Tune du Jour: “I Got A Woman” – Ray Charles and His Band
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes: Toots & The Maytals vs. The Beatles vs. Them
VOTE, COMMENT, then DO SOMETHING NICE FOR YOURSELF
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Okay, this song has a convoluted history. It was originally composed by Bob King to be just an instrumental. Ray Charles heard it and along with Renald Richard put lyrics to it. Of course, Ray and His Band had a massive hit with their new creation, which was released in December 1954. Meanwhile, the instrumental version that Bob King composed did not hit the airwaves until 1960 when Jimmy Smith released his version.
Mega-Hit: December 1954
Ray Charles and His Band:
Original Instrumental Version: 1960
Jimmy Smith:
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes
Got some heavy-hitters here …
Toots & The Maytals vs. The Beatles vs. Them
Toots & The Maytals:
The Beatles:
Them:
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 
Toots’ reggae touch works great with this song and his joyous video is an added treat.
Of course The Beatles version is superb, how could it not be?
This is right in Van’s wheelhouse and he knocks it out of the park.
I enjoyed them all. Went with Toots. Can’t beat those dance moves!
Got some heavy hitters here…
The original is great, as is pretty much everything from Ray Charles. I’ve been so used to hearing Van’s version over the years, and I guess it’s been a while since I’ve heard Ray’s version. Ray’s version sounded slower than I remembered.
Usually when Toots & The Maytals are contestants, they have an excellent chance of receiving the vote. Heck, the same can be said of The Beatles, and they both offer great covers.
Everyone knows I’m voting for Van today. I call it “Van” instead of “Them” because his backing musicians have been a revolving door of very capable people over the past sixty-one years, from Jimmy Page on down. Accomplished as they all are, Van is the talent. I’ll take his version over the rest, including Ray.