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Save the Country
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Wikipedia article
"'Save the Country'" is a song written by Laura Nyro, first released by her as a single in 1968.[http://discogs.com/Laura-Nyro-Save-The-Country/release/2675316 Laura Nyro, "Save the Country" single release] Retrieved January 20, 2015 Nyro released another version of the song on her 1969 album 'New York Tendaberry'.
Background
Nyro was inspired to write the song after the June 5, 1968 assassination of Robert Kennedy.Kort, Michelle. It references both the death of Senator Kennedy and his brother, President John F. Kennedy, in the third verse: "Come on people! Sons and mothers, Keep the dream of the two young brothers, Gonna take that dream and ride that dove."
'Soul Picnic: The Music and Passion of Laura Nyro'. New York: St. Martin's Press, p. 65.
5th Dimension recording
The most successful version was performed by The 5th Dimension. It reached #10 on the U.S. adult contemporary chart, #24 in Canada, #27 on the 'Billboard' Hot 100, and #79 in Australia in 1970.[http://www.musicvf.com/song.php?title=Save+the+Country+by+The+5th+Dimension&id=426 The 5th Dimension, "Save the Country" Chart Positions] Retrieved January 19, 2015 It was featured on their 1970 album 'Portrait'.[http://www.discogs.com/5th-Dimension-The-Portrait/release/4683412 The 5th Dimension, 'Portrait'] Retrieved January 19, 2015 The song was produced by Bones Howe and arranged by Bill Holman, Bob Alcivar, and Howe.[http://www.45cat.com/record/b895 The 5th Dimension, "Save the Country" single release] Retrieved January 19, 2015
Other versions
* Julie Driscoll with Brian Auger and the Trinity released a version of the song on their 1969 album 'Streetnoise'.
* Canadian band The Sugar Shoppe, which included actor and singer Victor Garber, released a version of the song in 1969.
* Paul Revere & The Raiders (under the shortened name Raiders) made the song the opening track of their 1970 album 'Collage'.
* Thelma Houston released a version of the song in 1970 that reached #73 in Canada[http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/rpm/028020-119.01-e.php?&file_num=nlc008388.3759&type=1&interval=20&PHPSESSID=98q6tcgku7546lsrfi3gr83pp7 Thelma Houston, "Save the Country" Canadian Chart Position] Retrieved January 19, 2015 and #74 on the 'Billboard' Hot 100.[http://www.musicvf.com/song.php?title=Save+the+Country+by+Thelma+Houston&id=45834 Thelma Houston, "Save the Country" U.S. Chart Position] Retrieved January 19, 2015
* Rosanne Cash released a version of the song on the 1997 Nyro tribute album 'Time and Love: The Music of Laura Nyro'.
* Roberta Flack performed her version of the song in a live broadcast from KCET in the 1970s.[http://www.kcet.org/shows/studio_a/bands/roberta-flack/view-roberta-flack.html Roberta Flack, "Artbound Presents Studio A"] Retrieved June 30, 2015
* Nyro's version was sampled by Kanye West on his song "The Glory" off his third studio album 'Graduation'.
References
Category:1969 songs
Category:1970 singles
Category:Soul songs
Category:Songs written by Laura Nyro
Category:Laura Nyro songs
Category:The 5th Dimension songs
Category:Rosanne Cash songs
Category:Bell Records singles
Category:Dunhill Records singles
Category:Song recordings produced by Bones Howe
Category:Gospel songs
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