Four songs that were widely heard on US pop radio in 1967, and so likely formed part of many children’s morning car journeys to school, are highlighted. The selection reflects the variety of the era’s Top 40 programming, spanning pop, country-blues, psychedelic pop and soul.

– “To Sir with Love” by Lulu was the year’s best-selling single and spent five weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
– Bobbie Gentry’s “Ode to Billie Joe” topped the Hot 100 and reached several other charts, aided by its enigmatic storyline.
– Strawberry Alarm Clock’s “Incense and Peppermints” paired a bright pop sound with psychedelic references in its lyrics.
– Aretha Franklin’s version of “Respect” is presented as an energetic hit that became more widely remembered than Otis Redding’s original.