1960- I’ve often heard it referred to as the worst music year in post rock n’ roll history.  That actually may be true though if you’ve followed this blog you know that one of my main beliefs about music in the 2nd half of the twentieth century is that no year is a bad year.  In 1955/56 rock n’ roll had exploded into the public consciousness, and the years ’56-’58 were particularly fertile.  By 1960 most of (white) rock n’ roll’s biggest stars had become waylaid- either by death or some other factor and folk music began to dominate the collegiate scene as the rock n’ roll teeny boppers grew up and went to college.  The record companies brought in heavily marketed and imaged teen idols like Frankie Avalon and Fabian who were a pale imitation of the rebellious and authentic rockers of just a few years before-  they were the early sixties version of today’s American Idol contestants.

Elvis Presley, certainly rock n’ roll’s biggest star, joined the army and signed a contract with Colonel Tom Parker, whose primary goal seemed to be to get the King to appeal as much as possible to the middle of the road.  Buddy Holly (along with Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper) died in a plane crash the year before and Jerry Lee Lewis was being shunned by the American public for his marriage to his 14 year old cousin.  Little Richard left rock n’ roll for religion and although Chuck Berry was still having hits he was about to be in heaps of legal troubles and eventually sent to jail for transporting a 14 year old minor across state lines.  Two of the main sub genres of rock n’ roll- Doo Wop & Rockabilly were also petering out though there were still some fine charting songs in 1960 for both.

So that certainly paints anything but a rosy picture, but what is often left out of the history books is all of the good music being made in 1960-  most of the best stuff was being made by black artists so it is unfortunately no surprise that many times it is given too short shrift in the white historical lexicon.  But artists like the Everly Brothers, huge in the last fifties, were still firing on all cylinders in 1960 with two of their biggest hits, “Cathy’s Clown” and “When Will I Be Loved” along with a few other great but lesser known tracks.  Roy Orbison also emerged as one of the best new artists of 1960.  Though he had been recording at Sun since the mid 50’s he didn’t hit big until ’60 with “Only the Lonely”, his first in a string of amazing hits that lasted through the early part of the decade.  Underrated (except by Italians 🙂 ) Connie Francis also had some great would be girl group (if she wasn’t a solo singer) gems, paving the way for singers like Dusty Springfield & Lesley Gore a few years later.

But the really great music came from the Soul & Blues artists.  All of the inventors of soul- Sam Cooke, James Brown, Jackie Wilson & Ray Charles had some of their very best years in 1960- in fact, they were all at the peak of their powers.  Labels like Atlantic, Chess & King were still flourishing and the Blues was in high gear.  Starting with the Kings (B.B., Freddy & Albert) as well as Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters & Elmore James to name the biggest hitmakers. Many of these tracks wouldn’t be known to white America until the late 60’s when British heavy metal/hard rock bands like Led Zeppelin & Cream covered them.  Several huge 50’s artists like Fats Domino & Hank Ballard had big hits in ’60 as well, though both were at the tail end of their charting careers.  Another big 50’s, Atlantic’s The Drifters, climbed to even bigger hits in 1960 when they got a new lead singer in Ben E. King, who also contributed his first solo hit “Spanish Harlem” which would become a soul standard.  Lesser known soul/blues artists like Little Willie John also had big years, while the city of New Orleans was generating tons of excitement as well with one off singles like “Carnival Time” by Al Johnson, “Ooh Pa Pa Do” by Jessie Hill” and “Go to the Mardis Gras” by Professor Longhair, which would become the theme song for the yearly Mardis Gras event.

Even though Elvis had become somewhat neutered, or at the very least watered down, he still was good for a handful of great songs- “It’s Now or Never”, “Stuck On You”, “Are You Lonesome Tonight” amongst all of the other dreck.  And “True Love Ways” was released posthumously after Buddy Holly’s death, the song a fitting reminder of so much future creativity and greatness lost.  Like I said, 1960 may pale in comparison to every post 1955 year in music but it is still well worth exploring.  And I didn’t even mention that some of the best jazz albums of all time came out in ’60 (the first two absolute gamechangers)- see below!

Buy Sketches of Spain – Miles Davis

Buy Sketches Of SpainAmazon

Buy Giant Steps – John Coltrane

Buy Giant StepsAmazon

Buy Blues & Roots (Bonus Track Version) – Charles Mingus

Buy Blues & RootsAmazon

Buy Beauty Is a Rare Thing – The Complete Atlantic Recordings – Ornette Coleman

*The “Change of the Century” album is included on this release

*Not available via Amazon

Buy Ella Fitzgerald Live In Berlin Mastered – Ella Fitzgerald

Buy The Complete Ella In Berlin: Mack The Knife Amazon

Best of 1960 Volume 1 (9/1/02)

1.  Ben E. King- Spanish Harlem

Buy Spanish Harlem – Spanish Harlem

Buy Spanish Harlem (LP Version)Amazon

2.  Smokey Robinson & the Miracles- Who’s Loving You

Buy Who’s Lovin’ You – The Ultimate Collection: Smokey Robinson and the Miracles

Buy Who’s Lovin’ YouAmazon

3.  Barrett Strong- Money (That’s What I Want)

Buy Money (That’s What I Want) – 20th Century Masters – The Millennium Collection: The Best of Barrett Strong

Buy Money (That’s What I Want)Amazon

4.  Muddy Waters- Got My Mojo Working (Live)

Buy Got My Mojo Workin’ – Live at Newport

Buy Got My Mojo Working (Live)Amazon

5.  Howlin’ Wolf- Back Door Man

Buy Back Door Man (Single) – His Best (Chess 50th Anniversary Collection)

Buy Back Door ManAmazon

6.  Jackie Wilson- Doggin’ Around

Buy Doggin’ Around – Jackie Wilson: 20 Greatest Hits

Buy Doggin’ AroundAmazon

7.  The Shirelles- Will You Love Me Tomorrow?

Buy Will You Love Me Tomorrow – Dirty Dancing (20th Anniversary Edition) [Soundtrack from the Motion Picture]

Buy Will You Love Me Tomorrow?Amazon

8.  Ike & Tina Turner- A Fool in Love

Buy A Fool In Love – Proud Mary – The Best of Ike & Tina Turner

Buy A Fool In LoveAmazon

9.  Jerry Butler- He Will Break Your Heart

Buy He Will Break Your Heart – Best of Jerry Butler

Buy He Will Break Your Heart Amazon

10.  James Brown- Think

Buy Think (Single Version) – The Federal Years: 1956-1960

Buy ThinkAmazon

11.  Little Willie John- I’m Shaking

Buy I’m Shakin’ – Sure Things

* Not available via Amazon

12.  The Everly Brothers- When Will I Be Loved

Buy When Will I Be Loved – The Fabulous Style of the Everly Brothers

Buy When Will I Be Loved (1960 #8 Billboard chart hit; #4 UK)

13. Roy Orbison- Only the Lonely

Buy Only The Lonely (Know The Way I Feel) – 16 Biggest Hits: Roy Orbison

Buy Only The Lonely (Know The Way I Feel)Amazon

14.  Dean Martin- Ain’t That a Kick in the Head

Buy Ain’t That a Kick In the Head – Dino – The Essential Dean Martin

Buy Ain’t That A Kick In The Head (1997 Digital Remaster)

15.  Bobby Bland- Cry, Cry, Cry

Buy Cry, Cry, Cry (Single) – Bobby Blue Band: Greatest Hits, Vol. 1 – The Duke Recordings

Buy Cry, Cry, CryAmazon

16.  Freddy King- Have You Ever Loved a Woman

Buy Have You Ever Loved a Woman – 17 Greatest Hits

Buy Have You Ever Loved A WomanAmazon

17.  Elmore James- The Sky is Crying

Buy The Sky Is Crying – The Best of Elmore James

Buy The Sky Is Crying – OriginalAmazon

18.  Ray Charles- Georgia On My Mind

Buy Georgia On My Mind – Genius – The Ultimate Ray Charles Collection

Buy Georgia On My MindAmazon

19.  Elvis Presley- It’s Now or Never

Buy It’s Now or Never – Elvis: 30 #1 Hits

Buy It’s Now Or Never (2003 Sony Remaster)Amazon

20.  Fats Domino- Walking to New Orleans

Buy Walking to New Orleans – The Fats Domino Jukebox: 20 Greatest Hits

Buy Walking To New Orleans (2002 Digital Remaster)

21. Professor Longhair- Go to the Mardis Gras

Buy Go to the Mardi Gras – City of Dreams: A Collection of New Orleans Music

Buy Go To The Mardi Gras Amazon

22.  Hank Ballard & the Midnighters- Finger Poppin’ Time

Buy Finger Poppin’ Time – Hank Ballard & the Midnighters – Their Very Best – EP

Buy Finger Poppin’ TimeAmazon

23.  Sam Cooke- (What A) Wonderful World

Buy (What A) Wonderful World – 30 Greatest Hits – Sam Cooke Portrait of a Legend 1951-1964 (Remastered)

Buy Wonderful WorldAmazon

24.  Carla Thomas- Gee Whiz (Look At His Eyes)

Buy Gee Whiz, Look At His Eyes (Single Version) – Rhino Hi-Five – Carla Thomas – EP

Buy Gee Whiz, Look At His Eyes (Single/LP Version)

25.  Kathy Young & the Innocents- A Thousand Stars

Buy A Thousand Stars – Greatest Hits of 1960, Vol. 8

Buy A Thousand StarsAmazon

26.  Dion & the Belmonts- Where or When

Buy Where or When – The Best of Dion & The Belmonts

Buy Where Or When Amazon

27. Chuck Berry- Bye Bye Johnny

Buy Bye Bye Johnny – Chuck Berry: The Anthology

Buy Bye Bye JohnnyAmazon

28.  Maurice Williams & the Zodiacs- Stay

Buy Stay (Remastered 2003) – Dirty Dancing (20th Anniversary Edition) [Soundtrack from the Motion Picture] Buy Stay (Remastered 2003)Amazon

29.  The Drifters- Save the Last Dance for Me

Buy Save the Last Dance for Me – The Drifters: All-Time Greatest Hits

Buy Save The Last Dance For Me (LP Version)Amazon

Best of 1960 Volume 2 (9/2/02)

1.  The Ventures- Walk Don’t Run

Buy Walk Don’t Run – Walk Don’t Run : The Best Of The Ventures

Buy Walk – Don’t RunAmazon

2.  The Crests- Step By Step

Buy Step By Step – Ten Best Series – The Crests

Buy Step By StepAmazon

3.  Hank Ballard & the Midnighters- Let’s Go, Let’s Go, Let’s Go

Buy Let’s Go, Let’s Go, Let’s Go – Hank Ballard & the Midnighters – Their Very Best – EP

Buy Let’s Go, Let’s Go, Let’s GoAmazon

4.  Wanda Jackson- Let’s Have a Party

Buy Let’s Have a Party – The Best of Wanda Jackson – 24 Country Hits

Buy Let’s Have A PartyAmazon

5.  Frankie Lymon- Little Bitty Pretty One

Buy Little Bitty Pretty One (LP Version) – The Best of Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers

Buy Little Bitty Pretty One (LP Version)Amazon

6.  Smokey Robinson & the Miracles- Shop Around

Buy Shop Around – 20th Century Masters – The Millennium Collection: Best of Smokey Robinson & The Miracles Buy Shop AroundAmazon

7. Lightnin’ Hopkins- Wimmin from Coast to Coast

* Not available via iTunes

Buy Wimmin From Coast To Coast (Digitally Remastered)Amazon

8.  Freddy King- You’ve Got to Love Her with Feeling

Buy You’ve Got to Love Her With a Feeling – 17 Greatest Hits

Buy You’ve Got To Love Her With A FeelingAmazon

9.  Etta James- My Dearest Darling

Buy My Dearest Darling (Single) – Etta James – Her Best: The Chess 50th Anniversary Collection

Buy My Dearest DarlingAmazon

10.  Mary Wells- Bye Bye Baby

Buy Bye Bye Baby (Single Version) – Bye Bye Baby – Single

Buy Bye Bye BabyAmazon

11.  The Everly Brothers- Cathy’s Clown

Buy Cathy’s Clown – The Golden Hits of the Everly Brothers

Buy Cathy’s Clown (LP Version)Amazon

12.  Buck Owens- Excuse Me (I Think I’ve Got a Heartache)

Buy Excuse Me (I Think I’ve Got a Heartache) – The Buck Owens Story, Vol. 1 1956-1964

Buy Excuse Me (I Think I’ve Got a Heartache)Amazon

13.  Little Willie John- Heartbreak (It’s Hurting Me)

Buy Heartbreak (It’s Hurtin’ Me) – Greatest Hits of 1960, Vol. 17

Buy Heartbreak (It’s Hurtin’ Me)Amazon

14.  Elmore James- Madison Blues

Buy Madison Blues – The Chess Blues-Rock Songbook

Buy Madison BluesAmazon

15.  Ray Charles- Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Cryin’

Buy Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Crying – The Genius of Ray Charles

Buy Don’t Let The Sun Catch You Cryin’Amazon

16.  Sam Cooke- Sad Mood

Buy Sad Mood – 30 Greatest Hits – Sam Cooke Portrait of a Legend 1951-1964 (Remastered)

Buy Sad MoodAmazon

17.  James Brown- Bewildered

Buy Bewildered – Star Time

Buy BewilderedAmazon

18.  Roy Orbison- Blue Angel

Buy Blue Angel – The Essential Roy Orbison

Buy Blue AngelAmazon

19.  Elvis Presley- Stuck On You

Buy Stuck On You – Elvis: 30 #1 Hits

Buy Stuck On You Amazon

20.  George Jones- The Window Up Above

Buy The Window Up Above – The Definitive Collection: George Jones (1955-1962)

Buy The Window Up AboveAmazon

21.  The Drifters- This Magic Moment

Buy This Magic Moment – The Drifters: All-Time Greatest Hits

Buy This Magic Moment (Single/LP Version)Amazon

22.  Bobby Darin- Artificial Flowers

Buy Artificial Flowers – The Ultimate Bobby Darin

Buy Artificial Flowers (LP Version)Amazon

23.  Jimmy Jones- Handy Man

Buy Handyman – Handyman

Buy Handy Man – OriginalAmazon

24.  Jimmy Reed- Hush Hush

Buy Hush, Hush – The Very Best of Jimmy Reed

Buy Hush, Hush Amazon

25. John Lee Hooker- No Shoes

Buy No Shoes – The Best of John Lee Hooker

Buy No Shoes Amazon

26. The Coasters- Wake Me, Shake Me

Buy Wake Me Shake Me – Greatest Hits of 1960, Vol. 9

Buy Wake Me, Shake Me (LP Version)Amazon

27.  The Jesters- The Wind

Buy The Wind – The Best of the Jesters

Buy The WindAmazon

Best o 1960 Volume 3 (5/16/04)

1.  Percy Faith- Theme from ‘A Summer Place’

Buy The Theme From “A Sumer Place” – Greatest Hits

Buy The Theme From “A Summer Place” (Single Version)Amazon

2.  Ray Charles- Let the Good Times Roll

Buy Let the Good Times Roll – The Genius of Ray Charles

Buy Let the Good Times RollAmazon

3.  James Brown- I’ll Go Crazy

Buy I’ll Go Crazy (Single Version) – The Federal Years: 1956-1960

Buy I’ll Go CrazyAmazon

4.  Jessie Hill- Ooh Pa Pa Doo (Part 2)

Buy Ooh Poo Pah Doo (Part 2) – Jessie Hill’s Ooh Poo Pah Doo (Part 1)

Buy Ooh Poo Pah Doo – Part 2Amazon

5.  The Hollwood Flames- Alley Oop

Buy Alley Oop – Silly Songs

Buy Alley OopAmazon

6.  Johnny Cash- Mean Old Cat

*Not available via iTunes or Amazon

7.  Loretta Lynn- Honky Tonk Girl

Buy I’m a Honky Tonk Girl – Honky Tonk Girl – The Loretta Lynn Collection (Box Set)

Buy I’m A Honky Tonk GirlAmazon

8.  Marty Robbins- Song for the Bandit

*Not available via iTunes or Amazon

9.  Bo Diddley- Roadrunner

Buy Roadrunner (Single) – The Chess 50th Anniversary Collection: Bo Diddley – His Best

Buy Road Runner Amazon

10.  Elmore James- Standing at the Crossroads

Buy Standing At the Crossroads – The Best of Elmore James

Buy Standing At The Crossroads – OriginalAmazon

11.  Buddy Guy- The First Time I Ever Met the Blues

Buy First Time I Met the Blues – The Greatest Blues Recordings Ever Made Vol. 2

Buy First Time I Met The BluesAmazon

12.  Sam Cooke- Chain Gang

Buy Chain Gang – 30 Greatest Hits – Sam Cooke Portrait of a Legend 1951-1964 (Remastered)

Buy Chain GangAmazon

13.  The Drifters- I Count the Tears

Buy I Count the Tears – All-Time Greatest Hits & More (1959-1965)

Buy I Count The Tears (Single/LP Version)Amazon

14.  The Crests- Trouble in Paradise

Buy Trouble In Paradise – Ten Best Series – The Crests

Buy Trouble In ParadiseAmazon

15.  Smokey Robinson & the Miracles- Way Over There

Buy Way Over There – Ooo Baby Baby: The Anthology

Buy Way Over There Amazon

16.  Roy Orbison- Uptown

Buy Uptown – The Essential Roy Orbison

Buy UptownAmazon

17.  Connie Francis- Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool

Buy Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool – 20th Century Masters – The Millennium Collection: The Best of Connie Francis

Buy Everybody’s Somebody’s FoolAmazon

18.  The Shirelles- Boys

*Not available via iTunes

Buy BoysAmazon

19.  Dion & the Belmonts- Lonely Teenager

Buy Lonely Teenager – The Best of Dion & The Belmonts

Buy Lonely Teenager Amazon

20.  Elvis Presley- Are You Lonesome Tonight?

Buy Are You Lonesome Tonight? – Elvis: 30 #1 Hits

Buy Are You Lonesome Tonight? (Remastered)Amazon

21.  Little Willie John- Sleep

Buy Sleep – Little Willie John: All 15 of His Chart Hits from 1953-1962

Buy Sleep Amazon

22.  Junior Wells- Little by Little

Buy Little By Little – Junior Wells (1957-1963)

Buy Little by LittleAmazon

23.  Howlin’ Wolf- Spoonful

Buy Spoonful (Single) – His Best (Chess 50th Anniversary Collection)

Buy SpoonfulAmazon

24.  Jackie Wilson- A Woman, a Lover, a Friend

Buy A Woman, a Lover, a Friend – Jackie Wilson: 20 Greatest Hits

Buy A Woman, A Lover, A FriendAmazon

25.  The Everly Brothers- Let It Be Me

Buy Let It Be Me – The Fabulous Style of the Everly Brothers

Buy Let It Be MeAmazon

26.  The Flamingos- Mio Amore

Buy Mio Amore (LP Version) – Flamingo Favorites

Buy Mio Amore (LP Version)Amazon

27.  Fats Domino- My Girl Josephine

Buy My Girl Josephine – The Fats Domino Jukebox: 20 Greatest Hits

Buy My Girl Josephine (aka Hello Josephine) (2002 Digital Remaster)Amazon

28.  Brenda Lee- I’m Sorry

Buy I’m Sorry (Single) – 20th Century Masters – The Millennium Collection: The Best of Brenda Lee

Buy I’m SorryAmazon

29.  The Coasters- Besame Mucho

Buy Besame Mucho, Pt. 1 – Greatest Hits of 1960, Vol. 17

*Not available via Amazon

30.  Ray Peterson- Tell Laura I Love Her

Buy Tell Laura I Love Her – Great Story Songs

Buy Tell Laura I Love HerAmazon

Best of 1960 Volume 4 (7/1/06)

1.  Duane Eddy- Peter Gunn

Buy Peter Gunn – Dance Hits of the 50s & 60s
Buy Peter GunnAmazon

2.  Bo Diddley- Gunslinger

Buy Gun Slinger – Bo Diddley Is a Gunslinger
Buy Gun SlingerAmazon

3.  Ike & Tina Turner- I Idolize You

Buy I Idolize You – Proud Mary – The Best of Ike & Tina Turner
Buy I Idolize YouAmazon

4.  Howlin’ Wolf- Wang Dang Doodle

Buy Wang Dang Doodle (Single) – His Best (Chess 50th Anniversary Collection)
Buy Wang Dang DoodleAmazon

5.  B.B. King- Sweet Sixteen (Parts 1 & 2)

Buy Sweet Sixteen – The Great B.B. King
Buy Sweet Sixteen, Parts 1 & 2Amazon

6.  Carla & Rufus Thomas- ‘Cause I Love You

Buy ‘Cause I Love You – Walking the Dog
Buy ‘Cause I Love YouAmazon

7.  The Shirelles- Tonight’s the Night

*Not available via iTunes
Buy Tonight’s the nightAmazon

8.  Sam Cooke- Teenage Sonata

Buy Teenage Sonata – The Man Who Invented Soul
Buy Teenage SonataAmazon

9.  Brenda Lee- Sweet Nothins

Buy Sweet Nothin’s (Single) – 20th Century Masters – The Millennium Collection: The Best of Brenda Lee
Buy Sweet Nothin’sAmazon

10.  Connie Francis- My Heart Has A Mind of Its Own

Buy My Heart Has a Mind of Its Own – 20th Century Masters – The Millennium Collection: The Best of Connie Francis
Buy My Heart Has A Mind Of Its OwnAmazon

11.  The Paradons- Diamonds and Pearls

Buy Diamonds And Pearls – One Hit Wonders – Vol. 5
Buy Diamonds And PearlsAmazon

12.  The Skyliners- Pennies from Heaven

Buy Pennies from Heaven – The Skyliners: Greatest Hits
Buy The Skyliners – Pennies From HeavenAmazon

13.  The Fleetwoods- Runaround

Buy Runaroun (Digitally Remastered) – Runaroun (Digitally Remastered) – Single
Buy RunaroundAmazon

14.  The Drifters- Let the Boogie Woogie Roll

*(Originally recorded in the early 50’s)
Buy Let the Boogie Woogie Roll – Let the Boogie-Woogie Roll: Greatest Hits 1953-1958
Buy Let The Boogie Woogie Roll (LP Version)Amazon

15.  Al Johnson- Carnival Time

*Not available via iTuneds
Buy Carnival TimeAmazon

16. Alvin Red” Tyler & the Gyros- Peanut Vendor

Buy The Peanut Vendor – Breaking Bad (Music from the Original TV Series)
Buy Peanut Vendor Amazon

17.  Johnny Bond- Hot Rod Lincoln

Buy Hot Rod Lincoln – Hits for the Road
Buy Hot Rod LincolnAmazon

18.  The Ventures- Perfidia

Buy Perfidia – Gold
Buy PerfidiaAmazon

19.  Little Willie John- You Hurt Me

Buy You Hurt Me – Sure Things
*Not available via Amazon

20.  Ray Charles- Sticks and Stones

Buy Sticks and Stones – Genius – The Ultimate Ray Charles Collection
Buy Sticks And StonesAmazon

21.  Bobby Bland- Lead Me On

Buy Lead Me On (Mono Version) – Two Steps from the Blues (Bonus Tracks)
Buy Lead Me OnAmazon

22.  James Brown- I Know It’s True

Buy I Know It’s True – Star Time
Buy I Know It’s TrueAmazon

23.  Joe Jones- You Talk Too Much

Buy You Talk Too Much – Carnival Time – The Best of Ric Records, Vol. 1
Buy You Talk Too Much Amazon

24.  The Everly Brothers- So Sad (To Watch Good Love Go Bad)

Buy So Sad (To Watch Good Love Go Bad) – The Golden Hits of the Everly Brothers
Buy So Sad (To Watch Good Love Go Bad) (LP Version)Amazon

25.  Joan Baez- Silver Dagger

Buy Silver Dagger – Joan Baez
Buy Silver DaggerAmazon

26.  Aaron Neville- Over You

Buy Over You – The New Orleans Hit Story, 1950-1970 (Disc 1)
Buy Over YouAmazon

27.  The Chimes- Once in Awhile

Buy Once In a While – Solid Gold Hits, Volume 5

Buy Once In A WhileAmazon

28.  Charles Brown- Please Come Home for Christmas

Buy Please Come Home for Christmas – Number 1’s: Christmas

Buy Please Come Home For ChristmasAmazon

Best of 1960 Volume 5 (2/20/11)

1.  Chubby Checker- The Twist

Buy The Twist – The Best of Chubby Checker: 1959-1963 (Cameo Parkway Original Recordings)

Buy The Twist (Original Hit Recordings) Amazon

2.  Gary “US” Bonds- New Orleans

Buy New Orleans – The Very Best of Gary U.S. Bonds

Buy New OrleansAmazon

3.  Fat Daddy Holmes- Chicken Rock

Buy Chicken Rock – Paul Buff Presents The Pal And Original Sound Studio Archives, Vol. 10

Buy Chicken RockAmazon

4.  Albert King- Let’s Have a Natural Ball

Buy Let’s Have a Natural Ball – The Velvet Bulldozer

Buy Let’s Have A Natural BallAmazon

5.  James Brown- Baby You’re Right

Buy Baby, You’re Right – Think!

Buy Baby You’re RightAmazon

6.  Harold Dorman- Mountain of Love

Buy Mountain of Love – Harold Dorman’s There They Go – EP

Buy Mountain Of LoveAmazon

7.  John Coltrane- Giant Steps

Buy Giant Steps – Giant Steps

Buy Giant StepsAmazon

8.  The Shadows- Apache

Buy Apache – The Best Of The Shadows (Gold Series)

Buy Apache (1995 Digital Remaster)Amazon

9.  Frank Sinatra- Nice & Easy

Buy Nice ‘n’ Easy – Holidays & Hits: A Jolly Christmas / Classic Sinatra

Buy Nice ‘N’ Easy (1999 Digital Remaster)Amazon

10.  Ella Fitzgerald- Mack the Knife (Live)

Buy Mack the Knife (Live 1960 West Berlin) – Ken Burns’s Jazz: Ella Fitzgerald

Buy Mack The Knife Amazon

11.  Elmore James- Done Somebody Wrong

Buy Done Somebody Wrong – The Sky Is Crying

Buy Done Somebody Wrong – Original Amazon

12.  Jack Scott- Burning Bridges

Buy Burning Bridges – Rare Country Hits – 20 Hard to Find Country Classics

Buy Burning Bridges (Original Hit Version) Amazon

13.  Jackie Wilson- Am I the Man

Buy Am I the Man – Jackie Wilson: 20 Greatest Hits

Buy Am I The ManAmazon

14.  Charles Mingus- Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting

Buy Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting – Blues & Roots (Bonus Track Version)

Buy Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting (LP Version)Amazon

15.  Lavern Baker- Shake a Hand

Buy Shake a Hand – Soul On Fire: The Best of LaVerne Baker

Buy Shake A HandAmazon

16.  The Stanley Brothers Rank Strangers

Buy Rank Strangers – 20 Bluegrass Originals – Hymns

Buy Rank StrangersAmazon

17.  Charlie Rich- Lonely Weekends

Buy Lonely Weekends – Feel Like Going Home – The Essential Charlie Rich

Buy Lonely WeekendsAmazon

18.  The Every Brothers- Since You Broke My Heart

Buy Since You Broke My Heart – The Fabulous Style of the Everly Brothers

Buy Since You Broke My HeartAmazon

19.  Connie Francis- Many Tears Ago

Buy Many Tears Ago – Gold: Connie Francis

Buy Many Tears AgoAmazon

20.  The Drifters- Lonely Winds

Buy Lonely Winds – The Ultimate All Time Greatest Collection

Buy Lonely Winds (Single/LP Version) Amazon

21.  The Safaris- Image of a Girl

Buy Image of a Girl – Goldisc Records from the Vault, Vol. 2

Buy Image of A GirlAmazon

22.  Sam Cooke- If I Had You (I’d Be Happy)

Buy If I Had You (I’d Be Happy) – The Man Who Invented Soul

Buy If I Had You (I’d Be Happy)Amazon

23.  Ray Charles- Come Rain or Come Shine

Buy Come Rain or Come Shine – The Genius of Ray Charles

Buy Come Rain Or Come Shine (Remastered LP Version)Amazon

24.  Nina Simone- Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out

Buy Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out (LP Version) – Anthology:The Colpix Years

Buy Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out Amazon

25.  Howlin’ Wolf- Howlion’ for My Baby

Buy Howlin’ for My Baby (Single Version) – Howlin’ Wolf: Moanin’ In the Moonlight – Two for One

Buy Howlin’ For My BabyAmazon

26.  Buddy Holly- True Love Ways

Buy True Love Ways (Stereo) – Buddy Holly: Greatest Hits (Original Recording Remastered)

Buy True Love Ways Amazon