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On this day in music history: May 20, 1967 - "Groovin'" by The Young Rascals hits #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for four weeks (non-consecutive), also peaking at #3 on the R&B singles chart on the same date. Written by Felix Cavaliere and Eddie Brigati, it is the second chart topping single for the New York City-based blue eyed soul/pop rock quartet. For the band's sixth single release, they will venture into new musical territory. Taking an interest in Afro-Cuban music, keyboardist and lead vocalist Cavaliere along with percussionist Brigati will come up with a leisurely paced groove with that sound in mind, and begin crafting a song around it. Lyrically, it will be about how the only time the two busy musicians could spend with their respective girlfriends was on Sundays. When they get into the studio to cut the track, they will enlist the assistance of veteran studio bassist Chuck Rainey to play on the song. Once it's completed, the band will present the song to Atlantic Records, who at first are unsure of the song's commercial potential. Famed New York DJ Murray "The K" will convince the label to release song after he expresses his enthusiasm for it. Released on April 10, 1967, it is an immediate smash. Entering the Hot 100 at #79 on April 22, 1967, it will rocket to the top of the chart just four weeks later. "Groovin'" will prove to have major staying power once it reaches the summit. After two weeks at the top, it will be bumped from the #1 spot by Aretha Franklin's "Respect" for two weeks, then it will return to the top for an additional two weeks. "Groovin'" will be certified Gold in the US by the RIAA.

To read more Behind The Grooves, go to http://behindthegrooves.tumblr.com.

Born on this day: April 22, 1922 - Jazz music icon Charles Mingus (born Charles Mingus, Jr. in Nogales, AZ). Happy Birthday to this visionary genius on what would have been his 91st Birthday.
 

Born on this day: April 22, 1936 - Singer/songwriter/guitarist Glen Campbell (born Glen Travis Campbell in Delight, AR). Happy 77th Birthday, Glen!!
 

On this day in music history: April 22, 1968 - The Birds, The Bees, & The Monkees, the fifth album by The Monkees is released. Produced by The Monkees and Chip Douglas, it is recorded at RCA Studios, Gold Star Studios and United/Western Studios in Hollywood, CA from Late 1967 - Early 1968. The bands' fifth release will see them beginning to go their separate ways with each producing their own tracks with studio musicians, rather than working as a unit as on the previous two albums. The album will also be the last from The Monkees to be issued with separate mono and stereo mixes, with the former containing unique mixes and being pressed in such small quantities that they will become collector's items. It will spin off two singles including "Daydream Believer" (#1 Pop) and "Valleri" (#3 Pop). The Birds, The Bees, & The Monkees will peak at #3 on the Billboard Top 200, and is certified Platinum in the US by the RIAA.
 

I woke up with this song stuck in my head again this morning and so, accordingly, I attempt to exercise it here. Aretha Franklin's cover of Kenny Loggins and Michael McDonald's classic yacht-rocker made popular by the Doobie Brothers is a manic slice of synth-indulgence that's, like many an Aretha song, dead catchy. Beware. Just give it thirty seconds of warming up and you'll be in the zone, the smoooooth R&B zone.

Aretha Franklin - "What A Fool Believes"

It has been revealed today by Aretha Franklin's family that the fabulous Queen of Soul has cancer. They have not specified what type, but this certainly must be what was behind her recent surgery and canceled tour dates. Hurry back to health, Miss Aretha! 

Here she is back in 1968 performing "I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)":