Hi, everyone. Welcome to this week’s edition of Music Monday.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Some of the very best friends I have ever known are celebrating an extremely big anniversary in a few days. The Peanuts comic strip debuted 75 years ago on October 2, 1950. As stated on their website, it was on that day when “Charles M. Schulz introduced a brand-new comic strip with an unlikely round-headed hero, “Good ol’ Charlie Brown.” PEANUTS was born”.

“In 2025, Peanuts Worldwide celebrates the 75th Anniversary of Charles Schulz’ beloved creation, and the whole gang of personalities who have joined the cast along the way: philosophical Linus and his crabby big sister Lucy; piano-playing Schroeder; attention-grabbing Sally; history-making Franklin; not to mention Peppermint Patty, Marcie, Pigpen (and his famous dust cloud) and more. But no one has stolen the show quite like Snoopy, the coolest beagle on the planet”.

The Peanuts are fun, comfort, wisdom, great music & pop culture defined. Thank you, Mr. Schulz, for the gift of such beautiful and relatable characters.

Top: The very first Peanuts comic strip from October 2, 1950. Middle: Charles M. Schulz circa 1967 in front of a drawing of Charlie Brown. Bottom: The stamps issued by the USPS in 2022 in honor of the 100th anniversary of Schulz’s birth anniversary. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Bobby Bloom released his self-titled debut album 55 years ago in the summer of 1970. It did not make much of an impression, staying on the charts for only three weeks & peaking at #126 by the end of the year. But the first single-a calypso style number celebrating a popular destination spot in Jamaica-fared much better, peaking at #8 in November 1970.

My first introduction to this song came when I was in elementary school. I had a very progressive gym teacher who knew that dance routines & choregraphed movements were great forms of exercise. She led us in a dance to two songs every year-the first was to the beautiful instrumental track, “Love Is Blue”, by Paul Mauriat (which I featured on Day 13 of my Lockdown Countdown). The second was Bloom’s Top Ten hit from 1970. To this day, I cherish those memories & both of these songs.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

In my February 24, 2025 post, I focused on a few of the top selling songs from 50 years ago. This week I am focusing on three more of my favorite #1 songs of 1975 – Part 2.

The Doobie Brothers had their first #1 song in 1975. It was written by guitarist, vocalist & songwriter, Patrick Simmons, and was featured on their 1974 spectacularly titled album, What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits. His song was the B-side to the first single (“Another Park, Another Sunday”) but was not discovered by radio stations until the end of 1974. Three months later, it hit the #1 spot on March 15, 1975 for one week. The track is Simmons’ ode to the Delta Blues with a nod to New Orleans. It features an inviting a cappella section and a commanding viola arrangement. As a teenager who played that instrument in junior high & high school, it was an absolute thrill to discover that not only did one of my favorite bands use it in a song, but it was on one of their most successful tracks.

The Doobie Brothers circa 1975 (L-R): Patrick Simmons (guitar), Tiran Porter (bass), Keith Knudsen (drums), Tom Johnston (guitar) and Jeff “Skunk” Baxter (guitar). (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Patti Labelle started singing in the group, The Ordettes, in the early 1960’s when she was still known as Patricia Holte. The group would change their name many times over the next decade, finally settling on LaBelle in 1971. Three years later, they signed with Epic Records and had incredible success with their soul, R&B, funk & rock infused album, Nightbirds, released in September 1974. It featured the #1 hit that reached the top spot on March 29, 1975 for one week, helping LaBelle become the first black vocal group to grace the cover of Rolling Stone for the July 3, 1975 issue. 

LaBelle on the cover of Rolling Stone’s July 3, 1975 issue (L-R: Sarah Dash, Nona Hendrix (middle, seated) and Patti LaBelle. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

In 1974 Elton John wrote a song to honor his friend, tennis star & World Team Tennis MVP, Billie Jean King. That year she became the first woman to coach a professional sports team with both male & female players. The track not only became their anthem but also one for the city they played for. It was the second of EJ’s three #1 hits in 1975 (“Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds” & “Island Girl” were the other two).

Tennis legend Billie Jean King (L) and Elton John (R) circa 1975. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Bonus: Fifty five years ago on August 22, 1970, Bread hit the #1 spot in the country with a song written & produced by David Gates. It was one of my mother’s favorite songs & it is still one of mine. I dedicate it to her today on what would have been her 86th birthday.

“Life can be short or long, love can be right or wrong”.

Vince Guaraldi Trio: “Linus And Lucy” (1964, written by Vince Guaraldi).

Bobby Bloom: “Montego Bay” (1970, written by Jeff Barry and Bobby Bloom).

The Doobie Brothers: “Black Water” (1974, written by Patrick Simmons. It hit the #1 spot on March 15, 1975 for one week).

Labelle: “Lady Marmalade” (1974, written by Bob Crewe and Kenny Nolan. It hit the #1 spot on March 29, 1975 for one week).

Elton John: “Philadelphia Freedom” (1975, written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin. It hit the #1 spot on April 12, 1975 for two consecutive weeks).

Bread: “Make It With You” (1970, written by David Gates).

Stay safe & well.