The passing of Ray Sawyer, the eye-patched icon of Dr. Hook & The Medicine Show, served as a poignant reminder of the band’s impressive catalog. For fans and casual listeners alike, Dr. Hook songs evoke a distinct era of music, blending country rock sensibilities with the smooth, radio-friendly appeal of AM soft rock. Sawyer, a founding member of the group that eventually became simply Dr. Hook, embodied the band’s playful spirit, his eyepatch—a result of a car accident—inspiring their Captain Hook-esque name.
Emerging as a refreshing alternative to the often-serious tone of 1970s album rock, Dr. Hook was, at their core, a spirited New Jersey bar band. Their rise to fame was fueled by genuine musical talent, but also by collaborations with gifted songwriters. Their initial breakthrough hits, “Sylvia’s Mother” and “The Cover of ‘Rolling Stone’,” were penned by the celebrated children’s author and songwriter Shel Silverstein. Silverstein’s contributions were integral to several Dr. Hook albums, setting the stage for further chart successes. The band continued to produce hits until their disbandment in 1985. Sawyer remained a touring member alongside lead vocalist Dennis Locorriere, who holds the rights to the Dr. Hook name, until health issues sidelined him in 2015.
Related: “Your 10 Favorite Bar Bands”
Dr. Hook’s enduring appeal lies in their irresistible hooks and energetic live shows. Their music has aged remarkably well, retaining a timeless quality that transcends trends. So, dust off your straw hat, grab some maracas, and join us in celebrating the legacy of Ray Sawyer and the band with these essential Dr Hook Songs.
5. “The Cover of ‘Rolling Stone’”
This Shel Silverstein-penned gem propelled Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show into the Top 10, cleverly satirizing the ultimate aspiration for any rock band of the time: gracing the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine. Ray Sawyer takes the vocal lead, delivering a memorable growl as he 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 coveted magazine cover. In a moment of meta-humor, Dr. Hook’s wish came true in 1973 when a caricature of the band appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone. The song’s cultural impact is further cemented by its inclusion in Cameron Crowe’s film Almost Famous, where the fictional band Stillwater performs an acapella rendition as a tribute to Dr. Hook’s playful commentary on fame.
4. “Sylvia’s Mother”
Shel Silverstein gifted Dr. Hook their first major hit with “Sylvia’s Mother,” a song rooted in a real phone call Silverstein made to the mother of a woman he was infatuated with. (Sylvia and her mother were indeed real people). A hallmark of many Dr. Hook songs is their endearing “lovable dirtbag” charm. In “Sylvia’s Mother,” listeners empathize with the lovelorn protagonist, while simultaneously harboring a secret hope that “Mrs. Avery” will promptly hang up and shield her daughter from the caller’s gravelly-voiced advances. This relatable vulnerability, combined with a touch of roguishness, is a key ingredient in the enduring appeal of Dr Hook songs.
Image alt text: The Beatles Rooftop Concert, a famous moment in music history, evokes a similar era of rock and roll to Dr. Hook, suggesting a shared musical spirit and influence.
3. “Sharing the Night Together”
Following a period of less successful albums, the band streamlined their name to “Dr. Hook” and signed with Capitol Records in 1975, marking a new chapter in their career. This era yielded 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 viewing of Dr. Hook’s energetic performance of “A Little Bit More” on Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert offers a humorous perspective on evolving standards of rock band sex appeal). The 1978 album Pleasure & Pain saw Dr. Hook delve into the realm of slow-dance ballads, producing “Sharing the Night Together,” a tender, if slightly suggestive, ode to fleeting romantic encounters. This song showcased the band’s versatility and ability to transition from novelty hits to more mature themes within their Dr Hook songs repertoire.
2. “When You’re In Love With a Beautiful Woman”
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. Opening with a catchy keyboard riff that instantly grabs the listener, the lyrics explore the insecurities of a man grappling with jealousy in his relationship. While the music is undeniably upbeat and danceable, the lyrical content offers a glimpse into the anxieties of love and trust. Perhaps the protagonist should spend less time “watching her eyes” and “looking for lies” and engage in open communication with the woman enduring his suspicions. This song exemplifies how Dr Hook songs could blend catchy melodies with relatable, if sometimes flawed, emotional narratives.
1. “Sexy Eyes”
“Sexy Eyes,” a sultry and smooth track, reached number five on the Billboard charts, solidifying Dr. Hook’s reputation as masters of late-night grooves. The song begins with the somewhat voyeuristic line, “I was sittin’ all alone/Watching people get it on with each other,” reminiscent of the atmosphere in Eyes Wide Shut. However, the song quickly shifts focus to the dance floor and the captivating power of a woman’s “sexy eyes.” “Sexy Eyes” perfectly encapsulates Dr. Hook’s ability to create music that is both playfully suggestive and irresistibly danceable, making it a definitive example of their signature sound and a fan favorite among Dr Hook songs.
-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 it.
