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9 Songs You Forgot Jeff Lynne Wrote

Jeff Lynne celebrates his birthday today (December 30.) It’s no secret that Lynne has written and produced for countless artists. Sometimes, though, it’s easy to forget just how many artists…

Jeff Lynne
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Jeff Lynne celebrates his birthday today (December 30.) It’s no secret that Lynne has written and produced for countless artists. Sometimes, though, it’s easy to forget just how many artists and projects where he’s credited.

In his honor, here’s just a handful of songs you may have forgotten were written or co-written by the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer.

Roy Orbison – “You Got It” 

roy-orbison_Sony-Legacy.jpgSony Legacy

Featured on the last album recorded by Orbison, this hit was also co-written by Tom Petty, who along with Lynne, Orbison, Bob Dylan and George Harrison made up the supergroup The Traveling Wilburys.


Tom Petty – “Running Down A Dream"

petty_UMG.jpgUMG

Lynne, of course, co-wrote/co-produced Petty’s smash debut solo album 'Full Moon Fever' released in 1989.  Frankly, it’s difficult to pick just one song to represent that entire album. It is absolutely packed with incredible tracks!


The Pussycat Dolls – “Beep”

pcd_AM.jpgA&M

This one might be a surprise for most, but after a quick listen to the first minute of this song, and anyone with half a clue will hear ELO’s “Evil Woman” sampled.


Half The 'Xanadu' Soundtrack

xanadu_Jet-MCA.jpgJet/MCA

The first thought most have when thinking of 'Xanadu' is Olivia Newton-John, followed by Gene Kelly, but half of the film’s soundtrack (five songs) were written by Lynne and recorded by ELO, including the super catchy “I’m Alive.”


Brian Wilson – “Let It Shine”

brian-wilson_Warner-Bros.jpgWarner Bros

Featured on Wilson's first solo album, “Let It Shine” is one of the few tracks on this release that didn’t feature a songwriting credit from Wilson’s then therapist Eugene Landy.

Erica Banas is a news blogger who's been covering the rock/classic rock world since 2014. The coolest event she's ever covered in person was the 2021 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. (Sir Paul McCartney inducting Foo Fighters? C'mon now!) She's also well-versed in etiquette and extraordinarily nice. #TransRightsAreHumanRights