Songs with the Word Show in Their Titles

One of the items in the Today In History section from the October 13 edition of the Cincinnati Enquirer brought back long-forgotten memories. On that date in 1974, thirty five years ago, longtime television host Ed Sullivan died at age 72.

I remember watching a clip of all of the famous funeral attendees on the national news. Only then, as a nine year old, did I realize how important Sullivan had been to the television industry. Up to that time I was familiar mainly with his famous line “a really big show,” which my dad too often mimicked.

Since that phrase was my earliest association with Sullivan, I dedicate to his memory this list of song titles that contain the word “show.”

10. “You Don’t Have to Be a Star (to Be In My Show)” by Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr.: One of the all-time classic duets, the song was so popular in the 70s that it led to the couple getting their own variety show.

9. “Show Me to the Top” by World Party: The alternative pop sound of Karl Wallinger’s band may have peaked on the Goodbye Jumbo album, which contains this catchy track as well as the hit “Put the Message in the Box.”

8. “Slide Show” by Travis: This is the last track listed on the indie band’s best album, The Man Who. The only drawback to the beautiful ballad is its running time. It is listed as 18 minutes, but that’s because the band hid three tracks after it. The poorly-thought out trick made transferring the song to an mp3 player more difficult.

7. “Picture Show” by John Prine: The opening track to the folk singer’s delightful album, The Missing Years, pokes fun at Hollywood.

6.”Showdown” by the Electric Light Orchestra: This track is from the early days of the band, when Jeff Lynne relied more on guitar and less on orchestra. The cellos and violin certainly enhance the song, but they do not bury Lynne’s gruff vocals and dark lyrics.

5. “All the Old Showstoppers” by the New Pornographers: The pop band and singer A.C. Newman are in peak form on this song as well as on the entire Challengers album.

4. Show Biz Kids” by Steely Dan: The humor of Donald Fagin and Walter Becker had always eluded me until I heard this song, in which they chuckle about a Hollywood chick selling Steely Dan t-shirts.

3. Show Me the Way” by Peter Frampton: The most popular song from the sensational Comes Alive album showcases the former Humble Pie member’s talent for making catchy rhythms and choruses.

2. The Show Must Go On” by the Three Dog Night: Queen had a song by the same title, but it did not come close to matching the circus-like appeal of the one by this band. You can hear the desperation and exhaustion in the singer’s pleas to quit.
1. “Show and Tell” by Al Wilson: He is a one-hit wonder, but what a great one hit to have. It is classic 70s R&B;, and Wilson’s voice captures the emotion its lyrics require.