Thursday, May 24, 2018

BEFORE THE HIT VERSION
STATE OF INDEPENDENCE. Continues next week.
BEFORE IT WAS A
HIT SONG…
These songs are well known but you may not know about the earlier attempts to score a hit record with prior versions of the same song.
State Of Independence
State Of Independence (U.K.).jpg
After the disco boom, Donna Summer explored new musical genres, especially R&B. Quincy Jones produced her 1982 self-titled album. One of its highlights was the track "State Of Independence". The song featured a stellar cast of background vocalists that included Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Dionne Warwick, Kenny Loggins and Christopher Cross. In Britain, the single peaked at #14.
The song was composed by Greek musician Vangelis and lyricist Jon Anderson (from the group Yes). The duo recorded the original version of "State Of Independence" for the 1981 album 'Friends Of Mr Cairo'. Jon and Vangelis' recording failed to chart. Summer's dented various charts, including the R&B and Dance listings. Its all-star choir inspired Jones to gather a similar group to record "We Are The World" as USA For Africa a few years later.
Jon & Vangelis State of Independence 1984 single cover.jpg
Each new song will be added to the spotify playlist named: ‘Before It Was A Hit Song’.  You can check out the previous earlier / original versions of the hit songs you know and love.
The playlist and other Caffe` Latte` selections can be found at:
spotify:user:alanrosscaffelatte

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