The Dixie Hummingbirds

Listen/Download – The Dixie Hummingbirds – She Loves Me Like a Rock MP3

Greetings all.

Since we got the week started with some high quality gospel, I thought I’d bring you another taste of the good (sanctified stuff).

If you are inclined to split hairs, ‘She Loves Me Like a Rock’ is closer to gospel pastiche in its original version, by its composer, a little known commodity by the name of Paul Simon.

Originally appearing on his 1973 LP ‘There Goes Rhymin’ Simon’, ‘She Loves Me Like a Rock’ was a #2 Pop single that year.

Simon’s LP was recorded in a number of different settings, with ‘She Loves Me Like a Rock’ being done in Muscle Shoals, with the Swampers providing instrumental backing and the mighty Dixie Hummingbirds laying on the harmonies.

The tune I bring you today is the Dixie Hummingbirds’ own version of the song, recorded and released later that same year on the Peacock label.

The Dixie Hummingbirds came together in South Carolina 1928, with lead vocalist Ira Tucker joining the group in 1938 at the age of 13 (!?!).

The group eventually moved north to Philadelphia (Ira Tucker was the father of Sundray Tucker, aka Cindy Scott, a name that should be familiar to Northern Soul fans) and went on to become one of the most important gospel groups of the day.

Their recording of ‘She Loves Me Like a Rock’ doesn’t stray that far from Simon’s original, with the marked exception of Ira Tucker’s vocals taking over in the lead spot from Simon’s pleasant, but much less substantial voice.

The Dixie Hummingbirds version of the song was a minor gospel hit, and went on to win a Grammy for the Best Soul Gospel Performance in 1974.

It’s a groovy side, and I hope you dig it.

I’ll see you all on Friday with something funky.

Keep the faith

Larry

 

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Also, the brand new Funky16Corners ‘Keep Calm and Stay Funky’ stickers have arrived! The stickers are 4″ x 3″ and printed on high quality, glossy stock. They are $2.00 each, with free shipping in the US ($2.00 per order shipping outside of the US). Click here to go to the ordering page.

PS Head over to Iron Leg too.

2 Responses to “The Dixie Hummingbirds – She Loves Me Like a Rock”

1. Dennis Roberts says:

   January 10, 2017 at 3:16 pm

   A long time favourite and I just love it. The original was ‘the’ choice until I heard the Dixie Hummingbird’s version.

   Thanks

2. Lynchie says:

   January 12, 2017 at 11:15 am

   Have to agree that the Dixie Hummingbirds’ version is the best.