Band's Debut Single About Exotic Girl SOLD 10 million…Then Both DISAPPEARED! | Professor of Rock

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: What is your pick for the GREATEST song written with a GIRL"s NAME in it?

[@RBS_]

🎶..."...oh, SHERRIE.." 🎶 .....you don't want me to CALL you anymore!??? ....oh, well.....Steve says 'Hi"! ....ha-HAA! ¯ \_(ツ)_/¯

[@christineml1476]

"Cecelia" Simon and Garfunkel

[@t.p.sheppard1270]

Hey Paula.

[@Lam_3-22-23]

Sweet Lorraine (Nat King Cole) Amanda (Waylon Jennings) Windy (The Association)

[@surlechapeau]

Rosalita - Springsteen; Rosanna - Toto; Valerie - Steve Winwood.

[@mattbeeker]

You literally read my mind. Just one day ago while mowing my lawn, My Sharona showed up on my playlist. And at 56, I am still blown away at how damn good that guitar solo is. I thought to myself, this would be a great song for POR to do a cool history lesson. And just like that, here it is! As a kid, I'd sit by the radio and wait for it to play so I could quickly hit "record" on my cassette player. Of course, I bought the album and still have it. Thanks for making my day! Keep up the great work!

[@sjduges67]

@mattbeeker, I only prefer to listen to the long version.👍🏻

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I’m glad Adam did this one.

[@stevenhubbard8445]

Yes. The guitar work on Get The Knack is really good.

[@kevinmc4500]

I’m 56 too…and damn of that song never gets old, it puts me right back to 7th grade! I also did the recorder thing, top 40 stuff, lol

[@MikeGervasi]

Berton's solo on it is one of the best ever caught on tape. A masterclass on how it's done.

[@BeSmarterFaster]

The guitar solo on My Sharona stands out separately from the catchy song. It's a distinct, beautifully crafted composition of its own. Really one of the most under-appreciated guitar solos of that era.

[@tim3308]

100%

[@VirginiaBeach742]

"Tara" had a great solo as well.

[@fjcrod]

One of the most instantly recognizable songs in history. First time i heard it way back in the day, I was instantly hooked. Bought the album and until this day, it's still in my rotation. The whole album is pure power pop magic. It's too bad the backlash silenced the band within a couple of years. Like so many have mentioned, that guitar solo is criminally underrated. I love the Knack and I don't care what anyone else says.

[@larrybremer4930]

You took the words right out of my mouth. I love all the songs on Get the Knack but there is a special place in my heart for their cover of Heartbeat (Buddy Holly).

[@ElSantoLuchador]

The riff is catchy af.

[@pcno2832]

They were a lot like the Raspberries: excellent musicians who were admired by other musicians, but loathed by some of the critics for lyrics that sounded too pop to be taken seriously. Rock critics, especially during the 1970s, tended to obsess over some of the more superficial aspects of a record without noticing the fundamentals. The idea that a record can be great even if the lyrics are not of world-changing importance just didn't occur to many music critics.

[@tim3308]

100%

[@trinaq]

I love how they got the real life Sharona to pose on the single cover, and that she and Doug Fieger were still friends until his 2010 passing.

[@RBS_]

...that, was a VERY cool thing to hear that Lady Sharona did....unlike, "Sherrie"! ...ha-HAAA!!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool!

[@dukecraig2402]

His brother Geoffrey Feiger is the famous lawyer who represented Jack Kavorkian, Dr Death, and has had some other famous clients and has been on TV many times being interviewed on CNN and other shows, you can even see a very strong resemblance between the two.

[@smurphftw2008]

Not to be pedantic, but she on the cover of the single, not the album. Unless you are talking about their sophomore album "But The Little Girls Understand". Sharona was indeed on that album cover.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I had no idea that was her on the cover.

[@MrPFFlyer]

After another lousy day in paradise, it was reinvigorating to watch what you put together for the Knack. Doug Fieger was so much more talented than many people know. One of my top live concert moments was when during an outdoor gig, he rolled into L A. Woman....and his version blew the Doors away.

[@lawdogwales5921]

Great handle, Mr P F Flyer. You can run faster and jump higher.

[@paulnicholas5452]

Paradise is a state of mind

[@bobbcarpenter7031]

Wow! As a Knack fan from the Summer of '79 when I first heard "My Sharona" on a rock station in Denver, I truly didn't know that much of the backstories of Feiger and Averre. Thank you, Professor, for doing your homework so thoroughly! I still regularly listen to those first two albums and they sound as great now as they did back in '79-'80.

[@lindamcfarland9656]

My Sharonna was on constant rotation at the roller rink when I was a kid and it held a big place in rock radio well into the 80's. It's was one of those songs that just grabs you and gives you the feel good vibes and has you singing along😊.

[@ProfessorofRock]

A roller rink classic!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s a ridiculously good dance song as well.

[@MyName-pl7zn]

13 days to #1 wow , well deserved . No song sounds more like you are listening to it live, it jumps out at you. I had no idea about the story behind the band or the song, fantastic episode. Rest in Peace to my fellow Detroiter Doug

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks My Name!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Everybody loves this for a reason.

[@scottburton9701]

When it comes to a powerful song,"My Sharona" definitely checks all the boxes-It still sounds great 40+ years later.

[@Prof_Jeff]

It warms my heart to see so many other fans of Averre's solo on "My Sharona." One of the best solos ever, IMO. If I were auditioning lead guitarists for a rock band, the candidates would have to play this solo. They were supposed to play a street festival near me (around 2006), and I was so stoked to go. Then they had to cancel because of Doug's health; I don't think they ever toured again, or if they did, it was very limited. Broke my heart when Doug died.😢

[@bishdizzle67]

I'll tell ya, The Knack had the chops as a live band! Killer guitar solo on My Sharona! Epic! Good Girls Don't... really catchy. Listen to the precision guitar work in that song. He's a maestro. I wish things would have gone better for them. Imagine the anthology of music we'd have? Thx again!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Both have fantastic melodies and are very catchy.

[@TWayneD1020]

Loved the song . But this, so called Boss , Bruce Springsteen is a deep state agent !!!

[@markmorris8532]

They were SO great live ❤!

[@machwal4464]

With a tennis racket as my guitar, I could be found "playing" and singing My Sharona on almost any given night in 1980.... Hearing it was one of Kurt Cobain's favorite albums is today's juicy nugget in my mind. I did not know that. Again the professor imparting knowledge. Love it❤

[@ProfessorofRock]

Love it!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Of course Kurt Cobain would love them, they’re right up his alley.

[@troutt99]

I've always loved My Sharona! It made me think of the way it feels to develop a massive crush on a pretty girl. When I learned how the song came about, I love it even more! I had fallen in forbidden love with a girl named Sharon, as well. Thanks, professor! I love your show.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for watching!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Also, the real Sharona was beautiful as well!

[@janag9737]

I was stationed in Germany when this song came out. I can remember Casey Kasem announcing this song as the number 1 hit on his weekly show. Funny how a song can bring back memories of where you were and what you were doing when you heard it. Great song!

[@ProfessorofRock]

SO true!

[@Tammyperry1]

RIP Casey Kasem Radio Top 40 DJ One of a kind!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Thank you for serving our country. 🫡

[@orangemanonsteroids8569]

A lot of songs remind me of Germany. I miss the old Germany the old Europe. New Europe sucks!

[@Sunny-jz3dy]

How I miss Casey Kasem doing the Top 40! Looked forward to it as a kid & miss it terribly as an....older adult..lol.

[@neoamor414]

I was in a popular Cleveland. OH based cover band at the time that "My Sharona" came out. The drummer in the band worked at a record distributor. And would sometimes have us learn good songs as soon as they were released. On the off-chance that they would become hits. "My Sharona" was one of those songs. So we're playing a club in Tiffin, OH called "The Cuckoo's Nest". For the first time. The first set went terribly. Nobody danced. Nobody clapped. Probably about 800-1000 people. I was the lead guitarist, but I had never contributed to the set lists. I just followed what the other guys decided to play during the breaks. We're all talking in the dressing room after that tragic first set. This time I chimed in and said, "What about that "My Sharona" tune? The band's response was, "Well nobody knows the song. Nobody even knows who 'The Knack' is". I said, "Yeah, but it's got such an infectious intro. And a GREAT groove"... "Besides. Nothing else is working." I guess they saw it my way. Because "My Sharona" was first-up for the second set. Within a minute of the now iconic drum intro, the dance floor was packed. And the crowd was on our side for the rest of the night. I never suggested a song again. That I can remember. "Quit while You're ahead." :)

[@siriusfun]

Another fantastic episode! This album - along with the first and second The Cars albums - were extremely influential on me in Junior High when I first picked up the guitar and formed a band. I was in touch with Doug's younger sister Beth around the time of his death. She was a wonderful person and very close with him. Doug was a wild young guy but ended up getting sober, quitting cigarettes and became a Buddhist. He was very peaceful and gracious during his illness. I learned. Definitely missed.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I heard he had major issues when he died so young. RIP Doug.

[@Jreb1865]

One of the best episodes yet. I knew the story behind the song for years, but a fresh look at one of the catchiest tunes ever is always welcome. Being young in the 80s, and living these songs in real time couldn't be beat...

[@4Mr.Crowley2]

The whited-out video with touches of black and silver is so iconic - the very early 80s/late 70s videos directed by masters like Russell Mulcahey! Awesome stuff.

[@tinaheadrick536]

Love, love, love it!!❤❤❤ Always have and always will. My Sharona is one of those songs that when it comes on, you stop whatever else you’re doing, and you sing your heart out and dance your butt off!! Great song-truly amazing😊

[@raymoss706]

Yes! The song that killed disco! I was ~14-15 when the song hit it big. Everyone was tired of hearing Village People songs and the whole disco sound. Then The Knack came with this very catchy song... from the drum> bass > guitar intro, to the extended version solo... man!

[@Bctass]

One of the rare overplayed songs I never got sick of hearing

[@ProfessorofRock]

SO true!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Same.

[@sacramentalist]

Like Donny Iris's Ah Leah

[@zimriel]

My Angel Is A Centerfold is another one

[@bugvswindshield]

OH heck ya...still to this day....if its on the car radio...I WILL turn it up!!!

[@hallacar]

I remember the girl from the insert. It is amazing what sticks in the mind of an 11 or 12 year old boy when it first came out. I liked "Good Girls Don't" better, but they were both staples at the Roll-Arena skating rink in Midland, Michigan at the turn of the decade. How in the world has that been almost 44 years ago?

[@ProfessorofRock]

Roller skate rink classic!

[@RBS_]

"....gooood Girls, DON'T.....but, I DOOOOOO...." ....Music to a roustabout's EARS! ..ha-HAA! " 😜 "

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

So much time has flown by!

[@lawdogwales5921]

Midland, Michigan in the house!

[@hallacar]

@@lawdogwales5921 Bullock Creek class of 86.

[@peternorton5648]

I remember this song being huge at the time of its release. It was everywhere. As a young lad going to the local skating rink this was always played. It’s cool to hear the story behind the song. Thanks Professor, love your stuff!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It rocks.

[@kfemme68]

Yep, I remember skating to it!

[@lawrencewheat1290]

"But I do..." ... My old band covered "Good Girls Don't". We were quite surprised how many people thought it was one of our originals, of which we only had a handful. "Nope, that's a cover of a song by The Knack. They were most famous for My Sharona." I said that more times than I can count. Solid song.

[@matthewwilson9656]

Always a good jamming song. My sister, who wasn't really into much rock and roll, went out and bought the album, because her name is Sharon. Her friends started calling her Sharona

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

This song is dedicated to her.

[@nealvaught8176]

Thank you so much, Professor of Rock, for sharing the story of this awesome song! I was just 13 years old when it hit the airwaves and it remains one of my all time favorite songs. I can still listen to it over and over and I love the guitar solo. I appreciate all that you do!

[@HotRod12667]

Burton Averre is a seriously underrated lead guitarist. The solo for the album version of My Sharona is one of the best I have ever heard.

[@hellagood67]

I remember watching The Knack perform this song on our iconic Australian music program Countdown, in either 79 or 80. I was 12/13 years old and loved it because of the drum and bass guitar sound. Great memory of a band who, along with so many others, had one major hit…..then faded away. When you think about it, being able to say ‘our band had a number one hit’ is a pretty amazing thing. Not every song gets to be that popular. Great content, Adam. I subscribed after watching a few of your videos. Thanks for sharing your enthusiasm. Cheers, from Australia 🇦🇺

[@morgangrey1301]

''One listen addiction" is a great line ! And it's perfect for My Sharona !

[@wvince8115]

This song has one of my top 5 favorite guitar leads of all time.

[@desertdweller4951]

Well Done Adam. The song was a fantastic impact on several generations. Sadly as is found, many band's find it hard to get over the top once they hit a peak.

[@ronb21]

I graduated in 1979. Always thought a Disco song would have been the top song for my grad year in 1979. I do all ❤ almost all kinds of music. Thank you always, Professor! Incredible post and detailed statements that transpired many years ago!

[@ChessWithMouselip]

Love the Knack! It's a shame we didn't get more from them.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I know. Strange how they were one and done.

[@jongilbertson2106]

They had other good tunes. Good Girls Don’t was one. You can hear the Beatles influence in their other songs. It’s a shame they are only known for one hit.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Me too.

[@Infinityplus1111]

I was driving home from work when this came on the radio. The solo blew me away. I ordered a guitar the next day. I haven't put it down since.

[@flavellinator]

One of the top genre changing songs in music history... people pogoed, wormed, and bopped to it big time when it came out

[@ProfessorofRock]

Love your comment! So true!

[@ThomasQuigley-b1b]

Ahhh - the pogo. Memories...

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s so catchy!

[@marktait2371]

​​@@ThomasQuigley-b1bhaha the pogo.forgot about that in club ramones also.last week.on radio i dont wanna grow old was one

[@4Mr.Crowley2]

Dear professor I would love for you to do an epi on power pop in new wave (incredible punk energy combined with awesome hooks - catchy AF) - The Knack, Cheap Trick, The Other Ones, The Undertones, The Tubes, early Cars, etc - so many brilliant tunes!!

[@larrypower8659]

99% of the time there’s no such thing as an “overnight sensation.” Usually the people (or person) involved have/has been paying their dues, one way or another, for years. BTW, the guitar solo in “My Sharona” is a great one!

[@SeenRed82]

I was 16 when this song hit the charts in '79. I have to admit that my first memory of this single was that incredibly sexy sleeve cover that featured the real Sharona. That cover photo was mesmerizing for a 16 year old boy! But the song itself was so incredible, I quickly became equally as entranced with the music as with the lady. My Sharona is just a great song that still holds up 44 years later! To this day, when this song comes on the radio, I crank it up and sing along...reminiscing about that 16 year old.

[@spanishpeaches2930]

One of the greatest pop guitar solos of all time..esp the extended version. Remember seeing a friend play it in a band when he was 19 and me 18....played it note perfect..He still is an excellent guitarist all these years later.

[@ericmadeoftin8206]

That solo during the break in the song may very well be the greatest. ⚡️⚡️

[@spanishpeaches2930]

@@ericmadeoftin8206 up rhere with the solo for The Final Countdown

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Cool!

[@ericsteinmetz9423]

That whole album was great. I really liked Your number or your name. Loved that song. 🎉

[@blastfromthepast1]

The summer of '79 all you heard on the radio was My Sharona! Great era for new music. Interesting aside: The late Doug Feiger's brother is famed attorney Geoffrey Feiger, who was the defense attorney for Dr Jack Kevorkian.

[@DC8091]

The Knack ruled!!!! Another kick ass Michigan band! I really need to more of them!

[@ProfessorofRock]

AMEN!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Motown was far from the only blessing Michigan granted us with.

[@DC8091]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 you’re damn right! 🍻

[@lawdogwales5921]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Grand Funk Railroad!

[@kevhanson1262]

The knack brings back memories of 1981 a friend of the family used to come over and play her copy of "My Sharona "which id never heard before. Don't know how i didn't hear the song in 79 .Soon as you hear it your taken in by it

[@fry9700]

Iconic song. The best part about it is the guitar solo, one of the single best guitar solos in the history of rock ‘n’ roll music.

[@joeybrandin]

“To be her own sharona” is the best line of the whole video 😂

[@MedalionDS9]

My Sharona is one of the most catchiest songs ever of Power Pop ever, even though for a time it fell out of fashion even during the mid 80's as being seen as square... it returned to prominence in the early 90's and stayed in my head forever. I always prefer to listen to the full album version with the full guitar solo

[@ProfessorofRock]

So true.

[@fivestring65ify]

That's my favorite version, too.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I always look forward to that guitar solo.

[@HotRod12667]

That guitar solo is boss!

[@info-mation]

I was privileged enough to have seen The Knack live 3 times. Once when My Sharona was at its peak and everyone was talking about the album. They were great and as a bonus Scandal opened for them. The other 2 times I saw them in smaller venues and Doug even took the time to talk with my buddy and me for around 5 minutes before the show. Burton was ill with the flu one show and performed like the pro he is. I can’t say enough good things about The Knack. They had so many great songs and I have so many great memories.

[@tim3308]

Wow, The Knack and Scandal! What a bill.

[@GoodTimekeeper]

Steve Dahl was an anti-Disco crusader as a DJ at WLUP “The Loop” in Chicago. He was involved in the infamous Disco Demolition Night at a Chicago White Sox game in 1979. A few months later, he and his band did a parody of My Sharona called “Ayatollah.”

[@gregpaspatis9425]

@GoodTimekeeper "Steve Dahl was an anti-disco crusader......." To be more precise, he simply resented the "disco" fad pushing away the more rockier-oriented tracks from radio stations like the one he had been working at, in favor of a more "all disco, all the time" station looking to capitalize on and cash in on the disco music (and radio format) fad. He saw the rockier-oriented tracks getting the short ends of the stick, so to speak.

[@BobVanDusen]

This entire album is one of my all time favorites. If stranded with only a choice of 10 albums to play, this would def be one of them. I remember buying the single (still have it) and playing it and Let Me Out, the B side over and over. It took me what seemed forever to save enough to buy the album Finally did, took it home an played it repeatedly for an entire weekend I think. Bottled lightning is a perfect way of describing it! @professorofrock, thanks for the videos, memories and great music...keep 'em coming!

[@briankidd2375]

One of my favorite guitar solos of all time (the album version)

[@dwells37]

ABSOLUTELY!! I always hate hearing the version where they cut a significant portion of that solo out. The full version has SUCH a great energy to it!

[@ProfessorofRock]

It's SO GOOD!

[@spoze18]

I still get "baby talks dirty" in my head at random times. It was used in "sex education." I was so excited.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I agree. That solo is very underrated.

[@anselmmartin1085]

I was 12 years old when I heard My Sharona on the radio and I was blown away ❤. So this little Caribbean boy, who grew up on soul, Calypso and reggae music, sang My Sharona everywhere I went😅.

[@hotrod1793]

The first time I heard this song was on the 1st day of my senior year of high school in Sept of '1979'. It's funny what we remember. I didn't like this song at the time, but now looking back it is indelibly linked to some of my fondest memories of 1979-1980

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It was a good year! What do you think of the song now?

[@marktait2371]

yeh my older brothers and friends went to. knack concert must have been 78.79.i was too young they gave away tshirts recall the guys had but was typical then whatever didnt sell old school.merc tables sure not like today tdhirts hats maybe a promo.vinly or later cds

[@turbotodd6487]

The two most played songs I heard on the radio at that time were "My Sharona" and CHEAP TRICK's "Dream Police". They both stuck in my head.

[@Embur12]

The dream police live inside of your head...

[@RC32Smiths01]

I can't imagine how many times I have heard this song haha. Really interesting how it came about, even it might be considered lightning in a bottle as far as the band's fame and legacy is concerned. And of course, you know it's legendary if it gets compared with the Beatles' work!

[@ProfessorofRock]

I though these guys would go the distance... Thanks RC32

[@RC32Smiths01]

@@ProfessorofRock It makes so much sense in the grander scheme of things. Cheers as always

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I bet even the Beatles were delighted to hear this song.

[@thewicked8642]

Another great video. Love the insight you bring to songs and I always learn new things about the music I remember from my childhood. My memory of this song (besides it being played on the radio a ton) was from these album shaped pieces of bubblegum that came in a package that looked just like the cover of the album. Apparently they were called Chu-Bops. Anyhow, I had The Knack one and I remember having that little album cover for a long time. Not sure if anyone else remembers this gum.

[@eggsngritstn]

I loved this record when it came out. It was catchy and fresh.

[@ProfessorofRock]

It was a breath of fresh air!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

A good break from disco.

[@YvetteArby]

I love Get The Knack! Before I could buy the album, I would stay up late to listen to it late at night on KLOS on Saturday nights, when they would play great albums in their entirety. I saved up my allowance until I could buy it and of course then I recorded onto cassette tape and I played it on my boom box. Years later, after I could drive, I’d bring it with me to the beach and play the cassette and someone would always ask me to turn it up. RIP, Doug Fieger, and thank you for your music. ✌🏼💖🤘🏼

[@Whisper_292]

The Knack was my favorite band back in the day. I wish they had done more. Great song, and the album is just fantastic. I still love to listen to it. But the Little Girls Understand was just as good, but people barely noticed.

[@RBS_]

....I DID! ....still have mine! ...on VINYL, thankUverymuch! ..ha-HAA!

[@ProfessorofRock]

So true. They were one and done...

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

At least they were saved from being a one hit wonder with Good Girls Don’t.

[@bluedogok]

I still have both albums on vinyl from back then.

[@Prof_Jeff]

Round Trip is even better than ...but the Little Girls Understand.

[@BigApeBooks]

I was in junior high when it came out and it was on tbe radio constantly and remained so for decades. Classic song. I wondered what became of the Knack after their brief rise, so thanks for this episode!

[@martyjones7225]

This was one of my first albums. I won it at a dime coin toss at the Seattle Center back in 1979. It took only three tries to get the dime to land on the plate. When 'My Sharona' was available for Rock Band, I sang it all of the time. It is the only rock song that I scored 100% on Expert.

[@YvetteArby]

I sang it on Rock Band as well! I used to go to a dive bar to play Rock Band with my buddies in Seattle. I got 98% the first time, and 100% after that (on expert). Great times, great music! ✌🏼💖🤘🏼

[@logansfury]

I just settled in and watched the intro for today's video. Captivated immediately. I am really excited because I know this is going to be an especially good episode.

[@ericbgordon1575]

The part of how The Knack motivated Quincy Jones to prompt Michael Jackson to pen (what would become) "Beat It" is my favorite aspect of "My Sharona"'s impact on pop culture. It's easy to dig how Al parodied it and Doug giving Al his first contract or its inclusion in Reality Bites. The indirect influence it had on the writing of "Beat it" takes the cake (in my book).

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Eric!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I didn’t know they had anything to do with Beat It!

[@joec91660]

Always love the "if you ever...." portion of the intro to the Prof's videos !

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

Doug died 2010 .I loved his interpretation of the making of the songs on this album

[@ProfessorofRock]

So dude. I gotta know. WHO ARE YOU?

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

@@ProfessorofRock I'm Cool😎 I'm Cocky and I'm Bad!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

What did he say about them?

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Hey Silly Lilly, 😜 you are too young.

[@scottjohnson8801]

Great job on this song and band. It was in the summer of 1979 and just finished my Junior year of high school when I was on vacation at Hampton beach New Hampshire with my family and best friend when we first heard it and we just stopped and looked at each other and said Wow. Who is this? I want to hear that again . And we did hear it again and again and I still enjoy hearing it. My 33 year old son plays this song on his guitar 🎸 but I still remember the room and where l was when I first heard it. There is not many songs l can say that about. Thanks for sharing your insights and thoughts with us subscribers ❤

[@lawdogwales5921]

Yes, I too remember the room and where I was when I first heard it too.

[@magneto7930]

Better to have a great song once in a lifetime then to never have reached that height.

[@georgeedward1226]

I remember when this song came out. The music media were calling them the "next Beatles'" which is really the kiss of death IMHO. There are some really good heavy metal covers of this out there that are pretty good.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Kind of like the next Dylan.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

So many artists were vying to compete for the title of “next Beatles.”

[@Atomwaffen-y3s]

I remember it well when it came out. There was a few songs like My Sharona that just attacked you in 1979. The Cars “Just What I Needed”. “too Late Too Late” by The Shoes. Nick Lowe’s “Cruel To Be Kind.” Blondies remake of “Hanging On The Telephone”. The First Pretenders record. Lindsey Buckingham’s “The Ledge.” The post punk new wave era really bloomed in 1979. No longer did we have to suffer through Kenny Loggins and Michael McDonald. Sadly, there isn’t anything like that anymore that just hits you like that. Maroon 5 is a fkuking pathetic joke and Taylor Swift ain’t no Christie Hynde.

[@vanessahenry7238]

Loved this album when it came out! My band even would play My Sharona every set. It was a bit harder then Figer's but still was fun! I had no idea that he had passed sadly.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

So tragic. 😢

[@robvandendolder3157]

Thank Adam. Always wondered what happened to this amazing band. This song was something else, absolutely incredible. I loved it, still love just a fantastic song. 👍😎

[@vincereynolds6092]

When this song came out I bought it on 45 and wore it out on my record player! 😊

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

How could you not?

[@louiebee6745]

I didn't. Album version only!👍👍

[@vincereynolds6092]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Exactly! 😁

[@vincereynolds6092]

@@louiebee6745Was the album version different from the single?

[@louiebee6745]

​​@@vincereynolds6092Yes! The album version had the entire guitar solo kept intact, while the single cut out 45 seconds of that great solo. Horrors!🤬

[@EmpressNoriko]

I realize I’m a little late to this, but I have a very strong memory of this song. Every time I hear it I’m transported back to 1979. I was a military brat living in Bellevue, NE, a suburb of Omaha. I went to Logan Fontanelle Jr High. We considered ourselves lucky that we had a bus driver who would play the local pop/rock station. Sorry don’t remember the call letters. I clearly remember this song coming on. I was near the back of the bus and there’s about 30 kids all bopping their heads and singing along. It was a beautiful fall day. Every time I hear this song I’m immediately transported back to a wonderful, carefree happy time. I know we sang along and kinda half danced, seated to many songs, but for some reason this is the one time that’s strongly stayed with me all these years. Kudos to the bus driver who kept us in line with the threat of turning off the radio and a long silent bus ride back to base housing. Genius management on his part.

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

I had autographed pictures of famous women titled in songs I had Peggy Sue, OhDonna,Judy Blue Eyes, Sister Christian, Oh Sherry, Brandy the Ojays was a dog, I'm Your Puppet ,Clair Gilbert O Sullivan, Babe Styx, Alligator Woman, Sweet Child of Mine !

[@ProfessorofRock]

Are you for real???? So cool!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Who was the Alligator Woman?

[@philmorris640]

In 1989, the Knack released another album, 'Serious Fun.' The music had a decidedly more rock-like sound than did their earlier work. At the time the sound was a welcome refreshing sound and became one of my favorite albums. It still is. When I head out for an extended weekend road trip, I still pack 'Serious Fun' to bring a lightheartedness to the commute. Easily one of the best albums for that purpose. Thank you for this exposè on The Knack, as it has allowed me to share my memories of one of my favorite late 80s fun sounds!

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

The real Sharona is a realtor in California. The realtors are coming here to Las Vegas for the second time this year!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

How old is she?

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Nearly 60.

[@brrblack497]

Has the best guitar solo in a one hit wonder. In 1980 when my family moved from Anchorage Alaska to no-where PA. I had a cassette player and headphones; I must've listened to that tape a thousand times, so I didn't have to listen to my father's Country music. Still a fun song!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha ha@ Great memories. What country did you dad listen to?

[@brrblack497]

@ProfessorofRock Huge Marty Robin's fan, Charlie McCoy-harmoica player, George Jones and Hee-Haw. I grew to love all that stuff.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Is Alaska worth a visit?

[@brrblack497]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 I grew up there, left in 1980, have no idea what the people are like now, lol.

[@whatprogress]

The Sunset Bombers LP is worth checking out as well. I stumbled upon a copy in a cut-out bin 30ish years ago, and it’s become one of my all time favorites. Long OOP but readily available on Discogs. The owner of the record store where I was employed at the time always dismissed The Knack as “stooge rock,” so I played him Sunset Bombers without telling him Doug Fieger was in the band. Sadly, he dismissed them as stooge rock as well. He was a tough nut to crack.

[@fivestring65ify]

One of the greatest riffs in history. This one to me is as epic as the Smoke on the water riff. Sometimes all the planets line up, and they definitely did on this one

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

They struck gold at the right time.

[@theeteecee]

I was today years old when I found out Sharona was a name. I always thought it was a word used for "girlfriend" or "sweetheart". This is awesome!

[@francisseidel8014]

Actually my favorite song from the album was Good Girls Don't. They didn't disappear, their audience was finicky.

[@ProfessorofRock]

So true!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

That’s why they’re not a one hit wonder.

[@MrCcoachman]

I had a good friend down in LA that let me know about this up and coming band and when he came up to share my apartment for the summer in the Bay Area in 1979, we caught The Knack in San Francisco and I was hooked on their music and I still love it today. I was a huge Blondie fan and The Knack fit right in with their New Wave sound. I have several copies of Get The Knack in various stages of wear, but they are a group with music that will certainly outlive me just as it has Doug Fieger (RIP). I'm sure glad that The Knack was around so I could fully enjoy them in my youth!

[@fideauone3416]

Building a room onto my house all alone when this came on the radio I had blaring to keep me company. I couldn't stand still. I was dancing up ladders and driving nails with a beat. It is one of my favorite songs even today. It never gets old.

[@tedbecker4051]

My Sharona was a great song, but no way should it have been The Knack's only hit. There are many other songs on the Get the Knack album which are just as good, if not better. It's a great album.

[@ProfessorofRock]

True. It was a great album...

[@smurphftw2008]

Good Girls Don't was a hit. Peaked at #11. I always thought "Frustrated" should have been a single, but they put it on the B-side of "Good Girls" instead.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

You are right.

[@tedbecker4051]

@@smurphftw2008 - I agree. Frustrated should have been a single. Out of the ten songs on the album, eight are good enough to be singles. I'm leaving out Let Me Out and Siamese Twins (The Monkey and Me). My favorite songs on the album are Oh Tara and Maybe Tonight. Definitely should have been singles. What were the label execs thinking?

[@joec91660]

Loved The Knack ! Sad that two of original members are gone .

[@julianamartinez5149]

And, I'm back in high school, again, again. ❤ Thx, Prof!

[@garyspry1444]

I was traveling throughout Florida with a friend after my first year in college and this song was all over the radio. Remember it well. My cousin got me the album for my 20th birthday later that year.

[@tjg555]

Still one of my favorite replay classics. I listen to this song all the time and it never gets old. I always thought the Knuke the Knack stuff was garbage. What a great rock & roll band!

[@dennyliegerot4021]

I was working at a Winn Dixie grocery store in Lawrenceville GA when this song debuted...bought the album asap. The opening guitar and bass riff was what caught my attention initially...the lyrics were simple, fun to sing and got stuck in your head. Thanks for another informative trip down memory lane. Interested in your thoughts on "Hold your head up" by Argent...or Sugarloafs "Green eyed Lady" ...though these may be a bit before your time.

[@garyspartan67]

Great video! 1979 was the year I met my best friend in 6th grade. He and I over the years have always said that this was THE song that killed disco. Glad to see that so many others agree. That song RULED the summer of 1979. Would've liked to have heard more on your take on the disco-killing aspect of the song, though, Professor. 🤔

[@jeep2701]

One of your best episodes ……well done from down under

[@lowellmccormick6991]

It's a perfect pop tune. The driving beat and bass makes heads instinctively bob and the guitar riff is outstanding.

[@bobstuckrath1805]

One great song, this one... Always makes me cry. Just like a newborn baby, I cry.

[@Penfold497]

Great observation about the similarity of the vocal style of My Generation and My Sharona.

[@cohearent]

Was blessed to meet Doug in 2008, sadly shortly before he passed. He was a very down to earth guy. We geeked out talking about Beatles guitars and amps. We did a “tag team” interview of one of our favorite engineers, Larry Levine, an excerpt of which can be found on KZbin

[@nicholassmith479]

I always loved the solo at the end of the song. A very hard punch for such a great pop song.

[@jaredlitherland2670]

Great episode, Professor -- For your viewers who only know "My Sharona" but have never heard the rest of 'Get The Knack' -- they're missing out on one of the greatest power pop albums if all time. I consider side 1 to be a perfect album side (and "My Sharona" is on side 2). Also highly recommend the biopic 'Getting The Knack' which would be an awesome companion piece to this episode. Cheers!

[@DaBigRMV]

She’s a Los Angeles real estate person. 🎵 “Bu...bu...bu...bu...BUY, BUY, BUY SHARRONA!”

[@edzeljereza8234]

Love the extended version with the scorching guitar solo in the end.

[@sailingseaofstars]

One.of my all.time.favorite songs. It was the energy of.the early.eighties it makes me.feel.young and carefree