Cover versions Compared to What

1 cover versions

1.1 roberta flack
1.2 mccann–harris version
1.3 brian auger

cover versions
roberta flack

flack recorded song 1969 debut album first take , compared first single. flack s manager year mccann. contemporary reviewer suggested singing in fiery rhythmic way reminiscent of throbbing motion heard during congregational singing @ southern baptist churches. flack s version included in 1997 film boogie nights , 2015 film man u.n.c.l.e.

mccann–harris version

mccann , harris had performed earlier @ 1969 montreux jazz festival , agreed play on june 21, 1969, benny bailey (trumpet), leroy vinnegar (bass), , donald dean (drums). song first of mccann–harris set , opens mccann , dean playing together. vinnegar joins in, forming trio states theme. harris (tenor saxophone) enters, complementing mccann s piano , vocals. after 4 verses, bailey has solo, band plays until last verse. followed solos mccann , harris, ending performance. version of song appeared on album swiss movement; single sold on million copies , reached no. 35 on billboard s r&b chart. single appeared on u.s. cash box top 100 2 weeks in january 1970, peak position of no. 96.

the commercial success of mccann–harris version allowed mcdaniels stop singing in night clubs. song later used in soundtrack martin scorsese s 1995 film casino.

brian auger

in 1973 brian auger s oblivion express included cover of song on album closer it. in 1975 band performed song, closing number, @ san francisco s winterland, when band opened fleetwood mac. pastermagazine.com describes performance foot-stomping, full blown funky jazz blowout , adds: auger s bluesy hammond organ licks have timeless appeal , , group s offbeat humor apparent throughout. song included on band s albums live oblivion - 1975, best of brian auger - 1976 , brian auger s obvlivion express - 2005: live @ baked potato.