Thanks to the Gulf of Tonkin incident (and the resulting Congressional resolution), the Vietnam War essentially began in August of 1964. Hey, at least the music was good!
Billboard Top 5: August 15, 1964
#5:
The Drifters: “Under The Boardwalk” (Young/Resnick)
From the album Under The Boardwalk
Atlantic Records, 1964
On the night before The Drifters were to record “Under The Boardwalk,” lead singer Rudy Davis died from a suspected heroin overdose. You’d never know it from listening to the song, which was recorded the next day as scheduled with former Drifters member Johnny Moore on lead vocals. Moore had left the band after being drafted in 1957, and took over again as lead singer after Davis’ death.
#4:
The Four Seasons: “Rag Doll” (Crewe/Gaudio)
From the album Rag Doll
Phillips Records, 1964
“Rag Doll” spent two weeks at #1 in July of 1965, and remained in the Top 5 until the week of August 15. The song was primarily written by Bob Gaudio, and was inspired by a young girl who washed his windshield during a long wait at a stoplight in Hell’s Kitchen. Gaudio didn’t have any change, so he gave her a $10 bill. The look of astonishment on the little girl’s face stayed with Gaudio all the way to the studio, and “Rag Doll” was born.
#3:
The Beatles: “A Hard Day’s Night” (Lennon/McCartney)
From the album A Hard Day’s Night
Capitol Records, 1964
Only one hit in the Top 5 this week, Fab Four? Back in April, your songs occupied all of the top five slots! It looks like your meteoric rise to fame is quickly coming to an end. Nobody will even remember who you are by 1965, so I hope you enjoyed your brief moment in the sun.
#2:
The Supremes: “Where Did Our Love Go” (Holland/Dozier/Holland)
From the album Where Did Our Love Go
Motown Records, 1964
Their first eight singles had only achieved minimal success on the Billboard charts, but “Where Did Our Love Go” turned The Supremes into superstars. The song would rise to #1 on August 22, and would become the first of five consecutive #1 hits for Diana Ross, Mary Wilson, and Florence Ballard.
#1:
Dean Martin: “Everybody Loves Somebody” (Coslow/Taylor/Lane)
From the album Everybody Loves Somebody
Reprise Records, 1964
See, Beatles? “A Hard Day’s Night” was #1 last week, and you just got replaced by Dean Martin. DEAN MARTIN! This guy hasn’t even sniffed a hit since the ’50s. The writing’s on the wall, lads– it’s time to go look for some real jobs.
In all seriousness, I think it is so cool that Dean Martin came out of nowhere to reclaim the top spot on the Hot 100 after a nine-year absence. The unexpected smash revitalized Dean’s career, and led to the genius of The Dean Martin Show in 1965.
I’ll drink to that!
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Bonus Tracks!
The first rule of The Analog Kid blog is that if you write about a song on the Analog Kid blog, you share the song on the Analog Kid blog.
John Mellencamp: “Under The Boardwalk” (Young/Resnick)
From the 12″ single R.O.C.K. In The U.S.A.
Riva Records, 1985
Soft Cell: “Tainted Love/Where Did Our Love Go” (Cobb/Holland/Dozier/Holland)
From the 12″ single Tainted Love
Sire Records, 1982
The Beatles: “A Hard Day’s Night” (Lennon/McCartney)
From the bootleg CD Ultra Rare Trax, Vol. 2
The Swingin’ Pig Records, 1988
Note: I bought Volumes 1 and 2 of the Ultra Rare Trax in the spring of 1989. They were my first 2 bootleg CDs, and they will always hold a special place in this collector’s heart!
The Analog Kid 