Rick’s Top 5 Summer Songs To Kick Off Your Memorial Day BBQ

Memorial Weekend, the unofficial kick off to Summer! To help kick off your backyard barbeque you got to have the right tunes to get you in the mood. With that in mind, here is my top five list of summertime tunes to get that bbq party jammin'.

#5 The Motels-Suddenly Last Summer

Lead singer Martha Davis and her Motels are best known for their radio pop hit 'Only The Lonely,' but most people forget this follow-up and last top ten hit from the group.

#4 Bryan Adams-Summer Of '69

From the beginning drum hit, you know you're in for a party with this follow up to Bryan Adams number one hit, 'Heaven.' In the early part of his career Bryan knew how to rock, but as music changed as we headed into the nineties, Adams changed his style to a more softer style. But this classic summer song still stands the test of time.

#3 John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John - Summer Nights

I'll admit, I am partial to this song and movie. I remember seeing the movie 'Grease' in the theaters six times in the course of two weeks. I, like most of America, fell in love with Sandy and Danny. What would summer be without the beginning of summer love.

#2 Don Henley-The Boys Of Summer

Don Henley had the most success on the radio after the Eagles broke up. His string of solo hits began with the media bashing 'Dirty Laundry' and followed with 'Sunset Grill,' 'The End of The Innocence' and this summertime hit.

#1 Katy Perry-California Gurls

She has become the queen of pop radio. You can't listen to the radio without hearing one of Katy Perry's infectious songs. Born in Santa Barbara, Kate Hudson changed her last name to 'Perry' so as not to be confused with Goldie Hawn's daughter, the actress Kate Hudson.