10 Versions of 'Dead'

Following on from the Salvation post and the eccentricities of Major Bill Smith, (William Arthur Smith) here's another track that the squeezed his money's worth out of.  'Dead' / 'I Don't Care No More'

Written by Moses Dillard and Joe Huffman, the track has been recorded by several artists. They lyric changes on different releases - I believe the original had 'razor in my hand ' but was changed to 'phone in my hand' on many recordings.

P.S.  Major Bill was notorious in claiming that he Knew Elvis Presley and that he was still alive. Have  look here.  He even released a cassette in 1981 entitled Elvis Lives.

Carolyn Sullivan [1967] - Dead [Philips 40507]

(Phone lyric)

Dana Gillespie [1968] - Dead [London PS 540]

(Razor lyric)

Cresa Watson [1969] - Dead [Charay C-91]

Uses lyrics 'with tears in my eyes' instead of 'with razor/phone in my hand'.

Phyllis Brown [1969] - Dead [Soft S-1037]

(Phone lyric)

Irv Jackson [1972] - Here Comes The Rattlesnakes / Dusty [Le Cam LC-312]

Uses the backing of Dead but completely different lyrics as it uses lyrics from Wendy Bagwell's 1971 hit 'Here Comes The Rattlesnakes'. The B side is an instrumental similar (same as?) to Cutty Sark below).

Tower Of Power Feat. Lydia Pense [1972] - Dead [Blue Thumb BTS 6004]

Lydia Pense (of Cold Blood) along with Tower of Power covered this tune on an album called 'Lights Out San Francisco' that goes on for 7:11 min.

(Phone lyric)

Edith Jones (Ede Robin) [1973] - I Don't Care No More [Le Cam LC 316/355]

This was released twice on Le Cam in 1973 on 315 and then 355 both on the B side.

(Razor lyric)

Berry Street Station Feat. Carolyn Sullivan [1976] - I Don't Care No More [LeCam LV-630]

This is a mid 70's repress of 'Dead' with original lyrics (reference to razor vs phone) censored on original Phillips pressing. i.e. this is the track recorded on Soft 1020 1967.


(Razor lyric)

Cutty Sark [1971] - Dusty [Zuma Z-652]

This is a pseudo vocal! ... i.e. some spanish lady whispering some lyrics throughout but basically it's an instrumental.

Cutty Sark [1971] - Dusty (Inst) [Zuma Z-652]