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As the Moody Blues toured the US in the late 60s, they found themselves playing a lot of student and college venues.
Singer/guitarist/composer Justin Hayward was struck by the deep concerns of the young people he met--especially about the war in Vietnam.
Although British, Justin could identify with these young Americans. They were worried about their lives should they be drafted, and how the long, never-ending war would affect their personal futures and the future of America itself.
Justin channeled the frustration he was feeling into "Question:" a song that not only became a "Great Song of 1970," but one of the Moody Blues' best known concert staples.
In fact, Justin believes the song is just as relevant today as it was 51 years ago.
Interestingly, the song was written in just a few hours and recorded live, in just a few takes--with no extra frills or overdubbing.
The song reached #2 in the UK, but in the US, it was NOT a Top 10 hit. It peaked at #21 on the Hot 100--most likely because in 1970, many American stations avoided anti-war songs as much as they could.
But, as I've mentioned several times before, a song does NOT have to be a chart topper to be "Great," and "Question" by the Moody Blues is--uhh--without question--a "Great Song of `1970."
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