"Pages"

Tommy Towery

LHS "64

Besides my Lee High friends, I am also connected with several Air Force associated groups on Facebook. One of those groups is dedicated to the men and women who served with my B-52 unit in Thailand. I had graduated from college and was married when I was sent there, but many of the enlisted folks were just barely out of high school. I often talk about Jim McBride’s songs in Lee's Traveller, but this time I want to feature a song done by Steve Jarrell who I only know from the Facebook group. He wrote a song which many of us might associate with. He explains:

“I was stationed at U-Tapao, Thailand, in 1969 and performed with the band “Salt & Pepper” there in the service clubs. I still perform, write, and record music. Many of us were just out of high school when we joined and, I’m sure many of us have thought about that high school love we left behind.  I was thinking about the one left behind now and decided to write a song and do a video about it.  The song is called “Pages” and  I want to share it with my U-Tapao brothers and sisters from back in the day."

The Wayback Machine

"The Ballad of the Green Berets" is a 1966 patriotic song in the ballad style about the United States Army Special Forces. Written and performed by Staff Sergeant Barry Sadler, it was one of the few popular songs of the Vietnam War years to cast the military in a positive light. Sadler's version became a major hit in January 1966, reaching No. 1 for five weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and four weeks on Cashbox. It was also a crossover hit, reaching No. 1 on Billboard's Easy Listening chart and No. 2 on Billboard's Country survey.

When Billboard later revised its year-end rankings for 1966, the song was re-ranked at No. 1;  since then, Billboard has recognized "The Ballad of the Green Berets" as the top Hot 100 song of that year.

The Songs of 1966

Tommy Towery

LHS '64

I asked Microsoft's Artificial Intelligence Copilot to write an essay on the songs of 1966. Here is what I received:

The Songs of 1966

The year 1966 was a landmark in music history, characterized by groundbreaking releases, innovative sounds, and the continued evolution of popular music. This year saw the emergence of influential songs and albums that not only defined the era but also set the stage for future musical developments.

One of the most significant releases of 1966 was The Beatles' album "Revolver." This album marked a departure from their earlier work, showcasing a more experimental approach with songs like "Eleanor Rigby" and "Tomorrow Never Knows." The use of innovative studio techniques, such as tape loops and backward recording, demonstrated the band's willingness to push the boundaries of conventional pop music. "Revolver" is often hailed as one of the greatest albums of all time and a pivotal moment in the Beatles' career.

The Rolling Stones also made waves in 1966 with their hit single "Paint It Black." The song's dark, introspective lyrics and distinctive sitar riff, played by Brian Jones, set it apart from the band's earlier work. "Paint It Black" became an anthem of the 1960s counterculture, reflecting the changing mood and attitudes of the time.

In the realm of folk rock, Bob Dylan released his iconic album "Blonde on Blonde." This double album featured a mix of rock, blues, and folk influences, with standout tracks such as "Rainy Day Women #12 & 35" and "Visions of Johanna." Dylan's lyrical complexity and innovative musical arrangements solidified his status as a pioneering artist and a voice of his generation.

The rise of psychedelic rock was also evident in 1966, with bands like The Byrds and The Yardbirds exploring new sonic landscapes. The Byrds' "Eight Miles High" is often cited as one of the first psychedelic rock songs, with its jangly guitars and abstract lyrics. The Yardbirds, featuring a young Jimmy Page, released "Shapes of Things," which showcased their experimental approach to rock music.

Soul music continued to flourish in 1966, with Otis Redding delivering powerful performances on songs like "Try a Little Tenderness" and "Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song)." Redding's emotive vocal style and heartfelt delivery resonated with audiences, making him one of the leading figures in soul music. Similarly, The Supremes maintained their dominance in the Motown scene with hits like "You Can't Hurry Love" and "You Keep Me Hangin' On," exemplifying the polished production and catchy melodies that defined the Motown sound.

1966 was a year of musical innovation and transformation, with artists across genres breaking new ground and challenging the status quo. The songs of this year not only captured the spirit of the 1960s but also left an indelible mark on the history of popular music. Their enduring influence is a testament to the creativity and experimentation that defined the era.

Here is a two minute clip of all the number one songs of 1966.

I am looking for a good email address for John Drummond. The one I have used in the past no longer works for me and I would like to contact him. If you do not want to send me his address, please send him an email telling him I am looking for him. Thanks.

Moving to Memphis the day after I graduated from Lee allowed me to attend some great artists in concert. When I look at the number one songs of 1966, I can list the following artists I was able to see perform live. These are just a few of the ones I have seen perform live.

The Beatles

The Righteous Brothers

 Percy Sledge

The Rolling Stones

The Troggs

The Association

? and the Mysterians

The Monkees

Johnny Rivers

The Beach Boys

Last Week's Questions, Answers, And Comments

Curt Lewis, LHS ‘66, "My friend and our classmate Earl McNeal would occasionally call and inform me (spur of the moment) what were going to do in the immediate future. One Saturday he called and said "Lewis, we're going to hear Sam the Sham in Birmingham today". He had come up with tickets somewhere. I can't remember who drove or the exact venue, but it was a decent show. On separate occasions we saw The Who and Herman's Hermits under similar circumstances."

Dolore Kilgore, LHS '66, "Tommy, I loved the songs of 1965. Thank you for sharing this."

Betty Jo Key Scholter,  LHS '65, "ThankYou."