Revealing 67 Lost Singles Of The 60s
Some great 1960s music went missing in action, but that’s to be expected from a decade in which tens of thousands of singles were released each year.
When we say “singles,” in the context of music, we immediately think of those little 45rpm records in brightly colored bags. Before 45s there were 78s, and it wasn’t until 1949 that RCA released the first 45; when they did, they were pressed in colored vinyl to reflect the music. Country music was green, for example; inexplicably, R&B was orange, rather than blue. As rock’n’roll took hold during the 50s, so did the 45. Singles were everywhere, played on radio, put onto jukeboxes, and, more importantly, bought in their millions by fans. Come the following decade, hundreds of millions of singles were being sold, making the 7” single the format of choice for much 1960s music.
While you’re reading, listen to our Lost 60s playlist here.
The rise of the 45 rpm single record
The 78rpm shellac discs competed for much of the 50s, but finally lost out to the 45 in the early 60s, as every home, seemingly, had a record player on which you could stack seven or eight 45s to play in sequence. By the time The Beatles came along, the 45 was selling in vast numbers – at least for some artists.
Hundreds of millions of singles were sold every year in the 60s, and while there was a great deal more million-sellers back then, there were also many more records released. Success depended on getting a single on the radio, and then getting it on heavy rotation to convince people to go out and buy it.
In Britain, the weirdness of needle time, which, up until 1967, prevented the BBC playing too many records, in order to protect musicians’ jobs (go figure), meant that even fewer records got played. The pirate radio stations helped a little to redress the balance, but there have always been 24 hours in a day, and that means only so many 45 got played across the world.
The best lost music of the 1960s
The result of all this? Lots of great 1960s music slipped through the radio sifting process, and have become lost over time. In the ensuing decades, radio stations have usually programmed their “oldies” playlists based on chart success. No sales, no chart success; no chart success, no enduring memory of many of the songs on our list.
We have picked 67 of what we think are the great lost 45s from the 60s, and we suspect that many of you will not have heard the vast majority of them. There are examples, such as “Different Drum,” by The Stone Poneys featuring Linda Ronstadt, that were modest hits in America but did nothing in the UK and the rest of the world.
But that’s very much an exception. How many of you have heard of The Aerovans? Their Beatlesque sound didn’t quite cut it at the time. Then there’s the original band to call themselves Nirvana. What about The 23rd Turn Off, The Parade, The Mad Lads, or Art? And we’re certain you’ve never heard Roger Nichols & The Smile Circle of Friends.
We’ve even included a Beach Boys song, “Gettin’ Hungry,” that, for some inexplicable reason, was released as a Mike Love and Brian Wilson record… It wasn’t a hit. Plus we remember Spanky and Our Gang, who have been likened to The Mamas & The Papas, but were a very interesting group in their own right, particularly on their hard-hitting political song “Give A Damn.”
Some 45s end up being the record released just before an artist hit the big time, like The Moody Blues’ “Fly Me High,” Free’s debut single, “Broad Daylight,” The Steve Miller Band’s first minor hit, “Living In The USA,” or James Taylor’s version of “Carolina In My Mind,” which he recorded for The Beatles’ Apple label before hitting the big time.
Vashti’s “Some Things Just Stick In Your Mind” was written for her by Messrs Jagger and Richards, while Glen Campbell’s “Guess I’m Dumb” was one of his earliest singles, written by Brian Wilson and Russ Titelman, who later forged a career as a major producer.
Anyway, time to dive in and go on a musical voyage of discovery through 1960s music. Listen to our playlist of the finest lost singles of the 60s, and be sure to let us know what you think are the great lost singles from this important decade in the comments below.
Jaime
June 28, 2017 at 3:42 pm
We ain’t got nothing yet is a lost song??????
Mike Shannon
December 16, 2018 at 1:28 am
I have been planning a new web station called ‘Not the Same Oldies’, which will be launching early next year. I have well over 4,000 songs programmed from 1960 through the mid 80s (no 50s) and all were charted hits. No 50s are programmed, and not because I dislike the 50s… just never experienced many songs first-hand, and since many of us are in our 60s and 70s now, we likely never heard many of the mid 50s songs nor helped to make them hits! My radio days began in 1971 on Long Island, and went through the mid to late 80s, and while I have heard many of these obscure songs, many others were just simply never played nor heard at all in larger metro areas like New York, Chicago and LA. Not every record is a hit, and frankly, the odds are most are duds when they are released, and if the song is good that another artist will record it later and their ‘cover’ will be the one people remember! With thousands of songs each year and in the past, most fall by the wayside. Where some feel their ‘album’ or some 45 is really valuable, keep in mind it is only valuable to someone familiar with the song and willing to pay for it! I have owned a few such records, and it varies as to what such value is. The age and actual sonic quality are also major factors, and even the best digital resources cannot make Gary ‘U.S.’ Bond’s Quarter to Three sound like it was recorded in a modern studio! (It wasn’t.)
In the end, what is a rare or great song to one is just a run-of-the-mill record to another. Most people will not recall most of the songs posted in this area, and they were not really big sellers nor experienced great radio airplay. This is a key to the success an artist has, and the promotion of their material. One-hit-wonders are just that, and the sad thing is why artists who have had such hits never are able to repeat their success. Many reasons are likely… promotion, maybe personal issues or a bad manager or PR person. But times and circumstances are also much to blame, and one can surmise that their one hit is something where the timing, placement, material and sound just simply ‘clicked’ and got the airplay and promotion is likely deserved.
Memories are something we all cherish, and the music we heard and loved while growing up will always be there for each of us, locked away in our heart always. It is different for each of us, but some songs just accurately reflect the feelings, news and politics we knew from that time. This makes them classics for many, where some, while wonderful songs, just never had the exposure and found favor with their audience.
I know I am thankful for the music I heard and took to heart from the 60s and 70s I loved, and many others also had a possession for as well. This changes with each generation and time, and only the passing of time proves that some are more profound or expressive than others. Not necessarily better, but if held in the hearts of many in their time, will always represent what many held close, representative of their life.
Joyce M. Jeffries
December 30, 2018 at 8:53 am
Hello Mike, I love your station and listen to you a lot in the mornings especially. I don’t think I’ve ever heard you play this song. I have the 45 record somewhere but can’t find it. I think it was on the Atco label, it was a male/female duo I’m pretty sure. It’s called “1-45” or One-45. I would be deeply grateful if you could tell me who sang it. I know it, it’s in the back of my 72-year old brain but I just haven’t been able to dredge it up lately. You can send a reply to my e-mail if you know.
Thank You!
John Apice
February 23, 2020 at 3:23 am
Joyce…the record is by Nino Tempo and April Stevens – I-45 (Atco 6286).
Elizabeth
January 11, 2019 at 6:25 pm
Hi,
I’m looking for one specific artist. Unfortunately, the most I can find about him is linked to Hank Mizell. His name is Jim Bobo and I want to find his personal music if it’s even possible. Could you please help me find some of his music or tell me how to search for it.
Otis
February 15, 2019 at 3:13 am
Willie Bobo – Evil Ways 74 He can be found on Youtube.
Otis
February 15, 2019 at 3:15 am
Willie Bobo – Evil Ways 74
Jennifer McMullen
March 15, 2020 at 6:33 pm
Jody Miller, Jody Miller, Jody Miller! There are SO many great songs from her high quality body of work that could make it on a lost list, simply because average programmers have little imagination. Jody’s Grammy winning cross over hit “Queen of the House” is the companion to Roger Miller’s “King of the Road.” How about Jody’s amazing anthem “Home of the Brave,” which should play well today as an anti-bullying rallying cry. Or Jody’s majestic debut single “He Walks Like a Man.” Jody’s stand alone single version of “If You Were a Carpenter” from 1967 should have been marketed to Hot 100 and Easy Listening, not just country stations. And have you heard the recent out of the vault finds “Flippety Flip Flop Fly” and “Only Mama That’ll Walk the Line”? Fantastic stuff! And I’m only talking about a smidge of Jody’s 60’s Capitol content, not to mention the greatness that was to come with her Epic Records Countrypolitan output. If there were ever an underrated great, in terms of sheer vocal interpretive greatness, her name is Jody Miller, the pioneering cross over artist “who paved the way for the likes of Linda Ronstadt and Anne Murray”(–Brian Matthew, BBCRadio2 Sounds of the 60’s) Thanks, Mike! –JMc
COOP
June 28, 2017 at 5:28 pm
You’re Gonna’ Miss ME — by the 13th Floor Elevators !!!
ROBERT CUNNINGHAM
June 28, 2017 at 6:43 pm
my favorite part of this playlist is it has 58 songs!
Laura Stavropoulos
July 5, 2017 at 6:07 pm
Some songs might be restricted to certain territories US vs UK on Spotify
Pam
March 3, 2018 at 5:12 pm
There were 67.
Kathryn S Elich
June 28, 2017 at 7:10 pm
Nirvana in the 60’s? Must be a different Nirvana.
Laura Nyro Wedding Bell Blues
Tommy James. Crystal Blue Persuasion
Not lost at all!
UK vs USA music list would be very different.
I still have so many 45’s. Wish someone would have said your albums are a collection – keep them always.
Gavin Turner
August 21, 2017 at 6:39 am
It’s the original Nirvana with Patrick Campbell-Lyons and Alex spirolopolus (sp)
Last I looked they were still around and had planned an album called Nirvana sing Nirvana, it was going to be a album of cover versions of the Seattle based band’s hits. Unfortunately it got shelved when (sorry I forget his name) committed suicide.
Tiny Goddess is far from lost, it’s on the album All Of US.
A lot of these songs are far from lost.
suzy
June 28, 2017 at 7:40 pm
gary lewis & the playboys green grass
neil diamond thank the lord for the night time
vogues 5 o’ clock world
sir douglas quintet shes about a mover
Don Wayne
August 5, 2019 at 11:58 pm
You nailed it, Suzy! My garage band plays 3 of the classic tunes you mentioned… And maybe we should also learn “Green Grass” by Gary Lewis & the Playboys! Sweet!
suzy
June 28, 2017 at 7:43 pm
oh yeah…
ethyl tripped a mean gloss
😉
Inger Simonsen
June 28, 2017 at 8:01 pm
All songs by Bobby Jameson a.k.a. Chris Lucy. And Penny Arkade’s recordings.
Bob Radill
June 28, 2017 at 8:52 pm
THOUSANDS ARE MISSING ! 🙂
feel free to take a peek into a youtube channel which specializes in obscure (!) 60s POP
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxnMCxJyCZ9KV9hBlxye_VA
Henk D.
July 5, 2018 at 4:33 pm
this youtube channel is not available
Peter
June 28, 2017 at 10:30 pm
Remove this Doubt The Suprimes
Cory McCrindle
June 29, 2017 at 12:57 am
Half Past Midnight might actually be from the pre-Five Man Electrical Band days when they were called the Staccatos.
Mark S Silvermn
August 15, 2017 at 4:59 am
Yes a band from my hometown, Ottawa, ON. “Half Past Midnight” Their only hit before becoming “the Five Man Electrical Band” who had hits with “Signs” I’m a Stranger Here” “Julianna” “Absolutely Right” “Moonshine (Friend of Mine) ” and “it Never Rains on Maple Lane”
Peter Buck
January 11, 2018 at 5:09 pm
The original 45 was by the Staccatos – but the very same recording was on their first album as Five Man Electrical Band.
Otis
February 15, 2019 at 2:54 am
Are you the guy from R.E.M.?
Roy
June 29, 2017 at 1:53 am
New Colony Six, Things I Like to Say.
Poul Nielsen
June 29, 2017 at 5:03 am
Nirvana: Rainbow Chaser
Chaim Caran
June 29, 2017 at 6:55 am
True Story by Twice as Much. (They also did the Jagger/Richards composition Sitting on a fence)
David
June 29, 2017 at 9:03 am
Some great songs here for sure. Great that the first one is Spanky And Our Gang. ‘Like To Get To Know You’ is my favourite song of all time – and I only discovered it 4 years ago!
Tom
June 14, 2020 at 6:11 pm
Love the ending to the song with the abrupt key change and the strings slowly descending like leaves falling to the ground when the harmonic vocals begin and drift you into a etheral state of mind to the end.
My favorite all time song is also from Spanky & Our Gang-“Lazy Day.” the ultimate perfect sunshine pop song of simple happy sunny days and times gone by which sadly we may never see again.
Chris Evans
June 29, 2017 at 10:37 am
Glad to see Michaelangelo and Fly Me High included – bought them both when they came out. But these should have been included, too.
Talkin’ About the Good Times – Pretty Things
Look At Me I’m You – Blossom Toes
Madman Running Through the Fields – Dantalian’s Chariot
Winter Is Blue – Vashti Bunyan
Scene Through the Eye of a Lens – Family
Mr Armageddon – Locomotive
Golden Apples – The Californians
Nite is a-Comin’ – Warm Sounds
It’s Wonderful – The Rascals
Ray
August 7, 2018 at 9:42 am
Thoroughly agree with these. Especially “Scene Through The Eye Of A Lens”. Had it as a single. Also “Defecting Grey” another excellent 45 by the Pretty Things!
David Stevens
August 22, 2020 at 10:39 pm
Pretty Things roadie lived in my village and passed away two years ago.
Richard Friend
June 29, 2017 at 11:12 am
The Music Machine “Talk Talk”!
Ray
August 7, 2018 at 9:43 am
Yes, got it as a single back in 1966!
Richard Freedland
June 29, 2017 at 2:23 pm
Wedding Bell Blues-Laura Nyro
Different Drum Stone Ponies…Linda Rondstandt
Blues Magoos…(We ain’t got northern yet
Tommy James crystal blue persuasion
All not forgotten. And golden oldies
Don Effenberger
June 29, 2017 at 3:08 pm
Glad to see Nos 41 and 43 on the list.
Check out Rich.BroRadio at http://www.richbroradio.com It regularly plays Nos. 1,2,4,7,9,14,16,18,19,20,28,29,32,38,39,42,49,57,61 and at least three other Roger Nichols songs.
Roxfari
June 29, 2017 at 5:54 pm
Bears – Fastest Group Alive
Andrea
June 29, 2017 at 7:51 pm
Wedding bell blues Laura Nyro, Mr Bojangles. Nina Simone
Val
June 29, 2017 at 8:45 pm
Not to be picky but some of these “lost” singles made it on Billboard Hit lists. Perhaps one hit wonders in some cases.
Stone Poneys “Different Drum” definitely is not a lost single. And it was written by Monkee Mike Nesmith.
Spanky and our Gang had several hits so hard to call one of their hits as ‘lost’.
Other examples but do enjoy browsing the list.
Zack S
June 29, 2017 at 9:18 pm
“Who Am I” by Petula Clark.
RAY
June 29, 2017 at 11:55 pm
Buffalo Rose, Buzz the Fuzz
Robert Wynne
June 30, 2017 at 12:44 am
“Different Drum” was a huge hit in Brisbane, Australia, so I assume in the rest of the country.
Another one that I recognised was “Neon Rainbow” by the Box Tops. The Box Tops also had a big hit in Australia which was “The Letter” and later covered by Joe Cocker.
Marty Rosen
June 30, 2017 at 2:47 am
Walkin” My Cat Named Dog by Norma Tenega. Wonderful song.
Chris
June 30, 2017 at 3:34 am
“I’m The Sky” Eddie Rambeau
Peter Puricelli
June 30, 2017 at 3:36 am
Jay and the Americans had a wonderful song by the name “Dawning”. Its melody was based on the Peer Gynt Suite.
Kurt Osterheldt
June 30, 2017 at 8:32 am
The Lovin’ Spoonful’s “Full Measure”. Great song and it’s been over 40 years since I heard it on the radio.
graham parkes
June 30, 2017 at 10:51 am
Best ever live band I saw, Timebox and later Patto. Include in that Hendrix, Who Herd Pink Floyd and “nd best Manfred Mann, with Paul Jones on lead. So sad Mike Patto and Ollie Halsall didn’t survive. Not sure what happened to Clive Griffiths after the accident, but believe Chris Holmes and John Halsey are still breathing. Thanks for the great times.
Pamela Latham
June 30, 2017 at 1:56 pm
A lot of these songs may be forgotten by radio, however I have a good portion of these songs on my playlist including Michaelangelo , Give A Damn, Gone Is The Sad Man, Fly Me High, Mind Excursion, We Can Fly, (We Ain’t Got) Nothin’ Yet, She Just Satisfies, Magic Town, Who’s Cheating Who, Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood, Neon Rainbow, Biff Bang Pow, Crystal Blue Persuasion, My World Fell Down, Will You Be Staying After Sunday the problem depends on the radio market and the crummy corporate idiots who control the airwaves.
Eric Redekop
June 30, 2017 at 6:57 pm
Where is the list? I don’t use spotify.
Jeff
June 30, 2017 at 7:28 pm
Beach Boys- “Denny’s Drums, Palisades Park,Rubber Ball, Book of Love, Moody Blues-Gotta Go Now, Bob Dylan – Ballad of the Thin man
Steve Wrobel
June 30, 2017 at 11:49 pm
Hitchin’ a Ride by Vanity Fare
Kurt Osterheldt
July 1, 2017 at 1:47 am
“Full Measure” by the Lovin’ Spoonful. Great song!
Matt Ruderman
July 1, 2017 at 1:59 am
Witchi Tai To by Everything is Everything
Charlie
July 1, 2017 at 6:44 am
My Friend Jack. The Smoke
stephen
September 26, 2017 at 1:28 am
Oh yes he liked sugar lumps!!
Kerry J
July 1, 2017 at 11:58 am
Take off your clothes Peter Sarstedt my father is the pope you know
Arleen
July 1, 2017 at 4:09 pm
“Please don’t kiss me again” Charmettes and “Wild” Dee Dee Sharp
Marlene
July 1, 2017 at 4:26 pm
Tomorrow by Strawberry Alarm Clock(1968)
Roses And Rainbows by Danny Hutton(1965)
Kurt Fortmeyer
July 1, 2017 at 5:44 pm
There are some songs on here that are in no way “lost”.
“Crystal Blue Persuasion”
“Angel Of The Morning”
“Backfield In Motion”
“Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood”
“Wedding Bell Blues”
“The Bottle Let Me Down”
“Living In The USA”
“Carolina In My Mind”
Terry
July 2, 2017 at 4:21 am
Where Were You When I Needed You (Grass Roots)
Psychotic Reaction (The Count Five)
Sunny (Bobby Hebb)
Woolly Boolly (Sam the Sham & the Pharoahs)
Jug Band Music (The Lovin’ Spoonful)
Sit Down I Think I Love You (The Mojo Men)
Sweet Pea (Tommy Roe)
Gloria (The Shadows of Knight)
Tony King
July 2, 2017 at 11:12 am
I Lied To Auntie May by The Neat Change (includes early Peter Frampton prior to The Herd).
A lot of these songs and hundreds of others get played on my program “Tony King’s Buried Treasure” on East FM Auckland NZ Wednesday evenings 7.00 pm local time streaming on line from http://www.eastfm.nz . It’s what the program is all about the lost and forgotten songs mostly by well known artists.
Gavin Turner
August 21, 2017 at 6:45 am
Excellent song, I’m not seeing it on the list.
It’s on the album We Can Fly (a compilation album)
rickey corkum
July 2, 2017 at 11:14 pm
how about next plane to London by the rose garden, please me tease me by the 1910 fruitgum company, panama red by the yellow balloon, shame shame, by the magic lanterns
rickey corkum
July 2, 2017 at 11:20 pm
panama red, the yellow balloon, please me tease me by 1910 fruitgum company, shame shame, the magic lanterns, savecito, by the group malo, next plane to London by the rose garden, . I see we can fly is there , that’s not a lost song, it was the cowsills second hit single
rickey corkum
July 2, 2017 at 11:22 pm
we can fly by the cowsills is not a lost song, it was their second hit single
Al Wood
July 4, 2017 at 12:21 am
Why in the world was ” Marie” by the big E not an over the top hit?
martin
July 5, 2017 at 7:45 pm
15 of them. I have 5 of them on 45rpm! I’ve got to listen to them all one day,when my wife is not in the room, she might not like that old stuff.
martin
July 5, 2017 at 7:55 pm
Have to add a note. I still have some 5 or 6 melodies in my head, heard them one week on Big L (Radio London) or Radio Veronica but as the station politics did not put them in the playlist any more, they are really lost: My schoolboy English at the time was not that good, so I don’t remember artist or song name. Searching YouTube with “I don’t remember” does not produce any reasonable results alas…….. When I one day heard TEN WHEEL DRIVE Eye of the Needle I had to jump for joy: banging in my head for 40 years, and now I know it. How wonderful.
martin
July 6, 2017 at 6:47 am
I like to verify. So I went on Youtube and noted how many times a song was listened to. This is the result, not all are “very lost”. The list is in ascending order of hearings (times 1000).
The Mad Lads – Love Is Here Today And Gone Tomorrow 5
The Impressions – Woman’s Got Soul. 9
THE BEACH BOYS gettin’ hungry 9
Five Man Electrical Band – Half Past Midnight 10
FIRST HYMN FROM GRAND TERRACE – MARK LINDSAY 10
LITTLE MILTON WHO’S CHEATING WHO 12
Free – Broad Daylight 12
Stan Getz – Blowin’ In The Wind 13
Eddie Gale – Black Rhythm Happening 15
Art – What’s That Sound 18
Susan Rafey – The Big Hurt 19
The Flying Burrito Brothers – Train Song 19
Spooky Tooth – Sunshine Help Me 27
Bobbie Gentry – Okolona River Buttom Band 27
ASTRUD GILBERTO – I HAVEN’T GOT ANYTHING BETTER TO DO 29
The Aerovons-World of You 30
The Yard Went On Forever – Richard Harris 32
Moody Blues – Fly Me High 37
You’re Living Above Your Head – Jay And The Americans 40
Amen Corner – Gin House Blues 48
The Trade Winds – Mind Excursion 51
Timebox – Gone Is The Sad Man 53
JAN & DEAN ” FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD” 55
The Creation – Biff, Bang, Pow. 58
Gladys Knight & The Pips – I Wish It Would Rain 60
The Parade-Sunshine Girl 61
The 23rd Turnoff – Michael Angelo 63
The Velvelettes – These Things Will Keep Me Loving You 66
Willie Bobo – Evil Ways 74
SPANKY & OUR GANG – “Give A Damn 77
Tiny Goddess – Nirvana 77
Don Covay “Seesaw” 87
Roger Nichols & the Small Circle of Friends – 01 – Don’t Take Your Time 106
Another Tear Falls – Gene McDaniels 106
Jackie Lomax “Sour Milk Sea” 110
Shorty Long – Devil With The Blue Dress 116
Garnett Mimms-For your precious love 124
Eddie Floyd – Big Bird 130
Sagittarius – My World Fell Down 155
The Cowsills We can fly 160
Laura Nyro “Wedding Bell Blues” 169
Glen Campbell – I Guess I’m Dumb 170
The Box Tops – Neon Rainbow 182
Edwin Starr – Sos 190
The Iveys Maybe Tomorrow 193
The Lettermen – Theme From A Summer Place 200
Jimmy Page – She Just Satisfies 211
The Elgins – Put Yourself In My Place 224
The Mamas & The Papas – Safe In My Garden 228
Mel & Tim – Backfield In Motion 230
Kim Weston – Take Me In Your Arms 270
Vashti Bunyan – Some Things Just Stick In Your Mind 288
The Stone Poneys Different Drum 310
Fairport Convention ~ Meet On The Ledge 323
Magic Town- The Vogues 330
BILLY BUTLER – THE RIGHT TRACK 350
BILLIE DAVIS – Angel of the morning 500
The Flirtations – Nothing But A Heartache 500
Living In The U.S.A.-Steve Miller Band 520
Peppermint Rainbow Will You Be Staying After Sunday 560
Gal Costa – Baby 640
The Blues MaGoos – We Ain’t Got Nothin’ Yet 850
Nobody but me – The human beinz 1000
Nina Simone – Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood 1500
Merle Haggard – The Bottle Let Me Down 5000
Carolina In My Mind – James Taylor 7000
Tommy James & The Shondells – Crystal Blue Persuasion Roulette 9000
martin
July 6, 2017 at 5:55 pm
A last comment from me. I uploaded many songs of the 60’s that I had on single, which were not (yet at the time of upload) available on Youtube. Almost all of them now have the famous “Contains copyrighted contents” remark, so some company claimed it as his. But there are a few left, that even the record company does not remember. realy LOST:
– Bedrocks – Lovedene girls
– Griffin – I am the noise in your head
– Freddy “Fingers” Lee and the Upperhand – Bossy Boss.
– Temple – Searching for places
– Oscab Bentons Blues Band – It ain’t nobody’s bussines if I do
Rick H
July 7, 2017 at 3:33 am
Jack and Jill – Tommy Roe
Bella Linda – The Grassroots
mrWickey
July 16, 2017 at 7:11 pm
Bubble Puppy, Hot Smoke and Sassafras
Kerry Edwards
July 18, 2017 at 9:39 pm
One that I feel should make the list is I Saw Linda by Jerry Guthrie. It was backed with One Has My Name. The 45 says Glen Campbell provided the music and it was released on Capitol
Tim
July 18, 2017 at 11:38 pm
Crystal Blue Persuasion reached number 2 in the states. How did it become lost?
Bob
July 19, 2017 at 1:56 pm
“I’ll Step Aside” by Jimmy Clanton
“White on White” by Danny Williams
“Jesse Brady” The McCoys
Michael Vold
July 19, 2017 at 11:36 pm
I barely remember a song that was on the radio in either the very late 50s or very early 60s. I only remember the chorus which was sung by early Motown female singers. The chorus line (I believe) lol went like this: opportunity walks.. ah ya ya ya, opportunity walks.. ah ya ya ya. Any ideas?
Wayne Swickley
July 20, 2017 at 12:29 am
first one that comes to mind: “Would You Believe” by The Tempests – Smash 2094 – 1967 (Youtube has it. You won’t be sorry.)
Next up: “I’m So Lonely” by Bobby Jameson – Talamo 1934 – 1964
“Something Happens (Deep Inside Me)” – Patty Michaels – Epic 10034 – 1967
“A Little Bit Of Love Can Hurt” – Ginny Arnell – MGM 13362 – 1964
“One More Heartache” – The Paul Butterfield Blues Band – Elektra 45620 – 1968
…and undoubtedly a few hundred more . At least.
Wayne Swickley
July 20, 2017 at 12:39 am
This is still my favorite record. I’m glad that I got to tell her that. I’m sorry she’s left us.
Ju;ie
August 15, 2017 at 2:21 am
That’s the Way of a Clown (Teddy Randazzo)
Bob Sicora
August 15, 2017 at 2:24 am
More Today than Yesterday , Spiral Staircase
Phil
August 15, 2017 at 3:41 am
My World…by Cupids Inspiration
Jackie Koehler
August 15, 2017 at 4:38 am
Tell It All, Brother. First Edition. Skip a Rope Henson Cargil.
David Hollands
August 15, 2017 at 5:57 am
Not all lost 60’s songs were American. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9snNgmVhSc
Valerie Webber
August 15, 2017 at 7:56 am
Dave Anthony Moods were a Bournemouth group who did some great singles in the 60’s .
Christopher Fry
August 15, 2017 at 11:01 am
vogues turn around look at me
John Wanstrath
August 15, 2017 at 10:45 pm
One Tin Solider Conven
Dance With Me Mojo Men
val
August 15, 2017 at 10:54 pm
15 on the list are familiar and I would not consider them ‘lost songs’… although some were not the big hit for the group/individual.
Plus America and England sometimes had different tastes.
I even have one of them, Stan Getz, on a 45.
Barry Williams
August 17, 2017 at 9:07 pm
These are nothing like the most lost songs. I have fifteen of them and know at least 5 of the others. If you want lost check out any of the thousands of rare soul tracks
Meg George
August 18, 2017 at 1:50 pm
Junk by Paul McCartney & No surfin today by Frankie Valli & the four seasons
Dwayne Crandall
August 18, 2017 at 6:59 pm
ELVIRA – the original by Dallas Frazier
I Love You – People
Friday on My Mind – Easybeats
Talk Talk – (i know somebody mentioned it already, but, it’s worth repeating).
Pied Piper – Christian St. Peters
TRY AND LOVE AGAIN – THE EAGLES – Best song on Hotel California album
Alex Fossati
August 19, 2017 at 2:57 pm
Bedsitter Images by Al Stewart
Mike
August 20, 2017 at 1:27 pm
Someday soon Ian and Silvia
Roger Rill
August 20, 2017 at 7:17 pm
1984 – Spirit
Hey Joe – Johnny Rivers
28 – Steppenwolf
bob
August 20, 2017 at 9:19 pm
Bobby Russell – 1432 Franklin Pike Circle Hero
Bill Collins
August 21, 2017 at 7:10 pm
“Hot Smoke and Sassafrass”
The Bubble Puppy
Mike Arsham
August 21, 2017 at 9:51 pm
Crabby Appleton – Try, Ten Wheel Drive – 14th Street, Seatrain – 13 Questions
Thomas Leonard
September 19, 2017 at 2:01 am
Here’s a few that had notable success but seem overlooked today…
A Man Without Love – Engelbert Humperdinck
Half Heaven, Half Heartache – Gene Pitney
It Must Be Him – Vicki Carr
Detroit City – Tom Jones
Dont Give In To Him – Gary Puckett & The Union Gap
The Look of Love – Dusty Springfield
If I Ruled The World – Tony Bennett
Gareth Owen
September 24, 2017 at 1:08 pm
Gin House Blues is not a song that slipped by, it was a no. 1 single and Amen Corners biggest hit.
Corey Keith
September 26, 2017 at 10:47 pm
Pushin’ Too Hard – The Seeds
Peter hanson
January 4, 2018 at 12:57 am
Bobby’s girl by Marcie blane
Gerard Healy
January 9, 2018 at 3:44 am
Gene Pitney. Everyone of his songs, the most overlooked singer of all time.
Otis
February 15, 2019 at 3:10 am
I agree with you. The ending to “I’m gonna be strong” still gives me goosebumps.
Frank Gidlow
January 9, 2018 at 4:23 am
I don’t think “Guess I’m dumb” is Glenn Cambell.
Elizabeth Muhleisen
January 9, 2018 at 9:16 am
“Guess I’m Dumb” was given to Glen Campbell by Brian Wilson as a thank you for Campbell’s temporarily filling in for Wilson on the road when he stopped touring with the Beach Boys at the end of December 1964.
Nichols Vitto
January 9, 2018 at 3:14 pm
He………The Righteous Brothers
Shame Shame…..Magic Lanterns
Pete Worra
January 9, 2018 at 4:31 pm
Pandora’s Box by the Golden Hebe Gebe’s
MisterPleasant
January 9, 2018 at 5:41 pm
The Days of Pearly Spencer – David McWilliams
Michael Seibert
January 10, 2018 at 12:59 pm
Gimme Gimme Good Lovin Crazy Elephant
ed davenport
January 11, 2018 at 3:07 am
there was a song with a title “don’t fuck around with love by the blenders , also that’s for me to know Tommy Manno, Concrete and Clay Eddie Rambeau.
ed davenport
January 11, 2018 at 3:07 am
there was a song with a title “don’t fuck around with love by the blenders .
Norman Ashton
January 11, 2018 at 2:57 pm
Hushabye little Guitar by Paul??
Otis
February 15, 2019 at 3:28 am
Paul Evans
Ron Carter
January 11, 2018 at 4:11 pm
How bout “Dirty Water” by the Standells or “96Tears” by ? and the Mysterians or “I had too much to Dream Last Night” by the Electric Prunes.
Ed
January 11, 2018 at 8:06 pm
You were on my Mind. The Wee Five.
Mike Guion
January 11, 2018 at 10:00 pm
She Ain’t Loving You Know More: The Distant Cousins.
Speedy’s Kitchen (Twenty Years Ago) : T.C. Atlantic
Little Picture Playhouse: Stillroven
Yellow Balloon:Yellow Baloon
Who Will Answer?: Ed Ames
mtplodder
January 11, 2018 at 10:57 pm
Do the mouse – soupy sales
Doug Annis
January 12, 2018 at 1:50 am
What about The Ambushers : Wonder What She’s Doing Tonight ?
Dr Michael W Ecker
August 31, 2018 at 2:13 pm
I have the version (on mp3 as well as original 45) by Barry and The Tamerlanes.
Crister Hofstedt
January 14, 2018 at 9:23 pm
A great list of fantastic music.
jim lowell
February 17, 2018 at 12:16 pm
CONCRETE AND CLAY: Unit Four Plus Two
lindy loftin
March 3, 2018 at 5:03 pm
OUTSIDE CHANCE by The Turtles
Reginald P. Horky, sr.
March 6, 2018 at 7:26 am
You forgot one of the best pseudo-serenades “Woman Loving Man”
Don Diego
March 6, 2018 at 8:18 pm
How Different Drum could be considered a lost hit is beyond me. It was ALL OVER the radio back in the day.
Ken
March 19, 2018 at 12:30 pm
Mary Had a Little Lamb by Otis Reddimg
Jim Riley
May 12, 2018 at 2:27 am
Cherl’s Goin’ Home
by The Cascades
R. Horky, Sr.
July 7, 2018 at 7:14 am
You want to add the mid-60’s Woman Loving Man (? on group, maybe the Lettermen) and Rosanna by the Freddie Miller group.
Dr Michael W Ecker
August 31, 2018 at 2:11 pm
“Woman Helping Man” is a great song that was not a big hit – but it was by The Vogues. I have the 45 as well as the mp3 – although I have not played any 45s in a decade or more.
Dr Michael W Ecker
August 30, 2018 at 3:09 pm
The one that comes first to mind is “I Can’t Shake This Feeling” by Carmel.
Here are some more of my other favs that were probably not hits:
“All Things Are Possible” by Dan Peak.
“Brown Arms in Houston” by Orpheus.
“First Hymn From Grand Terrace” by Mark Lindsay.
“Where Do You Go?” by Cher.
“Dawning” by Jay and the Americans (my latest discovery and new fav!)
“Isn’t It Lonely Together?” by Robert Knight (also Ray Stevens version – he wrote it).
“Will You Wait For Me?” by The Tymes.
“Sunny” by Neal Sedaka.
“Happy” by The Blades of Grass.
“Back on the Street Again” by The Sunshine Company.
“Tunesmith” by Johnny Rivers.
“The Thought of Loving You” by Crystal Mansion.
“New York’s a Lonely Town” by The Tradewins.
“White on White” by Danny Williams.
“Popsicles and Icicles” by The Murmaids (yes, that’s the spelling)
I have more, but that will do for now.
Edmond Bruneau
October 25, 2018 at 12:27 am
I have a couple digitized songs from 45’s I do not believe are commercially available.
Group: The Viceroy’s
Songs: Bacon Fat
Tired of Waiting (Kink’s cover)
Edmond Bruneau
October 25, 2018 at 12:29 am
Also, I have One Tin Solder by the Original Caste.
Amira Sa'Di
February 8, 2019 at 2:58 am
What about a song called “Call Me Later?”
Jillian Lofts
August 26, 2019 at 3:16 pm
What happened to “White Wedding”, a song from about 1962 by a female singer? Cannot see it anywhere, it seems it’s disappeared from the face of the Earth. The lyrics are “There’s going to be a white wedding, she’s going to make a lovely bride, with her friends and relations wearing white carnations and the right man by her side.” Does anyone out there remember this lovely song?
SpotifyThrowbacks.com
September 17, 2019 at 8:05 am
I still remember all this great music! I am so proud that there are blogs that still exist, still trying to keep the memories of classic music alive! Good job guys. I appreciate you!!
BeeCee
December 14, 2019 at 2:23 am
“The Land Of Milk & Honey” The Vogues
“That’s The Tune” The Vogues
“If I Never Knew Your Name” Vic Dana
“Changes” Crispian St. Peter
“Respectable” The Outsiders
“What’s A Matter Baby” Timi Yuro
“A Lover’s Concerto” The Toys
“Lonely Drifter” Pieces Of Eight
“Birds Of A Feather” Paul Revere/Raiders
“Baby Come Back” The Equals
“Do Something To Me? ? & The Mysterians
BeeCee
December 14, 2019 at 2:49 am
“Love’s Made A Fool Of You” Bobby Fuller 4
“Stay With You A While” The Dells
“I Need A Friend” The Cowsills
“Girl In Love” The Outsiders
“I Can Make It With You” Pozo Seco Singers
“Rain” The Beatles
“Six O’clock” The Lovin’ Spoonful
“Silence Is Golden” The Tremeloes
“Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright” The Wonder Who?
“Santa Looked A Lot Like Daddy” Buck Owens
“Sweet Cherry Wine” Tommy James/Shondells
Bee Cee
December 14, 2019 at 3:08 am
“Black Pearl” Sonny Charles/Checkmates
“Let’s Lock The Door” Jay & Americans
“Talk Back Trembling Lips” Johnny Tillotson
“Color Him Father” The Winstons
“Killer Joe” The Kingsmen
“Girl On A Swing” Gerry/Pacemakers
“You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away” The Silkie
“Down At Lulu’s” Ohio Express
“Slip Away” Clarence Carter
“Pay To The Piper” Chairmen of The Board
“Dominque” The Singing Nun
BeeCee
December 19, 2019 at 3:20 am
How about:
“Race With The Wind” The Robbs
“Oh Happy Day” Edwin Hawkins Singers featuring Dorothy coombs Morrison
“Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye” The Casinos
“I Confess” The New Colony Six
“You’re Gonna Be Mine” The New Colony Six
“My Pledge Of Love” Joe Jeffery Group
“May I” Bill Deal & the Rondells
“The Green Beret” Sgt. Barry Sadler
“Mr. Sun, Mr. Moon” Paul Revere & The Raiders
“Elusive Butterfly” Bob Lind
“Where Were You When I Needed You” The Grass Roots
“Shame Shame” The Magic Lanterns
“Fire” The Crazy World of Arthur Brown
“You Know What I Mean” The Turtles
BeeCee
January 4, 2020 at 2:45 am
The Robbs “Race With The Wind”
Dino Desi & Billy “Not The Lovin’ Kind”/”Chimes Of Freedom”
Sir Douglas Quintet “Mendacino”
Sonny & Cher “A Cowboys Work Is Never Done”
Ral Donner “You Don’t Know What You’ve Got”
Rose Garden “Next Plane To London”
Smith “Baby It’s You”
Supremes “Up The Ladder to The Roof”
Supremes “Stone Love”
The Royal Guardsmen “Baby Let’s Wait”
The Searchers “When You Walk In To The Room”
The Cryan’ Shames “It Could Be We’re In Love”
The Ides Of March “You Wouldn’t Listen”
Tom
June 14, 2020 at 6:55 pm
Cryan shames-sugar & spice
New colony Six-Woman
Orpheus-Can’t find The Time
Kenny O’dell-Beautiful People
Fontella Bass-I Don’t Hurt anymore/Brand New Love
Jimmy Jules-Talkin Bout’ You
Hunger!-Mind Machine
Turtles-She’s My girl/Chicken Little Was right (Single Version)
Paul Revere/Raiders-SS 396/corvair Baby
Skyliners-Tell Me
Nova’s Nine-Why Listen
Montannas-You’ve Got To Be Loved
Fifth dimension-workin On A groovy Thing/sweet blindness
Garland Green-Mr. Misery
Happenings-I got rhythm
Neil sedaka-I go ape
Sonny & cher-It’s Gonna Rain (flip of I got You Babe)
Bloodrock-D.O.A.
Righteous Brothers-Justine/In that Great Gettin Up Mornin
Monkees-Someday Man/Listen to The Band
Dave Clark five-Anyway You want it & flipsides (I Miss You/Hurtin Inside/don’t Let Me Down/Doctor rhythm)
Young Holt Unlimited-Soulful strut
bill Pursell-Our winter Love (My favorite all time instrumental)
Trade Winds-There’s a Rock N roll show In Town
Mighty Marvelows-I’m without A girl
Brian Hyland-Holiday For Clowns/Get The Message
George (Jones) & Gene (Pitney)-I’ve got five dollars and It’s Saturday Night/Wreck On The Highway
Intruders-Cowboys to girls
Robbs-Bittersweet
Oliver-Jean
Nazz-Open My eyes
Tom
June 14, 2020 at 7:01 pm
Music Explosion-sunshine Games/We gotta go Home/Can’t Stop Now
Sam & Dave-Wrap It Up
Arthur Conley-Shake Rattle & roll
New colony six-Let Me Love You
Paul Revere/Raiders-Observation from flight 285 (Flip of don’t Take It So Hard)
Candymen-Movies In My Mind
Four-Evers-Doo Be Dum
Four Seasons flip sides (Around and Around/Pity/Show Girl/Raven)
Tom
June 14, 2020 at 7:12 pm
music explosion-sunshine games/we gotta go home/can’t stop now
Standells-Sometimes Good guys don’t wear white
Paul Revere/Raiders-Observation From flight 285 (Flip of Don’t Take it so Hard)
Pepper Tree-You’re My People
Tomorrow-My white bicycle
Herd-Our Fairy Tale
righteous Brothers-On this side of goodbye/a man without a dream
Four season flipsides (Pity/Raven/show Girl/Around And Around)
Gerry & the Pacemakers-Pretend
Herman’s Hermits-Hold On (Single version)-No Milk today
Turtles-Let Me Be-Your Maw Said You Cried
Uniques-Strange/You ain’t tuff
1910 Fruitgum Co.-Refections From the looking glass (flip of simon says)
classics IV-Poor People (flip of spooky)
Tom
June 14, 2020 at 7:37 pm
dave dee, dozy, beaky mich & tich-Save Me/shame
Changing scene-is it really worth it/sing me something pretty
quotations-ala men sy
billy butler-love grows bitter plus all his singles on Okeh records
henry mancini-experiment in terror/tooty twist
shy guys-payin my dues
the lovers-do this for me
vik venus-everybody’s on strike (flip of moonflight)
Tom
June 14, 2020 at 7:48 pm
Bobby Darin-since you’ve been gone/be mad little girl
candymen-georgia pines
hombres-let it out let it all hang out
lemon pipers-rice is nice
nickel revolution-oscar crunch
eric burdon and the animals-when i was young
winstons-color him father
drifters-sometimes I wonder/jackpot
David Stevens
August 23, 2020 at 1:02 am
The Magic Lanterns; Shame, shame, shame.
Vashti Bunyan; Just another diamond day.
Grass Roots; The river is wide.
The Buckinghams; Kind of a drag.
PP Arnold; Everything’s gonna be alright.
Neil Christian; That’s nice.
Episode Six; Morning dew.
The Ronettes; You came, you saw, you conquered.
The Association; Time for living.
The Cowsills; The rain, the park and other things.
Dusty Springfield; A brand new me (recorded 1969)
Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons; Don’t think twice, it’s alright.
The Music Explosion; A little bit of soul.
Jan and Dean; Dead man’s curve.
Left Banke; Walk away Renee.
The Beach Boys; Hushabye.
Arrival; Friends.
Tin Tin; Toast and Marmalade.
Allan Clarke; Losing me.
Sorry, the last three just slipped into the 70’s.
I just love those obscure songs that have remained buried in my subconscious for many years. Desperate to find out the name of the Barry Ryan single with Steve Marriott on backing vocals. Can’t wait for that time machine to be invented.
Ellen
December 2, 2020 at 2:56 pm
Does anyone remember a song from the 60s about a visitor from outer space being interviewed by a news reporter? All the spaceman’s replies were in snips of popular songs current to the year. Two of the songs were Yummy Yummy Yummy by Ohio Express and the Byrds version of Mr. Tambourine Man. My siblings and I thought it was the latest word in cleverness and I’d really like to find a link to it for them.
Also, how do I find Mike Shannon’s oldies station. I googled it but didn’t find it.
Thanks all!
Andrew F.
February 10, 2021 at 10:01 pm
Does anyone know the group who sang Puppy Love in the late 50s/early 60s? (This is NOT the Paul Anka song.) It’s got a “good beat” and the first verses are:
They call it puppy love
because we’re very young
and have not yet reached sixteen
They think that we don’t know
the things that all should know
to make a romance complete
(Somewhat shocking for the era….)
Kindly email me at asfhgwt@gmail.com. Thanks.
Ruth
June 10, 2022 at 11:17 am
Willow tree ivy league
Portobello road grapefruit
Ain’t it good grapefruit
Move in a little closer baby. Harmony grass?
And loads more
Wendy
December 16, 2023 at 1:46 am
Has anyone hears of the 60s song that has these lyrics: “Oriental girl, lovely as a pearl, I hope to make her my bride, then bring her back to the stateside, and show the world my oriental girl.”