Photo: Wikipedia Public Domain

Intro: Gail Nobles

We’re about to dive into a rock and roll treasure: the Coasters and their unforgettable hit “Yakety Yak”! Now, you know that when it comes to rhythm and blues, the Coasters are top of the charts, and in a league all their own!**

Let’s rewind to 1958 when “Yakety Yak” hit the airwaves, and what a blast it was! This catchy tune came from the brilliant minds of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, who knew how to capture the spirit of the times. It’s a playful anthem for the young folks trying to navigate the ups and downs of life. **Can you feel that groove? This song has attitude, rhythm, and the kind of lyrics that make you snap your fingers and get on your feet!**

Let’s talk about those classic lines: “Take out the papers and the trash / Or you don’t get no spendin’ cash.” Ah, the timeless standoff between parents and teens! It’s that rebellious spirit of youth, toe-to-toe with the boring chores of home life! The Coasters turned the daily grind into something upbeat and fun, and that’s what rock and roll is all about—making the ordinary feel extraordinary!

**And we can’t forget that catchy refrain, “Yakety yak, don’t talk back!” It’s a rallying cry for young people everywhere! The beat kicks in, and suddenly you’ve got energy to conquer the day—or at least dodge those chores a little longer! This chorus not only captures a slice of life but has become a classic piece of rock and roll history.**

The Coasters weren’t just riding the wave of success; they were creating the waves! “Yakety Yak” rocked up the charts, holding the #1 spot on the R&B charts for seven weeks and hitting #2 on the Hot 100. They churned out hits like “Charlie Brown,” “Poison Ivy,” and “Young Blood,” filling jukeboxes across the country and defining a generation!

And in 1999, it was only right that they were honored in the Grammy Hall of Fame—proof of their timeless impact. These guys didn’t just make music; they left behind a legacy! So let’s celebrate the Coasters for their unique blend of humor and heart in rock and roll—where every song tells a story and every lyric rings true!

Promo card: Spotify

Story by: Gail Nobles

Intro by: Gail Nobles

Ladies and gentlemen, sounds of a true classic from the heart of Detroit! We’re talking about Enchantment and their unforgettable hit, **“It’s You That I Need.”** Now, this tune is a soul-stirring anthem that takes you on a heartfelt journey right from the get-go.

Released back in 1977 from their dreamy LP, **Once Upon A Dream,** this track really skyrocketed! February 1978, and “It’s You That I Need” spinning at number one on the Hot Soul Singles chart – for a full week, mind you! That’s not just a chart placement; that’s R&B supremacy!

Now, let’s not forget those smooth harmonies. Enchantment had a magic about them, capturing love and longing, and this song express that feeling perfectly. It didn’t stop there, as it also climbed its way to number thirty-three on the Billboard Hot 100, proving that good music knows no bounds!

Every listen invites you to sway and enjoy in that soulful magic, and if you haven’t heard it yet, check it out! “It’s You That I Need” It’s an experience, a beautiful serenade that declares that, yes, indeed, love is the ultimate necessity.

I’m Gail Nobles. You’re listening to Spoken In Words.

Photo: Wikipedia | Public Domain

Keyboardist: Gail Nobles

Love it seeks - Love it finds, Maureen McGovern - Different Worlds. “Let the time flow. Let the love grow. Let the rain shower. Let the rose flower.” Different Worlds is a song that made its mark back in the day. A song that tickled the eardrums and pulled at the heart strings. We’re talking about that delightful tune from the short live sitcom Angie, which graced our screens from 1979 to 1980 written by the legendary duo Norman Gimble and Charles Fox .

Now I’ve got to tell you this Angie theme didn’t just float around in the background. It made a splash! A bona fide hit that soared to number 18 on the billboard hot 100 and, oh yes, took flight straight to the adult contemporary chart. It didn’t just connect with the sitcom audience. It captured the hearts of the whole nation .

But what’s wild is how this tune sneaked up on me. There I was, a little kid jiving to the radio waves, and I didn’t even realize it was the theme for a TV show! It hung around like a friendly ghost in my memory, timeless. You know how it is; some songs just stick with you, and this was one of those treasures that I haven't heard on the radio since my childhood, but it remains a brilliant spark of fond memories.

So here’s a tip of the cap to Angie and that theme song that put a smile on our faces and a groove in our hearts that Maureen McGovern performed so well. Keep that memory alive, folks, because sometimes, the best tunes are the ones that take you right back to those carefree days! Let’s crank it up and remember the magic—because that’s what real music is all about!

I’m GN. You’re listening to Spoken In Words!

Keyboardist: Gail Nobles

Promo Card: Spotify Permission

In this powerful song, we encounter the journey of love—a journey that reflects our deepest desires and our profound sorrows. The singer tells us of where two hearts met and embraced in the light of hope. But sadly, that same love fades away on a lonely highway, a path where isolation and heartache can linger.

We hear the profound truth that true love, they say, can never truly die, yet the singer is faced with a painful farewell. Tears are shed, for the reality of goodbye weighs heavily on the heart. In moments of desperation, when the embrace felt like a revelation, the light of love turned to shadow as the beloved walked away.

I found love on a two way street.

Lost it on a lonely highway.

This song teaches us about the highs and lows of love—how we can find joy in togetherness and yet face the heart-wrenching experience of separation. It calls us to hold tight to the memories, even as we face the ache of loss. So let us remember that love is both a beautiful gift and a profound challenge.

Love on a two-way street is a soul ballad written by Sylvia Robinson and Bert Keyes in 1968. The song was a hit single boy Stacy Lattisaw in 1981. The song peaked at number two R&B and number 26 on the hot 100.

You’re listening to Spoken In Words. I’m your Host, Gail Nobles.

Keyboardist: Gail Nobles

Today we're tuning into the smooth and soulful vibes of The Jacksons. We're going to talk about their classic tune “Show You The Way To Go”.

Show You The Way To Go hit the airwaves in 1976 as the first single of their self-titled album. This record was written by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. The pioneers behind the Philly soul sound, and boy did they give this track a touch of that sweet soulful magic. The song has a catchy and uplifting lyrics. The song serves as a heartfelt invitation for love and togetherness- a reminder that we all need someone to guide us on this journey we call life and love.

This song was released after "Enjoy Yourself," released a year earlier. Michael sang lead and background vocals. Marlon Jackson, and the rest of the brothers (Randy having replaced Jermaine) had backup parts. The song reached No. 6 US Billboard R&B chart, No. 28 US Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart. After recording the album Goin' Places in 1977, the Jacksons left Philadelphia International for Epic.

Record World called it "a smooth ballad" and said "There's only one way for this one to go, and that's up the chart."

So there you have it my friends. Show You The Way To Go is more than just a song. It’s a heartfelt anthem. Now let that sweet melody and that smooth groove carry you away! I'm Gail Nobles! You’re listening to Spoken In Words. Let the music live on.