In 1981, Billy Vera, along with his live band The Beaters, released a single called "I Can Take Care of Myself", which ended up being a top 40 hit - Billy Vera's second, but also his first since 1968. His follow-up song was an over-the-top sad love song called "At This Moment."
It would peak at #79 on the Billboard Charts in 1981 - a minor hit, but nothing spectacular.
Fast forward to 1985. During the 1985-1986 season of the popular TV show Family Ties, the character of Alex P. Keaton, played by Michael J. Fox, was given a love interest, Ellen Reed, played by Tracy Pollan (who would soon become Fox's wife (she still is)). It was a great on-screen relationship, probably because they had that real-life connection.
Anyway, this song was used by the show as their love theme - and it became a huge, HUGE hit on its second run. It topped the charts in 1987, and also hit the country charts - such a crossover by a chart-topping pop song wouldn't happen again for another 13 years.
It would be Vera's last Top 40 hit (to date).
Despite the song hanuting Michael J. Fox and Tracy Pollan for a few years, they, and all the cast, appreciated the song, and he the show. In 2011, he performed the song at the TV Land Awards - and yes, the cast of Family Ties were there... and clearly enjoyed it.
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| I will take any excuse to take a screen grab of Michael Gross and Justine Bateman enjoying a Billy Vera jam (you weren't expecting Michael J. Fox and Tracy Pollan, were you?) |
Here is his performance from that night. You can see all the main cast members from the show's run watching and enjoying.
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