Aired on Treasure Island Oldies – February 09, 2025
In March 1965 and in the midst of the British Invasion, the Who debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 with their first single release, “I Can’t Explain.”
It remained on the charts for a mere 2 weeks, peaking at the #93 position. However, as we soon realized, it was just the beginning for this legendary group.
What’s unique about this recording is the fact that the backing vocals were not performed by band members John Entwistle and Pete Townsend but by a trio of session musicians who released two Top 10 British hits of their own – one in 1964 and one in 1965.
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Making up the trio were John Carter, Ken Lewis, and Perry Ford whose sound was characterized by rich, three-part vocal harmonies.
Calling themselves the Ivy League, their first Top 10 release on the UK Chart (#8) was a sad love song and a bit of a tear jerker.
It focused on a love relationship that was not 50/50 and a cause of frustration and pain for a boy who was most devoted to a certain girl. The song lyrics were very poignant.
Not exactly Valentine’s Day material, the song struck a chord with many who can relate to the fact that it’s “Funny How Love Can Be,” this week’s Tom Locke moment in time and a first time play on Treasure Island Oldies.
Epilogue: Ivy League group members, John Carter and Ken Lewis also distinguished themselves as a songwriting duo with the 1964 penning of “Little Bit O’ Soul” (a hit for Music Explosion in 1967) and “Can’t You Hear My Heartbeat” (a hit for Herman’s Hermits in 1965).
YouTube listing of the song:
This “Moments In Time” story is yet another example of a “golden oldie” or forgotten favorite that earned its place in the evolution of Rock & Roll.
