Who Did the Song ‘Wagon Wheel’ First Before Darius Rucker?

Song: Wagon Wheel (2004) Artists: Old Crow Medicine Show Albums: Troubles Up and Down the Road, O.C.M.S. Writers: Bob Dylan, Ketch Secor In 2014, Darius Rucker, the singer of Hootie and the Blowfish, won a Grammy Award for Best Country Solo Performance for his recording of the song Wagon Wheel. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country chart, … Read more

Who Recorded ‘Heart and Soul’ First Before Huey Lewis and the News?

Song: Heart and Soul (1981) Artist: Exile Album: Heart and Soul Writers: Mike Chapman and Nicky Chinn Label: Warner Curb Records Heart and Soul is undoubtedly one of the most infectious songs from a group known for infectious rock/pop songs, Huey Lewis and the News. I am a huge News fan and always have been. … Read more

Everything Is Beautiful In It’s Own Way

Song: Everything Is Beautiful (1970) Artist: Ray Stevens Album: Everything Is Beautiful (Barnaby) Writer: Ray Stevens I grew up listing to Ray Stevens comedy songs. I was so used to laughing so hard to Ray Stevens on the radio that I probably never realized that the song Everything is Beautiful was written and performed by Stevens. I … Read more

The Stampeders – Sweet City Woman

Song: Sweet City Woman (1971) Artist: Stampeders Writer: Rich Dodson Sweet City Woman was released in 1971 by a Canadian Band out of Calgary, Alberta, the Stampeders. They were together for eight years before they had a huge number one rock hit in Canada on their debut album called Against the Grain. The song also reached … Read more

Always On My Mind: Who Did It First Before Willie Nelson?

Willie Nelson Always On My Mind album cover

Song: Always On My Mind (1982) Artist: Willie Nelson Album: Always On My Mind (Columbia) Despite the likes of Elvis, Brenda Lee, and The Pet Shop boys having recorded it, Willie Nelson’s version of ‘Always on My Mind‘ is still considered the definitive version, not to mention the song for which he is most known. … Read more

Amy, What You Wanna do, I Think I Could Stay With You: What Song Is It?

Song: Amie [not spelled Amy] (1972) Artist: Pure Prairie League (1972) Album: Bustin’ Out (RCA) Amy, what you wanna do, I think I could stay with you are the main lyrics to the 1972 song, Amie, which is one of those timeless songs that appeal to both rock and country fans. Most of us recognize … Read more

Please Come To Boston: Who Did If First?

Song: Please Come to Boston (1974) Artist: Dave Loggins Album: Apprentice (In a Musical Workshop) – (Epic) Having just wrote about Danny’s Song, by Kenny Loggins, I couldn’t help but think of another heartfelt song by his kin. If you’re a country fan, you have probably heard one or another country star sing the lyrics “I’m … Read more