behindthegrooves:

On this day in music history: March 15, 1969 - “Dizzy” by Tommy Roe hits #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 4 weeks. Written by Tommy Roe and Freddy Weller, it is the second chart topping single for the pop singer, songwriter and musician from Atlanta, GA. Scoring a steady string of hit singles beginning with the Buddy Holly influenced “Sheila” (#1 Pop) in 1962, Tommy Roe follows it up with other top ten hits including “Everybody” (#3 Pop), “Sweet Pea” (#8 Pop), and “Hooray For Hazel” (#6 Pop). By the late 60’s with musical tastes changing, Roe finds it more and more difficult to land on the charts. In 1968, he is paired with record producer Steve Barri, best known for his work with Barry McGuire (“Eve Of Destruction”) and The Grass Roots (“Let’s Live For Today”, “Midnight Confessions”). While writing new material, Roe returns to the bubblegum pop sound of his earlier hits, come up with the melody that evolves into “Dizzy”. He finishes writing it with co-writer Freddy Weller. Recorded in Los Angeles, CA in late 1968, the track features members of the legendary Wrecking Crew studio collective including bassist Joe Osborn and drummer Hal Blaine, who lays down the songs signature pile driver beat. The crowning touch is added by arranger Jimmie Haskell, when he writes a string arrangement that provides a dramatic counterpoint, accenting the basic track perfectly. ABC Records issues “Dizzy” as a single in January of 1969, and it is an immediate smash. Entering the Hot 100 at #86 on February 1, 1969, it leaps to the top of the chart six weeks later. The song goes on to be covered by a number of different artists including Billy J. Kramer and Boney M. Its opening break has been frequently sampled by various Hip Hop artists and producers including Da Youngstas, and by British DJ Chad Jackson on his remix of De La Soul’s “The Magic Number” “Dizzy” is certified Gold in the US by the RIAA.

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