Friday, July 15, 2011

I Thank You — Sam & Dave (1968)

"I Thank You" was written by Isaac Hayes and David Porter and originally recorded by Sam & Dave in early 1968. It was their final release on Stax Records and it went to #9 on the Billboard charts. ZZ Top covered the song for their 1979 album "Degüello" and released it as single the following year. While it only peaked at #36 (and becoming ZZ Top's second Top 40 hit) - their version would become a staple on classic rock radio.




ZZ Top (1979)

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

California Sun — Joe Jones (1961)

"California Sun" was written by Henry Glover and Morris Levy and was originally recorded in 1961 by New Orleans singer Joe Jones. It peaked at #89 on the charts. The best-known version was recorded in 1964 by The Rivieras, which went as high as #5 on the US Billboard charts. This version found a second life as part of the 1987 "Good Morning Vietnam" soundtrack.




The Rivieras (1964)