"(Blame It) On the Pony Express" is a song by American

soul The soul is the purported Mind–body dualism, immaterial aspect or essence of a Outline of life forms, living being. It is typically believed to be Immortality, immortal and to exist apart from the material world. The three main theories that ...

group

Johnny Johnson and the Bandwagon Johnny Johnson and the Bandwagon were an American vocal soul group, prominent in the late 1960s and early 1970s. They were fronted by singer Johnny Johnson. They are probably remembered most for the catchy hit, " (Blame It) On the Pony Express" ...

released as a single in October 1970. It peaked at number seven on the UK Singles Chart, becoming their third and final top-ten hit there.

Background

"(Blame It) On the Pony Express" was written by

Tony Macaulay Tony Macaulay (born Anthony Gordon Instone; 21 April 1944) is an English author, composer for musical theatre, and songwriter. He has won the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors Award twice as 'Songwriter of the Year' (1970 an ...

Roger Greenaway Roger John Reginald Greenaway (born 23 August 1938) is an English singer, songwriter and record producer, best known for his collaborations with Roger Cook and Tony Burrows. His compositions have included " You've Got Your Troubles" and the ...

and Roger Cook, and was originally intended to be released by

Edison Lighthouse Edison Lighthouse are an English pop band, formed in London in 1969. The band was best known for their 1970 hit single "Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)" recorded in late 1969. Career Before the name Edison Lighthouse, they were known as ...

as their second single following their worldwide hit "

Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes) "Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)" is the debut single by Edison Lighthouse. The song reached the No. 1 spot on the UK Singles Chart on the week ending 31 January 1970, where it remained for a total of five weeks. It also became the first No. ...

". The band recorded the backing track and a rough vocal track; however, Macauley, who was their

manager Management (or managing) is the administration of organizations, whether businesses, nonprofit organizations, or a government bodies through business administration, nonprofit management, or the political science sub-field of public administra ...

and producer, was apparently not that impressed with the vocals, later saying the song "required a more gutsy voice than any of them had". Macaulay decided to pass the song over to Edison Lighthouse's labelmates Johnny Johnson and the Bandwagon for whom he had produced their previous single " Sweet Inspiration". John Abbey reviewing in ''

Blues & Soul ''Blues & Soul'' is a British music magazine, established in 1967 by John Abbey. ''The Independent'' has noted ''Blues & Soul'' as being the equal of magazines such as ''NME'' and '' Q''. ''Billboard'' magazine has called ''Blues & Soul'' "a r ...

'' wrote that compared to "Sweet Inspiration", "(Blame It) On the Pony Express" "permits Johnny far more scope as a vocalist" and that "it's far more leaning towards R&B than its predecessor and less of the old singalong sound".

Charts

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Blame It on the Pony Express 1970 singles 1970 songs Bell Records singles Song recordings produced by Tony Macaulay