During this week 48 years ago, Gemini 10 was launched, "Lost" actor Matthew Fox was born and people were groovin' on the following songs, via Billboard's Hot 100 chart archive.
10. "Sweet Pea," Tommy Roe
One of four certified Gold records for the pop crooner. Roe's best known song, "Dizzy," would be released three years later.
9. "I Saw Her Again," the Mamas and the Papas
Co-written by bandmates John Phillips and Denny Doherty, "I Saw Her Again" was reportedly inspired by Doherty's affair with Michelle Phillips, who was married to John Phillips at the time. Awkward.
8. "Red Rubber Ball," the Cyrkle
This one was co-written by Paul Simon and eventually hit No. 2 on the Hot 100 chart. The Cyrkle also once toured with the Beatles (the bands shared a manager).
7. "Hungry," Paul Revere and the Raiders
The only song on this list — I think — once covered by Sammy Hagar. Although I would pay to hear him try "Red Rubber Ball."
6. "Paperback Writer," the Beatles
John Lennon was actually writing books around this time, but Paul McCartney was the primary songwriter — he was challenged by a family member to write a song that wasn't about love. 1966 was a huge year for the Beatles. Other singles released this year were "Eleanor Rigby" and "Yellow Submarine."
5. "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me," Dusty Springfield
One of Springfield's biggest hits, this one has been covered by everyone from Elvis Presley and Smokey Robinson to Shelby Lynne.
4. "The Pied Piper," Crispian St. Peters
Crispian St. Peters is my favorite name of 1966. The song's good, too.
3. "Lil' Red Riding Hood," Sam the Sham and the Pharoahs
Cue wolf howling!
2. "Wild Thing," the Troggs
Extremely random fact: "Wild Thing" songwriter Chip Taylor (whose real name is James Voight) is the uncle of Angelina Jolie and brother of Jon Voight.
1. "Hanky Panky," Tommy James and the Shondells
One of two No. 1 hits of the 1960s for Tommy James and the Shondells (the other was 1969's "Crimson and Clover"). This was just one of several hits co-written by Ellie Greenwich and Jeff Barry, who wrote, among other classics, "Be My Baby," "Da Doo Ron Ron" and "Leader of the Pack."