1969 was a pivotal year for music. Some of the industry’s legends were around at the end of this decade including The Rolling Stones, Johnny Cash, The Beatles and Elvis. This year saw people like David Bowie release Space Oddity and The Beatles’ iconic Abbey Road album was born. It’s safe to say there was a lot to talk about.
Since Brig first published back in 1969, they have reviewed the work of so many iconic musicians. But what was topping the charts 55 years ago when Brig’s first edition was sent to print?
(image credit : far out magazine)
5. He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother – The Hollies
Written by Bobby Scott and Bob Russell the song tells a story of helping others. It pulls at your heart even more when you know that Russell was dying of lymphoma at the time of recording. It was recorded in June of 1969 and features Elton John playing piano as he was also recording music at the time.
(image credit : NME mag)
4. A Boy Named Sue by Johnny Cash
The song was originally written by children’s author Shel Silverstein and then became famous due to Johnny Cash’s performances. The humourist song is about a boy named Sue (what a surprise) and his hunt for revenge on his father for abandoning him and giving him this unfortunate name.
(image credit : pop expresso mag)
3. I’m gonna make you mine By Lou Christie
Lou Christie’s classic love song made the top ten of charts around the world. The song has no specific meaning behind it, but it’s clear from the passion found in the lyrics that it could be from his own personal experiences.
(image credit internet achieve)
2. Je t’aime.. Moi non plus by Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg
The song was originally for Brigitte Bardot in ‘67. This better-known version was recorded in ‘69 and later became the first foreign song to reach number one in the UK. The song was banned in many countries due to its explicit and sexual nature.
(image credit : taste of country)
1. I’ll never fall in love again by Bobbie Gentry
To top the charts this week it is Bobbie G. Bobbie was an American singer-songwriter who became one of the first female artists in America to compose and produce her material all on her own. This track that topped the charts was actually a cover and was originally sung and produced for the musical Promises, Promises by composer Burt Bacharach
(Feature image credit BBC 2 TOTP)