Classic pop songs of all time and I actually do like the guitar on this . . . . . . just a tip though gentlemen do NOT tuck your trousers into your knee high boots . . . . . .EVER!
On this day in music history: February 7, 1970 - “Venus” by The Shocking Blue hits #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 1 week. Written by Robbie van Leeuwen, it is the first and biggest hit for the pop band from The Hague, The Netherlands. Originally formed in 1967, Shocking Blue have a few minor hits before Mariska Veres joins the band in 1968, becoming their new lead singer. The idea for what becomes the bands’ biggest hit comes from guitarist and bandleader Robbie van Leeuwen. The inspiration for “Venus” comes from the traditional folk song “Oh! Susanna”. Certain that it’s a hit, the band record the song in the Fall of 1969 releasing it in October of 1969. It quickly becomes a smash in The Shocking Blue’s native Holland, peaking at #3, hitting the top ten or topping the charts in several more countries across Europe, Asia and Australia. It is licensed for release in the US by Colossus Records in November of 1969, and hits the charts quickly. Entering the Hot 100 at #77 on December 13, 1969, it climbs to the top of the chart eight weeks later. In spite of this major success, the band only have two more chart singles in the US with the follow up “Mighty Joe” (#43 Pop) and “Long Lonesome Road” (#75 Pop). The Shocking Blue split in 1974 when Mariska Veres departs for a solo career. The band reunite in 1979, also recording throughout the 80’s. “Venus” reaches number one again in the US in 1986 when the UK pop trio Bananarama covers it in 1986, becoming the fourth time in chart history that the same song tops the pop chart by two different artists. The song “Love Buzz”, another track from Shocking Blue’s US debut album is covered by Nirvana in 1988, and is released as their debut single by Sub Pop Records. “Venus” is certified Gold in the US by the RIAA.
Mariska Veres
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