Another cover courtesy of Sound Gems by
Mia Manchester which I have always considered was originally
released by Al Wilson but have just discovered that Johnny Mathis did the first version of "Show and Tell" just before him in May 1973. I don't believe I had ever heard his
version until doing this post!
The song was written by Jerry Fuller who Northern Soulies will know for
his 1966 stomper "Double Life" on Challenge and most will know for his
song "Young Girl" a #1 hit (UK) for Gary Puckett & The Union Gap in
1968. The 'definitive version of "Show And Tell" was recorded by Al Wilson
the same year as Johnny Mathis (1973) which was a Billboard Hot 100 #1 hit yet only reached #10
R&B!
SecondHandSongs
lists only a dozen versions but there are many more than that as there
are at least another dozen not listed: Bobbi Marchini (1973), Maceo
(1974),
Cleo Laine
(1974 LP), Professor Lett And Study (1974 LP), Don Julian & The Larks
(1974 LP), The I.G's
(1975),
Elusion
(1982 LP),
Contrast
(1984 LP), Willie Clayton
(1987),
David Cassidy
(1998 LP), Eddie Leon (2001 LP which also contains his modern soul gem
"Just Got Tired Of Waiting" written by Tommy Tate).
| Rating: | 8 |
| Explicit: | N |
| Genre/Style: | Classic Soul / cover Version |
| Format: | Single |
| Media: | Digital |
| Label: | Sound Gems Records |
| Cat No: | None |
| Date: | 19/11/2021 |
| Key/BPM: | 10B/93 |
| Value: | £1 |
Great article on this wonderful song. But the interpretation of Al Wilson remains for me the best. Accessit for Eddie Leon's modern version which is also very beautiful.
ReplyDeleteYves