Jackie, hmm, hey what you doing now
It seems like yesterday, when we were working out
Jackie, oh, you set the world on fire
You came and gifted us
Your love it lifted us higher and higher
Keep it up, and we'll be there at your side
Oh, say you will, sing your songs
For evermore, evermore, evermore
Gonna be some sweet sounds
Comin' down, on the nightshift
I bet you're singing proud
Oh, I bet you'll pull a crowd
Gonna be a long night (Gonna be a long night)
It's gonna be alright, on the nightshift
You found another home
I know you're not alone, on the nightshift
Welcome to vol. 5 of my series
HOW SARAH
GOT HER GROOVE BACK!
NADV 1502031AM1 Sarah Collins. Picture : Adrian Murray (1502031AM1)
Sarah Collins, as you recall, is the mum of two in Yorkshire,
England, who underwent surgery to remove a brain tumor,
bounced back to health and became a YouTube sensation
in recent years with shot-at-home videos in which she
sings covers of Northern Soul favorites.
Sarah also appears at clubs
in England and other parts
of Europe fronting the
Northern Soul band
Keep The Faith.
So inspired am I by
Sarah's touching story
and her soulful singing
that I created this series
to showcase her covers
along with the originals.
in England and other parts
of Europe fronting the
Northern Soul band
Keep The Faith.
So inspired am I by
Sarah's touching story
and her soulful singing
that I created this series
to showcase her covers
along with the originals.
JACKIE WILSON
The song "Reet Petite (The Sweetest Girl in Town)" was originally
subtitled "The Finest Girl You Ever Want to Meet." The up tempo
1957 R&B ditty was co-written by Motown founder Berry Gordy
and recorded by Jackie Wilson. It was Jackie's first solo hit after
leaving his post as lead singer for Billy Ward & His Dominoes.
Strange as it seems, "Reet Petite" failed to register on the R&B
chart, but reached #62 pop and brushed the top 5 in the UK!
"Reet Petite" - Jackie Wilson
(Sept. 1957, highest chart pos. #62 Hot 100/#6 UK)
SARAH COLLINS
Now listen to Sarah Collins' cover of "Reet Petite," the
song made popular by The Titan of Soul, Jackie Wilson.
"Reet Petite" - Sarah Collins cover
JACKIE WILSON
In vol. 4, Sarah covered three Etta James songs. Today Sarah
will do a second Jackie Wilson number. This one is Jackie's
signature song. In the fall of 1967, "(Your Love Keeps
Lifting Me) Higher and Higher" topped the R&B
chart and brushed the top 5 on the pop survey.
"(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher"
Jackie Wilson (October 1967, highest chart pos.
#6 Hot 100 & Cash Box/#1 R&B)
SARAH COLLINS
Now here's Sarah's rousing rendition of Jackie Wilson's
big crossover hit "Higher And Higher."
"(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher"
Sarah Collins cover
THE STYLISTICS
In 1972, Philadelphia's smooth, sweet soul group The Stylistics,
featuring the lead vocals of Russell Thompkins Jr., gained their
first top 3 crossover hit with a cover of "Betcha By Golly Wow,"
a song originally recorded by actress and pop singer Connie
Stevens. Released in 1970, Connie's single was entitled
"Keep Growing Strong." Here are The Stylistics on
Soul Train doing their soulful cover.
"Betcha By Golly Wow" - The Stylistics
(Apr./May 1972, highest chart pos. #2 R&B,
#3 Hot 100/#4 Cash Box, performance on
Apr. 13, 1974, episode of Soul Train)
SARAH COLLINS
Now listen to Sarah's cover of the Stylistics'
tender soul ballad "Betcha By Golly Wow."
"Betcha By Golly Wow" - Sarah Collins cover
I hope you enjoyed the originals
along with the killer kovers by
my good friend in England
Sarah Collins.
Have a Shady day!
Keep rocking it, Sarah!
ReplyDeleteHi, Alex!
DeleteThanks for hurrying over to take the time-honored Early Bird spot, good buddy!
Yessir, it seems clear that Sarah Got Her Groove Back. As far as I'm concerned, she always hits the right note.
Thanks again, good buddy Alex, and enjoy the rest of your week!
You might recall I'm a great fan of The Stylistics, so I held my breath as I clicked on Sarah's version. Not bad. Not bad, at all!! (that's a compliment!)
ReplyDeleteSave me the effort of having to research it myself. Who else performed Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher? I know Jackie Wilson's version is not the one I'm hearing in my head.
Hi, Kelly!
DeleteWelcome in as the second place finisher, dear friend! Thanks a lot for coming to Sarah Collins' latest concert at Shady's Place.
Yessum, as I was putting the post together, I remembered how much you likey The Stylistics. I was thrilled to find that clip of their appearance on Soul Train with the best audio quality of any of the videos uploaded to YouTube, and there are many. I am equally thrilled that you appreciated Sarah's version of the song.
To answer your question, Rita Coolidge covered "(Your Love Has Lifted Me) Higher and Higher" in 1977 and gained a chart-topping hit. In 2008, Swedish artist Kevin Borg made the top 30 in that country with his version.
Thanks again for your kind visit and comment, dear friend Kelly, and enjoy the rest of your week!
Good afternoon friend, Shady. My goodness, Ms. Collins sure does a great job on these songs. I think my favorite is "Higher and Higher." Such a nice upbeat song. Hope you are having a marvelous day. It's sunny but still chilly here on the West coast.
ReplyDeleteHi, Janet!
DeleteI'm delighted to see you, dear friend! Thanks for coming by to take third place in the race!
I'm so pleased that you appreciate Sarah Collins' soulful singing. Her YouTube channel is very popular, has been for years now. Glad you like her rendition of Jackie's hit "Higher And Higher."
It's a nice day here. We've had a significant warm-up after experiencing the coldest temps of the season a couple of nights ago when the mercury dipped below freezing. My understanding is that the local strawberry crop actually benefits from cold as long as it is not bitterly cold. Farmers spray the berries with a coating of water and it freezes and somehow protects the fruit while actually making the berries taste sweeter.
Thanks again for joining the fun, dear friend Janet. I hope your spirits are improving after your terrible loss. I notice you have a new post running, and I will be over later today. Mrs. Shady just called me to help her with dinner preps. I will see you in a couple of hours. Enjoy the rest of your week, dear friend Janet!
She is excellent as always. She gives her own unique flair to each song and, to be honest, I prefer her take on the last song to the original!
ReplyDeleteHi, Birgit!
DeleteThanks for being a first day Fifi again this week, dear friend! I'm pleased to give you a front row seat as English Northern Soul thrush Sarah Collins entertains with three more excellent covers of songs made famous by U.S. artists.
Wow, that's really saying something if you prefer Sarah's performance of "Betcha By Golly Wow" to the Stylistics original. Actually, I shouldn't say the Philly group did the original, because Connie Stevens waxed the song for Gamble & Huff in 1970 and released it on a single with a different title.
Thanks again for popping in, dear friend BB. Enjoy the rest of your day up there in Niagara country and I'll see you at BBC tamale!
Hi Shady! I hope you've thawed out after that cold snap down south...in Florida I mean! Hehe! I was talking to one of the Docs I used to work with and he just got back from Florida and was complaining that it was 27de! Well, we're in for a big snow storm on Thursday and I'm betting he'll wish he was back in Florida! Anyway, I enjoyed the songs tonight. I always enjoy hearing Sarah and her beautiful voice. So smooth and she just radiates happiness. That probably comes from facing cancer and having this chance at life. I love watching the Stylistics as they go through the song with the smooth moves! One of my favorite songs from back in the day. I hope all's well with you and that you have a good Ground Hog day tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteHi, YaYa!
DeleteI'm excited to see you, dear friend! Thanks for coming to Sarah's latest cover concert.
Yessum, we bounced back from that cold snap. It's still doggone chilly outside this evening. I found out when I took the recycling dumpster down to the curb a while ago. Yessum, we got down into the upper 20s a couple of nights ago. I'm sorry to learn you are expecting to get socked with another major snowstorm of the winter a couple of days from now.
Yessum, good point about Sarah Collins. She was laid low by a brain tumor, but hung in there, recovered, put the scare behind her and is now living life to the fullest, the toast of England and much of Europe thanks to her stage shows, and wildly popular around the world thanks to her YouTube channel. She does indeed radiate joy and is an inspiration to us all. She answers the question, "How would you feel, act, look and sound if you were given a new lease on life, a second chance?"
Yessum, those carefully choreographed coordinated stage moves were a trademark of Philadelphia sweet soul groups of the 70s, and The Stylistics were one of the best.
I hope for your sake the groundhog does not see his shadow tamale. Thanks again for coming and for your wonderful comment, dear friend YaYa!
Sarah Collins rocks! She really captures the original songs well and it's so nice when cover artists do the original songs justice.
ReplyDeleteMy mood has been in an upswing and this playlist tonight really adds to my mood. Have a great Tuesday, dear friend.
Hi, Jessica Marie!
DeleteHow are you, dear friend? Thanks for making it over to attend the latest Sarah Collins coverfest!
I'm glad you think Sarah rocks. Safe to say she got her groove back.
If your goal is to keep lifting your spirits "higher and higher," then you can't go wrong with the late, great Jackie Wilson, known as "The Titan of Soul." I collected nearly every recording Jackie made, including his early career work fronting Billy Ward and His Dominoes. I was devastated when Jackie suffered a massive heart attack on stage during a performance, and devastated again years later when he died. I had sent him a get well card in the hospital, but his recovery was not to be.
Yessum, make use of this play list to battle the blues. It works. Thanks again for coming and enjoy the rest of your week, dear friend JM!
Hi Shady!
DeleteAll is well here. I ordered a USB cassette tape for Tommy for Valentine's Day and I'm hoping it arrives before V-Day. It's coming from the UK. It's 28 gigs and I can upload my own songs to the cassette. I have a list of his favourite rap love songs, my favourite rap, rock, metal and old country (i.e. Johnny Cash) songs, along with some motown. Do you have any suggestions for love songs?
I'm so glad Sarah got her groove back! I'll have to check out Jackie Wilson too. I'm sorry to hear about his massive heart attack and his recovery was not meant to be. That is so hard.
Have a great evening, dear friend.
Hi, Jessica Marie!
DeleteI didn't see your comment until late last night and I decided to sleep on it. Hope I didn't get it wrinkled.
(BA-DUM-BUMP)
Is it just me... or does today seem like Groundhog Day all over again?
(BA-DUM-BUMP)
Yessum, I have noticed your eclectic taste in music and applaud you for it. It's all about choices. You enrich your life when you keep expanding your horizons and adding new choices.
I hope that tape arrives in time for V-Day gift giving. Yessum, just last night I was watching a video of Jackie Wilson performing a different song on a TV show. I think he was on The Dick Clark Saturday Night Beechnut Show. Jackie was a smooth, confident showman with good looks and slick dance moves. It grieves me that he was cut down in the middle of his life.
Thanks for returning to chat and happy Thankful Thursday to you, dear friend JM!
Thanks, Shady. Once I come up with a list of songs, I'll send it over to you! It's going to be spanning decades and genres. I really hope the tape comes in time and I hope he enjoys it. I'm sure he will... he seems to like different genres too. One of the many things we share in common.
DeleteYesterday's Groundhog's Day was a special day - a day full of 2's. It'll be the same thing on 2-22-22. Ah, February!
Have a great Thankful Thursday, dear friend!
Hi, Jessica Marie!
DeleteI am sure Tommy will appreciate the gesture, even if it doesn't arrive in time for V-day gift giving. Yessum, you and he have a lot in common. I am still blown away from you telling me you and he watched the old Twilight Zone series together.
Yessum, 2 is the magic number this month and this year. I hope it brings us all some good luck for a change.
Happy TT to you for the 2nd time (as in 2 times), dear friend JM!
Hey Shady,
DeleteIf it doesn't come in time, maybe it's a good thing. Things have hit a rough patch... I'll e-mail you.
This playlist lifted my spirits today. Can't wait to see your new playlist!
Hi, Jessica Marie!
DeleteI got your email. I wouldn't consider it a rough patch, just normal growth pains in a new relationship. It is not uncommon for one or both parties to get scared and need to sort out their feelings.
My new playlist will be up and running first thing tamale morning. I hope you enjoy. Have a good week if not a great one, dear friend JM!
This time my favorite of Sarah's is "Betcha By Golly Wow". She just makes that song her own.
ReplyDeleteAbout Jackie Wilson. I'm not sure I told you this story before or not, but according to Peter Guralnick's biography Last Train to Memphis: The Rise of Elvis Presley, Elvis saw Jackie Wilson perform in Las Vegas in early 1956. It was Wilson's live performance of Hound Dog that Elvis based his own famous version, rather than Big Mama Thornton, who originated the song. But that's not the only way Wilson influenced Elvis. The latter saw the former sweating profusely as he sang, thought that was just the coolest thing, and went backstage to tell him so. Wilson let Elvis in on his secret by pulling out of his pocket a bottle of salt tablets. Wilson took one or two tablets before every performance, turning his flesh into Niagra Falls onstage. From then on, Elvis, too, started downing salt tablets before his performances. As cool as this may have looked, it probably wasn't very good for either man's health in the long term.
Hi, Kirk!
DeleteI'm happy to see you, good buddy! Thanks for coming over on the night of day one to catch Sarah Collins in the act of covering Northern Soul classics in three of her shot at home YouTube videos. You aren't the only one to state that her third performance, covering a hit by The Stylistics, is the best.
Thanks for the story about Jackie Wilson and his influence over Elvis the Pelvis. I can't help wondering if all that extra salt intake led to the massive heart attack that ended Jackie's career and, for all intents and purposes, his life. It happened in late September, 1975, as Jackie was in the middle of performing as one of the featured acts in Dick Clark's Good Ol' Rock and Roll Revue at the Latin Casino in Cherry Hill, NJ. Wiki picks up the tragic story of Jackie's final stage performance:
<< He was in the middle of singing "Lonely Teardrops" when he suffered a massive heart attack. On the words "My heart is crying" he collapsed on stage; audience members applauded as they initially thought it was part of the act. Clark sensed something was wrong, then ordered the musicians to stop the music. Cornell Gunter of the Coasters, who was backstage, noticed Wilson was not breathing. Gunter was able to resuscitate him and Wilson was then rushed to a nearby hospital. >>
Jackie never recovered. He lingered nine more years in a hospital before passing away. Jackie was one of my favorite recording artists, and I took it hard, both the news of his heart attack and word of his death. For nine years I had hoped he could make a comeback. Jackie had a rep of being short-tempered and promiscuous. He was shot by a jealous girlfriend and arrested several times.
Thanks for your kind visit and for contributing to the discussion of featured artists Sarah Collins and Jackie Wilson. Enjoy the rest of your week, good buddy Kirk!
What a wonderful story about illness, recovery, and success. I loved hearing Sarah Collins sing her rendition of those songs. She has a great delivery and such a sweet personality. Thanks, Shady.
ReplyDeleteHi, Cheryl-Lee!
DeleteThanks for attending this special event, a free concert staged by English warbler Sarah Collins doing covers of hits by American recording artists.
Yessum, Sarah's story is inspiring. She bounced back from a terrible health scare to thrive in the limelight as a singer known around the world for her vocal performances. She does indeed have a sweet personality to boot. Years ago, when I ran volume 1 of this series introducing Sarah, I notified her about the post. She wrote back and said she was surprised, delighted and grateful. I'm pleased that you enjoy Sarah's soulful singing.
Thanks again for being here today, dear friend Cheryl-Lee. Have a wonderful February and once again, happy birthday to you!
Tom,
ReplyDeleteThanks for introducing me to Jackie Wilson. I'm pretty sure I haven't heard him before now. He kind of reminds me of Johnny Cash. Do you see the resemblance? I think this might be the best covers Sarah has done to date that you've shared. I really like her vocals on these oldies from the 60s. I can't figure out why she hasn't been spotted by a recorder producer. She's very talented!
Hi, Cathy!
DeleteThanks for paying me a visit dear friend! I'm happy to have you in the audience as English thrush Sarah Collins performs another set of songs for her series How Sarah Got Her Groove Back.
Now that you mention it, I suppose Johnny and Jackie had a similar wide grin and the same look about the eyes. Jackie Wilson was famous as "The Titan of Soul." At one point during my record collecting years, I owned just about every recording Jackie ever released. Critics attacked some of his recordings because they included the backing of a white chorus, added by producers to boost Jackie's appeal to white audiences. All the gimmick managed to do was drive away Jackie's loyal fans who wanted to hear pure R&B/soul from him, not songs that were whitewashed like those of Pat Boone.
I think Sarah is perfectly content to front her Northern Soul band on the stages of England and other part of Europe and to be known and loved by a worldwide audience thanks to her popular YouTube channel. I'm thrilled that like this set of Sarah covers above all others I've presented.
Thanks again for making time for a visit and for your kind comment, dear friend Cathy!
Tom,
DeleteYou know I came over the other day read your response and meant to reply but darn if something had to have pulled me away. I'm am loosing my mind! I've not been quite myself for the better part of two weeks with this one being the worse, so please forgive my scattered brain.
I enjoyed reading the tidbits you shared o Jackie's career. It was hard on black artists in those days. I'm sure all they wanted to do was to just sing but managers and producers only saw the money. All that behind the scene stuff shouldn't make a difference if folks like the artists music nor should it have ever matter the color of the artist's skin but sadly we know that's not so in real life.
I think Sarah is perfect soul artist. Again, why isn't she making records? This unknown talent needs to be discovered now!
I was happy to see you had time to stop by for this morning Saturday Songsuasion edition. I was a bit concerned since I didn't see you on Friday. Take care and have a good weekend, my friend!
Hi Cathy!
DeleteI've been away for hours and am just now seeing your comment, dear friend. Thanks for popping back in to continue our thread. In my reply to you, I forgot to mention another reason why critics and fans gave Jackie Wilson low grades for some of his recordings. In addition to the white chorus, they were heavily orchestrated, over-produced, too symphonic, and his vocals were operatic. They became like a "night at the opera." R&B and soul are diminished, weakened, when there are "too many strings attached." By that I mean violins and other string instruments overused in the arrangements. So I wanted to add that other component to the discussion.
You would have to ask Sarah herself why she doesn't release records. Perhaps she has indeed released song sets in one form or another and we simply don't know about them. A traditional contract with a record company is no longer necessary to achieve what could be called "success." Artists market their own songs directly to the public in various forms, and with most having Patreon links on their sites, artists make money through direct contributions made by fans, cutting out the middle man. That's my understanding of it.
I hear you about the last couple of weeks being crazy for you. They have been the same with me. I realize you missed me yesterday on your site and I would like to explain, but I think it is best that I do so via email. I will send you an email tomorrow after I visit CAAC for 4M. Be on the lookout for it in your inbox.
Thanks again for coming by, dear friend Cathy, and I'll see you at your place in the morning!
I had heard those songs before but Sarah Collin's covers are great.
ReplyDeleteI hope you're not too cold where you're at. It's pretty nice around here right now. Have a great week.
Hi, Mary!
DeleteIt's great to see you, dear friend! Thanks for attending a covers vs originals "battle of the bands" featuring Jackie Wilson, The Stylistics and British mum Sarah Collins. I'm happy to know you found her versions of these soul hits pleasing to your ears.
Yessum, the Central Florida temp turned mild today after a long stretch of very cold air. It was actually in the low 80s this afternoon. I admit it was nice to thaw out for a bit, but I am still hoping the groundhog's prognostication is accurate and we get six more weeks of winter. Cooler weather is a blessing around these parts. I'm happy to know the the temperature in Vegas is also reasonable.
Thanks again for stopping by and enjoy the rest of your week, dear friend Mary!
Hey Shady, I'm so late to this post, and I've missed so much already this year...and it's only February 5!
ReplyDeleteYour friend's covers were good, even if I did only know the one song (thanks, Ghostbusters).
I hope all has been well in your world, Shady! We had a pretty rough January but February is hopefully shaping up to be much better. Enjoy your weekend!
Hi, Ashton!
DeleteI'm excited to see you, dear friend! Thanks for checking out volume 5 of How Sarah Got Her Groove Back starring English wren Sarah Collins. I'm happy to know that you approve of Sarah's soulful singing style on these covers of American originals.
Yessum, I know that 2022 got off to a crappy start for you, your hubby and little girl. I was dismayed to learn that all three of you suffered from symptoms of COVID. I sincerely hope everything is trending onward and upward so that you can put the bad month behind you.
Thanks again for taking a peek at the post. You are my oldest friend in blogging and always welcome here, dear Ashton. Take care of yourself and sweet little Alexis!
Hi Tom,
ReplyDeleteI truly enjoyed "Sarah's Got Her Groove Back". She does such a great job covering songs from the past and present. Jackie Wilson was a true great, who worked extra hard during his performances. "Your Love Keeps Lifting Me" is one of his best and Sarah pulls off a cover that rocks! I don't know Jackie's "Reet Petite", but Sarah does a great job with her version.
Ah, the Stylistics..."Betcha by Golly Wow"! I never knew the title to that one, but I always liked it. This is my favorite song covered by Sarah. She does a stand-up job making the song true with her mannerisms and vocals! Beautiful job Sarah!
Excuse me for being my usual late self, but I am glad I got here for this one Tom! We've had an ice and snowstorm, and I've been busy trying to keep all in order. Hope you are doing well and not getting too much cold and dangerous weather. Take care dear friend.
God Bless,
Suzanne
Hi, Suzanne!
DeleteI'm sorry I was a day late finding your email, dear friend. Thanks for reporting in and expressing your thoughts about Sarah Collins and her latest set of Northern Soul covers.
I'm very happy to know that you appreciate Sarah's song styling. If you close you eyes, you'd swear she is a woman of color born in the U.S.A. and singing in a New Orleans blues club, not a British mum of two doing a karaoke performance at what appears to be her kitchen table. How about the way she executes those tricky trills on "Reet Petite"? That really impressed me.
Yessum, "Betcha By Golly Wow" was originally titled "Keep Growing Strong" and was originally recorded by, of all people, Connie Stevens. I listened to Connie's version and it is okay, but not a record I'd run out and buy. When given the sweet soul treatment by The Stylistics, however, the song was turned into a classic.
Sorry you were hit by a snow and ice storm, dearie. We went from a couple of weeks of bitter cold to 83 degrees and running the air conditioner for two days, but now it is very cold again. I hope you and Scootie are well and in good spirits. Stay tuned for my next post coming tomorrow morning. It's another edition of my series That Was Then - This Is Now (aka Jarring Juxtapositions). Thanks again for coming and have a happy Sunday and a wonderful week, dear friend Suzanne!
Hi Shady,
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if you have seen this YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/user/SIRONEDRAGON/search?query=Sarah
He has about a dozen videos of Sarah Collins singing along with the original artists. It's amazing how spot on she can sing along in perfect sync.
I hope she comes back and continues to upload more songs again.
Keep up the good work, I love your blog.
Ralph
Hi, Ralph!
DeleteIt's a pleasure to meet you, my friend! Thank you for visiting Shady's Place and commenting on my latest tribute to British soul singer Sarah Collins. FYI, comments left on posts published more than two weeks ago are moderated, and that explains why yours didn't publish immediately. I found it in email a day late.
Thanks for letting me know about the YouTube channel that creates virtual duets with Sarah and original artists. I went there just now and sampled several of them, including Al Green, Anita Ward, Stevie, Etta and R Kelly. I enjoyed those custom productions and hope more will be produced. Thanks for the link!
I also thank you very much for taking an interest in what I am doing here at Shady's Place, and hope you will stay tuned for more fun and music and let me hear from you again soon.
Take care, friend Ralph!
Entertainingly educational; a classic Collins cover discovered.
ReplyDeleteI'm happy to know you discovered another classic Sarah Collins cover in this set. Thanks for the comment, my friend!
Delete