January 30, 2026      —–     Chart #336

Hello Music Friends,

Hey folks, welcome to another edition of Chart of the Week. Let’s just admit something right up front: there are days when life feels complicated, messy, and about as clear as Dallas traffic during a rainstorm. And then a song like Black and White comes along — cheerful, confident, and absolutely convinced the world is simpler than we make it — and suddenly you can’t help but smile. Three Dog Night didn’t record this tune to change your life… but for three minutes and forty-seven seconds, they’re perfectly willing to improve your mood.

It’s bright. It’s joyful. It’s optimistic in a way only early-’70s radio could get away with. And honestly? That’s part of its charm.

The Backstory

Although Three Dog Night made it famous in 1972, Black and White wasn’t theirs originally. The song was written in 1954 by David Arkin and Earl Robinson to celebrate the Supreme Court’s Brown v. Board of Education decision declaring school segregation unconstitutional.

Yes — before it ever hit AM radio, the song was literally a civil rights anthem.

But here’s the twist: the version you and I know from Three Dog Night is significantly more upbeat and pop-forward than earlier folk renditions. What started as a solemn, socially conscious hymn became a bright, soaring, harmony-filled pop celebration. And it worked — the reimagined version connected with millions.

The Recording

Three Dog Night recorded the song for their album Seven Separate Fools, released in July 1972. By then, the band was firing on all cylinders — one of the tightest live acts in America, with three powerhouse vocalists and a knack for turning unknown songs into radio gold.

On this track:

• Danny Hutton, Chuck Negron, & Cory Wells – vocals (the trademark three-headed vocal dragon)
• Mike Allsup – guitar
• Joe Schermie – bass
• Floyd Sneed – drums
• Jimmy Greenspoon – keyboards

It’s all sung with the kind of full-chested enthusiasm that made Three Dog Night a stadium powerhouse. You can practically hear the smiles in the mix.

Chart Performance

• Released: August 1972
• Climbed all the way to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100
• Also hit #1 on the Cash Box Top 100
• Certified Gold and became one of the band’s signature hits

This was the group’s third and final #1 single, and it cemented their place as one of the most unstoppable chart forces of the early ’70s.

Fun Facts

• The original folk versions were far more solemn — the Three Dog Night version is so cheerful you almost forget the Supreme Court connection.
• The lyrical line “The ink is black, the page is white” was a metaphor for integration and equality — meaning your elementary school music teacher was sneakily teaching you civil rights history.
• Some critics thought the pop version was too happy for the original subject matter; fans overwhelmingly disagreed.
• Three Dog Night performed this one live with infectious enthusiasm — you didn’t watch them sing it, you watched them believe it.

What’s It Really About?

Equality, unity, and hope.

But in the Three Dog Night version, it’s also about joy — the joy that comes from imagining a world where things really are as simple as “black and white.” And while reality is always messier, there’s something to be said for a song that reminds you of the ideal.

It feels especially meaningful in February — a month that always seems to straddle the line between winter gloom and the hopefulness of spring.

Playing the Song

This is a great one for acoustic guitar players. Straightforward chords, a bright rhythm, and a melody that begs for group harmonies. Play it on your acoustic guitar, keep the tempo lively, and don’t be surprised if anybody within earshot starts singing along whether they meant to or not.

It’s one of those songs that works best when people join in — which is probably the whole point.

Why It Lasts

Because it’s hopeful without being heavy.
Because the melody is irresistible.
Because every once in a while, we need a reminder that unity and optimism aren’t just slogans — they’re possibilities.

And because Three Dog Night had the rare ability to take a meaningful song, wrap it in sunshine, and send it out into the world sounding like a celebration.

Keep Rockin’,

Stan Bradshaw