Roll With It - Steve Winwood (1988) 7/2/23

My old radio colleague from WAYY in Eau Claire, Rob Durkee. (Robin Scott) later went on to work for American Top 40--and even wrote a book about it.

I mention Rob because he would be the first to tell you that Today's Great Song of 1988 holds an interesting place in AT-40 history.

Let me be the second... ;)

"Roll With It" by Steve Winwood was the last #1 song on the last episode of Casey's initial run on the show...and on the first episode with Shadoe Stevens as the host he following week. (Casey returned to the show in 1998.)

"Roll With It' was written by Steve and Will Jennings, but later credit was given to the former Motown team of Hollard, Dozier and Holland because the song sounded a bit like "(I'm a) Road Runner," which the team wrote for Jr. Walker & The All Stars in 1966. (Check the link below to compare.)

In addition to reaching #1 in the US, it topped the Top 40 in Canada, and was nominated for two Grammy Awards:

"Record of the Year" and "Best Male Pop Vocal Performance."

"Roll With It' by Steve Winwood: definitely a "Great Song of 1988. And now, as Casey would say, " Keep your feet on the ground, and keep reaching for the stars.

"Roll With It:" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_vkKozA8OI

(I'm a) Roadrunner:" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcoYcsHZQx8

Tomorrow: FYC