Ezeregy dal, amit érdemes meghallgatni: 0304 Bob and Marcia: (To Be) Young, Gifted and Black (1970) Writer | Nina Simone, Weldon Irvine Producer: | Harry “J” Johnson Label: | Harry J Album: | Young, Gifted and Black (1970) An instant civil-rights anthem penned and initially recorded by Nina Simone, “Young, Gifted and Black” was covered with enthusiasm within weeks of its debut appearance by the likes of soul legend Donny Hathaway and—most conspicuously—reggae duo Bob and Marcia. Bob Andy had been a member of The Paragons, the Jamaican troupe notable for the original version of “The Tide is High,” but had left to pursue a solo career. Struggling away at Studio One—reggae’s own Motown—singer Marcia Griffiths was being pushed this way and that by label founder Sir Coxsone Dodd, without finding material or spar strong enough to bring her success. She had performed songs written by sometime-paramour Andy before, but it was not until producer Harry “J” Johnson turned up touting the backing tapes of “Young, Gifted and Black” that they became a recording team. Andy agreed to sing it and suggested Griffiths join him. The results were scintillating. The snappy mix of the duo’s voices embodies optimism and possibility, their harmonies trumpeting their identity, but it’s the version that crashed into the U.K. Top Five that has the real spring in its step. With strings arranged by The Johnny Arthey Orchestra—upcoming masters at sprucing up reggae tunes for a learning U.K. market—it’s three minutes of pure celebration. youtu.be/ubDVUQon5BE
Posted on: Sun, 21 Dec 2014 02:40:02 +0000
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