Songs You Forgot Jeff Lynne Wrote
Electric Light Orchestra mastermind Jeff Lynne celebrates his birthday today (December 30th), and while it’s no secret that Lynne has written and produced for countless artists, sometimes it’s easy to forget just how many artists and projects where he’s credited. In his honor, here’s just a handful of songs you may have forgot were written or co-written by the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer.
We’ll see Jeff Lynne’s ELO on August 24 at Wells Fargo Center.
Roy Orbison – “You Got It”
Featured on the last album recorded by Orbison, this hit was also co-written by Tom Petty, who along with Lynne, Orbison, Bob Dylan and George Harrison made up the supergroup The Traveling Wilburys.
Tom Petty – “Running Down A Dream”
Lynne, of course, co-wrote/co-produced Petty’s smash debut solo album Full Moon Fever released in 1989. Frankly, it’s difficult to pick just one song to represent that entire album. It’s is absolutely packed with incredible tracks!
The Pussycat Dolls – “Beep”
This one might be a surprise for most, but after a quick listen to the first minute of this song, and anyone with half a clue will hear ELO’s “Evil Woman” sampled.
Half The Xanadu Soundtrack
The first thought of most when thinking of Xanadu is Olivia Newton-John, followed by Gene Kelly, but half of the film’s soundtrack (five songs) were written by Lynne and recorded by ELO, including the super catchy “I’m Alive.”
Brian Wilson – “Let It Shine”
Featured on Wilson first solo album, “Let It Shine” is one of the few tracks on this release that didn’t feature a song writing credit from Wilson’s then therapist Eugene Landy.
Erica Banas is a rock/classic rock reporter. The first man she ever loved was Jack Daniels. True story.
