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Today's "Great Song of the '70s" had already been a "Great Song of the '60s--twice!
In 1959, Sam Cooke was about to change record companies from Keen (small) to RCA (huge), and during a final impromptu recording session for Keen, he took a song written by Herb Alpert and Lou Adler, changed a few lyrics, and laid down the track.
Nothing happened right away, but in 1960, after RCA had released some of Sam's new material with little success, Keen thought they'd jump back in the game and release the Alpert/Adler song.
"Wonderful World" went to #2 on Billboard's Rhythm & Blues Chart and #12 on the Hot 100. Score one for the little guy: Keen!
In 1965, during the height of the British Invasion, Herman's Hermits released a cover version as a tribute to Sam, who had been shot to death in late 1964. Their distinctive Manchester accents made the song rather unique, and chart-wise, it reached #4 in the US and #7 in the UK. (Trivia: A pre-Led Zepplin Jimmy Page played guitar on the track!)
Then in 1978, Art Garfunkel teamed up with Paul Simon and James Taylor to record a slow, harmony-filled version that was completely different than the others. Art, Paul and James took turns singing lead, and the result was a truly a NEW "Great Song." Their version went to #1 on the Adult Contemporary Chart and #17 on the Hot 100.
(Trivia: Even though Paul is on the record, the label read: Art Garfunkel with James Taylor and Paul Simon. Since Art and Paul were somewhat estranged at the time, I guess that makes some sort of sense.)
"Wonderful World:" a "Great Song of the '60s" by both Sam Cooke and Herman's Hermits, and a "Great Song of the '70s" by Art Garfunkel, James Taylor & Paul Simon.
Sam Cooke (1960):
Herman's Hermits (1965):
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