16 Yr Old KID Won School Contest & GOT to Record Song…Became #1 Rock Hit of 1967!-Professor of Rock
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- Опубліковано 19 чер 2024
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What were you doing when you were 16? The singer we're featuring in this episode, Alex Chilton, was winning a local talent contest, and despite having no professional experience, he was chosen to be the lead vocalist for a record that not only hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 but also became the second biggest single in the fiercely competitive year of 1967... It's 'The Letter' by the Box Tops. Find out how a regular joe became one of the most storied singers of the rock era… and it all started with him singing one of the shortest song ever to top the chart and one of the biggest hits of the 60s… NEXT on Professor of Rock.
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Hey music junkies, Professor of Rock, always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest songs of all time. If you remember the first time you saw adam west and burt ward as batman and robin in the groovy batman tv show you’ll this channel of deep musical nostalgia.. Make sure to subscribe below right now. We also have a patreon you'll want to check out. There you’ll find an additional catalog of exclusive content and you can even become an honorary producer to help us curate this music history.
Even if you lived in Tennessee, You probably won’t recognize the name, but back in ’66, there was a band from Memphis called the Devilles, after the iconic Cadillac Coupe Deville, a car that symbolized instant social status. All five members were still in their teens at the time when they came together, worried about balancing homework with band rehearsals more than they did about having a hit record.
The Devilles had only been a unit for a short time when they learned that there was already a band in New York with the same name, so, for a while, they didn’t have a name for the group. After that setback, they were handed a four leaf clover by a songwriter named Wayne Carson Thompson. On the suggestion of his friend, Chips Moman, who owned ARS Studios in Memphis, Wayne gave the unbranded quintet one of his compositions titled “The Letter”
Everything seemed to be all set up for the guys to go into ARS Studios and record “The Letter,” but when they performed the song for producer Dan Penn, he didn’t like the sound of their lead vocalist. Dan gave them an ultimatum…come back with a new singer, and “I will cut the record with you.” Wayne Carson Thompson, who passed away in 2015, was a versatile American country musician, songwriter, and record producer. Skilled in percussion, piano, guitar, and bass, his most famous compositions include "The Letter," "Neon Rainbow," "Soul Deep," and "Always on My Mind" (co-written with Mark James and Johnny Christopher)
"Always on My Mind" earned multiple accolades, including Grammy awards for Song of the Year and Best Country Song in 1983. In 1982, it reached No. 1 on the Billboard Country charts and was named Song of the Year by both the Country Music Association (1982 and 1983) and the Nashville Songwriters Association International. The Academy of Country Music also honored it as Single of the Year in 1982. “The Letter” is the story of a man who receives a letter from his former lover, saying she wants him back. Upon receiving the news, he drops everything to fly out and see her immediately. - Розваги
Poll: What is your pick for the COOLEST SONG of the 1960s? Use my code PROFESSOROFROCK to get $5 off your delicious, high protein Magic Spoon cereal by clicking this link: sponsr.is/magicspoon_professorofrock_0624
Crimson and Clover
Penny Lane
In a Gadda davida
Road House Blues - The Doors
Del Shannon "Runaway"
brown shoes don't make it by frank zappa
That's a HELL of a voice for being 16.
I agree! Very distinct!
Right? I would have never guessed.
Hell yeah it is.
Not his natural voice, but he forced a husky sound, and it worked for the record. Not sure whose idea it was.
The "aer-o-plane" phrasing was absolutely key in the song! That definitely caught my ear the first time I heard it!
That how my parents' generation ( "the silent generation") pronounced it.
This is one of my favorite records of all time. I was 14, in the eighth grade, and loving the sounds of the 60s. Caught between pigtails and ponytails, Barbie & the Beatles, "16" Magazine, the British Invasion, Slicker Lip Polish, poor boy tops, Monkee-Ts (by Thom McCann), mini-skirts and wanting to look like Twiggy. "The Letter" played continuously on my little red transistor radio - and I knew every word. It was mid-century magic.
Same. 😅
Great memories...Fun to read!
In 1978 I attended a seminar conducted by the RIAA. Wayne Carson was there and told the story about "The Letter." He said a large part of the song's success was because of all the military men coming home from Vietnam. All they wanted to do was get home to their lovers and families. The jet sound also helped get the song longer than 2:00 so they could get the song on the air.
They came home in 75.
@@paulredinger5830 Agreed. The U.S. withdrew in 1975 but individual tours were on average shorter than a year. If the army drafted an individual your hitch was for two years unless you wanted to be in the service longer. In other words, soldiers' deployments were ending all the time.
Well stated. Thank you.
Flashback! Our cheerleading squad did a black light routine to The Letter. We wore black clothes and white gloves and white shoes & socks. In the darkened gym with only black lighting, all you could see were the white hands and feet moving in unison. Not sure which year, but I graduated in ‘72, so it was early 70’s. This song always takes me back.
That sounds really cool. I would have liked to have seen that. Seems like there was an act like that which made the rounds in Vegas, Ed Sullivan, late night shows. Blue Men??? or something like that.
Had no idea the person who sang "The Letter" was so young at the time he did so. I've always loved that song. Short, simple but very effective.
When I was in Vietnam in 1967 the first line of that song was what everybody wanted “ a ticket on an airplane”. That song and the Animal’s We got to get out of this place was the theme song foe every GI in Vietnam.
Thanks for your service,
God bless & thank you!
Glad you were able to come home, Joseph. A thousand blessings on you for your service to our country.
Thank you for your service. My boyfriend was there, in the army.
@@josephspencer6058 Thank you for your service!!!!! Much love and respect!
“If you remember running home from school to catch Dark Shadows on TV….” 😮😊
Not me. Where the Action is or Hullabaloo, but I never watched Dark Shadows.
Vampires suck.
@@johnoneal1234 LOL! Shots Fired! I used to come home quick enough to watch 'Diling for Dollars or Creature Features and a lot of those movies were vampire movies - but never saw Dark Shadows!
I came home to watch what ever Music Program was on at that time - other then that I had to watch Midnight Special, Soul Train, American Bandstand, and then they later had Sold Gold an that was a crapshoot at best. Hullabaloo and Where the Action is seemed to not be on the channels I had and we were lucky to have 3-5 of them.
Any Friday; 1967; L.A.’s Real Don Steel on KHJ @ 3:00; top 30 countdown. What a time to be 16 years old!
Yeah I did. Probably did that for a couple months. Then I went on to other things. The life of a Teenager back in the day. Always thought Dark Shadows was a cool show.
I did that! My favorite show back then!
I've heard this song a thousand times, but never heard this story. I learn a lot from this channel.
I first heard "The Letter" in the Summer o 67 while I was staying with my Grandmother in Greenwood Mississippi. I was 12 at the time and living in New Orleans. That song was my anthem for that summer. About six or seven years ago I visited New Orleans and found the 'apartment/above a garage that Alex once lived in just north of Bourbon Street. While living there I've heard that Alex was washing dishes at a restaruant in the French Quarter. While you didn't mention it, I heard that Alex didn't seek medical attention because he didn't have medical insurance. As an aside, I heard that Alex's father used to invite black performers to their house in Memphis and that Alex would lay in bed and listen to the performers sing while drinking wine his father provided. All I can say is that "The Letter" had a profound impact on me and it has been one of my favorite songs since 1967. To this day, hearing the song takes me back to that summer in Greenwood. I had a puppy love infatuation with a young girl in New Orleans at that time an felt the song was for me...trying to get back to New Orleans.
And...oh yes, please do a video on Big Star! (Ballad of El Good?)
I absolutely love every version of this song. Especially the Joe Cocker live version. Great lyrics that conveys the desire the singer has to get back to his lover at any cost.
Amen!
I think Joe Cocker's version is the best too.
Yes, Joe Cocker did an excellent cover of The Letter. The Mad Dogs and Englishmen live album has a special significance for me.
Yup. Great song with great lyrics.
After Joe covers a song , he owns it
16 year old with a voice and swagger like a seasoned veteran
No kidding!
He sounds much older
He and Steve Winwood. When I was 16, my voice was deep, but I couldn't sing like a full grown man like they could.
@@mangroveAnd Steve Ellis of Love Affair. He was 17 when ‘Everlasting Love’ was recorded, apparently in two takes. (Massive UK hit) . Such a mature voice.
And, great genes!
I have very fond memories of the letter. It was the perfect song for a 7 year. I can't imagine that song without sound of the "aeroplane". I was so mad at Joe Cocker for covering that song. (Although I forgive Joe and learn to appreciate his style). I can't get over how nervous and shy Alex Chilton is as he has difficulty moving his lips to the song while his hair covers his face. You were at the right place at the right time. Rest in peace, Alex
This song always feels like it's about a minute long. It starts, it's perfect, and it ends. The great soulful voice of Alex Chilton made this song. The tribute song to Chilton by The Replacements in the 80s was also great.
It's so short! Amazing they packed it all in!
@@ProfessorofRock Back then yo cold make 'em like that. That Hombres song you mentioned wasn't as short ,but it definitely did go pretty quickly.
"Children by the millions of Alex Chilton..." Love The Replacements songwriting.
Only bad thing about this song? It’s short. 😊
When it ends it sounds like it's building up for another verse...but it ends!
Alex Chilton is a legend. His band Big Star deserves to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame today.
I agree.
I love Alex Chilton for his entire career. Box Tops and beyond. I love Big Star. I wold also love to see a Replacements episode.
1.03 million and counting! Don't forget to like each episode!
Thanks!!
The absolute worst part of 1 million subscribers is now that I have to immediately answer or just ignore the video and make a response or my answers will be completely buried. Very frustrating.
I only like the episodes I like. It's how I give direction to the Professor.
@@johnmaynardableIf you're truly a fan of music, you should be able to at least appreciate all of these episodes. Plus it doesn't cost you a dime to help promote this channel/The Professor!
@@peterd.9978 Like I said, I like the episodes I like. I check out every episode I come across.If it turns out that I don't care for the artist or song the story is about nothing is going to make me like it. I absolutely am a true fan of all music, but I will not be pressured into just liking everything the Professor puts out.
"Glad All Over", "Where Were You When I needed You", "Brown Eyed Girl", "These Boots Are Made For Walking", "Come On Down To My Boat", "Mendocino", "More Today Than Yesterday", "Girl Watcher", 'Hang On Sloopy", 'My Friend Jack Eats Sugarlumps", "Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher", "Hair", "Paint It Black", "Caroline No", "Tobacco Road", "I Had Too Much To Dream Last Night", "Something In The Air", "Yesterday When I Was Young", "The Lion Sleeps Tonight", "Hitchin A Ride"......
The Purple People Eater.
Bits and pieces Needles and pins. So so many absolutely amazing songs I used to sing along to them all ❤❤❤
Thanks for reminding me of “Glad All Over”!
How about “Red Rubber Ball”?
Memphis was actuality music city. It's where rock and roll started, itsthe home of the blues, and the center of gospel and soul. For years Memphis was the test market for all music.
Alex Chilton had a very distinctive voice. The Box Tops had several good songs.
Agreed!
Sweet Cream, Ladies Forward March is my favorite
Yes, indeed they did.
Some 16 year Olds can really belt out the songs.
If you've ever seen a movie called The Commitments, Deco the lead singer is played by 16 year old Andrew Strong. Great movie!
I love the Commitments!
Love Mustang Sally! Need to see this flick❤ .✌️😸
Wow!
No way!!!
Such a good movie!
I also loved Alex singing Cry like a baby also with the box tops ❤❤❤❤
Magic
He may not have liked the way Alex Chilton sang his song but, I'll bet he loved the money that recording made for him.
That's assuming that he/they didn't sell or sign away rights to the residuals.
He made a buck!
@@Au60schild this is true.
@@MisterJWJ71 So many songwriters and musicians have gotten ripped off over the years... I recall reading long ago that Duran Duran was the first major band in which all five original members kept from getting ripped off and invested their money wisely so that they could've lived comfortably for the rest of their lives even if they didn't want to get on a stage ever again. Pretty sure the part about their decisions was true; not so certain that noone else managed it before, though. (Professor? What do you say?)
And, the FAME. I’m so sick of these guys complaining while taking everything they can get. He should be great duo Alex made his song a hit.
Big Star/Replacements - YES!!
❤🎉
'The Letter' is still catchy today. Has definitely stood the test of time. Used to be a staple on oldies stations everywhere.
Thanks Professor.
Don't forget Caesar Romero and Burgess Meredith too!
I agree. Thanks Roger!
I’ve heard the song so many times
The jet sound effect is perfect. The song wouldn't be the same without it.
my Grandpa worked on the set of Batman when I was a little kid. he let me come to work with him and meet Adam West and hang around while they filmed one of the fight scenes too. we also went to The Hollywood premier of the Batman movie of that era. nice memories. also The Letter was one of my favorite tunes as I rode around with my Mom and listened to 93 KHJ on the radio!
What? So cool! Thanks for sharing.
I'm jealous! What a great memory!!
OMG I’m jealous!
@@ProfessorofRock it was a little confusing to see the stunt double of Boy Wonder with a mustache under his mask and latino and about late 30's but there was a lot going on that day lol!
I'm 72 and I was a sophomore in high school in 1967. I knew the moment I saw your thumbnail the song was "The Letter ". I loved the song and was impressed with the singer's vocals.
When I saw the band on the Ed Sullivan show, I couldn't believe he was only 16. Also, in Central Illinois, our hair couldn't even touch our ears and his hair was as long as the Beatles.
Yeah, I remember those days too... Did your girls have to get on their knees so teachers could measure how high their skirts were being worn? 🙂
Yes, the girls had to kneel on the floor. If the hem of their skirt didn't touch the floor they were given a form stating the dress code. Her parents were advised if her skirt were too short again the girl would be sent home.
Always liked the lead vocalist voice on this song. 16 Years Old is quite impressive. Heard this when I was living in LA at the time This went to #1 on the 93KHJ Boss 30 (#1 on the Billboard Hot 100) in August 1967. Was on the Chart for 8 Weeks.
I was 12 when that song came out, and I loved it. Great voice.
I was in 9th grade when this song came out and the Box Tops came to our town shortly after. I remember that they sang, "The Letter" several times. It was obvious that the band did not know a lot of songs. I didn't care. I got in free because the guy that booked the show was the older brother of the kid I went with.
I was in The Box Tops for a short while out of Schenectady NY in the late 70s. They were controlled from Allentown PA. The line-up included Frankie Krummel and Kevin Reilly.
Alex Chilton was a beloved resident here in New Orleans. I was walking through Jackson Square when me and my friends received the news Alex has just passed away. IT WAS TOTAL SHOCK.
That's the kind of feeling people in San Antonio had when Sir Doug Sahm died suddenly in 1999. Sad to think those kind of guys probably never realize how much they were appreciated, at least by some people.
@@KenLieck Yes, you are absolutely right.
This is something I love about this channel. I'm 55, born in 1968, and I've never heard of this song. But now I'm going to listen to it here on UA-cam!!! After each episode, I go back and listen to every song the Professor tells a story about. Yesterday, I spent hours listening to Return to Pooh Corner and all of Kenny Loggins hits!! So today I'm going down this rabbit hole. Thank you Professor, for telling us the stories behind the songs we grew up listening to. Telling us the stories of the soundtrack of our lives. They say the best thing we can do for our minds is to continue learning. Keep the wheels turning to hopefully keep memory problems from all of us. Thank you for all your hard work Adam!! Sending love from Louisville Kentucky 🥰
Wow! You haven’t heard this song before? Maybe it’s because the song title is more subdued but it’s very memorable
HOW did you never hear this song? I've heard two or three different versions for most of my life (I'm 57)
I know the Professor turned me on to buy a few I mean bunch of albums mostly good stuff
Well then, you should certainly check out the Joe Cocker version...that is of course, if you have ever heard of Joe Cocker.
I'd never had heard this song had there not been a '60s station in our city.
Professor, thanks for giving Memphis it's flowers. As a music lover born and raised in Memphis, I am so proud or our musical heritage. ❤
Thanks for listening!
Absolutely-the musical heritage in Memphis is so much more than just Elvis and Stax, even as wonderful as they were! Growing up there, it just seems like you absorb it all via osmosis…it’s just in you!
I love your James Taylor shirt, Adam, "Fire and Rain" has always been one of my favourite songs.
That logo is great!
...I think I'm the ONLY Dude who can give or take "Fire & Rain"....but "Up On The Roof" SENDS me!
Thanks!
I love that shirt, and that song!
It's one of the few songs that mentions my name, Suzanne.😉
Having many older siblings, I heard this song often during my childhood. Great back story. Love Alex Chilton's vocals on the song. Rather than a happy song about getting back together with an ex, the vocals and lyrics detail someone who is desperate to get back to his ex. Perfect vocals for the lyrics. Great episode, Professor
Thanks Ted!
💙💙💙 Burt & Adam! I fell in love with Burt and the Monkees in the afternoons after school. I was born in the 80's, so reruns of course. Met them both a year or two before Adam died... Still a highlight of my life!
For a long time I thought this group was a black soul group, probably because of The Four Tops. I never knew the story of Alex Chilton and how he got to be the singer but it's crazy to me that a vocal so rich and textured, dare I say mature, was delivered by a 16 year old. Great story, as always.
I thought the same.
I can understand that because we didn’t see these bands often and Alex sounds like he could be a black man. He has a husky voice which sounds full of soul.
"September Gurls" by Big Star is one of my all-time favorite songs.
The first time I heard the name Alex Chilton was in the Replacements' song. I didn't realize he was a real person, thought it was just a catchy title.
And YES to an episode on the 'Mats!
I thought the same things when I first heard it! Cool.
I was wondering if the Replacements were singing about the actual Alex Chilton.
Big Star was actually one of the few bands all four Replacements members agreed on when touring, thus the lyric "Never travel far, without a little Big Star"
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Chilton was friends with the band. He played guitar on their initial version of their song "Can't Hardly Wait", although it wasn't the version that ended up on the album *Pleased to Meet Me* , the same album that included the song "Alex Chilton".
Never heard of Alex Chilton, though I've heard The Letter my whole life (I'm 57). For the longest time I thought the Box Tops was a black band. No idea the lead singer was white, and only 16 years of age to boot. Love your channel!!
For all the success of The Letter, and there's no denying how catchy a song it was and still is, his work with Big Star, will go down as his biggest contribution to rock and roll. They may not have hit the highs they deserved, but their influence on future generations of artists was immeasurable.
For sure!
Whenever Adam mentions a band who had a classic hit back when, but still tours in modern day (usually with only one member of the original band, or with the offspring of a member) I think of a funny story a friend told me.
There is an RV camping resort nearby, where he worked for years. Nice place, and in the Summer they hire live bands.
They thought they really lucked out once because they were able to hire The Tokens, for cheap!
The Tokens had a huge hit in 1961 with "Wimoweh (The Lion Sleeps Tonight)"
Oh boy, seems the singer was the only original member, and the ONLY song they knew, was "Wimoweh", so they played it over and over, but slightly different.
By the third time, people were booing and walking out.
Reminds me of the episode of "Jeeves and Wooster" when too many singers performed "Danny Boy" and resulted in the throwing of rotten vegetables at performers! Of course, Jeeves orchestrated that mayhem.
Big Star deserved so much better, but even with all of the mismanagement by their label, they still left us with three albums worth of amazing music (I don't really count the 2005 album as a true Big Star release, even though I liked it). I'd never heard of Big Star or heard any of their music until The Replacements did the song Alex Chilton. That opened a door for me to songs that I couldn't believe were from the early 70s. Teenage me in 1987 just couldn't figure out how Big Star wasn't huge. They were just way too ahead of their time.
Chilton also produced the Cramps.
@@TheRealCaptainFreedom File under: Sacred Music
Got me a ticket for an aeroplane, got to get on the wheel of fortune game. I just got to win, Spin the wheel again, oh Vanna please pick me a letter.
Best non Weird Al spoof out there. Dr Dave!!!
What a great story, I would have never guessed that Alex Chilton was only 16 years at the time as he looks and sounds much older. I was a drummer in a rock band when The Letter came out and we decided to add it to our sets. It was a lot of fun along with so many other incredible songs in those days...
Im 64 and enjoying every video the prof puts out here
I love how Joe Cocker did the letter live it was a great version of it and hearing the female vocalist singing the song in the whole band just swings in that performance.
Big Star was so terribly underrated. If nothing else, their song 13 perfectly encapsulated the innocence and hope of the early 70's.
Yes - the economy sucked (sound familiar?) and we had Vietnam which claimed so many, too many young men and there was social unease around us ----
But we had that sweet gift of youth - We believed ourselves invincible and unbreakable --- We had more dreams than stars in the sky and a sense that we could change the world.
What an amazing time.
Big Star and The Replacements should each get an episode.
And children by the millions sing for Alex Chilton
Mate... Publish ANYTHING you want. I always watch all of your episodes no matter what genre and learn new things. Cheers from Melbourne Australia.
Why thank you!
I still have an autographed picture of Burt Ward, dressed as Robin, from 1979. My stepdad took our family to a Classic Car show in Columbia, SC and Burt Ward was a Celebrity Guest. I’ll never forget how excited I was to meet him and shake his hand…my first celebrity, in person. Thanks for bringing that memory back with your opening!
I just listened to The Letter last night. And Don't forget about Alex Chilton and Big Star. Power Pop that influenced so many bands.
Did you watch?
@@ProfessorofRock I commented before the end of the Video 😆
@@ProfessorofRock when you have 1 million subscribers, people are now forced to comment before the video even starts because as soon as your video even posts, there’s already like 20 or 30 people who already commented and they want you to see the comment so they are forced to make these comments before the video even starts or maybe halfway through the video
The Letter came out the year I was born and mom had this LP. I always thought that Joe Cocker was the singer until I was in college. Another great lesson!! 👍🏼
Cool! Thanks!
Joe Cocker would have been a little bit older.
That's seriously impressive that Alex Chilton became the lead singer of a band, and released a hit single, all at the young age of 16. Must people could only dream of that goal.
*...STORYTIME!* ...I tried to impress a chick in High School, so I 'wrote' a "Rap" Song for her (I didn't know...and didn't care...ANYTHING about Rap, but "Rapture" (Blondie) was out, soooooo..... I presented it to her, and she.........
.......crumpled it up, and THREW it at me! ....No WONDER why I despise Rap, brings back BAD memories! ...ha-HAAA!! ...Alex was One lucky Dude, though.......
That is seriously impressive. So what do we call Stevie Wonder doing "Fingertips" at 13?
Frankie Lymon, of Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers started releasing hit singles at age 13.
He was one in a million!
@@RBS_ Ha!
There are many gems of the 60's out there, but it takes the genius of The Professor of Rock to uncover and present them to us in an engaging and interesting manner. Thank you, Professor!
How can some people could be so wrong, about a song that's so right!
I remember that maybe there was spoof version of this song about "Wheel of Fortune" that went something like, "Don't care how much money I got to spend, don't want to look at Pat Sajek again...Hey Vanna, pick me a letter!"
I remember that!
Exactly what I was singing too!
I remember that! I heard it on Dr. Demento’s show back in the 80s.
I think it was “Vanna, spin me a letter!”
Children by the million sing for Alex Chilton.
Yes!
"Vanna, Pick Me a Letter" was my introduction to this song when I was a kid. LOL!
Glad someone else remembered, “The Weird One”!
I’ve seen that video since it came out. I’d NEVER have guessed the singer was 16! 😮🎉🎉😊
Born from a Jazz Musician and Art Museum Curator, Chilton definitely embodied the spirit of the times and the parental kaleidoscope and serendipity he grew up with, it seems to me. The Box Tops, I remember them way before my teen years. Indeed, Professor, a Big Star expose would be welcomed!
I first heard of Alex Chilton through The Replacements' song. What an impressive career. I had Big Star on CD afterward.
Amen!
I have always loved this song... The Letter - I think it was the first song I can remember as a favorite...
So cool!
@@ProfessorofRock Just introduced my 12 year old granddaughter to your channel and I hope she takes it to heart. You have a great channel...
Love this song and the box tops-also love the lead singer-what a voice
I knew Wayne Carson and his wife at the time. They were married in my then wife-to-be's garden in Nashville. It was amazing how durable those 2 songs were as earners especially after 'Always on my Mind' was recorded by 'The Pet Shop Boys' in 1987 and went Top 10 in the US and #1 in the UK which gave that song great legs.
Yes, both Big Star and the Replacements!
P.O.R your THE MAN i try never to miss any of your shows, i have to say im 57 years young and im still learning about rock n roll from yourself,THANK YOU VERY MUCH SIR👍
I love the Replacements song Alex Chilton! Fun to learn more about him here!
There's a full-length documentary called "Big Star: Nothing Can Hurt Me", that I saw a few years back. Recommended!
I was in high school when "The Letter" came out! That it was a smash hit is an understatement! It has stayed popular to this day! If you were in Jr high or high school dealing with dating; or a teenager drafted in Vietnam; or a college student finding yourself, this song hits home! Thanks for the memories! In those days, everyone wrote letters! No text or email
And there was only landline so it was too expensive to call long distance!
Big Star is amazing. There’s not too many unknown albums that can grab me. But their music is years ahead of it’s time. It’s hard to believe that first album came out in 1972
Alex is one of my all-time favorite musicians! From his work with the Box Tops, Big Star, Tav Falco, The Cramps (and bringing Punk Rock to Memphis, one of the very few cities that still houses a thriving Punk and Garage scene), and his solo work, he is one of the most underrated and genuine artists of Rock n Roll!
And YES! Please do episodes on Big Star and the Replacements!
The band bus traveling to away football games would sing all the way, and THE LETTER was a favorite. Everyone knew every word of it. Good times.
This is sure a golden oldie. Thanks for the story, professor.
Great song by a great group the 1960's had the best music in my opinion.
I have to agree. Thanks Wayne!
I actually heard/ read somewhere that someone suggested that Chilton smoke a bunch of cigarettes before recording this song so that his voice would be much more husky….don’t quote me on that!I am 68 and remember the Box Tops very fondly ❣️
Very cool! I'll look that up!
I hope that’s not true!
@@ProfessorofRock Pretty sure he is thinking of Obama
I was 8 years old and third grade when this came out. It's still a killer song.
Love that voice!! So catchy! I’ll be singing this in my head all day!!🤘🔥
I often have to listen to whatever song he's talking about, because it gets in my head from his videos! 😂
Awesome!
Yes! Big Star. Such music and such a story. Alex Chilton…..
Yes, please do episodes on Big Star and also The Replacements! This was a great episode, leaves me wanting more.
I was 10yrs old when this song came out. It was on the radio a lot. Still sounds good today.
I have to agree!
It sounds pretty fresh.
I was also 10 in '67, and heard it sooo many times on SoCal radio. The phrase "saturation airplay" to describe the song's impact is no exaggeration.
I turned 11 that year and heard this on our favorite LA area radio station, KRLA. But this song really takes me back to our family vacation to Georgia to visit my mom’s side of the family. Two parents, Six kids, and my big brother’s best friend (who was going to take a bus to Florida once we got to Atlanta) crammed into the station wagon. We were all Beatles-crazy, but this was a non-Beatles song that we loved ! It got a ton of airplay on the car radio across the country and will forever remind us of that vacation.
@@smilinmoo Cool story!
Brings me back to 7th grade in 1967-68 but my favorite song by the Box Tops was "Sweet Cream ladies"
Rock on!
That’s a good one!
WOW, one of the few songs in musical history I love the singing better than the song. The vocals to The Letter sound like a lead guitar riff to me. Don't get me wrong, the music is perfectly fine, but that voice....one of my all time favorites. Great honorary mention of Let it All Hang Out, a childhood favorite too.
At 77 I well remember the first time I heard this song and I was hooked on it. I LOVE it to this day and don't care for the 2nd go round on it by a group whose name I've forgotten but not the Box Tops!! Thanks for the memories!
Powerful song and Joe Cocker version is amazing
The letter is always a crank it up when you hear it
The best thing about growing up in Memphis was the musical heritage surrounding you…love The Box Tops - “I Can Dig It” is a track that’s definitely worth a listen!
I love Big Star, so many phenomenal songs and recordings. Can't believe they didn't become household names, but it happens. A lot of non-musicians have never listened to Elliot Smith or Nick Drake
Does a video on The Box Tops.. With a cereal Sponsor! Well played POF!!! 😁. I love this song and I clearly remember a dirty lyric version of it☺... and let's not forget Weird Al's version.. Vanna Picked Me a Letter
Isn't that pretty cool! I wondered who notice!
Omg!
I was today years old when I found out that Alex Chilton wasn’t African American!
😳🤯
such a soulful voice!
Same here !
I was in a rowboat with my elderly neighbor who was singing a sweet sixteen song to me while we were fishing.
Bill Cunningham and Gary Talley are doing an amazing job keeping the Box Tops legacy alive! They still put on a fantastic show with the newer band members. Alex Chilton is greatly missed and fondly remembered
The Box Tops ... Magic Spoon ... I see what you did there.
I have The Letter, The Box Tops 45 single.
Mala blue label. Good song 🎵
Very cool!
Does it still sound fresh?
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 My record is VG condition. Listening to older music is my thing.
@@catherine6653 that’s awesome!
The Box Tops played daily in my 7 year old life.
Man what a time in life to hear some of the all time greats songs.
Alex Chilton had a great voice❣️
One of the great band names for back then. Remember saving box tops to get some prize shown on the cereal box?
...hell, remember the 45's on the back O' the Box?? ....no need to go to the Record Stores, just go to the SUPERMARKET! ...ha-HAA!
@@RBS_ I still remember cutting out Sugar, Sugar by the Archies from one box lol
@@thetitleisours1 ....I WAS GONNA MENTION THAT! ...ha-HAAA!
@@RBS_ NICE!!
Anyone remember Quisp cereal? I can still smell and taste it whenever I see an old cartoon!
I heard this song on 97.1 Kissin FM in Portland Oregon I loved it and I still love this song to this very day and I’m glad the plane sounds were added which makes it very impactful indeed I never get tired of listening to it.
Kinda sounds like the story of Stevie Winwood who started with singing and playing with Spencer Davis at 14!
Speaking of the Batman TV show back then, I was able to find the theme music on 45. Man I wish I had it now
Oh wow! No kidding!
@@ProfessorofRock It was well worn so maybe not worth as much as I am thinking :)
If you have Spotify, it's on there.
@@Whisper_292 I will check that out!
Coolest cartoon theme song ever!
"No comment on that one" so true
Ha!
Yes please! Episodes on the Mats and on Big Star. Fully agree that A C. is a classic of the 1980s.
I was there in Memphis during this time. I remember the Boxtops coming to sing at our highschool and when the announcer introduced them saying they had the number1 song in the country. That was pretty cool. I'd love to see you do one on Big Star named after all things and grocery store sign. They were incredible. When you listen to there music you will hear flavors of it in the bands and singers of years to come. Thank you for this story and kind words about Memphis. When one looks back over its history and its influences in both Rock and Soul the Music Hall Of Fame should have been built here.