The Door To Yesterday Alan Warner Who Were They Singing About. 2020
image181

Among my longtime trivia obsessions was and is spotting references in 

pop, rock, r&b and country records to famous singers, musicians and song titles.


One of the best examples is the 1967 smash hit SWEET SOUL MUSIC 

(Conley/Cooke/Redding) by soul singer Arthur Conley on Atco. 

Listen to it on this link and you’ll hear Arthur namecheck Lou Rawls, 

LOVE IS A HURTIN’ THING, Sam & Dave, HOLD ON I’M COMIN’. 

Wilson Pickett, MUSTANG SALLY, Otis Redding, FA-FA-FA-FA-FA 

and James Brown. https://youtu.be/mLhEinunQfo 

(One other trivia note: the brass-laden intro to SWEET SOUL MUSIC 

was ‘borrowed’ from Elmer Bernstein’s MAGNIFICENT SEVEN Theme).


Another instance of famous names quoted in a memorable song is in 

Stevie Wonder’s SIR DUKE which he wrote and recorded on Tamla in 1976. 

The song itself is a celebratory tribute to Duke Ellington but in its lyric, 

Stevie also refers to Count Basie, Glenn Miller, Satchmo and Ella Fitzgerald. 

Here’s a YouTube link to the record:  

https://youtu.be/s6fPN5aQVDI 


Not that name-dropping in songs hasn’t gone on for years. 

Back in 1936, the much-recorded favorite THESE FOOLISH THINGS 

(Remind Me Of You) (Link/Marvell/Strachey) by Teddy Wilson & His Orchestra 

w/Billie Holiday (Brunswick: 1936) referred to (Bing) Crosby and in that same year 

on the same label, Fred Astaire sang about the ST. LOUIS BLUES in 

NEVER GONNA DANCE (Jerome Kern/Dorothy Fields). In addition, 

the 1942 big band favorite JUKE BOX SATURDAY NIGHT (Stillman/McGrane) 

by Glenn Miller & His Orchestra w/Marion Hutton, Tex Beneke & The Modernaires referred to (Benny) Goodman, (Kay) Kyser, (Glenn) Miller, Harry James and also The Ink Spots.


From time to time, references in lyrics changed during the life of a song. 

For instance, when Bing Crosby & Rosemary Clooney recorded Burton Lane 

& Ralph Freed's breezy ballad HOW ABOUT YOU as a duet on their 

1958 RCA LP "Fancy Meeting You Here", Rosie sang 

"And Frank Sinatra's looks give me a thrill". Three years earlier, 

when the said Mr. Sinatra sang it on his Capitol "Songs For Swingin' Lovers!" 

album, he sang that line as "And James Durante's looks give me a thrill". 

To put that name-dropping reference in its proper perspective, HOW ABOUT YOU was originally introduced by Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney in the 

1941 MGM film "Babes On Broadway" when the lyric line in question ran 

"And Franklin Roosevelt's looks give me a thrill"!


Truth be known, there are a zillion examples of musical references in 

pop, rock, r&b and country songs and among more recent examples include 

DEVIL IN A NEW DRESS by Kanye West Featuring Rick Ross (Roc-A-Fella: 2010)

which refers to Teddy Pendergrass, THE GREATEST (Grant/Antonoff) by Lana Del Rey (Polydor/Interscope: 2019) referring to The Beach Boys, Dennis Wilson and Kanye West, HENDRIX (Jean) by Wyclef Jean (eOne: 2017), IS DAVID BOWIE DYING? (Coyne/Drozd) by The Flaming Lips (Warner Bros: 2012) JOHN AND ELVIS ARE DEAD (Michael/Austin) by George Michael (Epic: 2004) referring to John (Lennon), Elvis (Presley) and also mentioning Marvin (Gaye), JOHN COUGAR, JOHN DEERE, JOHN 3:16 (Copperman/Osborne/McAnally) by Keith Urban(Hit Red: 2015), MARVIN GAYE (Puth/Frost) by Charlie Puth & Meghan Trainor (Atlantic 2015), MOVES LIKE JAGGER (Levine/Levin/Malik/Schustter) by 

Maroon 5 Feat. Christine Aguilera (A&M: 2011), SONG TO WOODY (Dylan) 

by Bob Dylan (Legacy: 2005) referring to Woody Guthrie, Cisco (Houston), 

Sonny (Terry) and Leadbelly, TIM McGRAW (Swift/Rose) by Taylor Swift 

(Big Machine: 2006) plus TIK TOK (Sebert/Levin/Gottwald) by Kesha

 (Kemosabe: 2009) in which she mentions P. Diddy.


However, I’m concentrating here on songs from the 50’s thru the 90’s.

First of all, here’s a random list of songs in which performers are mentioned 

in the actual titles…


ARETHA, SING ONE FOR ME 

(Williams/Harris) 

by George Jackson 

(Hi: 1972)

https://youtu.be/zRSi_7r64Xk


BALLAD OF JOHN AND YOKO 

(Lennon/McCartney) 

by The Beatles 

(Apple: 1969)


BLOSSOM 

(Powell/Ryan) 

by Georgie Fame 

(UK CBS: 1969) 

Tribute to Blossom Dearie.


BO DIDDLEY 

(McDaniels) 

by Bo Diddley 

(Checker: 1955) 

As Bo Diddley, Ellas McDaniels crafted 

a whole string of Bo Diddley songs. This was the best. 

https://youtu.be/x7488n2Gl-A



BOB WILLS IS STILL THE KING 

(Jennings) 

by Waylon Jennings 

(RCA: 1975) 

https://youtu.be/OVFjGc6NxKo


BUDDY HOLLY 

(Cuomo) 

by Weezer 

(DGC: 1994)


A CAT CALLED DOMINO 

(Orbison/Petty) 

by Roy Orbison 

(Sun: 1957)


COLE, COOKE AND REDDING 

(Holler) 

by Wilson Pickett 

(Atlantic: 1970)

https://youtu.be/nVyGSg0hueU


THE DEATH OF HANK WILLIAMS 

(Cardwell) 

by Jack Cardwell 

(King: 1953)


DEBBIE GIBSON IS PREGNANT WITH MY TWO-HEADED LOVE CHILD 

(Nixon) 

by Mojo Nixon & Skid Roper 

(Enigma: 1989)


ELVIS AND MARILYN 

(Russell/Fowley/Diamond) 

by Leon Russell 

(Paradise: 1978) 

https://youtu.be/jdo7znqhx8w



ELVIS PRESLEY AND AMERICA 

(U2) by U2 

(Island: 1984)


EMPTY GARDEN (HEY HEY JOHNNY) 

by Elton John 

(Geffen: 1982) 

Tribute to John Lennon. 

https://youtu.be/ojdAD_xNt9c


EVERYBODY WANTS TO BE HANK WILLIAMS 

(Boone/Nelson) 

by Larry Boone 

(Mercury: 1990)


GENO 

(Rowland/Archer) 

by Dexy’s Midnight Runners 

(UK EMI: 1980) 

Tribute to Geno Washington.



I FEEL LIKE BUDDY HOLLY 

(Batt) 

by Alvin Stardust 

(UK Chrysalis: 1984)



I NEED YOUR HELP BARRY MANILOW 

(Gonyea) 

by Ray Stevens 

(Warner Bros: 1979)


I WANT EDDIE FISHER FOR CHRISTMAS 

(Javits/Springer) 

by Spike Jones & Linda Strangis 

(RCA Victor: 1954)


I WISH I COULD SING LIKE JOLSON 

(Portway) 

by Max Bygraves 

(UK HMV: 1954)


HATS OFF TO (ROY) HARPER 

(Trad. Arr: Obscure) 

by Led Zeppelin 

(Atlantic: 1970)


JACKIE WILSON SAID (I’m In Heaven When You Smile) 

(Morrison) by Van Morrison 

(Warner Bros: 1972) 

Also refers to the song REET PETITE.

https://youtu.be/w1R8MP3GGGs


JAMES BROWN 

(Kirk/Mallinder) 

by Cabaret Voltaire 

(UK Virgin: 1984)


JANIE JONES 

(Strummer/Jones) 

by The Clash 

(Epic: 1979)


JANIS 

(McDonald) 

by Country Joe And The Fish 

(Vanguard: 1967) 

Tribute to Janis Joplin

https://youtu.be/BaRppv4fgjo


JOHNNY ACE’S LAST LETTER 

(Fuller/Geddins/Rosenbaum) 

by Johnny Fuller 

(Aladdin: 1955)


JOHNNY HAS GONE 

(Cadena/Mendelsohn) 

by Varetta Dillard 

(Savoy: 1955) 

Tribute to Johnny Ace.


JUST LIKE VINCE TAYLOR 

(Kooymans/Hay) 

by Golden Earring 

(Track/MCA: 1974)



THE LATE GREAT JOHNNY ACE 

(Simon) by Paul Simon 

(Warner Bros: 1983) 

https://youtu.be/HJra4plhU54


ME AND JIMMIE RODGERS 

(Silverstein) 

by Tom T. Hall 

(RCA: 1980)


ODE TO JOHN LEE 

(Rivers) 

by Johnny Rivers 

(Imperial: 1968) 

Tribute to John Lee Hooker.

https://youtu.be/vuT1HNMBMWc


ODE TO THE SUPREMES 

(Unknown writer) 

by Bobby Taylor & The Vancouvers 

(Gordy: recorded in ’67 & ’68 but unreleased until 2018)


PURE SMOKEY 

(Harrison) 

by George Harrison 

(Dark Horse: 1976) 

Tribute to Smokey Robinson.

https://youtu.be/AU7lR1grqg0


SONG FOR BOB DYLAN 

(Bowie) by David Bowie 

(RCA: 1971)

https://youtu.be/v23YSyH3Fe8


SWEET GENE VINCENT 

(Dury/Jankel) 

by Ian Dury & The Blockheads 

(Stiff: 1977)


SWEET GEORGIE FAME 

(Dearie/Harris) 

by Blossom Dearie 

(UK Fontana: 1970)


TRIBUTE TO BUDDY HOLLY 

(Goddard) 

by Mike Berry with The Outlaws 

(UK HMV: 1961)



A TRIBUTE TO THE FOUR SEASONS 

(Gaudio/Petrillo/Cifelli/Crewe/Linzer) 

by Society’s Children 

(Atco: 1968)


WHEN SMOKEY SINGS 

(Fry/White) 

by ABC 

(Mercury: 1987) 

Tribute to Smokey Robinson.


WILLIE , WAYLON AND ME 

(Coe) 

by David Allan Coe 

(Columbia: 1976) 

Also refers to The Byrds, Roger McGuinn, The Eagles

https://youtu.be/KfTsHgtM-qA



WOOD BEEZ (PRAY LIKE ARETHA FRANKLIN) 

(Green/Gamson) 

by Scritti Politti 

(Warner Bros: 1985)


YOU’RE RIGHT, RAY CHARLES 

(Joe Tex) by Joe Tex 

(Dial: 1970) 

https://youtu.be/dTnG2duZ_rk


Secondly, here’s an alphabetical list of songs in which the lyrical contents 

contain references to performers, musicians and tune titles…


ACCIDENTAL SUICIDE 

(Mayall) by John Mayall 

(Polydor: 1971)

refers to Jimi Hendrix


ALL THE YOUNG DUDES 

(Bowie) 

by Mott The Hoople 

(Columbia: 1972)

refers to T-Rex, The Beatles, The (Rolling) Stones 

https://youtu.be/yNHdPPJGowY



ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE 

(Lennon/McCartney) 

by The Beatles 

(Capitol: 1967)

refers to YESTERDAY and SHE LOVES YOU

 

ALMOST SUMMER 

(Wilson/Love/Jardine) 

by Celebration Feat. Mike Love 

(MCA: 1978)

refers to LITTLE DEUCE COUPE 



ANGEL OF HARLEM 

(Clayton/Evans/Mullen/Hewson) 

by U2 

(Island: 1988)

refers to John Coltrane, Lady Day (Billie Holiday)



ARE THE GOOD TIMES REALLY OVER (I Wish A Buck Was Still Silver) 

(Haggard) by Merle Haggard 

(Epic: 1981) 

refers to Elvis (Presley), The Beatles 

https://youtu.be/GZFYw0mZBqE



ARE YOU SURE HANK DONE IT THIS WAY 

(Jennings) 

by Waylon Jennings (RCA: 1975) 

refers to Hank Williams


BACK IN MY ARMS AGAIN 

(Holland/Dozier.Holland) 

by The Supremes 

(Motown: 1965)

refers to Mary (Wilson) and Flo (Ballard) 

https://youtu.be/t06mL0KnOi0  


BALL OF CONFUSION (That’s What The World Is Today) 

(Whitfield/Strong) 

by The Temptations 

(Gordy: 1970)

refers to The Beatles


BAREFOOTIN’ 

(Parker) by Robert Parker (Nola: 1966)

refers to LONG TALL SALLY



BELIEVE IT OR NOT 

(Randolf/Murray) 

by Don Covay (Sue: 1958) 

refers to various songs incl. CHANTILLY LACE, PEGGY SUE, TUTTI FRUTTI, GOOD GOLLY MISS MOLLY, YAKETY YAK, PURPLE PEOPLE EATER, LONG TALL SALLY, WITCH DOCTOR, ROCKIN’ ROBIN, BETTY LOU GOT A NEW PAIR OF SHOES, DIZZY MISS LIZZY, SPLISH SPLASH.  

https://youtu.be/79WIH9sQqjks 


BICYCLE SONG 

(Kledis/Frusciante/Smith/Balzary) 

by Red Hot Chili Peppers 

(Warner Bros: 2006)

refers to James Brown


BING CROSBY 

(Durrie Parks) 

by Van Dyke Parks 

(Warner Bros: 1972)

refers to Lawrence Tibbett, Nelson Eddy, Donald Novis, 

Morton Downey, Kenny Baker, Rudy Vallee, Bing Crosby


BREAKDANCE 

(Moroder/Cara/Hull) 

by Irene Cara 

(Epic: 1983)

refers to THE LOCO-MOTION, THE JERK, THE TWIST  

https://youtu.be/JR3BaMQ0bBM


CARY GRANT’S WEDDING 

(Scanlon/Carroll/Riley/Smith/Hanley) 

by The Fall 

(UK Rough Trade: 1980)

refers to Joe Strummer, Jake Burns


THE CHANUKAH SONG 

(Sandler/Maxstone-Graham/Morton) 

by Adam Sandler 

(Warner Bros: 1995)

refers to David Lee Roth, Dinah Shore, Bowzer from Sha Na Na, 

DECK THE HALLS, JINGLE BELL ROCK


CHRISTMAS CARD FROM A HOOKER IN MINNEAPOLIS 

(Waits) 

by Tom Waits (Asylum: 1978):

refers to Little Anthony & The Imperials


CLAP FOR THE WOLFMAN 

(Cummings/Wallace/Winter) 

by The Guess Who (RCA: 1974)

refers to Wolfman (Jack), DA DOO RON RON, DUKE OF EARL

https://youtu.be/in570zo2xGI


CLEANING WINDOWS 

(Morrison) 

by Van Morrison 

(Warner Bros: 1982)

refers to Jimmie Rodgers, Leadbelly, Blind Lemon (Jefferson), 

Sonny Terry, Brownie McGee, Muddy Waters, I’M A ROLLING STONE


COLD FEET 

(King/Jackson Jr.) 

by Albert King (Stax: 1968) 

refers to Sam & Dave, Rufus & Carla Thomas and Eddie Floyd

https://youtu.be/kzAUTjZkYWc


COME ON EILEEN 

(Rowland/Adams/Patterson) 

by Dexys Midnight Runners (Mercury: 1982)

refers to Johnnie Ray


COWBOY HOP 

(Tucker) by Ernest Tucker 

(Jubilee: 1959)

refers to Roy Rogers, Gene Autry



CROCODILE ROCK 

(John/Taupin) 

by Elton John (MCA: 1972)

refers to ROCK(ing) AROUND THE CLOCK


CREEQUE ALLEY 

(Phillips/Gilliam) 

by The Mamas & The Papas 

(Dunhill: 1967)

refers to John (Phillips), Mitchy (Michelle), Zal (Yanovsky), 

Denny (Doherty), (John) Sebastian, (Roger) McGuinn, (Barry) McGuire, 

Mama Cass. The Mugwumps, (Lovin’) Spoonful, CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’ 

https://youtu.be/7ccDdIuJpOE



DANCIN' PARTY 

(Mann/Appell) 

by Chubby Checker 

(Parkway: 1962)

refers to MASHED POTATO (TIME), THE WATUSI, TWIST AND SHOUT, 

MESS AROUND, THE BRISTOL STOMP, Dee Dee (Sharp), The Orlons



DEDICATED (TO THE SONGS I LOVE) 

(Smith/Goldsmith) 

by The Three Friends 

(Imperial: 1961)

refers to RAMA LAMA DING DONG, MOTHER-IN-LAW, 

A HUNDRED POUNDS OF CLAY, WHAT I’D SAY, SPANISH HARLEM, 

HALFWAY TO PARADISE, SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL and other titles

https://youtu.be/GNbxT9lG7uM



DECEMBER WILL BE MAGIC AGAIN 

(Bush) 

by Kate Bush 

(EMI America: 1980)

refers to Bing Crosby, WHITE CHRISTMAS


DEDE DINAH 

(DeAngelis/Marcucci) 

by Frankie Avalon (Chancellor: 1958)

refers to BONY MARONIE, PEGGY SUE


DON'T CALL US, WE'LL CALL YOU 

(Corbetta/Carter) 

by Sugarloaf/Jerry Corbetta

refers to John, Paul & George


DRIVE-IN SATURDAY 

(Seattle-Phoenix) 

(Bowie) (RCA: 1973)

refers to (Mick) Jagger 



EVERYONE WAS THERE 

(Kayli/Gordy Jr.) 

by Bob Kayli 

(Carlton: 1958)

refers to over 15 songs incl. NO CHEMISE PLEASE, JENNIE LEE, PATRICIA, YAKETY YAK, WESTERN MOVIES, HARD HEADED WOMAN, Elvis (Presley), HOUND DOG, BONY MORONIE, OH LONESOME ME, PEGGY SUE, WITCH DOCTOR, PURPLE PEOPLE EATER, SPLISH SPLASH, ENDLESS SLEEP. 

https://youtu.be/b1dAHVJYtYo 

(Footnote: Bob Kayli aka Robert Gordy is a brother of Motown founder Berry Gordy Jr.)


 

EV'RYBODY'S CRYIN' 

(Wolfson/Hall) 

by Jimmie Beaumont 

(May: 1961) 

refers to Ernie K-Doe, MOTHER-IN-LAW, Ben E. King, STAND BY ME, Roy Orbison, ONLY THE LONELY, RUNNING SCARED, CRYING, Timi Yuro, HURT, The Jarmels, (A LITTLE BIT OF) SOAP, Dee Clark, RAINDROPS, Connie (Francis), MANY TEARS AGO, Sue (Thompson), SAD MOVIES, Elvis (Presley), (A MESS OF) BLUES, MOODY RIVER, Pat Boone, Bobby Vee, (TAKE GOOD CARE OF MY) BABY, Gene McDaniels, TOWER OF STRENGTH, A HUNDRED POUNDS OF CLAY, A TEAR, Dion, RUNAROUND SUE, The Marcels, HEARTACHES, (GIRL OF) MY BEST FRIEND  

https://youtu.be/vOSE4i5iatY



5-4-3-2-1 

(Jones/Hugg/Mann) 

by Manfred Mann 

(Ascot: 1964)

refers to The Manfreds


FINITE=ALRIGHT 

(Byrne) 

by David Byrne 

(Luaka Bop: 1997)

refers to Jimi Hendrix, HOUSE BURNING DOWN, Elvis


FM (No Static At All) 

(Becker/Fagen) 

by Steely Dan 

(MCA: 1978)

refers to Elvis (Presley)


FRANK MILLS 

(Rado/Ragni/MacDermot) 

from the musical “Hair”

refers to George Harrison, The Beatles


GARDEN PARTY 

(Nelson) 

by Rick Nelson 

(Decca: 1972)

refers to Yoko (Ono), (Bob) Dylan, HELLO MARY LOU, JOHNNY B. GOODE 

https://youtu.be/OukwGBpnuXE


GET UP (I FEEL LIKE BEING A) SEX MACHINE 

(Brown/Byrd/Lenhoff) 

by James Brown 

(King: 1970)

refers to SHAKE YOUR MONEYMAKER


GIVE PEACE A CHANCE 

(Lennon) 

by John Lennon 

(Apple: 1969)

refers to John and Yoko, Bob Dylan 


HARLEM SHUFFLE 

(Nelson/Relf) 

by Bob & Earl 

(Marc: 1963)

refers to HITCH HIKE and SHAKE A TAIL FEATHER

https://youtu.be/QAO-YECCqsM


HAVING A PARTY 

(Cooke) 

by Sam Cooke 

(RCA: 1962)

refers to SOUL TWIST, I KNOW (YOU DON’T LOVE ME NO MORE) and MASHED POTATOES. 

https://youtu.be/iV17lsMEg2E


HECKLE & JECKEL 

(Barnes/Barnes) 

by George Jones 

(MCA: 1991)

refers to Willie (Nelson), Waylon (Jennings), Dolly (Parton)



HEEBIE JEEBIES 

by Ernie K-Doe 

(Minit: 1961)

refers to BONY MORONIE, DIZZY MISS LIZZY, LONG TALL SALLY and other titles


HEY NINETEEN 

(Becker/Fagen) 

by Steely Dan 

(MCA: 1980)

refers to 'Retha Franklin


I AM THE WALRUS 

(Lennon/McCartney) 

by The Beatles (Capitol: 1967)

refers to LUCY IN THE SKY (WITH DIAMONDS), HARE KRISHNA


I DIG ROCK AND ROLL MUSIC 

(Dixon/Mason/Stookey) 

by Peter, Paul & Mary 

(Warner Bros: 1967)

refers to The Mamas & The Papas, Michelle (Phillips), Cass (Elliot), Donovan, The Beatles.



I DON’T LIKE TO SLEEP ALONE 

(Anka) by Paul Anka 

(United Artists: 1975)

refers to HELP ME MAKE IT THROUGH THE NIGHT, LEAN ON ME


I DREAMED OF A HILL-BILLY HEAVEN 

(Dean/Sothern) 

by Tex Ritter 

on Capitol in 1961 was a remake of a 1955 country hit by singing cowboy Eddie Dean. In his spoken portions, Tex names a host of country legends including Jimmie Rodgers, Hank Williams, Red Foley, Ernest Tubb, Gene Autry, Roy Acuff, Tennessee Ernie, Eddy Arnold, Johnny Horton, Jimmy Dean, Andy Griffith and Roy Rogers.


I FEEL LUCKY 

(Carpenter) 

by Mary Chapin Carpenter 

(Columbia: 1992)

refers to Dwight Yoakam, Lyle Lovett


I LOVE BEING HERE WITH YOU 

(Schluger/Lee) 

by Peggy Lee 

(Capitol: 1961)

refers to (Count) Basie, Ella (Fitzgerald)


I WANT MY BABY BACK 

(Botkin/Garfield) 

by Jimmy Cross 

(Tollie: 1965)

refers to The Beatles and LEADER OF THE PACK


I’M ON MY WAY 

(Craig Reid/Charlie Reid) 

by The Proclaimers 

(Chrysalis: 1989)

refers to Al Jolson


I'M STILL MOVIN' ON 

(Silverstein/Snow) 

by Hank Snow (RCA: 1977)

refers to Jimmie Rodgers and Hank Williams


THE INTRO AND THE OUTRO 

(Stanshall) 

by The Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band 

(UK Liberty: 1967)

refers to ‘Legs’ Larry Smith, Sam Spoons, Vernon Dudley Bowhay Nowell, Neil Innes, Rodney Slater, Roger Ruskin Spear, Vivian Stanshall, Liberace, Eric Clapton, Roy Rogers, Count Basie, Val Doonican, Max Jaffa


IT DOESN’T OFTEN SNOW AT CHRISTMAS 

(Lowe/Tennant) 

by The Pet Shop Boys (UK Parlophone)

refers to Bing Crosby



JOHNNY’S CASH AND CHARLEY’S PRIDE 

(Coben) 

by Mac Wiseman 

(RCA: 1969)

refers to Johnny Cash, Charley Pride, Buck Owens, Dolly Parton, Bonnie Guitar, Sue Thompson, Conway Twitty, Johnny Wright, Kitty Wells, Johnny Paycheck, Warner Mac, Merle Haggard, Homer & Jethro, Dottie West, Billy Edd Wheeler, Minnie Pearl, Stonewall Jackson, Tex Ritter, Jeannie C. Riley, Billy Grammer, Ben Colder, Sheb Wooley, Faron Young, Ferlin Huskey, Mervin Shiner, Jack Greene, Claude Gray, Jim Ed Brown, Carl Belew


THE JOKER 

(Miller) 

by the Steve Miller Band 

(Capitol: 1963)

refers to song titles from Steve’s earlier recordings such as SPACE COWBOY, GANGSTER OF LOVE and ENTER MAURICE.


JUST LIKE EDDIE 

(Goddard) by Heinz 

(UK Decca: 1963)

refers to Eddie (Cochran), C’MON EVERYBODY



KNOCKIN' BOOTS 

(Candyman/Clarke/Wright/Hamilton/Wylie/Hamilton) 

by Candyman 

(Epic: 1990)

refers to James Brown, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE


LAND OF 1000 DANCES 

(Kenner) 

by Cannibal & The Headhunters 

(Rampart: 1965)

refers to BONY MORONIE, MASHED POTATO, THE WATUSI, LONG TALL SALLY, THE JERK


LET’S THINK ABOUT LIVING 

(Bryant) by Bob Luman 

(Warner Bros: 1960)

refers to Marty Robbins, Patti Page, Don & Phil Everly.


LEVI STUBBS’ TEARS 

(Bragg) by Billy Bragg 

(UK Go! Discs: 1986)

refers to Norman Whitfield, Barrett Strong, Holland/Dozier/Holland, The Four Tops. (Levi Stubbs was lead singer with The Four Tops)


THE KING IS GONE 

(McDowell/Morgan) 

by Ronnie McDowell (Scorpion: 1977)

refers to Elvis (Presley)


LIFE ON MARS? 

(Bowie) by David Bowie 

(RCA: 1972)

refers to (John) Lennon


LITTLE SISTER 

(Pomus/Shuman) 

by Elvis Presley 

(RCA: 1961)

refers to JIM DANDY


LONDON CALLING 

(Strummer/Jones/Simonon/Headon) 

by The Clash 

(Epic: 1980)

refers to Beatlemania


LONG MAY YOU RUN 

(Young) 

by The Stills-Young Band (Reprise: 1976)

refers to The Beach Boys, CAROLINE NO


LOOKIN' OUT MY BACK DOOR 

by Creedence Clearwater Revival 

(Fantasy: 1970)

refers to Buck Owens


LOVE COMES A-TUMBLIN' DOWN 

(Nielsen) 

by Cheap Trick 

(Epic: 1980)

refers to JOHNNY B. GOODE 


LOVE WILL KEEP US TOGETHER 

(Sedaka/Greenfield) 

by Captain & Tennille 

(A&M: 1975)

As the track fades out, Toni Tennille sings the words “Sedaka’s back”


LUCKENBACH, TEXAS (Back To The Basics Of Love) 

by Waylon Jennings 

(RCA: 1977)

refers to Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Mickey Newbury, Hank Williams


MAKE A LITTLE 

(Wystrach/Carson/Duddy/McAnally) 

by Midland (Big Machine: 2017)

refers to DIXIELAND DELIGHT (the 1983 Alabama song)

.

MAKE ME LOSE CONTROL 

(Carmen/Pitchford) 

by Eric Carmen 

(Arista: 1988)

refers to UPTOWN, STAND BY ME, BE MY BABY, BACK IN MY ARMS AGAIN


MAN ON THE MOON 

(Stipe/Berry/Buck/Mills) 

by R.E.M. 

(Warner Bros: 1992)

refers to Mott The Hoople, Elvis (Presley)


MASHED POTATO TIME 

(Mann/Bateman/Holland/Dobbins/Gorman) 

by Dee Dee Sharp (Cameo: 1962)

refers to THE LION SLEEPS TONIGHT, PLEASE MR. POSTMAN, DEAR LADY TWIST

 

MIDNIGHT CREEPER 

(John/Taupin) 

by Elton John 

(MCA: 1973)

refers to Tina Turner


MONTEREY 

(Burdon/Jenkins/Briggs/Weider/McCulloch) 

by Eric Burdon & The Animals 

(MGM: 1968)   

refers to The Byrds, (Jefferson) Airplane, Ravi Shankar, The Who, 

Hugh Masekela, Grateful Dead, Jimi Hendrix, (Brian) Jones


MOTEL MATCHES

(Costello) 

by Elvis Costello & The Attractions 

(Columbia: 1980)

refers to WHO SHOT SAM (George Jones’ 1959 hit)


THE MOTOWN SONG 

(McNally) 

by Rod Stewart Feat. The Temptations 

(Warner Bros: 1991)

refers to The Miracles, The Temptations


THE MUMMY 

(McKuen) 

by Bob McFadden & Dor 

(Brunswick: 1959)

refers to KOOKIE, KOOKIE (LEND ME YOUR COMB)


MY BOY ELVIS 

(Demetruis/Schroeder) 

by Janis Martin (RCA: 1956)

refers to Elvis (Presley), HEARTBREAK HOTEL, BLUE SUEDE SHOES, MYSTERY TRAIN


NEVER BEEN TO SPAIN 

(Hoyt Axton) 

(Dunhill/ABC: 1972)

refers to The Beatles


NIGHTSHIFT 

by The Commodores 

(Motown: 1984)

refers to Marvin (Gaye), WHAT'S GOING ON, Jackie (Wilson), HIGHER AND HIGHER

 

NOW YOU HAS JAZZ 

(Porter) by Bing Crosby & Louis Armstrong (Capitol: 1956)

refers to the musicians playing with Louis Armstrong namely clarinetist Edmund Hall, trombonist Trummy Young, pianist Billy Kyle, bass player Arvell Shaw and drummer Barrett Deems.


OH NO! NOT ANOTHER ONE 

(Sahm) by Doug Sahm 

(Evangeline: 2000)

refers to Lefty Frizzell


OLD FRIEND 

(Jennings) 

by Waylon Jennings (RCA: 1976)

refers to Buddy (Holly)


THE OLD SIDE OF TOWN

(Hall) by Tom T. Hall 

(RCA: 1980)

refers to George Jones


ONCE UPON A TIME 

(Lydon/Matlock/Jones/Cook) 

by Eric Burdon 

(SPV: 2004)

refers to Marvin Gaye, LET'S GET IT ON, Otis Redding, (Sittin' On) THE DOCK OF THE BAY, Sam Cooke, BRING IT ON HOME TO ME, Elvis Presley, BLUE SUEDE SHOES


ONE OF THE SURVIVORS 

(Ray Davies) 

by The Kinks 

(RCA: 1973)

refers to Jerry Lee Lewis, Dion & The Belmonts, Johnny & The Hurricanes, HOUND DOG, OH BOY, GREAT BALLS OF FIRE, HIGH SCHOOL CONFIDENTIAL, LITTLE EGYPT, OOH POO PAH DOO, POISON IVY, BLUE SUEDE SHOES


OUR FAVORITE MELODIES 

(Farrell/Rogers/Elgin) 

by Gary Criss 

(Diamond: 1962) 

https://youtu.be/3lmeB8-yf6E

refers to HIT THE ROAD JACK, TAKE GOOD CARE OF MY BABY, GOODBYE CRUEL WORLD, HEY LITTLE GIRL, RUN TO HIM. (Gary’s was the original version here; it didn’t chart but ironically a word-for-word copy by Britain’s Craig Douglas reached #10 on the UK chart.)


PAPA’S GOT A BRAND NEW BAG 

(Brown) 

by James Brown & The Famous Flames 

(King: 1965)

refers to THE JERK, THE FLY, THE MONKEY, MASHED POTATOES and other titles

PEOPLE EVERYDAY (Stone/Thomas) by Arrested Development (Chrysalis: 1992)

refers to Ice Cube


THE PHILLY FREEZE 

(Jones/Hayes) 

by Alvin Cash & The Registers 

(Mar-V-Lus: 1966)

refers to TWINE (TIME) 


PLAY THAT FUNKY MUSIC 

(Parissi) 

by Vanilla Ice 

(SBK: 1990)

refers to SUPER-CALI-FRAGIL-ISTIC-EXPI-ALI-DOCIOUS


THE PRINCESS AND THE PUNK

(Mann/Weil) 

by Barry Mann 

(Arista: 1976) 

refers to The Crystals 


THE PURPLE PEOPLE EATER 

(Wooley) 

by Sheb Wooley 

(MGM: 1958)

refers to SHORT SHORTS, Little Richard, TEQUILA

.

QUEEN OF THE HOP 

(Harris) 

by Bobby Darin 

(Atco: 1958) 

refers to OH JULIE, PEGGY SUE, GOOD GOLLY MISS MOLLY, HELLO MARY LOU, SWEET LITTLE SIXTEEN, SHORT SHORTS, SUGARTIME, LOLLIPOP, THE STROLL

https://youtu.be/GMGA4rYXZbg


RADAR LOVE 

(Hay/Kooymans) 

by Golden Earring 

(Track/MCA: 1974)

refers to Brenda Lee 


RAILROAD SONG 

(King/Van Zant) 

by Lynyrd Skynyrd 

(MCA: 1975) 

refers to Jimmie Rodgers and The Hag (Merle Haggard).


REAL REAL GONE 

(Morrison) 

by Van Morrison 

(Mercury: 1990)

refers to Sam Cooke, Wilson Pickett, IN THE MIDNIGHT HOUR, Solomon Burke, IF YOU NEED ME, James Brown, TRY ME, Gene Chandler, RAINBOW


R.O.C.K. In The U.S.A. (A Salute To 60’s Rock) 

(Mellencamp) 

by John Cougar Mellencamp 

(Riva: 1986)

refers to Frankie Lymon, Bobby Fuller, Mitch Ryder, Jackie Wilson, The Shangri-Las, Young Rascals, Martha Reeves, James Brown 

https://youtu.be/OmJNDa7oSRI


ROCK AND ROLL HEAVEN 

by The Righteous Brothers 

(Haven: 1974)

refers to Jim (Morrison), Janis, Otis, LIGHT MY FIRE, BAD BAD LEROY BROWN, Jimmy (Croce), Bobby (Darin), MACK THE KNIFE


ROCK ON 

(Essex) 

by David Essex 

(Columbia: 1973)

refers to SUMMERTIME BLUES, BLUE SUEDE SHOES


ROCKET 

(Lange/Allen/Clark/Collen/Elliott) 

by Def Leppard 

(1989)

refers to (JUMPIN’) JACK FLASH, ROCKET MAN, SGT. PEPPER, ZIGGY, BENNY & THE JETS, JET BLACK, JOHNNY B., JEAN GENIE, KILLER QUEEN, DIZZY MISS LIZZY, MAJOR TOM 


ROLL OVER BEETHOVEN 

(Berry) 

by Chuck Berry 

(Chess: 1956)

refers to ROCKIN' PNEUMONIA and SHOT OF RHYTHM AND BLUES


RUNNIN' DOWN A DREAM 

(Petty/Lynne/Campbell) 

(MCA: 1989)

refers to Del (Shannon), RUNAWAY


SEARCHIN’ 

(Leiber/Stoller) by The Coasters (Atco: 1957)

refers to BLUEBERRY HILL


THE SEEKER 

(Townshend) 

by The Who (Decca: 1971)

refers to Bob Dylan, The Beatles


SHORT FAT FANNIE 

(Williams) 

by Larry Williams 

(Specialty: 1957)

refers to HEARTBREAK HOTEL, TUTTI FRUTTI, (HELLO) MARY LOU, JIM DANDY, BLUEBERRY HILL, BLUE SUEDE SHOES, HOUND DOG.


SMOKE ON THE WATER 

(Blackmore/Gillan/Paice/Glover) 

by Deep Purple 

(Warner Bros: 1973)

refers to Frank Zappa, The Mothers (Of Invention)


SOUL HEAVEN 

(Vann) 

by The Dixie Drifter (aka Enoch Gregory) 

Roulette: 1965)

Spoken word references to Dinah Washington, Nat King Cole & Sam Cooke

.

THE SOUTH’S GONNA DO IT 

(Daniels) 

by The Charlie Daniels Band (Kama Sutra: 1974)

refers to The Tucker boys (The Marshall Tucker Band), Lynyrd Skynyrd, Richard Betts (aka Dickey Betts), Elvin Bishop, ZZ Top, Willie (Nelson), Barefoot Jerry, C.D.B. (Charlie Daniels Band).

https://youtu.be/Sm9ioCn1mkQ


SUMMER RAIN 

(Hendricks) 

by Johnny Rivers 

(Imperial: 1967)

refers to SGT. PEPPER’S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND



SURRENDER 

(Nielsen) 

by Cheap Trick (Epic: 1978)

refers to KISS


SWEET HOME ALABAMA 

(King/Rossington/Van Zant) 

by Lynyrd Skynyrd (MCA: 1974)

refers to Neil Young, The Swampers


TAKE ME HOME TONIGHT 

by Eddie Money (Columbia: 1986)

refers to Ronnie (Spector), BE MY BABY


TEENAGE HEAVEN 

(Cymbal/Gale) 

by Johnny Cymbal (Kapp: 1963)  

refers to Richie Valens, DONNA, Buddy Holly, PEGGY SUE, Eddie Cochran, SUMMERTIME BLUES, The Big Bopper, Ricky Nelson, LONESOME TOWN, Bobby Vee, Brenda Lee, Fabian, Connie Francis, Neil Sedaka, The Fleetwoods, MR. BLUE, Elvis (Presley), LOVE ME TENDER, DON'T BE CRUEL, Duane Eddy, Bobby Darin, Chubby Checker, Dion, Dee Dee Sharp, The Everly Brothers, Bobby Rydell, Frankie Avalon, Little Eva, The Shirelles 

https://youtu.be/e_sptK0NGLc


TEMPTATION WAS TOO STRONG 

(Covay) 

by Don Covay & The Goodtimers (1966)

refers to Joe Tex, HOLD WHAT YOU’VE GOT, NINETY-NINE AND A HALF WON’T DO, Wilson Pickett, MY LOVER’S PRAYER, Otis Redding, Solomon Burke, TONIGHT’S THE NIGHT, STAND BY ME, Ben E. King, TEMPTATION WAS TOO STRONG


THERE’S A GUY WORKS DOWN THE CHIP SHOP SWEARS HE’S ELVIS 

(MacColl) by Kirsty MacColl 

(UK Polydor: 1981)

refers to Elvis (Presley)


THREE STARS 

(Dee) 

by Tommy Dee 

(Crest: 1959)

refers to Ritchie Valens, Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper


TRANSISTOR SISTER 

(Slay/Dougherty) 

by Freddy Cannon 

(Swan: 1961)

refers to Presley, Darin, U.S. Bonds, Fats, Connie and Orbison 



THREE STARS 

(Dee) 

by Tommy Dee (1959) 

refers to Ritchie Valens, Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper 

https://youtu.be/wwO8bsMKuyI 


TOP FORTY BLUES 

(Grean/Hertz) 

by Robin (Ward) (Dot: 1963)

Spoken word references to a seemingly endless list of song titles incl. DA DOO RON RON, SURF CITY, WHAT KIND OF FOOL AM I, BLUE ON BLUE, COME GO WITH ME, MY WHOLE WORLD IS FALLING DOWN, THOSE LAZY HAZY CRAZY DAYS OF SUMMER.



A TRIBUTE TO A KING 

(Jones/Bell) 

by William Bell (Stax: 1968)

refers to Otis Redding


TRUE 

(Kemp) 

by Spandau Ballet 

(Chrysalis: 1983)

refers to Marvin (Gaye)


VAMPIRE'S BALL 

(Zanino/Canton) 

by Mann Drake (Bethlehem: 1962) 

refers to THE TWIST, THE POPEYE, THE LOCO-MOTION, THE MASHED POTATO and MONSTER MASH


WALK OF LIFE 

(Knopfler) 

by Dire Straits (Warner Bros: 1985)

refers to BE-BOP-A-LULA, WHAT’D I SAY, I’VE GOT A WOMAN

https://youtu.be/nUW6G5QdyYU


WE DIDN'T START THE FIRE 

(Joel) 

by Billy Joel 

(Columbia: 1989)

refers to Doris Day, Johnnie Ray, Liberace, Santana, ROCK AROUND THE CLOCK, Elvis Presley


WE GOT MORE SOUL 

(Christian) 

by Dyke & The Blazers 

(Original Sound: 1969)

refers to Ray Charles, James Brown, Johnnie Taylor, Aretha Franklin, Nancy Wilson, Pearl Bailey


WHEN I WAS CRUEL No.2 

by Elvis Costello (Island: 2002)

refers to DANCING QUEEN 


WHEN YOU GOT GOOD FRIENDS 

(Collins/Van Zant) 

by Lynyrd Skynyrd 

(MCA: 1987)

refers to Charlie Daniels, Wet Willie, Marshall Tucker Band, Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Bob Wills,


WHERE DO YOU GO TO (MY LOVELY) 

(Sarstedt) by Peter Sarstedt 

(World Pacific: 1969)

refers to Marlene Dietrich, The Rolling Stones, Sacha Distel


WHO’S GONNA FILL THEIR SHOES 

(Barnes/Seals) 

by George Jones (Epic: 1985)

refers to FOLSOM PRISON BLUES, OKIE FROM MUSKOGEE, THE WABASH CANNOBALL, BLUE SUEDE SHOES, Elvis, Jerry Lee, Charlie (Rich), Luke the Drifter, I SAW THE LIGHT, Marty, Hank and Lefty, Silver Eagle

https://youtu.be/hPoO5lGI_4U


YER BLUES 

(Lennon/McCartney) 

by The Beatles 

(Apple: 1968)

refers to Bob Dylan


YOU CAN’T DO THAT 

(Lennon/McCartney) 

by Nilsson 

(RCA: 1968) 

includes the titles of other Beatle songs incl. A HARD DAY’S NIGHT, DAY TRIPPER and PAPERBACK WRITER 

https://youtu.be/Ue0Mf7_EHk8


YOU NEVER EVEN CALLED ME BY MY NAME 

(Goodman) 

by David Allan Coe 

(Columbia: 1975)

refers to Waylon Jennings, Charley Pride, Merle Haggard, David Allan Coe, Steve Goodman

Not included in my list are the sizable number of Beatles novelty singles that appeared when Beatlemania first took the world by storm. These ranged from ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS A BEATLE (Benton) by Dora Bryan (UK Fontana: 1963) to I WANT TO KISS RINGO GOODBYE (Strong/Stevens) by Penny Valentine (Liberty: 1965).


Footnote:

Singers have occasionally made brief references to fellow musicians as in the original version of Leiber & Stoller’s KANSAS CITY which was issued under the title K.C. LOVING by Little Willie Littlefield on Federal in 1952. Just before the sax break, Little Willie shouts “Alright Max” which refers to the influential saxophonist/arranger Maxwell Davis.


You might also like to check out one of my earlier bulletins namely 

“Celluloid Heroes & Heroines: Name-Dropping Songs citing Movie Stars” 

(Vol.4, #21).


As in all my postings, the recordings listed and referenced above 

are personal selections and are in no way intended as definitive collections 

of the genre.


Please send any comments or suggestions to

thedoortoyesterday@gmail.com


Rock on.


Alan Warner


© Alan Warner, 2020. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Alan Warner with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.







This website uses cookies.

We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.

DeclineAccept