January 2, 1969 Radio Notes

View Comments

• Jay...I really liked Mrs. Robinson at the time. But man it is overplayed by lots of online oldies stations. Sounds of Silence and 'Bridge' gets lots of play but how bout Homeward Bound, I am a Rock, At the Zoo, Faking it. And I left many others out.

• Steve ~ Your comment proves you're never too old to learn something new. I'd never heard of Bobbi Martin's version of "Harper Valley", but you're absolutely correct ... it was a United Artist Records release and made it to #114 on the National Pop Charts.
  I knew country singer Margie Singleton had the original recording of the Tom T. Hall tune in '68, but it did nothing chart wise. Hardcore country music fans will remember Margie's biggest hit in '63 ... "Keeping Up With The Joneses", a duet with Faron Young.
  I must admit, with the #1 songs in 1968, I chose a few of my least favorite "other #1'ers" to make my point of "not quite so memorable" ... but in all honesty there were a few other truly memorable tunes that year making it to #1, including "Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay" • Otis Redding, "Mrs. Robinson" • Simon & Garfunkel, & "Hello, I Love You" • The Doors.

• Jay...I remember all those. I think KPUG played Harper Valley by Bobbi Martin...off the top of my head.

• I found it interesting that both KOL and KJR agreed that "Hey Jude" and "Revolution" would be the "pop songs to remember" 1968 by. "Hey Jude" was the bigger "hit" of those 2 ... #1 on the charts for 9 wks (more than any other #1 record that year). "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" by Marvin Gaye was the runner-up at 7 wks at #1. "Revolution" stalled at #12, but of course it was on B-side of "Hey Jude". KOL & KJR pegged those 2 hit as "pop songs to remember", not necessarily the biggest chart hits of '68. Do you recall these other #1 hits in 68? "Honey" by Bobby Goldsboro, 5 wks at # 1 • "Love Is Blue" by Paul Mauriat, 5 wks at #1 • "Harper Valley PTA" by Jeannie C. Riley, 1 wk at #1? ... and, oh yeah, "Judy In Disguise (With Glasses)" by John Fred & his Playboy Band 2 wks at #1!
  As far as "songs to remember" in '68 ... I guess that just goes to show that KOL & KJR were "right on"!

  • In the early 60s, classical music filled the airwaves but now is hanging on by its fingernails...and the amount of religious programming on the weekends was massive back then

• What a relief to find that Gregory Short's group has merged. With whom will be disclosed at a later date, we hope.