Hair (Hair song)

Last updated
"Hair"
Song by Original Broadway cast
from the album Hair
Released1968 (1968)
RecordedMay 6, 1968
Genre
Length2:55
Label RCA Victor
Composer(s) Galt MacDermot
Lyricist(s)
Producer(s)

"Hair" is the title song to the 1967 musical Hair and the 1979 film adaptation of the musical.

Contents

Context in the musical

The musical’s title song begins as character Claude slowly croons his reason for his long hair, as tribe-mate Berger joins in singing they "don't know." [1] They lead the tribe, singing "Give me a head with hair," "as long as God can grow it," [1] listing what they want in a head of hair and their uses for it. Later the song takes the tune of "The Star-Spangled Banner" with the tribe punning "Oh say can you see/ My eyes if you can/Then my hair’s too short!" [1] Claude and Berger’s religious references continue with many a "Hallelujah" as they consciously compare their hair to Jesus’s, and if Mary loved her son, "why don’t my mother love me?" [1] [2] The song shows the Tribe's enthusiasm and pride for their hair as well as comparing Claude to a Jesus figure. [2]

The Cowsills version

"Hair"
Hair - The Cowsills.jpg
Single by The Cowsills
from the album The Cowsills in Concert
B-side "What Is Happy?"
ReleasedMarch 1969 (1969-03)
RecordedOctober 1968
Studio Cleveland, Ohio
Genre
Length3:32
Label MGM
Composer(s) Galt MacDermot
Lyricist(s)
Producer(s)
The Cowsills singles chronology
"The Impossible Years"
(1968)
"Hair"
(1969)
"The Prophecy of Daniel and John the Divine"
(1969)

The song was a major hit for the Cowsills in 1969 and their most successful single. The Cowsills version cuts out most of the religion-themed lyrics, changing "long as God can grow it" to "long as I can grow it" and removing some verses. Their version spent two weeks at number one on the Cash Box Top 100 [5] and reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100. [6] "Hair" was kept out of the number-one spot by another song from the Hair cast album: "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In" by The 5th Dimension. [7] It also reached number one on the RPM Canadian Singles Chart. [8]

Chart performance

Weekly charts

Chart (1969)Peak
position
Australia KMR 1
Canada Top Singles ( RPM ) [9] 1
Canada RPM Adult Contemporary [10] 12
New Zealand [11] 1
South Africa (Springbok Radio) [12] 1
U.S. Billboard Hot 100 [13] 2
U.S. Billboard Adult Contemporary [14] 19
U.S. Cash Box Top 100 [15] 1

Year-end charts

Chart (1969)Rank
Canada [16] 14
South Africa [17] 20
U.S. Billboard Hot 100 [18] 13
U.S. Cash Box [19] 10

Other versions

"Hair" was also covered in Australia in 1969 and released as a single by Doug Parkinson in Focus (B-side with "Without You") and was a top ten hit for him there that year. [20]

A version by Dutch rock band Zen reached the top of the Dutch Top 40 in January 1969. [21] A cover was released as a B-side by girl group Gilded Cage in 1969. [22]

Appearances in media

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">You're All I Need to Get By</span> 1968 single by Tammi Terrell and Marvin Gaye

"You're All I Need to Get By" is a song recorded by the American R&B/soul duo Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell and released on Motown Records' Tamla label in 1968. It was the basis for the 1995 single "I'll Be There for You/You're All I Need to Get By" from Method Man and Mary J. Blige.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">She's Not There</span> 1964 single by the Zombies

"She's Not There" is the debut single by British rock band the Zombies, written by keyboardist Rod Argent. It reached No. 12 in the UK Singles Chart in September 1964, and No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States at the beginning of December 1964. In Canada, it reached No. 2.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sea of Love (Phil Phillips song)</span> 1959 single by Phil Phillips

"Sea of Love" is a song written by John Philip Baptiste and George Khoury. It was the only top-40 chart-maker for Phillips, who never recorded another hit.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Signs (Five Man Electrical Band song)</span> 1971 single by Five Man Electrical Band

"Signs" is a song by the Canadian rock group Five Man Electrical Band. It was written by the band's frontman, Les Emmerson, and popularized the relatively unknown band, who recorded it for their true first album, Good-byes and Butterflies, in 1970. The LP "Five Man Electrical Band" had begun as a Staccatos album with Brian Rading, the band's bassist suggesting the band's new name from the song title.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Memphis, Tennessee (song)</span> Original song written and composed by Chuck Berry

"Memphis, Tennessee", sometimes shortened to "Memphis", is a song by Chuck Berry, first released in 1959. In the UK, the song charted at number 6 in 1963; at the same time Decca Records issued a cover version in the UK by Dave Berry and the Cruisers, which also became a UK Top 20 hit single. Johnny Rivers's version of the song was a number two US hit in 1964.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clean Up Woman</span> 1971 single by Betty Wright

"Clean Up Woman" is a song by Betty Wright from her second studio album, I Love the Way You Love (1972). Written and produced by Clarence Reid and Willie Clarke, it was released in November 1971 in the U.S. as a 7" single with "I'll Love You Forever" on the B-side. The song's distinctive guitar lick was played by Willie "Little Beaver" Hale.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Georgy Girl (song)</span> 1966 single by The Seekers

"Georgy Girl" is a song by the Australian pop/folk music group The Seekers. It was used as the title song for the 1966 film of the same title. Tom Springfield, who had written "I'll Never Find Another You", composed the music and Jim Dale supplied the lyrics. The song is heard at both the beginning and end of the film, with markedly different lyrics. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song but the prize went to "Born Free".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Spinning Wheel (song)</span> Single by Blood, Sweat & Tears

"Spinning Wheel" is a song from 1968 by the band Blood, Sweat & Tears, written by Canadian lead vocalist David Clayton-Thomas and appearing on their eponymous album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jean (song)</span> 1969 single by Oliver

"Jean" is a popular song from the 1969 movie The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. It was written by the American poet and composer Rod McKuen, who also recorded a version of the song.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Never Gonna Let You Go (Dionne Warwick song)</span> 1982 song written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil

"Never Gonna Let You Go" is a popular song from 1982 written by the husband-and-wife songwriting team of Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann; Weil wrote the lyrics, while Mann wrote the music. It was first recorded by Dionne Warwick for her 1982 album Friends in Love, and then by singer Stevie Woods for his 1982 album The Woman in My Life. However, its best-known rendition was by Brazilian musician and bandleader Sérgio Mendes, on his 1983 self-titled album. That version was sung by Joe Pizzulo and Leeza Miller.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Love or Let Me Be Lonely</span> 1970 single by The Friends of Distinction

"Love or Let Me Be Lonely" is a pop song recorded by the soul group The Friends of Distinction and released as a single in early 1970. The song was a multi-format success, peaking in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 at #6 on May 1, 1970 and at #13 on the R&B chart. On the Adult Contemporary singles charts, "Love or Let Me Be Lonely" went to #9. The song is ranked as the 63rd biggest hit of 1970.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Rain, the Park & Other Things</span> 1967 single by The Cowsills

"The Rain, the Park & Other Things" is a pop song with music and lyrics co-written by Artie Kornfeld and Steve Duboff. It was recorded by the pop band the Cowsills, and included on their 1967 self-titled debut album. Released as a single, the song reached No. 2 on the Billboard charts. It was kept from the No. 1 spot by "Daydream Believer" by the Monkees. The single cemented the group's international popularity and sold some three million copies over the years. It ties with 1969's "Hair" as the group's biggest hit, as both reached No. 2 in the US. In Canada, "The Rain, the Park & Other Things" reached No. 1 on the RPM singles chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">This Girl Is a Woman Now</span> 1969 single by Gary Puckett & The Union Gap

"This Girl Is a Woman Now" is a song written by Victor Millrose and Alan Bernstein and was recorded by Gary Puckett & The Union Gap for their 1969 album The New Gary Puckett and the Union Gap Album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Real Love (Doobie Brothers song)</span> 1980 single by Doobie Brothers

"Real Love" is a hit song by The Doobie Brothers, the first of three singles from their 1980 LP, One Step Closer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Moonlight Feels Right</span> 1975 single by Starbuck

"Moonlight Feels Right" is the debut single recorded by the American band Starbuck. Written and produced by Bruce Blackman, the song was released in December 1975 but did not chart until April 1976.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gypsy Woman (The Impressions song)</span>

"Gypsy Woman" is a 1961 rhythm and blues song written by Curtis Mayfield and recorded by his group the Impressions. The group's first single following the departure of lead singer Jerry Butler, it reached No. 2 on the US Billboard R&B chart, No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 17 on the Cash Box chart. It also appeared on the group's 1963 eponymous debut album. Joe Bataan (1967), Brian Hyland (1970), Bobby Womack (1985), Steve Marriott (1989), and Santana (1990) covered this song.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sweet Mary</span> 1970 single by Wadsworth Mansion

"Sweet Mary" is a song written by Steve Jablecki and performed by Wadsworth Mansion. "Sweet Mary" was featured on their 1971 album Wadsworth Mansion and was produced by Jim Calvert and Norman Marzano.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smile a Little Smile for Me</span> 1969 single by The Flying Machine

"Smile a Little Smile for Me" is the debut single by the Flying Machine. The song was written by Geoff Stephens and Tony Macaulay.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Other Guy (song)</span> 1983 single by Little River Band

"The Other Guy" is a song by Australian soft rock band Little River Band. It was released in February 1983 as the third and final single from the band's 1982 Greatest Hits album. The song also introduced the band's new lead vocalist, John Farnham, who replaced Glenn Shorrock.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Soul Deep (The Box Tops song)</span> 1969 single

"Soul Deep" is a song originally recorded by Robbie Lane and the Disciples in 1966, but best known by a recorded version by The Box Tops. It was the third of three singles released from their 1969 Dimensions LP. Lead vocals were provided by Alex Chilton.

References

Citations

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Hair lyrics by Hair Cast from Hair soundtrack". Stlyrics.com. Retrieved 28 July 2017.
  2. 1 2 Dayton. "Scott Miller on Hair". Orlok.com. Retrieved 28 July 2017.
  3. Molanphy, Chris (June 28, 2019). "The Lullaby of Broadway Edition". Hit Parade | Music History and Music Trivia (Podcast). Slate . Retrieved September 7, 2023.
  4. Doherty, Bob (2001). "The Cowsills". In Cooper, Kim; Smay, David (eds.). Bubblegum Music is the Naked Truth. Los Angeles: Feral House. p. 58.
  5. "cashboxmagazine.com". cashboxmagazine.com. Archived from the original on 7 August 2012. Retrieved 28 July 2017.
  6. "The Cowsills Chart History: Hot 100". Billboard.com. Retrieved 12 August 2021.
  7. "The Hot 100". Billboard . 2 January 2013.
  8. "Item Display - RPM - Library and Archives Canada". Collectionscanada.gc.ca. Archived from the original on 28 July 2017. Retrieved 28 July 2017.
  9. "Top RPM Singles: Issue 6045." RPM . Library and Archives Canada.
  10. "Item Display - RPM - Library and Archives Canada". Collectionscanada.gc.ca. 1969-05-26. Retrieved 2018-12-10.
  11. "flavour of new zealand - search listener". Flavourofnz.co.nz. Retrieved 28 July 2017.
  12. "SA Charts 1965–March 1989". Rock.co.za. Retrieved 1 September 2018.
  13. [Joel Whitburn's Top Pop Singles 1955-2002]
  14. Whitburn, Joel (1993). Top Adult Contemporary: 1961–1993. Record Research. p. 59.
  15. "Cash Box Top 100 5/17/69". tropicalglen.com. Archived from the original on 2 October 2016. Retrieved 28 July 2017.
  16. "Item Display - RPM - Library and Archives Canada". Collectionscanada.gc.ca. Retrieved 28 July 2017.
  17. "Top 20 Hit Singles of 1969". Rock.co.za. Retrieved 2 September 2018.
  18. "Top 100 Hits of 1969/Top 100 Songs of 1969". Musicoutfitters.com. Retrieved 28 July 2017.
  19. "Cash Box YE Pop Singles - 1969". tropicalglen.com. Archived from the original on 25 January 2019. Retrieved 28 July 2017.
  20. [Australian Chart Book 1970-1992]
  21. "Nederlandse Top 40 - week 1, 1969". Top40.nl (in Dutch). Retrieved March 13, 2010.
  22. "Gilded Cage - My Bonnie / Hair". Discogs.com. 1969. Retrieved 4 April 2022.
  23. ""Mystery Science Theater 3000" Hercules Unchained (TV Episode 1992)". IMDb.com. Retrieved 28 July 2017.
  24. ""The Simpsons" Simpsoncalifragilisticexpiala(Annoyed Grunt)cious (TV Episode 1997)". IMDb.com. Retrieved 28 July 2017.
  25. ""The Simpsons" D'oh-in' in the Wind (TV Episode 1998)". IMDb.com. Retrieved 28 July 2017.
  26. ""Glee" Hairography (TV Episode 2009)". IMDb.com. Retrieved 28 July 2017.

Sources