Great Hits from the 1967 Era (5)
Here it is... this is what helped shape our culture into what it is today. It was history in the making, back in the day.
Use the song titles on the left to navigate to more info, then click on the photos to get to the videos. It's been organized into multiple pages for ease of use.
Oldies But Goodies
The Grass Roots: Let's Live for Today
The Grass Roots is an American rock band that charted frequently between 1966 and 1975. It was originally the creation of Lou Alder and songwriting duo P.F. Sloan and Steve Barri. In their career, they achieved two gold albums, one gold single and charted singles a total of 21 times. Among their charting singles, they achieved Top 10 three times, Top 20 three times and Top 40 eight times. They have sold over twenty million records worldwide.
In 1967 the band was offered the choice to go with their own name or choose to adopt a name that had already been heard of nationwide. They stayed with The Grass Roots. As the Grass Roots, they had their first Top 10 hit in the summer of 1967 with "Let's Live For Today".
In 1982, the Grass Roots performed an Independence Day concert on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., attracting a large crowd and setting a record for attendance (over half a million people), at that time, for an outdoor concert for a single musical act.
However, in April 1983, James G. Watt, President Ronald Regan's Secretary of The Interior, banned Independence Day concerts on the Mall by such groups. Watt said that "rock bands" that had performed on the Mall on Independence Day in 1981 and 1982 had encouraged drug use and alcoholism and had attracted "the wrong element", who would mug people and families attending any similar events in the future.
In December 2015, the American Pop Music Hall of Fame released their 2016 inductees as follows: Barbra Streisand, The Grass Roots, Barry Manilow, Neil Sedaka, The Association, Dion, The Lettermen, Paul Revere & the Raiders, The Temptations and Three Dog Night.
Procol Harum: A Whiter Shade of Pale
Procol Harum are an English rock band formed in 1967. They contributed to the development of symphonic rock, and by extension, progressive rock. Their best-known recording is their 1967 hit single "A Whiter Shade of Pale", which is considered a classic of popular music and is one of the few singles to have sold over 10 million copies.
Although noted for its baroque and classical influence, Procol Harum's music also embraces the blues, R & B, and soul.
John Hiatt: The Tiki Bar is Open
The song “The Tiki Bar Is Open” by John Hiatt is a lively and catchy tune that captures the essence of a carefree and relaxed atmosphere. Hiatt, known for his heartfelt storytelling and versatile musical style, delves into the world of escapism and the desire to find solace in a tropical oasis.
In this song, Hiatt paints a vivid picture of a vibrant Tiki bar where people come to escape their everyday routines and let loose. The lyrics are filled with imagery that transports listeners to an idyllic beach setting, complete with swaying palm trees, exotic drinks, and the captivating sounds of live music. It’s a song that embraces the spirit of spontaneity, encouraging listeners to leave their worries behind and immerse themselves in the joyous ambiance of the Tiki bar.
The deeper meaning behind “The Tiki Bar Is Open” lies in its celebration of embracing life’s simple pleasures and embracing the moment. It serves as a reminder to take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life and indulge in the enchanting vibe of the Tiki bar. The song reflects the universal longing for moments of escape and the quest for happiness and contentment.
