Thursday, May 12, 2011

The Grooviest Week Ever (Part 4)


One of the biggest hits that The Rascals ever had was their 1967 chart-topper "Groovin'".

In fact, it became synonymous with the feel-good "groove" of the '60's ... and captured that relaxing state of mind perfectly on record.



Their hit had barely fallen off the charts when it was replaced by an instrumental version of the same tune by Booker T. and the MG's!  (It was QUITE unusual to see a remake chart so quickly after the original ... but Booker T's version earned enough sales and airplay to peak at #21 ... which kept radio "groovin'" to this tune for the rest of the year.)



Quite honestly, "Groovin'" has never really been off the radio ... it's a '60's Classic that STILL sounds great today.  Kudos to The Rascals for perfectly capturing the mood of lazin' on a Sunday afternoon!
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But groovin' to the instrumentals is nothing new.
Nearly ten years earlier, guitar legend Duane Eddy took "Movin' And Groovin'" to #54 on The Cash Box Singles Chart.  (It was, in fact, his very first charted single.)


Greater things were certainly in store for The Guitar Man ... his next record, "Rebel Rouser", went to #6 ... and kicked off a string of 16 Top 40 Hits!


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Finally, from 1963, comes this Forgotten Hit ... "Groovy Baby" by Billy Abbott and the Jewels.  While never a Top 40 Hit (it peaked at #55), it does seem to be a favorite amongst collectors ...



and it certainly fits the theme of our 

GROOVIEST WEEK EVER IN FORGOTTEN HITS!!!