Spinning Wheel put Blood, Sweat & Tears on the musical map. It was a monster hit nominated for a Grammy for best song. It lost. Do I care? No but it’s noteworthy and even newsworthy. It’s clearly worthy. Dare I post a GIF of NBA great James Worthy?

Spinning Wheel was written by the band’s lead singer David Clayton-Thomas in 1968 and released the next year. The songwriter was influenced by Joni Mitchell on whom he had an unrequited crush. The painted pony line was stolen from Mitchell’s song, The Circle Game. DCT only steals from the best.

We begin with some Sixties big band music.

Peggy Lee was among the first pop-jazz singers to record this week’s tune.

Nancy Wilson was among the earliest wheel spinners, not to be confused with The Spinners.

Mel  Tormé. Say no more.

Bobbie Gentry took a break from the Tallahatchie Bridge to cover this week’s tune.

A UK folk version of the DCT/BST classic.

What would the Friday Cocktail Hour be without instrumental versions of the week’s tune? We have a threesome this time: The Ventures, Benny Goodman, and Oscar Peterson.

Have I told you lately how much I love Oscar Peterson?

That’s it for this week. I propose a toast to the crew of the USS Lincoln who are finally on their way home. It’s what The Spinners and their shadows would want. Never argue with them.