“Simon Says” – Doyle’s Space: Music Hall of Fame – Gummy Award

‘Bubble-gum’ was riding high, in early 1968, and ‘Simon Says’ was a fine example of it.

“Simon Says” by the 1910 Fruitgum Company, the group’s breakout hit that firmly established them in the bubblegum pop movement of the late 1960s. Released in January 1968, “Simon Says” was written by Elliot Chiprut, though it was brought to mass appeal by producers Jerry Kasenetz and Jeffry Katz, the masterminds behind Super K Productions and Buddah Records.

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Lyrical: “FM” (Part One)

These are songs that contain FM in their lyrics.

“My Church,” the breakout debut single by Maren Morris, was co-written and co-produced with the late songwriter Busbee and released in January 2016 as the lead single from her major-label debut album, Hero . The song uses the metaphor of a car ride with the radio playing classic country legends like Johnny Cash and Hank Williams

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Beatles References (Part One)

These are songs, by any artist, that in some way, reference the Beatles.

“Reader’s Digest” is a provocative, satirical song written and performed by Larry Norman, released in 1972 on his landmark album Only Visiting This Planet. Norman, often called the “father of Christian rock,” used the song to critique both secular culture and institutionalized religion, referencing pop icons (like The Beatles, Rolling Stones, and John Lennon),

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My Favorite Albums – Deceptive Bends – 10cc

This is a great album. I love every song and the cover art is one of my favorites.

Deceptive Bends is the fifth studio album by British art rock band 10cc, released on April 21, 1977. It marked a significant transition for the band following the departure of founding members Kevin Godley and Lol Creme in 1976. That left Eric Stewart and Graham Gouldman to carry on under the 10cc name.

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“Oh Lonesome Me” / “I Can’t Stop Loving You” – Doyle’s Space: Music Hall of Fame – SOS Award

This “Stand Out Single” was by a favorite of my mother.

The single “Oh Lonesome Me” / “I Can’t Stop Loving You” by Don Gibson, released in 1958, is one of the most iconic and influential records in country music history. Both tracks were written by Don Gibson himself and recorded in a single session on December 3, 1957, at RCA Studio B in Nashville, Tennessee, produced by Chet Atkins.

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Musical Telephone (Part One)

Songs all involve a telephone.

“Telephone Line” is a classic ballad by Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), written by the band’s frontman Jeff Lynne. Released in 1976 as the third single from their album A New World Record, the song combines a melancholic tone with lush orchestration and a distinctive use of the telephone ring sound.

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Lyrical: “No Matter What” (Part One)

Songs that contain the phrase “No Matter What” in the lyrics.

“Beautiful,” performed by Christina Aguilera and released in 2002 on her Stripped album, was written and produced by Linda Perry. The song is a poignant pop ballad celebrated for its themes of self-acceptance and inner beauty, resonating deeply as an anthem for empowerment, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community.

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Song Meanings: Daniel

Oh God, it looks like Daniel,
Must be the clouds in my eyes

“Daniel” is a song by Elton John with lyrics by his longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin. Released in 1973 as a single from the album Don’t Shoot Me, I’m Only the Piano Player, the song became one of John’s biggest hits, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States (No. 1 on the adult contemporary charts for two weeks), and No. 4 on the UK Singles Chart.

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Lyrical: “You and I” (Part One)

Songs that contain the phrase “You and I” in the lyrics.

“Fall” by Ed Sheeran is a heartfelt love song from his 2010 EP Songs I Wrote with Amy. Written by Ed Sheeran, it explores the vulnerabilities and joys of falling in love, emphasizing the need for mutual commitment and emotional risk. Lyrics like “Would you fall too?” highlight the longing for reciprocation and reassurance in a relationship.

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Covers – River Deep – Mountain High

When I was a little girl, I had a rag doll; The only doll I’ve ever owned

“River Deep, Mountain High” is a seminal track in pop and soul music, often hailed as one of the greatest productions of the 1960s. The song was written by Phil Spector, Jeff Barry, and Ellie Greenwich,

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