November 23, 1936.

‎75 years ago today was a landmark day in recorded music history. Robert Johnson recorded eight songs, including his seminal "Crossroads", in wax at the Gunther Hotel in San Antonio, TX. At the same time, a 60 year old Pablo Casals recorded two of Bach's Cello Suites at the Abbey Road Studio in London, establishing him as one of the finest musicians ever.

"Love Or Let Me Be Lonely".

OK, back to the 70's: This 1970(great year!)Scarborough/Peters/Poree composition was the 2nd Top 10 hit for The Friends Of Distinction and their only Adult Contemporary hit single (#6 on both charts). It also peaked at #13 R&B. Paul Davis' 1982 cover went to #40 Pop and #11 Adult Contemporary. For extra credit name The Friends Of Distinction's first hit.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XqbS-vjkBA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iMqIMzFIpE

"Liebestraum(e)" by Franz Liszt.

OK, back to the classics: Franz Liszt wrote and published these three technically challenging piano soli in 1850 based on amorous poems by Uhland and Freiligrath. By far the best-loved one is the 3rd, subtitled "Notturno", about "mature and unconditional love". Three separate variations upon the same melody separated by fast and difficult cadenzas, it is a standard on most pianists' repertoires.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4XEPdYO5mM

"Your Heart Has Changed Its Mind"

OK, more 60's: Neil Sedaka and Howard Greenfield co-wrote this poignant ballad in 1961. Sedaka recorded it on that same year but did not release in until 1978 on "The Many Sides Of Neil Sedaka", a compilation of his lesser-known songs and B-sides from '58 to '65. Jan and Dean's '62 cover was the B-side to their hit "Tennessee".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzwt4ZXBXaU&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PLD9448710A958B0B3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-xQCM4tljg&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PLA40877CFE6C0E213

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-CaP7snr0g

"Why" by Frankie Avalon.

OK, back to the 50's (barely!): This Bob Marcucci/Peter DeAngelis composition sung by Philly-native Frankie Avalon topped the charts during the last week of December of '59, making it the last #1 hit single of the 50's. It was his 2nd and last #1 hit. Donny Osmond's '72 cover peaked at #13. Song? First #1 hit?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqjjUKu9t-8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEZJyfPkWCY

Answer: "Why" by Frankie Avalon. His first #1 hit was "Venus" (NOT to be confused with Kevin Meaney's version!).

"Let It Be" by The Beatles.

OK, more Fabdom: This Macca composition is THE only Beatles tune in which Linda McCartney sang AND their first release in the Soviet Union (1972).

"Papa's Got A Brand New Bag" by James Brown.

OK, back to the 60's: This 1965 James Brown composition is widely recognized as the first "funk" tune, defining the genre. The old man is bold enough to show off some dance moves. Topped the R&B charts and was his first Pop Top 10 hit at #8. It pioneered his funk sound with heavy horns and driving electric guitar. He recorded the vocals in one take and the instruments in less than one hour! Ranked #72 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs Of All Time and was inducted into the Grammy Hall Of Fame in '99.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtqDB2spyG0

Yesterday's answer: "Lily The Pink" by The Scaffold.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2x8D4T--0v4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XEDkVHrUWk