Artists honouring other artists. Many of these songs are deeply felt creations, acknowledging musical icons for their lasting personal and social influence.
Commodores, Nightshift
A 1985 shout-out to soul/R&B singers Jackie Wilson and Marvin Gaye, both of whom died the previous year. A big radio hit for the Commodores, in a New Wave era dominated by drum machines and the devil’s keyboard - the awful, omnipresent Yamaha DX-7.
Bob Dylan, Blind Willie McTell
Originally recorded in 1983 for Dylan’s Infidels album, this tribute to blues singer Blind Willie McTell was inexplicably shelved until its release in 1991. One of Dylan’s greatest songs, in my opinion.
Stevie Wonder, Sir Duke
This horn-driven anthem from Wonder’s 1976 album Songs in the Key of Life honours jazz icon Duke Ellington, and name checks Count Basie, Glenn Miller, Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald.
David Gilmour, Wish You Were Here
A fairly obvious one for inclusion. Inspired by Syd Barrett, whose mental illness and departure from Pink Floyd inspired several other post-Barrett songs by Roger Waters and David Gilmour. Originally on the Pink Floyd’s 1974 album, Wish You Were Here.
The Waterboys, Mr. Charisma
Now for some fun, a 2019 tune from Mike Scott that is as much piss-take as tribute. And yes, Keef really did snort his father’s ashes and fall out of a tree in his senior years. Though not at the same time, as far as I know.
Ian Drury, Sweet Gene Vincent
Best known for his kinetic 1979 composition, “Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick”, Drury pays fealty here to rock icon Gene Vincent, who died young. Drury himself went too young, of cancer at 57.
Billy Bragg, Levi Stubbs’ Tears
“When the world falls apart some things stay in place / She takes off the Four Tops tape and puts it back in its case.” The ‘Bard of Barking’ honours The Four Tops lead singer Levi Stubbs, whose music remains a source of comfort to the song’s protagonist throughout years of emotional difficulties and domestic abuse. From Bragg’s 1986 album, Talking with the Taxman about Poetry.
Ian Hunter, Old Records Never Die
“Get your healing from a song / Just when everything goes wrong / Play it right / Through the night / Till morning brings you light.” That lyric might said to be the dominant sentiment for this set of songs. Hunter’s ballad began as a homage to Elvis Presley, but the singer-songwriter changed focus when the recording sessions for his 1980 Short Back n’ Sides overlapped the assassination of fellow New Yorker/British expat John Lennon.
Paul Weller, Bowie
“We're arriving and departing all the time…” A song recalling David Bowie is transformed into something else in the official video - not sure what a fox has to do with it, but I like it!
BONUS SONG
Electric Light Orchestra, Roll Over Beethoven
A master class from Jeff Lynne on How to Convincingly Combine a Baroque Melody With a Chuck Berry Rock Riff.
I'm starting at the back and working my way forward, and honestly, you got me rolling over in more ways than one...fabulous list, dude...thanks!
It's funny you mention the DX7, didn't know that it had such a reputation. I remember an article where someone in U2 mentioned that it had revolutionized their sound for the shift towards more the ambient textures that dominate their Unforgettable Fire album; which is a favorite of mine, shelving comments for the moment on their now dubious WEF angled political commentary. I have increasingly more and more time now Ian Dury. I realize that I missed the boat a bit with this performer back in the 80's. Great stuff as always Geoff. You take us on a nice musical journey.