How Sarah Got Her Groove Back -Vol. 4: The More Etta... the Betta!

Welcome to vol. 4 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 sensation on YouTube 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.

 ETTA JAMES 

In this special edition of How Sarah Got Her Groove Back, Sarah sings

covers of three songs made famous by Etta James, the bluesy R&B singer

who recorded dozens of R&B and pop hits in the 1950s, 60s and 70s.

In 1962 Etta James had a top 5 R&B hit with "Something's Got
A Hold On Me," a recording that combines elements of soul, blues
and gospel, with backing singers that sound like a church choir.

 "Something's Got A Hold On Me" - Etta James 

 (Mar./Apr. 1962, highest chart pos. #4 R&B/#37 Hot 100) 

 SARAH COLLINS 

Now here is Sarah Collins with her capable cover

of Etta James' "Something's Got A Hold On Me."

 "Something's Got A Hold On Me" 

 Etta James cover by Sarah Collins 

 ETTA JAMES 

In 1988, Etta James released her 17th studio album Seven Year Itch.

The title of the funk/soul project refers to her comeback after going

some seven years without a recording contract. One of the songs

on Seven Year Itch is the smoldering ballad "Damn Your Eyes."

 "Damn Your Eyes' - Etta James 

 (from 1989 album Seven Year Itch) 

 SARAH COLLINS 

Now here's Sarah doing some sassy soul singing

on her version of Etta's "Damn Your Eyes."

 "Damn Your Eyes" 
 Etta James cover by Sarah Collins 

 ETTA JAMES 

Today "Seven Day Fool" is one of Etta James' best known songs, especially popular

on the UK Northern Soul and Mod scenes. However at the time of its release as a

single in late 1961, "Seven Day Fool" drew very little attention. An R&B record,

"Seven Day Fool" failed to reach the black chart, and it barely made a dent in

the Hot 100, peaking at #95. "Seven Day Fool" performed better on the

Cash Box survey where it finished in the minor hit range at #75.

 "Seven Day Fool" - Etta James 

 (Dec. 1961, highest chart pos. #95 Hot 100/#75 Cash Box) 

 SARAH COLLINS 

Now once again, Sarah Collins channels the late,

great Etta James, doing "Seven Day Fool."

 "Seven Day Fool" 
 Etta James cover by Sarah Collins 

 EMMA EVELINE 

I have two bonus tracks for you! First I am proud to present my most recent

discovery, Emma Eveline, a singer and actress in The Netherlands. Please watch

her brief one minute cover of Etta James' "Something’s Got A Hold On Me."

 "Something’s Got A Hold On Me" 

 Etta James cover by Emma Eveline 

 (Apr. 2020) 

 ANDREI CERBU & 

 BEATRICE FLOREA 

Last but not least, here is bonus song #2, another version of Etta James'

"Something's Got A Hold On Me" just released this week by the exciting

Romanian duo of guitarist Andrei Cerbu and zesty singer Beatrice Florea.

 "Something's Got A Hold On Me" 

 Etta James cover by Andrei Cerbu & Beatrice Florea 

 (May 2020) 

I hope you liked the Etta James

originals along with the killer kovers

by my good friend in England

Sarah Collins

... and I hope you enjoyed
meeting Dutch singer

Emma Eveline

and watching the latest performance
by the up-and-coming Romanian duo

Andrei Cerbu & Beatrice Florea.

Have a Shady day!