Oh How Happy

Album: Happiness Is The Shades of Blue (1966)
Charted: 12
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This was the only hit for Shades of Blue, who were a white soul band from Detroit. The song came at a time when American soul music influenced the British music industry, creating a genre called Northern Soul. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Mike - Santa Barbara, CA
  • This was written by Edwin Starr, who is known for his 1970 hit "War." When he wrote this song, Starr was working for a Detroit record label that was eventually bought out by Motown.

Comments: 2

  • Stephen from Dallas, TexasOne of my all time favorites - Fall of 1966 - had just entered Stanford grad school. a special time for this Ga. boy.
  • Neil from Toronto, OnThe Jackson 5 did this song on their "third album". Jermaine sang lead.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.

Jethro Tull

Jethro TullFact or Fiction

Stage urinals, flute devices, and the real Aqualung in this Fact or Fiction.

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: Tarantino Edition

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: Tarantino EditionMusic Quiz

Whether he's splitting ears or burning Nazis, Quentin Tarantino uses memorable music in his films. See if you can match the song to the scene.

Mike Rutherford (Genesis, Mike + The Mechanics)

Mike Rutherford (Genesis, Mike + The Mechanics)Songwriter Interviews

Mike Rutherford talks about the "Silent Running" storyline and "Land Of Confusion" in the age of Trump.

Donald Fagen

Donald FagenSongwriter Interviews

Fagen talks about how the Steely Dan songwriting strategy has changed over the years, and explains why you don't hear many covers of their songs.

Soul Train Stories with Stephen McMillian

Soul Train Stories with Stephen McMillianSong Writing

A Soul Train dancer takes us through a day on the show, and explains what you had to do to get camera time.