Kentucky Rain’ was a hit fusion of Elvis’ pop and country stylings that saw him back on the charts in 1970. The song, written by Eddie Rabbit and Dick Heard peaked at #16 on the Pop charts that year. It was a regular feature of his live shows that year and was included on some of his classic live recordings including ‘From Elvis In Memphis’ and ‘Live In Las Vegas’.
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Arrangement set encompassing one or more Engravings
This 1973 number-one hit for Gladys Knight & The Pips was only their second release after leaving Motown Records — and was it a doozy — nabbing them the Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group or Chorus. ‘Midnight Train To Georgia’ is a haunting Soul ballad written by Jim Weatherly and has become one of Glady’s calling cards. The horn section featured the legendary Brecker Brothers and production from the great Tony Camillo.
In The Midnight Hour’ is the calling card of none other than the great Wilson Pickett. Recorded in 1965 and written in collaboration with Stax soul guru Steve Cropper, the tune was Pickett’s first hit on Atlantic Records. A bit of trivia — the song was purportedly written by the duo at the Lorraine Hotel in Memphis — the same hotel where Martin Luther King, Jr would later be assasinated in 1968. This driving soul classic has seen many covers over the years from Martha Reeves to Jackie Wilson and the Commitments, but there is something about the crisp, simple production of the original that can’t be beat.
This 1962 Blues instrumental from ‘Booker T. & The MGs’ is one of the best loved instrumental numbers of all time. The band featured the legendary Stax/Volt Records’ studio backline including Booker T. Jones, Lewis Steinberg, Steve Cropper and drummer Al Jackson Jr. The band later returned to their calling card as they toured backing the Blues Brothers. ‘Green Onions’ iconic sound was rated as song #185 on Rolling Stones’ Greatest Songs Of All Time — so get you some Green Onions!
Flaming Star’ is the title song from Elvis’ 1960 western film of the same name. Elvis’ portrayal of ‘Pacer Burton’ was well received and the soundtrack, ‘Elvis By Request – Flaming Star’ reached #14 on the Billboard Hot 100. ‘Flaming Star’ is a great example of the King’s talents extended to the country idiom. The song has a nice, acoustic sound and offers horn players the change to get their doubles in action!
The Wonder Of You’ is a 1959 Gospel-inspired song from composer Baker Knight. The number saw initial success with a recording by Ray Peterson, followed by covers from the Platters, The Sandpipers and an instrumental treatment from Nelson Riddle. Elvis took on the number in 1970 and his usual, bold orchestration and moving vocal treatment landed the cut at #9 in the US and at the top of the single charts in the UK. With Elvis’ love of Gospel this number found a home in his live stage show. The song is also the anthem for English football teams Port Vale and Ansenal.
‘Honky Cat’ is the opening cut from Elton John’s 1972 album ‘Honky Chateau’. The album was recorded in the legendary Château d’Hérouville, just outside of Paris which was the site of such classic recordings from Pink Floyd, Jethro Tull, Cat Stevens, David Bowie, The Bee Gees and Fleetwood Mack. ‘Honky Cat’ features many distinct stylistic points in addition to Elton John’s powerhouse piano, including the use of Banjo and strong horn lines. A fun take on the illusions of urban life and a great dance number!
The songwriting/producing powerhouse of Holland, Dozier and Holland followed up their successes on the Motown label by forming their own banner, Invctus Records under Capitol Records. ‘Give Me Just A Little More Time’ was one of the new labels greatest successes, featuring the newly formed soul group ‘The Chairmen Of The Board’. The cut featured the usual Holland/Dozier/Holland compostion which was minted by the powerful interpreating abilities of the Funk Brothers session band (as heard on numerous Motown Classics). ‘Give Me Just A Little More Time’ peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US, but has remained a top hit in the hearts of soul lovers worldwide.
The writing credits to ‘Don’t Go Breaking My Heart’ are attributed to pseudonyms ‘Ann Orson’ and ‘Carte Blanche’ — Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s play on the expression “an horse and carte, blanche”. The song is a tribute to the classic Motown/Tamla duets that featured artists such as Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell or Kim Weston. The 1976 single was never included on one of John’s albums (until the 1977 ‘Greatest Hits: Volume II’) but had #1 success on the UK singles charts upon its release. The duet features Elton and his singing partner Kiki Dee in a bouncy, fun love song. The number is a ladies favorite and Karoeke stalwart — a must for any function group!
Dancing Queen’ is one of ABBA’s signature hits. The 1976 Pop and Disco classic was the follow up to their previous hit, ‘Frenando’ and has been elevated to iconic status as a Disco anthem in clubs and dancefloors around the world. The song was a #1 hit for the group in the US and 13 other countries. It’s easy dancing groove and cruisey vocal harmonies can be identified as no one other than ABBA. A Disco classic that is a must for everyone’s song book!