Opening a 50-year-old copy of Cash Box magazine and feasting our eyes on the Top 100 song chart for this week, February 20, 1971, we find some rather amazing tunes making their debut.

Coming in at #46 it’s George Harrison with “What Is Life.” This track from the 1970 LP All Things Must Pass features wall-of-sound guitar assistance from Eric Clapton and three members of Badfinger.

George Harrison, “What Is Life” (1970)

At #47 it’s Aretha Franklin with “You’re All I Need To Get By.” Aretha’s cover of the Marvin Gaye-Tammi Terrell tune appeared on the 1971 collection Aretha’s Greatest Hits.

Aretha Franklin, “You’re All I Need To Get By” (1971)

Next up, at #55 it’s The Fifth Dimension with “Love’s Lines, Angels And Rhymes” from the 1971 LP of the same name.

The Fifth Dimension, “Love’s Lines, Angels And Rhymes” (1971)

At #66 it’s Marvin Gaye with one of the greatest songs of all-time, “What’s Going On.” You’ll find Gaye’s signature song on the 1971 LP of the same name.

Marvin Gaye, “What’s Going On” (Live, 1972)

And rounding out the five, highest-charting debut songs for this week 50-years-ago, we have at #71, Chicago with “Free.” This tune appeared on the 1971 LP Chicago III.

Chicago, “Free” (Live, 1974)

Previously on Hot Songs: Feb. 15, 1974: McCartney & Wings