Summer Rain - Johnny Rivers 1967

"Summer Rain", by Johnny Rivers, was released in 1967 and reached the #14 spot on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, #10 on the U.S. Cash Box Top 100, and #10 in Canada in early 1968. It also became his 8th international hit. The song was written by songwriter James Hendricks. The lyrics reflect on a previous summer of casual love and references The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album, and the Rascals' song "Groovin'. Born in New York City, his family moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana where he began his career at an early age and was influenced by the distinctive Louisiana musical style. Later, he adopted the stage name "Rivers" based on the Mississippi River. He was one of the few performers to weather the British music invasion during the 60's by making subtle changes in his his music direction by recording ballads that mixed his soulful voice with smooth-sounding backing vocalists. Not only a singer/songwriter, Rivers also started his own record production company, Soul City Records. Though he has won two Grammy Awards, Rivers has yet to be inducted into the R&R Hall Fame as of 2019.