Singer/songwriter Ray Kennedy has died, aged 67. A member of Dick Clark’s American Bandstand house band, the multi-instrumentalist hit the road as a touring members of groups led by Dizzy Gillespie, Gene Krupa, Little Richard and Otis Redding. He hit it big in the mid-1960s after signing a deal with Atlantic Records as half of the duo Jon and Ray. Kennedy and partner Jon Misland worked with producers like Phil Spector and Arif Mardin, but failed to release an album. The singer went solo after working with Group Therapy on two late 1960s albums, and found success as a songwriter, working with the likes of the Beach Boys (Sail On, Sailor). He also co-founded KGB with Barry Goldberg and Michael Bloomfield. Kennedy spent the 1980s as a solo artist and session musician, contributing to the music for the 1988 Olympics and touring with Aerosmith and the Michael Schenker Group. He also worked with Englebert Humperdinck, Wayne Newton and Mick Fleetwood - he co-wrote These Strange Times for Fleetwood Mac.
According to legend: 1) Van Dyke Parks drew a demo out of Brian after a tortured writing session, 1971; 2) Brian showed the tune to Ray and Tandyn Almer at a party -- Ray writes lyrics; 3) Unknown to either of them, Brian records a backing track during the "Surf's Up" sessions; 4) When the record company is ready to reject "Holland", Parks plays them the demo. The company wants it added to the album;5) Manager Jack Rieley writes new lyrics;6) Depending on whether you believe Steve Desper or not, either Carl, Blondie and Ricky overdub on Brian's track or recut it from scratch. Voila! Thanks for uploading!
Amazing story. Thanks. And thank you Mr. Park for rescuing the song. Impressive that Ray Kennedy should say he's a gospel singer. And the bit about him popping a cough drop for his sore throat in the middle the song, which verges on the tragic, is pure genius.
My fave version: This is one of my "Desert Island" songs. To wit: Love the heavy Blues influence and direction, mix and overall arrangement. Certainly an under appreciated classic. (Ray's version also on TH-cam) Wow! Never heard his solo version of this. Most people are not aware that he wrote this and these are the original lyrics. Its sooo indicative of the 70s. Love the opening string flourish, arrangement and mix, thumpy bass, foot drum and key changes, wow! In fact, you have to listen to it several times to catch it all. And with a voice like that, I can't understand why he wasn't huge. Its a rare recording. Ray had those Brad Pitt sort of good looks, too. The KGB Band version is also terrific and Bluesier, with Ray also out front on lead vocal. Check it out if you have not heard it. Love the female back-up singers on both. RIP, Ray, you are missed.
@The Danny6114: Thank you so much for posting this little gem. I had never heard any other rendition of Sail On, Sailor but the (Blondi Chaplin vocals) Beach Boys '73 release. This is a very, very different and quite moving work with nearly all new (to me) vocal section. Makes me wonder what the rest of KGB collaboration was like. Bravo!!!
Steve Hunter ( guitarist with Dick Wagner on those great extended live Lou Reed tracks like Sweet Jane ,etc) did an instrumental version of this on his 1st album, "Swept Away" that's pretty cool
This is great, although I miss the Beach Boys lyrics since I've singed along to them for years!! But the feeling, orchestration and arrangements are top notch! Quite a song! Thanks for Posting
Nice! Grew up with this song in the latter format.....LOVE this version....these words and soulful rendition better match the music.....way to go boys.
Ur not going to believe this, nor believe how good this is, but Wild Honey Orchestra feat Susan Cowsill lay down a superb version of this !!! Susan hits truly climactic notes and changes, and still a cutie too ! Give a listen !
Love the Beach Boys, but this is a far superior to the Beach Boys version - musically and lyrically. One of my favorite songs and gets my vote for most overlooked great song.
+panblancogrande I agree. Much better than the Beach Boys. I'm here because of Mike Bloomfield. I thought the singer was Nick Gravenites of Electric Flag.
Had no idea. In spite of the almost , actually legendary reputation of M.B. and the well known skills of the others, there was almost a bias against this record..it got bad reviews..no radio play..wonder why?
There is also a very good version of this song by Manassas which I can't find on youtube, although they do have a "whole" album by the band on here. Maybe it's somewhere on the album. They did have 2 albums released and they were a very good band, but Stephen Stills got a call from the rest of the guys to come back so they could reform CSN&Y. It's a shame because Manassas were a very, very good band.
Hi Raechel, Yes, it is. KGB's version has been one of my fave tunes since it came out. Tune is now pretty much a treasure lost in time. My earlier comment is below. Jerry Longden GereDJ2 6 months ago (edited) My fave version: This is one of my "Desert Island" songs. To wit: Love the heavy Blues influence and direction, mix and overall arrangement. Certainly an under appreciated classic.
(Ray's version also on TH-cam) Wow! Never heard his solo version of this. Most people are not aware that he wrote this and these are the original lyrics. Its sooo indicative of the 70s. Love the opening string flourish, arrangement and mix, thumpy bass, foot drum and key changes, wow! In fact, you have to listen to it several times to catch it all. And with a voice like that, I can't understand why he wasn't huge. Its a rare recording. Ray had those Brad Pitt sort of good looks, too. The KGB Band version is also terrific and Bluesier, with Ray also out front on lead vocal. Check it out if you have not heard it. Love the female back-up singers on both. RIP, Ray, you are missed.
Poor Bloomfield. Worse decision he ever made. He just was not of that ilk. Although everyone in that band is very gifted and talented Bloomfield just was a Blues man for life. This was not his bag at all. Nevertheless a great song and an amazing vocal back when you had to nail it or die trying. No autotune, no editing, just pure raw talent and soul (which is another thing missing from a lot of music today, not that there isn't great music still, but so much more crap now and mostly written by committee or 8 or more writers!).
Carmine Appice points this band out as the low point in his career. The band may not have worked out, but I’ve always felt it was a good sounding record. I know Bloomfield wanted no part of it right from the start.
@@mqblues This is not the original version. The original version was written by Brian Wilson and Van Dyke Parks. Ray Kennedy slapped his lyrics on at a later date.
Singer/songwriter Ray Kennedy has died, aged 67. A member of Dick Clark’s American Bandstand house band, the multi-instrumentalist hit the road as a touring members of groups led by Dizzy Gillespie, Gene Krupa, Little Richard and Otis Redding. He hit it big in the mid-1960s after signing a deal with Atlantic Records as half of the duo Jon and Ray. Kennedy and partner Jon Misland worked with producers like Phil Spector and Arif Mardin, but failed to release an album. The singer went solo after working with Group Therapy on two late 1960s albums, and found success as a songwriter, working with the likes of the Beach Boys (Sail On, Sailor). He also co-founded KGB with Barry Goldberg and Michael Bloomfield. Kennedy spent the 1980s as a solo artist and session musician, contributing to the music for the 1988 Olympics and touring with Aerosmith and the Michael Schenker Group. He also worked with Englebert Humperdinck, Wayne Newton and Mick Fleetwood - he co-wrote These Strange Times for Fleetwood Mac.
Daniel Perez nice. that's well written..never knew.
Thanks for this. Quite a guy.
According to legend: 1) Van Dyke Parks drew a demo out of Brian after a tortured writing session, 1971; 2) Brian showed the tune to Ray and Tandyn Almer at a party -- Ray writes lyrics; 3) Unknown to either of them, Brian records a backing track during the "Surf's Up" sessions; 4) When the record company is ready to reject "Holland", Parks plays them the demo. The company wants it added to the album;5) Manager Jack Rieley writes new lyrics;6) Depending on whether you believe Steve Desper or not, either Carl, Blondie and Ricky overdub on Brian's track or recut it from scratch. Voila! Thanks for uploading!
trfesok ~ Quite a story. Thx! ✌🏼
Wow. Now it's all clear! Thanks.
Amazing story. Thanks. And thank you Mr. Park for rescuing the song. Impressive that Ray Kennedy should say he's a gospel singer. And the bit about him popping a cough drop for his sore throat in the middle the song, which verges on the tragic, is pure genius.
I believe Billy Hinche also sang on the track
@@otisblueswelljr Yes, and Gerry Beckley from America.
Incredible song and this version from KGB surpasses all others. Classic 70's.
Brian Wilson said Barry should be the only one to sing this song.
My fave version: This is one of my "Desert Island" songs. To wit: Love the heavy Blues influence and direction, mix and overall arrangement. Certainly an under appreciated classic.
(Ray's version also on TH-cam) Wow! Never heard his solo version of this. Most people are not aware that he wrote this and these are the original lyrics. Its sooo indicative of the 70s. Love the opening string flourish, arrangement and mix, thumpy bass, foot drum and key changes, wow! In fact, you have to listen to it several times to catch it all. And with a voice like that, I can't understand why he wasn't huge. Its a rare recording. Ray had those Brad Pitt sort of good looks, too. The KGB Band version is also terrific and Bluesier, with Ray also out front on lead vocal. Check it out if you have not heard it. Love the female back-up singers on both. RIP, Ray, you are missed.
@The Danny6114: Thank you so much for posting this little gem. I had never heard any other rendition of Sail On, Sailor but the (Blondi Chaplin vocals) Beach Boys '73 release. This is a very, very different and quite moving work with nearly all new (to me) vocal section. Makes me wonder what the rest of KGB collaboration was like.
Bravo!!!
Steve Hunter ( guitarist with Dick Wagner on those great extended live Lou Reed tracks like Sweet Jane ,etc) did an instrumental version of this on his 1st album, "Swept Away" that's pretty cool
Always a joy to hear Bloomfield.
This is great, although I miss the Beach Boys lyrics since I've singed along to them for years!! But the feeling, orchestration and arrangements are top notch! Quite a song! Thanks for Posting
This & High Roller are my two favs on this album. Thanks for downloading these.
I still have this album, it one of my very favorites.
Nice! Grew up with this song in the latter format.....LOVE this version....these words and soulful rendition better match the music.....way to go boys.
Quite a song. I rather enjoy this version. Beautifully performed.
Thank you for sharing my friend. :)
wow...this is the best I've heard this song, thank you for sharing it
Check out Ray Charles singin it with Brian and the boys in the 80s...
Helluva version, gospelly, and it works.
ray your the man best version of this song amen111111111
No. you think its the best version of the song !
Great post. This is in my favourite top ten albums as well... nearly worn out the LP, but still love every minute!
Features: Mike Bloomfield, Barry Goldberg, Carmine Appice, Ray Kennedy, Rick Grech... a supergroup that never flew.
And that was not important to Michael.
fantastic! barely recall this song from my youth.
good as I remembered.
SUPER GROUP / SUPER ALBUM , not to be missed!
my top 10 LP of all time
Ray wrote this, Brian, etc changed the lyrics. This is Ray Kennedy. How I miss him❤️
ray did not write a single note of this song, just contributed lyrics.
Have this LP tucked away somewhere....need to dig it out again.
Wow ! Great trivia
I cut my teeth on this album. Thanks for the post.
RIP, Starfire and Mimi will treasure our memories with you ,fun days.Meet you on the other side...
Kennedy also did a version on his solo album. Haven't heard it, though.
It's excellent!
Those were the good old days.
Ur not going to believe this, nor believe how good this is, but Wild Honey Orchestra feat Susan Cowsill lay down a superb version of this !!! Susan hits truly climactic notes and changes, and still a cutie too ! Give a listen !
Thanks for this!
Mine, too! I played the cassette tape until it wouldn't play anymore. Had to purchase the album.
Wow... love the Beach Boys, but this kicks their version to the curb. Love this!
Now that's how you rework a song!
Rip Ray Kennedy..
Knew a local band from buffalo that has been doing this version past 40 yrs. Was wondering where they got the different lyrics .
R.I.P Ray Kennedy...
Love the Beach Boys, but this is a far superior to the Beach Boys version - musically and lyrically. One of my favorite songs and gets my vote for most overlooked great song.
Try listening to other KGB songs, I think you'll find some to your liking!
+panblancogrande I agree. Much better than the Beach Boys. I'm here because of Mike Bloomfield. I thought the singer was Nick Gravenites of Electric Flag.
Barry Goldberg is singing along with Ray Kennedy who co-wrote the song with Brian Wilson.
Had no idea. In spite of the almost , actually legendary reputation of M.B. and the well known skills of the others, there was almost a bias against this record..it got bad reviews..no radio play..wonder why?
I disagree on both fronts.
A very kool tune. I dig it by both KGB and the Beach Boys. I wish there was some righteous Bloomfield soloing, though.
The "B" stood for the legendary guitarist, Michael Bloomfield.
A staple during Carter stagflation when we thought the world had gone to hell in a bucket. What song would best describe these times.
Tried to buy this album on i tunes but no luck, not listed
Americanman049 www.amazon.com/Kgb-KGB/dp/B0007XTNZI/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1428699327&sr=1-1&keywords=KGB
Thanks very much
rip ray
There is also a very good version of this song by Manassas which I can't find on youtube, although they do have a "whole" album by the band on here. Maybe it's somewhere on the album. They did have 2 albums released and they were a very good band, but Stephen Stills got a call from the rest of the guys to come back so they could reform CSN&Y. It's a shame because Manassas were a very, very good band.
I still have this love! Beat The Beach Boys version
Kennedy's version on is own album is a bit more uptempo. Great version btw
HOIST UP THE "JOHN B. SAIL"⛵
Now I recognize a resemblance to "Dudek/Finnegan/Krueger!"
wow! i had this record briefly -- i wonder waht happened to it? y'know, Ray Kennedy did 'Beef" 's vocals in the movie PhANtOM Of thE PARAdiSE....
No soul......its like punching in to go to work!
I used to have this album but very foolishly let it go. I like this lyric better than the Brian Wilson version although his is great too.
Where can I find these KGB records?
Check out KGB - High Roller
DUK, can you upload the solo version?
Isn't that Carmine in the front"
In the yellow? Yep.
Yes!
Hi Raechel, Yes, it is. KGB's version has been one of my fave tunes since it came out. Tune is now pretty much a treasure lost in time. My earlier comment is below. Jerry Longden
GereDJ2
6 months ago (edited)
My fave version: This is one of my "Desert Island" songs. To wit: Love the heavy Blues influence and direction, mix and overall arrangement. Certainly an under appreciated classic.
(Ray's version also on TH-cam) Wow! Never heard his solo version of this. Most people are not aware that he wrote this and these are the original lyrics. Its sooo indicative of the 70s. Love the opening string flourish, arrangement and mix, thumpy bass, foot drum and key changes, wow! In fact, you have to listen to it several times to catch it all. And with a voice like that, I can't understand why he wasn't huge. Its a rare recording. Ray had those Brad Pitt sort of good looks, too. The KGB Band version is also terrific and Bluesier, with Ray also out front on lead vocal. Check it out if you have not heard it. Love the female back-up singers on both. RIP, Ray, you are missed.
Poor Bloomfield. Worse decision he ever made. He just was not of that ilk. Although everyone in that band is very gifted and talented Bloomfield just was a Blues man for life. This was not his bag at all.
Nevertheless a great song and an amazing vocal back when you had to nail it or die trying. No autotune, no editing, just pure raw talent and soul (which is another thing missing from a lot of music today, not that there isn't great music still, but so much more crap now and mostly written by committee or 8 or more writers!).
Carmine Appice points this band out as the low point in his career.
The band may not have worked out, but I’ve always felt it was a good sounding record.
I know Bloomfield wanted no part of it right from the start.
This is painful to listen to, which is why MB blew it off as just a money making endeavor.
gidin ders calisin olmamis
Love the interpretation of the song but the reworked lyrics are horrible
+omeletpants This is the original version featuring co-writer Ray Kennedy on vocals.
+omeletpants Brian Wilson was never known for his lyrical capabilities.
No but listen to his chord and vocal arrangements
@@mqblues This is not the original version. The original version was written by Brian Wilson and Van Dyke Parks. Ray Kennedy slapped his lyrics on at a later date.