1982 Songs Top Ten: Africa (#1)

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Okay, I’m sorry. You’ve waited all month, and this is your reward?? You may be sick to death of this song. Or, you may love it. I’m in the latter category. If you’re sick of it, it’s probably because it’s now 40 years and you’ve heard it every day for the last 40 years. Here’s my top hit from 1982. #1: Africa - Toto What a letdown, huh? This is my phone’s ringtone. That’s how much I like it. (It’s also beneficial when I get a spam call, because I start singing along and forget about answering the spammer. ) Some backstories for you as you roll your eyes (or sing along). First, I met Toto in 1978. They were doing an in-store appearance while they were here for a concert…..opening for (are you ready for this?) Rush. Yes, kids, Rush once toured with opening acts. Anywho, David Paich, who co-wrote this and sings lead during the verses (it’s Bobby Kimball on the chorus), has a very rich history. In 1974, when he was all of twenty years old, he won an Emmy. He co-wrote music for the TV show Ironside with his father, jazz pianist and arranger Marty Paich. He won his first Grammy before Toto’s formation, as co-writer of Boz Scaggs’ big hit “Lowdown.” That’s some pretty heavy credentials to take into a new band! Drummer Jeff Porcaro was one of the great session musicians in L.A. during the 70s and 80s. He died of a heart attack attributed to allergic reactions to pesticides and an undiagnosed heart ailment in 1992 at the age of 38. Together they created one of the most enduring and magical songs of the 80s. Thanks for reading. Africa Written by David Paich and Jeff Porcaro Recorded by Toto From Toto IV, 1982 (Today’s 1972 song: “Pieces of April”) I bless the rains: