The Timeless Melodies That Rose to the Top: Oldest Songs Resurging

In the ever-evolving world of music, there are some melodies so captivating that they manage to resurface and regain popularity long after their initial release. Let's delve into the fascinating journey of some of the oldest songs that achieved new heights decades later.

History's Oldest Words: 'Turn! Turn! Turn!'

Among the oldest songs to become a hit many years later, 'Turn! Turn! Turn!' by the Byrds holds a special place. This folk-rock classic has a long and storied history. The song's lyrics are taken from the Book of Ecclesiastes, a collection of philosophical poems attributed to King Solomon. Dating back to the 10th century B.C., these lyrics were added to music by folk singer Pete Seeger in the early 1960s. The Byrds then transformed it into a folk-rock hit in 1965, reaching the number one position on the Billboard Hot 100. With an age of 3000 years, 'Turn! Turn! Turn!' remains the oldest set of words to top the charts in the history of music.

The Oldest Melody: 'A Fifth of Beethoven' by Walter Murphy

While 'Turn! Turn! Turn!' holds the record for the oldest words in a No. 1 hit, the title of the oldest melody goes to 'A Fifth of Beethoven' by Walter Murphy. This disco instrumental was a hit in 1976, nearly 200 years after Beethoven composed the famous first movement of his Symphony No. 5. Murphy cleverly adapted Beethoven's notes into a disco smash, making this tune 168 years old at the time of its top-chart performance. Interestingly, this melody was written in 1808, centuries before it would be remembered by a contemporary keyboard virtuoso.

Other Notable Resurrections

In addition to 'Turn! Turn! Turn!' and 'A Fifth of Beethoven,' there are other songs that have achieved new success long after their initial release. For instance, 'Mack the Knife' by Bobby Darin and the tune to 'Lovers Concerto' based on a Bach composition, credited to Christian Petzold, are both examples of timeless melodies that have been revived.

Oldest Re-released Original Recording: 'Shaving Cream'

When it comes to re-released original recordings, 'Shaving Cream' by Benny Bell, recorded in 1946, is a prime example. This song was a bit of a surprise hit after being re-released in the mid-1960s. Despite not being a major hit upon its original release, it garnered significant attention. In fact, it peaked at No. 30 on the Billboard charts.

These examples demonstrate how songs with rich histories continue to captivate audiences, transcending time and cultural divides. From millennia-old lyrics to compositions centuries old, these timeless melodies remind us of the enduring power of music.