1969: Rediscover Three Dog Night’s ‘Easy To Be Hard’ – Watch

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“Easy to Be Hard” was written by Galt MacDermot, James Rado, and Gerome Ragni for the 1967 Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical. Three Dog Night recorded their version in 1969 for their second studio album Suitable for Framing. Chuck Negron took over the lead vocal duties and their rendition peaked at #4 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

The live performance below features the band’s three-part vocal harmonies and while that alone is immaculate, it’s Negron’s raw and powerful vocals that stole the show. We just can’t look away.

Check it out below.

In an interview with Gary James, Negron said: “In Three Dog Night, the whole concept was three lead singers doing three different things. So we always had someone viable on the charts. I did “One”, “Easy To Be Hard”. Then Cory and Danny and I did “Eli’s Coming”, which was a whole other sound. So, I was kind of more or less expected to do a certain type of song. Then Danny was expected to do it and then Cory was expected. As a solo artist I can use my voice to its fullest. I can do all sorts of genres and songs. I can pick fast songs, funky songs, R&B songs. So, I’m more viable, pliable I should say. I have the opportunity to do more.”