"Apple Bend" by Johnny Tillotson

Johnny Tillotson was one of the biggest teen idols of the 60s, ranking as the 43rd most successful chart artist of the decade. He scored big with classics like "Poetry In Motion" (#2), "Without You" (#7), "It Keep Right On A-Hurtin'" (#3), and "Talk Back Trembling Lips" (#7).

But all teen idols grow up, and not all of them sustain a fan base. Tillotson tried to retool his malt shop sound to suit the current trends of the late 60s and early 70s, but no dice. His last chart appearance was in 1965 when "Our World" stalled at #70.

Tillotson tried to reinvent himself with a self-titled LP in 1972. It is a pretty bland affair, but the peppy "Apple Bend" is a keeper. Not sure why this tune didn't give this talented artist a second wind.