Rare? Leon Russell's "A Song For You" Cover

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I have been searching since 1986 for a cover of Leon Russell's "A song For You" that believe it or not, I first heard in a dance studio in Iceland in 1986. The dance instructor was ex Alvin Ailey, and was using a really soulful female version of this song. I was not able to write the name down of the artist when I asked her (I thought I would remember) but she said that the female artist was a very well known soul artist but that she was dead (this was in 1986 when I heard this). Her rendition was gut wrenching. She had a tonal quality that reminded me a little of Shirly Jones, but I think she is still alive no? Is there any help out there from somebody that is an expert in Soul Music area that might know who this artist or song might be?

― Bruce Colton, Thursday, 19 August 2004 23:56 (nineteen years ago) link

Lena Horne did a version on the Buddah LP 'Natures Baby' if that's any joy, but it is rather slow, not really danceable.

― Ian Metherill, Friday, 20 August 2004 07:48 (nineteen years ago) link

Karen Carpenter? (ducks for cover)

― Jack Battery-Pack (Jack Battery-Pack), Friday, 20 August 2004 11:32 (nineteen years ago) link

Well it had to be asked

― Andrew Blood Thames (Andrew Thames), Friday, 20 August 2004 11:35 (nineteen years ago) link

The only problem is that Lena Horne wasn't dead in 1986. I will check out the version though.
For sure it wasn't Karen's.

The singer was definitely black and according the the instructor, who was also black, the singer was a well known soul artist. From her answer to my question, I got the feeling that any African American would recognize the female soul artists name immediately. I, being white, felt very ignorant, because though I know a lot of singing artists, I had never heard of this person.

― Bruce Colton, Friday, 20 August 2004 14:53 (nineteen years ago) link

the two that come to mind are Aretha franklin and Donny hathaway

― brotherman, Friday, 20 August 2004 15:22 (nineteen years ago) link

It was probably Merry Clayton's version. dunno if she is dead or alive though. i didn't think she was dead.

― scott seward (scott seward), Friday, 20 August 2004 15:36 (nineteen years ago) link

Merry Clayton's husband is dead-the one that played the solo on 'Touch Me' (doors), though.Melba Moore did a lot of covers,quite possibly could be her to answer the question.

― matthew conway, Sunday, 22 August 2004 00:04 (nineteen years ago) link

eleven months pass...

This is a pretty late post, but I believe it is Mary Clayton. She worked with Leon when they were both in England. Great song.

― Oscar Trout (Oscar Trout), Friday, 5 August 2005 20:51 (eighteen years ago) link

eleven years pass...

This is probably the best song. I could listen to every version back to back and never get bored.

Have we a 'desert island song' thread covering such a notion?

Because this song is my pick.

― The Perks of Being a Wall St R (darraghmac), Thursday, 23 February 2017 03:20 (seven years ago) link

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