11 Great Love Songs From the 1970s

Most people know what it feels like to be in love. A special few have the ability to lay bare their own emotions and expose them to the world through words and music. Even if an intense and transformative love is unrequited (or it does not last a lifetime), once it has been immortalized in song, it can become a symbol for all love.

How magical it is to find a melody that plays your heart strings with lyrics that touch your soul. These are the songs that say what you would say, if you only knew how. These songs are listed in chronological order.

1. "Moondance," Van Morrison (1970)

2. "Your Song," Elton John (1970)

3. "Layla," Derek and the Dominos (1970)

4. "Let's Stay Together," Al Green (1971)

5. "You Are the Sunshine of My Life," Stevie Wonder (1971)

6. "Tupelo Honey," Van Morrison (1972)

7. "You Are So Beautiful," Joe Cocker (1974)

8. "Fooled Around and Fell in Love," Elvin Bishop (1975)

9. "Love Will Keep Us Together," Captain and Tennille (1975)

10. "Wonderful Tonight," Eric Clapton (1977)

11. "Just the Way You Are," Billy Joel (1977)

1. "Moondance," Van Morrison (1970)

"Moondance" is the title song on Van Morrison's third studio album. It was released in February of 1970. The album was Morrison's first big commercial success, and it is still my favorite of his many albums.

"Moondance" is one of Morrison's most popular songs. His soulful voice gives it a romantic, old-school jazz and lounge vibe, and it includes a moving saxophone solo. The song was not released as a single until 1977.

2. "Your Song," Elton John (1970)

How I loved this song when I first heard it. It was on Elton John's self-titled album, released in April 1970. He composed the music and his longtime collaborator, Bernie Taupin, wrote the lyrics. Elton John was his second album, but it was the first I'd heard of him. What an album it was, too. I listened to it straight through every day for a month.

"Your Song" had already been released by Three Dog Night in March 1970 on their album, It Ain't Easy. Elton John was an opening act for Three Dog Night at the time, and he allowed them to record the song.

3. "Layla," Derek and the Dominos (1970)

The song "Layla" first appeared on the album Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs. by Derek and the Dominos. That band consisted of Eric Clapton, Bobby Whitlock, Carl Radle, Jim Gordon. and occasionally, Duane Allman. Writing credits for the song go to Clapton and Gordon.

Clapton had originally conceived the song as a ballad; it was Duane Allman who provided the song's signature guitar riff. That's what turned "Layla" into the rock power ballad that it became. The lyrics, of course, were inspired by Clapton's frustration over the infamous love triangle involving George Harrison’s then-wife, Pattie Boyd.

Released in November 1970, the album didn't make much of a splash at that time, and neither did the song. Part of the reason could be that Eric Clapton's name and image were not prominently displayed on the album cover.

It wasn't until the song was re-released in 1972 as a single, and then on Clapton's compilation, The History of Eric Clapton and Duane Allman's, An Anthology, that it finally became a hit.

4. "Let's Stay Together," Al Green (1971)

The iconic song "Let's Stay Together" is classic piece of Memphis soul. It was featured on the 1972 album of the same name. Released as a single in 1971, it became Green's signature song, and his only number-one pop hit single.

A fine example of Al Green's unique sound, it is equal parts sad song and love song.

5. "Tupelo Honey," Van Morrison (1971)

"Tupelo Honey" is the title track of the fifth studio album by Van Morrison. It was released in October 1971. The album features various musical genres, country, R&B, soul, folk-rock and blue-eyed soul.

The lyrics reflect domestic bliss, celebrating his rural life with his then-wife Janet "Planet" Rigsbee. Most of the songs on the album were written in Woodstock, NY, but the couple moved to Marin County, California, before recording it. The sessions began at Wally Heider Studios in San Francisco, but were finished at Columbia Studios in New York.

6. "You Are the Sunshine of My Life," Stevie Wonder (1972)

"You Are the Sunshine of My Life," was the second single from Stevie Wonder's 1972 album, Talking Book. It was his third number one single. It won him a Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.

The first two lines of the song are sung, not by Wonder, but by Jim Gilstrap. Lani Groves sings the next two lines. The two of them, along with Gloria Barley, provide backing vocals for the rest of the song. The single version is a little different from the album version in that horns were added to the mix.

The song was inspired by Syreeta Wright, Stevie Wonder's wife at the time. He expresses his undying devotion, and remembers why he loves her and always will. Of course, it didn't work out that way. The couple soon divorced, but love shined brightly while it lasted, and we still have this beautiful song.

7. "You Are So Beautiful," Joe Cocker (1974)

"You Are So Beautiful" was written by Billy Preston and Bruce Fisher. It was first released in 1974 on Preston's ninth studio album, The Kids & Me.

Later the same year, Joe Cocker released his own version of the song on his album, I Can Stand a Little Rain. It became one of his Joe Cocker's biggest hits.

8. "Fooled Around and Fell in Love," Elvin Bishop (1975)

Elvin Bishop wrote and played guitar on "Fooled Around and Fell in Love." It made its debut on his 1975 album Struttin' My Stuff and was released as a single the following year.

Bishop had a background singer in his band, Mickey Thomas, sing the song on the album. He felt that his own voice could not do the song justice. Maybe he made the right call because the song went to #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in May 1976. Thomas later became the lead singer of Jefferson Starship.

9. "Love Will Keep Us Together," Captain and Tennille (1975)

The first hit single for kitschy '70s duo, Captain and Tennille was a cover of Neil Sedaka and Howard Greenfield's "Love Will Keep Us Together." The song went to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart nine weeks after its debut in 1975, and it went on to win the Grammy Award for Record of the Year.

This is not normally my kind of music, but it was so popular, it was hard to avoid back in its day. It does evoke strong memories of that time period, and it's a pretty catchy tune.

10. "Wonderful Tonight," Eric Clapton (1977)

"Wonderful Tonight" is a sweet ballad written by Eric Clapton. It was included on Clapton's 1977 album, Slowhand.

This is the second song by him to be inspired by Pattie Boyd. This time though, she was his wife, and he was happily in love. It is said that Clapton composed the song while he was waiting for her to get ready to go out.

11. "Just the Way You Are," Billy Joel (1977)

In 1977, Billy Joel released his album, The Stranger. "Just the Way You Are" was the lead single. It was his first critical and commercial success.

Billy Joel has said he dislikes the song, which he describes as a "chick song." He even refuses to play it in concert anymore. Apparently he associates it with his first marriage, which ended very badly. I hope he doesn't stop playing "Uptown Girl" because of Christie Brinkley.

Since I'm a "chick," I guess it's natural that I should like the song. Since half of the population, and many of Joel's fans are too, it doesn't seem like such a bad thing. I especially love the lyric:

"I don't want clever conversation
I never want to work that hard
I just want someone that I can talk to
I want you just the way you are"

10 Popular Songs You Didn't Know Were Covers

Young Dolly Parton By RCA Records - eBayfrontback, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=54429601

I'm always surprised when I find out that one of my favorite songs is actually a cover. I love a good cover song, as long as the new version is an improvement or the artist puts their own spin on the music. I think all of these great cover songs meet those requirements.

1. "And When I Die"—Blood, Sweat, and Tears (original by Peter, Paul, and Mary)
2. "Respect"—Aretha Franklin (original by Otis Redding)
3. "Superstar"—The Carpenters (original by Delaney and Bonnie and Friends)
4. "The Tide Is High"—Blondie (original by The Paragons)
5. "I Will Always Love You"—Whitney Houston (original by Dolly Parton)
6. "Take Me to the River"—Talking Heads (original by Al Green)
7. "Get Together"—Youngbloods (original by Chet Powers)
8. "Gentle on My Mind"—Glen Campbell (original by John Hartford)
9. "Papa Was a Rolling Stone"—The Temptations (original by The Undisputed Truth)
10. "Get Ready"—Rare Earth (original by The Temptations)

1. "And When I Die"—Blood, Sweat, and Tears

Album: Blood, Sweat & Tears (Expanded Edition)

Released: 1968

Original: Peter, Paul, and Mary

“And When I Die” was one of Blood, Sweat, and Tears' biggest hits. It was written by Laura Nyro. Nyro also recorded the song in 1967, but that was not even the first recording of the song.

Peter, Paul, and Mary made the first recording of "And When I Die" in 1966. They omitted the lyrics, "Don't wanna go by the devil, don't wanna go by the demons."

Blood, Sweat, and Tears released their famous version in 1969. I just love the Blood, Sweat, and Tears video above. It's hard to beat David Clayton Thomas' voice, and the tuba solo is to die for.

I've always loved the Blood, Sweat, and Tears version of this song. I hadn't heard the one by Peter, Paul and Mary before, but I have to say, it's not bad.

And when I die
and when I'm dead, dead and gone,
There'll be one child born and
a world to carry on, to carry on…

2. "Respect"—Aretha Franklin

Album: I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You

Released: 1967

Original: Otis Redding

Few people remember that Otis Redding originally wrote and recorded "Respect" in 1965. In 1967, it became a signature song for Aretha Franklin.

The two versions have completely different vibes. Redding's version reeks of desperation from a man begging his woman to come back; all he asks for is just a little respect when he brings home the money.

Aretha's song is an ultimatum. She has never done her man wrong, and she promises him everything, but one thing she demands is his respect.

What you want
Baby, I got it
What you need
Do you know I got it?…

3. "Superstar"—The Carpenters

Album: Carpenters

Released: 1971

Original: Delany and Bonnie and Friends

“Superstar” was written by Bonnie Bramlett and Leon Russell, and originally recorded by Delaney and Bonnie and Friends. The original title was “Groupie (Superstar).” It’s a poignant song about a woman pining for a man who's not coming back.

Several other people recorded the song before The Carpenters. They included Joe Cocker, Cher, and Bette Midler. Most people immediately associate the song with The Carpenters, but I think Bonnie does an excellent job of singing it also. 

The Carpenters’ music could be a little smarmy sometimes, but you can't deny that Karen had a voice beyond compare. “Superstar” was one of three hits from the Carpenters’ self-titled third album (the other two were “For All We Know” and “Rainy Days and Mondays”). 

Don't you remember, you told me you loved me baby?
You said you'd be coming back this way again baby
Baby, baby, baby, baby, oh baby
I love you, I really do…

4. "The Tide Is High"—Blondie

Album: The Tide Is High

Released: 1980

Original: The Paragons

John Holt wrote “The Tide Is High" in 1966. It was originally performed by Holt and the Jamaican group The Paragons (Holt was the lead singer). It's a good song, and I'm glad Blondie found it and saved it from obscurity.

The song didn't get much attention until 1980, when Blondie covered the song on their fifth album, Autoamerican. She kept the reggae-style but with horns and strings. It was a number-one hit single in the U.S. and many other countries.

5. "I Will Always Love You"—Whitney Houston

Album: The Bodyguard soundtrack

Released: 1992

Original: Dolly Parton

I hope most people already know that “I Will Always Love You” is a cover. I'm sure my fellow baby boomers will. Dolly Parton wrote and recorded the song in 1974.

It enjoyed great success, hitting number one on the country charts twice (once when it was new and again when it was re-recorded for the 1982 movie, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas). I love Dolly's versions. Her voice may not be as powerful as Whitney's, but it's so pure and sweet. If anyone only knows Whitney's version, I hope you will take a few moments to listen to Dolly singing her song.

Houston's remake is awesome but in a completely different way. Her version was originally recorded for the 1992 movie The Bodyguard. It brought the song to a whole new audience and topped almost every chart that existed. It became the all-time bestselling single by a woman.

If I should stay, I would only be in your way
So I'll go, but I know
I'll think of you every step of the way
And I will always love you…

6. "Take Me to the River"—Talking Heads

Album: More Songs About Buildings and Food

Released: 1978

Original: Al Green

Al Green originally recorded “Take Me to the River” for his 1974 album, Al Green Explores Your Mind. Green wrote the lyrics and collaborated with Mabon Hodges on the music.

In 1978, it was a breakthrough single for Talking Heads. They redid the song without sacrificing its funk. The Talking Heads slowed the tempo and made the song their own for their 1978 album More Songs About Buildings and Food.

Green approved and jokingly commented that he hoped to cover one of Talking Heads' songs one day.

I want to know that you'll tell me
I love to stay
Take me to the river, drop me in the water

Push me in the river, dip me in the water… 

7. "Get Together"—Youngbloods

Album: The Youngbloods

Released: 1967

Original: Kingston Trio

"Get Together" was written by Chet Powers in the mid-1960s' he was also known as Dino Valenti. He sold the publishing rights to Frank Werber, the manager of The Kingston Trio, when he needed money to fight a possession of marijuana charge. Under the name Dino Valenti, he later became the lead singer of the rock group Quicksilver Messenger Service.

The song was originally recorded as "Let's Get Together" by the Kingston Trio. It was on their album Back in Town in June 1964. I think it was just OK. 

The song first appeared on the Billboard Hot 100 when the band We Five did a version in 1965. It peaked at #31. It was a little better than the Kingston Trio's version, but still not great.

Quite a few other singers and bands did their own versions of the song, but as far as I am concerned, none compare with the Youngbloods'. They first released the song in 1967, then again in 1969 (when it peaked at number five).

Come on people now
Smile on your brother
Everybody get together
Try to love one another…

8. "Gentle on My Mind"—Glen Campbell

Album: Gentle on My Mind

Released: 1967

Original: John Hartford

I have always loved the imagery in this song. Those lines seem to put you right there in the train yard around the campfire.

John Hartford wrote “Gentle on My Mind.” In 1969, his recording of it won a Grammy for Best Folk Performance. He also won a Grammy with it as the songwriter for Best Country & Western Song.

However, the artist most people associate with this song won two more Grammys for it that same year, Glen Campbell.

It's knowin' that your door is always open
And your path is free to walk
That makes me tend to leave my sleepin' bag
Rolled up and stashed behind your couch…

9. "Papa Was a Rolling Stone"—The Temptations

Featured artist: Paul Riser 

 Album: All Directions

Released: 1972

Original: The Undisputed Truth

Most people associate this song with The Temptations, but many are surprised to discover that Motown songwriters Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong originally wrote “Papa Was a Rolling Stone" for a different band, The Undisputed Truth.

They recorded the song in 1972. It was a moderate success, charting at number 24 on the R&B Charts and number 63 on the Pop Charts.

When The Temptations took their 12-minute version to number one and won three Grammy's for it in 1973, The Undisputed Truth's version was virtually forgotten.

Papa was a rolling stone
Wherever he laid his hat was his home
And when he died, 

all he left us was alone

10. "Get Ready"—Rare Earth

Album: Get Ready

Released: 1969

Original: The Temptations

Rare Earth was the first Caucasian Motown band to have any success, but they really knocked it out of the park with this song. They recorded "Get Ready" for their album of the same name in 1969.

But that wasn't the first time it was a hit. In 1965, the Temptations recorded the Smokey Robinson-penned tune and had a moderate pop—and #1 soul—hit with the song.

As a result, there are two distinct versions of this classic tune: the Temptations R&B classic and Rare Earth's hard-rocking FM staple.

New Music From Old Friends: 9 Contemporary Albums From Classic Rock Artists

Many musicians from the Classic Rock era are still making great music today. Here, in no particular order, we will take a look at a few who have recently made albums.

Classic Rockers Who Didn't Quit

1. Paul McCartney

2. Tony Joe White

3. Jeff Beck

4. Savoy Brown

5. John Mayall

6. Mick Fleetwood

7. Van Morrison

8. Billy F. Gibbons

9. Rita Coolidge

1. Paul McCartney: Egypt Station

Paul McCartney is like a Pop/Rock energizer bunny. When will this guy ever run out of steam? Egypt Station is his 17th post-Beatle studio album. It was released in September of 2018.

The title Egypt Station is the same as the name of a painting done by McCartney. That painting is the cover art.

At 76, McCartney will probably never make another Sgt. Pepper's, or Band on the Run, but he's still not ready to throw in the towel.

Egypt Station, is almost a concept album. It is like a musical journey. It makes stops along the way that revisit McCartney's past and new places too. Sir Paul's voice is not what it once was, but songwriting skills have stood the test of time.

2. Tony Joe White: Bad Mouthin'

Sadly, we lost Tony Joe White on October 24, 2018. He was best known for his 1969 hit "Polk Salad Annie." He also wrote, "Rainy Night in Georgia," but he was never satisfied with the way he sang that song. I could never understand that, because I've heard him play and sing it, and I thought he was great. In any case, it was a huge hit for Brook Benton in 1970.

White also wrote "Steamy Windows" and "Undercover Agent for the Blues." They were hits for Tina Turner in 1989.

He was known as a swamp legend, but he had a lifelong admiration for blues musicians and songwriters.

Hist last album, Bad Mouthin,' was released in September 2018. It features six of White's original songs and five blues standards written by such notables as Charley Patton and John Lee Hooker. He also included a cover Elvis Presley's "Heartbreak Hotel.” White plays guitar, both acoustic and electric, and the album was produced by his son Jody White.

Only a month after the album's release, Tony died unexpectedly of a heart attack at the age of 75.

3. Jeff Beck: Live at the Hollywood Bowl

Jeff Beck is one of the three notable guitarists to have played with The Yardbirds (the other two are Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page). Despite his incredible talent, and an impressive list of band mates, Beck has not maintained the commercial success of many of his contemporaries.

He has focused on instrumental music and innovative sound. He did have two hit solo albums, Blow by Blow in March of 1975 and Wired in 1976.

Beck has played on many albums by other artists including Rod Stewart, Mick Jagger, Tina Turner, Donovan, Diana Ross, Jon Bon Jovi, Stevie Wonder, Cyndi Lauper, ZZ Top, and Toots and the Maytals. He has also continued to produce solo albums, though to limited commercial success.

Rolling Stone's put him at number five on their list of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time" and described him as "one of the most influential lead guitarists in rock.”

So, why has Jeff Beck not seen the fame and fortune of his contemporaries and former band-mates? It's certainly not lack of talent. One thing is, he doesn't sing. His guitar is his voice. Maybe he doesn't have the personality for it, then again, maybe he just wasn't lucky in that way.

He has a new CD/DVD out, Live at the Hollywood Bowl. It is a recording of a concert in 2016 celebrating Beck's 50th year in the music business.

4. Savoy Brown: Witchy Feelin'

Savoy Brown was originally known as the Savoy Brown Blues Band. They had the most success in the US, where they promoted their albums with heavy touring. I loved their 1970 album Lookin' In. Only singer/guitarist and founding member Kim Simmonds remains from the original line-up.

They were one of the first racially integrated groups in the UK, notable for their Chicago-style blues. The band released over 30 albums.

If you've loved Savoy Brown and Kim Simmonds then you won't be disappointed with this new album, Witchy Feelin.' Simmonds has still got what it takes. It’s an enjoyable set of brand new songs all written by him.

The song, “Thunder, Lightning & Rain” has my vote for favorite track.

6. Mick Fleetwood Blues Band: Live at the Belly Up

Mick Fleetwood, co-founder of Fleetwood Mac, celebrates his blues heritage with The Mick Fleetwood Blues Band, featuring Rick Vito.

The band pays tribute to the original Fleetwood Mac, the blues band that started it all in 1967, before Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks came along.

Those ladies were great, but they did change the band into something different. I love Fleetwood Mac in all of its incarnations.

7.Van Morrison: The Prophet Speaks

This is Van Morrison’s 40th studio album. He has been a consistent and prolific musician. The record follows a run of well-received albums including Roll With The Punches (all blues), Versatile, and You’re Driving Me Crazy.

On this album Van covers classics by the likes of John Lee Hooker, Sam Cooke and Solomon Burke, to name a few. He puts his own spin on the classics, and adds six all-new Van Morrison originals.

8. Billy F. Gibbons: The Big Bad Blues

Billy F. Gibbons is best known as the guitarist and lead singer of American rock band ZZ Top. Gibbons formed ZZ Top in late 1969 and they released the aptly titled record, ZZ Top's First Album, in 1971.

Gibbons has played with many other musicians, and has acted on the television show, Bones. Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time of 2011 ranked him at number 32.

His latest album, The Big Bad Blues, is focused on his love of the blues and rock & roll. It showcases the blues-influenced vocals and guitar licks that have been the foundation for his many hits over the past fifty years.

The album features 11 tracks including some classic covers like “Rollin' And Tumblin,” and “Standing Around Crying” along with Billy's new blues originals.

9. Rita Coolidge: Safe in the Arms of Time

After a ten year break, Rita Coolidge has returned. She's released, her 18th album, Safe In The Arms Of Time. Rita Coolidge played a remarkable part in the history of the ‘70s L.A. music scene. She sang backup on Stephen Stills’ “Love the One You’re With” and Eric Clapton’s “After Midnight.” She composed the piano coda (credited to her ex-boyfriend, Jim Gordon) to Derek & the Dominoes’ “Layla.”

On this album, she took an active role in co-writing some of the songs. She also utilized the writing talents of artists including Keb’ Mo’, Stan Lynch, Jill Colucci, Chris Stapleton, and Graham Nash. She sings a duet with Keb' Mo.' Coolidge says, “This is the best record I’ve ever done. I’m extremely proud of it.”

Still Boomin'

As a generation, baby boomers have changed the culture of the US and the world at every stage of life. Now that we are growing older, we are still leaving our mark on the world.

We came of age in a time of musical exploration, and many of the musicians who made the music we love are still exploring.

My Blogging Journey

My husband and I spent 30 years touring the western United States on a vintage Harley Davidson. This blog is about some of the adventures we've had. This was my first time dipping my toe into the world of online writing, but I hope some might enjoy my stories.

I have been looking for some like-minded bloggers, and I have yet to find one. Every "biker" blog that I have come across is selling T-shirts or Harley paraphernalia. There's nothing wrong with that, but I'm looking for stories. If you know of such a website or blog, please leave a link in the comments.

When folks didn't flock to my site, I moved on to HubPages, where I wrote on a variety of subjects. Eventually, I found that most of my writing was about music. Lately though, HubPages seems to be a dead end. I've decided to start moving some of my music articles over to this site. 

I'm a boomer, so my musical tastes began with classic rock of the 60s and 70s, but I have eclectic taste and I hope you might find something here you will enjoy. 

Thanks for coming to my site. I hope you find something here that interests you.

Murder Ballads: 10 Killer Songs About Homicide

Ralph Stanley and his son, Ralph Stanley II, on stage at the 2008 Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Music Festival. Stanley's version of "Pretty Polly" might be the definitive version of the quintessential murder ballad.

10 Awesome Songs About Murder

Murder ballads are a longstanding tradition in country and bluegrass music. Here are a few of my favorites, including "El Paso" by Marty Robbins, "Delia's Gone" by Johnny Cash, and "Pretty Polly" by Ralph Stanley and Patty Loveless.

These are all great songs in themselves. I was looking for songs that told the story of a murder, not just songs that mentioned or intimated that one had occurred.
A common theme for a murder ballad is the killing of a lover; love can be a dangerous game. However, there are plenty of motives for killing and just as many songs about it.

1. "I Just Can't Let You Say Goodbye"—Willie Nelson
2. "Send Me to the 'Lectric Chair"—David Bromberg
3. "Blood on the Floor"—Fleetwood Mac
4. "El Paso"—Marty Robbins
5. "Me and My Uncle"—Grateful Dead
6. "Delia's Gone" – Johnny Cash
7. "Duncan And Brady"—New Riders Of The Purple Sage
8. "Staggolee"—Pacific Gas & Electric
9. "Coldwater Tennessee"—Robbie Fulks
10. "Pretty Polly"—Ralph Stanley and Patty Loveless

1. "I Just Can't Let You Say Goodbye"—Willie Nelson

I could have included a song from The Red Headed Stranger. That album was pretty much all about murder. However, I decided on one of Willie’s lesser-known songs. This creepy tale is a perfect lead-in for an article on murder ballads. "I Just Can't Let You Say Goodbye" uses a common theme; a man kills his lover to keep her from leaving. Unusually, the narrative is spoken by the killer, addressing his victim.

“I Just Can't Let You Say Goodbye” was released as a single in 1965. I first heard it on the Willie Nelson Live album, recorded at the Panther Ballroom in 1976. It's an album I enjoyed very much.

A new recording of “I Just Can't Let You Say Goodbye” was included on Willie's album Teatro in 1998. Emmylou Harris sings backup on that version.

"The flesh around your throat is pale
Indented by my fingernails
Death is a friend to love and I
'Cause now you'll never say goodbye"

 

2. "Send Me to the 'Lectric Chair"—David Bromberg

George Brooks wrote this jazzy, gleeful murder ballad. Bessie Smith and Her Blue Boys first recorded it in 1927. Other musicians have covered it, but the version I love best is this one by David Bromberg. Who knew a murder ballad could be so much fun?

This song can be found on the album Best of David Bromberg: Out of the Blues, released in 1977. It also includes a great live version of "Mr. Bojangles." It's one of my favorite Bromberg albums, and he is one of my favorite musicians. If you don't know him, check him out.

"First I cut her with my barlow
Then I kinda kicked her in the side
And I stood here laughing o'er her
While she bubbled up and died"

 

3. "Blood on the Floor"—Fleetwood Mac

This song is from Kiln House, the fourth album by Fleetwood Mac. It was released in 1970. This was their first album after Peter Green left the band and the last one to include Jeremy Spencer. Spencer is responsible for this tongue-in-cheek parody of a country western song.

This was before Fleetwood Mac's Christine McVie, Lindsey Buckingham, and Stevie Nicks period. Christine sang backup on some songs and drew the picture for the album cover.

"I came home one night
She were lyin',
With her legs around
Another mans bum
She saw me, started laughin'
But she cried, when she saw my gun"

 

4. "El Paso"—Marty Robbins

Written and originally recorded by Marty Robbins, “El Paso” made its debut in 1959 on Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs. The single was a crossover hit, charting at number one on pop and country charts.

Most people are familiar with this great old song. It tells the tale of a cowboy who shot a romantic rival in a fit of jealousy.

It has been covered by many artists. It was a concert favorite of the Grateful Dead. Their version of it can be found in Dick’s Picks Volume 11. It was recorded at the Stanley Theater in Jersey City on September 27, 1972.

"In anger I challenged his right for the love of this maiden

Down went his hand for the gun that he wore

My challenge was answered in less than a heartbeat

The handsome young stranger lay dead on the floor"

 

5. "Me and My Uncle"—Grateful Dead

A couple years before he started The Mamas and The Papas, John Phillips wrote this chilling tale of cold-blooded murder in 1963. It tells the saga of a young cowboy and his uncle traveling on horseback together. After an incident at a barroom poker game, their seemingly tight relationship takes an unexpected turn. 

"Me and My Uncle" was first recorded by Judy Collins in 1964 on her album, The Judy Collins Concert. The Grateful Dead began playing the song in 1966. They soon incorporated it into their standard lineup. It was one of their most often played songs throughout their "long strange trip." It can be found on their self-titled album, released in 1971.

One of them cowboys he starts to draw,

And I shot him down Lord, He never saw" 

 

6. "Delia's Gone"—Johnny Cash

This is a great murder song, but I think I would have had to include it here for the video alone. I think this is the creepiest murder ballad video I've ever seen. A traditional song of the southern U.S. that dates to the early 1900s, the earliest recording dates back to the 1920s.

A pair called Karl Silbersdorf and Dick Toops copyrighted "Delia’s Gone" in 1959. It is unclear whether they actually had anything to do with writing or modifying the song, but many covers of it give them the writing credit. 

The song is said to be inspired by the Christmas murder of 14-year-old Delia Green by her 15-year-old boyfriend, Moses Houston. The killing took place in Savannah, GA, in 1900.

Johnny Cash first recorded the song for his twelfth album, The Sound of Johnny Cash, in 1962. He recorded this new version for his 1994 album American Recordings.

I went up to Memphis

And I met Delia there

Found her in her parlor

And I tied her to her chair" 

7. "Duncan and Brady"—New Riders of the Purple Sage

The song was originally recorded by Wilmer Watts and His Lonely Eagles in 1929, and it has been covered many times since then. The story told in the song is based on an actual shooting in St. Louis, Missouri. It took place in 1890. Police officers, including James Brady, were called to the scene of a bar fight.

During the confrontation, shots were fired, and Brady was killed. Harry Duncan, the bartender, was arrested for murder, but he claimed it was the bar owner Charles Starkes who had really pulled the trigger. Duncan was convicted and hanged.

The New Riders of the Purple Sage began as a spin-off from the Grateful Dead. It was Jerry Garcia, Phil Lesh, and Mickey Hart, along with John Dawson and David Nelson. In the beginning, they were considered a warm-up for the Grateful Dead, and they soon developed their own following.

“Duncan and Brady” was on their 1976 album Powerglide. By then, the Dead members had left the group. The lineup consisted of, Buddy Cage, David Nelson, Michael Falzarano, and Stephen A. Love.

Well, it's twinkle, twinkle little star

Along came Brady in his 'lectric car

Got a mean look right in his eye

Gonna shoot somebody just to see him die"

8. "Staggolee"—Pacific Gas & Electric

"Stagger Lee," or "Staggolee," is based on the true story of "Stag" Lee Shelton and William "Billy" Lyons. Stag Lee shot Billy during an altercation and was convicted of murder. Although he was later pardoned, Stag Lee died in prison for another crime. 

The story soon became American folklore; the song was first published in 1911. Fred Waring's Pennsylvanians made the first recording in 1923. Many Artists have covered this song, including Ma Rainey, Mississippi John Hurt, Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, and Woody Guthrie. In 1959, Lloyd Price had a number-one hit with it.

The song persisted into the 1960s when Pat Boone recorded it. Other versions were offered by such notables as Ike and Tina Turner, James Brown, Wilson Pickett, Johnny and the Hurricanes and Tom Rush. The Youngbloods included a version of the song on their 1971 album, Good and Dusty.

The Grateful Dead recorded a version focusing on the fictionalized hours after the death of Billy when Billy's wife takes revenge on Stagger Lee. A 1985 version by the Fabulous Thunderbirds is featured on the Porky's Revenge soundtrack.

This is merely a partial list of the many artists who have covered this song. With so many to choose from, it was hard to pick which one to share here. In the end, I chose this version of the song performed by Pacific Gas & Electric. It was originally released as a B-side to their 1970 hit single "Are You Ready?" and was later included on the soundtrack for Quentin Tarantino's 2007 film, Death Proof.

"He shot him three times in the shoulder, lord

He shot him three times in the side

Well, the last time he shot him

Caused Billy Lyons to die" 

9. "Coldwater Tennessee"—Robbie Fulks

Most people would describe Robbie Fulks’ music as alternative country or folk, and it’s hard to pin down. He is notorious for his humorous or silly songs, but he is also a gifted songwriter and musician.

With “Coldwater Tennessee,” Fulks shows a serious side. From his 2005 album Georgia Hard., the song tells the tale of a struggling country artist with a poor but loving home and family. He abandons his family and finally makes it big in music. That rejection is too much for the young son left behind

The crowd draws close, the door swings open

Cameras flash, and the pretty girls scream

Then a burst of fire, and a shout from the shadows

"This is from your fans in Coldwater Tennessee"

10. "Pretty Polly"—Ralph Stanley and Patty Loveless

"Pretty Polly" is probably the quintessential murder ballad. It is a traditional English folk song from the British Isles, Canada, and the Appalachian mountains of the U.S. It tells the tale of a young woman whose lover lures her into the forest to her doom.

In some versions of the story, the killer promises to marry Polly but murders her when he learns that she is pregnant. Often, in American versions, that part is left out.

"Pretty Polly" has become a popular banjo tune. Here, it is sung by the amazing Ralph Stanley, one of the first generation of bluegrass players, and Patty Loveless, a darling of neotraditional country music. The duet can be found on the album Clinch Mountain Country by Ralph Stanley and Friends, released in 1998.

Polly, Pretty Polly, your guess is about right

I dug on your grave the biggest part of last night"