Did you ever say no to
an offer or opportunity then later regret it?
Many singers from the
golden age of rock and roll had first dibs on certain songs, but decided to
give them a thumb’s down.
Chances are, they all eventually
wished they could turn back the hands of time.
Ray
Stevens was given the first opportunity to record “Raindrops Keep
Falling
on My Head” but turned it down. So did Bobby Goldsboro (perish the thought!) The
song became a million seller for BJ Thomas, and also won an Academy Award.
“Tie
a Yellow Ribbon” was first offered to Ringo Starr. It sold 3 million copies in
the U.S alone.
According
to Davy Jones, the Monkees turned down “Knock Three Times” (sold a million copies) and “Love will keep us
Together” (best selling single of 1975.)
“Sunday
will Never be the Same” was rejected by the Mamas and Papas as well as The Left
Banke. Spanky and Our Gang took it to #7.
“Bye Bye Love” was rejected by 27 artists.
Aretha
Franklin turned down “Son of a Preacher Man”. Dusty Springfield’s version became
a Top 10 international hit.
“This
Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” sung by Natalie Cole also got the thumb’s down
from Aretha.
Bonnie
Tyler’s hit “Total Eclipse of the Heart” was originally meant for Meat Loaf.
“Darlin’”
was first written for the group that became 3 Dog Night. It was released by the
Beach Boys in 1967 with Carl Wilson as lead singer.
“Here
You Come Again” was written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil and was initially
offered to Brenda Lee. After mulling it over for more than a year, Brenda
decided not to record the song and it became the first crossover hit for Dolly
Parton. It was #1 on the country chart and #3 on the pop chart.
“This
Diamond Ring” was initially written with the Drifters in mind. They turned it
down as did Bobby Vee. It launched the career of Gary Lewis and the Playboys
and hit #1 in February, 1965.
Originally
given to Herb Alpert who shelved it, Dionne Warwick also passed on a song that
a brother-sister duo from Downey, California decided to record. "(They
Long To Be) Close To You" became a monster number one hit, spending four
weeks at the top of the charts and was the breakthrough song for the
Carpenters. It also won a Grammy.
The
Bellamy Brothers #1 hit “Let your Love Flow” was originally turned down by Neil
Diamond.
"What's
Love Got To Do With It" was rejected by Cliff Richard and Donna Summer and
later become the defining comeback tune for Tina Turner.
Tom
Jones said no to “The Long And Winding Road" before Paul McCartney decided to include it in
what would become both the Beatles' final album and the Beatles' final #1 hit.
The
Marvelettes turned their noses up at “Where Did our Love Go?” which became a smash for The Supremes.
Lesley
Gore was given the first shot at “A Groovy Kind of Love” but her producer
decided not to let her record a song with the word “groovy” in it. The
Mindbenders took it to #2 on the Billboard charts.
The
Searchers weren’t impressed by Del Shannon’s song “I Go to Pieces”. Peter & Gordon asked Del if they could
record the song and it was one of their biggest hits.
Heart
took “These Dreams” to #1 after Stevie Nicks nixed it.
Connie
Francis was the first singer offered “Angel of the Morning” but thought it was
too risqué for her audience. Juice Newton’s version spent three weeks at #1 and
sold over a million copies.
Ah, 20-20 hindsight.