52 Years
1967
"The Beat Goes On” is a well-known song by Sonny & Cher, written by Sonny Bono. It was released in 1967 and became a significant hit, reaching number six on the Billboard Hot 100 chart1. The song uses the “beat” as a metaphor for the ongoing nature of life, emphasizing that life continues despite its challenges2.
2019
Booker T Jones 23 years old
Booker T. Jones 79 years old
Not quite 40 years but good
Loretta Lynn’s first hit was “I’m a Honky Tonk Girl”, released in 196012. This song marked the beginning of her illustrious career in country music. She and her husband, Doolittle Lynn, promoted the song by driving across the country and visiting radio stations, which helped it gain significant airplay and reach the charts2.
"Coal Miner’s Daughter” is a famous song by Loretta Lynn, released in 1970. This autobiographical song reflects her upbringing in rural Kentucky, where she was indeed born the daughter of a coal miner1. The song became a number one hit on the Billboard country chart and is considered her signature song1.
Loretta Lynn’s life story, as depicted in the song, was also turned into a successful biographical film of the same name in 1980, starring Sissy Spacek1.
2015
“It’s Not Unusual” is a song written by Les Reed and Gordon Mills. Initially, it was intended for the British singer Sandie Shaw, but she turned it down12. When Tom Jones, who was relatively unknown at the time, recorded it as a demo, Shaw was so impressed with his delivery that she recommended he sing it instead1. This decision proved to be pivotal, as the song became Tom Jones’ first hit single and launched his career2.
1943
“We’ll Meet Again” is a song composed by Ross Parker and Hughie Charles, and it was originally released in 19391. The song was famously sung by Dame Vera Lynn, who was only 22 at the time2. It became a symbol of hope and resilience during World War II, resonating with soldiers and their families as they faced the uncertainties of war1.
2010
1963
2016
1970
Ozzy Osbourne was born in 1948
“Paranoid” is a song by the English rock band Black Sabbath, released as a single on August 7, 1970 1. It was the first single from their second studio album, also titled Paranoid 1. The song is widely regarded as one of the greatest heavy metal songs of all time1.
The song was written by the band members: Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne, and Bill Ward 1. It reached number 4 on the UK Singles Chart and number 61 on the US Billboard Hot 1001. The lyrics describe a man experiencing paranoia and anxiety, capturing the mental struggles associated with these feelings2.
2022
One of Bob Dylan’s earliest songs is “Song to Woody”, written in 1962 and released on his debut album “Bob Dylan” in 1962. This song is a tribute to his hero, Woody Guthrie, and it showcases Dylan’s early songwriting style and his connection to folk music traditions.
1999
1969
“Okie from Muskogee” is a famous song by Merle Haggard and The Strangers, released in September 1969. The song was co-written by Haggard and drummer Roy Edward Burris. It became a major hit and is considered one of Haggard’s signature songs1.
The song was inspired by Haggard’s feelings during the Vietnam War era. He was disheartened by the anti-war protests and wanted to express his support for the soldiers and the values of small-town America1. The lyrics reflect a nostalgic view of life in Muskogee, Oklahoma, where conservative values were the norm and outsiders with different ideals were unwelcome.
“Okie from Muskogee” quickly gained popularity and became a symbol of the conservative, patriotic sentiment of the time. It’s a classic country song that has stood the test of time.
2007
1968
“This Guy’s in Love with You” is a song written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, and performed by Herb Alpert. It was released in May 1968 as a single from Alpert’s album “The Beat of the Brass”. The song was originally intended for a TV special Alpert was doing, where he sang it to his wife. The positive response from the audience convinced Alpert to release it as a single, and it quickly became a hit.
The song reached #1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart and held that spot for four weeks. It was also notable for being the first #1 hit for both Alpert and his record label, A&M Records. The success of the song led to several cover versions by female artists, including Dionne Warwick, Dusty Springfield, Aretha Franklin, and The Supremes, with the title changed to “This Girl’s in Love with You”.
2024
1965
1971
Dame Shirley Veronica Bassey is a legendary Welsh singer, born on January 8, 1937, in Tiger Bay, Cardiff. Known for her powerful voice and glamorous stage presence, she has had a remarkable career spanning over seven decades
2022
1939
The song “If I Only Had a Brain” was written in 1938 by Harold Arlen (music) and E.Y. Harburg (lyrics) for the movie “The Wizard of Oz,” which was released in 1939. This classic tune is one of several memorable songs from the film that have remained popular for decades.
(Not quite 40 years but good enough in this instance)
1964
1974
2019
1976
“Evergreen (Love Theme from A Star Is Born)” is a beautiful song composed and performed by Barbra Streisand, with lyrics by Paul Williams. It was released in 1976 as part of the soundtrack for the movie “A Star Is Born”, in which Streisand starred alongside Kris Kristofferson.
The song won several prestigious awards, including the Academy Award for Best Original Song, making Streisand the first woman to be honored as a composer. It also won a Grammy Award for Song of the Year and a Golden Globe for Best Original Song.
The song’s opening lines, “Love, soft as an easy chair; love, fresh as the morning air,” have become iconic. It’s a heartfelt ballad about new love and has remained a beloved classic over the years2. (Close enough to 40+)
2012
1968
Elvis Presley’s first hit song was “That’s All Right”, released on July 5, 1954. This song is often credited with helping to launch his career and is considered one of the pioneering tracks of rock and roll. It was recorded at Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee
Have to get Elvis on here - He was only 42 when he passed away in 1977
1977
1958
brenda lee rockin around the christmas tree info
“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” is a beloved Christmas classic written by Johnny Marks and recorded by Brenda Lee in 1958 when she was just 13 years old. The song didn’t initially chart but gained popularity over the years and has since become a holiday staple1.
2023
