| from youtube.com |
Percy
Sledge, an internationally acclaimed rhythm and blues vocalist, died today at age 73. Percy, a friend of Jamaica last performed in the island
little more than a year ago. Over twenty-five years ago, The Jamaica Star
(“Star”), a satellite paper of the Jamaica Daily Gleaner conducted a
survey of as to what its readers considered to be the top 100 songs of
all time in Jamaica. To my disappointment but not to my surprise Percy
Sledge’s 1966 golden hit song “When a Man Loves a Woman” sat atop the
other ninety-nine songs that made the cut in the mind of the Star’s
readers.
Disappointed yes, because in my mind songs like
Michael Jackson’s “Ben” Jackie Wilson’s “Lonely Teardrops”, Al Green’s
“Let Stay Together”, Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On”, Johnnie Ace’s
“Pledging My Love” and the Impressions “I Am So Proud of You” to name a
few from the Rock and Roll/Rhythm and Blues genre should sit atop of
“When a Man Loves a Woman” even though it is among my all-time
favorites. In all probability, what the song must have had going for it
at the time of the survey are its lyrics and arrangement that span three
generations of readers.
| from last.fm |
Interestingly, the song is still as
popular today as when it was first released. Even more interesting is
its popularity among music fans born decades after. Today with the
passing of Percy Sledge, sales of “When a Man Loves a Woman” along with
other Percy Sledge hit songs are expected to rise as fans pay tribute to
him.
Other hit songs from Percy Sledge are, “Cover Me”, “Warm
and Tender Love”, “Take Time to Know Her”, “It Tears Me Up’ and “Out
Left Field.” Percy will be missed by his many fans. However, thanks to
technology, his voice lives on.
 |
| from smoothradio.com |
When the news of Percy’s death
broke, Michael Bolton who did a cover version of “When a Man Loves a
Woman” in paying tribute to Percy had this to say about him: "He was an
inspiration as an artist and one of the most gracious human beings. We
sang together. Forever grateful! Love MB."
Percy you played a good inning. Rest in Peace! I extend deepest sympathy to his fans, friends, family and relatives.
Ian Martin
April 14, 2015.
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