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Russ Willoughby
เข้าร่วมเมื่อ 25 ก.ย. 2018
Welcome to my channel....Russ Willoughby here (you were expecting Amelia Earhart?). Please check out my array of "Remakes of a Classic" videos, covering some of the coolest music from the 60s and 70s. I record and shoot each part (instruments and vocals) in real time - no lip-synching - using a Yamaha AW1600 multi-track for the audio and my Galaxy phone for the videos. I then import everything into Movavi video making software on my PC. The finished product takes roughly eight or nine hours to complete.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Hold Your Head Up Cover
jrusswilloughby.com/
That’s right! For the first time since May of last year I’m finally getting around to posting a new video. The last 16 months have been busy. Not only did I write and record a new album of original tunes, I’ve also been playing a lot with Under the Sun and Closer to 9, the two bands I’m in. I also took a few months to finish off the studio.
Anyway…..
“Hold Your Head Up” came to be because the members of The Zombies weren’t happy with what they thought was a lack of success. The first two singles from the band’s last album, Odessey and Oracle (released in the UK in 1967) failed to chart, and so the band decided to split up. After the album was released in the U.S. the following year, “Time of the Season” started getting noticed, and finally became a hit in 1969. Even though they were floored by the tune’s success, they had already gone their separate ways, and so keyboardist Rod Argent formed his new Progressive Rock band, Argent. The Zombies did, however, get back together a few times to play “Time of the Season”, but there was no tour. The band’s 2019 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame only solidifies their everlasting impact. And to think, they thought they weren’t a success.
Between 1970 and 1975, Argent released seven albums. The 1972 album, All Together Now, spawned the band’s biggest hit,”Hold Your Head Up”. It was written by Rod Argent and Chris White (previous bassist for The Zombies). White wasn’t a member of the band, but rather a producer and co-songwriter who worked with Rod Argent.
The song wasn’t supposed to be a single, but the record company decided to push it. The band played it on the UK’s Top of the Pops TV show, which helped move it up the charts. The song was a Top 5 hit in the U.S., the UK, and on the Canadian charts, peaking at No. 5 in all three countries. It was the band's only song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100.
In addition to Rod Argent, the band included Russ Ballard, who sang lead on the song. Ballard became a prolific songwriter and producer by the late 1970s. His compositions "New York Groove", "You Can Do Magic", "Since You Been Gone", "I Surrender", "Liar", "Winning", "I Know There's Something Going On", "Can't Shake Loose", "So You Win Again" and "God Gave Rock and Roll to You" became hits for other artists during the 1970s and 1980s. Ballard left Argent in 1974, after the release of the band’s fifth album, Nexus.
As far as my cover, I decided to do the shorter, more radio-friendly version. I am far from an accomplished keyboard player, and the longer six minute-plus version contains what Rick Wakeman called “The greatest organ solo, ever”. I’m sure purist might take issue with the fact that I went that route, but it’s a cover, not a copy. Structurally, my version is a little different than the radio version, but it is what it is.
For those interest, CD copies of my album, Back to Basics are still available, and can be purchased at my website, jrusswilloughby.com
That’s right! For the first time since May of last year I’m finally getting around to posting a new video. The last 16 months have been busy. Not only did I write and record a new album of original tunes, I’ve also been playing a lot with Under the Sun and Closer to 9, the two bands I’m in. I also took a few months to finish off the studio.
Anyway…..
“Hold Your Head Up” came to be because the members of The Zombies weren’t happy with what they thought was a lack of success. The first two singles from the band’s last album, Odessey and Oracle (released in the UK in 1967) failed to chart, and so the band decided to split up. After the album was released in the U.S. the following year, “Time of the Season” started getting noticed, and finally became a hit in 1969. Even though they were floored by the tune’s success, they had already gone their separate ways, and so keyboardist Rod Argent formed his new Progressive Rock band, Argent. The Zombies did, however, get back together a few times to play “Time of the Season”, but there was no tour. The band’s 2019 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame only solidifies their everlasting impact. And to think, they thought they weren’t a success.
Between 1970 and 1975, Argent released seven albums. The 1972 album, All Together Now, spawned the band’s biggest hit,”Hold Your Head Up”. It was written by Rod Argent and Chris White (previous bassist for The Zombies). White wasn’t a member of the band, but rather a producer and co-songwriter who worked with Rod Argent.
The song wasn’t supposed to be a single, but the record company decided to push it. The band played it on the UK’s Top of the Pops TV show, which helped move it up the charts. The song was a Top 5 hit in the U.S., the UK, and on the Canadian charts, peaking at No. 5 in all three countries. It was the band's only song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100.
In addition to Rod Argent, the band included Russ Ballard, who sang lead on the song. Ballard became a prolific songwriter and producer by the late 1970s. His compositions "New York Groove", "You Can Do Magic", "Since You Been Gone", "I Surrender", "Liar", "Winning", "I Know There's Something Going On", "Can't Shake Loose", "So You Win Again" and "God Gave Rock and Roll to You" became hits for other artists during the 1970s and 1980s. Ballard left Argent in 1974, after the release of the band’s fifth album, Nexus.
As far as my cover, I decided to do the shorter, more radio-friendly version. I am far from an accomplished keyboard player, and the longer six minute-plus version contains what Rick Wakeman called “The greatest organ solo, ever”. I’m sure purist might take issue with the fact that I went that route, but it’s a cover, not a copy. Structurally, my version is a little different than the radio version, but it is what it is.
For those interest, CD copies of my album, Back to Basics are still available, and can be purchased at my website, jrusswilloughby.com
มุมมอง: 5 303
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As I mentioned in the video, the reason I haven't posted any new "Remake of a Classic" videos in a while is because I've been working on an album of original material. Happy to say it's done and available. It's called Willoughby - Back to Basics, and it includes 12 tunes in the Rock/Pop genre. Like the videos I've posted I'm playing all the instruments and doing all the vocals. I also recorded,...
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This week’s “Remake of a Classic first appeared on Bread's 1970 album, On the Waters. Released as a single that June, it was the group's first top-ten hit on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart and spent the week of August 22, 1970, at number one, their only single to do so; it also reached number five on the UK Singles Chart. Billboard ranked "Make It with You" as the No. 13 song of 1970, and ...
I'll Be Around Cover
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Released in July 1972, this week’s “Remake of a Classic” was originally the B-side of The Spinners single, “How Could I Let You Get Away”. However, radio deejays begin flipping the record over and "I'll Be Around" became an unexpected hit, eventually spending five weeks at number one on the U.S. R&B chart and reaching number three on the U.S. Pop chart. It reached sales of over one million copi...
Diamond Girl Cover
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This week’s “Remake of a Classic” is Seals & Crofts’ timeless 1973 masterpiece, “Diamond Girl”. I had originally started working on another tune, but with the death of Jim Seals I thought this was appropriate. As far as there being an interesting story behind the tune, nothing really stands out. It reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, and No. 4 on the Adult Contemporary chart. Although the h...
Baby Don't Get Hooked On Me Cover
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This week's “Remake of a Classic” was first released in July 1972 on Mac Davis' Columbia Records album, Baby Don't Get Hooked On Me. The song reached No.1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Easy Listening charts. It spent three weeks atop each chart, and was ranked the No. 8 song of 1972. At the same time, the song was a modest country hit, reaching No. 26. Davis wrote the tune after Columbia in...
Because Cover
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Released by The Dave Clark Five in 1964, this week's “Remake of a Classic”, which appeared on their third album, “American Tour”, was a major departure from the band's usual power pop style it was typically known for. Written by Clark and lead vocalist Mike Smith, the song was released in the UK as the B-side to "Can't You See That She's Mine", but Clark insisted Epic Records release it in the ...
He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother Cover
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The origin of this week's “Remake of a Classic” supposedly dates back to the 1884 book, “The Parables of Jesus” by James Wells, Moderator of the United Free Church of Scotland. In the book he tells the story of a little girl struggling to carry a baby boy. When asked if she was tired, she replied, “No. He's na heavy. He's mi brither.” In 1924 Roe Fulkerson, the first editor of Kiwanis Magazine,...
A Summer Song Cover
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This week’s “Remake of a Classic” comes to us from the British duo, Chad & Jeremy (Chad Stuart and Jeremy Clyde). First released in July 1964, “A Summer Song” was originally written by Clive Metcalfe and Keith Noble (both of whom had connections with Pink Floyd). Metcalfe wrote the tune and Noble later added lyrics. One night they played the song at a bistro in London. Chad Stuart heard it, lik...
You Just May Be The One Cover
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I had originally started working on a different “Remake of a Classic”, but with yesterday's sad news that Mike Nesmith has passed away I thought, instead, I'd pay tribute to him by doing my favorite Nesmith tune. After all, I grew up adoring The Monkees, and Mike in particular. Yep, I had the Monkees hand puppet, lunchbox, I'd beg my mom to buy the cereal with a Monkees record pressed onto the ...
I Woke Up In Love This Morning Cover
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I know what some of you are thinking about this week’s “Remake of a Classic.” The Partridge Family? Really? Well, in my opinion a good song is a good song - no matter who does it - and I personally like this one. It’s got drive, it’s a little ballsy, and the playing and vocals are stellar. But, then again, with members of L.A.’s famous Wrecking Crew handling all the instruments, and Jackie (Rob...
Mother Freedom Cover
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Released as a single in 1971, this week’s “Remake of a Classic” made it onto Bread’s 1972 album, “Baby I’m-a Want You.” Although the album spawned several hit singles (“Baby I’m-a Want You”, “Everything I Own”, and “Diary”), “Mother Freedom” failed to enjoy the same success on the charts; topping out at No. 37 on the Billboard Top 100. While most Bread songs were wistful love songs, “Mother Fre...
There's A Kind Of Hush Cover
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Written by Les Reed and Geoff Stephens, this week's “Remake of a Classic” was originally introduced on the 1966 album “Winchester Cathedral” by Stephens' group, the New Vaudeville Band. Although the tune was made popular by Herman's Hermits' 1967 cover - on which my version is based - it was a group from Franklin, Ohio (between Dayton and Cincinnati) who first released it as a single. The band,...
Mr. Tambourine Man Cover
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Written by Bob Dylan, this week's "Remake of a Classic", The Byrds version of Mr. Tambourine Man, was recorded on January 20, 1965 at Columbia Studios in Hollywood. The song's jangling, melodic guitar line (performed by Roger (Jim) McGuinn on a 12-string Rickenbacker) was immediately influential, and has remained so to this day. Due to producer Terry Melcher's lack of confidence in the rest of ...
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This week’s “Remake of a Classic” was first released in February 1964 by the folk duo, Peter and Gordon (Peter Asher and Gordon Waller). Written by Paul McCartney, and attributed to Lennon-McCartney, it’s the biggest Lennon-McCartney hit not actually released by The Beatles. It reached number one in the UK, U.S., Ireland, Canada and New Zealand. McCartney wrote the song when he was 16. In 1963,...
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Sounding a bit jaded; hoping you have found someone to take the pain from your past. Love your music, Russ, covers and originals. Best wishes for all that you do!
Nailed it!
EXCELLENT!!!!!👍
Wonderful multi performance, thanks for your sharing, enjoyed your beautiful cover!! Have a great week! New Sub!!!
Man, this is awesome! You're an amazing muscician, hats off for you!
Spot on. Note for note. Great mixing as well.
Perfect key well done
La Brisa de Verano me hace sentir bien❤
Good job man, i am from Brasil. I very like Bread Band
Awesome!
It's a crime that there are only 308 likes here😢.
So many of my favorite songs remind me of the days I dated my wife of today. You are talented, musical and a joy to listen to.
I wish I had a tenth of your talent. I'd love to be able to sing or play an instrument. I'll just have to live in envy.
Veryyyyyyyy Nice 😊😊😊❤❤❤
Nice cover.
I. Love. ♥️. You. Please. Peter 🎀👍🩵📱🏠🎧🐻🎤💋🎼 My Hero. 👤👩🏼🦰
This is high level. Outstanding.
So smooth
Russ you crazy for this, so good!
How much talent & motivation does this require?!?!?
This is one of my favorite songs , and you are a real Renaissance man of extraordinary talent.
one of the few rare songs where the music matches the emotional lyrics. beautiful
the whole package. wow!
proof that the boy from Tulsa could rock and not just sing sappy ballads
I can tell you are a musician that likes to play covers as close to the record as possible. That's the way I I like to do it if possible. Your covers are absolutely great! I play all the instruments myself including all vocals. Here is one of several covers I've done since 2013. I was about 60 at the time. I would appreciate a listen. th-cam.com/video/g4k3wywEPYY/w-d-xo.htmlsi=946jANZKalO7WaZN
Man what vocals! Out does the original I've seen performed by Gary Puckett and the Union Gap several times.
This was big on our Top 40 radio station in 1972. My sister dedicated the song to me as I headed off to college. I heard it played for me in the car. This is a SUPER cover of this classic. Great job by this very talented man.
Excellent!
Wow! I am impressed gentlemen
We now know who played all the instruments and sang all the backing vocal parts. The cleverly-worded description above is Russ’s way of finally letting the cat out of the bag.
Dude! BADASS ✊😎
WOW! :)
Perfect! I love this!
Fantastic cover!! Love it🎉😊
Absolutely fantastic
I appreciate your capacity to play all those instruments. I played this song in a band in HS in the 80s. I play the drums and you completely failed to even try the flam triplets in the fill. It took me a couple of weeks to get it. I am not sure how you showed up on my feed but playing every instrumet in a mediocre fashion is not impressive. You produce elevator music. Learn 1 instrument very well. Sorry, not sorry.
Damn. One person hitting all these layered vocal harmonies and instrumental elements in such a beautiful way is truly impressive. Gonna dig into this channel. Hope i might see some originals as well. Great job friend! 🎉
Outstanding!
❤❤❤❤❤BRASIL, RIO DE JANEIRO, 2024❤❤
🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼
Great cover. I have a personal list of the best opening guitar riffs that includes Chuck Berry, John Fogerty, and Keith Richardson. But at the very top of that list is Long Cool Woman. Never get tired of hearing it over and over.
Good bands should take notice. This is how yo record music😊
Awsome harmonizing with yourself. Cool
You did good ! ! ! Yeah BTO
Impressive work. Every time sounds great.
random find, good job sir!
Great sound!👍🏼
Love it❤
Good job boys. Very entertaining. I really enjoyed
Good voice. Loved it alot