By OBBM Network Editorial Staff

Derived from an episode of Professor of Rock.

During a late‑night recording session in 1971, Tom Johnston of the Doobie Brothers let a loose, lyrics‑free riff stretch into a ten‑minute jam. He never imagined the improvisation would become the band’s breakout single, yet three years later it was trimmed, titled “Long Train Runnin’,” and surged to number eight on the Billboard Hot 100. That same year, a tongue‑in‑cheek imitation of Bob Dylan’s vocal quirks birthed a song that still confounds trivia buffs: who actually sings the chorus of “Stuck in the Middle with You”?

The Doobie Brothers’ Unlikely Anthem

The origin of “Long Train Runnin’” reads like a backstage anecdote. The band rehearsed a sprawling, structure‑less jam they called “Rosie Pig Mosley” for countless live shows, with Johnston merely scatting over a bluesy guitar line. Producer Ted Templeman recognized its potential and urged the group to add lyrics, turning the jam into a concise, radio‑ready track. When released, it climbed to number eight on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing the Doobies’ place in rock history.

Johnston later recalled, “It was a jam. And we essentially started playing that in ’71. Every night there were no lyrics, so I would just make words up as we were doing it.” His modest description underscores how a simple riff can evolve into a beloved classic when the right producer steps in.

Jim Croce’s Posthumous Hit

While many associate Jim Croce with acoustic folk storytelling, his 1973 single “I Got a Name” was penned by the songwriting duo Norman Jimbel and Charles Fox—who also wrote “Killing Me Softly.” The track was recorded without Croce’s trademark acoustic guitar, a rare departure that gave the song a broader, anthemic feel. Released just a day after Croce’s tragic plane crash, the song rose to the top ten, becoming a poignant tribute to his legacy.

Decades later, Croce’s son, A.J. Croce, recorded a version for a 2018 Goodyear commercial honoring Dale Earnhardt Jr., adding a multigenerational layer to the song’s emotional resonance.

Dr. Hook’s “Cover of Rolling Stone” Saga

Written by Shel Silverstein, “The Cover of Rolling Stone” chronicled a band’s yearning for fame. Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show fulfilled that dream on March 29, 1973, when they appeared on the cover of the then‑five‑year‑old magazine. The song peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100, but its legacy endures through the quirky story of BBC DJs overdubbing “Radio Times” over the original lyric to bypass a broadcast ban on commercial references.

Lead singer Dennis LaCroix, who never adopted a stage name, found his name misspelled on the cover—a minor mishap that highlighted the pre‑Google era’s challenges for musicians seeking recognition.

Paul McCartney’s Rejected Film Tune

Amid the 1973 lineup, a lesser‑known anecdote involves Paul McCartney’s rapid‑fire composition for a movie franchise that sought a lounge‑style act. Though the track was ultimately rejected, its existence illustrates how even a legend’s work can be sidelined, reminding listeners that chart success often hinges on timing and context as much as talent.

“Stuck in the Middle with You”: A Parody Turned Classic

Stealers Wheel’s “Stuck in the Middle with You” began as a playful spoof of Bob Dylan’s vocal style. Co‑writers Gerry Rafferty and Joe Egan intended the song as a throwaway gag, yet the convincing Dylan impersonation led some early listeners to believe Dylan himself had recorded it. The track’s catchy chorus—“Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right”—captured the chaotic feel of the music industry’s cocktail parties.

Rafferty later disclosed that intense anxiety forced him to quit touring after the song’s success, revealing the hidden personal toll behind a seemingly carefree hit.

These stories demonstrate that chart position does not dictate a song’s lasting impact. Whether born from a marathon jam, a parody, or a rejected film cue, the tracks from 1973 that missed the number‑one spot have become enduring fixtures in rock’s collective memory.

By revisiting these overlooked hits, we gain a richer appreciation for the creative processes, industry quirks, and personal narratives that shape music history. The songs may not have topped the charts, but they have certainly earned a permanent place in the hearts of listeners.

The full episode of Professor of Rock is available on OBBM Network TV.