Chris Isaak, "Wicked Game" on Letterman, March 27, 1991 (full, stereo)

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  • Опубліковано 12 гру 2018
  • "Wicked Game" was a sleeper hit, released two years before it gained huge traction thanks to its inclusion in the film "Wild at Heart."
    Previously uploaded by others, but this version is in glorious stereo. With James Wilsey on guitar and Kenny Johnson singing backup vocal.
    Plus a second segment chatting with Dave.

КОМЕНТАРІ • 212

  • @yogoombah2356
    @yogoombah2356 Рік тому +126

    Given it was the talents of J.C. Wilsey who came up with the iconic haunting guitar riff of "Wicked Game", you can say the song wouldn't be the same without James.
    Rest In Peace... 💔James Calvin Wilsey 🎸(July 21, 1957 - Dec 24, 2018)

    • @cripmeister9104
      @cripmeister9104 9 місяців тому +5

      No Wilsey no Isaak as we know him

    • @jn8173
      @jn8173 9 місяців тому +4

      This was just yesterday to me. I was stupid to let so much time pass unnoticed. I was 30 when they sang this on DL.

    • @surfwriter8461
      @surfwriter8461 8 місяців тому +10

      Yes, I give a lot of credit to Wilsey. As a producer of Isaak's records said, Wilsey's greatest talent was in creating "atmosphere" with his sound, not just a guitar player per se. That tremolo sound he gets is so moody and rich. Others have used a similar sound, dating back to Hank Marvin, surf music and more, and Mark Knopfler has used it to great effect over the years.

    • @ScottWDoyle
      @ScottWDoyle 6 місяців тому +3

      Cal's contributions to this song (and to all of Isaak's early work) is so essential it's almost like he should be credited as a co-writer.

    • @obliviousdude9437
      @obliviousdude9437 4 місяці тому +1

      Poor Jimmy. He met a bad, undeserved end.

  • @MilesBellas
    @MilesBellas 5 років тому +278

    James Calvin Wilsey on guitar.

    • @ShadDennis
      @ShadDennis 3 роки тому +51

      One of the most hauntingly beautiful lead guitar parts ever recorded. It's.so.perfect. 😢

    • @chrish8903
      @chrish8903 2 роки тому +22

      The best two note guitar signature ever.

    • @ALLfemalesLiecheatnsteal
      @ALLfemalesLiecheatnsteal 2 роки тому +8

      One of the best ever❤️❤️❤️♥️♥️

    • @raxanci
      @raxanci Рік тому +7

      He was a cowboy

    • @kb9788
      @kb9788 Рік тому +5

      He was an incredible player!

  • @raupp300
    @raupp300 Місяць тому +5

    I never dreamed that I meet somebody like you, and I never dreamed that I. would lose somebody like you. That pretty much says it all.
    Heartbreaking

  • @Candyskin69
    @Candyskin69 3 роки тому +190

    The wonderful James Wilsey. Always remembered.

    • @danielrn133
      @danielrn133 2 роки тому +4

      The best. Along with Danny Gatton as far as just magic on the guitar.

    • @tyronnebiggums629
      @tyronnebiggums629 Рік тому +1

      RIP

    • @jfkesq
      @jfkesq Рік тому

      such a great sound

    • @podunkcitizen2562
      @podunkcitizen2562 10 місяців тому

      BTW, Herb was great in Othello, riveting!

    • @thatthingyoudo279
      @thatthingyoudo279 8 місяців тому

      His subtlety on the frets spoke volumes and made the song. His presence was too underrated in this video. ❤

  • @trustinsynchronicity
    @trustinsynchronicity 5 місяців тому +12

    The Elvis that lives on after being in God's laboratory/ repair shop. Came onto earth in the form of Chris Isaak.🙏

  • @timothyoconnell4189
    @timothyoconnell4189 Рік тому +37

    One of my favorite songs.. My favorite version with James on guitar. So early. So pure. It's like they knew they had a hit, but didn't realize it would be a classic thirty years later.

  • @baroqueguitarist5673
    @baroqueguitarist5673 3 роки тому +134

    Roy Orbison is so unique I figured it impossible to confuse him with anyone. I stand corrected Chris Isakk is the closest I've ever heard to Roy Orbison. Absolutely amazing singer

    • @chanj1950
      @chanj1950 3 роки тому +14

      He acknowledges Roy Orbison as his inspiration.

    • @j_freed
      @j_freed 2 роки тому +7

      That’s really interesting, I think the music of Chris has so much of a darker vibe. Orbison songs have a kind of innocence to them even if they are a little dark. Roy is the dreamer, Chris lives in a nightmare. Obviously Roy had a much richer voice, but I can see the influence.

    • @anotherone7785
      @anotherone7785 Рік тому +2

      I totally agree. Was trying to find this song. I described it as "an older slow classic rock. The singer has a deep voice. Kind of sounds like Jim Morrison. The chorus goes oh iiii" lol he got it pretty much right way

    • @alexdzikas1216
      @alexdzikas1216 Рік тому +3

      Check out the videos "The Mavericks - SHould have been True" - Raul Malo's voice is still amazing to this day. I've always considered him and Chris Isaak to be th closest to Orbison.

    • @bradhuskers
      @bradhuskers Рік тому +2

      @@j_freed
      Orbison had a "one trick pony" voice.
      Elvis's chameleon voice was light years more diverse.

  • @m6h24
    @m6h24 3 роки тому +117

    So much emotion on the guitar tone, some may search all their life for such haunting tone. It comes from life’s experiences: hurt, pain, sorrow, joy, love and loss of love. Rip James Wisley. See you in guitar heaven!

    • @tommythompsonsurfer
      @tommythompsonsurfer 2 роки тому +3

      VERY MISS JAMES..HE WAS ISSAQC GREAT GROUP

    • @howlingwaters2741
      @howlingwaters2741 2 роки тому

      @M6 H2 - and inspiration from Roy Orbison😎🎸🎶

    • @sketchyold
      @sketchyold 2 роки тому

      Okay 🙄

    • @elisatrygar6481
      @elisatrygar6481 Рік тому +3

      The guitar crys through its strings

    • @bradhuskers
      @bradhuskers Рік тому

      @@howlingwaters2741
      Roy had a "one trick pony" voice.
      Elvis's chameleon voice was light years more diverse

  • @duster413
    @duster413 Рік тому +30

    James Calvin Wilsey was an exceptional stylist in his playing. A great loss.

  • @BrandonGavin_EDC
    @BrandonGavin_EDC 9 місяців тому +15

    He reminds me of Elvis so much.

    • @Luke.
      @Luke. День тому

      Yeah that's pretty much the whole point. Chris loves Elvis, Roy Robinson and 1950s rockabilly and thus even styles his hair the same way!

  • @ZLLi661
    @ZLLi661 2 дні тому

    Finally saw this guy a month ago while visiting Australia. I've been wanting to see him since 1991. I'm saving up to go stalk him, I mean see him, in the USA or wherever I can again. Love his music and he is a great entertainer.

  • @FD-tu9rt
    @FD-tu9rt Рік тому +5

    Good golly I Love this guy !!!!! Chris Isaak is another American Treasure.......40 years into it and still sounds and looks incredible ! This one example is why music was sooooooo good and clearly isn't anymore. Maybe it's because everything's been done already or possibly that the taste of the average citizen is in the "toilet" ! Thank God we have his awesome catalog of music to enjoy. 👍👍👍

  • @ClueSign
    @ClueSign 5 років тому +46

    RIP Jimmy Wilsey

  • @Formula1_Junkie
    @Formula1_Junkie Рік тому +16

    Beyond tragic about JCW. He was such a talented guitarist. Long Live the King of Slow!

  • @deborahschwartz7623
    @deborahschwartz7623 Рік тому +8

    Thank you to James Wilsey, RIP.

  • @roundandsquareful
    @roundandsquareful Рік тому +28

    I love Christ Isaac's voice. Great voice, haunting song.

  • @victoriacaldwell734
    @victoriacaldwell734 5 років тому +34

    RIP dear James.

  • @luish777
    @luish777 Рік тому +15

    It's got to be in the conversation top 25 songs all time imo

  • @db5837
    @db5837 6 місяців тому +3

    This remarkable song has since developed a life of its own with so many covers, especially in recent years with young women singing it on the many talent shows. That guitar backing has become indelible in music history.

  • @samspade8612
    @samspade8612 Рік тому +35

    Wicked Game is a masterpiece. Great live version & interview.

  • @cpsfinancial
    @cpsfinancial 5 місяців тому +4

    I saw him perform this last night (11/30/23). Great entertainer.

  • @cassbellydance
    @cassbellydance 2 місяці тому +1

    What an excellent band! Chris has the most beautiful voice and that guitarist matches Chris’s voice. The backup singer was amazing too. The pianist just made it!

  • @herbertvonzinderneuf8547
    @herbertvonzinderneuf8547 3 роки тому +71

    Wilsey really should have had a co-credit on both writing and performing on this.

    • @Mindboggle100
      @Mindboggle100 Рік тому +3

      100% agree, sadly he didn't earn nearly as much from his time with The Silvertone's, as he surely deserved.

  • @22RosesGrow
    @22RosesGrow 5 місяців тому +1

    I remember this, when it aired. Letterman days. Love his retro sound. Missed his concert a few times now. One day, man. He has a lot of good music.

  • @TruthNJustice33
    @TruthNJustice33 Рік тому +9

    My God, what a beautiful voice ⁉️⁉️ I am just drooling listening to the (wicked Game) and watching him. I don't know if it is a part of his acting experience, or his reel personality, but he certainly, puts some real wicked passion to his singing.❤❤❤

  • @eddievongrape2177
    @eddievongrape2177 Рік тому +25

    Unbelievable guitar playing. Absolutely sublime 🙏🙏🎸

  • @hightowerTB303
    @hightowerTB303 4 місяці тому +2

    Thanks for uploading this time document of better TV and music! 🍻
    This song is timeless and Chris' beautiful and distinctive voice is carried by the virtuoso and unmistakable guitar playing of James Calvin Wilsey (RIP)

  • @henry-lee-music
    @henry-lee-music 11 місяців тому +6

    Chris Isaak's the man, you know it.

  • @cindyjean3208
    @cindyjean3208 5 років тому +27

    What a handsome man...

    • @texasoilfields
      @texasoilfields Рік тому +1

      That face, and that voice. Wtf!!!! Unfairly divided;)

  • @keithshowell6688
    @keithshowell6688 3 роки тому +17

    The word most of you are looking for: "Timeless"

  • @ricbob9651
    @ricbob9651 3 роки тому +24

    Wow he's such a genuinely nice a decent guy

  • @CachanillaFFM
    @CachanillaFFM Рік тому +12

    What a time that was...best music 🎸🎸🎸

  • @Louis.R
    @Louis.R 5 років тому +18

    RIP J.C. Wilsey

  • @SirButterlegs
    @SirButterlegs 5 місяців тому +5

    This song is so spooky and ethereal, love it to death.

  • @Babaliciouss1
    @Babaliciouss1 Рік тому +12

    Gorgeous voice, gorgeous man!

  • @fredchatham6680
    @fredchatham6680 2 роки тому +22

    So hauntingly beautiful.

  • @gsastuto2885
    @gsastuto2885 2 роки тому +10

    RIP JCW always remembered

  • @zamiadams4343
    @zamiadams4343 Рік тому +14

    Absolute GOLD, absolute classic performance.

  • @RealRosieRuiz
    @RealRosieRuiz 5 років тому +37

    RIP jimmy Wilsey

  • @RockandRoll999
    @RockandRoll999 12 днів тому

    Chris Isaak is best thing that came out of the 80s

  • @redrocks1983
    @redrocks1983 Рік тому +5

    Hypnotic and transfixing...♥️

  • @OvernightDrive
    @OvernightDrive 11 місяців тому +2

    James Wilsey forever.

  • @smilingontime
    @smilingontime 5 років тому +27

    The guitar player died a few days ago. R.i.p.

  • @friendofthelowly
    @friendofthelowly Рік тому +7

    Ahead of his time and a blast from the past at the same time

    • @AR-mu4zq
      @AR-mu4zq 11 місяців тому +1

      Love this comment

    • @SelmaSeltsam
      @SelmaSeltsam 7 днів тому +1

      And you found the nicest words. Perfect.

  • @mariekeromp7615
    @mariekeromp7615 5 місяців тому +3

    James Calvin Wilsey❤💔

  • @ernestodiaz3984
    @ernestodiaz3984 5 років тому +10

    Don you make my day many of this clip I've never seen thank you

  • @lsr69wontquit64
    @lsr69wontquit64 2 роки тому +11

    His voice is incredible but this song ramps it up!

  • @maire454
    @maire454 5 років тому +9

    THANK YOU. My favourite Chris Isaak song from my favourite Lynch film. : )

  • @shawnosborn8887
    @shawnosborn8887 20 годин тому

    I love Chris's hair dude.

  • @omarvasquez445
    @omarvasquez445 7 місяців тому +2

    I remember when CDs were packaged this way 💿📀

  • @finnibertlunchiken7792
    @finnibertlunchiken7792 5 років тому +30

    Love Isaak's music and loved his MTV show. The guy just happens to be a great all around entertainer. He's funny and has good sensibilities. I can understand why he got random calls to do stuff. I think he had a talk/music show briefly if Im not mistaken.

    • @mimlo7534
      @mimlo7534 Рік тому +2

      Talented, easy on the eyes, and seems to be a decent, modest human being. 🌷

    • @SelmaSeltsam
      @SelmaSeltsam 7 днів тому

      ... and his own sitcom. Funny, nice to watch and full of fine music.

  • @trudiedaniel9977
    @trudiedaniel9977 3 місяці тому +1

    I love this man!

  • @MaraSantos-ov3qv
    @MaraSantos-ov3qv Рік тому +5

    Que homem lindo,que voz maravilhosa ❤❤

  • @CiciHylo
    @CiciHylo 3 роки тому +6

    Love him😍I was born on 27th march 91 too lol

    • @SXI96
      @SXI96 2 роки тому +1

      So you're into older men?.. nice haha ;l

    • @CiciHylo
      @CiciHylo 4 місяці тому

      😂😂haha it's a top tune mate

  • @bamadave83
    @bamadave83 Рік тому +2

    lol at the introduction. Such a beautiful song.

  • @Mr.S369
    @Mr.S369 Місяць тому

    Seems like a wonderful chap!

  • @DennisGardner-oo8ek
    @DennisGardner-oo8ek 6 місяців тому +1

    Top tune I was 21 1991 unbelievable

  • @CindiLeach
    @CindiLeach Рік тому +2

    Stockton is right down the river from sacramento, ca!

  • @thomasboren3580
    @thomasboren3580 3 місяці тому +1

    I’ve always paid attention to guitar player looking back at the keyboard every time I’ve seen a live video of this song , figure it out about how the sound is made

  • @beholdpalehorse
    @beholdpalehorse 3 роки тому +7

    "Swat Team Leader - Chris Isaak" haha! What an intro Dave!

    • @wowihaveachannel4862
      @wowihaveachannel4862 Рік тому

      I never knew that was Chris Issac in silence of the lambs until now!

  • @talleslee5704
    @talleslee5704 9 місяців тому +3

    the 90's, last time of the real world

  • @benjaminsarmiento-ny3hk
    @benjaminsarmiento-ny3hk 10 місяців тому +2

    excelent. a. good. job. ✌🏼

  • @chrisames2795
    @chrisames2795 11 місяців тому +5

    James Calvin the original. Saw them perform in San Francisco dozens of times at Club Nine , the I Beam, the Sone, Nightbreak, and Calvin was always on his left.

    • @obionekenobi7401
      @obionekenobi7401 5 місяців тому

      The I beam….nice “old school” memory!!!

  • @batesmin
    @batesmin 5 років тому +6

    Thank you Don!

  • @Jesoteric
    @Jesoteric Місяць тому +1

    Love the suit

  • @jermainesimpson834
    @jermainesimpson834 7 місяців тому +1

    The golden age of love music

  • @waltraud734
    @waltraud734 2 роки тому +3

    Real,something beautiful 😍 him and his Song + guitarplaying

  • @omarvasquez445
    @omarvasquez445 7 місяців тому +2

    Chris Isaak is the coolest 🕶

  • @jbr600
    @jbr600 2 роки тому +3

    What a Sweet Man🤩😍👍

  • @Howoldareweanywayyipes
    @Howoldareweanywayyipes 2 роки тому +6

    The greatest song...

  • @carolynstewart8465
    @carolynstewart8465 6 місяців тому +3

    Eat your heart out Elvis!😮

  • @hugotyson308
    @hugotyson308 Рік тому +3

    For an American ,Letterman was actually cool.Isaaks song was always good !

    • @AR-mu4zq
      @AR-mu4zq 11 місяців тому +1

      Americans invented cool ;)

  • @jedward5155
    @jedward5155 3 місяці тому +1

    Look at that handsome bastard.

  • @rickhocks2616
    @rickhocks2616 Рік тому +7

    I second Candyskin69’s emotion - Jimmy Wilsey guitar really made that song and was reason the song got into David Lynch’s movie … Nothing against Chris Isaak … I sensed a lot of tension between those two when I saw them live in 1991 … I didn’t know the half of it … RIP JIMMY WILSEY

    • @Spacejuno
      @Spacejuno 8 місяців тому +2

      Yeah I’m sure the voice had nothing to with it ? Or the lyrics to get into a scene ? I mean i get that James maybe dindt get the credit and y’all feel to overcompensate for that but the song is the song is the song… what makes the song is all it’s components and yes the riff is a great part of the song but if it’s only the riff it’s not the same.

    • @Candyskin69
      @Candyskin69 8 місяців тому

      Yes, I saw them in 1991 and got the feeling that Jimmy was being marginalised compared to previous times.

    • @SelmaSeltsam
      @SelmaSeltsam 7 днів тому

      @@Candyskin69 Unfortunately Jimmy was doing drugs. Chris didn't like it.

  • @bigcatdaddy76016
    @bigcatdaddy76016 3 роки тому +19

    His drummer is singing backup vocals instead of hitting the skins.....James' demons are gone now, Never forget him.

  • @johnnybraggs6914
    @johnnybraggs6914 Місяць тому

    He was the coolest in his time

  • @ClarksonFisherIII
    @ClarksonFisherIII 5 років тому +21

    Elvis + Morrissey = Chris Isaak

  • @janemars5225
    @janemars5225 Рік тому +1

    He has a fabulous nose. I mean this is one of my favourite songs from a life of listening to some very good songs. So there's that. But the nose.

  • @primtones
    @primtones Рік тому +1

    Feels like a number from the Roadhouse in Twin Peaks.

  • @Mindboggle100
    @Mindboggle100 Рік тому +6

    Full disclosure, I'm a mere guitar hack... BUT, am I not correct in thinking James plays, Wicked Game, very differently than the later Hershel versions?? Totally respect them both, but James was the sound of early Isaak albums!

    • @zac3392
      @zac3392 Рік тому +7

      Yeah simple part, but no one ever played it as well as JC… RIP

  • @OutRAjious
    @OutRAjious 2 роки тому +7

    bizarrely he got better as he got older …

  • @orlikjungen1
    @orlikjungen1 2 місяці тому +2

    James Calvin Wilsey

  • @moconnorduber1787
    @moconnorduber1787 2 роки тому +1

    Love him

  • @Ac0ustics0ul
    @Ac0ustics0ul 3 роки тому +9

    I noticed in all the live performances I've heard. he changes the lyric '' make foolish people do'' to ' 'make foolish lovers do '' Not sure why, 'people' rolls off better in the delivery.. whatever lol

  • @areyoutheregoditsmedave
    @areyoutheregoditsmedave Рік тому

    chris issak and the diaz brothers. stockton cali baby!!

  • @thegrimyeaper
    @thegrimyeaper 5 років тому +12

    "It pays to be listed."

    • @handle433
      @handle433 2 роки тому

      Hey, what does listed mean?

    • @bradss1000
      @bradss1000 Рік тому

      @@handle433 Listed in the white pages. There used to be this thing called a “phone book”, it had white pages; everyone’s phone number and even their address too, and yellow pages; all businesses in town or county.

  • @user-lo2nk4re1y
    @user-lo2nk4re1y 8 місяців тому

    Молодость, ностальгия!

  • @rjpaquet
    @rjpaquet Рік тому +1

    That’s his drummer Kenney Dale Johnson singing backup.

  • @robharding4028
    @robharding4028 2 роки тому

    Top man !

  • @71fluffdaddy
    @71fluffdaddy 2 роки тому

    Can’t believe this was 1991 I swore it was later like 1996 damn I was in my first year in college.

  • @bradspicks
    @bradspicks Рік тому +1

    Killer audio quality! ....... but glitches

  • @1230daniellepeterson
    @1230daniellepeterson Рік тому

    Classic.......

  • @damienmartin1403
    @damienmartin1403 3 роки тому +3

    Haunting. That is all..

  • @taylormach1699
    @taylormach1699 6 місяців тому +2

    Great singer and song, the guitar riff will last.

  • @CindiLeach
    @CindiLeach Рік тому

    I miss you David!

  • @kanealson5200
    @kanealson5200 4 роки тому +7

    Don would you happen to have Chris Isaaks first appearance on Letterman from aug 14th 1987. Id love to see that, or hell all of his Letterman appearances. The guy besides being musically talented happens to be entertaining and really funny.

    • @dongiller
      @dongiller  4 роки тому +2

      I have every LN and LS. Just home from eye surgery, so it’ll be a while.

    • @funhistory
      @funhistory 4 роки тому

      His '87 Letterman appearance includes "Blue Hotel" & is on another YT channel, but the audio's very poor. Would be cool to hear it with better audio (like this one by Don Giller).

    • @modernchair7692
      @modernchair7692 4 роки тому

      ua-cam.com/video/tLdRM_8k8Q4/v-deo.html

  • @spuzzlightyeartoo
    @spuzzlightyeartoo 5 років тому +3

    Great stuff! Is that the only time he played Letterman?
    Also, noticed BarbaraGaines all in one word in the credits.

    • @spuzzlightyeartoo
      @spuzzlightyeartoo 5 років тому

      Oops! Someone mentioned that Gaines "flub" already!

  • @fredchatham6680
    @fredchatham6680 2 роки тому +2

    I'd not heard he passed. I saw a televised Chris Isaak concert, the guitarist looked like Newman wearing a goatee from Seinfeld show. I'm trying to find a pic somewhere of whoever it was.

    • @horseman942
      @horseman942 2 роки тому +3

      You saw Hershel Yatovitz who is his current guitarist and is very much alive.

    • @fredchatham6680
      @fredchatham6680 2 роки тому

      Thanks.

  • @AS-qk3we
    @AS-qk3we 3 роки тому +1

    🎶🎶💕

  • @edgreen8140
    @edgreen8140 Рік тому +3

    Sounds a little like Orbison . Where's Lana?