My Father was a HUGE B.J.Thomas fan. I can remember going on long trips during summer vacations. If it ever came on the radio, he'd crank the volume and we'd all sing along to it. Was really rare moments when my father would sing at all to music when it was played. R.I.P. Dad love ya forever!
B. J. Thomas was the neighbor of one of my high school friends. Years later, he and his wife worked out at the same gym as me. I'd see them there all the time. He was always a very friendly, gracious man.
It was a hard day when he passed. He was a great singer and a good man. He faced his struggles, conquered his demons, and left us with some of the best songs. Loved them all, particularly Eyes of a New York Woman and Rock n' Roll Lullaby, and naturally, I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry.
I had been in the air force for 2 years when BJ's version came out - it actually gave me goosebumps - Blue Swede is more like a joke - give me a real singer with a real song anytime. Eyes of a New York Woman and I Just Can't Help Believing prove what a great singer he really was.
BJ managed to have a beautiful marriage through all his days of so much fame. I remember reading this and thought how it speaks highly of him and his wife. May he RIP. A great talent.
A Marine Corps DI did that chant in face during bootcamp in 1985, you had to show no reaction to things like this. I think my left eye lid twitched a little bit, he had it spot on and I knew the song very well! Luckily, he just had an evil amused look on his face and moved onto the next guy in formation with something completely different. I consider that a fond memory actually!
Thank you, Marine, for keeping the promises made to your mother and your Senior Drill Instructor. I am reading your comment thanks to the teachers in school. I am reading it in English thanks to you.
I was 12 in 1969 and obsessed with "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head". I'd always listen for it on my transistor radio, even later at night. Those Bacharach chords, man. Then his follow-up Bacharach/David song, "Everybody's Out of Town". He had such an expansive, nuanced, expressive voice. My fellow Okie.
As a kid I loved Blue Swede’s version. I was the youngest, by far, of four children. The oldest sibling was my sister who is 18 years older than me. She had a collection of vinyl 45s that was unrivaled. I would sit and listen to those 45s with her quite often and Hooked On A Feeling was one of my favorites. My sister battled through some mental health issues when I got older and we drifted apart. But I still fondly remember the days of listening to music with her when I was little.
My much older sibling and my older cousins had a big influence on my exposure to music styles and songs too. Lots of memories flood back when I hear certain songs. I'm sorry you and your sister have drifted apart.
Professor, what a great episode! Spanning 3 decades, from Johnny Preston to Genesis, only the Professor of Rock could link those artist and tell this fabulous tale. Thank you for highlighting the composers, musicians and engineers who provide the backbone to all the greatest hits. Isn’t it wonderful to know you got to meet these great stars like BJ Thomas and recorded their thoughts for history. As always, well done!
I've been Hooked on a Feeling since 74. Loved it then and still love it to this day. I was 14 years old in 1974. That year still stands as my favorite for AM radio. Hooked on a Feeling, was one of the reasons why.
Couldn’t agree more. Takes me back to riding in the way back of the family station wagon. Dad always had the tunes playing. Best of times and best of music
Not what the 70s was about unless you like cheezy covers. The 70s was Led Zeppelin, Bad Company, Aerosmith, Kansas, Toto, Rolling Stones, Pink Flyod, Steve Miller, Van Halen, The Police, ....
Best story ever. Great song. Long live the '70s! I didn't have kids until my 40s (42 and 47). But my kids are forever hooked on the 70s. (KT, Class of '79!)
B.J Thomas was so much a part of my childhood! His music cooled down a very turbulent ttime,even my Dad liked his music! Thanks for talking about this song today! Love it!❤❤❤
I can't tell you enough as to how much I appreciate this RUclips channel. I'm frequently touched emotionally as you review past songs and their artists / writers. I'm able to close my eyes and revisit my youth and all the memories of those times. Thank You! Keep on rocking 🤙...
I remember the Blue Suede version from when I was a kid!! The classic Rock station I listen to now plays the B.J. Thomas version!! My Mom hated the Blue Suede version!! Even years after the song wasn't popular anymore, she'd still start yelling whenever she heard it!!
Definitely one of the best songs ever!!! LOVE the clip of the BJ Thomas interview!!! Although I thought the remakes triable chant fit best for how it was used in Ally McBeal, I always loved BJ’s version best!!! Thanks for the memories!!! 😊
Here's another story about my dad. When I was a teenager, we took a family vacation. My dad played a cassette of BJ Thomas' greatest hits on repeat from KY to Atlanta. On the way back, my mom casually unrolled her window, ejected the tape, and tossed it onto the highway. My dad watched as the tape went spinning across the blacktop. Throughout his life, Dad famously got stuck on one song, even having me make him "mix tapes" of one song on repeat. "Hooked on a Feeling" was one I put on the playlist at his memorial service last year. I have a feeling Mom was still tired of it 30 years after that trip.
@@bobniehaus5053 Not quite the same; however, when I was hooked on Heart and had about a dozen bootlegs in the late 70s, my friends asked me if there's any other music than Heart in my car?
I was only 10 yrs old and lived in Connecticut when this song came out...and so...come on...what 10 year old can resist a song like this?! I LOVED IT! That and... "You put the lime in the coconut and drink it all up..." Those are such fun songs for kids to sing! Hearing it takes me back 50 years and all the memories of that time.
Another GREAT VIDEO Professor!! B.J. Thomas, Billy Joe Royal, Rodney Justo, The Candymen and The Atlanta Rhythm Section were the trail blazers for so many artists and Blue Swede took "Hooked On A Feeling" to an even higher place! Loved your interview with B.J. Thomas (Rest In Song B.J.! YOU are missed). Thank you Professor for all that you do!!! ✌👍❤❤
I grew up hearing B.J. Thomas‘s version on oldies radio, but didn’t know anything about either of the covers. When I first heard Blue Swede’s version in the 90s, I actually thought it was a new song at the time and didn’t realize until later that it was from the 70s. I didn’t even know about Jonathan King’s version until watching this video today.
BJ's was definitely the best and most sentimental to, me, as was Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head. The Blue Suede version came out when I was in the 7th grade, and so I love it too. BJ Thomas had a great voice. I enjoyed your little aside on the Citar's use in popular music. Every time I watch your vids, it's a trip down memory lane.
Lucky you! I can't get over how great B.J. still looks. He was always handsome, but he must be living well. Good for him! I guess I've never heard him speak until this interview, I'm kinda stunned that he sounds like most of my male relatives! Now I get it, my relatives are all from Oklahoma and Texas, just like B.J.
BJ Thomas is one of my favorite vocalists. He has a such a smooth, beautiful voice. Saw him live in 1983. Great concert. Love both versions of:Hooked on a Feeling." When my kids were little, we did a funny lip sync of the Blue Suede version with my kids performing the ooga chaka chants. What a great memory. Thanks, Professor
BJ Thomas can't be beat in the original version, the followers add gas to the eternal flame of the great sounds from the 1970's. I graduated High School in 1972 and was immersed in all these wonderful sounds from some very talented voices as in Three Dog Night, Bobby Darin, The Turtles, Classics 4, and so many more! Everything was great with the explosion of 8 track tapes and mega watt sound systems. I had a 68 GTO and decked it out and loved driving to work just to listen to new sounds Thanks for your work!
I'm the bratty little brother who was in 6th grade the school year you graduated. I dug all those sounds too. One day late in that school year, a classmate brought the poster of Alice Cooper (the Class of '72 poster) and we all passed it around. Another homeroom classmate was Mark Hammack, whose older brother, Chris, was away at college. A few years later, we got to know him as the drummer for Boston... Six degrees of separation 😅
You had me thinking I was dieing for a minute. I thought my life was starting to pass thru my ears. Hearing songs from my youth. I used to love BJ Thomas songs as well as the others. They were from when I started to listen to music 🎶🎵.... Great choice for a show.
I was 13 in '74 and Blue Swede's Hooked on a Feeling completely blew me away! Just like it did to everyone else. I never even knew of the B.J. Thomas version until decades later and I didn't know of all the other covers until _this video._ So for me the Blue Swede version _is_ the original. HOO GA CHAKA!
It’s funny, as I was the opposite, as was born in 65 and my exposure to the song from stations I listened to in the late 70s and 80s was the BJ Thomas version. I don’t recall hearing the other version until probably seeing the Ally McBeal episode. Not sure how I missed the other version if it had been so popular. As far as BJ’s version though, I listened to country stations a lot too, so I know I heard it there a lot.
My Aunt Louise would play BJ Thomas' Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song, so that was my earliest experience with BJ. And I heard Raindrops and Hooked On a Feeling on the radio, but what really brought him home for me was when I bought the 45 of Whatever Happened To Old Fashioned Love. Years later, I actually got to seem him live and got him to sign the 45 for me. Finding out he's from my home state of Oklahoma just strengthens my ties with him. I'm sure I heard the Blue Swede version occasionally, but I still identified the song more with BJ Thomas. The chant is infectious, but I also really like the sitar. Somebody out to remake or edit the song so that it has BOTH the sitar and the chant! Wouldn't that be a very 21st century thing to do? Your channel in particular has really stressed how important the use of music in TV and movies has been in bringing back old songs into popular culture. But geez, I had forgotten that Ally McBeal ever existed! It was popular for a while, then it disappeared. And I really don't know much about Jonathan King except for his connection with getting Genesis started as a band, for which I'm sure a lot of us are grateful. FGTR is probably well-deserved as an 'obscure' album, but I still find things of interest in the songs and the production. You can hear echoes of 60s BeeGees and early hard rock like Deep Purple from this songwriting collective that had originally intended to write songs for other artists. Of course, it's funny that due to its title, a lot of record shops would stick the album in their Religious section, instead of in the pop/rock section. I'm sure that didn't help the album's sales! It's only when they decided to stay together as a band that they went in a more progressive direction with their second album.
That unmistakable intro, the crazy awesome hook, its undeniable charm ... this song was MADE to be a hit. I've always loved this one. It still gets airplay in my home. :) I have it on more than one playlist. Great vid!
I don't remember the very first time I heard this song, I just know it grabbed me and I couldn't wait to hear it again! I waited anxiously with my finger poised on the cassette recorder button so I could record it off the radio. Of course, the DJs then never shut up at the beginning of songs... but what else could a kid do who didn't have money to buy many records? Now I wish I'd saved those homemade tapes for the nostalgia of hearing my favorite DJs and the commercials. I remember one of my tapes contained a commercial advertising a Frank Zappa concert, and it was as cool as you might imagine! My brother went, got the t-shirt, but I was too young to go. My parents were cool though, they did allow me to go with my brother to see my first rock concert at age 13. It was Emerson, Lake, and Palmer! Dad loved classical music, and when he heard Emerson's brilliant keyboard work, he knew this is music I should experience in person. Thanks mom and dad!!
My mom was a fan of BJ Thomas. He was country enough for her musical taste. Everyone alive at the time remembers the bicycle scene from Butch & Sundance with Raindrops
This is a fascinating history of Hooked On A Feeling. I appreciate the BJ Thomas recording. I am glad you mentioned the Genesis connection. I just found an autographed copy of Abacab at my local record store!
@ProfessorofRock It's the 1994 remastered reissue CD. I paid $3. When I got home, I took the booklet out of the jewel case, and there were 2 books. The one underneath had the autographs. I can send you a picture to your email
thats cool a guy my sister dated gave me a promo cassette nanci griffith opened up she had signed the liner note at thrift i found billy strings first ep signed for a dollargiving my nephew he knew him from bars they had played in nville
I used to catch so much flack whenever I would tell people that the Blue Swede version was a cover and that BJ had recorded it originally. They all thought I was nuts and that IF BJ did it that his was the cover. I love the Blue Swede version but BJ’s will always be my favorite, his voice was perfect for this song and Raindrops… he just had a way of reaching deep inside of me and creating feelings that moved me. Thanks for featuring this great song and for making sure that BJ got his just reward.
Love BJ Thomas. Hooked and Raindrops. Two of my top 100. Wouldn't want to have to pick between BJ's and Blue Swede's incredible version, frankly, but if forced would probably have to go with Mr. Thomas. Professor, thank you for giving time and props to Mr. Thomas.
@@vchism712Blue Swede is more of a Hippie band. B.J. Thomas was more of a straight-laced type of Christian musician like Elvis Presley. For example, the Beatles and Elvis didn't get along because the Beatles were more radical, left-wing politically, and appealed to more non-Christian audience.
Love B. J. Thomas. My favorite song by him is "Mama", but I like a lot of his stuff. His version of "Hooked On A Feeling" is definitely the best of the lot.
After Mom's B.J. Thomas version playing all the time in her lineup of Albums...Took a minute to become accustomed to the 'Blue Swede' version. But then, it was a fav on the bus all stopped yelling to grunt to and it became a fav in harmonizing even the bullies with the rest of the crowd. Thanks for the Blast from the Past.
Fun facts: Blue Swede hit number one on the billboard on the very same day as ABBA won ESC with Waterloo. When Blue Swede's version started to sell, Jonathing King was so pissed that he payed for an add on the Billboard complaining that someone else was making money on the song... that he didn't write. ABBA's producer, once told Skifs, though indirectly, that he would never sell any records.
Not ABBA's producer (they produced their own songs) but it was Stig Anderson, their manager and boss of their record label. Skifs was and still is a friend of the ABBA members.
Suded and Thomas' versions of the song are both classic and amazing, like Dionne Warwick AND Aretha Franklin coming up with perfect classic cuts of I SAY A LITTLE PRAYER. Thanks for another outstanding video!
I remember this one well. I think I had heard the Thomas version before the Blue Swede version. To hear the beginning of Blue Sweeds version was irresistible. What a great 70s tune. Thanks for covering this. I love both versions. I've never heard the third version.
So much great history here, Adam! I'm a HUGE lifelong BJ Thomas fan and had several of my musical colleagues who were in his touring band. Regarding Reggie Young, he was a big inspiration to me as a fellow studio guitarist and in my Nashville years I had the opportunity to interact with him on several occasions. The best was my step-daughter's prom. It was held at The Factory in the Nashville suburb of Franklin, TN. That same night, I was playing a gig at a restaurant/lounge in the The Factory, so on my break I poked my head in at the prom to see how it was going. I was surprised to hear a live band rather than a DJ. When I scoped out the band, there was Reggie Young on guitar! His grandson was also a student in attendance that night. Only in Nashville could you go to a high school prom and see a musical legend playing in the band!
One of my first song memories was in 1973 when I was 5, and I heard the BJ Thomas version in my family's station wagon crossing the East River in NYC watching the sun hit off the Chrysler building as we headed home to Boston. Loved it ever since. Great voice
I grew up in the 70's and 80's hearing BJ Thomas' version on soft rock stations and loving it. I had never even heard the other version until years later when I looked up what the number one song was the week I was born. It was Blue Swede's Hooked on a Feeling.
I had the pleasure of discussing some of this via email with a person very intimate with all of this “sitar” intrigue prior to his passing in October of 2019. Vincent Gambella, known professionally as “Vinnie Bell”. He was a “go to” session player in NYC for both guitar and the instrument he designed / invented for the guitar manufacturer Dan Electro for their “Coral” line, the “Electric Sitar”. He clearly played that instrument on perhaps hundreds of pop singles including “Green Tambourine” as you mentioned. The veracity of some of his claims has been questioned by a few and backed by others that were around during the time of these recordings. When I asked him was that you on “blah, blah, blah”? He wrote back emphatically “yes”! Along with a story line that went something like this. Singles would often be recorded in NY and LA studios by the high priced, union, big guns. If the single for a new or struggling artist caught on, rather than record a follow up “album” in that same high priced studio by the “big guns”, it was often shipped out to studios (Southern) where the session players and studios were not unionized. To save money on an album that might or might not show a significant return. The players were often just as good but not unionized. I asked him why he didn’t make a fuss when some of his work was being credited to other musicians? He wrote back that he didn’t have legal standing to do so, he was hired at union scale (contracted) and gave away any rights to what he played or even wrote / created during the studio session. That wasn’t merely him, that was all the unionized studio musicians of the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s…… They got good money but very often no credit. At least at the time. Obviously truth has crept out through the decades since. Think “Wrecking Crew”, “Funk Brothers”, the “Swampers”, Booker T & the MG’s and many others. Forgive me if I left some off. Anyway Vinnie Bell invented the “Electric Sitar” and there is NO controversy to be had there. He wrote that he was resigned and content with however he was remembered. He had a great life and supported his family while performing and even shaping popular music whether fully credited or not. I read somewhere he eventually succumbed to the effects of Alzheimer’s. I felt honored to have had some communication with him years prior, while he was still capable. He was considered part of “The Guitar Mafia” which included such greats as Les Paul, Lou Pallo, Tony Mattola, Al Caiola, and Bucky Pizzarelli. Those were his “peers”.
My nephew then years later, my daughter played the song in their high school marching band! They even used the chant. Always the biggest hit for the band in the years it was played. (They had a 300 strong powerhouse marching band-"Loud is Good") . Hooked on a Feeling was the perfect song. Still brings tears to my eyes!
My high school band had approximately three dozen people. We were "The Marching Miracle Band" because of our size, often performing on football fields with bands three times or more our size...but WE. WERE. L-O-U-D! We were doing rock tunes when everyone else was still doing Sousa. To this day, I proclaim: BAND RULES! AND DRUM CORPS RULES BAND! Class of '78
I’m related to Björn Skifs. I’m American, but I think it was his grandmother and my grandmother were cousins. Nice job with the pronunciation of the name, by the way. We met him in 1980 on a visit to Sweden, when I was 7. Anyway, this was my favorite song when I was little. They were saying my name! ooga CHUCKa.
I've been following your channel for a few months now. I'm always amazed at your knowledge and capacity to tell an interesting story about the featured song(s). Keep up the great work!
Until today I thought the bands name was Blue Suede like Blue Suede Shoes. So thank you Professor Adam. Even at 67 years young you can learn something new.
What a wild and winding story behind this song that is definitely a part of all time classics. I didn't know anything about Mark James and just found out he wrote some of my favorite songs, I absolutely love 70s pop and this song helps define that whole era. Fantastic episode professor so much information I need to listen twice.
Man, when this came on the radio when riding in my sister’s car (I was only a 10 year old), the volume maxed out and we’d sing along like idiots, lol. I crushed so hard on Blue Swede, lol. I still crank up the volume when I hear this classic and wax nostalgic every time.
I love both versions, my older brother hade the Blue Swede version and played it a lot. Really wasn’t aware of the BJ Thomas version until I was in my twenties 😊
I so enjoy reminiscing my era’s songs with you. Many I had forgotten like Green Tambourine. I just bought every song you showcased. I do that a lot when watching your show! Great, as always. I remember BJ Thomas very well. I was happy to see you interview him.
Many renaissances for this song. Additionally, it was included in the Time Life series "Sounds of the Seventies: AM Top Twenty". It was the first song on the album, and when I bought the CD in the mid-'90s, it definitely made an impact, and certainly brought these AM tunes to a new generation in the grunge and alt '90s. The album also included Chevy Van, Beach Baby, Sky High, Seasons in the Sun, Shannon, Rock Me Gently, The Night Chicago Died--great collection. Have a great weekend! - Dave
I absolutely adore your show. I'm in my 60s and all these songs just bring me back to not only my childhood but also my teenage years, some 20s, not too much. I find myself singling along to the music or saying, Oh my God, I forgot about that one. Thank you so much for doing this show. It's something I look forward to everyday.
Poll: What is your pick for the COOLEST SONG INTRO Ever?
Money
Going wild here...1812 Overture.
Layla by Derek and the Dominos. No question.
Baker Street- Gerry Rafferty
2112
My Father was a HUGE B.J.Thomas fan. I can remember going on long trips during summer vacations. If it ever came on the radio, he'd crank the volume and we'd all sing along to it. Was really rare moments when my father would sing at all to music when it was played. R.I.P. Dad love ya forever!
BJ Thomas was a class act. He was a vocalist and always, always gave credit to the writers of the songs he sang.
B.J. had to know how fabulous his voice was. But he was always terribly humble.
B. J. Thomas was the neighbor of one of my high school friends. Years later, he and his wife worked out at the same gym as me. I'd see them there all the time. He was always a very friendly, gracious man.
I loved BJ Thomas! He was one of the most under rated singers in history. RIP BJ, Texas still loves you!
RIP BJ Thomas. One of the greatest singers of all time.
He was such a great guy.
Love BJThomas
It was a hard day when he passed. He was a great singer and a good man. He faced his struggles, conquered his demons, and left us with some of the best songs. Loved them all, particularly Eyes of a New York Woman and Rock n' Roll Lullaby, and naturally, I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry.
Oh heck, didn't know he passed away. My favorite male vocalist. Sad to hear it.
Björn Skifs, the singer, lives in my neck of the woods. He is 74 years young and still working hard in show business, a Swedish legend.
Amazing the Professor managed to pronounce his name correctly. Well done.
WOW?!
@@petersloth The professor does his homework. I've noticed that being a subscriber.
And a great voice!
He still sang "Hooked..." in his concerts several decades later!
Nobody can top BJs version BJ is a great vocialst
Hooked on a Feeling. One of those songs you know without necessarily knowing the artists. Great choice, Prof.
Thanks for watching!
I had been in the air force for 2 years when BJ's version came out - it actually gave me goosebumps - Blue Swede is more like a joke - give me a real singer with a real song anytime. Eyes of a New York Woman and I Just Can't Help Believing prove what a great singer he really was.
Thanks for covering this one, my grand daughter loved this song when she was a toddler, immediately dancing whenever it played.
You always know when that song comes on just by that intro.
For sure!
One of the most iconic ever.
Ooo gah shaka ooo gah ooo gah...
BJ managed to have a beautiful marriage through all his days of so much fame. I remember reading this and thought how it speaks highly of him and his wife. May he RIP. A great talent.
A Marine Corps DI did that chant in face during bootcamp in 1985, you had to show no reaction to things like this. I think my left eye lid twitched a little bit, he had it spot on and I knew the song very well! Luckily, he just had an evil amused look on his face and moved onto the next guy in formation with something completely different. I consider that a fond memory actually!
Thank you, Marine, for keeping the promises made to your mother and your Senior Drill Instructor. I am reading your comment thanks to the teachers in school. I am reading it in English thanks to you.
I was a kid in the '60s, so B.J.'s vocals will always be foremost in my memory. A sound that takes me to a very happy place.
Thanks!
I was 12 in 1969 and obsessed with "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head". I'd always listen for it on my transistor radio, even later at night. Those Bacharach chords, man. Then his follow-up Bacharach/David song, "Everybody's Out of Town". He had such an expansive, nuanced, expressive voice. My fellow Okie.
@@shuroom57 There's nothing like Pop music on AM transistor radio.
As a kid I loved Blue Swede’s version. I was the youngest, by far, of four children. The oldest sibling was my sister who is 18 years older than me. She had a collection of vinyl 45s that was unrivaled. I would sit and listen to those 45s with her quite often and Hooked On A Feeling was one of my favorites. My sister battled through some mental health issues when I got older and we drifted apart. But I still fondly remember the days of listening to music with her when I was little.
Thanks for sharing!
I hope she is okay now
Music brings back memories…good and bad.
My much older sibling and my older cousins had a big influence on my exposure to music styles and songs too. Lots of memories flood back when I hear certain songs. I'm sorry you and your sister have drifted apart.
Professor, what a great episode! Spanning 3 decades, from Johnny Preston to Genesis, only the Professor of Rock could link those artist and tell this fabulous tale.
Thank you for highlighting the composers, musicians and engineers who provide the backbone to all the greatest hits. Isn’t it wonderful to know you got to meet these great stars like BJ Thomas and recorded their thoughts for history. As always, well done!
For Sure, The Professor of Rock is awesome!!!
I've been Hooked on a Feeling since 74. Loved it then and still love it to this day. I was 14 years old in 1974. That year still stands as my favorite for AM radio. Hooked on a Feeling, was one of the reasons why.
My age... do you remember 'Captain Howdy' from that summer?
That was a radio classic back in the day. A feel-good song for sure. Makes me feel nostalgic
A true classic!
It was radio friendly enough to make everyone sing.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 It sure was! :) Good times
Hearing Blue Swede's version is what the 70's were about. I was in my teens around that time. This is when music was music.
For sure! Thanks for watching!
Couldn’t agree more. Takes me back to riding in the way back of the family station wagon. Dad always had the tunes playing. Best of times and best of music
Plenty of good music in all eras.
Not what the 70s was about unless you like cheezy covers. The 70s was Led Zeppelin, Bad Company, Aerosmith, Kansas, Toto, Rolling Stones, Pink Flyod, Steve Miller, Van Halen, The Police, ....
@@lylecampbell9036Lets not 4get Queen, Kiss, Boston, Foreigner, and The Who? 😂
Best story ever. Great song. Long live the '70s! I didn't have kids until my 40s (42 and 47). But my kids are forever hooked on the 70s. (KT, Class of '79!)
Best class ever!
B.J Thomas was so much a part of my childhood! His music cooled down a very turbulent ttime,even my Dad liked his music! Thanks for talking about this song today! Love it!❤❤❤
I can't tell you enough as to how much I appreciate this RUclips channel. I'm frequently touched emotionally as you review past songs and their artists / writers. I'm able to close my eyes and revisit my youth and all the memories of those times. Thank You! Keep on rocking 🤙...
I agree. The Song Remembers When!
I remember the Blue Suede version from when I was a kid!! The classic Rock station I listen to now plays the B.J. Thomas version!! My Mom hated the Blue Suede version!! Even years after the song wasn't popular anymore, she'd still start yelling whenever she heard it!!
BJ Thomas just was one of those so amazing naturally talented singers that I swear everything he sung should have been gold.
I love both! They're each unique. BJ is too humble, his voice makes it heartfelt.
For sure!
I agree. His voice was part of what made his version great.
He put heart and soul into that delivery.
Agreed. They are both unique, and classics in their own right.
Definitely one of the best songs ever!!! LOVE the clip of the BJ Thomas interview!!! Although I thought the remakes triable chant fit best for how it was used in Ally McBeal, I always loved BJ’s version best!!! Thanks for the memories!!! 😊
Here's another story about my dad. When I was a teenager, we took a family vacation. My dad played a cassette of BJ Thomas' greatest hits on repeat from KY to Atlanta. On the way back, my mom casually unrolled her window, ejected the tape, and tossed it onto the highway. My dad watched as the tape went spinning across the blacktop.
Throughout his life, Dad famously got stuck on one song, even having me make him "mix tapes" of one song on repeat.
"Hooked on a Feeling" was one I put on the playlist at his memorial service last year. I have a feeling Mom was still tired of it 30 years after that trip.
Haha, sorry for your loss.
Lmao! I’ve done that to people before. Had to replace some tapes for it. I admit now it was a wrong and a waste of time and money.
@@bobniehaus5053 Not quite the same; however, when I was hooked on Heart and had about a dozen bootlegs in the late 70s, my friends asked me if there's any other music than Heart in my car?
We all have great family stories like that...thanks for sharing your's!
This will be my son’s lasting memory of me, as well. I will play the same song on repeat for a very long time!
B.J Thomas is awesome. And that's coming from a hard rocker🤘🏻
I was only 10 yrs old and lived in Connecticut when this song came out...and so...come on...what 10 year old can resist a song like this?! I LOVED IT! That and...
"You put the lime in the coconut and drink it all up..."
Those are such fun songs for kids to sing!
Hearing it takes me back 50 years and all the memories of that time.
I was 11 in CT that year. Good times, for sure!
@@markp6062
We could have been best buds!!!
@@mbgrafix I was Milford.. Devon when I'm feeling snobby. 🤣
Bristol.. 😊
@@edwinrodeo I have a Brother Edwin. I have only met 2 or 3 of them in my life. 👍
I always love BJ Thomas's songs . Glad to see some footage of his . A legendary voice !
Another GREAT VIDEO Professor!! B.J. Thomas, Billy Joe Royal, Rodney Justo, The Candymen and The Atlanta Rhythm Section were the trail blazers for so many artists and Blue Swede took "Hooked On A Feeling" to an even higher place! Loved your interview with B.J. Thomas (Rest In Song B.J.! YOU are missed). Thank you Professor for all that you do!!! ✌👍❤❤
Thanks for commenting and watching!
@@ProfessorofRock My pleasure! 😁
And I love Billy Joe Royal.
One of my first albums was BJ Thomas. So many good songs. My friends bought Rock and I bought BJ Thomas. Great memories and great times.
Thanks for sharing!
I grew up hearing B.J. Thomas‘s version on oldies radio, but didn’t know anything about either of the covers. When I first heard Blue Swede’s version in the 90s, I actually thought it was a new song at the time and didn’t realize until later that it was from the 70s. I didn’t even know about Jonathan King’s version until watching this video today.
BJ's was definitely the best and most sentimental to, me, as was Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head. The Blue Suede version came out when I was in the 7th grade, and so I love it too. BJ Thomas had a great voice. I enjoyed your little aside on the Citar's use in popular music. Every time I watch your vids, it's a trip down memory lane.
I got to see BJ Thomas live and he performed all his hits. Great history of this song. POR, rocks once again!
THanks for sharing. What an icon!
Lucky you! I can't get over how great B.J. still looks. He was always handsome, but he must be living well. Good for him!
I guess I've never heard him speak until this interview, I'm kinda stunned that he sounds like most of my male relatives! Now I get it, my relatives are all from Oklahoma and Texas, just like B.J.
BJ Thomas is one of my favorite vocalists. He has a such a smooth, beautiful voice. Saw him live in 1983. Great concert. Love both versions of:Hooked on a Feeling." When my kids were little, we did a funny lip sync of the Blue Suede version with my kids performing the ooga chaka chants. What a great memory. Thanks, Professor
Couldn't agree more!
Where’d you see BJ at?
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980Knotts Berry Farm in California
BJ Thomas can't be beat in the original version, the followers add gas to the eternal flame of the great sounds from the 1970's. I graduated High School in 1972 and was immersed in all these wonderful sounds from some very talented voices as in Three Dog Night, Bobby Darin, The Turtles, Classics 4, and so many more!
Everything was great with the explosion of 8 track tapes and mega watt sound systems. I had a 68 GTO and decked it out and loved driving to work just to listen to new sounds Thanks for your work!
I'm the bratty little brother who was in 6th grade the school year you graduated. I dug all those sounds too.
One day late in that school year, a classmate brought the poster of Alice Cooper (the Class of '72 poster) and we all passed it around. Another homeroom classmate was Mark Hammack, whose older brother, Chris, was away at college. A few years later, we got to know him as the drummer for Boston... Six degrees of separation 😅
@@Edward-bd8iy Wow, thanks for posting. It was a great time.
You had me thinking I was dieing for a minute. I thought my life was starting to pass thru my ears. Hearing songs from my youth. I used to love BJ Thomas songs as well as the others. They were from when I started to listen to music 🎶🎵.... Great choice for a show.
Thanks for listening
I was 13 in '74 and Blue Swede's Hooked on a Feeling completely blew me away! Just like it did to everyone else. I never even knew of the B.J. Thomas version until decades later and I didn't know of all the other covers until _this video._ So for me the Blue Swede version _is_ the original.
HOO GA CHAKA!
Thanks!
It’s funny, as I was the opposite, as was born in 65 and my exposure to the song from stations I listened to in the late 70s and 80s was the BJ Thomas version. I don’t recall hearing the other version until probably seeing the Ally McBeal episode. Not sure how I missed the other version if it had been so popular. As far as BJ’s version though, I listened to country stations a lot too, so I know I heard it there a lot.
Saw BJ Thomas at the Crazy Horse Saloon near Anaheim. He was FANTASTIC!!
My Aunt Louise would play BJ Thomas' Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song, so that was my earliest experience with BJ. And I heard Raindrops and Hooked On a Feeling on the radio, but what really brought him home for me was when I bought the 45 of Whatever Happened To Old Fashioned Love. Years later, I actually got to seem him live and got him to sign the 45 for me. Finding out he's from my home state of Oklahoma just strengthens my ties with him.
I'm sure I heard the Blue Swede version occasionally, but I still identified the song more with BJ Thomas. The chant is infectious, but I also really like the sitar. Somebody out to remake or edit the song so that it has BOTH the sitar and the chant! Wouldn't that be a very 21st century thing to do?
Your channel in particular has really stressed how important the use of music in TV and movies has been in bringing back old songs into popular culture. But geez, I had forgotten that Ally McBeal ever existed! It was popular for a while, then it disappeared.
And I really don't know much about Jonathan King except for his connection with getting Genesis started as a band, for which I'm sure a lot of us are grateful. FGTR is probably well-deserved as an 'obscure' album, but I still find things of interest in the songs and the production. You can hear echoes of 60s BeeGees and early hard rock like Deep Purple from this songwriting collective that had originally intended to write songs for other artists. Of course, it's funny that due to its title, a lot of record shops would stick the album in their Religious section, instead of in the pop/rock section. I'm sure that didn't help the album's sales! It's only when they decided to stay together as a band that they went in a more progressive direction with their second album.
That unmistakable intro, the crazy awesome hook, its undeniable charm ... this song was MADE to be a hit. I've always loved this one. It still gets airplay in my home. :) I have it on more than one playlist. Great vid!
It's a one listen hit!
I don't remember the very first time I heard this song, I just know it grabbed me and I couldn't wait to hear it again! I waited anxiously with my finger poised on the cassette recorder button so I could record it off the radio. Of course, the DJs then never shut up at the beginning of songs... but what else could a kid do who didn't have money to buy many records?
Now I wish I'd saved those homemade tapes for the nostalgia of hearing my favorite DJs and the commercials. I remember one of my tapes contained a commercial advertising a Frank Zappa concert, and it was as cool as you might imagine! My brother went, got the t-shirt, but I was too young to go.
My parents were cool though, they did allow me to go with my brother to see my first rock concert at age 13. It was Emerson, Lake, and Palmer! Dad loved classical music, and when he heard Emerson's brilliant keyboard work, he knew this is music I should experience in person. Thanks mom and dad!!
The producer, Skifs and the band, calls it "the gorilla choir".
My sister and I used to sing this in the back of our parents car on road trips. Looking back, our folks were very tolerant :)
Ha ha. Very cool memory. Thanks for sharing!
I bet it was/is one of their favorite memories
@@mwfmtnman 🙂Thanks
......Maybe they liked that song........
It’s a fun one!
Oh my gosh THANK YOU. I've been looking for BJ Thomas's version forever! The even happier song.
I've always loved BJ's music and voice. But I gotta say that Blue Suede's version is infectious and cheers me up even more.💜👍😎💃💜
I totally agree!
It really makes me happy.
My mom was a fan of BJ Thomas. He was country enough for her musical taste. Everyone alive at the time remembers the bicycle scene from Butch & Sundance with Raindrops
The ending was used for a Station ID for our hometown station WCHS for years and years. 🎶W - C - H - S... Radio Fifty Eight...🎶
This is a fascinating history of Hooked On A Feeling. I appreciate the BJ Thomas recording.
I am glad you mentioned the Genesis connection. I just found an autographed copy of Abacab at my local record store!
Serious? How much did it run you if you don't mind me asking?
@ProfessorofRock It's the 1994 remastered reissue CD. I paid $3. When I got home, I took the booklet out of the jewel case, and there were 2 books. The one underneath had the autographs. I can send you a picture to your email
thats cool a guy my sister dated gave me a promo cassette nanci griffith opened up she had signed the liner note at thrift i found billy strings first ep signed for a dollargiving my nephew he knew him from bars they had played in nville
@marktait2371 I like finding autographs when I record shopping. I didn't realize what I had until I came home.
Abacab is such an underrated album! The title track is one of my faves.
You can't beat BJ Thomas. Beautiful, pure voice.
So like Thomas to say that the best part of his version belonged to his guitarist.
I love the BJ Thomas version! Excellent song! Great voice !
What a coup to snag BJT for a sit down! He looks and sounds great!!
I used to catch so much flack whenever I would tell people that the Blue Swede version was a cover and that BJ had recorded it originally. They all thought I was nuts and that IF BJ did it that his was the cover. I love the Blue Swede version but BJ’s will always be my favorite, his voice was perfect for this song and Raindrops… he just had a way of reaching deep inside of me and creating feelings that moved me. Thanks for featuring this great song and for making sure that BJ got his just reward.
I saw them Live here in Sweden back in the 70's when I was a teen Björn Skifs is still doing shows today
Love BJ Thomas. Hooked and Raindrops. Two of my top 100. Wouldn't want to have to pick between BJ's and Blue Swede's incredible version, frankly, but if forced would probably have to go with Mr. Thomas. Professor, thank you for giving time and props to Mr. Thomas.
BJ Thomas had the best version, period.
Thanks!
I prefer Blue Swede's version...I like the harmonies of the backup singers and that tribal chant. BJ's is great too!
@@vchism712Blue Swede is more of a Hippie band. B.J. Thomas was more of a straight-laced type of Christian musician like Elvis Presley. For example, the Beatles and Elvis didn't get along because the Beatles were more radical, left-wing politically, and appealed to more non-Christian audience.
Yes, BJ's version is by far the best version.
@@MrRondonmon - I absolutely agree.
Thanks Professor for taking us down Memories Lane! Your Videos are really awesome!PEACE TO ALL!❤❤❤
I still have both the BJ Thomas single and Blue Swede single. 45 rpm baby!
Awesome!
At 16 I practically swooned the first time I heard BJ Thomas sing Rock and Roll Lullaby. At 68, I still love it. He was a great and memorable singer.
B. J. Thomas' version is the best version, imo.
Love B. J. Thomas. My favorite song by him is "Mama", but I like a lot of his stuff. His version of "Hooked On A Feeling" is definitely the best of the lot.
Love both of them!
I agree!!! I loved his voice!
That's the version I know from my Mom playing him all the time
@@Siansonea Mama is his biggest hit here in Australia
After Mom's B.J. Thomas version playing all the time in her lineup of Albums...Took a minute to become accustomed to the 'Blue Swede' version. But then, it was a fav on the bus all stopped yelling to grunt to and it became a fav in harmonizing even the bullies with the rest of the crowd. Thanks for the Blast from the Past.
Fun facts:
Blue Swede hit number one on the billboard on the very same day as ABBA won ESC with Waterloo.
When Blue Swede's version started to sell, Jonathing King was so pissed that he payed for an add on
the Billboard complaining that someone else was making money on the song... that he didn't write.
ABBA's producer, once told Skifs, though indirectly, that he would never sell any records.
Not ABBA's producer (they produced their own songs) but it was Stig Anderson, their manager and boss of their record label. Skifs was and still is a friend of the ABBA members.
@@chelseacharger Manager... not producer. My mistake. Thx.
Suded and Thomas' versions of the song are both classic and amazing, like Dionne Warwick AND Aretha Franklin coming up with perfect classic cuts of I SAY A LITTLE PRAYER. Thanks for another outstanding video!
The term 'Exellence' has several definitions and spellings.
Two definitions/spellings are Miss Dionne Warwick and Aretha Franklin.
Another song I can thank Guardians of the Galaxy for introducing me to. The soundtrack is pure fire.
I agree. The #1 album of 2014
Peter had great taste in music.
To me, the BJ Thomas version will always be the best. He was so great.
I remember this one well. I think I had heard the Thomas version before the Blue Swede version. To hear the beginning of Blue Sweeds version was irresistible. What a great 70s tune. Thanks for covering this. I love both versions. I've never heard the third version.
Thanks!
Sweed?
I didn’t know there was another version.
@@aquatarkus2022Swede.
You should have asked BJ Thomas about that amazing Christmas album. It's my all time favorite because the songs have so much feeling and soul.
I've always preferred the BJ Thomas version. Classic song.
So much great history here, Adam! I'm a HUGE lifelong BJ Thomas fan and had several of my musical colleagues who were in his touring band. Regarding Reggie Young, he was a big inspiration to me as a fellow studio guitarist and in my Nashville years I had the opportunity to interact with him on several occasions. The best was my step-daughter's prom. It was held at The Factory in the Nashville suburb of Franklin, TN. That same night, I was playing a gig at a restaurant/lounge in the The Factory, so on my break I poked my head in at the prom to see how it was going. I was surprised to hear a live band rather than a DJ. When I scoped out the band, there was Reggie Young on guitar! His grandson was also a student in attendance that night. Only in Nashville could you go to a high school prom and see a musical legend playing in the band!
I've got BJ's version in my Country playlist and Blue Swede's version in my Pop playlist.
One of my first song memories was in 1973 when I was 5, and I heard the BJ Thomas version in my family's station wagon crossing the East River in NYC watching the sun hit off the Chrysler building as we headed home to Boston. Loved it ever since. Great voice
Very cool!
The BJ Thomas version is the best
I grew up in the 70's and 80's hearing BJ Thomas' version on soft rock stations and loving it. I had never even heard the other version until years later when I looked up what the number one song was the week I was born. It was Blue Swede's Hooked on a Feeling.
I had the pleasure of discussing some of this via email with a person very intimate with all of this “sitar” intrigue prior to his passing in October of 2019. Vincent Gambella, known professionally as “Vinnie Bell”. He was a “go to” session player in NYC for both guitar and the instrument he designed / invented for the guitar manufacturer Dan Electro for their “Coral” line, the “Electric Sitar”. He clearly played that instrument on perhaps hundreds of pop singles including “Green Tambourine” as you mentioned. The veracity of some of his claims has been questioned by a few and backed by others that were around during the time of these recordings. When I asked him was that you on “blah, blah, blah”? He wrote back emphatically “yes”! Along with a story line that went something like this. Singles would often be recorded in NY and LA studios by the high priced, union, big guns. If the single for a new or struggling artist caught on, rather than record a follow up “album” in that same high priced studio by the “big guns”, it was often shipped out to studios (Southern) where the session players and studios were not unionized. To save money on an album that might or might not show a significant return. The players were often just as good but not unionized.
I asked him why he didn’t make a fuss when some of his work was being credited to other musicians? He wrote back that he didn’t have legal standing to do so, he was hired at union scale (contracted) and gave away any rights to what he played or even wrote / created during the studio session. That wasn’t merely him, that was all the unionized studio musicians of the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s…… They got good money but very often no credit. At least at the time. Obviously truth has crept out through the decades since. Think “Wrecking Crew”, “Funk Brothers”, the “Swampers”, Booker T & the MG’s and many others. Forgive me if I left some off.
Anyway Vinnie Bell invented the “Electric Sitar” and there is NO controversy to be had there. He wrote that he was resigned and content with however he was remembered. He had a great life and supported his family while performing and even shaping popular music whether fully credited or not. I read somewhere he eventually succumbed to the effects of Alzheimer’s. I felt honored to have had some communication with him years prior, while he was still capable. He was considered part of “The Guitar Mafia” which included such greats as Les Paul, Lou Pallo, Tony Mattola, Al Caiola, and Bucky Pizzarelli. Those were his “peers”.
Thanks for sharing this interesting and informative story with us. 💕
My nephew then years later, my daughter played the song in their high school marching band! They even used the chant. Always the biggest hit for the band in the years it was played. (They had a 300 strong powerhouse marching band-"Loud is Good") . Hooked on a Feeling was the perfect song. Still brings tears to my eyes!
My high school band had approximately three dozen people. We were "The Marching Miracle Band" because of our size, often performing on football fields with bands three times or more our size...but WE. WERE. L-O-U-D! We were doing rock tunes when everyone else was still doing Sousa. To this day, I proclaim:
BAND RULES! AND DRUM CORPS RULES BAND! Class of '78
I’m related to Björn Skifs. I’m American, but I think it was his grandmother and my grandmother were cousins. Nice job with the pronunciation of the name, by the way. We met him in 1980 on a visit to Sweden, when I was 7. Anyway, this was my favorite song when I was little. They were saying my name! ooga CHUCKa.
Nice! 😊
Amazing story!!! BJ Thomas was such a great singer. Nobody sounded like him.
I AGREE. and such a gentleman.
Loved Ally McBeal... Have a great day everyone, from Tampa Florida..#POR
I'm still in love with Calista
Hey Michael! How's it going?
@@Chapps1941 Portia DeRossie was my favorite
I never saw it but i always wondered about the dancing baby. Glad you explained that Prof!
@@LaManteca76 It was biological clock ticking
I've been following your channel for a few months now. I'm always amazed at your knowledge and capacity to tell an interesting story about the featured song(s). Keep up the great work!
❤🎉
Hooked On A Feeling.
Love that chant!
That chant would have worked well on Was, Not Was Walk The Dinosaur!
Thanks Professor!
Have a great Friday!
HEy Roger!
I can hear it in Walk the Dinosaur!
Until today I thought the bands name was Blue Suede like Blue Suede Shoes. So thank you Professor Adam. Even at 67 years young you can learn something new.
With all do respect I luv the song, I was a child when I heard it, to me the popular version sounds amazing and I still luv it!
Thanks for sharing!
I was born in 1967, grew up in the Seventies. Blue Suede version was always a hit with me.
What a wild and winding story behind this song that is definitely a part of all time classics. I didn't know anything about Mark James and just found out he wrote some of my favorite songs, I absolutely love 70s pop and this song helps define that whole era. Fantastic episode professor so much information I need to listen twice.
Thanks My Name! Appreciate seeing your comments everyday!
Mark James wrote and recorded the original Suspicious Minds!
Man, when this came on the radio when riding in my sister’s car (I was only a 10 year old), the volume maxed out and we’d sing along like idiots, lol. I crushed so hard on Blue Swede, lol. I still crank up the volume when I hear this classic and wax nostalgic every time.
RIP, B.J. Thomas...gone, but not forgotten.
I love both versions, my older brother hade the Blue Swede version and played it a lot. Really wasn’t aware of the BJ Thomas version until I was in my twenties 😊
I first heard Blue Swede's version in the Listerine commercial (in 1990 as I've verified). What an earworm!
Those cats were pretty good about that; 'Tarzan Boy' in the Cool Mint ads...
Love both BJ Thomas and Blue Swede versions! The dancing baby was definitely iconic! Also, sitar appreciation for the Box Tops “Cry Like a Baby”
Bass line cooks in that track...
Shout out to Mark James from all us Elvis freaks ! T.C.B. ⚡🤟 thanks Professor & B.J.
Right on jack ⚡
I so enjoy reminiscing my era’s songs with you. Many I had forgotten like Green Tambourine. I just bought every song you showcased. I do that a lot when watching your show! Great, as always.
I remember BJ Thomas very well. I was happy to see you interview him.
Many renaissances for this song. Additionally, it was included in the Time Life series "Sounds of the Seventies: AM Top Twenty". It was the first song on the album, and when I bought the CD in the mid-'90s, it definitely made an impact, and certainly brought these AM tunes to a new generation in the grunge and alt '90s. The album also included Chevy Van, Beach Baby, Sky High, Seasons in the Sun, Shannon, Rock Me Gently, The Night Chicago Died--great collection. Have a great weekend! - Dave
Time Life Series albums always had the best songs!
Those are all great songs.
Oh, Seasons in the Sun - loved that song!
I absolutely adore your show. I'm in my 60s and all these songs just bring me back to not only my childhood but also my teenage years, some 20s, not too much. I find myself singling along to the music or saying, Oh my God, I forgot about that one. Thank you so much for doing this show. It's something I look forward to everyday.
Dave Mason’s
_We Just Disagree_
starts with a sitar sound.
I did not like Billy Dean's 90s cover of "We Just Disagree." The original will always hold a place in my heart.
First time I ever heard this song, I was in high school Pep Band in Soda Springs, ID. 1979. We loved the chants.
I started to listen to the BJ Thomas version on my boombox outside then raindrops kept falling on my head.
Very nice! 😊😊😊
Well I hope you did you some talkin' to the sun. Sleeping on the job man!
The intro .. lights up memories of my youth. My favorite, happy get moving song, of all time.
Very cool!
BJ had a great voice
Indeed!
This song and others of the 70s brings back a lot of memories of all types and this kind of music will live with me until I die.
I love the BJ Thomas version best.
RIght on!