Nights in White Satin (1972) 9/8/20

When Justin Hayward of the Moody Blues was 19 years old, a girlfriend gave him a set of satin sheets. The relationship didn't last long, but Justin was deeply hurt when it was over, and felt compelled to write a song about the sad ending of the affair and his unrequited love. The gift worked its way into his lyrics...and the title: “Nights in White Satin.”

In 1967, the song was released on the album “Days of Future Passed,” and although the single went to #1 in Belgium and the Netherlands, and was a Top 20 hit elsewhere in Europe, it tanked in North America.

In fact, it only reached #3 on Billboard's “Bubbling Under” Chart. In other words, #103 on the Hot 100--nowhere near a “Great Song of the '60s.”

Several different versions/lengths were released in the ensuing years—NONE of which included the “Late Lament:” the spoken word ending written by drummer Graeme Edge and recited by guitarist Mike Pinder (or the gong at the end).

In 1972, yet another short version was released, but this time things were different. Top 40 AM radio stations, taking a cue from free-form underground FM radio stations, (which had been playing it all along), went back to the original album and played the whole thing--All 7 minutes and 18 seconds of it!

And Top 40 listeners LOVED it! This time, it went to #1 in Canada and #2 in the US, and not only became a “Great Song of the '70s,” but a classic rock staple for the ages!

Trivia: The orchestral background was provided by the London Festival Orchestra, and to this day, the Moody Blues will use a live orchestra to back them during this song (and others) in concert!