Story of our 50th Anniversary Playlist

After living in Atlanta for almost 20 years we visited our old stomping ground around Marblehead and Port Clinton Ohio in the summer of 2003. We decided to make a long term plan to buy a lake cottage sometime in the future. We wanted to have a place for family vacations like I had when I was a kid. We were both surprised when that dream came true in the fall of 2003 just four months later.

Since we lived in Atlanta the trips back and forth gave us a lot of time to listen to music and Kathy and I decided to work up a 60's playlist for our future 50th anniversary party. It brought back lots of memories of fun times. Some of the songs have a special story, others just made the cut. We decided for anyone interested we would share the stories. For those of you that grew up with this music we hope it will bring a smile to your face and maybe a special memory of a time long ago that you had forgotten. If nothing else you might get some laughs at our stories.

Originally we had planned on 50 songs but we had to go a little longer and there are still so many more we would have liked to included.

1. (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction - The Rolling Stones
Obviously these songs are in no special order but anyone that's been married would probably admit their were times when these words seemed appropriate. This was one of the key songs on Dave's first stereo LP record and it deserves to be on the list.
2. Under My Thumb - The Rolling Stones
The only thing wrong with this song is that it is not a she under his thumb. If you know Kathy you know they should be singing about her thumb where Dave has happily been for over 50 years.
3. Goodbye Columbus - The Association
The Association had some wonderful music. If you attended our wedding you may remember that the organ music was an adaptation of the sound track. What could be better than songs about Columbus and Love.
4. Brick House - The Commodores
Just a fun song
5. Aquarius - Hair
Seems to represent the emotions of the 60's
6. Light My Fire - The Doors
The Doors created some wonderful songs and this one is one of their best.
7. Paint It Black - The Rolling Stones
The Stones are truly represented on this list so enjoy another of our favorites.
8. Holly Holy - Neil Diamond
One of the performers we were able to see live who had some great songs.
9. Cleveland Rocks - Ian Hunter (or Drew Carey!)
No need to explain why this one made the cut. GO BROWNS!!
10. Rainy Day Women - Bob Dylan
Sometimes people assume that any Dylan fans in the 60's would have participated in the drug scene but we are proud of the fact that we avoided all of that. However, that doesn’t mean we didn't enjoy the legal side which was the music and a legal beverage.
11. Blowin' in the Wind - Bob Dylan
Dave had to make sure this one was on the list. The lyrics are inspiring and as true today as they have ever been. This is a moving song that always fills us with emotions and hopefully you can understand why. If not listen to it again and let his feelings touch your heart.
12. My Girl - The Temptations
The smooth sound of Motown was a great contrast to the rock music. Definitely how Dave feels about Kathy.
13. Hang On Sloopy - The McCoys
As Buckeye fans this had to be there. Just make sure you add in O-H-I-O when the time is right.
14. All You Need Is Love - The Beatles
As the Beatles transformed music with Magical Mystery Tour this song says it all. So true...
15. Come On Down To My Boat - Every Mother's Son
Growing up with a cottage on the lake gave Dave an extra appreciation for this song. Dave is sure this will bring back some memories for those that visited the original cottage on the bay.
16. Hair - The Cowsills
Another classic and after all of these years one that even my grandkids relate too.
17. The House of the Rising Sun - The Animals
A special story told a long time ago adapted to a stirring rock song with so much emotion. One of our favorites that we always turn the volume up for.
18. White Rabbit - Jefferson Airplane
Again for two people who stayed clear of the drug scene it may seem like an odd choice. However, it is such a strong song. Play it loud and "Feed Your Head" Just don't do it with substances instead absorb the wonders of life.
19. (Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay - Otis Redding
Although we have to change the lyrics a little to say "We left our home in Georgia and headed for Sandusky Bay" Our favorite spot has been and continues to be Sitting on the Dock of the Bay.
20. In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida - Iron Butterfly
Be careful on this one. My son in law borrowed my truck one day and couldn't believe that the same song was on the CD from the time he left till he got back. This is one where you just have to let the music feed your head. It was also a wonderful song to take up time on the long drives between Atlanta and Port Clinton.
21. I Got You Babe - Sonny & Cher
Without a doubt the one song that exemplifies the story of our lives. We met each other when we Dave was 17 and Kathy was 16. We defied the odds and climbed the hills and mountains together.
22. Unchained Melody - The Righteous Brothers
Just a classic love song and one of Kathy's favorites. For her 40th Birthday I surprised her with a party at Atlanta's Chastain Outdoor Music venue with about 20 friends to see the Righteous Brothers. Even when the weather turned bad and a lighting storm almost stopped the concert we stayed till the end. One of our friends commented that "Leave it to Dave to throw a party with good food, good friends, great music, a spectacular lighting lite show and a wet T-shirt concert all rolled into one."
23. Soul Man - Sam & Dave
Just a fun song that brings a smile to our faces.
24. Born to Be Wild - Steppenwolf
One of the only songs Dave ever performed Karaoke to. We had so much fun on our motorcycle in the first few years of our marriage and talked a lot about doing it again, but it never got high enough on our list. This song is just a song for us to pretend we were rebels for the cause.
25. Game of Love - Wayne Fontana
We liked playing.
26. Mustang Sally - Wilson Pickett
Just another great song.
27. Kashmir - Led Zeppelin
Had to be on the list. One of the first concerts that Josh and Molly went to although it was Page and Plant at the time. Just a moving song.
28. The Sound of Silence - Simon & Garfunkel
Had to include one of their songs since they played such a big role in the music we listened too.
29. I Want to Take You Higher - Sly & The Family Stone
This song was a must play at every fraternity party in college and it had to be included here.
30. You've Made Me So Very Happy - Blood, Sweat & Tears
Seems like an appropriate song after so many years of happiness together.
31. Cherish - The Association
Another wonderful love song.
32. Can't You Hear My Heartbeat - Herman's Hermits
One night after going out we were sitting in Kathy's parents driveway in my VW Beetle. Kathy was facing backwards and had her head resting on my chest. She commented that she could hear my Heartbeat. I suggested that as a nursing student she should be able to come up with something more technical. So after thinking about it for a few minutes she commented, "I can feel the pulsations of your vital organ". I almost lost it. Needless to say this song is a reminder of that night and we still laugh about it.
33. MacArthur Park - Richard Harris
Just a great song.
34. I'm Into Something Good - Herman's Hermits
Fortunately we recognized this feeling early enough in our relationship.
35. Wild Thing - The Troggs
Just a fun song.
36. Little Honda - The Hondells
Just a memory of the times on our Honda and the great rides we took. Since we could carry it on the back of our motorhome we used it from Ohio, to California, back to Ohio and then to Kentucky. Just a fun time.
37. Happy Together - The Turtles
And we are still "Happy Together!"
38. Louie Louie - The Kingsmen
A true classic.
39. For What It's Worth - Buffalo Springfield
A song of the times.
40. Never My Love - The Association
Another song by the Association and some wonderful lyrics.
41. Respect - Aretha Franklin
You can be sure it was demanded and she got it.
42. Turn Around and Look At Me - The Vogues
Just another great song.
43. Dance to the Music - Sly & The Family Stone
Just a great party song.
44. We Are Family (Single Version) - Sister Sledge
Just a fun song.
45. Gloria - The Shadows of Knight
Just a fun song.
46. Give Peace a Chance - The Plastic Ono Band
A song of the times. Still haven't given it a chance. Maybe someday.
47. Lil' Red Riding Hood - Sam the Sham and The Pharaohs
Just a fun song.
48. Land of 1000 Dances - Cannibal & The Headhunters
Just a fun song.
49. Fever - Peggy Lee
Just a fun song.
50. Brother Love's Traveling Salvation - Neil Diamond
Just a fun song.
51. Bridge Over Troubled Water - Simon & Garfunkel
Let's not kid anyone. There were troubled waters but there was always a bridge to get you over them together.
52. All My Loving - The Beatles
Great lyrics and a great song by a group that inspired a generation.
53. Magic Carpet Ride - Steppenwolf
Just turn the volume up and ROCK!!
54. Georgia On My Mind - Ray Charles
After living in Georgia for 30 years it is easy to understand why it's on our mind.
55. One Tin Soldier - The Original Cast
If you take the time to really listen to the words of this song it has a great lesson.
56. School's Out - Alice Cooper
When I went to General Motors Institute I volunteered to work on the social committee and had the task of booking the bands for our concerts. One of the local groups I booked was Alice Cooper. On his way their van got a flat tire and they didn't have a spare. By the time they showed up Kathy and I were some of the only ones there to meet them. We ended up hanging out around the piano telling stories. We didn't know at the time they would turn into stars.
57. The Times They Are A-Changin' - Bob Dylan
Another song that we thought was special for the 60's but Dylan's genius is still relevant today.
58. Mercy, Mercy, Mercy - The Buckinghams
Just listen to the words and you will understand why I had to include this one.
59. A Groovy Kind of Love - Wayne Fontana & The Mindbenders
Just a fun song.
60. You Baby - The Turtles
Just a fun song.
61. Going to the Chapel - The Dixiecups
What could be more appropriate for a wedding anniversary than a song about getting married.
62. Dancing in the Street - Martha Reeves & The Vandellas
Let's party.
63. California Dreamin' - The Mamas & The Papas
Kathy and I had the wonderful opportunity to spend a year in California while I went to graduate school at USC. Great times and a lot of memories.
64. Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me - Mel Carter
Good advice for a lasting marriage.
65. Wake Up Little Susie - The Everly Brothers
We lived this story. It was common for us to watch movies in Kathy's basement. Afterall she had a color TV and my family didn't. But even in color some movies were not that exciting. We fell asleep but when the phone rang at about 3AM I was out the door and half way to my car before Kathy got to answer it. After all it was on the wall in the next room. I had a twenty minute drive to think about What I was gonna tell my mom. Sorry folks but we were just sleeping.
66. You're My Soul and Inspiration - The Righteous Brothers
Another special song by the Righteous Brothers.
67. Oh, Pretty Woman - Roy Orbison
Had to be on the list. Such a fun song.
68. Dedicated to the One I Love - The Mamas & The Papas
Great Song about love.
69. Shout - The Isley Brothers
Couldn't have a party without this song on the playlist.
70. Sunshine of Your Love - Cream
Just a special song about Love.
71. Black Magic Woman - Santana
Just a fun song.
72. Celebration - Kool & The Gang
A fun Ohio group with a song about celebrating.
73. He Ain't Heavy... He's My Brother - The Hollies
Special Song with a special message.