Soul Strutter: Givin' Up - A Version Excursion

Inspired by the version played by GVB on his show today by Jennifer Holliday from her 1987 album "Get Close To My Love" who most will know her from the big ballad "And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going" which virtually every talent show wannabe sings.

It's a bit odd as the song writing is credited to Van McCoy on most releases but to Clyde Wilson (aka Steve Mancha) and Herbert Ross (who wrote songs recorded by Darrell Banks , J.J. Barnes ("Snowflakes", "To An Early Grave"), The Dells and Johnnie Taylor amongst others) on the Jennifer Holliday and Donny Hathaway recordings.

"Givin' Up" was first recorded in 1964 by Gladys Knight & The Pips, other versions of interest to soulies followed by Julie Grant (1965), The Ad Libs (1969), Donny Hathaway (1971), Zulema (1973), Child Of Friendship Train Robbers (1974), The Topics (1974), Shirley Brown (1977), Denise LaSalle (1980), Jennifer Holliday (1987), Vick Allen (2004), Kenny Lattimore (2008), David Caceres (2010), Umo Jazz Orchestra meets Magnum Coltrane Price (2012), Ronnie Earl & The Broadcasters (2015) and Dee Dee Bridgewater (2017).

There are other versions including a psych one by The Hassles (1968) and also a smooth jazz instrumental by Kirk Whalum (2010) and probably more if I dug a bit deeper. If you know of any other worthy versions then drop a comment.

Many were found on Spotify so here's a playlist. Those that aren't are from YouTube below.