VIBES!!| The Lovin’ Spoonful - Summer In The City FIRST TIME HEARING REACTION

[@Mr54nomore]

Back then we had the "AM Transistor Radio" that we held in the palm of our hand. It was powered by a nine-volt battery and had an earpiece to it too. I was twelve years old back in 1966...Now I'm 68 years old and a senior citizen. Watching today's youth reacting to what I consider the greatest decade in Rock & Roll music history the 60's. Awesome!

[@tinypurplefishesrunlaughin8052]

Yesserie I collect these radios, they’re often works of art . A cheaper hobby that fulfills a “reminisce”need of mine. And older tube radios sound awesome after making them Bluetooth capable.

[@ColoradoGrami]

Yep, or hanging from your rear view mirror.

[@gl15col]

I just turned 68, and this song makes me happy; it's full of joy and sparkle.

[@Mr54nomore]

@@gl15col Were both the same age and remember how great it was being young during the 60's. We had the best music back then.

[@Mr54nomore]

@@tinypurplefishesrunlaughin8052 I never looked at it like that. Now that I think about it...They truly were a piece of art.

[@bobanob1967]

I love how a big smile instantly comes to Amber's face. That's what so much of 60's music does to you.

[@Shutter29]

"Summer in the City" was released in July of 1966 and was a number one hit for the Spoonful. John Sebastion sang lead. Try "Darlin' Be Home Soon" and "Do You Believe in Magic?" by them.

[@vincentschmitt7597]

He had a hit with the theme to Welcome Back Kotter too.

[@justanotherguy7925]

@@vincentschmitt7597 Love that song and the show.

[@fordp69]

I met Brother John on August 15th, 1986. Who can guess the occasion?

[@SK-lk3iu]

Do You Believe in Magic has that happy, peppy feel you would like, Amber!

[@gmb858]

"Did You Ever Have to Make Up Your Mind."

[@tinamarcum6170]

Isn't it amazing when you realize you haven't heard a song in yeeears yet you remember every note of the beat and every word love it!!!!!!

[@Jayscollo]

True story I haven’t heard this on forever and I remembered every single word!

[@johnmathieu3430]

Yes it is. Happens all the time.

[@herbyragan8686]

Lead singer is John Sebastian. This was a huge hit in the sixties. Other songs to check out by them are: Do You Believe In Magic (biggest hit) Did You Ever Have To Make Up Your Mind Daydream Jug Band Music Nashville Cats.

[@SK-lk3iu]

Yes, "Did You Ever Have to...." & "Nashville Cats" are fun songs by them.

[@rpredl]

John Sabastian has written many Disney songs.✌🏼

[@ptournas]

Great songs, but actually this was their greatest hit (Summer in the City). "Daydream", "Did You Ever Have to Make Up Your Mind" and "Nashville Cats" were also all bigger hits than "Do You Believe In Magic". But it might have stuck in your mind because it was their very first big hit (#9 on the charts).

[@herbyragan8686]

@@ptournas thank you. I stand corrected.

[@susieq9801]

@@SK-lk3iu - Bald Headed Lena.

[@gmb858]

"Kool Kat lookin' for a kitty, goin' look in every corner of the city!" This song saturated AM radio all summer in '66.

[@doplinger1]

"Did You Ever Have to Make Up Your Mind?" is another good one.

[@rayniecox7683]

@Dave Oplinger, thanks I was looking for this one; a little quirky but that's how I like them. I was 12 in 1966 what a great time to be alive for the best music ever 60-70s!! 😎😎😎😎

[@tedcole9936]

“…You better go home son and make up your mind…”. LOL

[@doplinger1]

​@@rayniecox7683 @Ted Cole @B Gallagher - you guys should loo up the recent version of John performing it with The Mona Lisa Twins!

[@doplinger1]

@@rayniecox7683 - I was 8, I remember it well!

[@foobar6194]

Indeed. Had the experience; that song really sang to me.

[@jameshenry3802]

69 yrs. Old still love this summer song. 😎

[@rickpetersen1745]

The Loving Spoonful were like a shooting star, they burnt bright for a few years and left their mark on the landscape of 60s Rock. Many great singles. 👍

[@Reclining_Spuds]

They were close friends with the Mamas and the Papas. ✌

[@resurrectionwaiting9294]

The POT bust doomed the band, which robbed us of a Great Band

[@brianherrington7226]

The Spoonful were absolutely fantastic. I loved them then and still do. I was a ten year old the summer this hit the AM airwaves in 1966 and it’s one of my top three summer tunes of all time. Still have the single on Kama Sutra records.

[@abelhansen]

They dont make songs like this one any more so sad. Abel From australia.

[@thelawofficesofdeweycheatu7166]

@@resurrectionwaiting9294 John got busted for pot possession and was threatened with being deported back to his native Canada. He ended up turning in his band mates, and that was the end of the Spoonful.

[@juanitairvine8089]

The Lovin' Spoonful was one of my favorite groups. I am 70 years old and John Sebastian was a great musician. He played keyboards, guitar and autoharp.

[@TheEdenFiles]

Right on. One of my fave bands too. I was 17 that year. I play one so it's a fun rock trivia Q: What's the only rock band to use an autoharp? You can hear it best on the chorus. And also strong on "Do You Believe in Magic".

[@johncarroll9489]

So many GREAT songs from The Lovin' Spoonful. "Darling be Home Soon", "Did You Ever Have to Make Up Your Mind", "Do You Believe in Magic" so many... Another similar group would be Spanky and Our Gang.

[@anthonyferris8912]

John Sebastian, not only great tunes, but briliant wordsmith.

[@MrDodgegmc1]

Yes, John Sebastian , great singer too !!

[@stevebuckskinner5482]

All of those are great songs.

[@Tarkus7]

Sunday Will Never Be The Same 🥰 Spanky great song.

[@hollypinkley]

Mama Cass introduced John to Zack & they became The Loving Spoonful!!!!

[@NoName-fx9zi]

"What A Day For A Daydream." You gotta do that Lovin' Spoonful tune.

[@MommaHub1966]

Great Song. 🎵 it's crazy that it was a hit nearly 56 years ago & yet it is still timeless. 🥰🥰🥰 John Sebastian's soulful voice....wow!

[@rjjcms1]

John Sebastian is such a musical talent. I was but a baby when this song was originally released so couldn't exactly grab a girl and go dancing out in the city all night,but my mum introduced me to this group in the 70s by playing the greatest hits album of theirs she had.

[@bkm2797]

I so remember this group and this tune! Hope you check out their tune 'Do You Believe In Magic '. Thanks Amber and Jay

[@user-gt2uf8cq9y]

Do You Believe in Magic" and "Darling Be Home Soon" are their other classics but this was their only #1 hit.

[@faithnyou1732]

This song brought back a lot of childhood memories! The lead singer's name is John Sebastian, and the band's name was inspired by some lines in a song of Mississippi John Hurt called the "Coffee Blues". Also, you might find it interesting that although the Lovin' Spoonful was not scheduled to play at Woodstock, John Sebastian (lead singer/keyboards) made a solo impromptu (accidental) appearance at the 1969 Woodstock festival. He was there as part of the audience and recognized in the crowd, so they gave him an acoustic guitar, and he played 3 songs. The audience was very familiar with who he was and that he was the founding member of the Lovin' Spoonful, so they were pleasantly surprised. Thanks for this reaction! ;-)

[@porcupine-hugger3552]

I love learning something cool like this, even at my advanc(ing) age!

[@EW-ty6qw]

In a coffee house Sebastian sat And after every number they'd pass the hat McGuinn and McGuire just a-gettin' higher in L.A., You know where that's at... (Special internet points for whomever can finish the verse without cheating)

[@faithnyou1732]

@@EW-ty6qw - Creeque Alley. "And no one's gettin' fat except Mama Cass." I knew the lyrics, but for some reason, I couldn't think of the song. So I did cheat a little. ✌💙✌

[@billjones8503]

@@EW-ty6qw And no one's getting FAT cept Mama Cass! lol

[@johnvienta7622]

Sorry to get in late of this subject but just a pleasure to see someone mention Mississippi John Hurt. His story in itself is worth telling.

[@diannestucki5732]

As summer gets closer, you should check out Summer Breeze by Seals and Croft. Absolutely gorgeous song, it just is the epitome of summer to me.

[@ericgerber9751]

Absolutely! They would love Seals and Croft!

[@larvt]

Another Summer song, they should play is Summer by War.

[@lazaruslong8092]

Summer Breeze is an ultimate chill song. Great duo.

[@catsi563]

And when the summer comes to a close Summer Song by Chad and Jeremy an equally gorgeous song where the summer comes to a close and all those things we miss when it does

[@brianherrington7226]

A good one for the decade. Don’t forget Hot Fun In The Summertime.

[@bajoyf]

I graduated high school in 1969. I was a devoted fan of the Loving Spoonful. They has so many excellent songs . You are right this was a huge hit. You will love all their music.

[@Pauba1946]

Now you need to listen to “Did you ever have to make up your mind”, “Do you believe in Magic” and “You didn’t have to be so nice”.

[@kentonwatts504]

I'm 8, my father spent the week ends on the golf course. The golf course opened a swimming pool for families to build memberships. There was a small shop that sold snacks/drinks/hamburgers. During swim breaks we would go get ice cold Coke (bottle) from a "Coca cola" vending machine. All the chocolate bars were kept in a freezer to keep them from melting. My go to was Butterfinger bar. On the juke box inside the music was sent out to the pool through a megaphone like speaker. This is just one of the songs that instantly take me there even today at 63. I can still smell the chlorine from the pool. Other tunes were "Green River" from CCR, "Light My Fire" the Doors, Ride Captain Ride" Blues Image among many more. The first playlist I ever created were the songs from spending days at the pool. It's the first of many. I never mustered the courage to dive from the tall diving board. About 20 feet high! I think my first crush happened there a few years later when I begin to notice girls could be more than a sister( I had two) That golf course is no longer, the pool was closed long before that. The land the golf course set on was recently sold. It is currently becoming a new residential area in Wichita Falls, Texas. It began as Skyline then went through some name changes La Vista/Hawk Ridge before the drought was to much for the owners to overcome. But I still go there when I hear one of those songs. Lovin Spoonful thanks for the memories!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@bobhalvorson4374]

John Sebastian is the lead singer. This was definitely 1966, *before* the hippie thing really got going. Everybody listened to this and everything on their AM transistor radios, full blast. And this was on the air all the time. They were so cool.

[@GeoffCB]

I got a transistor radio in '68, and I remember this song was still regularly played - it was really popular.

[@kjmorley]

LOL, yeah, 1967 was definitely peak hippie. The summer of love.♥️🌿

[@sexysadie2901]

In 1966 the hippie thing was already going in California.

[@bobhalvorson4374]

@@sexysadie2901 yes, ‘66 it was still cool and developing. Streets of Wisconsin, it was still a dream.!

[@JimLapine]

This song played all summer long on our transistor radios. Anywhere there was a radio, you heard it, in cars, at the beach, and out windows as you walked by houses.

[@RadCenter]

John Sebastian, the lead singer, is a great songwriter and his songs have been covered by many other artists. He also wrote and performed the theme song from the 1970s sitcom 'Welcome Back, Kotter," which launched the career of John Travolta.

[@alexandervasel6845]

I never knew he sang that song. One of my favorite TV theme songs!

[@Annastasia666]

ya know.......youtube is the best! You just schooled me and for that I thank you! Had NO idea John Sebastian did Welcome Back Kotter theme song. WOW!

[@charlesallen2306]

Nice trivia!

[@traci4187]

I did not know this!

[@johntiggleman4686]

Ah yes, the "sweathogs:" Vinnie Barbarino (Travolta), Horshack, among others. And Mr. Kotter always bringing up potato knishes. Oy veh!

[@Jeff_Lichtman]

One thing that makes this song work is the switch between minor and major modes. It starts in minor as the lyrics refer to the oppressive heat of the daytime, but then switches to major when the lyrics refer to the cooler nighttime. The lead singer is John Sebastian. He had a solo hit with the theme song to Welcome Back, Kotter in 1976.

[@tonjamower4000]

The lyrics differ from most songs about the summer by lamenting the heat, contrasting the unpleasant warmth and noise of the daytime with the relief offered by the cool night, which allows for the nightlife to begin. I was only a year old when it came out but my dad loved this band

[@chrismcdonagh688]

Great tune, I was 2 years old when this came out in 66 but I remember it being played regularly on the radio in the late 60s and early 70s.

[@lindaadcox8274]

You need to check out their tune “What a Day for a Daydream”. It really has a lazy summer day vibe. John Sebastian has the best voice and writes amazing tunes. Also the music device of the day was a transistor radio.

[@davidteller7681]

...what she said! 👍

[@1984isnotamanual]

It’s just called “Daydream” 😊

[@RobertSmith-iw2kb]

Or a car AM radio.😊

[@rjjcms1]

I was thinking Daydream but there are so many songs of theirs I've a soft spot for. Do You Believe in Magic?,Nashville Cats,even You're a Big Boy Now,Six O'Clock and Darling Be Home Soon.

[@Herman47]

*I was alive when this song came out. From the moment it flings open with, "HOT TOWN, Summer in the City!", it snaps you awake! It grabs you, and you hold on through all the sounds of the city in the summer. [Got to especially love, "Cool cat, lookin for a kitty, going to look in every corner of the city"]*

[@patswanson2870]

This song was a big hit in Canada. I remember laying on the beach and watching the hippies making beaded necklaces. (I think they were called love beads).

[@myowndrum286]

Yes indeed! I used to make those necklaces at a place called Lake Eden, just west of Edmonton in Alberta. 1967 is was. Great memories for me. Those that I remember! Haha!

[@brachiator1]

Love beads. Have not heard a reference to this in years.

[@myowndrum286]

@@brachiator1 And ooooh. Do you remember the rare African Trading beads you sometimes put on a special necklace? I have two or three of those beads still kicking around somewhere. lol

[@laurabailey1054]

Zal Yanovski lived in Kingston Ontario until his death in 2002. His daughter still lives there and runs the two restaurants he opened there in the 1980’s.

[@valerievelarde62]

We had record player!! With two speakers!!! Yeah man, they were Nice! We had LP's. We had The Beetles, The Monkeys, GREATEST hits mixes- they'd advertise on TV. I had Tom Jones, Billy Paul, Isaac Hayes, The Supremes greatest hits - you got 3 LP's then after the 70's I had stacks of LP's and 45's. MJ was my first 45- I WANT YOU BACK!

[@jeffdetmer4681]

Hey guys. LOL Jay. They were transistor radios dude. Juke boxes are those huge record machines in diners and bars. That was John Sebastian singing this song. John wrote and sang lead on most of their songs the first few years. John had grown up in The Village in NYC. His dad was a harmonica player, and John grew up around musicians. The lead guitar was taken from a folky group that included Mama Cass. In fact in the Mamas and Papas song Creeque Alley (you should do that one if you haven't yet btw), they mention The Spoonful. I don't know if you guys have ever seen old reruns or heard about a show called Welcome Back Kotter, but the theme song was written and sung by John Sebastian. Man I miss the 60s. LOL. Summer music was big back in the day. Under the boardwalk, Up on the roof, or of course anything by the Beach Boys. For more Spoonful, try You didn't have to be so nice, or Do you believe in magic, or did you ever have to make up your mind.

[@u.s.veteranandpatriot7511]

do`nt forget the ear phones [ not ear buds] for the hand held trans. radio

[@stevedahlberg8680]

John Sebastian was so talented. He actually ended up doing a television theme song for a very popular show called Welcome Back Kotter, set in a classroom. In fact, that is where a young John Travolta got noticed by the world. I was around when this came out, but I was in preschool! But still it sounds so familiar; it must have been on the radio a lot. And I know I've heard it several times since then. At one point I bought the Lovin Spoonful Greatest Hits and listened to it a lot.

[@auldfouter8661]

In July 1966 I was due to go into hospital for an operation - I was aged ten , and got a new transistor radio for my birthday the month before. BBC radio was awful with hardly any pop music , but there was a pirate radio station called Radio Scotland which came from a boat offshore. They played nothing but pop and about once an hour my favourite record got played - Ike and Tina Turner ( just Tina on the record though ) - " River Deep , Mountain High" . It got me through my hospital visit ! You haven't lived until you've heard it Amber !

[@teresajarrell452]

YES! I AGREE!! 👍😃❣️

[@garryleblanc4002]

Lead singer John Sebastian also had a huge hit as a solo artist with the theme from the 70's sitcom Welcome Back Kotter starting John Travolta. He has such a sweet voice...great band !! 😎🙏❤🇨🇦

[@leighsaldivar4439]

I loved this song growing up! My uncle used to play this in his band back in Chicago in the 60s

[@lesliedavis2185]

same here , happy memories

[@donnakubiski5572]

I also grew up in Chicago and one of the neighbor kids on the next block used to play this song with his band in his garage. Everyone used to go over and stand in the alley and listen. Sad note though is that he died in the Vietnam War.

[@leighsaldivar4439]

@@donnakubiski5572 oh that’s sad. Did you grow up in the city? My fiancée passed away recently and he grew up in the city. He was polish German.

[@donnakubiski5572]

@@leighsaldivar4439 Yes, I grew up on the northwest side in the Harlem/Irving area. On the day of his funeral, everyone on our block and the next put flags on our lawns so his family and friends would see it when they drove his casket past his house on the way to the cemetery. There was even a picture in our local paper.

[@leighsaldivar4439]

@@donnakubiski5572 that’s awesome. I wish people showed that much respect today.

[@raserx63]

Being in the car as a kid in the 70’s , hot summer day , windows are open, AM radio tuned to WABC in New York, this song is on. A car pulls up next to us at the red light. The driver also has this song on and is singing it out loud.. 50 years later , I still remember that moment. Music=memories.

[@cynthiableam8926]

Please check out Paul Revere and the Raiders. All their songs are fun. 60’s

[@corinnepmorrison1854]

The Raiders are the best!! ❤️🎶

[@elizabethfranco1284]

Jordan would love Indian Reservation

[@corinnepmorrison1854]

“Kicks”...”Just Like Me”...and so many more!!

[@cynthiableam8926]

They had a music show with many great groups called Where The Action Is.

[@fidge54]

Omg please. How about the Partridge Family?

[@timpowell5432]

My memory of this song was seeing them perform it live in 1967.

[@robertberger5639]

"Darling Be Home Soon" and "Do You Believe in Magic?" are two to check out.

[@zerores2005]

Wow, I was 7 years old when this song was popular. It's was always on the radio, John Sebastian is a great singer/songwriter. He was on an episode of Married with children. He and Al Bundy really hit it off!

[@jangle4246]

I love The Lovin' Spoonful and especially "Summer in the City." Other memorable songs from that time are “Pied Piper” by Crispian St. Peters, “Sunny Afternoon” by The Kinks, and “Black is Black” by Los Bravos.

[@maureencollins5177]

Love “Black is Black”. And "Bernadette". And anything by The Turtles and the Hollies.

[@tmr626]

Jangle, you mentioned the Los Bravos. I'll bet you didn't know that they had a real good song in '68 named 'Bring A Little Lovin'.

[@tigristhelynx7224]

All of those are wonderful! Thanks for the reminders that these songs exist, it's been years.

[@tmr626]

@@maureencollins5177 If you check out Rob Squad's Reaction to The Turtles song 'Happy Together' from two weeks ago you'll find my big list of Turtle songs that you may not be familiar with. Enjoy!

[@maureencollins5177]

And "Walk Away Renee" by The Left Banke.

[@LindaEll]

This was a big summer song. Although I lived North of NYC, this song evoked the sounds and feels of life in the city in the summertime. It was everywhere the summer of 66, when I was 13.

[@larryhalbrook6874]

My favorite song from the Lovin' Spoonful. This is from 1966. Other songs to check out by them is "She's Still a Mystery to Me" and "Darlin Be Home Soon. The lead singer is John Sebastian who also recorded "Welcome Back Kotter" from the TV show. This was a monster hit in the day.

[@kathyrizzi8754]

Amber, I can picture you wearing long hair with a flower in it rocking to the songs of the 60’s, girl, you were born too late, you belonged dancing to all these songs. LoL! I luv you guys!👍💙💖💕💞

[@atuuschaaw]

♥Yes I was around, and yes some beautiful memories of my teenage years. I'm so glad y'all got around to the Lovin' Spoonful. John Sebastian is the singer. Other songs are "Do You Believe In Magic", "Did You Ever Have to Make Up Your Mind?", "Daydream", and "Nashville Cats". Love you guys! ♥

[@70sladyalways25]

Ahh…the 60’s. I was 7 but had a 16 yr old brother so I was very fortunate growing up hearing the bands from the 60’s ❤

[@sourisvoleur4854]

The band name comes from the name of a song by Mississippi John Hurt (now THERE is a great listen!). It means exactly the same thing as "10 cc," which is the name of an awesome 70s group.

[@douglaswaite9574]

I wonder what they would make of Mr. Hurt? He was the most adorable bluesman of all time. Imo

[@sourisvoleur4854]

@@douglaswaite9574 I love John Hurt. Definitely a lovable guy. Gotta have that Maxell House.

[@Dreyno]

Love those Library of Congress recordings. Like somebody’s grandpa belting out amazing blues classics. Incredible technique as well.

[@karendoss6026]

I turned 14 in July of 1966 when this song came out and it was the best. Me and my friends would call our radio station and request it over and over. Then my Mom bought me the 45 and I wore that record out. Thank you for bringing back some of my best memories!

[@VicMikesvideodiary]

Another great song. I remember this being played often during the summer in the 80's

[@lordessducky8494]

That’s also when I remember it from. It’s just one of those songs that are fun to sing along with.

[@VicMikesvideodiary]

@@lordessducky8494 yup! The radio played it often, and often when it was hot out lol.

[@wandamanning9198]

I'll be 65 next week Saturday and I am loving there channel. They are bringing back so many memories. Thank you guys💜💜

[@tombeyerlein3813]

John Sebastian and Zal ( "Zally") Yanovsky from the Spoonful were folkies who were acquainted with members of the Mamas and the Papas before both bands made it big. Sebastian and Zally are name-checked in the Mamas and Papas song Creeque Alley.

[@bonnielemenager4030]

Yes, this song was very popular when I was growing up. I had four (much older) siblings who turned me on to so many different bands from that era. You've really only scratched the surface for all the great music that still stands the test of time.

[@Zebred2001]

Lead-singer John Sebastian also went on in the mid-70's to record the theme for the hit TV series - Welcome Back Kotter about an inner city teacher. The show also began John Travolta's career. A great upbeat hippie-vibe song the Lovin' Spoonful had was - Do You Believe In Magic. Amber'll love it! Jordan'll dig the chorus energy too.

[@springfieldprogressive8951]

This is a wonderful song. Just want to say I was just 6 years old when this song came out. In 1966. Thanks Jay and Amber for your wonderful KZbin channels

[@edprzydatek8398]

John Sebastian (sideburns at the keyboard) grew up around musicians like Burl Ives, Woody Guthrie and Leadbelly. I remember at the time Time Magazine (I think it was Time) made quite a deal out of them adding the street sounds to the song. John was friends with Bob Dylan and he currently lives in the Village of Woodstock, NY. Great reaction.

[@buffstraw2969]

I was 10 years old in 1966. Yes, this song was HUGE, on my small handheld transistor radio (all us kids had one), playing on the airwaves all the time. I love the jackhammer in the middle of the song, and the car horns honking. Sounds of the city. Genius!

[@other6381]

"You Didn't Have to Be So Nice" is the one you wanted, although "Summer in the City" is worth a listen.

[@janetmueller9195]

I was 13 years old when this song came out! I went to the local music store and bought the 45, ( small records with the big hole in the center). I still have most of my collection. Summer In the City was one of my favorite records!.I loved growing up in the 60's! We had the best music then!

[@donnaralph4413]

radio, record player, that was our choices 🥰

[@truthmatters-jt5up]

Yes, it was a hit. Did You Ever Have to Make up Your Mind.....You Didn't Have To Be So Nice..... Daydream....The Younger Girl.....Do You Believe In Magic All big hits.

[@vicprovost2561]

What a great song, there were stretches in that era when we were getting a great new song on the radio every single week. We were the most spoiled generation musically in the history of the human race! For another great vibe from that era, try the psychedelic classic I Had Too Much to Dream Last Night by the Electric Prunes. Enjoy! 🎵

[@cindiherriott3259]

I TOTALLY agree, Vic.

[@gregorydavid7755]

Great band and I was lucky enough to see them perform live in 1967..

[@541walker]

I was ten when this came out and spent a lot of time at the local public pool that summer.This song played often and for years after was a summer staple of AM radio. You knew it was summer when they put this song into heavy rotation. Takes me back!

[@rodneygriffin7666]

One of my favorite songs of all time. No joke. Pure Genius since I heard it in 1966.

[@angieacapella1847]

“Hot town, summer in the city, back of my neck gettin’ dirty and gritty.” This has been on tons of commercials and ads, etc. Some songs, I’m surprised you guys don’t recognize. Even so, love this one!❤️

[@stewartmatthews1551]

Sing it baby summer is getting closer get to be outside smell the warm air birds singing fresh cut grass sun shining and going for a walk ☮️

[@douggaijin]

Going along with you about the trend to use old songs in commercial ads, there is a certain medication advertisement that makes me laugh because the song the use is “Psychotic Reaction”. 🤣

[@richarddexter7641]

Not to mention movies, starting with "Die Hard 3".

[@stewartmatthews1551]

@@richarddexter7641 mmm I do remember this song being in that movie

[@robertpearson8798]

Another summer song that plays all the time in summer in Canada is Sunny Days by the band Lighthouse. One former member, Howard Shore, is now an Oscar and Grammy winning composer who, among other things, wrote the music for The Lord of The Rings movies.

[@tedcole9936]

Oh, heck yeah it was popular and on the radio a lot in ‘66. John Sebastian the lead singer on this. Amber, eclectic is correct, John Sebastian could write songs in many genres. The name “Lovin Spoonful” came from an old blues song by Mississippi John Hurt called “Coffee Blues”. Check it out, it’s a very cool track by one of the early blues artists of the 20th century. John Hurt made a bit of a comeback in the 60s as an old man, finally getting his records on modern vinyl with modern production. The Spoonful had a load of hits and great songs, they were very popular in the mid-sixties. Try “Daydream” “Do You Believe in Magic”, “Nashville Cats” or “Darling Be Home Soon”

[@ptournas]

It's a miracle that John Hurt was rediscovered. I hesitate to say rediscovered because he was never well known before that time. He released 6 singles on Okeh Records when he was 35 years old and none were commercially successful, so he went back home to sharecropping. He only played locally at dances and other events. 35 years later, when he was 70 years old, a musicologist heard a couple of the songs in a Folklore album called Anthology of American Folk Music and tracked him down. He did his first gig in Washington DC, but he really took off after playing the 1963 Newport Folk Festival. By all accounts he was a soft-spoken, polite and loving man, but he could also be impishly mischievous at times. Dave Van Ronk often told a tale of a night when they were together with a bunch of other folksingers at a bar arm-wrestling. At lot of them were big guys. When Mississippi John came into the game, Dave was afraid he might get hurt. Then he watched him put everyone down. John Hurt was in his seventies, a slight man and stood 5'4". Dave, who was built like a lumberjack, stood 6'2' and weighed over 200 pounds, thought they were letting John win. So he went over and tried him, and he wasn't going to let him win. He was totally shocked when John beat him. He thought it thought it had to be a fluke so he said he tried again and again, and John Hurt beat him every time! Sorry if I kind of hijacked your post, but I just love Mississippi John Hurt. So sad that he died only three years after becoming so well known. But what an amazing talent and powerful influence he had on the blues. And what a wonderful legacy he left for us.

[@tedcole9936]

@@ptournas not at all, thanks so much for that wonderful story of John Hurt. Amazing!!

[@davidgoldsmith6438]

A new generation was changing the world thru music..................

[@kateritter5765]

Recommend Loving Spoonful "Do You Believe in Magic" Summer in the City is played every summer.

[@richardfeldkamp1707]

The Lovin' Spoonful were huge. I saw them in 1969 (I think) at the Canadian National Exposition on a double bill with America. I saw John Sebastian at a Bluegrass Festival in 1976. He had about 8 autoharps with him to play. Side note: He also wrote the theme to the show Welcome Back Kotter.

[@kbusby4824]

"Cool cat looking for a kitty." This song was at the top of the charts when I was born. Lovin' Spoonful is in the RRHOF. Love the inclusion of "street noise." I would also recommend The Jaggerz, The Rapper, from the same era (1970).

[@abelhansen]

It so funny that the two young people listing to this song in the Year 2022. Love this song. I love the songs of the 60 & 70 s Plus i love the blues & there is only One Bob dylan. I wish we had a bob Dylan music store in Australia. Abel 😁😁😎😎

[@ProdigyBowlersTour]

The Lovin' Spoonful (there's no "g" at the end of "Lovin'") were huge for a few years from 1965 to '68 or '69. Their lead singer, John Sebastian, was just a wonderful singer. (He is still around and still performing at age 78.) "Summer In the City" was LS's biggest hit, but several others are definitely worth a listen, especially given your penchant for positivity. Check out "Do You Believe In Magic?" and "You Didn't Have to Be So Nice." Those two songs each kinda go hand-in-hand, as they were the group's first two hit singles (and both are barely over 2 minutes long). I'm surprised you haven't heard "Summer In the City" before, as it's been used in countless commercials, TV shows, and movies. But here are a few somewhat lesser-remembered Lovin' Spoonful songs that were also just flat-out great: "Daydream," "Nashville Cats," "Six O'Clock," "Rain On the Roof," "She Is Still A Mystery," and unquestionably the most beautiful song they ever recorded, most would say their best song, the heartfelt, "Darling Be Home Soon," which, if you listen to it, is sure to instantly become one of your favorite songs, too. There was also a little song that Lovin' Spoonful lead singer John Sebastian wrote but while Lovin' Spoonful recorded it, another group made it a hit. Check out "Younger Girl" by the Hondells. Another group also had a minor hit with it, The Critters, but if you're gotta listen to the Critters, you really gotta hear their biggest hit, and one of my favorite songs of all-time, "Mr. Dieingly Sad." Just a beautiful, beautiful song. You are now swimming in the deep end of the '60s pool and are learning about some of the most-loved music of Amber's favorite people -- us hippies of the '60s and '70s. :-)

[@mikegray-ehnert3238]

Lead singer is John Sebastian. He left and went solo and had several hits, including an appearance at Woodstock. Worth a listen!

[@bloppysloppy4057]

Amber, You will love "The Rain The Park and Other Things" by a family band called the Cowsills. Total flower power vibe

[@kennyhuskisson2684]

Also Indian Lake!👍✌️

[@bloppysloppy4057]

@@kennyhuskisson2684 "Hair" another one Amber would like.

[@kennyhuskisson2684]

Oh yes, I forgot about Hair, lol👍✌️

[@beckygrant2258]

Love, Love, Love the Lovin’ Spoonful! The mid to late 60’s had some of the BEST 60’s music! The LA sound was really there. John Sebastian was awesome. He performed at Woodstock, by the way. 1966…I was a teen. And we had trasister radios. Radio DJ’s were everything to us!

[@cathystrube2997]

They were the Lovn' Spoonful. John Sebastian was the lead singer. He sang the theme song to welcome back kottter. I saw them live 4 times and hold up pretty well. Im in my 70s and they were my favorite band in high school. Listen to Darlin" be home soon - love it and the lyrics. The band was John, Joe butler on drums. Zal Yanowsky on guitar an d Steve Boone in bass. Also loved Rain on the Roof, Nashville Cats, jugband music and more. They had a folk sound and johns voice made then distinct.

[@420johnas]

I was nine years old during the summer of 1966 and that song was all over the radio. That’s Jon B. Sebastian playing keyboards Jon B. Sebastian was at Woodstock he sang a song called “ I’ll Paint Rainbows all over your Blues” which is one of my favorite songs you have to check out from the Woodstock album… John B Sebastian is the man! He even did an episode of Married with Children!! Lol .. love you guys keep up the great work!

[@jeanstrickland2445]

You guy’s are on roll this evening , you made me smile 😊

[@dcool2u2]

I was around when this song came out and you guys are so right, I remember it being on the radio all the time! It actually felt like a summer soundtrack for me! I remember those summer days whenever I hear this song !! Thank you! 😊🎤🎸🎹🎼🎵🎶🎵

[@bigb6046]

Check out their song "Darling Be Home Soon" , really beautiful song.

[@Raeperk57]

Another great summer vibe song is Dancing in the Streets by Martha Reeves and the Vandellas. These could be companion songs.

[@sillililli01]

This music is my era, and, yes, we did have fun! I remember being in a park, me and my girlfriends, and, hearing, what we thought were The Temptations singing "My Girl" on a radio. We turned around to find four young guys singing the song to us. OMG, they were so good. It's a memory I'm sure all of my friends hold dear to this day. I know I do.

[@MH-fb5kr]

Thanks for sharing you memory.

[@ThomasPfaff-fz1vk]

Love this song. I’m 80 and this was popular when I was in Viet Nam. Played over and over. Love it

[@dianafrost936]

Wow, the Loving Spoonful, the Rascals, and the Turtles were all popular during this time. They all had great songs.

[@lorikirkwood5414]

The Lovin' Spoonful had so many wonderful songs. These guys and the Turtles were both a great band and had similar sounds and lots of records, ALL GOOD! I want to hear them all!

[@salliemoore5472]

Jay and Amber another song about the summer to react to is "Hot Fun In The Summertime" by Sly and the Family Stones. It's a banger guys.

[@jillk368]

Another favorite from my summer mix tape :)

[@susanpolice8465]

YES YES YES!!!!

[@rhondacaudill7231]

YES!!!

[@johnfrank3177]

You are right Amber. This was the quintessential summer song back then. There are a lot of other good ones by the Lovin' Spoonful if you'd like to check them out. By the way, that was John Sebatian singing lead.

[@marktravis3863]

You need to listen to Do You Believe In Magic. That’s another good song of theirs

[@Serai3]

I can't say I have specific memories of this song the year it came out 'cause I was 5, and didn't really start paying attention to music for another three or four years. But I do remember that this song got played on the radio every summer throughout my teen years - it was always on those "songs of summer" playlists the DJ's would trot out. Very familiar song.

[@markfadness9204]

"Summer in the City" was #1 on Billboard Hot 100 for 3 weeks in late summer/early fall 1966. It was the 5th of 7 straight Top 10 singles released between 1965 and 1966. 7 more singles charted Top 100 up to early 1969. The lead singer is John Sebastian who had a #1 single in 1976 with "Welcome Back" the theme from TV sitcom "Welcome Back Kotter."

[@janetholliday8667]

This song was released in July of 1966. I was 13 and staying with my oldest brother who was living in Cleveland, Ohio. It seems like this song was on my transistor radio every 15 minutes. It was a monster hit and it summed up that summer for me perfectly. The 1960's was a tumultuous decade, but man..........did it ever have a great soundtrack.

[@geneholland1188]

Typical summer song! I can't explain it but every summer song doesn't age! It feels just as great today!

[@bobschenkel7921]

Lead Singer and Pianist here, John Sebastian, later played at the Woodstock Festival, solo with an acoustic guitar, very gutsy. And he also did the theme song for the 1970's TV show "Welcome Back Kotter", which starred a very young John Travolta.

[@Loupa57]

Hi guys, love your site. If you’ve not listened to them, can I recommend The Chords singing “Sh-boom” (released in 1954)?.

[@Skywalker567]

Oh yeah!! The best version of that song, too!

[@DeeVet1]

Oh...I was around in the 60s. I was 24 years old and I sang it back then...all the time and sing this song even today. (Especially to cheese off my sister because I really can’t sing.) I’ll break in to a loud, “HOT TOWN, SUMMER IN THE CITY...” just to hear her groan. She loves the song but hates my voice. Loved your reaction. The Spoonful gave us a bunch of great tunes.

[@jimcrossan1312]

“Cool cat, lookin’ for a kitty!” Outstanding! This was used in a TV PSA in NYC for the “Fresh Air Fund” whose aim was to get kids out of the city for awhile in the summer. Great ‘60s summer song!!!

[@bridgettstephens5582]

Only way to truly appreciate this song is to spend a week in NYC during a heat wave

[@dianeryder5895]

Another great song by LS is "Did You Ever Have to Make Up Your Mind" Summer in the City played over and over at the swimming pool for years. John Sebatian on keyboard has written a long list of hit songs. One song many are familiar with is the theme song to Welcome Back Kotter

[@malcolmr3]

John Sebastian (lead singer) would go on to a successful solo career. Best known for the theme to Welcome Back Kotter

[@VicMikesvideodiary]

yup!

[@Code9]

Next song by them? Another great summer song for Amber to sway to! That would be "What a Day for a Daydream"!!!! My fave line from the song: "...and fall on my face on somebody's new mowed lawn!"