“Mr. Big Stuff”   Jean Knight on Stax Records   (1971)   The song “Mr. Big Stuff”   reached #2 on the pop chart and #1 on the R&B chart. It went double platinum, was one of the label’s biggest hits and received a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Vocal Performance (she lost to Aretha Franklin’s version of “Bridge Over Troubled Water”) And what a cool cover!   Unfortunately, Jean never reached such commercial heights again.

I saw her perform at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in 1992 (her home town) and she was great!   I remember everyone in Congo Square grooving to “Dont Talk About Jody” (also on this album).   I hope you enjoy it too.

Mario Zan Sua Bandinha & Coro   “O Balao Vai Subindo”   Chanticler

“Cabaret Time” with Rusty Goffe   Crotchet Records

Orhan Gencebay of Istanbul     Sitting alone at the coffee shop, Orhan was sure that the hot barista with the skinny ankles would look his way and ask to see what he was composing.

From Thailand.

Bloco Carnavalesco “Bafo da Onca”   Volume II

“Take Me In The Life Boat”   The Wilder Trio

Harold Ousley “Sweet Double Hipness”   (1972)   Muse Records   (To hear this one, check out Kathleen Loves Music)

This may be my favorite cover ever!   Alberto Closas con la orq. “Calisita”   (Argentina)

Spade Cooley “The King of Western Swing”   Straight outta Hollywood Babylon or True Crime – Spade made millions then flipped and killed his wife in a jealous rage in 1961.   Sentenced to life in prison, Govenor Reagan parolled him in 1969.   He died at 69, just days before his release.