Discovering Old Hits: The Surprise of Timeless Tunes
As I was driving the other night, a song I hadn’t heard since high school started playing on the radio. I was pleasantly surprised and shocked to recognize Pamela Stanley's “Coming Out of Hiding”a song that held a special place in my musical memories from my teenage years. It got me thinking about the many times I’ve mistaken covers for original versions, only to discover the true origins later.
Uncovering the Original Versions
It’s not uncommon for me to hear songs on the radio, only to later realize they are not the originals. In fact, I often find myself catching a glimpse of the original recordings later on. If you visit my post on this topic, you'll discover a list of songs that I thought were original but turned out to be covers.
One such song is “The Wayward Wind.” I vividly remember the first time I heard it in 1963, when I was just nine years old. Frank Ifield’s version was a hit in the U.K., reaching number one and staying there for three weeks. Yet, the original version of “The Wayward Wind” dates back to 1956, recorded by Jimmy Young and Tex Ritter, and the biggest hit was by Gogi Grant, who reached number eight in the U.K. charts. My misconception was common, but it was only confirmed much later.
Other Examples of Musical Surprises
I’ve also been surprised to learn that the original version of “Angel” wasn’t by Rod Stewart as I had initially thought. In the U.K., Rod Stewart released the song as a double A-side single in 1972, reaching number four in the U.K. charts. However, I learned that Jimi Hendrix had written the song in 1967, posthumously released on an album in 1971. This discovery came only a few days ago and has left me intrigued by the untold stories behind these classic hits.
Exploring New Music on Radio Caroline
To keep discovering these timeless tunes, I often tune into Radio Caroline. This station offers a unique listening experience with a wide variety of music, often allowing listeners to encounter something they haven’t heard before or learn something new. They play MW/AM 648 kHz in southern and central England, giving those in the area a chance to experience this eclectic mix of music.
Whether you are a fan of classic hits or discovering new music, Radio Caroline is worth a listen. You can always access it online or tune in to its local broadcast for a music experience that’s both nostalgic and fresh.
Conclusion
Music has a way of bridging time and bringing back memories. In discovering the original versions of these songs, I’ve been reminded of the power of great music to move us and shape our lives. Whether you are a longtime listener of a particular song or a fan of discovering new music, there’s always something to explore in the world of music.