10 More Moving Songs

Al Green, Dusty Springfield, Etta James, The Hollies and Simply Red are household names, but how many of you know, or remember, Ruby Winters, Dorothy Moore, Fern Kinney, Vaya Con Dios or Deniece Williams?

Here are 10 great songs, by 10 incredibly talented artists.

Unlike some of the performances in my previous Hub, 10 Moving Songs, there is no high drama here. These are simply sung with a soulfulness that raises goose bumps.

Assembling this Hub, I seem to have spent more time playing the music than writing. Take a listen, and you'll realise why.

Recorded in 1969, 'I'd Rather Go Blind' reached #23 in the US Pop Charts for Etta James, and has become a soul and blues classic.

The song was released in the same year for the UK market by the band Chicken Shack, charting at #14. Listening to that version, the word 'insipid' seemed to float into my mind.

There are covers by various artists, including BB King, Rod Stewart and Beyoncé, but nobody does it better than Etta.

At the bottom of this Hub, you'll find my own Rendition of 'I'd Rather Go Blind'

'I Will' climbed high in the UK Charts in 1977, becoming a surprise hit for US vocalist Ruby Winters, who had previously experienced only minor successes.

In the early 60s, the song was a hit for Skeeter Davis, Vic Dana and Billy Fury.

Researching this article, I listened to every Ruby Winters recording I could find. All are breathtaking. A pity Ms Winters, a huge talent, never received more acclaim for her work and is hardly remembered.

Written in 1966, 'Misty Blue' has been performed by a multitude of artists, ranging from Billy Jo Spears to Mary J. Blige.

In one take, Dorothy Moore recorded this version in 1973. In 1976 it reached #3 in the US Pop Charts, and #5 in the UK.

Look out for more of Dorothy Moore. Like Ruby Winters, all her work is excellent and should never be forgotten. It's the kind of talent that sends shivers down the spine.

I asked a friend what she thought about this song. Without a pause for thought, she said, 'It's downright sexy.'

Yes, it's mellow, sensual, erotic, intimate and, just as its title suggests, simply beautiful.

Written in 1972 by Al Green for the album 'I'm Still in Love With You', he re-recorded it in 2004 as a duet with Queen Latifah -- also worth a listen, but this original remains my favourite.

The single was flipped after British DJs picked up on this B-side to 'Baby, Let Me Kiss You'. Subsequently, 'Together We are Beautiful' reached #1 in the UK Charts in March, 1980.

During the 60s, Ms Kinney worked with Dorothy Moore in the group, The Poppies. You can see a video of them singing 'Lullaby of Love' at the very bottom of this Hub, if you're interested..

Since 'Together We are Beautiful', Fern Kinney has accomplished fame as a 'one hit wonder'. A great shame, considering her outstanding and unusual voice.

This was first recorded by Neil Diamond in 1969, but first released by the British band, The Hollies, in the same year.

This version positioned high in both the UK and US Charts, and features Elton John on piano.

The Hollies always produced an impeccable sound, but this is, in my opinion, the most moving of their songs.

'The Air That I Breathe' was originally recorded by The Everly Brother's, and was The Hollies' last major hit in 1974.

This version, by Britain's Simply Red, became an international hit in 1998.

Mick Hucknall does an excellent job on vocals, enhancing the song's overall sensual, laid-back sound.

Recorded in 1974 and released in 1975, 'Free' by Deniece Williams hit the charts in 1977,reaching #25 in the US, and #1 in the UK.

Deniece has a vocal range of four octaves, which keep this otherwise monotonous song interesting throughout its entire six minute play time. The effect is hypnotic.

Even by today's standards, this is a very sophisticated sound.

This Belgian band is practically unknown outside of Continental Europe.

'What's a Woman' reached #1 in the Netherlands in 1990, and is Vaya Con Dios' biggest hit to date.

The song was re-recorded in 2006 as a duet with Aaron Neville.

Vaya Con Dios make a great sound, and Dani Klein is truly a world-class vocalist.

A massive international hit for the late Dusty Springfield in 1969.

Aretha Franklin was originally offered this song, but declined. Her mind was soon changed once she'd heard Dusty's fabulous rendition, and recorded it in 1970.

'Son of a Preacher Man' certainly helped earn Dusty the well deserved reputation as one of the greatest soul singers Britain has ever produced.

 I hope these ten songs have done the same for you as they do for me.

Thank you for reading, and for listening!