Mockingbird - Carly Simon & James Taylor (1974) 12/14/21

In 1963, Inez Foxx and her brother Charlie took the the lullaby "Hush Little Baby," and adapted it into a novelty song called "Mockingbird."

It was a children's song, but adults loved it. The song reached #2 on Billboard's Rhythm & Blues Chart and #7 on the Hot 100...easily making it a "Great Song of the '60s." :-)

In 1965, Dusty Springfield covered it, and Aretha Franklin gave it a shot in 1967, but only Aretha charted with it--squeaking onto the Hot 100 at #97.

But then...in 1974, super couple Carly Simon and James Taylor recorded a version that was released on Carly's album, "Hotcakes."

James had suggested it to Carly after he heard Inez and Charlie sing it in concert--which reminded him that he and his sister Kate Taylor used to sing it for fun as teenagers.

For some added star power, Carly and James pulled in Dr. John for keyboards, The Band's Robbie Robertson on rhythm guitar and jazz legend Michael Brecker on saxophone.

The finished song was a HUGE hit, reaching #3 on Canada's Top 40, as well as #5 on Billboard's Hot 100. It also reached #10 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary Chart.

(Note: Since 1974, the song has been covered by dozens of artists...from Toby Keith to Eddie Money...to Eminem!)

"Mockingbird:" truly a "Great Song" for all ages--in 1963 for Inez and Charlie Foxx, and 1974 for Carly Simon and James Taylor!

Carly & James:

Inez & Charlie:

For comparison purposes, Aretha Franklin:

And Dusty Springfield: