When Ray Sawyer, the iconic, eyepatch-sporting member of Dr. Hook & The Medicine Show, passed away, it sparked a wave of nostalgia, reminding fans worldwide of the band’s incredible catalog of hits. Their signature blend of country rock, infused with the smooth sounds of AM radio soft rock, cemented Dr. Hook’s place in music history. Sawyer, a founding member instantly recognizable by his eyepatch – a result of a car accident – was the visual anchor of the band, whose name itself was playfully inspired by Captain Hook, nodding to Sawyer’s distinctive look.
Dr. Hook emerged as a refreshing contrast to the often serious and heavy sounds dominating 1970s album rock. Originating from the New Jersey bar scene, they were a band known for their raw energy, musical talent, and collaborations with gifted songwriters. Their breakthrough hits, “Sylvia’s Mother” and “The Cover of ‘Rolling Stone’,” both penned by the celebrated children’s author and songwriter Shel Silverstein, launched them into mainstream success. These early tracks, with “The Cover of ‘Rolling Stone'” showcasing Sawyer’s wonderfully gravelly vocals, were just the beginning. Dr. Hook continued to churn out hits, captivating audiences until their disbandment in 1985. Sawyer remained touring with Dennis Locorriere, Dr. Hook’s primary vocalist and the holder of the band’s name rights, until 2015, when health issues forced him to retire from the road.
Their enduring appeal lies in their undeniably catchy hooks and spirited, engaging live performances. Dr. Hook’s music possesses a timeless quality, aging gracefully and continuing to resonate with listeners across generations. So, dust off your straw hat, grab those maracas, and join us as we revisit some of the greatest hits that cemented Ray Sawyer and Dr. Hook as beloved figures in popular music.
5. “The Cover of ‘Rolling Stone'”: Satirizing Rock Stardom
Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show achieved Top 10 status with “The Cover of ‘Rolling Stone’,” a witty creation by Shel Silverstein that playfully mocked the ultimate aspiration for rock bands of the era: gracing the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine. Ray Sawyer takes center stage vocally, delivering the lyrics in his signature deep, raspy tone. The song humorously recounts tales of a “freaky ole lady name a Cocaine Katie” and “taking all kinds of pills that give us all kinds of thrills,” all in pursuit of the supposed pinnacle of rock and roll success – landing on the cover of the leading music publication. Ironically, Dr. Hook’s satirical wish came true in 1973 when a caricature of the band members indeed appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone. The song’s cultural impact extended beyond music, with filmmaker Cameron Crowe, a former Rolling Stone journalist, paying homage to Dr. Hook by featuring an acapella rendition of “The Cover of ‘Rolling Stone'” performed by the fictional band Stillwater in his acclaimed film Almost Famous. This song remains a testament to Dr. Hook’s ability to blend humor with sharp social commentary within a catchy musical framework.
4. “Sylvia’s Mother”: A Lovelorn Ballad with a Twist
Shel Silverstein gifted Dr. Hook their first major hit with “Sylvia’s Mother,” a song reportedly inspired by a real phone call Silverstein made to the mother of a woman he was infatuated with. (Indeed, Sylvia and her mother were real people). A hallmark of many Dr. Hook songs is their endearing “dirtbag” charm. In “Sylvia’s Mother,” listeners are drawn to empathize with the lovelorn protagonist, while simultaneously harboring a secret hope that “Mrs. Avery” will promptly hang up on the gravel-voiced suitor and protect her daughter Sylvia from his advances. This duality – feeling sympathy for a slightly disreputable character – is part of what makes “Sylvia’s Mother” and many Dr. Hook songs so uniquely appealing and memorable.
Image of The Beatles rooftop performance, a cultural moment often associated with the vibrant music scene of the era, inserted to provide visual context and enhance the article’s appeal for readers interested in 1970s music.
3. “Sharing the Night Together”: Embracing the Slow Dance
Following a period of less successful albums, the band streamlined their name to simply “Dr. Hook” and signed with Capitol Records in 1975, marking a new chapter in their musical journey. This era produced hits like a cover of Sam Cooke’s “Only Sixteen” and “A Little Bit More,” a song that became synonymous with backseat romance in a Ford Pinto. (A glance at Dr. Hook’s energetic performance of “A Little Bit More” on Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert highlights the evolution of what was considered “sexy” in rock bands – a far cry from the polished image of later groups like Maroon 5. Dr. Hook’s appeal was rooted in a more raw and unrefined charisma). By 1978, with the album Pleasure & Pain, Dr. Hook fully embraced the slow-dance ballad, delivering “Sharing the Night Together,” a tender and somewhat cheeky ode to fleeting romantic encounters. This song showcased their versatility, proving they could masterfully navigate both their signature humorous tunes and more emotionally resonant ballads.
2. “When You’re In Love With a Beautiful Woman”: Jealousy and Soft Rock Gold
Penned by the aptly named country rock songwriter Even Stevens, “When You’re In Love With a Beautiful Woman” became a quintessential ‘70s soft rock anthem, reaching #6 on the charts. Its popularity was so enduring that Dr. Hook included it on both the Pleasure & Pain album and its disco-infused 1979 follow-up, Sometimes You Win. The song’s iconic opening, featuring an instantly recognizable keyboard riff, sets the stage for lyrics that delve into the insecurities of a man grappling with jealousy in a relationship. Despite the upbeat, toe-tapping melody, the lyrics reveal a man consumed by doubt, constantly “watching her eyes” and “looking for lies.” Perhaps, instead of dwelling on suspicion, the protagonist should consider open communication with the woman who, despite his insecurities, remains with him. The song’s brilliance lies in its ability to package relatable relationship anxieties within an irresistibly catchy and commercially successful soft rock format.
1. “Sexy Eyes”: The Ultimate Late-Night Groove
“Sexy Eyes” solidified Dr. Hook’s status as masters of smooth, late-night grooves, climbing to number five on the Billboard charts and becoming one of their most recognizable and beloved hits. The song opens with a line reminiscent of the film Eyes Wide Shut – “I was sittin’ all alone/Watching people get it on with each other.” However, the song quickly steers away from anything too suggestive, instead focusing on the thrill of dancing and the captivating allure of catching a woman’s “sexy eyes” across the dance floor. “Sexy Eyes” perfectly encapsulates Dr. Hook’s signature sound: a blend of catchy melodies, playful lyrics, and an undeniable groove that made them kings of AM radio and provided the soundtrack to countless nights of carefree fun.
-Nick Nadel
Photo of Dr. Hook: WikiCommons
PS. The internet’s renewed interest in this 2019 post makes it a perfect time to revisit and re-feature this celebration of Dr. Hook’s music.
