Photo: Bede735, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Our Top 10 Michael Martin Murphey Songs list takes a look at a successful singer songwriter who started out in soft rock pop music but later shifted to country music. During his early years, Michael Martin Murphey would go by just the name Michael Murphey but would later change his name to Michael Martin Murphey when he crossed over into country music in the early 1980s. Most music fans who grew up in the 1970s will always remember Michael Murphey’s smash number one single entitled “Wildfire,” that dominated radio in 1975. During the course of his career, Michael Martin Murphey has released thirty four studio albums and forty six singles. Our Top 10 Michael Martin Murphey Songs list will present ten of his most successful and much loved songs.
# 10 – Geronimo’s Cadillac
The sounds of 70s soft rock opens up our top 10 Michael Martin Murphey songs list with the sensational song “Geronimo’s Cadillac.” The plot of the Native American Indian would become a popular topic in the early 1970s music. The song was released on the album entitled Geronimo’s Cadillac. It was the first single released from the album. It also stands as the first single release of Michael Martin Murphey’s career, who at the time was still going by the name Michael Murphy. The album Geronimo’s Cadillac was released in 1972. The song was a top 40 hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 peaking at number thirty seven The song also was a hit on the Canadian Music charts peaking at number 30. On the Australian ARIA Music Sales Charts the song hit number ninety six.
# 9 – Don’t Count the Rainy Days
Continuing with our top 10 Michael Martin Murphey songs list we take a listen to the great song entitled “Don’t Count the Rainy Days.” The song was released on the album entitled The Heart Never Lies. The album was released in 1983. It was the first single released from the album. The song was a hit on the US Billboard Adult Contemporary Charts peaking at number sixteen. The song also was a hit on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs reaching all the way up to nine.
# 8 -Drunken Lady Of The Morning
In the number eight spot our top 10 Michael Martin Murphey songs list we present the song entitled “Drunken Lady Of The Morning.” This is one of those deep albums track that most people probably have never heard before unless you had the album. It’s a simple arrangement, just acoustic guitar and a vocal with a tapping foot keeping the beat. Just perfect. The song was released on the album entitled Cosmic Cowboy Souvenir. The album was released in 1973.
# 7 -Medicine Man
In the number seven position our top 10 Top 10 Michael Martin Murphey Songs songs list is the song entitled “Medicine Man.” The song was released on the album entitled Blue Sky – Night Thunder. The song opened uop side two of the album. It was never released as a single but it was easily one of the top tracks on the record.
# 6 -Renegade
Landing in the number six spot our top 10 Top 10 Michael Martin Murphey Songs songs list we present the song “Renegade.”The song was released on the album entitled Swans Against the Sun.The album was released in 1976. This was the album that followed up the classic Blue Sky – Night Thunder album that featured Wildfire. It was the first single released from the album. “Renegade,” is an upbeat tune that sounds almost like a Marshall Tucker Band song. It’s a great one. The song was a hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 peaking at number thirty nine.
# 5 – Mansion on the Hill
At the halfway point on our top 10 Top 10 Michael Martin Murphey Songs songs list is the legendary song “”Mansion on the Hill. This is not the same song as the Bruce Springsteen song. Michael Martin Murphey’s recording of “Mansion on the Hill,” was written by Hank Williams and Fred Rose who inspired the Springsteen song which was written four years after Michael Murphey recorded this song. The song was issued on the album entitled Swans Against the Sun. The album was released in 1976. It was the first single released from the album. The song was a hit on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs Charts peaking at number thirty six.
# 4 – A Long Line of Love
At the number four spot on our top 10 Top 10 Michael Martin Murphey Songs songs list we present the song “A Long Line of Love.” The song was released on the album entitled Americana. The album was released in 1987. It was the second single released from the album.The song also was massive hit on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs Charts reaching all the way up to number one. This was his second of his two number one singles on the US Country music charts. This beautiful family song was composed by Paul Overstreet and Thom Schuyler. It’s pretty easy to hear why this one was a number one.
# 3 – Carolina in the Pines
Moving along on our top 10 Top 10 Michael Martin Murphey Songs songs list we turn to the great loving song “Carolina in the Pines.” This beautiful song served as the follow up single to his massive number one single entitled “Wildfire.” The song was released on the album entitled Blue Sky – Night Thunder. On the US Billboard Adult Contemporary charts “Carolina in the Pines,” peaked at number four. The song was also hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 peaking at number twenty one. The song did well up North in Canada too peaking at number four on the Canadian music charts.
# 2 – What’s Forever For?
As we start to get to a close on our top 10 Top 10 Michael Martin Murphey Songs list we celebrate the song “What’s Forever For.” This wonderful song was first released by England Dan & John Ford Coley in 1979. However it was Michael Martin Murphey who had the massive hit single success with the song. “What’s Forever For,”was released on the album entitled Michael Martin Murphey. The album was released in 1982. It was the first single released from the album.
“What’s Forever For,” would go straight to number one on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs Charts. It would become Michael Martin Murphey’s first number one country single. However the song was also a big crossover hit. The song was also a top 20 hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 peaking at number nineteen. On the US Billboard Adult Contemporary charts it peaked at number four. On the Australian ARIA Music Sales Charts the song hit number four.
# 1 – Wildfire
We close out our top 10 Top 10 Michael Martin Murphey Songs songs list with his most legendary song titled “Wildfire.” This was one of those classic songs from the 1970s that would become ingrained in pop culture for decades. It was often referred to on televisions talk shows including a long running gag on Late Night With Dave Letterman which eventually resulted in an appearance by Michael Murphey performing the song. The songs legendary story about a ghost horse has inspired many stories throughout the years. Over the years the songs has sold millions of records.
“Wildfire,” was released on the album entitled Blue Sky – Night Thunder. The album was released in 1975. It was the first single released from the album. “Wildfire,” would hit number one on the US Billboard Adult Contemporary charts in 1975. The song was also a huge hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 peaking at number three. The song also hit number one on the Canadian Music Charts.
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![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)
