Legendary Band HAD 21 BIG Hits…Most People Don’t REALIZE-They Were ALL Cover Songs-Professor of Rock

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: What is your pick for the GREATEST "COVER" song of all time?

[@Code.Name.V]

Nazareth - Love Hurts

[@stephenbrown4211]

I Can See Clearly Now Hothouse Flowers

[@christineml1476]

"Mad World" by Gary Jules Tears for Fears wrote it, but Jules' version makes it an entirely different, more poignant, song.

[@SPak-rt2gb]

The one's Led Zeppelin did...take your pick

[@surlechapeau]

Black Magic Woman- Santana (Fleetwood Mac)

[@pgendron8491]

I remember as a kid going to church every sunday, it just so happened to be christmas time one sunday, and the priest says ok "lets all get together and sing Joy to the World " My little sister jumped up and started belting out the words "JERIMIAH WAS A BULL FROG!!!!" the whole place erupted in laughter....I will never forget even after 53 years.

[@wiffley]

Oh, I love your story!😂

[@MkGearald]

😂 Roflmao

[@kimkelly5512]

They belong in The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵

[@surlechapeau]

Three Dog Night is the band that I wish didn't breakup. We could have used another 10 years of their talent.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I agree! They had such talent. WHat's your favorite song by them?

[@surlechapeau]

@@ProfessorofRock 1 "An Old Fashioned Love Song" with 1a being "Never Been to Spain".

[@tedbecker4051]

So true!

[@Jagangela]

one@@ProfessorofRock

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Their music was so delightful.

[@ralphus44]

Maybe I'm the only one who thinks Three Dog Night deserves a nomination for the Rock Hall of Fame. People criticize them for not writing their own songs but they were a great band who had a LOT of hits.

[@izzytoons]

No, you're not the only one. They belong there. Would live to see their induction performance, or a least get a hold of the Live recordings.

[@monicadechering9489]

Agree

[@stevehackett2678]

@@izzytoons Unfortunately, most are dead. And the 2 surviving singers don’t get along.

[@philpolzin2233]

Yes TDN should be in the R&R HOF. They were an awesome group of true pros. Fans don't really care who wrote the songs, they just care about how the finished product sounds. The R&R HOF is just too full of themselves. They are out of touch with mainstream music fans.

[@scottburton9701]

Three Dog Night deserve to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame-It's a no brainer!

[@CraigGrant-sh3in]

No room with all of the country and rap singers they keep putting in

[@Donniesquid4]

They're not already in?! I honestly assumed they were. Wow! Definitely agree!

[@Ltw7407]

I get why they aren't now. They did NOT write their own songs or atleast these 21 tops hits. Can't be in RRHOF if you don't write your own music. That is a "no brainer".

[@buffalobraves9]

​@@Ltw7407 LOL.

[@4Mr.Crowley2]

Amen. I’m also furious that Joy Division/New Order haven’t been inducted yet - it’s ridiculous.

[@leventrock63]

I'm 60. I'm still a huge fan of 3 Dog Nights. They were the kings of timeless songs. Very underrated band. RIP Cory Wells. Thank you for such lovely video. Greetings from İstanbul.

[@TheSlowoldman]

Three Dog Night might be the kings of sing alongs..... I sing all of their songs at the top of my lungs when they come on. Who really cares if they're all covers, if you make them your own and they're the ones that people remember you've done them justice. Great vocals and timeless songs!

[@ProfessorofRock]

It's true. They knew how to pick hit songs that's for sure!

[@bobp64014]

Couldn't put it any better than that!

[@Jims_Camera_at_dawn]

Easy to cover a hit song. Difficult taking a not so great song and making it a hit. Thing is, THEY MADE HITS. Hits we're talking about over 50 years later.

[@Joey_Fabitz]

Chuck Negron and shooting smack. Those were the good ole' days!!

[@darkwitness2718]

Three Dog Ñight never makes any lists of the top 100 bands but there is no denying their success.

[@joycemiller1393]

My favorite Three Dog Night song is Out in the Country. I grew up in western Nebraska , farm land, foothills to the Rockies. It had so much meaning in my teen years. It is just a beautiful song.

[@josephhancharick8310]

Thank you for reminding me of that great song. It often gets lost in shuffle when it comes to classic Three Dog Night songs. One of my favorites too.

[@w9gb]

Written by Paul Williams !

[@joebell30]

Great song, thanks for mentioning it. I also liked Try A Little Tenderness. But, I don't think there is one song I ever skipped over when playing the albums. I still have my original Suitable For Framing album.

[@smilinglynn9584]

My favorite too ...Out in the Country....folloed by Pieces of April ..and One.

[@izzytoons]

Iut Ib the Country is my favorite, too. In my KZbin library, it has the most plays of any of Three Dog Night Songs. Beautiful song.

[@ericbgordon1575]

Whenever I've heard the music of Three Dog Night, it never occurred to me to check whether they ever wrote their own music. That was never important. What was always important is the Synergy the three of them had as singers. "One" is definitely an exemplary specimen.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

And the tendency to make people join together and sing along.

[@gary-songwriter]

I couldn't agree more. In fact here are the lyrics to that masterpiece, originally penned by the great Harry Nielson. One is the loneliest number that you'll ever do Two can be as bad as one It's the loneliest number since the number one Three is still pretty bad But not as bad as one or two Four is when things get interesting Five is a bunch of freeloaders Turf them out Call the cops if there’s six or more Seven is a shit-show Don’t you let them in Eight of them will lock you out Nine is a riot in your underpants Ten is just one with a zero added on One is the loneliest number that you’ll ever do In fairness, I may have made some of the words myself. They're no more weird, though, than Harry's original. I guess that there were a lot of drugs circulating in the late 60s, huh?

[@bobgrayson6220]

Usually groups are one hit wonders because they can't write any more Great songs... These guys are incredibly Lucky to find someone who could write Great stuff for them...

[@duromusabc]

Three Dog Night had so many hits - awesome late 60s and early 70s band !

[@ProfessorofRock]

For sure!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

A worthy RRHOF contender.

[@driver4011]

one of the best, n not in the rrhof.

[@lawdogwales5921]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Contender? They were the best, the champs of the early 70s.

[@christineml1476]

I had no idea Three Dog Night recorded so many covers, each song sounds like it's theirs. Love these educational videos Prof!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Isn't it nuts? Every one!

[@anthonycastaneda6939]

Wow! What an awesome incredible channel! Always looking forward to your next “lesson” about songs or bands that I never knew. I feel as though I just keep expanding my knowledge of so much of the music that I love most. Of course I have to tell my wife about all the stuff I learn from your content. Thanks!

[@matthewronsson]

True, the ability to make a song one's own is absolutely respectable and recognizable talent.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Even Joy to the World!

[@blcksmth]

Please check your facts. I always like/liked your videos. But, now I'm starting to wonder how many other band's info you got wrong. I know ALOT about this band, and sadly you missed the mark this time. TDN didn't cover every song. Many were written by other people, but that doesn't make them cover songs. Elvis and Sinatra didn't write their own songs, but that didn't make them cover acts did it? Calling them a cover band does them a terrible injustice.@@ProfessorofRock

[@raiderdanCA]

Chuck, Danny, and Cory .... three incredible lead singers in one of the great Rock groups in music history. There was no sound like THREE DOG NIGHT. Bravo !

[@steveturner3999]

Loved then and love now Three Dog Night! First time I heard "Momma told me not come" I was hooked. To go from fun melodies like it to "Black and White" and covering Hoyt Axtons "Never been to Spain" they did it all! Definitely a huge part of my youth. Thanks Professor!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

They covered many classics.

[@beenaplumber8379]

Out of all their songs that used to make me lose control with happy energy as a kid, when I finally saw them live in 1987 is was "One Man Band" that really gave me chills! That intro is engaging, haunting, energizing, and a dear old friend from childhood. It doesn't stand out as a huge hit, but I still get chills. "Ain't no two ways about it..."

[@LisaGemini]

Had no clue they did all or mostly covers! OMG I grew up with this band. Everyone loved them! 😮😮😮😮❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Me neither. I knew some of their songs were covers, but there were more than I thought.

[@blcksmth]

That's because these facts are wrong. Most of their songs were NOT cover songs, BUT they were written by other artists. Sure, a few were covers, but covers of deep tracks on albums nobody ever hear. They weren't released as singles by those artists. They made those artists famous and made them money.

[@marctoad]

​@@blcksmthSorry to say, if it appears recorded before their single version, regardless of popularity, that makes it a cover and not an original. That's what the term means, don't dilute it to mean something else just to include exceptions. Cover isn't a dirty word.

[@blcksmth]

@@marctoad It's not a cover if you recorded it first. Many songs were written by almost unknowns. By the loose definition of "cover" Elvis and Sinatra were also cover acts.

[@izzytoons]

Grew up up with band, too. Loved that Joy to the World made on The Big Chill. Thank you so much Three Dog Night. Would have loved another 20, 30 years of more songs, but I cherish the ones we have.

[@rich56ca]

Possibly the most underrated act of the rock era. I own their greatest hits and there’s not a dud on it. Never really thought of them as a ‘cover’ band although I understand why they could be thought of that way.

[@tedbecker4051]

Wow! One of my favorite bands of the 70s. If you were an unknown songwriter in the late 60s, early 70s, you hit the jackpot if Three Dog Night chose to record your song. I'm amazed that they had such a short recording career. They had so many great songs. They were incredibly talented at taking cover songs and making them their own. Love "Black and White." It's a wonderful song which still resonates today. It's awesome that you were able to interview two out of the three lead singers. Love it!

[@ProfessorofRock]

It wasn't long but they had so many hits so fast!

[@marktait2371]

yeh i recently bought an original copy of joy to the world ghits vinly pretty amazing they had that many hits in just a few yeara

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

The world is black, the world is white. Important song.

[@footy2rock]

Have you done Grand Funk Railroad yet Adam?@@ProfessorofRock

[@davidhinkson8856]

When I was in primary school in England we actually sang "Black and White" as a hymn at morning assembly!

[@dmpath]

I recall being on a bus with a bunch of classmates on our way to a field trip of some kind. When somebody busted out with "Jeremiah was a bull frog!" Immediately that whole bus erupted into the song, screaming as loud as we could. Three Dog Night was the sound track of my youth from age 10 to 15. I had no idea they didn't write their songs but it didn't matter. They were awesome. Mama Told Me was my favorite, had no idea that Randy Newman wrote it. Chuck was right, they resurrected songs. They weren't covering hits, they MADE them hits with their unique style. I always felt they didn't get enough credit. Thanks for this pickmeup video.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for watching!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It makes me happy how they were able to have chart success by simply covering tunes in such a distinct and unique way.

[@ceciliajones7816]

Man this is back I’m my little kid days! I was born in 1966. People don’t believe me but I have distinct memories of music on the radio in numerous settings from 4 yrs until today, actually. Music is such a gift!

[@bobgrayson6220]

4 years old ? I don't believe it either ! 😂

[@ceciliajones7816]

@@bobgrayson6220 doesn’t matter what you believe about my memories.

[@shyphyre]

I can relate having memories of listening to music on the radio from 3 years old. I am two years older than you.

[@izzytoons]

I had the same experience. I was four when the Beatles appeared on the Ed Sullivan show, and then watched a stream of bands there for years. My brother was six years older. So I listened to his records until I had money. (I've still got them now. 300 or 400 45's). I remember listening to music on my borther's transistor radio on the beach. :) Great times.

[@RC32Smiths01]

Very unique band for sure. The harmony alone ensured how smooth they are as a unit, and their instrumental section is so indicative of the 70s rock feel!

[@ProfessorofRock]

For sure! Thanks RC32. Have a great weekend!

[@RC32Smiths01]

You too!@@ProfessorofRock

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Such infectious harmonies!

[@beenaplumber8379]

Yeah, but give Jimmy Greenspoon his due. His keys were a huge part of their sound. The guy was a monster on the Hammond and especially the Wurly.

[@grene1955]

I saw them 3 or 4 times back in the day, always awesome! What a great band! Chuck Negron has always been one of my favorite singers. It always pissed me off that they caught crap for doing "covers". No one ever gave Joe Cocker crap for doing the same thing at the same time. His vocal on Easy To Be Hard still gives me chills!

[@ramsey6681]

I had a very similar discussion with my partner just a couple of days ago. Listen to Cocker's version of "With A Little Help From My Friends". He does virtually nothing on it. Aside from a bit of a scream towards the end Joe's input is minimal. 90% of it is the band and the backing singers. Seriously. I had to listen to it twice on the bonk to realise that he almost didn't have to turn up and could have phoned it in.

[@billybandyk0720]

Same philosophy also applies 2 Manfred Mann's Earth Band. The majority of their hit songs r covers also (especially "Do Wah Diddy", "The Mighty Quinn", "Spirits In The Night", "Blinded By The Light", "I Came For You", & "The Runner").

[@beenaplumber8379]

@@billybandyk0720 Manfred Mann put out an album called The Lone Arranger. (A compilation, I think.) He knew who he was, and he was also brilliant! Didja know all three of his Springsteen cover hits were from the same Springsteen album?

[@billybandyk0720]

@@beenaplumber8379 Surprisingly; I DO know that. I can name those songs; "Spirits In The Night", "I Came For You", & "Blinded By The Light".

[@beenaplumber8379]

@@billybandyk0720 Brilliant covers, all three! Manfred Mann was a genius.

[@blasty290]

Love their version of the great Leo Sayer song "The Show Must go on". Changing "won't" to "must" let the show go on brings a whole different meaning to the story of the song.

[@rogerdeahl9629]

❤ Cant stay today, but love 3 Dog Night! Have a great weekend, Professor and classmates!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

You too Roger!

[@joshuakline1435]

Fun Fact: Three Dog Night's "Mama Told Me (Not To Come)", which went up to number one on Billboard's Hot 100 was the first number one song to be played on the very first American Top 40 hosted by the late Casey Kassem which aired on 07/04/1970

[@ProfessorofRock]

Great trivia!

[@petercena9497]

Its debut was broadcast on only 7 stations, one where I lived, KTSA in San Antonio.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I know that factoid!

[@barrysmith8920]

Momma told me not to come..And I listened! Sadly, many of my friends, band mates and acquaintances didn’t, now they’re gone 😔

[@LazyIRanch]

That ain't the way to have fun, son! I learned after attending a couple of parties where I saw things I ain't EVER seen before, that "I didn't want to see no more". I lost my fiance, who was also my best friend, to a heroin overdose in 1989. My classmate and good friend died 2 years after graduation when he was shot more than 40 times over a drug deal. Two friends died in the 80s of AIDS. Two of my brother's bandmates died of drug ODs, and there were many others who died young of "misadventure" that I knew but weren't close friends with. Crazy times.

[@barrysmith8920]

@@LazyIRanch I’m so sorry for all your losses 😔, especially your fiancé. My band Gentlemen Afterdark lost 13 members between band and crew. 3 bass players to alcohol, one died in jail. 3 sound men lost to heroin. Our ex-manager dressed in his finest suit, climbed into a dumpster and shot himself. One to cancer, others too. Alice Cooper produced our debut EP in 1983. He tried to quit alcohol for years until his wife Cheryl left him. He quit immediately, they’ve been married 47 years. 💞

[@LazyIRanch]

@@barrysmith8920 That's horrible that your band lost so many members! I actually recognized your band name, I was thinking "I remember a punk group with a name like that", so I looked it up, and it IS your band I was thinking of. I was into punk and new wave in late 70s to mid 80s. I guess you are aware that your band's music will live eternally on a soundtrack of "Stranger Things". "Open The Door" is a bangin' song, and I hope it brings you new fans (and royalty checks).

[@barrysmith8920]

@@LazyIRanch WOW! Yes, that’s us.. If was a big thrill to open the season of Stranger Things with that song. My brother Brian the singer/lyricist, made the deal, he’s incredible. I played violin and keyboards on it. Thank you for the mention 🌟

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

They shoulda listened to momma…

[@flavellinator]

Man, haven't thought about that Three Dog Night version of this song for a long time! Good one Professor. My favorite is Old Fashioned Love Song... A rare song where some of the lyrics describe the song itself!

[@ProfessorofRock]

I love that one as well. Did you ever get to see them live?

[@flavellinator]

When I was young and during the band's enormous popularity, there was a rumor that There Dog Night was going to play at the high school stadium in the city where I lived. My sister talked endlessly about going to it, but I was far too young at the time to go along.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

One of my faves too.

[@buffalobraves9]

@@ProfessorofRock the great Paul Williams.

[@serendipityshopnyc]

Look up "Title of the Song" by DaVinci's Notebook. Very meta!

[@thetitleisours1]

One of my favorites of Tree Dog Night is "In the Country"

[@Dave-lq2le]

"One" was the first 45 I ever bought. Little did I know this was the first of about 1500 albums and 45s I would eventually own. I guess I can blame Three Dog Night for my record collection. 😂😂😂 😎👍

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Three Dog Night, of all artists. Wow. 😆

[@Dave-lq2le]

@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Yeah, I started listening to music in the early 60's, but never bought records. I had an older sister that bought everything. Later on our taste in music began to differ, and she didn't like Three Dog Night. Boy, I sure did, so I started buying the stuff I liked! My records are the only thing from my childhood that I still have. Been dragging them around forever!!😂😂😂 😎👍

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@Dave-lq2le Your sister grew even more annoyed, I’m imagining…

[@Dave-lq2le]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 No doubt!🤣🤣🤣

[@izzytoons]

Dave-lq2le: Classic. You had good taste even when you started out. Many of us can't say that.

[@erichvereen1988]

I have always loved Three Dog Night. My mother introduced me to them when I was younger and I have passed them onto my son. My favorite song of theirs has always been Joy to the World, and I’m happy to say my son sang loudly to it when he was four years old and loves it to this day. Thanks for keep music alive!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

How old is he? I’d love to sing along with him.

[@Mick_Ts_Chick]

That's my fave too. We used to go to the rodeo and they'd let a bull loose in the arena. One of the clowns would play around with the bull and they always played this song. Brings back the fun times when I hear it.

[@KZ-lw5yf]

Cory Wells (RIP) was a phenomenal vocalist (had to throw some light his way). Love 3DN. Saw them at Summerfest in Milwaukee. My favorite of all their great covers is "Eli's Coming" by Laura Nyro. They infused the song with a kind of desperate energy that was perfect for its lyrics.

[@josephhancharick8310]

Truly, KZ, I did not read your comment until after I posted mine. We share the same sentiment about Cory, Laura, and "Eli's Coming", one of the best songs from the late 60's.

[@candicewitzkoske3155]

Cory was such a beautiful specimen of a man!!!

[@esthergarcia1373]

@@candicewitzkoske3155 Cory Wells was my favorite of 3DN. Glad I saw him & Danny H. perform together before Cory passed away. 🌹🌟❤

[@candicewitzkoske3155]

@@esthergarcia1373 That is awesome!

[@markkovach1992]

One IS the greatest song, cover or not, to come out of that time period. I was 15 and fell in love with Three Dog Night immediately.

[@griffin02324]

My first concert experience was to go see Three Dog Night in August of '71. However, the opening act was a singer with a guitar who ended his set by saying, 'I have an album coming out in October, and this is the first single which will be released.' That song was American Pie, the singer was, of course, Don McLean, and the crowd inside the Boston Garden, having never heard the song nevertheless joined in on the chorus the second time it came around. It was an amazing moment I have never forgotten. And, oh, yeah, Three Dog Night were every bit as amazing when they took the stage that night as well.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Wow!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

The Don McLean story is incredible! You were one of the first to hear American Pie. 😊

[@jbsguitars8373]

I was there, don’t remember Don McLean. Saw them twice at Boston garden. 1st time was at Hampton Beach Casino in 1969. Got in free!! New the sound guy

[@griffin02324]

I remember this well. Don McLean, with no band, just his guitar, was the opening act. Glad to find someone else who is still alive was there. LOL@@jbsguitars8373

[@griffin02324]

The only thing that beats it in my life was to see Bruce Springsteen before he hit it big do shows at a Cambridge blues club

[@garyjackson3531]

I grew up listening to Three Dog Night. Amazing group. One of those truly magical combinations of people.

[@lauriepowell3959]

And they were FUN to listen to!

[@SatansSimgma]

Says who?

[@Whisper_292]

I agree!

[@MyName-pl7zn]

Absolutely love 3 dog night! This is one of those rare songs that can make you feel good about being lonely. Never knew the busy signal story, fanatastic insight. You nailed it when you said they could take any song and make it THEE version. Loved the episode and the interviews! This is what makes the channel so phenomenal!

[@ProfessorofRock]

So true! It's such a cool song! Thanks My Name. Any requests?

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

They knew how to cover a song and make it their own!

[@Missunderstood103]

🎶Wash away my troubles Wash away my pain With the rain in Shambala Wash away my sorrow Wash away my shame With the rain in Shambala Ah ooh yeah Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah Ah ooh yeah Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah' ✳️First on my playlist since forever, because 'It ain't a good day till it's a 3 dog night.' 🌌🎶

[@mansurazeez2229]

The soothing Out In The Country is my favorite song by Three Dog Night! 👍👍

[@duaneperkins8329]

OK, you just blew me away! 😵‍💫 I loved Three Dog Night in the 70's...never knew they were all covers. You expect a few (even the Beatles did them) but not all. Mama was my favorite. Wow...thank you.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I knew that one was a cover.

[@kathleenhudson8429]

I have always loved Three Dog Night. Harmony is one thing that seems to be missing in today’s music, but Three Dog Night excelled at it. It’s hard to pick a favorite of theirs. One is definitely near the top of the list, but I also love Eli’s Coming, Black and White, Play Me Something Sweet, and many more. Wonderful group!

[@darylhayes5961]

ThankU!!!!....Chuck Negron!!!!... for ur Influence...as a vocalist!!!... I... studied ur vocals close!!!😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊🎶🎶🎶🎵🎵🎼🎼🎵🎶🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤

[@janem9016]

I saw Three Dog Night in 1974 and they put on a fabulous show. I’m so glad I had the chance to see them live. It was one of my favourite concerts - my fav song of theirs was Easy to be Hard followed by One.

[@lindamcfarland9656]

Three Dog Night is an old favorite of my mom's 😊 She also loved The Orleans and The Grass Roots. I love to sing along to One, but my favorite Three Dog Night song is Shambala😄 It's a smooth, feel good jam and I like to keep it on my Musical Zoloft playlist👏!

[@Whisper_292]

Musical Zoloft--I love it! I call mine Audio Comfort Food.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for sharing!! Love that! Have a great weekend Linda!

[@lindamcfarland9656]

@@Whisper_292 Audio Comfort Food is a perfect description!

[@lindamcfarland9656]

@@ProfessorofRock thanks!, and you, too, Professor!🙋‍♀️

[@dwaynewladyka577]

I remember that music from the 1970s. It is amazing. Cheers! ✌️

[@drewmcvicker1445]

Thanks for covering ThreeDog Night! They, along with the Guess Who were my first exposure to rock music as a young boy.

[@Teresia12]

My favorite band of all time. I'm 67 and fell in love with them when One came out. I was 10.

[@morrislindroth7910]

'Thanks for putting my kids through college!' 😂 what a compliment!! edit: k.. i wasnt to the end.. but the Band telling Harry; 'Yup! that where it needs to be' for One was the Best as well... Awesome episode as always!!!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Isn't that cool?

[@tedbecker4051]

Love that!

[@thedarkhorse100]

I’d go with Never been to Spain, but that could change tomorrow, truly a great band of the ages

[@paulsoxl7739]

But I’ve been to Oklahoma

[@DanieVargas]

I LOVE THREE DOG NIGHT!! I’ve loved their songs since I was 5 or 6 years old. The 70’s was an…”innocent” time… the radio (think AM) was all over the place! There was no such thing as a “Genre specific” station. I remember when my dad turned it on and I sat there and LISTENED! I had never done that before… I think that was when he realized I liked music. I’d been listening to a 3DN song. It was One. I told my dad that I really liked it. So we kept listening together and he would ask my opinion after we listened to a song. I think we BONDED, LMAO!! So I usually associate this song with my dad… He passed away on Jan 29, 1999. Thank you for your music dad. I’m doing the best I know to keep it alive. And thank you too Adam. I love that your trying to do the SAME THING! Dude, you’re my hero.

[@caroliamurri3872]

What wonderful memories to have..💓

[@Redneck_Rockstar]

I saw these guys for FREE in 2000 in Fort Worth Texas at the stockyards....i was already a fan but the fun they had with their audience that night?? Solid band, solid tunes, amazing repertoire with their crowd....will never forget that night.

[@dwaynewladyka577]

I remember AM radio from the 1970s, when it wasn't talk shows, and sports. Incredible music came over the airwaves. Three Dog Night were an integral part of that, and the songs were so enjoyable, and made you feel good. Even though these were covers, Three Dog Night made them their own. This type of music is now known as oldies music. Floyd Sneed is an iconic drummer, and he happened to be from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. One of our great Canadian musicians. He helped add to the musical dynamic of the band, with his drumming. May he rest in peace. Cheers! ✌️

[@joebell30]

Professor ... great interview with 2 of the best rock singers of the late 60s, early 70's. Love the stories told by these guys!

[@Thin-n5u]

That metrome like piano was the icing on the cake. for this most excellent song.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s a simple melody.

[@sandy-pf9bb]

'Til the World Ends. I play this over and over. So beautiful. Shambala. Old Fashioned Love Song.

[@joannfalcon6423]

Awesome!!!! So many of their songs are in my heart ❤️ This background information makes this group outstanding!

[@ProfessorofRock]

For sure!

[@lynnwillis441]

My sister joined Columbia House in the mid 70s, and Around The World was or one of the first records she got. I fell in love with that album! I learned to play bass by playing along with TDN. I finally got to see them last year, and it was a definite bucket list concert! I have so many of their albums in my vinyl collection. Thanks for all the great music!

[@trinaq]

I can thank "Recess: School's Out" for introducing me to this classic jam. It's simply timeless.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I haven’t seen that movie in a long time!

[@trinaq]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Me neither, it's a true childhood gem, and I have fond memories of that and the show!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@trinaq I agree. A favorite for sure.

[@lupcokotevski2907]

In November 1969, covers of three Laura Nyro songs were at 1,2 and 10 on Billboard: Wedding Bell Blues (5th Dimension), And When I Die (Blood Sweat and Tears), and Eli's Comin' (Three Dog Night). Nyro was an astounding singer-songwriter and David Geffen's first artist under management. By 1969 she had made both of them multi millionares. Nyro's revolutionary 1968 album, Eli and the Thirteenth Confession, is the most influential songwriting album in contemporary music - "it blew everybody's mind " Todd Rundgren. Nyro "probably influenced more successful songwriters than anyone " Elton John, 2007.

[@artamussumatra6286]

Yea, she’s amazing. Anyone who likes the covers should check out her original recordings, they are fantastic!

[@CJ-uf5xy]

I’m so glad someone mentioned Laura Nyro. Such a great talent. Check out her own version of Eli’s Coming - mind blowing. She also wrote Stoney End.

[@lupcokotevski2907]

@@CJ-uf5xy Yep, Laura's original is extraordinary. The rhythm's and harmonies, in particular, leave me shaking my head in amazement.

[@Bootradr]

The harmony between the three singers was superb in Three Dog Night songs. I remember my dad loved this band back when I was a kid in the early 1970s. It was about 15 years ago when I was creating a birthday DVD with old footage for an old girlfriend and I used Mama Told Me Not To Come in part of the project. I'd always liked that song but hadn't heard any TDN in a while. It got me to finding some live shows and video performances of them and I started buying some of their early LPs. It really launched me into checking them out more for myself since I was older and I've been a fan, kind of with the nostalgia of hearing their music when I was young, ever since 👍 Brian in Fort Worth 🎶

[@ProfessorofRock]

I agree!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

That’s awesome! Do you have a favorite?

[@rongrut1961]

One of my favorite bands as all time!! Loved this!!

[@umarae27]

I loved (still do) almost every song they did. Today I'm a huge fan of another great cover artist (plus originals) from Brazil named Dan Vasc.

[@thebullet7874]

Growing up, and still today, Seven Separate Fools was a favorite albums. Every song was terrific and such a variety of songs.

[@petercena9497]

Three Dog Night were proof that some artists are better off doing covers than trying to write their own material. Liar (Russ Ballard - Argent) was their best in my opinion.

[@ProfessorofRock]

True! Thanks Peter!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Good point. They went their own route.

[@MrCherryJuice]

Yes, and they also covered Argent's 'Chained', another tune penned by Ballard (as were Ace Frehley's 'New York Groove', America's 'You Can Do Magic', Rainbow's 'Since You've Been Gone', KISS's 'God Gave Rock 'n' Roll to You' and Hot Chocolate's 'So You Win Again'). Ironically, for all the hits had by others with his compositions, the biggest hit to feature Ballard's singing was Argent's 'Hold Your Head Up', which was penned by Rod Argent and the band's producer (and former bass player alongside Rod in the Zombies), Chris White.

[@petercena9497]

@@MrCherryJuice Don't forget Frida's "I Know there's Something Going On".

[@almeisam]

My most favorite group growing up in the 60's and 70's.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Awesome!

[@karmab4391]

When I think of Three Dog Night I think of six-year-old me running around the house singing "Jeremiah was a bullfrog Was a good friend of mine" on repeat.

[@ProfessorofRock]

For sure! Great 1st line from a song!

[@tedbecker4051]

Love it. I had a similar experience.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Never understood a single word he said…

[@karmab4391]

But I helped him a-drink his wine@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980

[@candicewitzkoske3155]

Freakin loved three dog night!!! Some of the best from the 70s!

[@gragrn]

Australia's John Farnham also did a great version of One, well worth a listen to!

[@chevelle6268]

Three Dog Night!! What a fantastic band. I never cared that they did covers. They really rocked those songs. This was my first favorite band.

[@waynevia6976]

Pieces of April is my favorite three dog night song. Chuck Negron is my favorite three dog night member.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Awesome! Great band.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Love the song and the man, Wayne!

[@chathamcrescent]

Chuck Negron looks amazing! Love Three Dog Night..

[@dustybrand]

Sometime around 1974, when I was 3 years old, Three Dog Night played my hometown and my sister who was 12 really wanted to go. My mother left me with a babysitter and took my sister and as was always her style she managed to get front row seats. My mother was generally known as the most beautiful woman in my town and Chuck Negron saw her in the front row, sent someone out to get her and she and my sister were backstage, selected from a crowd of about 5000 people. Chuck came offstage, walked straight to my mother and said he wanted to get to know her. She held up her hand with a wedding ring he saw it and said: "Ok....well enjoy the show".

[@psykomystro]

Momma Told Me... "That ain't the way to have fun son!!! " That's the track that does it for me!!! Though they killed every track they did! Three dog rocks!!! ❤

[@johnmaynardable]

When I first started to get into buying my own music, and not just listen to music from my older brother and sisters (I was the baby of the family), Three Dog Night and Chicago were the first bands I claimed as mine. Of course my family listened to them too, but I brought them into the house.

[@lesleycasey4748]

One of my favorite bands ever!!! Mama TOLD Me not to come Shambala Joy to the World....what's there not to love

[@CthulhuCoffee]

If a frog hops up to you and offers you some wine, don't worry, that's just Jeremiah; he's a friend of mine. 🐸

[@cojaxart8986]

Adam, you’ve hit on a subject that is near and dear to my heart! TDN’s “One” was the very first vinyl album that I bought with my own money. I was a paper boy when I was 12-14. My parents were not fond of the fact that fact that I spent my money on this album. Then, I bought a concert ticket and TDN was my very first rock concert! Thanks for posting this one!! I loved all their songs, b up especially, Try a Little Tenderness, Never Been To Spain, Out In The Country, and Pieces of April. Fantastic harmonies!!

[@tomntammybrown3817]

Love 3 dog night. If we had a group like that now days my opinion is that music would be great again.

[@jesserussell7242]

My favorite three dog night songs, or one old fashion love song joy to the world never been to Spain mama told me not to come and also celebrate that’s another one of my favorites.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Great songs! Thanks Jesse!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

All great!

[@raynic1173]

What's really cool about the TDN version, as somewhat explained here...is that Nillson's version pretty much stays in the melancholic space, with just a little groove in the music and dynamics. TDN, although the wording of the lyric stays the same, the vocal arrangement is more dynamic and so is the music. So, even thou the wording stay melancholic, the added musical and vocal dynamics pushes you past it and you don't feel trapped. The dynamics, almost subliminally, give you a reason to not stay depressed, genius....

[@foreveryou9]

Best musician band interviewer, at 60 I have seen afew great job!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks! Means a lot!

[@JanesDough855]

Can Chuck sing now like he did back then? His voice was so awesome. One is great song, so is Eli's Coming.

[@ProfessorofRock]

What about Shambala?

[@JanesDough855]

@@ProfessorofRock Yep, good song. So is Out in the Country.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I hope so!

[@joinjen3854]

As of 2024, Chuck Negron is aged 82 and still singing.

[@johntiggleman4686]

TDN is still my favorite band from the late 60s to 75. I have just a few of their albums: Seven Separate Fools, Golden Bisquits, Captured Live at the Forum, and Naturally. I was always under the impression they wrote their own songs (back then, I never looked for the writers names), until I heard an oldies DJ say that "Joy" was written by Hoyt Axton. Then finding out "Chest Fever" was done by The Band. I listened to it, but the version on "Captured Live At the Forum" is really great; the interplay between the lead guitar and the organ in the middle is still cool. I really enjoy your interview videos, but this one was my favorite. Great work, Prof!

[@guitarhole]

Chuck Negron is the best singer I ever saw live. It's not about covering someone else's song. It's about what you contribute to the song.

[@MissLibertarian]

The best thing about their albums was the variety. There was no problem feeling like the songs were all the same. They elevated the songs, too.

[@doug3959]

Rode with Cory Wells from the Knoxville airport, August 13, 2011, four years before he passed. It was the most memorable meeting I've ever experienced with an idol. He was genuine, humble and talked about grandkids and fishing.

[@alan2a1l]

Such a great band! Such great arrangements & performances! As far as "lonely songs", "One" is a lot more upbeat than Gilbert O'Sullivan's "Alone again, naturally", or Eric Carmen's "All by myself", which, in comparison, just sound like pull-the-sheet-over-me whining. 3DN just sounded like any funk they were in wouldn't last past the end of the song. They were having a great time and anybody listening couldn't help feeling it, too. And credit to Harry Nilsson for his insightful, un-self-pitying lyrics. He always told a great story. It took 3DN to put power behind them.

[@DianeLake-sw3ym]

I loved Three Dog Night. Cory was my favorite because I loved his voice and blues singing. These guys were so good. Especially during the late 60 and early 70s when music was in transition and they came along and had this different sound. I may have been in Jr. High in the early 70s but, I followed music and the history of rock like my older brother. These guys really were awesome

[@howardlevin2753]

Three Dog Night, the last and longest lasting of the old model American top 40 bands (Aerosmith, Heart and Cheap Trick had to revert to it and get outside help when they were hard up). They put their stamp on everything they did. Why they should be on the RRHOF.

[@ProfessorofRock]

For sure. What's your favorite by them?

[@howardlevin2753]

​@@ProfessorofRockToss up between Paul Williams/? "Out in The Country" and Rado/Ragni's "Easy to Be Hard" which with three other songs made "Hair" the last Broadway musical to date to have multiple hits(GASP--KLUNK!)

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Absolutely.

[@howardlevin2753]

@@ProfessorofRock Oh, and one more: Nina Simone's #2 UK hit version of "I Ain't Got No/I Got Life," which went on to sell multivitamins. So that makes five in all.

[@lauraholleman3560]

I still love to listen to Three Dog Night! They just clicked! Thanks so much for another great rock history lesson.

[@StuartDonald]

Adam, Amiee Mann seems to pop up every now and then whether it is covering Three Dog Night or singing "Time Stand Still" with Rush. How about a deep dive into her 1993 debut album "Whatever?" One of the finest written albums of the 90's.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I agree. Huge Aimee fan. Trying to get an interview.

[@darrenjon240]

My dad was tasked with buying the music for a party back in... 1970? He brought those records home and they included Three Dog Night - Naturally. (Also Chicago Transit Authority; Kenny Rogers & The First Edition; Fifth Dimension...) . I wore that record out! I played it and played it and played it. Then, I got Harmony, then Golden Biscuits, then Seven Separate Fools, and so on. Love Love Love the band!! Got to see them perform in 1983 on a reunion tour; then again in the early 2010's before Cory passed away. When I feel the need to enhance some memories, I put on Three Dog Night. Thanks for another Three Dog Night episode!

[@okthumper8047]

I'm on the road to Shambala!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Great song!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Oooooohh yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah

[@artamussumatra6286]

When you get there, be sure to tell us how does your light shine in the halls….😉

[@jamesreding6336]

Thay were my favorite group in the early 70s

[@ProfessorofRock]

Awesome!

[@randytessman6750]

One of the only bands besides the Beatles that my Mom would play on her own(not counting gospel) I used to wake up saturday morning hearing "Joy to the World" as my mom baked bread and made pasta. Her routine always included music, even thou we disagreed on much of music I learned my love for music from her

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s a good morning alarm song, that’s for sure. It’ll get you ready for the day.

[@hoo-t]

" the loneliest number is 3 ..... to be third to a couple is truly lonely" so profound, and a concept that I totally understand!

[@ronheath5724]

This band is a band that I totally fell in love with the first time I heard him and I've listened to him ever since I'm 67 now and still listen to Three dog night today I do some Three dog night karaoke also I took my stepdaughter to see actually Chuck negro here in Wichita when he came through and she was 16 at the time and she and really enjoyed herself I really love to see the young people today enjoying the music that I grew up with

[@leightnite3056]

These guys are in the foundation of my musical tastes, and I got em' 25 yrs after their time! I highly recommend any record they did, ain't a dud in the whole batch!

[@debbiereitmulder2151]

Cory Wells is from Buffalo NY where I happen to be from as well. He never forgot his hometown. That was something I always admired about him. He never let his fame go to his head. Three Dog Night has always been awesome. Grew up listening to them. I had no idea their hits were literally all covers!! The fact that they made these sound like their own songs is a testament to their incredible talent. Thanks for doing an episode on them, Professor!!

[@Era515]

I agree totally with what Danny said about not using a click track, and leaving in the slightly off key notes. It's the small imperfections and the tempo changes that give songs an emotional resonance. Today's producers/engineers in their quest for perfection, and mis-use of technology have sucked all the life out of the current music. Which is why I can't stand the top 40 of the past 10 to 15 years. It might as well be AI music, it's so soulless and boring.

[@birdlover7776]

Totally agree

[@terryreed1841]

Eli's coming fav dance song. Easy to be hard love it.

[@petemccarry2326]

Three Dog Night swam against the current of the time. They didn’t feature lengthy guitar or drum solos. For them, it was about the song. Great band!

[@JayLandon64]

Thank you for finally doing this. I think 3DN is the #1 snub of the Rock Hall. As an aside, I think most people figured Chuck Negron would be the first one of the three to go. He had some major substance problems.

[@MS-ro9dm]

It is always funny that some band/artists are singled out for doing other people's songs. Especially where even the early Stones music was nothing but covers. It was what the record companies demanded. During the late seventies and eighties for a while it seemed that new bands often released a cover as the first single. Van Halen. Tommy James songs have launched several careers. And then there is Linda Ronstadt.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Good point.

[@martinkasper197]

Deep Purple Mk. I ( with Rod Evans)... Hush, River deep, mountain high....🤓

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Most people don’t realize that VH launched their career with a cover song.

[@martinkasper197]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 You really got me...🤓🤣🤣🤣

[@areneesouder]

Oh, yeah 👍!!! I love this band! Happy about hearing this one 😀