New versions of 1960s Classics

The 1960s was a fantastic cultural revolution. Here are some relatively new versions of songs from that time:

Janis Joplin was born in Texas in 1943, in what was probably a pretty old-fashioned society. When we contrast this background with how she was celebrated by Joss Stone and Melissa Etheridge 62 years later, at the Grammy Awards in 2005, we understand better what people like Janis did. They paved the way for the freer, less authoritarian, less sexist society we live in today. Joss (just 17 years old then!) and Melissa (who had lost her hair temporarily during chemotherapy of breast cancer) got a standing ovation for their version of Janis’ songs “Cry Baby” and “Piece of My Heart”.  A rare performance:

Both “Cry Baby” and “Piece of My Heart” were written by Bert Berns and Jerry Ragovoy. The first was originally recorded by Garnet Mimms and the Enchanters in 1963, the second by Erma Franklin (sister of Aretha Franklin) in 1967.

At the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2005, Steve Winwood and Slash played Jimi Hendrix’ “Hey Joe” (written by Billy Roberts and first recorded by The Leaves in 1965). It’s absolutely brilliant, Slash obviously so, but notice also how well Winwood sings:

At a fundraising concert in 1999, Eric Clapton, Sheryl Crow and David Sanborn (saxophone) played Jimi Hendrix’ “Little Wing” (written by Jimi, from the 1967 album “Axis: Bold as Love”). Big smiles both during and afterwards, and a standing ovation:

Elina Järventaus Johansson from Kalix in the north of Sweden, has lots of great versions on Youtube. Her version of “Golden Slumbers” from The Beatles’ album "Abbey Road" (1969), shows the beauty of this song:

Finally, in 2010 Bruce Springsteen and Alejandro Escovedo played a “raw” version of “Beast of Burden” from The Rolling Stones’ album “Some Girls” from 1978 (not the 1960s, but never mind). Great atmosphere: