Johnny Rivers Hit Songs
On The Acoustic

7th Son is not a song by Johnny Rivers. The song "The Seventh Son," is actually a blues song written by Willie Dixon and recorded by various artists. It was first released by Willie Mabon in 1955 and has since been covered by numerous musicians, including Johnny Rivers.

Johnny Rivers included a rendition of "The Seventh Son" on his album "Meanwhile Back at the Whisky à Go Go," released in 1965. However, it's important to note that the song did not chart as a single for Johnny Rivers.

"The Seventh Son" is a blues standard that revolves around the superstition of the seventh son of a seventh son possessing special powers and abilities. The song's lyrics explore the mystical qualities and perceived supernatural capabilities of such an individual.

Given that the song was released in the 1960s, it's unlikely that a music video was created for Johnny Rivers' version of "The Seventh Son." Music videos were not as prevalent during that era compared to later decades.

This one has a quick down down up down down up down up pattern in the chorus and just chops in the verse for a rhythm pattern in standard tuning using the chords E, A and B7. There is lead work to do in this number.

500 Miles is featured on Johnny Rivers' album "Johnny Rivers Rocks The Folk," released in 1965. The album showcased Rivers' folk-influenced style and included covers of various popular folk songs.

The song "500 Miles" was written by Hedy West, an American folk singer-songwriter. Her original version of the song was recorded and released in 1961.

Johnny Rivers' rendition of "500 Miles" did not chart as a single. However, the song gained popularity among folk music enthusiasts and fans of Johnny Rivers' music.

"500 Miles" is a folk song that speaks of a long and arduous journey. The lyrics describe a person's commitment to travel a great distance, enduring challenges and hardships, to be reunited with their loved one. The song conveys themes of perseverance, devotion, and the longing for connection.

No music video was created for the Johnny Rivers' version of "500 Miles." The song was primarily promoted through album sales, radio play, and live performances.

This one is played in standard tuning with a simple root down up root up down up rhythm pattern using the chords G, Em, Am, C and D. No real lead work here, just a few riffs.

Baby I Need Your Lovin is a popular song written by Holland-Dozier-Holland, a renowned songwriting and production team. The song was originally recorded and released by The Four Tops in 1964. Johnny Rivers included his own version of the song on his album "In Action!" in 1964.

Johnny Rivers' rendition of "Baby I Need Your Lovin'" did not chart as a single. However, it showcased Rivers' talent for covering and interpreting songs with his distinctive style.

The song is a heartfelt plea for love and affection, expressing the singer's deep desire and longing for their significant other. It features a soulful and passionate vocal performance by Johnny Rivers, accompanied by his band's energetic musical arrangement.

There was no music video created specifically for Johnny Rivers' version of "Baby I Need Your Lovin'." The song was primarily promoted through live performances, television appearances, and radio airplay.

For rhythm here you can play a down down up down up down up down up and repeat in standard tuning with the chords G, F, C, Am and a Cmaj7. There is no lead in this one.

Memphis Tennessee was written by Chuck Berry, a legendary American rock and roll musician, and it was first released by Berry himself in 1959. Johnny Rivers included his own version of "Memphis" on his album "Johnny Rivers at the Whisky à Go Go," which was released in 1964.

Johnny Rivers' rendition of "Memphis" became a major hit for him. It reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1964 and solidified Rivers' popularity during that time. The song showcases Rivers' energetic vocal delivery and his ability to infuse his own style into a classic rock and roll track.

The song "Memphis" is about a journey to the city of Memphis, Tennessee, which is often considered a significant hub for blues, soul, and rock and roll music. The lyrics touch upon the narrator's anticipation and excitement as they travel to Memphis, highlighting the vibrant music scene and the desire to experience the city's musical culture.

There was no music video was created for Johnny Rivers' version of "Memphis." However, Rivers did make television appearances and performed the song live on various shows to promote its release.

In this one I use a Drop Tuning with the two chords A and D and a capo on the 2nd fret. A bit of lead work in this one as you play a down stroke rhythm pattern.

Poor Side of Town was written by Johnny Rivers himself, along with producer Lou Adler. It was released as a single in 1966 and also included on Johnny Rivers' album of the same name, "Poor Side of Town."

The song achieved significant success on the charts, reaching the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1966. It became Johnny Rivers' biggest hit and is often regarded as one of his signature songs.

"Poor Side of Town" is a poignant ballad that tells the story of a person who finds themselves in a place of poverty and despair. The lyrics reflect on the contrast between the opulence of the other side of town and the hardships faced by the narrator on the poor side of town. It conveys themes of heartbreak, longing, and the struggles of the less fortunate.

There also was no music video was created for "Poor Side of Town." However, Johnny Rivers made various television appearances during that time and performed the song live on shows to promote its release.

For rhythm you can play a root down up root up down up or a root down up down up root up down up. No lead work in here, just play the chords Emaj7, Gbm, A, Abm, A, E, D, G, C, Bm, Am and a B7 in standard tuning.

Secret Agent Man was written by P.F. Sloan and Steve Barri. It was recorded by Johnny Rivers and released as a single in 1966. The song was also included on his album "...And I Know You Wanna Dance."

"Secret Agent Man" achieved chart success, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1966. It became one of Johnny Rivers' biggest hits and has since become an iconic spy-themed song.

The song is about a fictional secret agent who undertakes dangerous missions while living a double life. The lyrics describe the thrilling and adventurous aspects of being a spy, while also hinting at the risks and sacrifices involved in the agent's line of work. The catchy guitar riff and energetic vocals contribute to the song's appeal.

Regarding a music video, it's important to note that music videos were not as prevalent during the 1960s compared to later decades. Therefore, it's unlikely that a specific music video was created for Johnny Rivers' version of "Secret Agent Man." However, Johnny Rivers did make television appearances and performed the song live on various shows to promote its release.

You can play this one in standard tuning with the chords Em, Am, B7, Bm and a C7. There is some lead work in this one while you play a steady down down up down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern in standard tuning.

Slow Dancing was written by Johnny Rivers and Hal David. It was released as a single in 1977 and also included on Johnny Rivers' album "Outside Help."

While "Slow Dancing" did not reach the same chart success as some of Rivers' earlier hits, it still managed to make a modest impact, peaking at number 51 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1977.

The song "Slow Dancing" is about the intimate and tender experience of slow dancing with a loved one. It captures the emotions and atmosphere of a romantic moment on the dance floor, emphasizing the closeness and connection between two individuals as they move together in a slow, intimate dance.

As for a music video, I couldn't find information about a specific music video created for Johnny Rivers' version of "Slow Dancing." It's possible that a music video was not produced for the song, or if one was created, it may not be widely available or well-known.

I have a capo on the first here but not required as I play through the rhythm pattern which is a steady down up down up with a few accents here and there. Played in standard tuning with the chords G, C, D, Em, Bm, D/Gb, Am7, G6 and a D7 with no lead playing here.

Summer Rain was written by James Hendricks and performed by Johnny Rivers. It was released as a single in 1967 and later included on his album "Rewind" released the same year.

The song achieved significant chart success, peaking at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1968. It remains one of Johnny Rivers' notable hits.

"Summer Rain" tells a nostalgic story of a summer romance. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a brief but intense love affair that takes place during a summer season. The song captures the essence of youthful passion and the bittersweet nature of transient relationships.

There was no specific music video was created for Johnny Rivers' version of "Summer Rain." Music videos became more common in later decades. However, Johnny Rivers made television appearances and performed the song live on various shows to promote its release.

Several rhythm patterns in this one beginning with a down down down up and you de-cend on the Am chord which is an Am, Am/Ab, Am/G, Am/Gb and then a down up pause up as you hit the F and C chords. There is some down-strokes in here as well with the other chords being E, Am, D7 and a G. A small bit of lead as you play this one in standard tuning.

The Tracks of My Tears was originally written by Smokey Robinson, Warren "Pete" Moore, and Marv Tarplin, and it was first recorded and released by The Miracles in 1965. Johnny Rivers covered the song for his album "Rewind," released in 1967.

While Johnny Rivers' version of "The Tracks of My Tears" is highly regarded, it did not achieve significant chart success as a single. However, the song has become a beloved classic and is recognized as one of Smokey Robinson's signature compositions.

"The Tracks of My Tears" is a soulful and introspective ballad that explores the theme of hidden sorrow behind a seemingly cheerful facade. The lyrics describe a person who conceals their emotional pain and tears, wearing a smile in public while privately longing for lost love. It showcases Johnny Rivers' ability to infuse his own style into a heartfelt and iconic song.

There was no music video was created for Johnny Rivers' version of "The Tracks of My Tears." The song was primarily promoted through live performances, radio airplay, and album sales.

You can use a down down up down up down up rhythm pattern throughout with a few down strokes here and there. No lead work in standard tuning but a bit of a high sing in a few places. The chords you'll need are Dmaj7, Em, A, G, D, Gbm, C and an A7.