10 Best Cover Versions Of The Long And Winding Road

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Our 10 Best Cover Versions Of “The Long And Winding Road” looks at some fabulous performances of one of the last great Beatles songs ever released. The song stands near the end of the last released Beatles album, Let It Be, followed only by “For You Blue” and “Get Back.” The song’s lyrics seemed so fitting for that position. The song is one of the most beautiful Beatles songs ever written and recorded. It is one of a handful of Beatles songs that would be accepted in the jazz canon of standards. I first got the idea to write this article when I heard Tony Bennett’s version of the song. It was just so moving it inspired me to search out what other wonderful versions of this song I could find. This one was special.

# 10 – George Benson

We open up our 10 Best Cover Versions Of The Long And Winding Road songs list with the scorching George Benson version. Benson’s version was released on the GRP album The Beatles Tribute: An All-Star Jazz Celebration. The album was released in 1995. Benson stays loyal to the song’s gorgeous melody and arrangement. Of course, he adds his own trademark scat vocals and virtuoso guitar playing that lend an aura of sophistication to his spirited cover version.

# 9 – Peter Frampton

Peter Frampton’s version of the song was recorded for the 1978 film Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band that starred the Bee Gees and Peter Frampton and was directed by Michael Schultz. While the film received horrible reviews, most people probably do not realize how many musicians and bands had cameos in the film.

# 8 – Judy Collins

The extraordinary Judy Collins put her own spirit into the song, making this version truly her own. If anyone understood the sound of the 1960s and where the Beatles were coming from, it would be someone like Judy Collins. She brings it big time to her version. The song was released on the album Judy Collins Sings Lennon and McCartney. The album was released by Wildflower Records in 2007.

# 7 – Diana Ross

Leave it to the talented Diana Ross to release such a fabulous version of the song just six months after the song was initially released. Diana Ross recorded her version in 1970. She released it on her second solo album called Everything Is Everything. The album was released on November 3, 1970. The Let It Be album was released in May of 1970.

# 6 – Four Tops

And speaking of Motown. The Four Tops cut a version of the song in a way that only the Four Tops could have made work. The sound of that funky, soulful James Jamerson bass fuels the groove, while the legendary Four Tops vocals simply captivate the listener. Like Diana’s version, The Four Tops recorded their cover of this Beatles classic the same year the song came out. Their version appeared on the 1970 album Changing Times as a medley with “In These Changing Times.”

# 5 – Maurizio Metalli

I listened to hundreds of versions of “The Long And Winding Road.” So many people have covered the song. At times, it was challenging to put this list together as some I wanted to include sounded too much like other versions I had already picked. As I strolled through page after page of YouTube videos, the multi-screen YouTube video thumbnail of Maurizio Metalli’s video caught my eye. I was pretty taken aback by what I heard. As soon as I heard the man sing, I was reminded of Gino Vannelli. Furthermore, the band sounded so good, and the arrangement was off the charts. These guys were using classy chord substitutions and playing in perfect time and tune. Even more interesting, it seemed to be all done in separate locations. This is really good stuff and incredibly interesting and entertaining to listen to and watch. Nice job, Maurizio; everyone should know your name.

# 4 – Leo Sayer

Leo Sayer had some really big hits during the 1970s. Some may not realize just how brilliant a singer and interpreter he is. He is also a wonderful human being whom I got to know when I interviewed him. His cover of “The Long And Winding Road” defines just how magnificent a singer the man is. He packs a massive emotional punch in this stirring performance. The arrangement is also jaw-dropping. The song was released on the All This and World War II soundtrack released in 1976.

# 3 – Aretha Franklin

Whenever the Queen of Soul covered a song, it was time to stop and take notice. Aretha puts her soulful spin on the Beatles’ classic and takes you on a ride you don’t want to stop. She adds a little gospel feel to it, making this one of our favorite versions we have ever heard. She recorded the song for her album Young, Gifted and Black. It was her eighteenth studio album. It was released in 1972 on Atlantic Records.

# 2 – Ray Charles

As the album title states, it all equals genius when Ray Charles’s vocals meet the Count Basie Orchestra. The version was released on the 2006 album Ray Sings, Basie Swings, which paired archival Ray Charles concert vocals with newly recorded accompaniment by the contemporary Count Basie Orchestra. Of course, when you add songs like “The Long And Winding Road” to the mix, you wind up with something beyond genius. I don’t have a word for it, but if you take a listen, you will know exactly what I am talking about. This one gets better and better throughout the song. The band can swing baby!

# 1 – Tony Bennett

We close out our list of 10 Best Cover Versions of The Long And Winding Road songs with this stunning Tony Bennett version. This one should leave you breathless. If this doesn’t hit you on an emotional level, then it’s time to wake up. The song was released on the album entitled Tony Bennett’s “Something”, named after the George Harrison Beatles song, which he also covered on the album. The album was released on October 14, 1970.