Take Five: Classics from the Pen of P.F. Sloan

P.F. Sloan was one of the most important behind-the-scenes artists of the mid 1960s. Working primarily as a songwriter in those days, he only occasionally made commercial inroads as a recording artist. But as a key session player and composer, he was responsible for may of the era’s hits. In addition to writing TV themes and jingles (many in collaboration with writing partner Steve Barri), New York City-born Sloan wrote many songs that wold become hit singles for other artists. Sloan died in 2015 at age 70, but on the 80th anniversary of his birth (September 18)I present five great tunes from the pen of P.F. Sloan.

“Eve of Destruction” by Barry McGuire from Eve of Destruction (1965)
This controversial folk-protest song would be a hit for Barry McGuire in 1965. Sloan wrote the song and shopped it around to artists including the Byrds – all of whom turned it down – before getting to McGuire. Released as a single, McGuire’s version made it to the No. 1 spot, and became an anthem of the era.

“Secret Agent Man” by Johnny Rivers from …And I Know You Wanna Dance (1966)
Patrick McGoohan’s British television show Danger Man was retitled Secret Agent for broadcast in the U.S., and producers asked Sloan for a new theme song. He came up with one of the most recognizable riffs in all of music, and helped recording artist Johnny Rivers score a Top Ten hit.

“You Baby” by the Turtles from You Baby (1966)
The Turtles were somewhat unique among Los Angeles groups in that they rarely employed session musicians. And when they did, it would be for augmented parts (horns etc.). But when it came to songwriting, the Turtles mixed it up between originals and songs from outside writers. So it was that they cut “You Baby,” a tune from P.F. Sloan. The title track from their second LP, “You Baby” was a top 20 hit in 1966. They weren’t the first act to record the song, though; the Vogues waxed it in 1965.

“Where Were You When I Needed You” by the Grass Roots from Where Were You When I Needed You (1966)
Rock history is scattered with stories of fictitious bands. The Archies, for one; did you know they weren’t real people? Of course you did! But did you know that on their debut single, the Grass Roots weren’t a real band? The recording of the song – nearly the entire album of the same name, in fact – was made by P.F. Sloan and Steve Barri. Only after the music was released did the record company (Dunhill) insist that an actual band be assembled to promote the songs. That lineup – including drummer Joel Larson, who actually played on the single – did go on to have many hits.

“A Must to Avoid” by Herman’s Hermits from Hold On! (1966)
“Where Were You When I Needed You” was originally intended for Herman’s Hermits, who turned it down. But the British pop group fronted by Peter Noone did accept, record and release “A Must to Avoid,” P.F. Sloan’s tune about a wicked woman. As a single, “A Must to Avoid” climbed to the Top 10 in Australia, Canada, Norway, New Zealand and the U.S.