1969 HITS ARCHIVE: Spinning Wheel - Blood, Sweat & Tears (a #2 record--mono 45 single version)

Composed by lead singer David Clayton Thomas, this was the second of three ‘titles’ from BS&T’s multi-platinum Grammy-winning LP “Blood, Sweat & Tears” to become a major hit. But unlike “You’ve Made Me So Very Happy” and “And When I Die,” which were released on 45 as shortened edits of the album tracks, “Spinning Wheel” underwent a complete re-recording, cutting the length down by nearly a minute and a half and de-emphasizing the original’s jazz-flavored elements in favor of a more ‘rock’-friendly arrangement… notably replacing the long instrumental trumpet solo with a 10-second electric guitar break.

Pop Chart Peaks: Billboard & Record World 2, Cash Box 3

The 45rpm single was issued on Columbia 44871 - Spinning Wheel (D. C. Thomas) by Blood, Sweat & Tears, produced by James William Guercio

. THE 1969 HITS ARCHIVE - Here in one place, a comprehensive collection of ‘pop’ best-sellers and songs which made an impact that were either released or enjoyed a major chunk of their popularity within the calendar year 1969 (some were recorded in 1968)