Tune du Jour: “Good Times” – Sam Cooke
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes: Ted Hawkins vs. The Persuasions vs. The Rolling Stones
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The Original
Sam Cooke:
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes
Ted Hawkins vs. The Persuasions vs. The Rolling Stones
Ted Hawkins:
The Persuasions:
The Rolling Stones:
SPACE
Oh the disharmony! Much like Harlan County there are no neutrals here. It is your solemn responsibility to decide which cover song prevails. In other words … Which Side Are You On!??!
Disclaimer: Votes cast from Florida may or may not be counted.
cover me impressed 
Ted Hawkins has such a way of making a song all his own. And it’s a beautiful thing! He sings with so much conviction and emotion. One of his better efforts.
The Persuasions could be hit or miss but they knock it out of the park with this beautiful acapella gem. This is vintage Persuasions from their classic album, Street Corner Symphony, the best they ever produced and a must for any music aficionado’s collection.
And the Stones? What could you say? Just another classic cover that they seem to make their own!
I could have felt good choosing anyone of these treasures but that’s not how the game’s played. I will go with Ted Hawkins’ straightforward, earnest delivery.
Listened to these with headphones while having a walk on this beautiful sunny day. There is a purity in Sam Cooke that few possess. Clean and soulful bursting with positivity. That the Stones didn’t get humiliated in this competition impresses me. Not their cup of meat but reasonably done. Probably Brian on the guitar part without looking it up because it felt nothing like Keith. Ted Hawkins got my vote. Love his vocals on almost anything. His grit and gruffness is as real as his tough life. Persuasions can really sing but since their track may have had the same title no other lyrics were in common so I had to DQ them.
Ted Hawkins in a landslide.
Sam Cooke is one of my favorite singers.
The Persuasions chose to perform a different song, but I’ll give them partial credit for choosing a track with a similar title.
Early Stones R&B stuff is always great, but not enough for the win.
I remember the night I discovered Ted Hawkins. It was fall of ’86, and I had just arrived in London for what was to be a year’s stay. I was delighted to score a ticket to see Billy Bragg at a small venue I hadn’t been to previously. I found the place and was glad to see the house lights hadn’t been turned down yet. So I leisurely looked around and got in line at the bar. I eventually took notice of the music being played in the background. It sounded like a middle-aged American black guy with a good, soulful, somewhat raspy vocal. I tried to figure out who it was, but I couldn’t even venture a good guess. Kind of a weathered, bluesier Sam Cooke wannabe. I gradually made my way toward the stage in anticipation of Billy’s set. As I neared the front, I was surprised to discover a middle-aged black guy sitting at the very front and center with his legs dangling off the stage. Only those at the very front could see him at all. I had assumed it was taped music I was listening to. I watched the rest of the set in awe, amazed that a guy his age with his obvious talent could remain so little known.
I agree with the above. The Stones do a great job, as to the Persuasions, but that terrific, soulful, emotion-filled voice of Ted Hawkins propels him into first place.
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No Disharmony Here
Mr Hawkins never fails to soothe our weary souls