You know the Van Halen story...Eddie and Alex Van Halen, Michael Anthony, and David Lee Roth formed the band in Pasadena California (near L.A.) in 1974.

Originally, Van Halen was a "cover band."  They learned a whole bunch of “Kinks” songs as they were starting out…due in part to the fact that David Lee Roth owned the Kinks “Greatest Hits” album.

In fact, a Kinks original, “You Really Got Me” was Van Halen’s first HIT single!

But...that's not the song in our musical spotlight...

"Jamie's Cryin'" and playin' on New Jersey 101.5! (Craig Allen photo).
"Jamie's Cryin'" and playin' on New Jersey 101.5! (Craig Allen photo).
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"Jamie's Cryin'" is a Van Halen original.

It tells the story of a girl who has a one night stand...and regrets it. She realizes that she wants a deeper relationship...and feels used by the guys who (in the words of my Millennial neighbors) "hit it, and quit it."

Jamie considers writing him a letter, asking him to call her (this is before texting, Millennials...it's 1978)...but, she knows that this will get her nowhere.

David Lee Roth wrote the song...interesting, a guy speaking in song, from a woman's point of view.

Also interesting (and ironic), considering "Diamond Dave's" (alleged) extra-curricular activities at the time. It is widely reported that Roth would have a crew member make sure that some lovely ladies in the concert crowd were ushered backstage for his...enjoyment.

I'll bet that you also didn't know that...

"Jamie's Cryin'" was NEVER released as a single!

But...over time, it became a concert favorite...

...and one of "Jersey's Favorite Hits," too!

One more "Fun Fact:"

Eddie Van Halen's guitar riff in "Jamie's Cryin'" was sampled (10 years later) in 1988, by...

...Tone Loc.

Check the video...if you don't remember...or, don't believe me, you...WILD THING!

Crying...done.

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