Photo: Public Domain Wikipedia
Intro: Gail Nobles
Voices: Gail Nobles
Story by: Gail Nobles

Let’s spin the tale of a classic jam, "Lonely Teardrops," by the sensational Jackie Wilson! This tune first hit the airwaves as a single back in 1958 and it shook up the music scene! With its powerful rhythm and soulful vibes, it soared straight into the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 and took the crown at number one on the R&B chart—what a hit!

Now, listen to this: "Lonely Teardrops" isn’t just your average song. It’s considered one of those magical tracks that helped shape rock and roll itself! The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame gave it a well-deserved nod, and in 1999, it became part of the Grammy Hall of Fame. That’s big-time recognition!

Jackie Wilson’s smooth voice and heartfelt delivery really connected with fans, leading the song to sell over a million copies. That’s right—over a million! The RIAA even handed out a shiny gold disc to celebrate its success.

And if that’s not enough, Rolling Stone magazine ranked "Lonely Teardrops" as one of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time! Ranked at #315, it’s proof of its enduring appeal.

So if you haven’t listened yet, do yourself a favor and check it out! It speaks to both young and old alike, and depending on your musical tastes, you might not know Jackie Wilson. Either way, you’ll feel those vibes and maybe shed a happy tear or two.” 🎶

Gold Classics

Photo: Wikipedia Public Domain
Story: by Gail Nobles
keyboardist: Gail Nobles

The popular R&B group The Manhattans has made a significant mark in music history with several songs that have achieved gold and platinum certifications. One of their most famous hits, "Shining Star.” It was released in 1980 and has become a classic.

This song not only struck a chord with fans but also earned impressive recognition. It received platinum certification in the U.S., which means it sold over a million copies. Additionally, "Shining Star" won a Grammy Award, highlighting its quality and popularity in the music industry.

"Shining Star" was included in The Manhattans' album "After Midnight," also released in 1980. The song was a commercial success, reaching number 4 on the U.S. Billboard R&B chart and number 5 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

With their smooth vocals and heartfelt lyrics, The Manhattans continue to be celebrated for their contributions to R&B music, and "Shining Star" remains a beloved track for many fans.

You’re listening to Tune Heart Goldies. I’m your host, Gail Nobles.

Gold Classics

Story by: Gail Nobles
Photo: Public Domain Wikipedia

Hello, I’m Gail Nobles. Welcome to Tune Heart Goldies. You ever sit there scratchin' your head, wonderin' why your folks are still groovin' to the 1950s music? I get it—music from back then was somethin' else, pure and simple, straight from the heart. Take a song like "Earth Angel" by The Penguins, for example. That tune was cookin' way before your time, but  it packs a punch!

See, groups like The Penguins weren't messin' around with fancy stuff—they sang about real love. Listen to those words: "Earth Angel, Earth Angel, will you be mine? My darling dear, love you all the time." Ain't that just sweet? Back in the '50s, songs were different,—they were all about that innocent romance, no frills, just feelin' the beat and meanin' every word.

“Earth Angel" wasn't just any old hit; it was a monster! Some folks call it certified gold, and history says it sold over 10 million copies—that's a boatload of records! It was The Penguins' only big smash, but it stuck around as an enduring favorite through the whole decade. Fast forward to today, and it's one of those definitive doo-wop songs, you know, the ones that defined the era. In fact, the Library of Congress threw it into their National Recording Registry back in 2005, sayin' it's "culturally, historically, or aesthetically important." And in 1998, it got inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame—talk about timeless!

So, why did your parents dig it? Because it was real, it was fun, and it made you wanna slow dance and dream. That's the magic of 1950s music, - simple words, big feelings. Keep spinnin' those discs or records, and you'll see what I mean!

Gold Classics