Photo: A & M Records, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Our Top 10 Lee Michaels songs list takes a look at an artist who is easily one of the most underrated rock and roll musicians of all time. Most music fans know of Lee Michaels because of his huge 1971 top 10 hit “Do You Know What I Mean.” But what many people fail to realize is what a killer Hammond organ player Lee Michaels is. Not to mention that amazing voice. A combination vocalist and Hammond organ player somewhere in between Gregg Allman and Steve Winwood but with an energy level that almost goes nuclear.
If one wants to really understand the rock and roll power of this incredible artist, all they need to d0 is pick up his incredible live album Lee Michaels Live which was released in 1973. It was an album that featured just Lee Michaels on Hammond organ playing keys and bass pedals and drummer Keith Knudsen. The sound of just these two musicians on stage was incredibly powerful and energetic. Fans who saw Lee Michaels perform were completely blown away.
After preforming in venues in the San Francisco area, Lee Michaels signed a recording contract with A&M Records in 1967. He released his first album in 1968 entitled Carnival of Life. Later that year he followed up his debut record with the album Recital. In the spring of 1969, Lee Michaels released the LP Lee Michaels. It was a stunning and powerful rock and roll record that featured only Lee Michaels and his drummer Barry “Frosty” Smith. For his fourth album, Lee Michaels added guitarist Drake Levin formally of Paul Revere & the Raiders’ to the recording sessions.
In 1971, Lee Michaels released his fifth album titled 5th. The album’s first single released “Do You Know What I Mean” turned Lee Michaels into a household name. Unfortunately, Lee Michaels was never able to repeat the commercial success he enjoyed with the single “Do You Know What I Mean.” Lee Michaels released two more albums for A&M records before signing with Columba Records in 1973. It was a short stay with Columbia Records as Lee Michaels only released two albums with the label that signed Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and hundreds of other legends. It would be over twenty years until Lee Michaels would release another album. In 1996 Lee Michaels released the LP Absolute Lee which is pretty much impossible to find.
There have been many Lee Michaels compilations released throughout the years and A&M released a box set of his first seven albums. Its interesting that an artist that performed with such passion for almost a decade would pretty much just disappear. And sadly, many rock and roll fans are unfamiliar with his great catalog because he just sort of walked away from the music business in the late 1970s. We hope this top 10 Lee Michaels songs list opens the eyes and ears of rock and roll fans onto this amazing talent who is still alive as of his writing in 2020 and now lives life as the owner of a handful of Killer Shrimp Restaurants on the Western Coast of the United States for the past twenty years.
# 10 – Hold On To Freedom
We open up our Top 10 Lee Michaels songs list with the smoking live version of the great song “Hold On To Freedom.” The tune first appeared on the album Space and First Takes in 1972. Lee Michaels released a killer live version of the song on his Lee Michaels Live two record set that was released a year later in 1973. The song opened up the album. This will knock off your rock and roll shoes.
# 9 – Mad Dog
“Mad Dog,” was released on Lee Michaels fourth album titled Barrel. The album reached the Billboard Top 200 peaking at number 51 in 1970. There are many influences on this record. One can hear a little Joe Cocker, a little Traffic, some Beatles and of course Paul Revere & The Raiders by way of their former guitarist Drake Levin playing on the record.
# 8 – Keep The Circle Turning
Continuing with our Top 10 Lee Michaels songs list we turn to his album entitled 5th. The song “Keep The Circle Turning,” was the album’s opening track. The song also featured Merry Clayton on background vocals.
# 7 – Went Saw Mama
“Went Saw Mama,” was released on Lee Michael’s first LP for Columbia Records entitled Nice Day For Something. The album was released in 1973. “Went Saw Mama,” is just a great grooving song, simple but fun. A little McCartney, a little Elton John. Lee Michaels expressed himself musically in many different ways during his 1970’s run.
# 6 – Carnival of Life
Going From “Went Saw Mama,” to “Carnival Of Life.” defines just how different Lee Michaels sounded on many of his albums. “Carnival of Life,” is progressive rock Lee Michaels. It was the title track from his debut album released in 1968.
# 5 – Heighty Hi
“Heighty Hi” was Lee Michaels first charting single in the United States. It didn’t chart that high as it just hovered outside of the Billboard Hot 100 at number 106. The song was released on Lee Michaels third album entitled Lee Michaels. The album was released in 1970.
# 4 – Can I Get A Witness
“Can I Get A Witness,” was the second single released from Lee Michaels most successful album entitled 5th. The song also became Lee Michaels only other top 40 hit besides “Do You Know What I Mean.” The song “Can I Get A Witness,” is what fueled the album’s name 5th as it was a reference to the 5th Amendment and the idea of freedom of speech.
# 3 – Do You Know What I Mean
As we begin to wind down this Top 10 Lee Michaels songs list we turn to the artist’s biggest hit of his career. The song “Do You Know What I Mean,” was released on his fifth album titled 5th.”Do You Know What I Mean,” became a top 10 hit for Lee Michaels peaking at number six on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1971. It was one of the most successful songs of the year as Billboard ranked it in their top 20 songs of 1971. It has long become a staple of classic rock radio.
# 2 – Stormy Monday
Once again, we return to the great Lee Michaels Live album. On this one Lee Michaels lays down one of the best versions of “Stormy Monday,” we have ever heard. This is easily one of the best live rock and roll albums ever released and quite possibly the most underrated of all time. Do you own it? Probably not. But there’s a good chance you will after checking this out.
# 1 – Tell Me How Do You Feel
We close out our top 10 Lee Michaels songs list with the opening medley of “Tell Me How Do You Feel.” The medley was originally released on Lee Michaels third album titled Lee Michaels. This guy was off the charts great.
Lee Michaels Live -The most underrated live album of all time.
![Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life From humble East Coast origins to grandest stages worldwide, veteran bassist Rob De Luca has seen and done it all. De Luca first hit the local Boston rock and metal scene in the late 80s after meeting guitarist Paul DiBartolo, bonding over Van Halen before forming Bang. Regional success came quickly, but eventually, the members of Bang went their separate ways, with De Luca and drummer Tommi Gallo heading to NYC and hooking up with Ray West and, later, DiBartolo to form Spread Eagle. By 1990, Spread Eagle was on the fast track, with a contract through MCA Records and a self-titled debut album poised to crush skulls. But poor timing and MCA's sad indifference left Spead Eagle out in the cold despite being a hard-boiled answer to Guns N' Roses's West Coast sleaze. Spread Eagle's first chapter came to an end in '95. As for Rob De Luca, his nimble fingers and gift for melody and songwriting kept him moving forward. Soon, he found a gig with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and the legendary outfit UFO. And in 2010, after coupling up with Ray West and his cousin Rik De Luca, Spread Eagle retook flight. During a break from Spread Eagle's increasingly busy touring schedule, Rob De Luca dialed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. But only after adding, "I made a playlist of these songs, including some I've written or co-written. Do you hear any of these albums' influence on me?" Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3LWJuhDrE8JmzhsmTeIDUq 10) Gentlemen by Afghan Whigs (1993) Here's an entry that was so important to me. This may be the darkest break-up album of all time. Greg Dulli has been in many projects, but I feel Gentlemen is his zenith. Somewhat undefinable at times but always profound and honest. Listen to "Gentlemen," "Fountain and Fairfax," and "What Jail Is Like." 9) In on the Kill Taker by Fugazi (1993) By this time, I had been sucked in and spit out by the major-label record industry. Glam came and went; grunge was history, too. I was searching for new sounds. When I heard Fugazi's twin guitar approach, I knew this was what was missing. Fugazi may be considered a less polished sound than the albums above; however, once you "get it," it hits you like a ton of bricks, and there's no going back. From the moment I heard Fugazi, I went to every NYC show after. It's easily some of the best concerts of my life, and possibly my favorite bassist in Joe Lally. And their DIY ethics refused to charge us more than $5 a show! In on the Kill Taker is a powerful album demonstrated in songs such as "Smallpox Champion," "Great Cop," and "Public Witness Program." 8) Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses (1987) I discovered many of these albums (sometimes long) after they were released. However, I was at the right place at the right time for this one. Steve Ostromogilsky had a Berklee College of Music lunch card and used to sneak out sandwiches for me. One day, he invited me to hang out at his place and listen to music. As we got off the train, he put Sony Walkman headphones on my ears and said, "Hey, check out this brand-new group." A song like "It's So Easy" was so different from the popular Sunset Strip sound at that time. Me and about 499 other informed rockers were lucky enough to see them on their first East Coast tour at the sold-out Paradise on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (the same street Aerosmith started on). I saw Gn'R every tour after until I took a break when Buckethead joined. Gn'R is the band I've been lucky enough to see the most times live, almost 100! Everyone on this album is just stellar. Axl [Rose] had the tones, power, melodic sensibilities, and foresight to do what no other singer did then. Slash's playing was beyond memorable. Duff [McKagan] is one of the most underrated bassists in rock history, and learning his Appetite basslines is a masterclass. Steven [Adler] had the natural swing, and Izzy [Stradlin] was the secret weapon songwriter. Everything that's been heralded about this gem is deserved and true. Check out "It's So Easy," "Out Ta Get Me," and "Mr. Brownstone.' 7) Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) Another contender for my favorite album and band of all time. Using The Beatles machine (same recording studio, engineer, record label), Pink Floyd made what I feel is their strongest, most cohesive album (my second favorite of theirs would be Animals). This list mainly consists of bands with an instantly recognizable sound. Floyd is certainly no exception to that! This album included a solid handful of undeniable rock radio classics, bookended by two halves of the mind-blowing song "Shine on You Crazy Diamond.' That song was written about former band member and founder Syd Barrett. It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. I'll never forget it! Unfortunately, Bon would be gone in 6 months. Check out "Walk All Over You," "Touch Too Much," "Shot Down in Flames," and "If You Want Blood (You Got It)." 4) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (1975) By the time I heard this, I was now in my teens. I had a childhood friend up the street, Jim Linberg (we're still good buddies). His older sister had a great album collection, including Toys in The Attic. Once I heard that groove, my taste changed. I lost interest in rock music that didn't have some sort of "swing" feel to it. I think Rocks is a slightly better Aerosmith album (and possibly my favorite album of all time), but both are perfect or very close. Check out "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," "No More No More," "Round and Round," and "You See Me Crying." 3) Alive! by Kiss (1975) When I was still a little kid, I asked for Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke album for Christmas. The entire family came over for an enormous feast, and I dropped the needle. When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The simple beauty of voice, the master songwriting, the perfect backing band, the clear, unobtrusive recordings, and always Bernie's incredible lyrics. The day this album was released, Elton became an unstoppable force that conquered the music industry. Check out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "Rocket Man." 1) Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) Another tape that was included in the VW Camper. The van had a bunch of music tapes, and one was Sgt Pepper. I was too young to understand the sophistication of the music, but that was one of the many skills of The Beatles. They attracted listeners at every level, even little kids. I still feel that immediate connection to Sgt Pepper; now, I hear so much more. It's an album that changed the world and the world of music. Check out "Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," and "Fixing a Hole."](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1815495569-1-300x200.jpg)
Frosty and Lee were the definitive 2 man band, apologies to Keith Knudsen
also Lee’s tune “Hello” from Carnival of Life is easily one of his top tunes.
CRIMINALLY under-rated artist !!!
Lee should be up there with all the great 70’s names….
Didn’t include The War? Criminal.