Melissa Etheridge is releasing a new album of covers of classic songs from Stax Records, MEmphis Rock and Soul (2016). One of the songs on the new album is “Hold On, I’m Coming,” made famous by Sam & Dave.
“Hold On, I’m Coming” was written by Isaac Hayes and David Porter and first appeared on the self-titled 1966 debut album by Sam & Dave. Some folks may remember the song from its appearance in the 1980 film The Blues Brothers.
On her upcoming album Etheridge plays the song with a full band, and below performs “Hold On, I’m Coming” live.
MEmphis Rock and Soul hits the Internet and stores on October 7, 2016. The album also includes classic Stax songs such as I’ve Been Loving You Too Long (to Stop Now),” “Who’s Making Love,” “Dreams to Remember,” and a reworked version of “Respect Yourself.” The album is available for pre-order at PledgeMusic.
Merry Christmas to our readers who celebrate the holiday. With some recent events, an appropriate song for this year is John Lennon’s beautiful “Happy Xmas (War is Over).” The song was released in 1971 while the Viet Nam conflict was still going strong, so the original single was a song of protest and hope instead of a statement of fact.
Of course, today, the song is still more of a wish than anything else even as violence around the world continues. But in our dreams for the future we can hope for peace.
Currently, there is not a live video of Lennon singing the song available. So, here is a video of Melissa Etheridge’s version of the song. While nobody can match Lennon, she does an excellent job.
Lennon’s original, which was recorded with the help of producer Phil Spector and the Harlem Community Choir, may be heard on YouTube without any performance footage. Youtube also has what sounds like a Lennon demo version of the song.
Although many think the opening greetings in the original are John and Yoko telling each other “happy Christmas,” they are not. The couple is actually giving the greeting to their children, Kyoko and Julian.
And what about the music? In another piece of trivia, Wikipedia notes that the chord changes to the song come from “Stewball,” a sweet song about a drunk racehorse. If you listen to Peter, Paul, & Mary’s version of the traditional song, you can almost sing “Happy Xmas” along with them.
I bet on the grey mare, I bet on the bay If I’d have bet on ol’ Stewball, I’d be a free man today.
Oh the hoot owl, she hollers, and the turtle dove moans. I’m a poor boy in trouble, I’m a long way from home.
Here’s to a future Christmas where no soldiers are a long way from home and no civilians know of war. Happy Xmas.
Music lovers know it can be difficult to explain the role that music (or other arts) can play in our lives. Music can uplift, and it can help one through pain, loss, and heartache. For example, in “Drift Away,” singer Dobie Gray described how when one feels blue, the rock and roll guitar may come through to soothe you.
In the video below, Melissa Etheridge gives one of the best explanations about the value of music as she briefly talks about her battle with cancer. Melissa Etheridge explains music better in this short introduction to Patty Griffin and her excellent song “When It Don’t Come Easy” from Impossible Dream (2004) than you will find in most books on music.
Etheridge reminds us how music can fill one and take one through a tough time in life. And then we get the outstanding Patty Griffin song, with lyrics that could describe the comfort one may find in music.
Everywhere the waters getting rough, Your best intentions may not be enough; I wonder if we’re gonna ever get home tonight;
But if you break down, I’ll drive out and find you; If you forget my love, I’ll try to remind you, And stay by you when it don’t come easy.
If music has ever uplifted or comforted you, then this 2005 performance from Lifetime’s “Women Rock” Breast Cancer Awareness Concert will touch you.
Bonus Cover Version: Here is a link to a cover of Griffin’s “It Don’t Come Easy” by Jessica Rae, who does a nice job with the song, making it quieter and more personal with just her playing her guitar. The Chicago native was selected as a “Rising Star” for the PBS show Legends & Lyrics. In addition to being very talented, she also works on behalf of several good causes. Check out Rae’s website too.
(2004) than you will find in most books on music. 