Re -Train Your Brain To Happiness: Some Great Musical Collaborations

January 17, 2014

Some Great Musical Collaborations

This could very easily become my longest ever post because I could add so many more. For example, I could add many duets from some of my favourite musicals, and also many other genres I like.
But I'll leave it at this for now.

Gram Parsons and EmmyLou Harris - Love Hurts

Probably my second favourite song ever. My favourite is "Six Ribbons".
Although this song has been recorded by others, including Roy Orbison, this version, is the best in my opinion.

The Beatles and Eric Clapton - While My Guitar Gently Weeps

"George Harrison wrote "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" at his mother's house in Warrington, England. "We tried to record it, but Paul and John were so used to just cranking out their tunes that it was very difficult at times to get serious and record one of mine," Harrison said in 1995. "It just wasn't happening . . . The next day I was driving into London with Eric Clapton and I said, 'What are you doing today? Why don't you come into the studio and play on this song for me? He said, 'Oh, no – I can't do that. Nobody's ever played on a Beatles record and the others wouldn't like it.' I said, 'Look, it's my song and I'd like you to play on it.'" Thanks to Learnist for this comment.

Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers - Islands In The Stream

A great performance of a song written by the BeeGees.

Mick Jagger and David Bowie - Dancing In The Street

David Bowie and Mick Jagger were both struggling with their careers by the summer of 1985. Earlier that year, Jagger released his commercially disappointing solo debut She's The Boss. Bowie's latest album was Tonight, an extremely underwhelming follow-up to 1983's Let's Dance. Both artists agreed to perform at Live Aid that summer, and they initially wanted to perform this Martha and the Vandellas classic as a video duet across the Atlantic Ocean. When they learned that a half-second satellite delay would make that impossible, they decided to cut this video instead. Under the gun for time, they recorded the song and shot the video in a marathon 24-hour period. "It was an interesting exercise in how you can do something in 24 hours without really worrying about it too much," Jagger told Rolling Stone in 2008. "It was fantastically 1980’s with the outfits. And my children look at it and go, 'Look at that shirt, dad! You could get two of you in there!'"
Comment thanks to Learnest.

The Everly Brothers - Dream/Cathy's Clown

Hard to beat the Everly Brothers for their harmony. Sadly we lost Phil Everly this year.

"This beautiful clip of the Everly Brothers was filmed on their UK tour in 1960 with Buddy Holly's Crickets as the backup band, less than a year and half after the plane crash that took Holly's life. The Reelin' In The Years library contains hours of iconic performances from many of the great artists of the 50s, including Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, Gene Vincent, the Platters, the Big Bopper and many more."
Comment from You Tube.

EmmyLou Harris, Linda Rondstadt and Dolly Parton - Mr Sandman

Three of my favourite singers sounding simply fabulous with this old song from the 1950's.

Alison Krauss and Dwight Yoakam - If I Were A Carpenter

Although both are paying tribute to Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash this song was written by Bobby Darin, another great performer.
This is a great version.

Marcia Hines and Russell Crowe - Remedy. This is a very new one!

More on Marcia Hines: Jesus Christ Superstar and Hair.

More about The Everly Brothers and their induction to the Country Music Hall of Fame: