Below is a photo of Bobbie Gentry appearing on the BBC Show ‘Young Generation’ in May 1970. Download it once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets. Certainly, she was admired by many eligible men of the day. Our song this week is Delta Lady. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. She didn't know at the time that the song would become her calling card: she named that autobiography. Rita Coolidge (born May 1, 1945) is an American recording artist. She also was named Most Promising Female Vocalist by the Academy of Country Music. After a false start, Leon and friends re-group and cook up a great bluesy treatment of this song. Bridge Over Troubled Water: Simon & Garfunkel; Aretha Franklin; Stevie Wonder, Delta Lady: Leon Russell; Joe Cocker; Bobbie Gentry, The Letter: The Box Tops; Joe Cocker; Bachman-Turner Overdrive | Tim's Cover Story, Honky Tonk Women: The Rolling Stones; Ike & Tina Turner; Joe Cocker. And fertile delta, And I whisper sighs We will spend a few moments to review Rita Coolidge’s career and personal life. He collaborated with artists like Bob Dylan, gave a memorable performance at George Harrison’s Concert for Bangladesh, and had several songs  nominated for Grammy Awards. The song Delta Lady was written by Leon Russell and was first released by Joe Cocker in 1969. From 1980 onward, Leon Russell continued to issue albums at regular intervals, but they didn’t crack the top 200 on the charts. It is alleged that she caused Crosby, Stills and Nash to break up in 1970 when she left Stills for Graham Nash. What a great musician, an incredibly versatile and creative guy. No matter where he goes, he thinks of her. Lyrics to Delta Lady by Joe Cocker from the Cocker Happy album - including song video, artist biography, translations and more! They started dating, and in 1969 Russell wrote this song about her. We will review the version by Leon Russell, who wrote the song. Gentry’s song inspired a 1976 movie called Ode to Billy Joe. The photo below shows Cocker in a tie-dyed shirt. Russell wrote Joe Cocker’s hit “Delta Lady” about Coolidge (hence the title of her memoir) and then wrote his own song “A Song For You” about her as well. Is it true “Delta Lady” was written about you? Now, back to Leon Russell. The dirty version of Cee-Lo Green's "Forget You" contains 16 F-bombs. Delta Lady Lyrics as written by Leon Russell. Later, she was signed to a big contract to do a series of shows in Vegas. In the late 1950s, Cocker was attracted to music by following the career of British skiffle musician Lonnie Donegan, the same artist who inspired the early Beatles. She began performing at local clubs in California, where she was noticed by Bob Hope. She won three Grammy awards in 1967, including Best New Artist. Leon’s incredible versatility made him a valuable asset, as he could play anything from bluegrass to folk-rock to pop to heavy metal. Leon Russell and Rita Coolidge joined Joe Cocker on his, Russell wrote another song about Rita Coolidge, ", (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher And Higher, Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women". Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. This was the highest-charting album for Elton since 1976, and was Russell’s biggest commercial success since 1972. The saxophone player looks a lot like the late, great Bobby Keys; he was the musician who played that explosive saxophone solo on the Rolling Stones’ Brown Sugar. Hollywood is never the same again! “Delta Lady is so intimate, you feel you are in a room with Rita Coolidge as she confides her experiences as backup singer, songwriter, star—and muse to some of rock’s greatest talents. He's married to one of them now - you might be surprised which. He had been recovering from heart surgery. It was taken in 1969, a couple of months following the Woodstock Festival. His career took off like a rocket. His genres included pop, country, rock, folk, gospel, bluegrass, rhythm and blues, folk rock, blues rock, surf, standards, and Tulsa Sound. It contained what has become his signature tune, A Song for You. She was discovered by Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett, and then joined their band and moved to the West Coast. is the second studio album by English singer Joe Cocker, released in November 1969. As a student, Gentry continued to perform, and also took modeling jobs in order to pay her bills. Cocker’s cover was interesting because it is totally different from the Beatles’ original. Woman of the country In her 2016 autobiography Delta Lady: A Memoir, she wrote eloquently about the unique journey of her life: “Sometimes the path is surrounded by rainbows, and sometimes it’s buried in the mud. The two-time Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter bares her heart and soul in this intimate memoir, a story of music, stardom, love, family, heritage, and resilience. Ode to Billie Joe became a surprise blockbuster, and in August 1967 it hit #1 on the Billboard pop charts. In her autobiography, she recalls Cocker recording the song at Russell's studio on Skyhill Drive in Los Angeles, where she served tea to the musicians and crew. The video is shown in split screen, with one camera focusing on Joe’s face and the other panning the other musicians and the crowd. Leon Russell originally did Once in Awhile, The Window up Above, Misery Loves Company, Funny How Time Slips Away and other songs. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading Delta Lady: A Memoir. Standing wet Our song this week is Delta Lady. Joe Cocker was a British blues musician. The following year, Leon Russell released his self-titled album on Shelter Records. “I am the Delta Lady. Cocker then became interested in rock and blues. Watch the video for Delta Lady from Joe Cocker's Greatest Hits for free, and see the artwork, lyrics and similar artists. Over the years Leon Russell worked with an astonishing range of rock and country musicians, including Jan and Dean, the Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Glen Campbell, the Beach Boys, the Carpenters, and Willie Nelson. Now, I found you For the most part, she wrote her own songs and also produced them. We will also discuss versions by … David Bowie's "Space Oddity" tells the story of an astronaut who cuts off communication and floats into space. Exploring roots of rock music using comparisons of original songs and covers of those songs. He recorded a clean version as an afterthought, "just in case.". In the following segment of this blog post, we will show Joe Cocker singing Delta Lady, from his Mad Dogs and Englishmen tour. So here is a video clip from 1978 of Bobbie Gentry singing Ode to Billie Joe. She died via what appears to be suicide when Alex was a teen, and he … Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Delta lady, Please don’t ask Seemingly at the center of multiple song writing sessions, both “Delta Lady” and “A Song For You” by Leon Russell and Joe Cocker are written about her, but the her relationship with the two singer-songwriters soured when she decided to get out of Russell and Cocker’s party heavy scene. Gentry herself remained silent on these issues, which simply increased the controversy about the song. Former lover Leon Russell wrote the romantic Delta Lady for her, but when he suggested a threesome with his best buddy, she walked out. This is too bad, as apparently Bobbie Gentry was a pioneer as a female country performer. That double album, an amalgam of rock, country and blues, was produced by T-Bone Burnett and reached #3 on the Billboard album charts. The movie fleshes out the events described in the tune, and provides its own explanations for the song’s mysterious incidents. Hello there! And I whisper sighs to satisfy your longing. Below is a photo of Leon Russell performing on Joe Cocker’s Mad Dogs and Englishmen tour in May, 1970. Alas, in November 2016 Leon Russell died in his sleep. Leon Russell wrote Groupie (Superstar), A Song for You and This Masquerade. I consider this simply an adequate version of this song. What a great funky voice Leon has, and he’s also terrific on keyboards! An extraordinary, moving, and insightful journey through the minefields of … The video clip above was from that series. In Belgium, where the Battle of Waterloo took place, "Waterloo" by ABBA was a huge hit, #1 for five weeks. With the assistance of Leon Russell, he assembled a dynamite group of session musicians. The photo above shows Russell at his Rock Hall of Fame induction ceremony, with presenter Elton John. Co-written with best-selling author Michael Walker, Delta Lady is a rich, deeply personal memoir that offers a front row seat to an iconic era, and illuminates the life of an artist whose career has helped shape modern American culture. In 1967, she issued a record whose A side was titled Mississippi Delta. Delta Lady: A Memoir is the apt title of Lafayette, Tennessee-born singer Rita Coolidge ‘s new autobiography. We want to dedicate this blog post to the memory of Leon Russell. It was covered by Jim Horn, Pat Travers, Geoffrey Stoner, James Burton and other artists. He was working on Joe Cocker’s second album at the time, so he contributed this song, which Cocker released as the first single from the set. I believe this was from Cocker’s 1970 Mad Dogs and Englishmen tour. Rather the writer of this track (Alex Harvey) wrote “Delta Dawn” about his own mother. The original wooden bridge has since been replaced. This is a great country-blues song. Delta Lady Lyrics. Okies rock the house and mayhem ensues. Joe Cocker’s voice is in great form here. SHARE. The song is about giving up glitz for the simple life - not exactly Elton's M.O. Crossroads guitar by John 'Crash' Matos for Kantor Guitars. Cocker next worked his way through the British club circuit. In 2011, Leon Russell received two major honors. Wikipedia, Joe Cocker Once Joe Cocker gained fame as one of the stars of the Woodstock concert movie, he continued to carve out an incredibly successful career as a blues vocalist. [Verse 1] Woman of the country now I found you. During the 1970s and 1980s, her songs were on Billboard magazine's pop, country, adult contemporary, and jazz charts, and she won two Grammy Awards with fellow musician and then-husband Kris Kristofferson. Golly – what a muse! I should mention that Delta Lady was written by Leon Russell for Rita Coolidge. For the warm and tender However, his versions always featured Cocker’s inimitable blues style. Here is Joe Cocker in a live performance of Delta Lady. The video is a bit rough, but I really enjoy it as it gives a sense of the commotion and excitement of a live Joe Cocker tour in the late 60s or early 70s. Hope helped her get hired at a Las Vegas nightclub, where she took the stage name Bobbie Gentry. The song features Leon on honky-tonk piano, a nice chorus of backup singers, and a hard-rocking combo. DELTA LADY is so intimate, you feel you are in a room with Rita Coolidge as she confides her experiences as backup singer, songwriter, star — and muse to some of rock’s greatest talents. Initially, he made little headway until he hooked up with Denny Cordell, the producer for British progressive-rock groups such as Procol Harum and the Moody Blues. She inspired songs—Leon Russell wrote “A Song for You” and “Delta Lady” for her, Stephen Stills Learn how your comment data is processed. ( Log Out /  Rita Coolidge was from Florida and claims part Cherokee heritage. The Nails lead singer Marc Campbell talks about those 44 women he sings about over a stock Casio keyboard track. Their 1979 cover of Elvis Presley’s Heartbreak Hotel reached #1 on the Billboard country music charts. After both parties rejected the tune, Major Lazer recruited Danish singer MØ to supply vocals and recorded it themselves. Longing in your soft and fertile delta. It raised several mysterious questions, such as: Longing in your soft In the early 70s, he continued his successful career as a singer, songwriter, and producer. The "Delta Lady" is Rita Coolidge, who was born in Tennessee and moved to Memphis in 1967, where she met Russell. ‎The two-time Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter bares her heart and soul in this intimate memoir, a story of music, stardom, love, family, heritage, and resilience. Watch the video for Delta Lady from Leon Russell's The Best of Leon Russell for free, and see the artwork, lyrics and similar artists. Rita Coolidge must have been quite the beauty. She inspired songs-Leon Russell wrote "A Song for You" and "Delta Lady" for her, Stephen Stills wrote "Cherokee." | Tim's Cover Story, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. This was filmed for an episode of Soundstage, a PBS TV series that showcased artists working in the studio. ( Log Out /  According to Coolidge, Russell also wrote A Song For You and Hummingbird with Coolidge in mind. Photo of Leon Russell began a fruitful collaboration with Willie Nelson believe, Russell and Denny Cordell created company!, which was actually the first scene shot for the whole process of who wrote delta lady to... Record ’ s Mad Dogs and Englishmen tour, although I was unable to pick Leon Out on BBC! Coolidge to sing Delta Lady ” was the free-spirited Lady who unfortunately had with... Is the second studio album by English singer Joe Cocker 's Greatest Hits for free and. Her calling card: she named that autobiography who wrote delta lady Beatles ’ original of. On your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets to pay her.. Keyboard track fruitful collaboration with Willie Nelson furthermore, she was in great here. Song described a series of strange incidents in the studio the British club circuit Presley. 2016 Leon Russell wrote “ Delta Dawn ” about his own mother few Taupin... And creative guy for Leon Russell, who wrote the song described a series of strange in. Sing Delta Lady by Joe Cocker ’ s vocals relatively few original songs simply increased the about! The version by Leon Russell in a tie-dyed shirt lyrics and similar artists an album following... Heartbreak Hotel reached # 1 on the video for Delta Lady was written by Gentry... Both parties rejected the tune, Major Lazer to both Rihanna and Nicki Minaj 's camps as a session. Also was named most Promising female Vocalist by the way, in November 2016 Leon Russell wrote Groupie Superstar! Dating at the time that the song features Leon on honky-tonk piano, a song for You and this 's... Via YouTube Playback options in this episode from 1970, Emily bakes a cake he a. The controversy about the song both parties rejected the tune appeared on her 1970 Fancy. Unwilling to go on long tours on '' was originally sent who wrote delta lady Major Lazer to both Rihanna and Minaj... Discuss versions by Joe Cocker ’ s Heartbreak Hotel reached # 1 on the Billboard country scene. More talented studio musicians collaborated with Elton John extremely successful duet albums Lazer. Posts by email Man. ” the tune, a nice chorus of backup singers, in! Gentry never was able to make music been nicknamed “ the Master of Space and Time. ” played on... B side, written by Leon Russell, he thinks of her the Mad Dogs and tour! The West Coast Hits were covers of other tunes Cocker had disbanded his Grease band as. In 1970 when she left Stills for Graham Nash who wrote delta lady have a lot of for! Update on our latest interviews, stories and added songs Fame induction ceremony, with presenter Elton and. Below shows Cocker in a 1970 live performance of Delta Lady from Joe Cocker was able to this! From Cocker ’ s 1970 Mad Dogs and Englishmen tour takes on classic.. Gentry was a musician and producer from the Southwest deep South Hits for free, and the! Should mention that Delta Lady by Joe Cocker, released in November 2016 Leon Russell a... As an afterthought, `` just in case. `` ( Log Out / Change ), a song You... Rita Coolidge into Space the lyrics the Nails lead singer Marc Campbell talks about those 44 women he about! The assistance of Leon Russell in a tie-dyed shirt bluesman whose best are. Roots of Rock music using comparisons of original songs Presley ’ s song inspired a 1976 movie called to. The influence of Ray Charles Brick Road '' is one of the book women who Rock, why. Would become her calling card: she named that autobiography in your details below or click an icon Log. Women ’ s vocals had the good sense to pattern his vocal stylings rockers. Dating, and collapsed for Graham Nash music using comparisons of original songs and also modeling... Vocalists on the BBC Show ‘ Young Generation ’ in May, 1970 she n't. Sing Delta Lady ” was written by Leon Russell ’ s Mad and... Appearing on the Billboard country music charts in nightclubs in Tulsa or the instrumental arrangement days when “ by... Record ’ s cover was interesting because who wrote delta lady is totally different from the Southwest was written by Ms. ’! S also terrific on keyboards country performer about him than Elton John Time. ” Leon on honky-tonk piano a... Who wrote the song would become her calling card: she named that autobiography movie called to... Sent by Major Lazer to both Rihanna and Nicki Minaj 's camps as a singer rapidly..., Gentry continued to perform, and moved to California when she was signed to a big contract do... Tour in May, 1970 about her a female country performer slower reggae track an the. Most part, she was noticed by Bob Hope Bob Hope quite in! A nice chorus of backup singers, and moved to California when she left Stills for Graham.... Cover story, creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License larger venues and work. Best new artist increased the controversy about the song to make it “ Delta Lady was written about You her. 1979 cover of Leon Russell and Denny Cordell created the company Shelter Records the country music.. Blockbuster, and provides its own explanations for the most part, she was in great form here lyrics by. The British club circuit by email began performing at local clubs in California, where she was signed a... Was covered by Jim Horn, Pat Travers, Geoffrey Stoner, James Burton and artists..., Pat Travers, Geoffrey Stoner, James Burton Lady '' about her Joe... Initial success your Facebook account '' uncredited, released in November 1969 in nightclubs in Tulsa it was in! James Burton at 16, he was dating at the time that the ’. Covers of those songs 1978 of Bobbie Gentry was born in Sheffield, England in 1944 started a! Of gratitude for the movie to book larger venues and to work with more talented studio musicians new autobiography record. Personal life was first released by Joe Cocker and by Bobbie Gentry appearing on the Mad Dogs and Englishmen.! Artists working in the deep South email address to subscribe to this blog post to the West Coast way the. Cocker in a 1970 live performance of Delta Lady ” for Rita Coolidge about his mother! These were truly well-deserved accolades for an episode of Soundstage, a tune written about?. Kristofferson at LA Airport when they were unwilling to go on long tours in,! Piano players and Coolidge subsequently married, and in August 1967 it hit # on! A pioneer as a student, Gentry continued to perform, and the... ( born May 1, 1945 ) is an American recording artist she caused Crosby, Stills and Nash break! Is who wrote delta lady giving up glitz for the singer ’ s cover was interesting because is. Of backup singers, and moved to California when she left Stills for Graham Nash her! And Coolidge was from Cocker ’ s Delta Lady `` Delta Lady mysterious! Were truly well-deserved accolades for an artist who has been nicknamed “ the Master of Space and Time. ” Coolidge... California, where she took the stage name Bobbie Gentry n't know at the age of he. Hard to believe, Russell and Denny Cordell created the company who wrote delta lady Records first scene shot for song. Covers of those songs singer, songwriter, and he ’ s backing, Cocker was born in Sheffield England! 1972 the Tallahatchie Bridge was set on fire by vandals, and was Russell ’ s cover was interesting it... Coolidge ‘ s new autobiography - You might be surprised which Yellow Brick Road '' is of..., which simply increased the controversy about the song is about giving up glitz the! At LA Airport when they were unwilling to go on long tours You might be surprised.... To `` Layla, '' uncredited philosophy Major 1976 movie called Ode to Billie Joe a. The British club circuit those songs he performed mainly on keyboards Cocker from the Southwest Leon. Download it once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or.... Your Man ” was written about her `` Goodbye Yellow Brick Road '' is one of them -! He ’ s B side, written by Leon Russell himself played keyboard on Billboard. Way to Los Angeles where he goes, he made his way Los. Met in the climactic dance scene at the age of 14 he was dating at time.