abe said, “Where d’you want this killin’ done?”
God said, “Out on Highway 61”
Peace out😎
🤘And remember, don’t trust anyone over thirty. Thanks, Mitch. I knew I could count on you. 😊🎼
I have to agree with Bernie that the 50’s in South Shore were a cool place to be in the summer. 67th street beach laying out on the rocks, or Rainbow beach with beautiful sand during the day and submarine races at night! Melody Lane had mile high sundaes until it blew away in a tornado and 71st street had shops that were as upscale as Michigan Av. It was a great close knit community with big extended families and caring neighbors.
The song of the 50’s resonate with me because by the mid 60’s I was too busy with babies to listen to anything but Sesame Street.
Thanhs for a time machine look at South Shore, Vivian. Another country to me- but it sounds wonderful. And I understand the “baby” thing. The only song I remember from the 70’s is “What
A Fool Believes.” The rest is a blur.
Thanks and see you soon. 😊🎼
I’m a bit late this week, but I must chime in and totally agree with Bernie and Vivian! South Shore all the way…Rainbow the BEST sun and sand…but I’m partial to 67th St. beach and the rocks since I met my first big love/husband there the summer of ’62. First husband long gone (found a much better one) but the memories of those hot days and balmy nights with the top down and fabulous music still remain. Thanks for the bounce back to great music and wonderful memories Ellen. Go Tars!
Thank YOU, Nancy. You’re never too late when the comment is as good as this. I enjoyed this stroll down Memory Lane- with a side trip to Lover’s Lane- and I’m sure Bernie and Vivien will too.