Oct 20 | This week in 1967

#1 at KRIZ/Phoenix: “Gimme Little Sign” by Brenton Wood, following up his Phoenix top 10 hit “The Oogum Boogum Song.” It dethrones “The Letter” by the Box Tops, featuring vocals by 16-year-old Alex Chilton, who in 1999 sang a rather… Continue reading

Oct 06 | This week in 1974

#1 at KUPD/Phoenix: “I Honestly Love You,” a heartfelt cheater’s declaration by Olivia Newton-John, her first national U.S. #1 hit. In this stage of its existence, “Kozmic Kupid” veered heavily into teeny-bopper territory, but still played some rockin’ hits, such… Continue reading

Mar 10 | This week in 1966

#1 at KRUX/Phoenix: “Ballad of the Green Berets” by Staff Sergeant Barry Sadler, whose parents were born in Phoenix. He grew up in various places throughout the Southwest — including Arizona — and lived in Tucson during the 1970s. Although this Vietnam… Continue reading

Feb 10 | This week in 1973

#1 at KRUX/Phoenix: “Killing Me Softly With His Song” by Roberta Flack, skyrocketing to the top from #15 last week. The song was inspired by a poem that singer Lori Lieberman wrote about her experience watching a concert by Don… Continue reading

Sep 23 | This week in 1971

#1 at KRUX/Phoenix: “Do You Know What I Mean” by Lee Michaels for a second week. Holding at #2 is former #1 “Maggie May,” the first big solo hit by Rod Stewart. Two other bona fide future classics are on… Continue reading

Jun 10 | This week in 1973

#1 at KUPD/Phoenix: “Right Place, Wrong Time” by Dr. John, The Night Tripper. A line from this song gave Emerson, Lake & Palmer the title to their Brain Salad Surgery album later that year. (Another memorable phrase: “refried confusion.”) Dr.… Continue reading

May 13 | This week in 1971

#1 at KRUX/Phoenix: “Love Her Madly” by the Doors, jumping from #6 last week. In less than two months, lead singer Jim Morrison would die in Paris. It’s a good week for the Beatles, a year after their breakup. John… Continue reading