The theme of this week's Mewsic Moves Me blog hop is "unconventional duets," such as country-pop crossover duets, or duets by artists from different genres you wouldn't expect to collaborate together. My choice couldn't have been any easier.
Conway did a lot of duets - of course his partnership with Loretta Lynn is legendary, and he also sang with both of his daughters and a number of other country artists - but only once did he step outside of country music in one of the most powerful musical moments of his long career.
Rhythm, Country & Blues was an album released in 1994 which brought contemporary country and R&B stars together to sing duets on songs from the two genres. Conway was paired up with Sam Moore from the soul duo Sam and Dave to cover Brook Benton’s ”Rainy Night in Georgia.”
It was recorded, and its accompanying video shot, on May 3, 1993, while ironically it was pouring rain outside. No one could have guessed that it would end up being Conway's last time in the studio. He passed away on June 5th.
Listening to this song and watching the video - even after all these years - still gives me chills and brings tears to my eyes. He looked and sounded so amazing right up until the end. I've read that Sam Moore was completely enamored by Conway and honored by the opportunity to work with such a legend (just watch his facial expressions while Conway is singing). The two hit it off immediately like they'd known each other for years and even discussed working together again in the future.
If only...
Conway did a lot of duets - of course his partnership with Loretta Lynn is legendary, and he also sang with both of his daughters and a number of other country artists - but only once did he step outside of country music in one of the most powerful musical moments of his long career.
Rhythm, Country & Blues was an album released in 1994 which brought contemporary country and R&B stars together to sing duets on songs from the two genres. Conway was paired up with Sam Moore from the soul duo Sam and Dave to cover Brook Benton’s ”Rainy Night in Georgia.”
It was recorded, and its accompanying video shot, on May 3, 1993, while ironically it was pouring rain outside. No one could have guessed that it would end up being Conway's last time in the studio. He passed away on June 5th.
Listening to this song and watching the video - even after all these years - still gives me chills and brings tears to my eyes. He looked and sounded so amazing right up until the end. I've read that Sam Moore was completely enamored by Conway and honored by the opportunity to work with such a legend (just watch his facial expressions while Conway is singing). The two hit it off immediately like they'd known each other for years and even discussed working together again in the future.
If only...
If anyone is interested in learning more about the project as a whole, PBS produced a documentary featuring interviews and the history behind everyone involved. (Conway & Sam Moore's segment begins at 33 minutes in...)
Love it! Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteWow, that duet was amazing! My human loved it.
ReplyDeleteNice! They definitely enjoyed singing together.
ReplyDeleteVery nice duets. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAwesome choices, Melissa!! I enjoyed both of them very much! :) Thanks so much for the dance - have a great week! :)
ReplyDeleteExcellent job on the pairings! These were great.
ReplyDeleteWow, I had no idea that Sam Moore sang a duet with Conway. I'm learning so many new things with these musical Mondays!
ReplyDeleteSam Moore sang a duet with Conway Twitty? NO WAY, but I guess it happened... DANG! Great job here for sure! You've rocked the house! Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteOh, wow! This was totally new to me, and such an amazing song. I'm definitely adding this album to my collection, because I know the other collaborations are no doubt incredible as well. I can just hear this on the Hi-Tone stereo speakers....
ReplyDeleteKim
LOVED the duet! I had not heard it before -thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHow sad Conway Twitty passed so soon after recording this. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteMelissa,
ReplyDeleteWOW, that’s beautiful! This is nee-to-me. The dynamic duo did a furtastic job! Thanks for sharing & boogieing with the the 4M gang!
Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteTW once saw Sam & Dave in concern. I think they opened for David JoHansson.
ReplyDeleteI'm not the hugest Conway Twitty fan but the chemistry between him and Sam Moore, especially in the last minute of the video, was so amazing and they both did a fantastic job on the music (singing and instrumentation) Nicely done! Alana ramblinwitham.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteWow Melissa, that was one incredible duet! Conway Twitty's voice gets me every time. I loved seeing the "love" and the interaction between those two greats. They obviously had great respect for one another.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing that PBS special too! Good stuff!
Have a great weekend,
Michele at Angels Bark