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Permalink Reply by Marji Makers on November 20, 2010 at 10:08am

Thanks for starting this awesome discussion! That's so neat that the show got you thinking about this stuff...

I also love the Ray version -- it's one of my all time favorite songs ever. Ray P. has quite the special place in my heart!
Let's see… well, Willie also released the song himself in 59, and wouldn't you know it, Marvin Gaye and Arettha both covered the song at different times! (I LOVE how much crossover covering there has been between soul and country songs over the years -- see "do right woman, do wrong man" cored by the Flying Burrito Brohters, "dark end of the street" covered by Porter & Dolly as well as the FBBs, also the band's The Weight covered by Aretha, Ray's "you're the best thing that ever happened to me" covered by Gladys Knight & the Pips… & so much more.)

As far as I know, BB king also covered night life, as well as Julie London, and Elvis too (naturally). This tune is amazing for its versatility -- you can see why it appealed to BB King, it has such a bluesy flavor. And of course Julie jazzed it up, easily!
Amazing. one of the best songs ever written.
What else, guys?
thanks, Johnny!!!

love, marji

Permalink Reply by Johnny O on November 21, 2010 at 10:15pm

With the variety artists you named, Marji, I can see how you came up with "versatility" describing Night Life. And I agree, it has got to be one of the best ever penned. I suspect each one of those singers (and listeners as well) have their unique interpretation of that song.
My own vision of Ray's version is of a quiet loner in a dimly lit, smokey lounge; it is a hot July evening and most people in that part of town are outside enjoying a warm breeze on a boardwalk with one another while he nurses a drink inside and reminisces of yesteryear.
Meanwhile, the version I saw the other night in Ballard was of a musician driven to a life on the bar circuit... music is in his sole and though he may sometimes feel as though he'd like to try his hand at something else, the road is his destiny, the Night Life is his life.
Versatile indeed.