DAILY DIRT: Whitney, Tommy James and the Monkees did; The Who, Led Zeppelin and Kiss did not

Don’t forget to wish Ralph Malph a happy birthday later this week … Welcome to today’s three thoughts that make up Vol. 1,024 of The Daily Dirt.

1. Granted, we know how great artists like Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley and Rolling Stones were.

But what was the song that pushed them over the top — their first No.1s?

Immediately below are a handful of the most iconic artists and groups who boomers hold closest to their hearts, and their initial chart toppers.

And immediately following those first No. 1 songs is another list — and a quite impressive one, I might add — of individuals and groups who NEVER reached No. 1. I think some of those entries will really surprise you: 

• Marvin Gaye: “I Heard it Through the Grapevine” (1968)
• Aretha Franklin: “Respect” (1967)
• Rolling Stones: “Satisfaction” (1965)
• Beatles: “I Want to Hold Your Hand”: (1964)
• Elvis Presley: “Heartbreak Hotel” (1956)
• Rod Stewart: “Maggie May” (1971)
• Whitney Houston: “Saving All My Love for You” (1985) (Note: This was the first of Houston’s seven consecutive No. 1 songs.)
• Elton John: “Crocodile Rock” (1972)
• Simon and Garfunkel: “Sound of Silence” (1965)
• The Doors: “Light My Fire” (1967)
• Four Tops: “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)” (1965)
• The Temptations: “My Girl” (1964)
• The Beach Boys: “I Get Around” (1964)
• Tommy James and the Shondells: “Hanky Panky” (1966)
• Paul Revere and the Raiders: “Indian Reservation” (1971)
• Monkees: “Last Train to Clarksville” (1966)
• Dave Clark Five: “Over And Over” (1965)
• Rascals: “Good Lovin'” (1966)
• Four Seasons: “Sherry” (1962)
• Stevie Wonder: “Fingertips Part 2” (1963)
• Eagles: “Best Of My Love” (1974)

It’s hard to believe, but none of the following ever had a No. 1 single:

• Led Zeppelin
• Creedence Clearwater Revival
• Bob Dylan
• The Who
• Cream
• AC/DC
• Bruce Springsteen
• ELO
• Jimi Hendrix
• Journey
• Pat Benatar
• Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
• Moody Blues
• Lynyrd Skynyrd
• Kansas
• Kinks
• Pearl Jam
• Kiss

2. Did you know (Part 85)

• That the majority of dust found in households is made up of dead skin. (Scientists have said that 80 percent of dust found in households is made from the dead skin of its inhabitants. The same goes for offices and other locations that are crowded with people.)
• That there are 1,792 steps on the Eiffel Tower. (Thought I’d keep with the current Olympic theme.)
• That humans have 205 bones, one less than horses.
• That moths have no stomachs, which, I guess, explains my they only live for about a week.
• That the only letter in the alphabet that does not appear in a state name is “Q”.

3. This week’s celebrity birthdays include:

• Former NBA star Patrick Ewing, who is 62 today. 
• Another former NBA great, David Robinson, will be 59 on Tuesday.
• Actress Charlize Theron (one of my favorites) will turn 49 on Wednesday.
• Award-winning actor Dustin Hoffman, who will be 87 when he wakes up Thursday.
• Former “Happy Days” co-star Donny Most (who portrayed Ralph Malph), will be 71, also on Thursday.

Steve Thought O’ The Day – One more birthday note: A special shoutout to actor Sam Elliott, who on Thursday reaches 80 and is still taking names and kicking ass. 

Steve Eighinger writes daily for Muddy River News. I could listen to Sam Elliott read the phone book … if we still had them.