Bobbie Gentry > Ode to Billie Joe
Composed by Bobbie Gentry

It’s hard to convey just how big this record was, other than to say it not only prompted Lou to cover it, but also the unlikely likes of King Curtis, Ike Turner, and Buddy Rich!

What Was That? Week #7 
Legends of Country #2
Ballad #40

Lou Donaldson > Ode to Billie Joe
Composed by Bobbie Gentry

“It’s Your Thing” I understand. What else but “Who’s Making Love”? “Say it Loud - I’m Black and I’m Proud” Of course! All perfectly logical Lou covers.

But Ode to Billie Joe?! (And you bet your good gracious butt it’s funky).

What Was That? Week #7 
Legends of Soul Jazz #5 
Legends of the Saxophone #10
Cover #53 

Weather Report > Birdland
Composed by Josef Zawinul

There were some great fusion records, but very few great compositions. But, that’s why even bluegrass virtuosos could cover them.

What Was That? Week #5 
Legends of Fusion #1

Jerry Douglas > Birdland
Composed by Josef Zawinul

It’s probably that I don’t really know this music (just Alison and Jerry, Alison’s dobro player) that I’m so surprised by the bluegrass cover songs.

What Was That? Week #5 
Legends of the Dobro #1
Cover #52 
Legends of Bluegrass #2

The Foundations > Baby, Now That I’ve Found You
Composed by by Tony Macaulay & John MacLeod

Their other hit was much bigger and enduring, but like Alison Krauss I always liked this one best.

What Was That? Week #4

Alison Krauss > Baby, Now That I’ve Found You
Composed by by Tony Macaulay & John MacLeod

Alison’s been extremely shrewd in using Baby Boom cred to establish herself beyond the country world. But, one needs to more than just old to recognize this gem.

What Was That? Week #3
Cover #51
Legends of Bluegrass #1

The Temptations > Get Ready
Composed by Smokey Robinson

Ella (or Norman) picked a good one.

What Was That? Week #2
Legends of Soul #10 
Legends of Songwriting #18

Ella Fitzgerald > Get Ready
Composed by Smokey Robinson

By the end of the 60s the jazzbos were in a complete panic and would cover anything that would seem to make them relevant again. Luckily, the fear would subside within a couple of years and they great could resume being great.

Here’s the original.

What Was That? Week #1
Legends of Swing #3
Cover #50
Legends of Songwriting #18