A fun song fact. Swan often took his medium-sized dog to his recording sessions. While Swan was recording "I Can Help," the dog became playful and started tugging at Swan's pant leg. He finished the take - and earned the applause from the band mates that is heard at the end of the released song.
This song somehow became my company's unofficial motto about five years ago. A couple of us would go around people saying "I got two strong arms I can help" It became a big laugh. I remember the first time I had reheard the song in about 40 years I started to laugh when it kept repeating at the end. It was like "One more time!" and it didn't seem to end.
When i was an obnoxious teenager, my Mom, and an older sister were talking about how much they liked this song. So naturally i had to chime in my two cents, and say it was "stupid". Years later, i heard the song, and remembered my jerky behavior. Called my sister to apologize, and of course she didn't even remember lol Oh well, older now, and hopefully slightly less obnoxious. :-)
You've got to love that trick ending over and over! Billy Swan was a one-hit wonder on the pop charts back in 1974 with this #1 tune. His voice always reminded me of Ringo Starr, who had quite a year in 1974. You really need to take in Ringo's Oh My My from that same year ... and Amber, be prepared to boogie with some horns!
I graduated in 1978 so, of course, I have known this song since they used to play it on the radio back in the day. The style reminds me of Ringo Starr, though.
This song needs a comeback. The sentiment is fire. Years ago I decided that I would walk into every situation with the mindset of "What can I do to help" and it has made all the difference in the world to me (and I'm hoping to others too).
His dog was nipping at his heels while they were recording this. That’s why the band started applauding and cheering when it ended then they decided to do the fun endings. On the hit single version, they cut out the false endings
Billy Swan has had a long music career. He wrote a song for R & B singer Clyde McPhatter in 1962, that became a hit for a record label owned by former Elvis Presley bassist Bill Black. Swan moved to Memphis to write songs for Black, but the collaboration was cut short by the untimely death of Mr. Black in 1965. Billy Swan then moved to Nashville, and wrote hit songs for a number of Country music artists, and did a lot of collaborations with Kris Kristofferson. Monument Records signed a solo record contract with Monument Records in 1972. “I Can Help” was released as a single in 1974. The single topped the Billboard Country Singles Chart, then crossed over, and topped the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart. The song got A LOT of airplay on Rock radio stations at that time. Billy Swan continued to record into the 2000s. He currently works as a backup singer and session musician. Billy Swan is 81 years old.
Another 70's artist you should listen to is Neil Sedaka. He actually started out in the 50's, but he had a lot of hits in the 70's. I think you should start with the song Bad Blood. Sir Elton John sings background vocals on that one.
Neil Sedaka wrote "Love Will Keep Us Together", which was recorded by The Captain and Tennille. At the end of the song as they were closing it out, they sang "Sedaka's back" as a tribute to his comeback in the 70s.
@@sourisvoleur4854 - No, they didn't cut it off. The promo 45 sent to radio stations and the commercial single release people bought does not contain the reprises. Only the album has that version.
@@shyman99 That makes sense! I remember there being an album version and 45 version (or as we said "FM version and AM version") of a lot of songs. Many times the single version was shorter, and in at least one instance I can think of, bowdlerized.
Years ago, a co-worker told me there's a humorous double-entendre in this song and I'll never hear it the same way again. The line is, "It will sure do me good to DO YOU good."
Not me. If I had a road to choose and one was clean and smooth while the other was muddy and dirty, I would choose the clean route as that is the path intended.
They didn't mention it, but I think the organ also gives it the "carnival atmosphere" that Amber seems to love so much. This is not a song that I've ever forgotten about, but I did forget the trick ending. 😁
I was always used to the edited version that they played on the radio without the repetitive ending. I only discovered the full version after the internet came along.
Wow! What an amazing coincidence! This was one of the suggestions I just mailed to the Rob Squad earlier this afternoon. Great reaction! I knew they'd love it.
Guys, for not being around at the time, you both pick up on so many things about the songs you react to that are absolutely spot on! Amber, you detected a country flavor, and believe it or not, this was a huge country hit as well as a huge pop hit, going all the way to #1 on both charts. It was very retro for the time it was released (late 1974), and is a great hybrid of styles, from country to rockabilly to R&B to gospel. It’s so cool how you picked up on all of that. You both have a very keen ear for music. This was one of my favorites from the entire decade of the ‘70s. I’m glad you guys like it too! ❤
Billy Swan contributed a lot to the sound and success of Kris Kristofferson's recording career, playing and singing on most of Kristofferson's albums and in his touring band.
Funny story about this recording but SLOPPEWALL beat me to it. Fun Fact it went to number one in 1974 knocking John Lennon's "Whatever Gets You Thru The Night" out of that spot on Billboard Tops 100 songs. It also went number on the country charts. 😎
Elvis and Billy Swan knew each other and Elvis loved this song so much that he did his own cover version of it. Although he put what is known as a 'stripper ending' on it and Billy Swan really liked it 😊
I know Jay and Amber have reacted to Elvis Presley`s original version of "Don`t Be Cruel", but I definitely recommend to check out the cover version by Billy Swan. It`s a slow version and so good! I remember when I was younger my favorite cover of "Don`t Be Cruel" was the one by Cheap Trick though, which I still love today and also deserves a listen! Both cover versions stands out, so as for "Don`t Be Cruel" covers ... I can help. 😀
Two great 70s songs you'll love: Gilbert O'Sullivan's "Get Down" (it's a fun song) and an awesome story song, "The Night Chicago Died." Both are incredibly catchy.
My family was driving across the US in 1973 and WGN radio was our constant companion across several states. Two songs were in HEAVY rotation: The Night Chicago Died, and Tell Me Good. I think to this day I could sing along with either song and not miss a note.
This always sounded like Ringo Starr to me. And the name Billy Swan reminded me of Billy Shears, aka Ringo’s alias on Sgt Pepper/With a little help from my friends. I wondered if it was Ringo using an alias. Edit: Just found out… Ringo covered it 13 years later! He probably thought Billy sounded like him too! 😊
Agree. I was a little kid when this came out, about 7 or 8, but thought it was Ringo the first couple of times I heard it, probably because Photograph, Oh My My, and It Don’t Come Easy we’re released in the year & months just prior, so they were fresh in my little head. The tempo and vocals are reminiscent of the fun that Ringo put into his songs.
For years I thought it was Ringo, and when I found out it wasn't I always thought it was a song he should have done. Sadly though, I don't much like his version.
Howdeedoodee guys. I just came across you the other day and I watch you every day now. Have you ever seen our Scottish comedian Billy Connelly? So proud of him. He will crease you up. Music wise- have you heard Dimesh? Just heard one of his songs and holy teabag i was shook! But I'm more a Metallica, Tiesto, Led Zeppelin granny. Much love from me to thee from north east Scotland xx
Back in the day, we loved that wonderfully twisted multiple endings thang too, Amber. We laughed our asses off just like you did. I suspect your girls will find it just as funny.
I heard somewhere that when Elvis wanted permission to record this song , all Billy wanted in return was a pair of Elvis's socks. Elvis is probably my all time favourite artist and I love his version, but for me Billy's is the best. I think his softer voice suits it better.
Have you reacted to Shirley Bassey. She's a British singer, she has an amazing voice. She was born approx 20 miles from Mr Tom Jones. You will love her. ❤❤❤❤
This was one of those very early 70s songs that you couldn’t quite understand why you liked it so much and you couldn’t understand why it was constantly on the radio either
Love this song too, haven't heard it in forever! Please guys react to more Harry Chapin songs. I believe his biggest, most heartfelt hit which still resonates with millions of listeners years later, is: "Cat's In The Cradle". It's beautiful, powerful, and meaningful, and I know you both will love it. Thank you and God bless y'all and family. 🙏🏽🥰
Lot's of fun songs in the 70's, it was a great time listening to the radio! I think you should try out Jim Stafford- "Spiders and Snakes" The Statler Bros, "Countin Flowers" C W McCall, "Convoy"
A fun song fact. Swan often took his medium-sized dog to his recording sessions. While Swan was recording "I Can Help," the dog became playful and started tugging at Swan's pant leg. He finished the take - and earned the applause from the band mates that is heard at the end of the released song.
It was a German Shepard puppy.😎
This song somehow became my company's unofficial motto about five years ago. A couple of us would go around people saying "I got two strong arms I can help" It became a big laugh. I remember the first time I had reheard the song in about 40 years I started to laugh when it kept repeating at the end. It was like "One more time!" and it didn't seem to end.
Funny, I don't remember the background singers.
Thx for that tidbit. Nice.
@@richardkint6531
That sure fits. 😅
"if your child needs a daddy, I can help...". Now, that's the mentality the USA needs. 👍
When i was an obnoxious teenager, my Mom, and an older sister were talking about how much they liked this song. So naturally i had to chime in my two cents, and say it was "stupid". Years later, i heard the song, and remembered my jerky behavior. Called my sister to apologize, and of course she didn't even remember lol Oh well, older now, and hopefully slightly less obnoxious. :-)
I always took the song to be a chat-up line-s one, (with the twist if your child needs a daddy - and she hasnt got a child!)
-xD ! my kids have paws- 🐾🐱
you were correct as a teenager.
@@bishlap lol
I love you two, you make me feel young , 75 year old young. I 've loved this song for years.
I love this song by Billy Swan.
Somehow, whenever I hear this one, I can't help but think about Dave Edmunds' cover of I HEAR YOU KNOCKIN'!
YES!!!! I hadn’t even thought about that but you’re absolutely right! I can’t unhear the similarity now! 😂
For sure. Then I also figured Ringo Star’s voice suits this song. Early 70s vibes
you could may be come to my house beacase he is my uncle
You've got to love that trick ending over and over! Billy Swan was a one-hit wonder on the pop charts back in 1974 with this #1 tune. His voice always reminded me of Ringo Starr, who had quite a year in 1974. You really need to take in Ringo's Oh My My from that same year ... and Amber, be prepared to boogie with some horns!
I graduated in 1978 so, of course, I have known this song since they used to play it on the radio back in the day. The style reminds me of Ringo Starr, though.
You're right! Very You're Sixteen.
Holy shit my wife was singing every word and it was my first time hearing it. Sounds like southern rock.
😂 funny how all the words can come right back! And yes, it does have that Southern/swamp pop sound for sure!
This song needs a comeback. The sentiment is fire. Years ago I decided that I would walk into every situation with the mindset of "What can I do to help" and it has made all the difference in the world to me (and I'm hoping to others too).
WOW...I've kind of been doing this too...and i like it!
Good one! I loved this song when I was a kid!
Me too
Mom would play this and Billy Crash Craddock's Rub It In all the time.
There was some music labeled as "rockabilly" This was a crossover hit of country and pop/rock.
'If your child needs a daddy, I can help.' 😂 I love this song.
His dog was nipping at his heels while they were recording this. That’s why the band started applauding and cheering when it ended then they decided to do the fun endings. On the hit single version, they cut out the false endings
There's a reason why these songs/artists are "ONE HIT WONDERS"... Nuff said.
One of the best songs to roller skate to when I was a kid.
AMBER! You looked so sad that it might have been over! I always find your happy reactions so cute and funny!
Billy Swan has had a long music career. He wrote a song for R & B singer Clyde McPhatter in 1962, that became a hit for a record label owned by former Elvis Presley bassist Bill Black. Swan moved to Memphis to write songs for Black, but the collaboration was cut short by the untimely death of Mr. Black in 1965. Billy Swan then moved to Nashville, and wrote hit songs for a number of Country music artists, and did a lot of collaborations with Kris Kristofferson. Monument Records signed a solo record contract with Monument Records in 1972. “I Can Help” was released as a single in 1974. The single topped the Billboard Country Singles Chart, then crossed over, and topped the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart. The song got A LOT of airplay on Rock radio stations at that time.
Billy Swan continued to record into the 2000s. He currently works as a backup singer and session musician. Billy Swan is 81 years old.
Billy Swan signed a solo record contract with Monument Records in 1972.
Another 70's artist you should listen to is Neil Sedaka. He actually started out in the 50's, but he had a lot of hits in the 70's. I think you should start with the song Bad Blood. Sir Elton John sings background vocals on that one.
Neil Sedaka wrote "Love Will Keep Us Together", which was recorded by The Captain and Tennille. At the end of the song as they were closing it out, they sang "Sedaka's back" as a tribute to his comeback in the 70s.
Neil Sedaka's list of hit songs is a long one. "Bad Blood" is a great start.
I agree! I love the song Bad Blood!
Yes! Bad Blood!
Great song with an awesome reaction. Billy Swan is an awesome talent. This song was released in 1974 I was only 14 at the time.
I was 10. I got hooked on the song and let it repeat a bunch of times.
I was 14
I was 11🙂👍
Was 7
Me too for 14!
Don't know why but I always thought this was sung by Ringo of the Beatles!
Sounds like Ringo.
For years I also thought this was Ringo.
Ringo actually did a version as well
How fun!! This great song is 50 years old, and I have NEVER heard the extended end with 2 reprises!! Awsome Sauce!
The DJs on the radio would cut it off to move on to the traffic or commercial or next song!
-#cheers-- !-
@@sourisvoleur4854 - No, they didn't cut it off. The promo 45 sent to radio stations and the commercial single release people bought does not contain the reprises. Only the album has that version.
@@shyman99 That makes sense! I remember there being an album version and 45 version (or as we said "FM version and AM version") of a lot of songs. Many times the single version was shorter, and in at least one instance I can think of, bowdlerized.
Years ago, a co-worker told me there's a humorous double-entendre in this song and I'll never hear it the same way again. The line is, "It will sure do me good to DO YOU good."
Not me. If I had a road to choose and one was clean and smooth while the other was muddy and dirty, I would choose the clean route as that is the path intended.
They didn't mention it, but I think the organ also gives it the "carnival atmosphere" that Amber seems to love so much. This is not a song that I've ever forgotten about, but I did forget the trick ending. 😁
I was always used to the edited version that they played on the radio without the repetitive ending. I only discovered the full version after the internet came along.
Thank you for reintroducing me to " I Can Help".
Elvis did a cover the next year. Felton Jarvis , Elvis producer, gave Swann the socks Elvis wore during the session.
Love you two (four). And love this song!
Wow! What an amazing coincidence! This was one of the suggestions I just mailed to the Rob Squad earlier this afternoon. Great reaction! I knew they'd love it.
Love this song
Guys, for not being around at the time, you both pick up on so many things about the songs you react to that are absolutely spot on! Amber, you detected a country flavor, and believe it or not, this was a huge country hit as well as a huge pop hit, going all the way to #1 on both charts. It was very retro for the time it was released (late 1974), and is a great hybrid of styles, from country to rockabilly to R&B to gospel. It’s so cool how you picked up on all of that. You both have a very keen ear for music. This was one of my favorites from the entire decade of the ‘70s. I’m glad you guys like it too! ❤
One of my favorite songs from the early 70’s!
Mid-70s (end of 1974)
Billy Swan contributed a lot to the sound and success of Kris Kristofferson's recording career, playing and singing on most of Kristofferson's albums and in his touring band.
Kris and Rita gave the organ that Billy played many songs on.
My grandmother loved loved this song. One of the few she would turn the radio up when it came on and sing along. A nice memory.
Fabulous Not heard this in ages! Amazingly i remembered all the words (most of em)😊❤🎼
I know! Decades later, I had forgotten this song existed, but I remember all the words 😂
Funny story about this recording but SLOPPEWALL beat me to it. Fun Fact it went to number one in 1974 knocking John Lennon's "Whatever Gets You Thru The Night" out of that spot on Billboard Tops 100 songs. It also went number on the country charts. 😎
Try Paul Simon, “Love me like a rock” blend of doowop and gospel
Haven’t heard this song in over 40 years
Good song. You might also like Dobie Gray’s song DRIFT AWAY.
Elvis and Billy Swan knew each other and Elvis loved this song so much that he did his own cover version of it. Although he put what is known as a 'stripper ending' on it and Billy Swan really liked it 😊
I know Jay and Amber have reacted to Elvis Presley`s original version of "Don`t Be Cruel", but I definitely recommend to check out the cover version by Billy Swan. It`s a slow version and so good! I remember when I was younger my favorite cover of "Don`t Be Cruel" was the one by Cheap Trick though, which I still love today and also deserves a listen!
Both cover versions stands out, so as for "Don`t Be Cruel" covers ... I can help. 😀
Roller Skating vibes from back in the day!
reminds me of my mum and dads kitchen 70's in the summer and this was on the radio.
Hill Billy Rock!
Two great 70s songs you'll love: Gilbert O'Sullivan's "Get Down" (it's a fun song) and an awesome story song, "The Night Chicago Died." Both are incredibly catchy.
Two thumbs up for these suggestions.
My family was driving across the US in 1973 and WGN radio was our constant companion across several states. Two songs were in HEAVY rotation: The Night Chicago Died, and Tell Me Good. I think to this day I could sing along with either song and not miss a note.
@@walterrutherford8321 Did you mean to say Tell Me Something Good? 😉😊
Because that is a great song too!
Add to the quirky, catchy hits of the 70's, Oh Babe, What Would you Say?, by Hurricane Smith.
My early era 😂😂 Another new artist is Level 42, Something about you is fire 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊
Getting close to 500k subscribers. Congratulations.
This always sounded like Ringo Starr to me. And the name Billy Swan reminded me of Billy Shears, aka Ringo’s alias on Sgt Pepper/With a little help from my friends. I wondered if it was Ringo using an alias. Edit: Just found out… Ringo covered it 13 years later! He probably thought Billy sounded like him too! 😊
Agree. I was a little kid when this came out, about 7 or 8, but thought it was Ringo the first couple of times I heard it, probably because Photograph, Oh My My, and It Don’t Come Easy we’re released in the year & months just prior, so they were fresh in my little head. The tempo and vocals are reminiscent of the fun that Ringo put into his songs.
For years I thought it was Ringo, and when I found out it wasn't I always thought it was a song he should have done.
Sadly though, I don't much like his version.
1 hit wonder - this song is fire
Used to LOVE THIS SONG!!! I liked the jangly guitar solo and the ever-present keyboards.... HAPPY SATURDAY, YOU-GUYS!! ❤❤❤❤❤
This is the first song that came on the radio I remember as a child, loving, and singing along to.
Cher had a song called Bang Bang that I think you should hear. I’m not sure if it was before or after her breakup with Sonny.
Happy memory of my Aunt Dorothy’s farmhouse kitchen, it’s 1974 & she’s 50 yrs old & grooving to this song on the radio on the counter…I was 6.
Here's a 70's band Amber will dig. They HIGHLIGHT THE FLUT!!! - Firefall
Howdeedoodee guys.
I just came across you the other day and I watch you every day now.
Have you ever seen our Scottish comedian Billy Connelly? So proud of him. He will crease you up.
Music wise- have you heard Dimesh? Just heard one of his songs and holy teabag i was shook!
But I'm more a Metallica, Tiesto, Led Zeppelin granny.
Much love from me to thee from north east Scotland xx
Blast from the past. Thanks, I enjoyed that song.
Such a nice song . Thanks for checking it out.
Back in the day, we loved that wonderfully twisted multiple endings thang too, Amber. We laughed our asses off just like you did. I suspect your girls will find it just as funny.
😊...love this song...all the words came rite back to me...
I actually won a cruise by knowing the name of this song. Elvis also recorded this.
This reminds me when I used to go skating in the 70s on a Saturday afternoon 😊
They wore this song out at the skating rinks.
I heard somewhere that when Elvis wanted permission to record this song , all Billy wanted in return was a pair of Elvis's socks. Elvis is probably my all time favourite artist and I love his version, but for me Billy's is the best. I think his softer voice suits it better.
Just love this song! Great reaction - glad you liked it. It came out in 1974 when I was 14.
This was one of my daddy's favorite songs. ☺ Described him perfectly,!, Glad you came across this one.
Wow! I can't believe you did this song. I had the 45 and played it over and over when I was a kid.
I must have been about 9 years old when this song has been a hit - I liked it then and still do
Oh wow! I never heard that extended ending before after the first applause!
Absolute classic, love this song.
Sounds like the king Becky, big Elvis big Ava sprosley. Hey rosenberg come like yeah and sing sort of like elvis does
I used to be a song magnet magnet and steel
Have you reacted to Shirley Bassey. She's a British singer, she has an amazing voice. She was born approx 20 miles from Mr Tom Jones. You will love her. ❤❤❤❤
This was one of those very early 70s songs that you couldn’t quite understand why you liked it so much and you couldn’t understand why it was constantly on the radio either
This song sounds like it was made in the 1950s in the early Rock n Roll era. 😊
A Great song it sounds like it belongs in the 1950 or 60s
thank you for feeling 15 again. Love your channel.
What song was originally considered a country music song and crossed over to pop music. It reached number one on both charts.
This was the classic roller-skating song when I was a kid in the 70’s. Always played at the roller rink and a great song to skate to!
I wholeheartedly agree! I was 13 when it came out and I went rollerskating every Friday without miss😂
What a great singer fantastic song love it.
Love this song too, haven't heard it in forever! Please guys react to more Harry Chapin songs. I believe his biggest, most heartfelt hit which still resonates with millions of listeners years later, is: "Cat's In The Cradle". It's beautiful, powerful, and meaningful, and I know you both will love it. Thank you and God bless y'all and family. 🙏🏽🥰
Have they done "Taxi" and "Sequel"...they have so many, I may have missed them?
This made me feel good watching! Thanks!
I have always loved this song. It has a kind of purity to it that's hard to describe.
LOL Bands often sweat about how to end a song. That is why many just fade. These guys wrote an ending and then decided to go out with a fade. Love it.
This is a quirky fun song to sing along with
This one was all over the radio when I was a kid. Great song choice!
A mind-gem for those that know. Carried unconsciously.
I'm having a skating rink memory. LOL
How can you not feel better after listening to this song?
Oh so long agoo bringing back memories ,love this song after all the years ❤such a nice tune I think !💞🇳🇱
Swan wrote Clyde McPhatter's 1962 hit "Lover Please." He went on to write some popular country songs, but this was his only hit as an artist. >>
Awesome one! I had forgotten about this song!!!
He’s the man I’ve been waiting for 😮
This is one of my favorite songs by him
I will just say you two are my favourite reaction channel,love the way you both love all music and make us happy.❤
Great song very Popular song
Such a feel good song😊
Takes me straight back to those heady 70’s days where the music was ALWAYS front and centre.
Loved it
Lot's of fun songs in the 70's, it was a great time listening to the radio! I think you should try out Jim Stafford- "Spiders and Snakes" The Statler Bros, "Countin Flowers" C W McCall, "Convoy"
I love this song, I remember when it came out. I was little but this was one of my mom's favorites.
Damn, I miss her.
Good one guy's, thanks.
We love " I CAN HELP" BY BILLY SWAN, I am addicted to it
me too!!!!
Thank you for playing this song !! This is one of about a dozen that I played so much it wore out the record 😊
Jay your tee shirt reminded me of an excellent movie The Pelican Brief, its a great who dunnit.
IT IS A REAL PLEASURE TO WATCH !!!!!!! YOU ARE OK JAY!!!!!!!