100 Songs of Summer #94 "Red Red Wine" by UB40

The first weekend in June is coming to a close, but not without one more entry in our Top 100 Songs of Summer countdown. Who doesn’t like a good vintage in the season of parties and picnics?

Hamptons Song of Summer #94

“Red Red Wine” by UB40

From the song’s conception to its most beloved iteration, “Red Red Wine” underwent a 21-year journey to become a quintessential summer tune. First penned and performed by Jazz Singer Neil Diamond  in 1967, and made into a reggae song by Tony Tribe two years later, this classic hit got its true comeuppance with UB40‘s pop/reggae arrangement in 1984. The band lengthened the song and added rap by Terence “Astro” Wilson in 1988, when it finally reached number one on the charts.

And why not? This hit record is easy on the ears and sets a perfect tone for balmy summer days and sensually sticky nights.