Music Blog

Twofer Tuesday 5.14

The Sicilian Storyteller

Whether solo or with Roxy Music, this is one of the few Bryan Ferry tracks that cracks a wide smile, sending up his jet-set image while celebrating it at the same time. Originally recorded by soul singer Dobie Gray, “The “In” Crowd” often gets confused for a Motown number, thanks to the label’s arranger Gene Page, who gave the single the Motown touch. Before Ferry tackled the tune, Ramsey Lewis Trio recorded a live instrumental version in 1964; later, Cheap Trick performed a cover of Ferry’s cover. Confused yet?

In the US, Gray’s powerful version, complete with brass section, reached #11 on the Hot Rhythm & Blues Singles chart and #13 on the Billboard Hot 100 on February 20, 1965. Outside the US, “The “In” Crowd” went to #25 on the UK Singles Chart and #8 in Canada.

Bryan Ferry’s 1974 singles release reached #13 on the UK Singles Chart. His album cover for “Another Time, Another Place”, which featured “The ‘In’ Crowd”, is one of the coolest in a James Bond kind of way.

By Dobie Gray in 1964, here is the original “The “In” Crowd”.

And this is what it sounded like when Bryan Ferry recorded it.

And just because it’s my post and I can do whatever I like 😄 this is the Ramsey Lewis Trio showing us how to do jazz right.

That’s today’s Twofer Tuesday plus one! Thanks for stopping by!

See you on the flip side. 😎

NAR©2024

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35 thoughts on “Twofer Tuesday 5.14”

  1. Okay Nancy, I had to refer to an expert in this matter. I remember Dobie Grey and Ramsey Lewis versions of the track. However, it seemed to me that there was a version missing. Hence, reaching out to an expert. I called my editor who around during the release of both versions to see what see said. It was interesting, because seemed to remember a version with the Lewis groove, but with lyrics. That’s what I was thinking as well. I searched my collection with no joy, did some googling, no joy. Are you familiar of what we speak of or have finally lost it?

    I was completely surprised by the Byran Ferry cover. I wasn’t ready for that. I enjoyed Roxy Music back in the day, but never really followed his solo stuff. Great post thanks

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    1. Mangus, this may be a case of finally lost it!

      I’ve been searching around and can’t come up with a Ramsey Lewis version with lyrics. I was hoping to find something (even though it doesn’t sound familiar to me) but I came up empty.

      Greatly appreciate your interest in this!

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  12. Maybe because I am English, maybe because he’s so sexy but there’s no competition here….just listen to Ferry’s diction it’s just perfect every syllable 💜💜💜

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