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Sunday 28 February 2021

Morgan James [2016] - Oh Me, Oh My (I'm A Fool For You Baby) [Live Unreleased]


A song generally associated with Aretha Franklin who had a #9 R&B and #73 Hot 100 hit with it in 1972, but it was originally recorded by Lulu in 1969 at Muscle Shoals for her 'New Routes' album on Atco. 

It reached #22 US Hot 100 /UK #47 for her 1969.  It seems rather odd that Lulu's version didn't enter US R&B even though it was top 30 pop and her only US R&B entry was with 'To Sir With Love' (which was #1 Hot 100), which I wouldn't regard as particularly soulful song.

It was also recorded by several others before (and after) Aretha wrapped her pipes around it in 1971.  I've added links to many versions below.

Morgan James [2016] - Oh Me, Oh My (I'm A Fool For You Baby) [Live Unreleased]

The featured version is by Morgan James who recorded it live and broadcast it on YT in 2016, but it has remained unreleased.
Morgan James played Teena Marie in 'Motown: The Musical' on Broadway in 2013.



Other Versions

1969 - Lulu
The original from Lulu. Here's a 'warbly' original video which looks like it was filmed in Chelsea as that's Chelsea Bridge and  Battersea power station in the background!

1970 - B.J. Thomas
Released as a single

1970 - Barbara Howard [S. Reece #700301]
From 'On The Rise'

1970 - Barbara Mason [National General #NGS 2001]
From 'If You Knew Him Like I Do'

Here's some footage of her perfroming it on Soul Train in 1971 and again in March 2015, only three years before she died.

1971 - Walter Jackson [USa #USA 104]
Titled 'A Fool For You' on flip to 'The Walls That Separate Us'

1972 - Dayton Sidewinders [Carlco #4507]
This is a rare horn laden instrumental released on 45.

1972 - Joe Tex
1972 - From 'From The Roots Came The Rapper', a deep soul version with a predominantly spoken rap in his inimatable style.

1973 - Kerrie Biddell
From 'Kerry Biddel' by blue-eyed Australian singer

1973 - Bill Medley
From 'Smile' by member of The Righteous Brothers

From 'Doin' It Right'. Kirkland had most success in 70s a part of duo Bo Kirkland & Ruth Davis.

1979 - Lisa Hartman
A mellow blue-eyed version from 'Hold On'

1991 - Irma Thomas
From 'Live! (Simply The Best)'

1992 - Karen Smith
Lovers Rock version from 'Everything I Need'

1993 - Oleta Adams
From 'Window Of Hope'

1998 - John Holt
Reggae/soul version from 'Fistful Of Holt'

2003 - Renée Geyer
Australian blue-eyed soul live version also released on 'Tenderland'

2008 - Tina Arena
Yet another Antipodean blue-eyed version released as a single.

2010 - Beth Hart
Blue-eyed 'blusey' version from 'My California' bonus track on Cd

A live, unreleased version performed on 12 Sep 2011.

From 'Revival of Soul'

From 'English Heart'

2011? - Patti LaBelle 
Live version as a medley with 'Ain't No Way'. I don't know wehn it was perfromed but posted in 2011.


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