The Grass Roots were a hot commodity in the late 60s and early 70s. One of their more recognizable songs, "Where Were You When I Needed You," only hit #28 in 1966, but "Let's Live For Today" put the band on the map when it peaked at #8 in 1967. They hit the top 10 again in the 60s with "Midnight Confessions," which became their best chart performance at #5. Sustaining their hot streak into the new decade, the 70s brought them three more notable hits with "Temptation Eyes" (#15), "Sooner Or Later" (#9), and "Two Divided By Love" (#16). The band's final charting song was 1975's "Mamacita," which struggled to #71. "Anyway The Wind Blows" was a single from 1972 that had all the key ingredients of former hits by The Grass Roots: a sing-a-long melody, big brassy chorus, and sweet harmonies. Great song, but I guess the formula was wearing thin by this point. Another favorite of mine that fared better but isn't as well-known is "I'd Wait A Million Years," which got to #15 in 1969.
Karla DeVito (no relation to Danny) rose to fame as a backup singer on Meatloaf's classic "Bat Out Of Hell" tour. Her solo career never took off, though, despite her bright yet meaty vocals. Her debut album, "Is This A Cool World Or What" almost spawned a top 100 hit with her cover of the Grass Roots's "Midnight Confession". Another well done cover on this record is her version of "Just One Smile", originally by Blood, Sweat & Tears. Her cover of John Fogerty's "Almost Saturday Night" is my favorite, though. DeVito released another noncharting record in 1986 called "Wake 'Em Up In Tokyo" and also had a song called "We Are Not Alone" featured on the soundtrack to The Breakfast Club.
