In this series for 2024, William will be sharing some of the iconic duets from the 1960s onwards. Collaborations between artists that were hits around the world and are still enjoyed today.
Thanks for joining me today and I hope you will enjoy this trip down memory lane with me in coming months. William
1967 – Otis Redding and Carla Thomas – Tramp
“Tramp” was penned by West Coast blues artists Lowell Fulton and Jimmy McCracklin. It was first recorded by Fulson in 1967, and was his highest-charting single since “Reconsider Baby” in 1954. It reached #56 in Canada.
The song was covered by Otis Redding in a duet with Carla Thomas, and the duo’s version outsold Fulson’s original and peaked at #2 on Billboard’s Top Selling R&B singles and #26 on the Hot 100 charts. Otis and Carla gave “Tramp” their own stamp. There is quite a lot of dialogue between them in the song, with Carla putting Otis down for not wearing fine clothes and is in dire need of a haircut … and laments that he couldn’t afford to buy her fine furs and cool cars. She repeatedly calls him a “tramp” from the Georgia woods.
The single “Tramp” peaked higher in the UK, where it reached #18 on the UK Singles Chart.
1967 – Marvin Gaye and Tammy Terrell – Ain’t No Mountain High Enough
“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” was composed by Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson in 1966 for the Tamla label from Motown Records. According to record producers, Terrell was a bit nervous and intimidated during the recording sessions. She consequently recorded her vocals alone and Marvin Gaye’s vocals were added later. “Ain’t No Mountain” reached #19 on the Billboard pop charts, and went to #3 on the R&B charts.
The composition became a hit again in 1970 when recorded by Diana Ross and became Ross’ first solo #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best female Pop Vocal Performance.
Thanks for joining me today and look forward to hearing from you… William.
William Price King is an American jazz singer, crooner, and composer.
His interest in music began at an early age when he studied piano and clarinet in high school. At Morehouse College in Atlanta where he grew up, he sang in the Glee Club and studied classical music. After graduation he went off to the Yale School of Music where he earned a Masters degree. From there he journeyed to New York where he created a jazz trio ‘Au Naturel’ which performed in some of the hottest venues in Manhattan including gigs on Broadway and the famous ‘Rainbow Room.’ These gigs opened doors for performances in Montreal and a European tour.
While touring Europe he met a lovely French lady, Jeanne Maïstre, who, a year later became his wife. King left the group ‘Au Naturel’ and settled in the south of France where he started a new life on the French Riviera, opening his own music school – the “Price King Ecole Internationale de Chant.” He has had the pleasure over the years of seeing many of his students excel as singers on a professional level, and some going on to become national celebrities. He continues to coach young singers today, in his spare time.
Website: William Price King – Blog– IMPROVISATION – William Price King on Tumblr – Buy William’s music: William Price King iTunes – Facebook – William Price King – Twitter – @wpkofficial – Regular Venue – Cave Wilson
Great songs for empowering the community. Thanks, Sally and William! I hope you both had a nice Easter celebrations, and enjoying the new week with hopefully positive surprises. hugsx Michael
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Thank you Michael.. we had some lovely sunshine yesterday that I took full advantage of…hugsx
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Fabulous song choices ⚡️💫
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Thanks Robbie..♥
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I don’t remember Tramp either, but I’m a big fan of duets and Ain’t No Mountain High Enough is a fabulous one. Thanks, William and Sally.
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Glad you enjoyed Olga thank you..♥
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I see from the other comments that I missed Tramp too. Wonder how that happened. Meanwhile, Marvin is my favorite artist of all time.
Thanks. And wishing a Happy Easter to all who celebrate.
x
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Thanks Lisette and perhaps a lot going on at the time… Happy Easter to you too.. hugsx
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Thank you very much, Lisette. Delighted that you enjoyed. It’s a real pleasure. Do have a wonderful Easter. Hugs
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I totally missed Tramp, but Marvin Gaye and Tammy Terrell version of Ain’t No Mountain High Enough is my all time favorite. It’s perfection!
Thanks for a groovy Friday!
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Delighted you enjoyed Noelle, Happy Easter.. ♥
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Thank you very much, Noelle. I agree with you on “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” Glad you enjoyed. Have a wonderful Easter. Hugs
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Marvin and Tammy singing “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” – one of the best!
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I agree, Jennie. Delighted that you enjoyed. Happy Easter.
Hugs
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😀
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Agree with you Jennie ♥
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😍
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Classic song, Ain’t No Mountain. I think I’ve enjoyed every version of that song – especially by Diana Ross and the Supremes. I love Otis’ Sitting on the Dock of a Bay, but never heard of Tramp. Thanks for the enlightenment. 🙂 ❤
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Thank you very much, Debby. Glad we introduced you to “Tramp.” Have a great holiday weekend. Hugs
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Thank you William. Happy Easter to you. ❤
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They are great songs Debby and not surprising they were covered by some of the greats… glad you enjoyed.. ♥
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Easter hugs Sal. ❤ xxx
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♥♥
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Thanks for the great songs, Barbara💓
Happy Easter🌸🌸
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Thank you very much, Cindy. Have a very happy Easter holiday. Hugs
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You’re so very welcome, Sally. Thank you so very much🙏🏼❣️
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Happy Easter to you too ♥
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💓💓💓 thank you❣️❣️
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Whoo hoo!! Some of my favorites today! Love Otis Redding!
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Thanks very much Jan and Happy Easter..♥
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Thank you very much, Jan. Do have a happy Easter. Hugs
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Good stuff!
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Thanks Annette ♥
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Many thanks, Annette. Have a happy Easter holiday. Hugs
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I hadn’t heard “Tramp” before. I like it!
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Ahh, good to introduce you to a new song, Liz. Glad you enjoyed. Thanks. Happy Easter. Hugs
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You’re welcome, William. Happy Easter.
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Great to hear thanks Liz and Happy Easter.. hugsx
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You’re welcome, Sally.
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I’d never heard ‘Tramp’ before and found it quite an interesting song. Loved the dialogue.
Both good songs today, as always. Thanks for sharing
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Thanks Sue and have a lovely Easter ♥
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Thank you very much, Sue. Do have a great Easter. Hugs
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You too William, but not too many chocolate eggs!?
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Wonderful, William and Sally x
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Many thanks, Toni. Happy Easter. Hugs
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Happy Easter, William 🐣
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Thanks very much Toni and Happy Easter ♥
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Happy Easter to you, Sally 🐣🐣💖
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♥♥
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Ain’t No Mountain High Enough is a great tune. It immediately makes me think of one of my favorite movies—Remember the Titans.
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Thank you very much, Pete. “Remember the Titans” was a great movie indeed. Glad you enjoyed. Happy Easter.
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Glad you enjoyed Pete… it certainly brings back memories. Happy Easter.. hugsx
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Great, William. Thank you. Thanks too to Sally.
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You’re most welcome, John. Do have a Happy Easter. All the best.
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😊
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Thanks John.. Happy Easter.. hugsx
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😊
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