Don’s Top 10 From February 15, 1982

(#8 last week) A pretty surprising remake of a 50s doo-wop classic from the Queen of Motown, notable for another reason: Ms. Ross wasn't on Motown anymore, having left for RCA Records, starting with this single, her followup to the #1 smash "Endless Love".

(#6 last week) Nationally, this song was stuck in the #2 position for a record 10 weeks, which must have driven the band crazy. The very distinctive synthesizer was performed by a then-unknown Thomas "She Blinded Me With Science" Dolby. It's included in the Broadway musical "Rock Of Ages".

(#12 last week) Co-written by Toto's Steve Lukather, this won the Grammy for Best R&B Song. One of the other co-writers, Jay Graydon, came up with the melody while in the bathroom! TMI.......

(#7 last week) The song references dance moves, hair styles and having fun. However, bassist Ben Orr has stated the song tells the story of how important it is to make a mark in life, to "let them know what you really mean". Thus, the hit song has an existential element as well as a simple message.

(#9 last week) First of three top 20 hits for a Portland, Oregon band originally called Seafood Mama. Very catchy.

(#5 last week) The "medley" craze of 1981-82 continued with an unlikely source, this disco-fied set of the classics. This reminded many people of the 1976 hit "A Fifth Of Beethoven". The RPO is sometimes referred to as Britain's "national orchestra". The arranger, Louis Clark, also worked with ELO.

(#3 last week) The J. Geils Band ("J" stood for Jerome, the group's guitarist) were formed in Boston, but three of the six members came from New York City, including lead singer Peter Wolf (real last name: Blankfield). Their first chart appearance was with 1973's "Give It To Me", which should have been a bigger hit.

(#4 last week) This schmaltzy country/adult contemporary hit did better locally than nationally, where it peaked at #13 pop. The ultimate anniversary song, & at weddings for the father/daughter dance.

(#1 last week) "Physical" may have been the biggest hit of lovely Livvy's long career, but it caused quite a backlash at the time due to the suggestive lyrics. Many stations banned it, but it stayed at the top nationally & locally for 10 long weeks, suggesting the public wasn't as offended as some in radio. Newton-John only had three more hits after this one, though.

(#2 last week; 1st week at #1) Not only was this a pop smash, it was a soul smash, & on the dance chart & even the adult contemporary chart! Talk about multi-format appeal. Hall actually said at the time, "I'm the head soul brother in the U.S. Where to now?"