Summertime Blues - The Who (Etc.) 1970 (3/14/23)

Today's "Great Song" is a flat out classic, with hit versions recorded in the '50s, '60s, '70s, and '90s (As well as countless cover versions over the years)! It all started in 1958, when Eddie Cochran came up with the original version of "Summertime Blues." It was--and remains-- the template for all of the other versions. "Summertime Blues" is a fun, tongue-in-cheek story about a guy who, over the period of YEARS, can't seem to have any summer fun--no thanks to his boss, his parents, and finally his congressman. Eddie's version reached #8 in the US, #10 in Canada...and the ears of rock and country musicians for decades! Next up, in 1968, the hard-rockin' band Blue Cheer added some Jimi Hendrix style guitar riffs to their smokin'; hot version, which made it to #3 in Canada and #14 in the US! In 1970, The Who ripped into the song during their "Live at Leeds" concert, and when the single was released, it was played on Album Rock FM stations all over North America, while reaching #8 in Canada and #27 in the US. Skipping to 1994, Country Music superstar Alan Jackson, "twanged" his way to #1 on the Country Charts in both the US and Canada! Overall, "Summertime Blues" has sold millions of copies over the decades, and Eddie Cochran's original version currently sits at #432 on Rolling Stone's list of the "Top 500 Songs of All Time." In 1999, t was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame! Pick your decade! "Summertime Blues" was a "Great Song of 1970" by The Who, Blue Cheer in '68, and Alan Jackson in '94--not to mention Eddie Cochran's original in 1958. They're ALL "Great Songs, and you can check 'em out below! The Who ('70): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUBy4ZvpaJc Eddie Cochran ('58): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1C38Zevwyx4 Blue Cheer ('68): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXcYZsqkZ-g Alan Jackson ('94): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9x0wbKHos0