The song was written by British songwriters Mitch Murray and Peter Callander. It was first a number one hit in the UK recorded by Paper Lace in March 1974. The Bo Donaldson and The Heywoods version reached number one in the US for two weeks in June 1974. The song was first associated with the Vietnam War but during the piece the drum pattern seems to make reference to the American Civil War. Bo Donaldson and The Heywoods were an American pop music group also known for their other hit "Who Do You Think You Are".
2. "Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)"
Answer: Christopher Cross
The song was the main theme of the movie "Arthur" (1981) starring Dudley Moore and Liza Minnelli. The song was co-written and sung by the American singer-songwriter Christopher Cross. The song reached number one in the US in October 1981 for three weeks.
It also won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1981. The song was the second number one hit for Christopher Cross after "Sailing" in August 1980.
3. "Tom Dooley"
Answer: The Kingston Trio
"Tom Dooley" peaked at number one in November 1958. The song is based on the murder of a North Carolina woman in 1866 allegedly by Tom Dula (pronounced Dooley). A local poet named Thomas Land wrote a song not long after the tragedy and it became an old North Carolina folk song.
The first recorded version of the song was in 1929 and it was recorded again in the early 1950s. However, it was the recording by The Kingston Trio that is most remembered.
4. "Ode to Billie Joe"
Answer: Bobbie Gentry
Bobbie Gentry is an American singer-songwriter and her songs depicted life in the Deep South. She was from Mississippi. "Ode to Billie Joe" is about the suicide of Billie Joe McAllister who jumps off the Tallahatchie Bridge and the everyday routine and polite conversation that goes on during this tragedy. The song peaked at number one for three weeks in August-September 1967.
5. "Sir Duke"
Answer: Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder is an American singer, songwriter, musician and record producer. The song is a tribute to the bandleader and jazz pianist, Duke Ellington (1899-1974). The single topped the charts of the US Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks from May 21, 1977.
6. "Big Bad John"
Answer: Jimmy Dean
Jimmy Dean wrote and composed the song with Roy Acuff. The lyrics are about a mysterious and quiet miner who has a huge physique. A mine collapses and Big Bad John saves over 20 miners but he himself perishes when the mine caves in. The song reached number one in the US for four weeks from November 6,1961.
7. "Mickey"
Answer: Toni Basil
Toni Basil is an American singer, songwriter, actress, filmmaker, director and dancer. Although the song topped the US charts for one week in December 1982, it was the only Top 40 hit that Toni Basil had, so therefore it makes her a one-hit-wonder.
8. "Hit the Road Jack"
Answer: Ray Charles
"Hit the Road Jack" was written by the rhythm and blues artist Percy Mayfield. It was recorded by Ray Charles (1930-2004) and reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks on October 9, 1961. It was also number one on the US Hot R&B for five weeks. The song has also been used in films and TV.
9. "Jacob's Ladder"
Answer: Huey Lewis and the News
"Jacob's Ladder" was written in 1986 by the brothers Bruce and John Hornsby and recorded by Huey Lewis and the News. The song peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 in March 1987 for one week. Jacob's Ladder is from the book of Genesis and is the connection between earth and heaven in a dream.
However, the song is set in Birmingham, Alabama and connects the dream of a man trying to get through life one day at a time.
10. "Ben"
Answer: Michael Jackson
The song was written by Don Black for the movie of the same name. Michael Jackson(1958-2009) sang the song and it reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 in October 1972. The song was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1973. Michael performed the song at the Academy Awards night.
It was his first number one hit in the US as a solo artist. The song was originally written for Donny Osmond; however, he could not attend the recording sessions as he was away on tour. "Ben" is a rat who is befriended by a boy and the song is about friendship.
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