Mary Whitfill

Staff Writer

My favorite radio station, NPR, is currently taking listener votes  for what was the best music producing year of all time. Remember people, quality over quantity. I seem to be considered right by most voters as my opinion (1969) was the highest ranked year by all of the NPR voters.

There is a certain time in every young (or old) man or woman’s life, when music can truly embody a soul; when musical maturity surpasses “Baby Beluga” and the “ABCs”. My theory is that someone hears a song, just one song that will forever link them to the beauty of music. I also feel that there is always a special connection between music and adolescence, maybe it is that so many people feel that they need music to help them through those though times, but whatever it is (I apologize for my rambling) here are my top songs of the top year:

“Come Together” – The Beatles

Members: John Lennon, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney

Origin: Liverpool, England

Best Album: Revolver, 1966

“Whole Lotta Love” – Led Zeppelin

Quick Biography: Led Zeppelin were a rock band formed in 1968 by Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, John Paul Jones, and John Bonham.

Most Talented Member: Jimmy Page (guitar)

Origin: London, England

“Gimme Shelter” – Rolling Stones

Genres: Rock, Blues, Rhythm

Years Active: The Stones are still touring, 48 years after their formation.

Last Album: A Bigger Bang, 2005

”Pinball Wizard” – The Who

Known for:  The destruction of musical instruments during live performances

Multi-Platinum albums: 5

Began: 1964

“Proud Mary” – Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR)

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: 1993

Members: John Fogerty, Tom Fogerty, Stu Cook, Doug Clifford

Fun fact: John Fogerty was so against using his sons for commercial purposes that Wrangler stopped using his song “Fortunate Son” in the blue jean commercial.

“Evil Ways” – Santana

Origin: San Francisco, California

Made _____ Famous: Latin Rock

Awards: 8 Grammy Awards & 3 Latin Grammy Awards