40 Years Ago - 1986 Bruce Hornsby and the Range released their debut album The Way It Is. The album was a smash and led to them winning the Grammy Award for Best New Artist. It was originally released to the New Age market, but when Pop radio started paying attention, the album was remixed and re-released on December 20th. "Every Little Kiss" actually was the first release in May of 1986 and peaked at #72, #37 AC, and #18 Mainstream rock. It was re-released after the success

45 Years Ago - 1981 Oak Ridge Boys released their seventh album Fancy Free. "Elvira" written in 1965 and a #72 hit for Dallas Frazier. The Boys took it to ##5, E8 AC, and #1 Country. The song won them a Grammy for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. (It seems back in the day that every comedian at the Comedy Club would make an "Elmira" joke to this song. sigh) "(I'm Settin') Fancy Free" made #3 Country and #17 AC.

45 Years Ago - 1981 James Taylor released his tenth album Dad Loves His Work. The album's title was a response by Taylor to his then-wife Carly Simon, who had issued an ultimatum to Taylor regarding his constant touring, leaving her home with their two children, Benjamin and Sally. They separated shortly before the albums released. "Her Town Too" is a duet with co-writer JD Souther and is the last Taylor song to reach the top 40. It peaked at #11, #5 AC, #21 Mainstream Rock.