@Bama: As always, I appreciate your input. In Canada, McDonald's used "The Twist" and Chubby Checker sued. McDonald's defense, which was as far as I'm concerned legit, is that they were imitating the Ballard version of the song, not the Checker version. Of course, Checker was imitating Ballard too. His first hit, predating The Twist, was a novelty record called "The Party" where he did imitations of several then-big soul singers. Nonetheless, as with Mancini, the RIAA followed the money trail.
As for the missing acts, I agree that missing Frankie Valli & the 4 Seasons is a major omission. Stevie & Barbra made the list in the 70's, and Brother Ray is listed amongst the acts in the 50's (but with a 1960 song). Sedaka is unfairly snubbed in both the 60's & 70's. Not even the cover of "Love Will Keep Us Together" is included.
And I'm surprised Lorne Green's" Ringo" didn't make the list. It's got a lead vocal by a deep voiced guy who can't carry a tune, gunplay, murder and suicide-by-cop. I consider it the first gansta rap record. ;) |
RIAA Songs of the Century - 70's 
Albums - First Words 
Album Titles Starting with 'Songs...'
