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Today's Great Song of 1986 was a double comeback!
Here's the story:
In the mid-80s, a lack of good material mixed with a serious drug problem put Eddie Money's career on the skids. His record label, Columbia, was about ready to drop him, but, because he was cleaning himself up, they decided to give him one last chance--but only if he allowed them to choose his material. Eddie really had no choice but to agree.
One of the songs Columbia wanted him to record, was "Take Me Home Tonight." Eddie didn't think it had much hit potential, but he was intrigued by the part of the song that sampled "Be Me Baby," the 1963 classic by the Ronettes--sung by Ronnie Spector (who, back in the day, was married to production genius--and future convicted murderer--Phil Spector).
Eddie thought it would be a good idea to have Ronnie record the part herself, but when he was told by Columbia that she wasn't available...he asked his friend Martha Davis of the The Motels to sing it.
Martha declined and told Eddie he should call Ronnie himself and not take "No" for an answer.
So Eddie called Ronnie and caught her in the middle of washing dishes and doing some household chores. Ronnie told him she'd retired because she was tired of all the drama stardom had brought her way. Basically, she was happy to be living a quiet life out of the spotlight.
But Eddie had a comeback ready: "But Ronnie, the whole song is a tribute to you!"
That did the trick!
The song was recorded, and released as a single from Eddie's "last chance" album, "Can't Hold Back." And people LOVED IT!
"Take Me Home Tonight" topped Billboard's Mainstream Rock Chart, and reached #4 on the Hot 100! It later garnered a Grammy nomination for "Best male Rock Performance." (Perhaps it should have been for "Best Duo," but that's just my opinion.)
Eddie Money was back...and so was Ronnie Spector, who then came out of retirement and resumed her singing career.
"Take me Home Tonight:" A double comeback for Eddie and Ronnie, and a Great Song of 1986! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aJvIFK9-xk
Tomorrow: A very personal song from the second floor.
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