Author
DR Rob Gandy I UK
The songs he chose cover quite a period, stretching from 1957 to 1971, and there are some really good ones on his list. But the only thing that is certain is that everyone will agree with some and disagree with others.
We all have our favourite records from when we were young, and the reasons for their being our favourites will be as varied as we are from one another. Dougs’ selection was:
1. Jailhouse Rock – Elvis Presley (1957)
2. That’ll Be The Day – Buddy Holly and the Crickets (1957)
3. At The Hop – Danny and the Juniors (1957-58)
4. Johny B. Goode – Chuck Berry (1958)
5. What’d I Say – Ray Charles (1959)
6. The Twist – Chubby Checker (1960)
7. I Want To Hold Your Hand – The Beatles (1963)
8. Dancing In The Street – Martha and the Vandellas (1964)
9. (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction – Rolling Stones (1965)
10. Like a Rolling Stone – Bob Dylan (1965)
11. Good Vibrations – The Beach Boys (1966)
12. Respect – Aretha Franklin (1967)
13. Light My Fire – The Doors (1967)
14. A Day In The Life -The Beatles (1967)
15. What’s going on – Marvin Gaye (1971)
Now, whilst we might argue about which song was the best, there is one thing that we cannot argue about – and that is what was the very first record that you bought, or was bought for you? I am sure that everyone will remember this, and some will be proud and some will be embarrassed.
My first record was a second-hand copy of Dave Brubeck’s “Take Five”. I bought it at my school Christmas “Bring And Buy” Sale for a few pence. Of course, in 1962 all of the singles cost 6 shillings and 8 pence (Real Old Money!). I confess that I did not have a record player at the time, and therefore I was hoping and anticipating that Santa would bring me one for Christmas. Fortunately that is exactly what he did and I was able to play this classic record along with the “With The Beatles” LP that Santa had also delivered. I must confess that I still think that it is “cool” to be able to say that my first record was “Take Five” – largely because it is one of the “coolest” records ever recorded.
My Kid Brother’s first record was “Mah Nà Mah Nà” – I think that it was the Muppets version. A great song, but very, very different to “Take Five”. But there was – and still is – a 13 year difference in our ages.
Muppets “Mah Nà Mah Nà”
Photograph via Muppets Wiki
So, forget about which songs defined the Boomer Generation. Let us hear what your very first record was, and tell us if there is a back story behind it.
It will be very interesting – and fun – to hear all of your stories. So get your fingers on your keyboards and let us know!!
