– Sophie Smith 40: Tone Loc – Cheeba Cheeba Russel Robinson/Andy Razaf song was later recorded by punk band Murphys Law and swing revivalists Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. Formally titled, “Have You Ever Met That Funny Reefer Man,” this J. This 1932 jazz tune, first recorded by legendary bandleader Cab Calloway, was released a mere five years before the US made marijuana illegal. Songs about weed certainly aren’t a modern phenomenon. – Sophie Smith 41: Cab Calloway – Reefer Man Despite being banned by many radio stations across the country, the song still managed to find success on the Billboard charts. Released as a single in 1970, “Mexico” was Jefferson Airplane’s lyrical protest against President Nixon and his efforts to curtail the entry of marijuana at the southern border (Operation Intercept).
– Sophie Smith 42: Jefferson Airplane – Mexico To make matters worse, his weed stash is down to just useless seeds and stems – so he can’t even get stoned. The man in question bemoans being broke and alone after his girlfriend leaves him for another man and his dog dies. Life can’t get much worse for the subject of this 1971 song by country rockers Commander Cody and the Lost Planet Airmen.
– Sophie Smith 43: Commander Cody and the Lost Planet Airmen – Seeds and Stems Again Released in 1966, the song went to No.1 on the R&B charts and landed in the Billboard Hot 100’s Top 40. But it was Ray Charles who made it a national hit, despite the subject matter. Written by the best-selling songwriting team of Nickolas Ashford, Valerie Simpson, and Joshie “Jo” Armstead, “Let’s Go Get Stoned” was first recorded by vocal group the Coasters in 1965, followed by country star Ronnie Milsap. Click to load video 44: Ray Charles – Let’s Go Get Stoned