The Late Movies: Songs About Hot Summers

On this date in 1935, the Dust Bowl heat wave reached its peak, with temperatures reaching 109°F in Chicago, Illinois and 104°F in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As we sweat through another long, hot summer in America, here are six songs inspired by rising temps (or at least six songs that make us think of hot summer nights).

Heat Wave

Martha and the Vandellas recorded this song in July 1963 and it was later featured in the Whoopi Goldberg movie Sister Act.

You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth (Hot Summer Night)

This ditty was Meatloaf's first single off his solo album.

Hot Hot Hot

David Johansen, formerly of the New York Dolls, has called the tune "the bane of my existence."

Summer Nights

The massive hit is from the musical Grease, and the best-known version was recorded by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John for the film version.

Summer in the City

Recorded by The Lovin' Spoonful, this quintessential summer anthem features a series of car horns during the instrumental bridge.

Cruel Summer

Girl group Bananarama recorded this song, but it wasn't a big hit until it was included on the soundtrack of The Karate Kid.