The Soul of Music times Two

by Chiron O'Keefe

YouTube is truly a phenomenon for a dedicated music lover. Not only can I catch beloved videos from the past, my eager eyes feast on concerts I've never imagined could exist. After our very own Joanna D'Angelo introduced me to an unlikely but fabulous pairing of two singers with soul, I thought it a fine idea to highlight some of the more unusual and amazing Musical Duos.

First off, with thanks to Jo, the amazing Boy George and Dionne Warwick, singing a sweet and lovely version of Say A Little Prayer:



I grew up with the sounds of Motown, Chess Records, Atlantic Records, Sun Records and many others. As a child I still remember hunching in front of the family television, thrilling to the dance moves on Soul Train. Speaking of dance moves, Michael Jackson credited the Godfather of Soul as one of his biggest influences. Check out sultry soul singer, Joss Stone sharing the stage with the one and only James Brown doing, It's a Man's World:



On my previous music blog, I shared a video of the unforgettable Janis Joplin. Anyone who's heard this lady rock the house will swear not a singer alive could do her justice. Until now. At a tribute to The Pearl, Joss Stone and Melissa Etheridge capture the heart and soul of Janis:



What singer could share a stage with Janis and do her proud? I'll tell you who, Mr. What's New Pussycat himself, Tom Jones. Stopping by to appear on his show, Janis and Tom rock the house with Raise Your Hand:



Tom continues to sell out concerts and no wonder. That boy can sing! Here's Tom Jones and the Welsh rock band, Stereophonics, playing Mama Told Me Not To Come:



I think now's a good time to introduce some of the more unusual pairings I've come across during many a late night. Pull up your comfy chair, pour your favorite beverage and enjoy the show!

First off, this next video is a must see. I've long been a fan of Paul Simon and like others, believe Graceland is one of his best songs. Most everyone knows he wrote the tune after visiting the estate of Elvis Presley, but when I caught this next performance I found myself wondering if it was an unconscious tribute to one of the greatest balladeers of all time.

Some trivia—a famous example of a National Guitar is the silver dobro. Leading to one of the best lyrics ever: The Mississippi Delta was shining like a National Guitar…

For a special treat, here's Willie Nelson and Paul Simon performing Graceland:



One of the most unique pairings of all time. The infamous Rolling Stones guitarist, Keith Richards singing with the ethereal Norah Jones.

Here's Love Hurts:

Speaking of the Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger is never shy about sharing the stage. Here he rocks the house with The Queen of Rock and Roll, Ms. Tina Turner:



Just recently, I discovered what a busy boy Bruce Springsteen is! Here's Bruce singing Bad Moon Rising with a clearly delighted John Fogerty:

Competing for one of the most distinctive match-ups of all time, Bruce again, this time performing REM's tribute to Andy Kaufman, Man on The Moon, with Michael Stipe:

To wrap up our concert tour, I'm sharing a couple of clips of two prolific and genuinely twisted musicians. I first caught this duo on their HBO show, Flight of the Conchords. Imagine my delight and surprise when YouTube gave me access to the boys performing their songs live in concert! Not only are they flawless in timing and tempo, the songs these two compose will leave you gasping for breath. Please be advised of a Spit-Take Warning and avoid spewing liquids when seized by an uncontrollable urge to guffaw.

Presenting Brett and Jermaine:

Business Time:

The Humans are Dead:


I hope you've enjoyed our musical tour and found at least one video that caught your interest. It's such a pleasure to share the treasures I've encountered over the months. Thanks to YouTube for providing such spectacular performances to a devoted music lover. Till next month!

--Chiron O'Keefe

Motivation for writers each week at The Write Soul: www.chironokeefe.blogspot.com