Every Entry Into The Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart- 1969- Part 62. All three singles today entered the chart on April 12, 1969- “The River Is Wide”- The Grass Roots, “Seattle”- Perry Como and “Buying A Book”- Joe Tex.

185. “The River Is Wide”-The Grass Roots. Dunhill. Folk- Rock. Written by Bill Admire and Gary Knight. B-Side” {You Gotta} Live For Love.” This was The Grass Roots second Hot 100 single of 1969- in February “Lovin’ Things” came on the chart and peaked at #49. “The River Is Wide” would make the Top 40- #31 – 11 weeks in the Hot 100. The Grass Roots- when I hear that today I immediately think of The Office- Creed Bratton was in the band. Grade:

186. “Seattle”- Perry Como. RCA-Victor. Pop. Written by Hugo Montenegro, Jack Keller and Ernie Sheldon. B-Side” Sunshine Wine.” A week or so ago we had Bobby Vinton on the charts- now also from Canonsburg, Pa- Perry Como. “Mr. C.” was a big hit a generation before. He was a big hit in television, music and radio. His career started back in 1933.  As far as chart success goes- he had great success before the Billboard Charts began in 1955- and afterwards- from late 1954 to 1974 he had 50 Hot 100 singles with 31 in the Top 40. “Catch A Falling Star” was a #1 in 1958. His success even carried over in the rock and roll era. His last big hit was  “It’s Impossible” #10 in 1970. This single  was the theme song for the 1969-70 television show “Here Come The Brides”- it peaked at #38 and spent 10 weeks on the chart.  Grade:

187. “Buying A Book”- Joe Tex. Dial. Soul Funk. Written by Joe Tex. B-Side ” Chicken Crazy.” This was Joe Tex’s -born Joseph Arrington Jr in Rogers, Texas in 1933’s- second Hot 100 single in 1969- “That’s Your Baby” entered the charts back in January and peaked at #88. “Buying A Book” did a little better peaking at #47 and spending 8 weeks in the Hot 100. Grade: