This week we're paying tribute to long days, grill outs, vacations, shorts, swimsuits, grit, and the wonder that is summer. Here are seven sizzlin' songs in honor of the hottest season of the year.
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SONG OF THE monDAY
Summer In the City was recorded by The Lovin' Spoonful for their 1966 album, Hums of the Lovin' Spoonful. It landed at No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100 for three consecutive weeks in August 1966. The song starts with a Volkswagen Beetle horn honk and ends with a jackhammer for that "in the city" feel.
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SONG OF THE tuesDAY
Summertime was composed by George Gershwin for the 1935 opera, Porgy and Bess. Author of the novel Porgy, DuBose Heyward, wrote the lyrics. It's one of the most covered jazz songs ever. Our favorite is Janis Joplin's 1968 version with Big Brother and the Holding Company.
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SONG OF THE wednesDAY
In the Summertime was the debut single from the band, Mungo Jerry. Written by lead singer, Ray Dorset, the song was released in 1970 from the band's album, Electronically Tested, and landed at No. 3 on Billboard Hot 100. The motorcycle sound is actually a Triumph sports car.
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SONG OF THE thursDAY
Summertime is from DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince's 1991 album, Homebase. It samples Kool & The Gang's Summer Madness and hit No. 1 on the R&B charts, No. 4 on Billboard Hot 100, became their first top ten in the UK, and won a Grammy for Best Rap Performance for a Duo/Group.
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SONG OF THE friDAY
Summer Breeze was written and originally recorded by Seals and Crofts in 1972 for the album, Summer Breeze.The song reached No. 6 on Billboard Hot 100 and has been covered by several artists, including The Isley Brothers, Type O Negative, and The Three Tenors.
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SONG OF THE saturDAY
Hot Fun In the Summertime is by Sly & The Family Stone. It was released in 1969, shortly after the band performed at Woodstock, and hit No. 2 on Billboard Hot 100. Intended for release as part of an unfinished LP, the song was first included on the band's 1970 Greatest Hits album.
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SONG OF THE sunDAY
Bananarama's Cruel Summer is a flip on the usual feel-good summer song. It was released in 1983 in the UK from their self-titled album. The song didn't become an international success until it was used in the 1984 movie, The Karate Kid and released in the US.
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