Don’s Top 10 From April 6, 1975

(#20 last week) Talk about an unexpected love ballad, from one of the grittiest blues-rock singers ever. Cocker reached another level of fame in 1975 as John Belushi imitated him on "NBC's Saturday Night".

(#6 last week) Hard to imagine, but Rufus came together by evolving from the late 60s pop band The American Breed, whose big hit was "Bend Me, Shape Me" in 1968. Rufus's first hit, "Tell Me Something Good", was written by Stevie Wonder. Their second, "You Got The Love", by Ray Parker Jr. This one was written by Gavin Christopher.

(#3 last week) "My Eyes Adored You" was actually a 4 Seasons song at first, but when Motown refused to release it, Bob Crewe, Bob Gaudio & Valli bought the master back for $4000 & sold it to new label Private Stock, so sure were they of it's success. They were right. One of the biggest comebacks ever was on the way.

(#7 last week) Quite a comeback! Shirley here was Shirley Goodman, one half of the duo Shirley & Lee, who had the early rock classic "Let The Good Times Roll". 19 years between hits! Wow. This was written by Sylvia Robinson, who as Sylvia hit big in 1973 with "Pillow Talk", & in 1957 with "Love Is Strange". "& Company" was a man named Jesus Alvarez. I've always loved this propulsive disco song.

(#9 last week) We didn't know it at the time, but this goofy novelty would be Ringo's last top 10 tune. Written by country man Hoyt Axton, who also wrote the huge hit "Joy To The World" (Three Dog Night), as well as "The Pusher" (Steppenwolf) & "Greenback Dollar" (The Kingston Trio). Writing hit songs ran in his family: Hoyt's mom Mae Axton co-wrote Elvis's classic "Heartbreak Hotel". Yes, those are the Smothers Brothers singing here with Ringo. No, they weren't on the recording.

(#8 last week) Did not know that Barry's real last name was Carter. His success came very early, as pianist on the 50s classic "Goodnight My Love" (Jesse Belvin). He arranged the 1964 hit "Harlen Shuffle" for Bob & Earl.

(#1 last week) Livvy was on a hot streak here. This was her second straight #1 hit & her fourth in a row to be certified gold for sales of at least one million copies. It not only went to #1 pop, it was #1 AC & #3 country.

(#4 last week) One of two songs in this week's top 10 written by Bob Crewe & Kenny Nolan. Crewe is one of the greatest producers & writers in pop music history, most notably with the 4 Seasons ("Rag Doll", "Let's Hang On", etc.), but many other enduring classics as well. Nolan would make the top 10 as an artist two years later with "I Like Dreamin".

(#12 last week) I'd love to know why, out of every Elton John single, this one would be by "The Elton John Band". Anybody? Very cool video of John on "Soul Train". He was the first white star on the "Train". You couldn't get any hotter: this single wasn't on any album, but his new one "Captain Fantastic", is #1, & an album track from the "Tommy" soundtrack was being heavily played this week.

(#2 last week; 1st week at #1) What a voice! "Lovin' You" was only the third #1 song of the rock era to not feature a percussion instrument, following "Yesterday" in 1965 & "Time In A Bottle" in 1974. You've probably heard that Minnie's daughter went into show biz, too: Maya Rudolph of "SNL" & "Bridesmaids" fame.