That's what separates the good from the pedestrian. Dobie did it with seemingly little effort. You see the same thing when people cover Aretha Franklin. Veins sticking out in their neck,faces red.. and they still don't come close to what she did effortlessly
This is simply one of the best songs ever made. Dobie hit this out of the park. It was covered by Uncle Kracker and Dobie also was in the cover version
My first record, bought when I was 12, was a K-Tel album. These were compilations of the day's hits that you could buy off commercials on TV. The last song on that record was "Drift Away", and it's always made me feel nostalgic. It's wonderful to hear a song that says thanks to all the musicians that have inspired the singer; I can't think of another one that I've heard.
I had the privilege of being the drummer in an opening act for the Dobie Gray Band and Wet Willie back around 1979. I always loved that song and to do a show with him was a blast. I’m glad you liked the song. It has some real soul in there 👍👍
great song. I was a wee little one when I first heard this song. I loved when the radio would play this, then Dock of the Bay, then follow it up with rock and roll heaven.
"Drift Away" is a song by Mentor Williams written in 1970 and originally recorded by John Henry Kurtz on his 1972 album Reunion. Mentor Williams was a country songwriter, and John Henry Kurtz was an actor and swamp rock singer. It was later given to soul singer Dobie Gray for whom it became a surprise international hit and the best known version. In 1973 the song became Dobie Gray's biggest hit, peaking at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and certified gold by the RIAA.[3] It was the final pop hit for Decca Records in the United States.
Drift Away" has also been covered by many bands and vocalists around the world. Versions include those of Clarence Carter, Uncle Kracker, Allan Clarke, Roy Orbison, Ike & Tina Turner, Humble Pie, Mud, Jackie DeShannon, Rod Stewart, James Hollis, Waylon Jennings, Ray Charles, the Neville Brothers, Jon Bon Jovi,[27] Copperhead, Christian Kane, the Rolling Stones, the Nylons, Ringo Starr (sharing the lead vocal duties with Tom Petty and Alanis Morissette, with Steven Tyler on the drums),[28] Bruce Springsteen, BoDeans, Judson Spence, Billy Joe Royal, Steve Young and John Kay.[29] Folk singer Tom Rush recorded the song on his album What I Know, released in 2009. The Rolling Stones recorded a cover of the song during the sessions for their It's Only Rock 'n Roll LP in 1974, but it did not appear on the finished album.[30] It was finally given an official release in October 2021 as part of the Tattoo You reissue. The Heptones recorded a reggae version which is included on many compilation CDs. Street Corner Symphony also sang a version of this song as their swan song on the season 2 finale of the NBC series The Sing-Off; that version is arranged by Deke Sharon.[31] Bon Jovi usually played the song live in 1987: a version was recorded as part of a Westwood One radio live series concert. Dolly Parton and Anne Murray performed the song together in 1976 on Parton's variety show Dolly!, though they sang the lyrics of the Felts' version ("I want to get lost in your country song"). Garth Brooks for the 2013 Blue-Eyed Soul album in the Blame It All on My Roots: Five Decades of Influences compilation. Temuera Morrison recorded and included Drift Away in his 2014 debut album Tem.[32] Country music star Lynn Anderson (who was the partner of Mentor Williams, who wrote the song) recorded a gospel version that was rewritten by Williams for her 2015 gospel album, Drift Away, which would become her final album.
An aptly entitled tune as it certainly invoked a drift away feeling everytime I heard it on the radio upon the year of its release in 1973. I was 16 years old then and I used to love this song back in the day....... still do. Dobbie Gray's version of the song hit the billboard top ten in 73, Uncle kracker's version hit the top ten in 2003. I very much preferred Dobbie Gray's version, especially when the strings kicked in creating such a utopic feeling in my mind....... off to la la land! Thanks for reacting to this epic song.
But if you look at what was playing on the radio in 1973 it makes more sense. I’m not knocking this song, because I’ve always loved it, but there was so much incredible music back then that the competition for #1 was insane. I don’t think it’s been like that for decades since. I love seeing younger generations discover songs like this. Real music, for sure.
Yep, you nailed it. Great song. A masterpiece. A classic. A song you immediately get upon your first listen. You summarized it perfectly. A song with such soul, and an amazing vocal performance. This song has never failed to pull me in and put a smile on my face. One of my all time favorites. I love it.
@The Adventures of TNT It was Uncle Kracker, who did the cover version with Dobie Gray actually part of it because of the official video, check out his version dude.
This song has always had an emotional impact on me. Even more so as I’ve gotten older. 🙌🏼 Skynyrd didn’t cover this, but man, now I can’t get that idea out of my head. Ronnie Van Zant from Skynyrd would’ve sounded awesome singing this.
I'm laughing right now because I use to think he was White just like to the folks thought Bobby Cardwell was Black. I didn't do a reaction video but if I had done one it would have looked like something straight out of a cartoon. LOL
The Doobie Bros.Covered this song,and it sounds great. But this one is the best I've heard.I think Bill Withers, Joe Cocker ,even Ray Charles would sound great doing "Drift Away".
Uncle Kracker covered it best. Dobie Gray sings with them on the cover. But the original is THE song that moved me into "Rock" music after growing up in a home with only gospel and country allowed. Rock and heavy metal is all I listen to now.
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
A lot of people have covered this, but no one else has ever been able to capture that genius spark that this version had. . . A true classic
So TRUE 👍👍
That's what separates the good from the pedestrian. Dobie did it with seemingly little effort. You see the same thing when people cover Aretha Franklin. Veins sticking out in their neck,faces red.. and they still don't come close to what she did effortlessly
Agreed. Doby did this song the best by far.
100% agree he's the BEST!
Rolling stones covered it in '74 and finally released it on their tatoo you deluxe reissue couple yrs ago.
This is simply one of the best songs ever made. Dobie hit this out of the park. It was covered by Uncle Kracker and Dobie also was in the cover version
My first record, bought when I was 12, was a K-Tel album. These were compilations of the day's hits that you could buy off commercials on TV. The last song on that record was "Drift Away", and it's always made me feel nostalgic. It's wonderful to hear a song that says thanks to all the musicians that have inspired the singer; I can't think of another one that I've heard.
I had the privilege of being the drummer in an opening act for the Dobie Gray Band and Wet Willie back around 1979. I always loved that song and to do a show with him was a blast. I’m glad you liked the song. It has some real soul in there 👍👍
This is such a classic song still today.
One perfect song.
The wonderful and unique sound of the late, great Dobie Gray. Such a great singer with real and natural soul. RIP Dobie, the one and only.
Dobie Gray is amazing in this song. I wish he had more .
Fishing in the California bay area with this on the small AM radio I had. Man great memories. Thanks brother
Danny....now California is terrible....hope u got out like me! Lol
I grew up with this song on the radio!! 😢 I loved it and even to this day!!!
Love this song
One of the greatest songs of all time ❤️💪
great song. I was a wee little one when I first heard this song. I loved when the radio would play this, then Dock of the Bay, then follow it up with rock and roll heaven.
When this song came on the juke box at the local pub, everybody sang along, I couldnt cause I choked up with tears, it was so magical.
💃💃🍀🍀
I remember when this song was on the radio all of the time. Great memories, great song!
This will always be my favorite version of this song. The vocals are great, but really the guitar. The guitar licks in this song are criminally tasty.
I remember this from High school in the early 70s. When it came on the radio, you had to sing along.
Many have covered. None have matched.
This is one of my favorite songs ever
My all time favorite song ever
this will always be my favorite version.
Dobie Gray is the best.
Great song. Thanks for the memories!
Grew up with this music 🎵 love it.
"Drift Away" is a song by Mentor Williams written in 1970 and originally recorded by John Henry Kurtz on his 1972 album Reunion. Mentor Williams was a country songwriter, and John Henry Kurtz was an actor and swamp rock singer. It was later given to soul singer Dobie Gray for whom it became a surprise international hit and the best known version. In 1973 the song became Dobie Gray's biggest hit, peaking at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and certified gold by the RIAA.[3] It was the final pop hit for Decca Records in the United States.
Mentor was a country boy.
Best thing he did was allow doobie to cover this
One of favorites of all time
"Drift Away" was performed by Dobie Grey...a #1 hit song.
One of the most played on the radio when it came out!! Soooo good!
Drift Away" has also been covered by many bands and vocalists around the world. Versions include those of Clarence Carter, Uncle Kracker, Allan Clarke, Roy Orbison, Ike & Tina Turner, Humble Pie, Mud, Jackie DeShannon, Rod Stewart, James Hollis, Waylon Jennings, Ray Charles, the Neville Brothers, Jon Bon Jovi,[27] Copperhead, Christian Kane, the Rolling Stones, the Nylons, Ringo Starr (sharing the lead vocal duties with Tom Petty and Alanis Morissette, with Steven Tyler on the drums),[28] Bruce Springsteen, BoDeans, Judson Spence, Billy Joe Royal, Steve Young and John Kay.[29] Folk singer Tom Rush recorded the song on his album What I Know, released in 2009.
The Rolling Stones recorded a cover of the song during the sessions for their It's Only Rock 'n Roll LP in 1974, but it did not appear on the finished album.[30] It was finally given an official release in October 2021 as part of the Tattoo You reissue. The Heptones recorded a reggae version which is included on many compilation CDs. Street Corner Symphony also sang a version of this song as their swan song on the season 2 finale of the NBC series The Sing-Off; that version is arranged by Deke Sharon.[31] Bon Jovi usually played the song live in 1987: a version was recorded as part of a Westwood One radio live series concert. Dolly Parton and Anne Murray performed the song together in 1976 on Parton's variety show Dolly!, though they sang the lyrics of the Felts' version ("I want to get lost in your country song").
Garth Brooks for the 2013 Blue-Eyed Soul album in the Blame It All on My Roots: Five Decades of Influences compilation.
Temuera Morrison recorded and included Drift Away in his 2014 debut album Tem.[32]
Country music star Lynn Anderson (who was the partner of Mentor Williams, who wrote the song) recorded a gospel version that was rewritten by Williams for her 2015 gospel album, Drift Away, which would become her final album.
As you said, timeless classic and the first time you listen to it "you instantly get" it.
One of the best songs of all time.
This is a Classic. I know its before your time but it's timeless...and whoever covered it, THERE'S ONLY DOBIE GRAY SINGING THIS SONG "DRIFT AWAY"!
An aptly entitled tune as it certainly invoked a drift away feeling everytime I heard it on the radio upon the year of its release in 1973. I was 16 years old then and I used to love this song back in the day....... still do. Dobbie Gray's version of the song hit the billboard top ten in 73, Uncle kracker's version hit the top ten in 2003. I very much preferred Dobbie Gray's version, especially when the strings kicked in creating such a utopic feeling in my mind....... off to la la land! Thanks for reacting to this epic song.
Grew up on this in the '70's! Loved it and still do!
ROCK ANTHEM!!!! Best version I know of.
A fantastic record by a phenomenal singer. I don’t care who covered it. Dobie Gray was amazing.
Classic and so smooth
Just wanted to drop by and say I love you FAM!!!
It's hard to think this song didn't make #1! It should still be at the top.
But if you look at what was playing on the radio in 1973 it makes more sense. I’m not knocking this song, because I’ve always loved it, but there was so much incredible music back then that the competition for #1 was insane. I don’t think it’s been like that for decades since. I love seeing younger generations discover songs like this. Real music, for sure.
Play this for Tasha.
That combo of an amazing voice and a handclap never fails ! Thanks for your video !
I quote the chorus often . "Give me the best boys and free my soul , I wanna get Lost in your rock n roll and drift away".🙃
My ringtone . Love this song.
Waylon Jennings said in his last concert that this was his favorite recording
Check out Dobie Gray on 'Out on the floor'.
If you ain't dancing while it's playing, you already dead!! 🤣🤣🤣
Great song
Great song!❤
Brilliant song - from 1973
When Uncle Kracken did the cover, Dobie Gray was also doing the Chorus
Yep, you nailed it. Great song. A masterpiece. A classic. A song you immediately get upon your first listen.
You summarized it perfectly.
A song with such soul, and an amazing vocal performance.
This song has never failed to pull me in and put a smile on my face.
One of my all time favorites. I love it.
Hey, just had to say you have the coolest background ever! Thanks! Subscribed!
A timeless tune. Still love it.
@The Adventures of TNT It was Uncle Kracker, who did the cover version with Dobie Gray actually part of it because of the official video, check out his version dude.
Dobie Gray was amazing singer that's why this song has been redone by other bands tryin to make a name!!
This song makes me sad. My dad loved it and it was playing right before he died.
The handful of people from American Idol and The Voice covered this song.
He is the original and nobody is close to this!!!
💚 Dobbie hit this one out of the park 🎉. ~~11•16•23~~
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
This song has always had an emotional impact on me. Even more so as I’ve gotten older. 🙌🏼
Skynyrd didn’t cover this, but man, now I can’t get that idea out of my head. Ronnie Van Zant from Skynyrd would’ve sounded awesome singing this.
Your background is 🔥✌️
My go-to karaoke🎶
Another Dobie Gray song Eddies Song is great too!
I'm laughing right now because I use to think he was White just like to the folks thought Bobby Cardwell was Black. I didn't do a reaction video but if I had done one it would have looked like something straight out of a cartoon. LOL
The Doobie Bros.Covered this song,and it sounds great.
But this one is the best I've heard.I think Bill Withers, Joe Cocker ,even Ray Charles would sound great doing "Drift Away".
So, So, So DID NOT grt the opportunity by the vinyl big wigs to become a headliner.
I know, I come from the one stop world.
Uncle kracker and W Jennings
Allegedly Elvis was offered this song, but heard Dobie’s version and said he could not do any better
Covered by Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, Waylon Jennings, Alanis Morrisett, Tom Petty, to name a few.
Waylon Jennings does an amazing cover of this song.
It don’t matter who covered it it always uncovers itself because you can’t cover geatness
Uncle Kracker covered it best. Dobie Gray sings with them on the cover. But the original is THE song that moved me into "Rock" music after growing up in a home with only gospel and country allowed. Rock and heavy metal is all I listen to now.
Never heard the original, but somehow i noticed that refrain. But this song and voice is amazing🤗
He surely had other great hits, you might try this track “Let Go”, his unique vocals!
Uncle Kracker covered it.
Uncle Kracker covered it with Dobie Gray
i looked this up, and it's been covered by tons of different people/groups, apparently none of them as good as this version, though.
You hit the cover when you said Uncle Kracker.
He had to be singing to Pink Floyd
There was a few who covered it, but nothing good I think early 2000s uncle Kracker did a half decent job, nobody can compete with doobie gray
Uncle Kracker covered it in 2002
Uncle Kracker did a great copy of this but Dobie did it the best
Uncle Kracker ❤
Hey T
Michael Bolton did a very good job covering this song.
Please reacto to numbers on the cars by Riley green
It was covered by Uncle Kracker but the original is best.
Bon Jovi played an almost-accapella version on the Slippery When Wet tour.
ua-cam.com/video/vhYQLHz5GOI/v-deo.html
Were have you been under a rock for 48 yrs
Doobie brothers
That's become an urban myth. The Doobie's never covered Dobie.
Uncle cracker and dobie.
Troglodyte
the fifth element
worcester airport permanent
haleigh gregs tenant
Dobie not doobie
Where’s the new megadeth record? Do you jot listen to thrash anymore?
@Sam I know how to spell “not” asshole. UA-cam comments don’t autocorrect.
Hahahahaha ….. I host a weekly metal stream every Friday at midnight and we play megadeth all the time.