On June 3rd in music history, one significant event took place in 1970 when Ray Davies of The Kinks traveled round-trip from New York to London in a day to change one word in the recording of their song "Lola."
The song, which became one of The Kinks' biggest hits, originally contained the line "You drink champagne and it tastes just like Coca-Cola." However, the BBC had a strict policy against product placement in songs. Davies, determined to have the song played on the radio, decided to change the line to "You drink champagne and it tastes just like cherry cola."
To make this happen, Davies took a flight from New York to London, entered the studio, recorded the new line, and then immediately flew back to New York. This dedication and attention to detail is a testament to Davies' commitment to his art and his desire to have his music heard by as many people as possible.
"Lola" went on to become a massive hit for The Kinks, reaching #2 in the UK and #9 in the US. The song's themes of sexual ambiguity and transvestitism were groundbreaking for the time and showcased Davies' skill as a storyteller and social commentator.
The fact that Ray Davies went to such lengths to change a single word in the song has become a legendary tale in music history, exemplifying the sometimes quirky but always passionate nature of the creative process. It's a reminder that even the smallest details can make a big difference in the creation and reception of a piece of music.
