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Lots of links today, and rightfully so...because we're highlighting a song that has been recorded by more than 50 artists, and was originally a "Great Song of the '60s, but then became a "Great Song of the '70s," FOUR TIMES!
The singing/songwriting team of Don and Dick Addrisi composed the lush and beautiful "Never My Love," and handed it off to The Association, whose intricate harmonies helped propel the song to #2 on Billboard's Hot 100 in 1966.
That set the stage for 1970s, and the parade of hit covers!
In 1971, The Fifth Dimension's live version, featuring Marilyn McCoo's increasingly powerful lead vocal, was a #1 hit on Billboard's Adult Contemporary Chart.
In 1974, the Swedish group Blue Swede, took their upbeat version to #7 on the Hot 100.
Then, in 1977, The Addrisi Brothers reclaimed the song, and after 2 previous attempts at charting with their own song, finally cracked the Top 40, reaching #28 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary Chart.
Finally, in 1978, Vern Gosdin and Janie Fricke released a country version of the song that reached #9 on Billboard's Country chart.
The list of other artists to record the song over the years includes Barry Manilow, The Four Tops, Johnny Mathis, Andy Williams, Donny Hathaway, Sarah Vaughn and Smokey Robinson--just to name a few.
Broadcast Music Incorporated, the people who keep track of such things, have determined that "Never My Love" was the second most played song on radio and TV of the 20th Century in the US! (#1 was "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling")
"Never My Love:" Not just a "Great Song of the '60s and '70s," but of all time!
Fifth Dimension (1971):
Blue Swede: (#1974):
Addrisi Brothers (1977):
Vern Gosdin & Janie Fricke (1978):
The Association (1966):
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