If I could turn back the hands of time

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.