"Come Together" - April 6, 2010
Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney
The Beatles released "Come Together" in 1969 as a double a-side single with "Something." John Lennon apparently was inspired to write the song by Timothy Leary's failed campaign for governor of California running against Ronald Reagan. His slogan was, "Let's Get It Together," but the campaign ended abruptly when Timothy Leary was jailed for possession of marijuana.
Listen to the Beatles
"Midnight Train to Georgia" - March 30, 2010
Written by Jim Weatherly
"Midnight Train to Georgia" was first recorded and released by Cissy Houston. A year later in 1973 Gladys Knight and the Pips topped the pop charts with it and made the song a classic. It was the first and remains the group's only #1 pop single.
Watch Gladys Knight and the Pips video
"Me and Bobby McGee" - March 23, 2010
Written by Kris Kristofferson and Fred Foster
"Me and Bobby McGee" originally hit music charts in a country version from Roger Miller in 1969. Gordon Lightfoot took it on to the pop and country charts in his home country of Canada in 1970. Then Janis Joplin reversed the gender focus and recorded the song for her album Pearl shortly before her death. That version entered pop music legend when it became Janis Joplin's only #1 single topping the charts posthumously in 1971.
Listen to Janis Joplin
"You Can't Always Get What You Want" - March 16, 2010
Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards
The London Bach Choir appear to stunning effect on "You Can't Always Get What You Want." The 7 1/2 minute song was used to close the Rolling Stones album Let It Bleed. It was used powerfully in the opening funeral sequence of the movie The Big Chill.
Watch the Rolling Stones live
"Give Me One Reason" - March 9, 2010
Written by Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman hit the pop top 10 with her first single "Fast Car" in 1988. However, she failed to even return to the top 40 until 1995. "Give Me One Reason" from her fourth album New Beginning became Tracy Chapman's biggest hit single yet. She took the twelve bar blues song to #3.
Watch Tracy Chapman Video
"Long As I Can See the Light" - March 3, 2010
Written by John Fogerty
"Long As I Can See the Light" was the B-side to Creedence Clearwater Revival's #2 smash hit "Lookin' Out My Back Door." Both were included on the band's 1970 album Cosmo's Factory. The name of the album came from the warehouse in Berkeley, California where the band rehearsed.
Listen to Creedence Clearwater Revival
"Hand In My Pocket" - February 23, 2010
Written by Alanis Morissette and Glen Ballard
"Hand In My Pocket" was the second single from Alanis Morissette's smash hit album Jagged Little Pill. It was released in late 1995 and became her second consecutive top 10 hit at pop radio.
Watch Alanis Morissette Video
Early Songs
- Audition - "Piece of My Heart" by Janis Joplin
- First Hollywood Week Solo - "(You Make Me Feel Like a) Natural Woman" by Aretha Franklin
- Hollywood Week Group - "Get Ready" by the Temptations
- Second Hollywood Week Solo - "If It Makes You Happy" by Sheryl Crow
