For me it has to be Margie Joseph - Lets Stay Together, superb version just about the best cover I have ever heard of any soul record, any other suggestions?

Gene Chandler - There was a time

J.J. Barnes - How Long

Billy

Talking about originals and covers is tricky business. A few weeks ago I was sure about he originals of Time is on my side, Message to Martha/Michael and In the midnight hour. Now I know better I should with some sadness say: "In the midnight hour" by Wilson Pickett, very simply. But emotionally it is hard to swallow.

So I mention what I would have mentioned spontaneously: Willie Mitchell - Soul serenade.

Still rather simple. But sheer beauty. (King Curtis too, of course).

Timi Yuro "It'll Never Be Over For Me" though i still adore Justine Washingtons version.

delfonics--hurt so bad

Gene Chandler - There was a time 

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Nice one indeed, but always having a soft spot for the gritty side of things I prefer Jimmy Lynchs version on La Val Records

Timi Yuro "It'll Never Be Over For Me" though i still adore Justine Washingtons version.

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Totally agree - Timi Yuro

Richie Havens "I can't make it anymore" on Verve

and Bobby Womack "Messing up a good thing" on UA.

I.

Got to be Gayle Adams fantastic version of Baby I need your loving -NOT.

Mattie Moultie - 'That's how strong my love is'. So much nore more soulful than the Otis version. Up there with the O.V. Wright original.

Love Al Green's cover of 'For the good times', too.

I actually like the Ohio Players - Love slipped through my fingers. Out on my own on this one I think.

I also prefer the modern version of Lighten up - Ty Karim.

Ed

I actually like the Ohio Players - Love slipped through my fingers. Out on my own on this one I think.

I also prefer the modern version of Lighten up - Ty Karim.

Ed

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Got to agree with you on the Ohio Players - fantastic version !

Nancy Wilson 'Reach out for me'......perfection!

Mace

I actually like the Ohio Players - Love slipped through my fingers. Out on my own on this one I think.

I also prefer the modern version of Lighten up - Ty Karim.

Ed

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yep i'm with ya on the ohio players as well

Davie

patti drew - fever

ella fitzgerald- get ready

fantastic davie ....... love both of them. also patti drew's version of hard to handle.

Ohio players

Nancy Wilson

Not strictly a cover version but i love it

Marvin Gaye – It’s not unusual

Puts Thomas Woodward's version in the shade, any day!

The Action "I'll Keep Holding On".

The Marvelettes version pales into insignificance when compared to it.

Not strictly a cover version but i love it 

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Do like that.. and that's as much of a Jackie Wilson cover as I can stand.Although I've heard it a million times, Jackie still sounds the best. What a voice..just gonna go off and put Because of you on now....

On the subject of Al Green, his version of the Bee Gee's "How can you mend a broken heart" from the "Let's stay together album is f*cking awesome.

Paul

SITC

On the subject of Al Green, his version of the Bee Gee's "How can you mend a broken heart" from the "Let's stay together album is f*cking awesome.

Paul

SITC

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Great point Paul and what a lovely album that is!!

My picks has to be:

Gladys Knight "tracks of my tears"

Erma Coffee "anyway the wind blows"

*Syl J. does the original..

best

Leo

On the subject of Al Green, his version of the Bee Gee's "How can you mend a broken heart" from the "Let's stay together album is f*cking awesome.

Paul

SITC

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Gotta agree on that one Paul, mind you not listened to it in at least 20 years

Gotta agree on that one Paul, mind you not listened to it in at least 20 years

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Also Al Greens "i'm so lonesome i could cry" (Hank Williams) and "for the good times" (Kris Kristofferson) beats the hell out of the originals IMO

best

Leo

Dee Dee Warwick..When love love slips away..Mercury

Dee Dee Warwick..When love love slips away..Mercury

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also i preffer her version of "she didn't know (she kept on talking)" , much nicer than the (very very good) Sandra Phillips original.

best

Leo

The Action "I'll Keep Holding On".

The Marvelettes version pales into insignificance when compared to it.

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Oh yeh, a great group and they really put 100% into their soul/motown covers. Mind you, the Marvelletes original is still the greatest!

Agree with those who mentioned Al Green's various cover versions. He has the uncanny ability to make other peoples' songs truly his own. My favourite by him at the moment is a stunning live recording of Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come" from the soundtrack of the Michael Mann / Will Smith film "Ali".

It was recorded with backup from Booker T & the MGs and the Memphis Horns at an MTV Hall Of Fame concert in the mid 90s, and is quite simply staggering in its intensity. A true moment of musical history, where he wrings every last ounce of emotion from one of soul's greatest songs.

Edited December 1, 200420 yr by garethx

I can't really think of hardly any cover versions that improved on the original. One that springs to mind though, is Daryl Hall's cover of Marvin's "When Did You Stop Loving Me"

mines got to be stevie wonders cover of i hear a symphony. absolutely amazing. almost brings a tear to my eye.

Stevie's version of anything! My fave being his rendition of God Bless The Child off of his For Once In My Life lp. His greatest album in my opinion. There's something heartbreaking about a blind, black boy singing 'God bless the child that's got his own...'

Also his version of Angel Baby literally rocks all over the original.

Peggy Lee's version of 'Sittin' on the dock of the bay' jazzes up a song that's long bored me to tears.

Jean DuShon - Feelin' Good on Cadet.

Dee Dee Sharp - Comin' Home Baby.

Fabulettes version of Money.

And can anyone tell me if Butch's United Four came before Irma & Fascinations. Cos if it didn't, I think that's one of the greatest covers I've heard.

...and I know it's not a soul record, but you have to hear The Road's version of She's Not There..... You'll never listen to the Zombies' version again.

ps. What's the Gladys version of 'Tracks..' on?