Solomon Burke Covers Stones on New Album

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - R&B heavyweight Solomon Burke, who co-wrote the early Rolling Stones concert staple "Everybody Needs Somebody to Love," has returned the favor by recording the group's soulful ballad "I Got the Blues" for his next album, his spokeswoman said on Wednesday.

The Stax-infused tune, which originally appeared on the 1971 Stones album "Sticky Fingers," joins tracks written by the likes of Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Robbie Robertson and Hank Williams on "Make Do With What You Got."

The Don Was-produced effort will be released in the United States by indie label Shout! Factory on March 1, shortly before Burke's 65th birthday.

Burke's last album, the critically acclaimed "Don't Give Up On Me," was released through Fat Possum Records in 2002. Produced by Joe Henry, it won Burke his first Grammy, for contemporary blues album.

The title track for the new album was written especially for Burke by pianist "Mac" Rebennack (a.k.a. Dr. John).

Both Dylan and Morrison placed songs on "Don't Give Up On Me." This time, Dylan is represented by "What Good Am I?" (from 1989's "Oh Mercy"), while Morrison wrote a new song, "At the Crossroads," and also penned the liner notes.

Burke also covers Robertson's "It Makes No Difference" (from The Band's 1975 album "Northern Lights -- Southern Cross") and Williams' "Wealth Won't Save Your Soul."

Burke sent a half-dozen songs into the top-10 of the R&B charts during the 1960s, including "Cry To Me," "If You Need Me" and the 1965 chart-topper "Got To Get You Off My Mind." An ordained minister, he was almost as well known for siring 21 children and for his entrepreneurial exploits, such as catering his concerts and running a funeral parlor. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001.

Reuters/VNU

If I were around CMJ when his last album came out, it would have been a contender for my #1 that year. I CANNOT WAIT to hear this one.

Loog, have you ever had the opprotunity to see him Live?? He may not be able to move the way he once did(he spends much of his time sitting on a throne) but the man puts on a great show! Almost a religious experience - and this is coming from somebody who isn't religious! You'd better believe that if he tours again that myself and my significant other will be there with bells on!

Unfortunately, no I have not seen him, but in the bonus materials of the Stones Four Flicks DVD, he comes on stage with them in LA and does "Everybody Wants Somebody to Love." There's a commentray too, where Keef talks about the robe Burke has on almost toppling him over when Burke tosses it on him. Fucking classic.

I've missed any opportunity to see Solomon and hope I'm given the chance to before he or I die.

BAh-WAH?!?!?!?!?!?

I wish Joe Henry was producing this too.

I'm a tad skeptical of the Don Was involvement. I don't want it to be too squeaky clean, I guess.

yeah, the production on Don't Give Up was a good part of what sold him to me. it just really allowed his voice to shine, without it being slick. almost sounds like it was recorded at one session, using first takes, etc. and just *nailing* it.

KPH

Yeah, get it right, Donnie. Solomon don't walk no dinosaurs.