1966 Songs: Summer in the City
By Four Walls
@FourWalls (85240)
United States
April 14, 2026 11:07am CST
Today the VA sent me a notice that my bloodwork appointment is next week. That means it’s two weeks until my next appointment, and two weeks until I can get out of town for the Derby! 
This is a good song for a road trip, and it’s 60 years old now. Sing along!
Summer in the City - The Lovin’ Spoonful
Welcome back, Kotter! In 1966, John Sebastian was #1 on the charts with this song. Ten years later he was #1 again, as a solo artist, with the theme to the TV series Welcome Back, Kotter. Completely different sounds, wouldn’t you say!
I was surprised that this was The Lovin’ Spoonful’s only #1 song. I would have thought “Do You Believe in Magic” would have topped the charts, but no. Oh, well. Their short career was truly sweet, giving us classic songs like “Daydream,” “Do You Believe in Magic,” and this one.
Much like the music of the Beach Boys, this song is an essential part of the summer playlist. It has been for 60 years now, and it always will be!
Summer in the City
Written by John Sebastian, Mark Sebastian, and Steve Boone
Recorded by The Lovin’ Spoonful
Released as a single, 1966
Isn’t it a pity:
This is a good song for a road trip, and it’s 60 years old now. Sing along!
Summer in the City - The Lovin’ Spoonful
Welcome back, Kotter! In 1966, John Sebastian was #1 on the charts with this song. Ten years later he was #1 again, as a solo artist, with the theme to the TV series Welcome Back, Kotter. Completely different sounds, wouldn’t you say!
I was surprised that this was The Lovin’ Spoonful’s only #1 song. I would have thought “Do You Believe in Magic” would have topped the charts, but no. Oh, well. Their short career was truly sweet, giving us classic songs like “Daydream,” “Do You Believe in Magic,” and this one.
Much like the music of the Beach Boys, this song is an essential part of the summer playlist. It has been for 60 years now, and it always will be!
Summer in the City
Written by John Sebastian, Mark Sebastian, and Steve Boone
Recorded by The Lovin’ Spoonful
Released as a single, 1966
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11 people like this
9 responses
@FourWalls (85240)
• United States
14 Apr
I know. Between him and Sly Stone, they had enough sideburn hair to keep wig companies supplied for decades!
1 person likes this
@FourWalls (85240)
• United States
15 Apr
@rebelann — oh in ‘66 his weren’t that bad. He was still making movies then, so he was still pretty clean-cut.
1 person likes this
@Ineeddentures (28773)
•
14 Apr
I knew the song
But didn't know they were called the lovin spoonful
1 person likes this
@FourWalls (85240)
• United States
15 Apr
@Ineeddentures — with all those goofy band names back then how could you keep up?
1 person likes this
@Ineeddentures (28773)
•
15 Apr
@FourWalls
Not happy I didn't know it was the lovin spoonful though
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (96535)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
14 Apr
Always loved this song and even had a roof I could go to at night in NYC,
1 person likes this
@FourWalls (85240)
• United States
15 Apr
This song was made for city summers! (And “Up on the Roof.”)
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (236889)
• Walnut Creek, California
15 Apr
@FourWalls It is. I could relate to it, growing up in Chicago.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (219190)
• United States
16 Apr
I have their CD. Love, love, love their music.
1 person likes this
@FourWalls (85240)
• United States
16 Apr
Great! Glad you enjoyed this one! Bookmark it, today’s songs are both country. Didn’t plan that. Sorry.
1 person likes this
@FourWalls (85240)
• United States
15 Apr
Yes, he was definitely going with the Lennon look.
1 person likes this
