Rocky - Austin Roberts (1975) 4/11/23

Today, we're highlighting someone who most people believe was a one-hit wonder...but only if you don't count this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpSx-y__snk

Austin Roberts was the singer on that track, and it led him to getting a record contract...which led to his "Great Song of 1975:" "Rocky," which had NOTHING to do with the Sylvester Stallone film.

Actually, he shared "Great Song" honors with country music's Dickey Lee.

Austin and Dickey released separate versions of "Rocky" within a few days of each other...and they ran up the carts together--with Dickie going to #1 on the Country Chart, and Austin going to #1 in South Africa and Germany, as well as #9 in the US on the Hot 100.

Rocky tells the story of a man whose wife has died and left him with a little girl to raise. It's told in flashback in a way that shows how they supported each other--even in death. (And no, the wife's name was not Velma)

The song is up-tempo instead of a ballad, but somehow it only adds to the irony.

Give them both a listen, and see what you think: Two great versions of one "Great Song of 1975."

Austin Roberts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yX7LwgksCyA

Dickey Lee: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZFXFomVohU

Tomorrow: A Barry falsetto love song. Coming Soon: Great Songs of the '80s!