“Windy” is a song by the American rock band The Association, released in 1967. The song was written by Ruthann Friedman and produced by Curt Boettcher. It became one of the band’s biggest hits, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and remaining there for four weeks.
In addition to “Windy,” The Association had several other hits in the late 1960s and early 1970s, including “Cherish,” “Never My Love,” and “Along Comes Mary.” They were also known for their appearance at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967, where they performed alongside other iconic acts of the era such as Jimi Hendrix and The Who.
The Association formed in 1965 in California. They were known for their intricate vocal harmonies and folk-rock sound, which incorporated elements of pop, rock, and psychedelic music. The band’s members included Jules Alexander, Terry Kirkman, Jim Yester, Brian Cole, Russ Giguere, and Ted Bluechel Jr. The Association was known for their musical prowess and proficiency with several instruments. In addition to their vocal harmonies, the band members were skilled at playing a variety of instruments, including guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, and woodwinds.
Many of their songs feature intricate arrangements that showcase the band’s instrumental talents. For example, “Windy” features a distinctive flute solo, and “Along Comes Mary” includes a complex guitar riff. The band’s ability to seamlessly blend different instruments and musical styles was a key factor in their success and helped to set them apart from other groups of the era.
The Association’s musical abilities were an important part of their sound and contributed to their status as one of the most successful and influential bands of the 1960s. They were a significant contributor to the development of the folk-rock and pop-rock genres in the 1960s, and their intricate vocal harmonies and melodic songwriting continue to be celebrated by music fans today.
If you enjoy the music of The Association, you may also enjoy the music of other bands from the same period who were known for their intricate vocal harmonies and folk-rock sound. Here are some suggestions:
The Mamas & The Papas: This group was known for their lush vocal harmonies and folk-pop sound, and they had several hit songs in the mid-1960s, including “California Dreamin'” and “Monday, Monday.”
The Byrds: The Byrds were a highly influential band that blended folk and rock music, creating a sound that would later be called “folk-rock.” Some of their most popular songs include “Mr. Tambourine Man” and “Turn! Turn! Turn!”
The Lovin’ Spoonful: The Lovin’ Spoonful had a more laid-back, country-folk sound than some of their contemporaries, but they were still known for their strong vocal harmonies and catchy melodies. Some of their hits include “Summer in the City” and “Do You Believe in Magic?”
Simon & Garfunkel: This duo’s music was characterized by their beautiful vocal harmonies and introspective lyrics. They had several hit songs in the mid-to-late 1960s, including “The Sound of Silence” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”
The Beach Boys: The Beach Boys were known for their sunny, California-inspired pop sound, which featured intricate vocal harmonies and catchy melodies. Some of their most popular songs include “Good Vibrations” and “Surfin’ U.S.A.”
These are just a few examples of bands from the same period who you may enjoy if you like The Association’s music.