Soft Rock
I wasn’t really sure if I should write about today’s artist because music really wasn’t his “calling.” Well, at least when we look at his movie roster, clearly he was meant to be more of an actor than a singer. The late, legendary Patrick Swayze, was a phenomenally talented actor, dancer, singer, songwriter, and I think choreographer too. Although I can’t find anything confirming that he was a choreographer; somehow, something tells me that he was a huge influence in the movie “Dirty Dancing (1987).” About the beginning of the 1990s, People Magazine voted Patrick “The Most Sexiest Man Alive.”
Patrick has had a pretty successful acting career. Playing in very popular and successful movies such as Ghost (1990), Roadhouse (1989), To Wong Foo (1995), and of course, Dirty Dancing (1987). You may not like all his movies, however, it is very clear he was a phenomenal actor in his own right. He was a rare breed in that, he was one of the very few that could say he was talented in every aspect of the entertainment business.
I estimate between 2007 & 2009, Swayze, confirmed to his fans that he indeed was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. It was heartbreaking seeing this once incredibly handsome man, have the life literally sucked out of him by cancer. Pancreatic cancer is no joke at all. Like many artists who learn they are terminally ill, they continue working. Around the time of his diagnosis, he was working on the first season of a new TV cop show called “The Beast (2009).” That same year in 2009, after the first season was complete, Patrick passed away.
As far as I can tell, when it comes to music, Patrick has only released one song in his entire career. That one song hit #3 on the Top 100 Charts. It was from the “Dirty Dancing” and it’s called “She’s Like The Wind (1987).” Now, this song is probably way too mellow for most people today. However, it’s a beautiful love song that thrusts you right back to the eighties! I really would have loved to hear more songs from Patrick. I think he would have had a huge music career, just as much as his acting.
We’ll know that rubbing Styx together makes fire! And the band Styx were hot in the 80s! Styx is a rock band that formed around the early seventies. They’ve had a few Top Ten Hits over the course of their career. Man! Musically speaking…. Talk about confusing?? You see, for me… Dennis DeYoung, who’s the primary lead singer for Styx, sounds almost identical to Air Supply’s Russell Hitchcock. It was a frustrating time for me, because every time I walked into the record store, I’d ask for Air Supply, when I really meant Styx. Today, we don’t have to worry about those things, because most mobile audio apps show all this information. Or we can just Shazam it.
Well, I guess technically I can’t say they’re a one hit wonder, because they have more than 8 Top Tens under their belt. However, I only have one huge favorite from them, that not only hit #1 on the Hot 100 Charts, but it stayed #1 for two consecutive weeks! The song is called “Babe,” released in 1979, from their 7th album called Cornerstone. The band has broken-up a couple of times. They’ve pretty much went on their separate ways. I’ve read that the lead singer DeYoung was extremely difficult to deal with. With so many hits they’ve made together, I’m not even sure if their attempts of creating a reunion will be successful. However, in a recent article, DeYoung states that it might be possible (only if) they’re inducted in the Hall Of Fame.
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I know I’ve written about the legendary Eagles band not too long ago on my old site. However, while listening to some internet radio, I heard more amazing classics by them, which inspired me to share more of their legendary music. The first time, I’ve written about their hit song (#4 in position) “Take It To The Limit.” Now, I’d like to introduce to you some of their number ones.
The Eagles Is One Of The Most Beloved Bands In America
I think it’s safe to go ahead and say that The Eagles is one of the most beloved bands in America (at least when it comes to classic rock/country). They too, are one of the very few groups where their music has transcended generations and genres. Good music is just good music; these are the kinds of artists that become immortalized.
If you’re a young person who digs classic rock bands, I highly recommend that you check out The Eagle’s music. Out of 21 songs that were popular enough to make it on the charts; 5 of them were #1, a #2 song, and 9 other top 10 hits during their career. They formed in the early 1970s, and the original members were Glenn Fry, Don Henley, Bernie Leadon, and Randy Meisner. The group amassed 6 Grammy Awards, 5 American Music Awards, and 6 number one albums. The Eagles meant serious business!!
Hotel California Was My Jam!
It’s difficult to say which is my most favorite song. However, If I were forced to pick one; I’d have to say “Hotel California (1977).” I think this was their second number one song. Man, it seemed like every single artist that new how to sing, or play an instrument did a cover of this song! It was like….. You know how you make the decision to learn how to play an instrument, and there’s always that one “easy” go to melody? That’s what it was like listening to soooooo many different renditions of this song. ? I have to say, the only rendition that was worth my ears, was from a group called the Gypsy Kings. They perform mostly flamenco and salsa music.
Also, in my opinion, The Eagles has produced some of the most romantic soft rock songs I’ve ever heard. A good example is “Best Of My Love (1975),” which by the way also hit #1 on the Top 100 Charts. How about their song called “Heartache Tonight (1979)?” Did mention that was a number one too? Goodness!! Too many great songs. However, I want to end with one of my very favorites. The following song peaked at #8, and it’s called “I Can’t Tell You Why (1980).” I think this is such a beautiful song. Even if there were no lyrics, I think the background composition still would have became a hit! There’s only one other song I felt like that, and that’s Carole King’s “So Far Away (1971).”
I was listening to classic internet radio the other day (which happens to be the best kind of radio nowadays), and “Just You ‘N’ Me” by Chicago came on. I haven’t heard this in ages. Chicago is one of my very, very favorite bands. They had a LOT of hits from back in the day. I place them very high on the music bar; alongside The Eagles, and Earth, Wind, & Fire.
Indeed, One Of The Best Bands Of The 70s/80s
The band Chicago is from Chicago Illinois, and was first formed on the year of my birthday in 1967. For the most part, they’re a soft-rock, & pop-rock. Their original name was “Chicago Transit Authority.” Awhile later they decided to shorten it to just “Chicago.” Chicago probably had more employees over the course of their existence than Earth, Wind & Fire. Actually, probably more than any band.
Unfortunately, there are only 3 original members remaining. Robert Lamm, Lee Loughnane, and James Pankow. I am so amazed and thrilled that they’re still around. You know, from a marketing standpoint, they knew their brand. Has any of my readers who are fans of Chicago took the time to look through Chicago’s album art? Very impressive, and there is no doubt that this played a part in burning this legendary band in to people’s memory.
Only 3 Members Left!
You know what? Large bands like Chicago, EW&F, MFSB, they where one of a kind. Not just because of their music, but I feel that the way the music industry is now, they would never pay for large bands like this anymore. This generation only seems to focus on single artists.
In addition to “Just You ‘N’ Me,” which hit #4 by the way. I’d like to share some more of my very favorite hits. One of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard from any band is “If You Leave Me Now,” this song is so romantic. Apparently other fans thought so too, as the song shot up to #1 in 1976. This is the perfect please forgive me song. ?? “Hard To Say I’m Sorry,” #1 on the charts, “Saturday In The Park,” #3 on the charts, “You’re The Inspiration,” also peaked #3 on the charts. I could go on and on. Check out their greatest hits album an walk down memory lane!! Oh yeah, check out their website too. It’s really cool. Thanks for reading.
I wasn’t a terribly huge fan of the Beatles, or Paul McCartney for that matter. Well, not enough to buy their albums. However, there are some singles that Paul McCartney produced with Wings that became my all-time favorites. One of them that is a song he recorded when he was with the band Wings; and the song is called “My Love,” released in 1973.
Great Love Songs In Modern Rock
In my opinion, I think “My Love,” was one of the great love songs in “modern rock.” I used quotes around that term because that’s what we used back then between the 70s and 80’s to describe this kind of music. For the purpose of this classic blog, modern rock is no where near the same meaning as what you’d think about modern rock today! I guess today, we’d put this under the soft-rock category, or perhaps romantic-rock (if there’s such a category).
Feel Like They’re Listening To AM Radio Today
There’s no doubt in my mind that most people younger than myself, maybe in the 30-40 range, would listen to this music and feel like they’re listening to AM radio today! ‘Cause this was exactly the kind of music you’d find there (other than predominantly news and sports). I think it’s safe to say that a huge chunk of Paul’s music has been either pop, or easily listening.
Wings Members Included Paul’s Wife
Wings was a band that Paul started about a year after he left the Beatles. Honestly, I’m shocked as to how long they actually lasted. Within 10 years the group members have changed so much (like shoes). The only core members that remained was McCartney and his then wife Linda.
There are four more favorites by Wings I’d think you’d like. “Band On The Run,” “Let ‘Em In,” and “Silly Love Songs.”
You know, I don’t know why, but I used to have a slight crush on John Cougar Melloncamp, now known as just John Melloncamp. There was a couple of songs I liked throughout his career believe it or not. One of them was a called “Jack & Diane,” released in 1982. I loved how the background music was composed. How the string instruments started off very dramatic, and then eased almost immediately, with Cougar’s soft vocal tones. This is a perfect song to listen to while on country road trips if you ask me. I think this was your typical “young and in H.S.” songs, doing the kinds of things most kids did that age (when your hormones are raging). But, what I liked about this song is that Cougar was very clever in his lyrics; and made the song sound innocent at the first listen. But, I also liked that he was literally telling a story in song. Another favorite is a song called “Hurt So Good,” remember that one? I used to like to dance to that song.