Jackie Wilson's looks to have a HUGE comeback record on his hands as "Higher And Higher" jumps from #99 to #70 and folks evidently aren't tired of hearing "Groovin'" yet as the Booker T. and the MG's instrumental version climbs from #86 to #71. The Dave Clark Five are back on the chart this week, too, as their latest, "A Little Bit Now" climbs from #96 to #73.
The Monkees perform at The Sam Houston Coliseum in Houston, TX. Earlier that day Michael Nesmith did an interview with The Houston Chronicle and made the comment "People say that 20 years from now these kids won't even remember what The Monkees were." As the group celebrated it's 50TH ANNIVERSARY last year (with sold out shows and the release of a brand new, best-selling album), I'd have to say EVERYBODY (including the members of the band themselves) misjudged the life-long appeal that this quirky little made-for-TV band would have on every generation to come!
On August 10, 1967, Sam and Dave recorded what would become their signature song, the celebratory "Soul Man." Another Isaac Hayes and David Porter composition, it was inspired by the hand-lettered "soul" and "soul brother" signs that black business owners posted on their storefronts to protect their property from destruction during the July, 1967, Detroit riots in which 43 people were killed, more than 400 others were injured, and 2,500 businesses were looted or incinerated. The song helped to affix the term "soul" as synonymous with black identity and pride.
-- Jeff March and Marti Smiley Childs
