Rock and Roll Heaven

"Rock and Roll Heaven" is a song written by Alan O'Day and Johnny Stevenson, popularized by The Righteous Brothers. It is a paean to several deceased singers such as Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Otis Redding, and has been rewritten a number of times to include other singers. The song was first recorded by the band Climax in 1973, but it failed to chart. It was then covered by The Righteous Brothers in 1974 and reached number three on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. The Righteous Brothers version The Righteous Brothers recorded "Rock and Roll Heaven" a few weeks after they decided to reform the duo in 1974. They signed with Haven Records run by Dennis Lambert and Brian Potter and were given the song to record. Lambert and Potter rewrote a verse, updating the song to include Jim Croce and Bobby Darin who had died within three months of each other in late 1973. According to Bill Medley, they were dubious about the song because they didn't think the song had the "old Righteous Brothers feel". Nevertheless, it became a hit for them and quickly reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100. In Canada it spent three weeks at number four. Musicians and songs mentioned in Righteous Brothers version "Jimi gave us rainbows" refers to Rainbow Bridge by Jimi Hendrix. "Janis took a piece of our hearts" refers to the recording of "Piece of My Heart" by Big Brother and the Holding Company featuring Janis Joplin. "Otis brought us all to the dock of the bay" refers to "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" by Otis Redding. "Sing a song to light my fire. Remember Jim that way" refers to "Light My Fire" by The Doors which featured Jim Morrison. "Remember bad bad Leroy Brown, Hey Jimmy touched us with that song" refers to "Bad, Bad Leroy Brown" by Jim Croce. "Bobby gave us Mack the Knife" refers to Bobby Darin's recording of "Mack the Knife".