Delaney & Bonnie - Groupie (Superstar)

Husband-and-wife duo Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett were among the foremost proponents of blue-eyed soul in the 1960s and '70s. They're famous for luring Eric Clapton into their midst and influencing the direction of his solo work, but their own legacy stands up well beyond that. Delaney & Bonnie operated in a time when the boundaries of music were bursting open, and their sound is an organic mix of rock, blues, soul, gospel, and country which made for timeless songs and memorable performances.
Accounts of the origin of "Groupie (Superstar)" vary somewhat, but the song grew out of the late 1969/early 1970 nexus of English and American musicians known as Delaney, Bonnie, & Friends that involved Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett, Leon Russell, Eric Clapton, Duane Allman, Rita Coolidge, and various others. The song's working title during portions of its development was "Groupie Song". In its first recorded incarnation, the song was called "Groupie (Superstar)", and was recorded and released as the B-Side to the Delaney & Bonnie single "Comin' Home" in December 1969. Released by Atlantic Records,, the full credit on the single was to Delaney & Bonnie and Friends Featuring Eric Clapton.
Sung by Bonnie, the arrangement featured slow guitar and bass parts building up to an almost gospelish chorus using horns. The song featured Leon Russell on keyboards, Eric Clapton on guitar and Rita Coolidge doing background vocals.
Some accounts have Coolidge suggesting or inspiring the song's creation in the first place, and working with Bonnie Bramlett on her portion of the writing. Coolidge would later go on to sing the song in Joe Cocker's live concert shows and would record the song for Cocker's live "Mad Dogs and Englishmen" album.
The song was about, as the title suggests, a groupie who holds a strong love for a rock star after a short sexual involvement. He has moved on to the next town, and despite his promises to see her again she can now only hear him on the radio. She is just left with pure hopeless yearning as evidenced by the chorus:
Don't you remember you told me you loved me, baby ? Said you'd be coming back this way again, baby ?
Baby, baby, baby, baby, oh, baby...!
Delaney & Bonnie were not yet well known at the time, and "Comin' Home" only reached #84 on the U.S. Singles Pop Chart, although it achieved a peak of #16 on the UK Singles Chart.
At the time I created this video, I wasn't able to find out exactly which rock star the "groupie" is longing for, so I chose to focus on one of the rock icons of that era, Jim Morrison of The Doors. The video features a few concert clips as well as photos and home movies of Pamela Courson, his common-law wife. I've since learned that the song was actually written about Eric Clapton.
GROUPIE (Superstar)
(Words and music by Leon Russell and Bonnie Bramlett)
Long ago and so far away,
I fell in love with you
Before the second show.
Your guitar,
It sounds so sweet and clear -
But it's just the radio
And you're not really here.
Don't you remember you told me you loved me, baby?
(You told me you loved me!)
Said you'd be coming back this way again, baby...
(I've been waiting for you, baby!)
Don't you remember you told me you loved me, baby? Woah-oh, mmmm...
Loneliness is such a sad affair (sad affair)
And I can hardly wait to sleep with you again.
What to say to make you come again? (come again)
Come back and play for me your sad guitar.
Oh, yeah! Baby, baby, baby, baby, oh, baby!
(I've been waiting for you, baby!)
Don't you remember you told me you loved me, baby?
(You said you loved me, baby!)
Said you'd be coming back this way again, baby
(Baby, my baby!)
Baby, baby, baby, baby, oh, baby!
(I've been waiting for you, baby!)
Baby, baby, baby, baby, oh, baby...

[@VIDSTORAGE]

I really like the raw soulful sound of this with Rita Coolidge on backing vocals

[@rimmersbryggeri]

I had some delusion of janis joplin singing this song but I guess it was just in my head. Etta James could have been good to.

[@juniorjohnson5961]

Thanks to Leon Russell for writing it ✌️

[@jbrian80]

This song reminds me of Almost Famous....because its being titled "groupie song" Bonnie is one of the underrated and forgotten blue eye soul.......

[@catherinetodd]

Bonnie Bramlett is highly rated within the "musician's musician" and singers group, and lots of us who heard her back in the day. She and her daughter Bekka are terrific!

[@unclebobunclebob]

The song is titled Groupie (Superstar)

[@geraldbrown2875]

This song reminds me of growing up in the ‘70’s. What a wonderful time, I wouldn’t trade it for all the iPhones in the world!🎸🇨🇦

[@JimDorman]

I never knew that Leon Russell wrote this until today. RIP Leon :(

[@michaelmarvin2283]

Unbelievable the songs he wrote..my man get down Leon

[@paullarkin9177]

Original Delaney and Bonnie version In its first recorded incarnation, the song was called "Groupie (Superstar)," and was recorded and released as a B-side to the Delaney & Bonnie single "Comin' Home" in December 1969. Released by Atlantic Records, the full credit on the single was to Delaney & Bonnie and Friends Featuring Eric Clapton.

[@paullarkin9177]

On the other hand:"Superstar" is a 1969 song written by Bonnie Bramlett and Leon Russell with a songwriting credit also given to Delaney Bramlett.

[@stephenkater9621]

Thanks for answering me my question who wrote this song :)

[@smitskee]

@@paullarkin9177 Delaney and Bonnie had a co-writing deal when they were married. Shared credit regardless of what.

[@思秋期てったん]

高校生の頃だったでしょうか、カーペンターズで知った曲。。数年前から歌いだして、オリジナルがデラニー＆ボニーであること、エリッククラプトンがギターで参加していること、そして作曲にレオン・ラッセルが・・・と。とても驚きの多い曲となりました。

[@steviesindahouse4903]

Not sure why so many comments are about ranking the various versions, not just here but seemingly with so much in this world of ours; can you not have your own favourite and accept someone else's preference; or better still, see it all as a kind of evolution; and what an amazing (though pretty addictive!) era it is we live in, where we can surf about checking out lots of versions, including some often quite sublime ones by not famous folk who have the courage to share their take with us; only the other day I heard the most ethereal version of Come Together at an open mic night; not better, worse than any other; it's own really, and most definitely from the heart, by three friends; Joni Mitchell and The Eagles started out playing open mic nights, and right now there's someone doing that very thing who'll be a household name one day (or won't, but someone will love what they do just as much.) Respect folks, respect. :-))))))) ...

[@frankiebowie6174]

Stevie's In Da House! Amen! I even heard Peggy Lee sing it yesterday!

[@danielwfluellen9598]

The most beautifully written "Hush; listen FIRST!" I've ever read. I felt this response.

[@drew58103]

I heard a clip of this in a Carpenters documentary and thought “wow, that’s bad.” But I’m really glad I looked the whole song up because it’s so good! Bonnie s vocals are so bluesy and emotional.

[@CharlieWhitley]

All the Jim Morrison footage messes it up.

[@misstigermilk]

Exactly.

[@budmangt2]

The song is about girl groupies and Jim had many of them!

[@charles351]

Listen with your eyes closed

[@gvalley07]

Thank you Carpenters for taking this song into the stratosphere!

[@jsamc]

You mean Luther Vandross !!

[@jsamc]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5aqimSEhp2UeLc

[@pameladent5035]

​@@jsamc Delaney and Bonnie, Carpenters, Luther Vandross and Bette Midler sang it on the Johnny Carson show in February 1971

[@jsamc]

@@pameladent5035 WOW I gotta see that !!

[@seanmeredith8763]

Have you heard the Sonic Youth version?

[@7425park]

You're all wrong. My shower version is the BEST!

[@catherinetodd]

Hahahaha!

[@zachsmith3]

I bet it is

[@angelamyrmel7082]

😆 LOL

[@dhornjr1]

Wow. I never knew until today that Delaney and Bonnie wrote this song. Unbelievable. Awesome to hear this.

[@chlynn13b92]

Let's add Leon Russell. It was either Bonnie with Leon or Delaney with Leon. The melody is most definitely Leon's composition.

[@pameladent5035]

My friend and I used to play it on the juke box in the 70s, many many moons ago. Loved Delaney & Bonnie and loved that song and I still do

[@tallmn1957]

​@@chlynn13b92Bonnie & Leon. Here on KZbin she does a version of it live on a small stage. Look it up and listen. It's amazing.

[@dingleydb]

and Leon Russell on piano

[@travisbickle707]

Leon Russell and Bonnie Bramlett wrote the song, Delany and Bonnie recorded it. Rita Coolidge sang it in the Mad dogs and Englishman era and then after both those women made the song semi-famous, the Carpenters came along.

[@cmmilner68]

Wow, I just saw Bonnie in Georgia and she sang a little of this song and we talked a bit about her career. Glad to have met her. What a talented person.

[@fhb3]

The original was awesome! I grew up hearing Luther Vandross' version, and through that I found The Carpenters' cover, so I HAD to seek out the original. I'm glad I did!

[@niggastoplying472]

Me too.

[@Tenatu]

@Joe Bran Luther's is THE version. 9 minutes of pure beauty.

[@crisprtalk6963]

I realize your post is two years old... but check out Marcus King's new cover of the tune, just him and a piano player. Awesome. ! Its a great tune.

[@whatever-wb4vu]

Sonic youth version is the best

[@ceejayhey8544]

Tho written by Leon Russell and Bonnie Bramlett. Luther's version maybe the best!

[@stevenweinstein7195]

Beautiful piano by Leon on this track.

[@StevenCarinci]

Guitar track ain't too bad.

[@gmc1966]

He also co-wrote it

[@stevenweinstein7195]

@@gmc1966 That's right. Wrote it with Delaney Bramlett even though for legal purposes it's listed as Bonnie Bramlett.

[@angelobersito9770]

Delaney and Bonnie were a great band

[@Garret00074]

Phenomenal- with a traveling circus of the absolute best musicians of the era.

[@mrmagassi]

interesting how they changed the lyrics for Karen Carpenter's version from "sleep with you again" to "see you again..." I heard in an documentary she was not happy about that change but I guess the Carpenter's had to maintain a wholesome image...

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

Bonnie, Bonnie, Bonnie, what a voice!

[@LJH70122]

This song is about a female teen-age groupie being taken advantage of by a male rock superstar. It was co-written by Bonnie Bramlett (lyrics) and Leon Russell (music). So why do so many guys cover this song ? Guys would be more likely to be bragging to their buddies about nailing a female rock star than pining away thinking it was love.

[@BigDaddy-fx4nx]

This is why I think it's Eric Clapton the lyrics are talking about, somewhat, mostly maybe. "As my guitar gently weeps," IMO Clapton's most emotional lead work, I don't think he ever dug that deep before or again, "your sad guitar." OK the second line of the second verse is "I fell in love with you before the second show"......possible meaning she was in the band as a backup singer(Rita Coolidge was, the song was her idea) or was backstage as a groupie before they did the second show of the night or she had tickets to both shows. Many years ago in smaller venues they did 2 shows a night. Fourth line of the second verse is "Come back again and play your sad guitar"......could mean if she was a groupie come back to her town or city where they played that venue OR.....come back and play with the band because Clapton was moving on after a short stint with them. I think your sad guitar gives it away. I was a guitar player who did copy Clapton a lot and am very familiar with his work. They probably spent many hours jamming/rehearsing songs, especially blues and I'm sure Rita Coolidge heard many haunting lead breaks the public never did. Coolidge was a very pretty and talented young woman and I'm sure Clapton was attracted to her, did they have a thing? It could have been something she never shared with anybody and maybe never consummated the relationship with Clapton. She actually wrote part of Layla and never got credit for it, she was dating the Layla drummer Jim Gordon at the time. According to her autobiography she also had relationships with many of the rockstars of that era so it could have been a combination of men. Maybe Clapton never did 'date' her and she just had a crush on him or knew a groupie that had a thing for Clapton. At that time Clapton had a huge thing for Patty Harrison, his friend George's wife, that's what Layla is about. But that line about the sad guitar gives it away, I think. I always wonder what a song's lyrics are about and many turnout to be just poeticized random thoughts.

[@gfride1]

Somebody suggested it was Bonnie Bramlett's love song to Clapton; while Rita had the idea, Bonnie is credited for he actual lyrics, and apparently Clapton was living with the Bramletts during a period when he was strung out.

[@moomoopuppy5810]

I would have liked to have Janice Joplin do a cover of this song (not in her crazy voice/style) Maybe only during the chorus "Dont you remember..." which is the reason I say this.

[@profd65]

No.

[@tralala1958]

Well, I love the Jim & Pam clips. He is the ultimate superstar, imo. A fantasy, an ideal. This version of the song is one I don't remember hearing before. I love the Carpenters version, it was the only one I knew, but this one is so much deeper. And Leon is, of course, simply the best. Thanks for this.

[@macmachine]

Such a great song with so many great versions, all saying something a little different, which is why it's a great song ; each new artist brings something of themselves to it.

[@EmpressOfWyoming58]

I love this version for its soul. When it comes to emotions, I prefer the Carpenters. Karen Carpenter brings out such melancholy with her haunting vocals. She said it was one of the most emotionally hard songs to sing. She said she could sense the loneliness of groupies she came in contact with. Richard's arrangement is amazing if not genius. I love his thunder strike punctuation marks at the piano.

[@carlosarturosousagarridole9361]

EmpressOfWyoming58 Karen's is the best. But I love this original version too.

[@paullarkin9177]

Carpenters' version? Saccharine. Emaciated.

[@strawberryseason]

@@paullarkin9177 Hardly saccharine. The emotions are palpable, and it's haunting.

[@paullarkin9177]

@@strawberryseason you're right and I'm wrong. I listened again to learn the Carpenter's version on bass, to back up a singer at a jam night. Karen's interpretation is fantastic, maybe a bit more emotion for the chorus. The bass is emotive as well, perfectly suits the song. I stand corrected.

[@strawberryseason]

Paul Larkin Thanks for your revisit of the work. I am not a fan of all Carpenters' stuff, but their Superstar has drawn me in and I find it magical.

[@julianbud7334]

I'm here for Eric Clapton also Luther Vandross did this song the best vocally idgaf.

[@IAMDRREMULAKK]

When I first started watching this, I thought "Why is Jim Morrison in this video?"

[@budmangt2]

The song is about girl groupies and Jim had many of them!

[@lia1063]

@@budmangt2 The song was about Clapton and I heard it on Bobby Whitlock's YT channel as he was right there when it went down.

[@Susie196921]

Bonnie does an outstanding version!

[@TNPassiflora]

Bonnie Bramlett and Leon Russell wrote it!

[@lisag18]

You can see Bonnie in season 4 of Roseanne and sings in a couple of episodes. Such a talent

[@catherinetodd]

Superstar (Delaney and Bonnie song) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superstar_(Delaney_and_Bonnie_song) "Superstar" is a 1969 song written by Bonnie Bramlett and Leon Russell with a songwriting ... In its first recorded incarnation, the song was called "Groupie (Superstar)," and was ... As the song's storyline was originally more risqué than what was typical for the Carpenters, Richard changed a lyric in the second verse from. Songwriter(s)‎: ‎Bonnie Bramlett‎, ‎Leon Russell Genre‎: ‎Adult contemporary, pop, soft rock Released‎: ‎1969

[@joeyrider]

Bonnie has soul and balls

[@canalesfrankie]

In-freaking-credible, blows my head away on many metaphysical levels.

[@Don-jk6zz]

This is the first time I've ever heard this, and I'm 63! It's pretty good.

[@paulhenry1767]

I'm a 73 year old musician and it's the first time I've heard version.

[@TreySobers]

You should hear Ruben Studdard’s version of it

[@ceeceerider]

This is the original. Thank you Leon for this gorgeous song!

[@hungfao]

I never bothered to search for this since the Carpenter's version is so good. This is pretty good, too. And co-written by Leon Russell....Fantastic!!

[@dingleydb]

I thought that was Leon, from the first note

[@clarkmacgowan5114]

PRETTY good?!?!?!? SMH

[@deepfreezevideo]

@lexo30 And best of all THIS version has LEON RUSSELL on the piano! You just can't beat Bonnie and Leon together! WOO HOOO!

[@Pelagius69]

-Thanks, Ned, for tossing this up. It's an obscure version, and kinda tough to find. I LOVED it.... As lovely a voice as Karen Carpenter had, Bonnie's not so shabby herself, and it's always great to here the original tune- I've always loved the hauntingly longing verse melody for this one.. Gorgeous.. -Thanks again!

[@fortheloveoftunes]

Good sound-quality on this posting dude!

[@thecurmudgeon3131]

I originally heard this song from the Sonic Youth version. Loved that, adore this.

[@docterphreak]

I like this version. I heard Sonic Youth's version which I didn't like. Then yesterday my mom and I were watching old episodes of SNL and Raquel Welch and John Belushi (in persona Joe Cocker) sang this. I noticed it was similar to the song by Sonic Youth, and then I searched for it and found this masterpiece!

[@chlynn13b92]

Yes, this is the very best but she wrote it! Along with the great Leon Russell. Possibly Delaney had some part in it, but I don't think so.

[@rickharper3940]

how can osborne's simple basslines be so effective?!

[@Mytagz]

Who are the 33 morons that gave this video a thumbs down, is what I would like to know about it

[@davephillips8339]

Thanks to Frank Cameron (Franks BandStand CBC Radio Halifax N.S.) for introducing me to this music- when others were "groovin" to 'Ermans 'Ermits I was fortunate enough to have this...... and its just as good all these years later!

[@TiffanyLadyStar]

Wow 😮 Luther Vandross remade this. I was searching for another remake and ran into this. You learn something new everyday!!

[@gregwil694]

Try the Carpenters version

[@RICHARDBARKER-bq5dp]

This is the original version

[@babs0944]

Luther sang it amazingly good too!

[@grahampearson5670]

Sorry to report the Delaney passed away several years later but Bonnie is still with us.

[@lawrenceburchett7411]

Bobby Whitlock says that Rita was the inspiration for this and he was there while it was being written. Great tune .

[@Goatchild90]

The Carpenters' version kept the bass

[@JORIALJohnRichardAllan]

Luther Vandross' version is my favorite.

[@littlemissblackdress7587]

The Carpenters is my favourite.

[@xell5252]

I Love All 3 equally

[@artfartzy]

@@littlemissblackdress7587 Same carpenters version is my favourite of them all

[@trelawny889]

Thank you! I have been trying to find out for years who sang/wrote the original. I knew it was sung by a couple but couldn't remember who.

[@jefferysmith9320]

You killed this with a crappy video !

[@elizabethburnettebuss7265]

Delaney and Boninie are my all time favorite ever!!! Blessed to of had the chance to be so lucky to of experienced them in my life at a very young age! Wish I would of known what a huge gift I got to experience then. Didn't realize so young that I was a very lucky person to of been around them and all the greatest musical geniuses that are today! I'm so grateful but sad to that my road of choice went to a very long struggle in life. I'm so happy I got to see some of these people who are so talented. Thanks God bless u all.

[@adriandillulio1944]

you are so lucky!! would do anything to be able to see delaney and bonnie and friends

[@juniorjohnson5961]

I understand i was lucky enough to see some of the best music in 70s and never realized the long road of struggles myself I'm lucky to have come out the other side myself..God Bless You 🙏 ✌️

[@jazzisall1]

Fucking incredible

[@COBYKOEHL2]

THE BEST VERSION I EVER HEARD

[@ruben1million]

Bonnie Bramlett's version sounds very Janis Joplin-ish, but truth be told this would've remained an unknown song it wasnt for The Carpenters, even though it had Leon Russell and Eric Clapton on its writing credits

[@RobynAucoin]

I prefer this version to the Carpenters but Karen’s voice is admittedly incredible

[@johnwattdotca]

Delaney and Bonnie, local for me, didn't "lure Eric Clapton" into their band. They saved him, letting him move in and live with them when he couldn't get it together to do anything else. When he could stand up to play onstage, he got in the band.

[@greglavine4035]

What??? Clapton has no problem dumping Blind Faith...it was merely a project in reality.And began jamming with this very impressive band on the BF your in 1969.EC was a covert predator...(still my favorite guitarist) he emeshed with them and shape shifted lol into this style until he bled it dry and discarded them after he absorbed it.Then he stole the rythmn section of this band for himself...to record George Harrison's all things must pass...then to Derek and the dominos..in the midst of stealing his best friends Wife patty.who said no and very soon later he discarded the rythmn section...Oh eventually he succeeded in stealing Patty then dumped her as well in the end....this is narcissism 101 not poor Eric...he is the only one to cash out.. everyone else crashed and burned

[@johnwattdotca]

@@greglavine4035: Wonderful reply, but I bet Clapton isn't as rich as you think he is because he probably spends more on self-promotion than any other electric guitarist out there. You hit a nerve with Derek and the Dominoes. One of my best high school friends and I used to do "Bell Bottom Blues", our favorite song on the album.

[@dingleydb]

is that Leon on piano?

[@carlosarturosousagarridole9361]

Love it! Terrific original version...but Karen Carpenter owns this song. Karen's version become a standard, and always was the favorite of MR. LEON RUSSELL.

[@chlynn13b92]

He never said it was his favorite. I have read a lot of his interviews and he said the definitive one. That doesn't mean favorite one. Delaney and Bonnie were great friends of his, he wrote this with Bonnie and he played with them. The Carpenters were not his style of music. Not saying he didn't appreciate her voice or version but highly doubt her version was his favorite.

[@jehanne8610]

As much as I love Jim Morrison for his looks, his lyrics, his Pamela, seeing him live on video, and also having to endure his hard living and over the top behavior a’times, where I find Morrison the most beautiful is the sound of his voice over haunting doors melodies. Thanks for the video though, pretty unique idea. Great composition by Leon and Bonnie, too!

[@recordguy4321]

Huh? what does Morrison have to do with Delaney and Bonnie except they all lived in hollywood

[@cerronecabigao3143]

9909

[@gfride1]

@@recordguy4321 Read the video notes… Explained.

[@recordguy4321]

Ok so you think Morrison and Pamela could nave been part of this song.I'd say it had more to do Rita and drummer Jim Gordon

[@gfride1]

@@recordguy4321 The song is about a groupie, and her longing for the rock star she'd had a brief relationship with. Rita was an established musician in the same group; not the same dynamic.

[@garymaher]

Beautiful.

[@stephanienewbern769]

Wow, I always thought the Carpenters wrote this song. This version is pretty good. I love Luther Vandross's version too.

[@LJH70122]

This song is about a female teen-age groupie being taken advantage of by a male rock superstar. It was co-written by Bonnie Bramlett (lyrics) and Leon Russell (music). So why do so many guys cover this song ? Guys would be more likely to be bragging to their buddies about nailing a female rock star than pining away thinking it was love.

[@beckyyeagersmith7252]

Larry Harris HUH? you are in a 50's timewrap my friend.... no one was being taken advantage of by a male rock star...The "Rock Star" was the knotch on the bed post MAN...don't you know anything about SuperGroupies? Grand Funk Railroad wrote about a groupie in ''We're an American Band''... in Little Rock sweet, sweet Connie was doin her act, she had the whole show & that's a natural fact. (etc.) There was Cynthia Plaster Caster check out her www. guess what she made casts of???? one out of many. Women haven't been victims in 50 years...unless it's their choice. "Stop the Music Musicians...I am Lonely."

[@Kuklapolitan]

Both of you must be nuts...you know nothing of the era in which this was written.nor do you understand people or life in general. So many guys covered this song? Who? Luther Vandross? He made a career out of covers but this is a great song...no matter who sings it and it can be used androgynously. It was mostly done by females not males and no one took advantage of anyone. The groupies of the 60's knew exactly what was what...but why must he be in a time warp? How did the1950's enter into this mix? Groupies have been around in all eras! Women haven't been victims in 50 years? Where do you live? They never were as far as groupies were concerned but they have been in virtually every other area of life! BTW...notch doesn't have a "K" in front of it...

[@beckyyeagersmith7252]

Kuklapolitan bc the 50's is 'my' reference point. I can copy & paste "The womens suffrage movement in the United States achieved its goal of winning full voting rights for women when the nineteenth amendment was ratified in 1920." In 2014 ...I have OFTEN utter the words made famous by James Brown..."It's a Man's World" and it's not only men causing this reaction. My Southern hick accent opens lotta doors for me my damn yankee.

[@gramophone78rpm]

Don't get me wrong, I love Karen Carpenter's voice, she surely was a force of nature, but in this case I prefer the original with Bonnie. While on the Carpenters' recording the groupie character sounds sad to be apart from her guitar hero boy, on the original D&B recording, the groupie already has the drugs and the razorblade nearby, sounds mildly stoned and is rambling. After the fadeout, she's probably dead or in a coma.

[@Pelagius69]

-I think the author explained it pretty well Bodie007.. In fact, the tune was written not for Jim Morrison, but was inspired by Eric Clapton, who was playing in the band at the time.

[@gareof]

Delany Bramlett & Leon Russell wrote "Superstar" - I never knew Bonnie recorded it - - Everyone else did the song . . .

[@jamesmcglone4122]

Karen carpenter murdered it

[@jesuscorrales9471]

I really love Karen Carpenter's version. But this is even better version than the Carpenters. Greetings from Buenos Argentina 👋👋🇦🇷

[@gristlevonraben]

I'm surprised how good this is.

[@dimase86]

The movie The Frightenners brought me here. Michael J Fox while in the cemetary scene. With R. Lee Ermy 😂😂😂

[@aoceduardo1]

For all I know Bonnie and Rita are very friendly and Rita began singing career with Delaney and Bonnie ... During the tour of Joe Cocker, Rita appears inside the plane rehearsing the music and have the impression that this happened key simultaneously with the composition of music.Great music is one of my favorite ...

[@jaynuzum4570]

See Leonid and Friends new version posted here (and FB), featuring Russian star Ksenia Buzina - another great version!

[@podlasca]

Never heard of Delany and Bonnie before... But when I read autobiography by Bobby Keys, the great r'n'r sax player, who was also playing with D&B, I had to check it. Bobby said that they were really good. He is right! They were really great!!!

[@ashleylieberman2724]

Pam Bricker sends this over the top. Check it out on her incredible album U-Topia.

[@tomglase5333]

Up until 5 minutes ago I thought this was only a Carpenters song. I stand corrected.

[@catherinetodd]

Great article about D&B:www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/delaney-bramlett-singer-songwriter-and-producer-who-worked-with-lennon-harrison-clapton-and-hendrix-1214978.html

[@eternallife9786]

I really like the musicality of this version a little bit more granted the singing doesn't come close to the Carpenters version

[@jessied44]

I like the Carpenters version but it doesn't have the raw, sexual nuance of Bonnie and Delaney

[@clsleight]

If it were not for Bonnie..Karen Carpenter would not have been able to remake it..give respect where it's due.

[@tomward876]

This was originally a Delaney and Bonnie song called "Groupie." Give it a listen.

[@lcuk99]

Love the people who thought it was a Carpenters original. I thought it was a Sonic Youth original LOL

[@balibuoy1625]

Bonnie though......... Im sure she's credited on the song but had no part in the writing . It was Delaney and Leon Russel

[@DavidkSeger-sn6nf]

The carpenters version is musically great a believe it has the wrecking crew on it ,at the end of D&B version. There’s a smidge of carpenters, check out the bass line into ,Karol Kay?

[@lynnturman8157]

Absolutely burns my hide that in the movie JUNO, they say this is a Carpenters song...

[@deepfreezevideo]

Oh no, that IS unforgivable.

[@spookym123]

Well, it _is_ a Carpenters song. It's also a Luther Vandross song, it's also a Delaney & Bonnie song it's also...

[@Stonecrow25]

Ya know, like saying watchtower is a Hendrix tune, or end of the innocence is a Henley song. When you do it so well that people associate the song with the performance and not the writer, that’s what happens

[@jrogersdal]

I love the Carpenter’s version as a kid. I read that Karen was cool to this song because she couldn’t understand the mindset of a groupie. Listening to this version is a revelation because you can feel that Bonnie is a woman with a big loving heart. She could lullaby this song to me every night and tuck me in twice. Poor Karen, great voice but I don’t think there was anyone that truly loved her and you can tell the difference. So much more depth and feeling to this version.

[@2A-Bear-Arms]

Wrong. Karen's version has much more soul and pain in it.

[@the3mfs359]

@@2A-Bear-Arms yes. You can feel her pain. Karen is and will always be the best female vocalist ever. There is no one today that even compares.

[@jrogersdal]

Pain maybe, not soul.

[@friendlyfiresyeah]

so good

[@lastrada52]

Karen Carpenter had the hit with this song but in all truth, Bonnie Bramlett's is far superior. I am not certain, but I believe Delaney & Bonnie had recorded & released this song before The Carpenters released their honey drenched top 25 version. Bramlett just has so much soul in this take. Quite a dynamic performer. Her song "Oncoming Traffic," is so close to the spirit of Janis Joplin without being a Joplin imitation that it's a marvel that Bonnie Bramlett isn't more widely known. (Her daughter Bekka Bramlett was once a member of Fleetwood Mac, (1993-5) and her voice has graced tons of major artists' recordings.)

[@LordKingWombat]

+John LaStrada Sure they recorded and released it before the Carpenters. Bonnie Bramblett and Leon Russell wrote the song with credits also to her husband Delaney. Released in 1969. It was then covered by many others including the Carpenters.

[@carlosarturosousagarridole9361]

Hahaha! Leon Russell said that Karen's was the best version. He was a huge Karen Carpenter fan (his own words).

[@carlosarturosousagarridole9361]

LordKingWombat splashingrocks.blogspot.com/2013/05/leon-russell-karen-carpenter-and-unity.html?m=1

[@bandykootkootkoot4334]

In a way, Superstar perfectly revealed what is going on with Karen behind the scenes that we didn't know, especially her struggles with anorexia. For all the squeaky clean image that The Carpenters presented to the world lies a dark side & sad truth that claimed Karen too soon, a tragedy that hits an estimated 30 million people up to this day.

[@carlosarturosousagarridole9361]

Randall Blas She recorded Superstar in 1971. Her struggle against anorexia nervosa started just in 1973-1974.

[@benmiller7484]

Such a beautiful song. This is the original and by far the best version of this! although I must admit, I've no clue why Jim Morrison is here...

[@recordguy4321]

because whoever posted this a a complete idiot

[@carlosarturosousagarridole9361]

Hahaha! Even Leon Russell recognized Karen's version like the best and he said he always was a huge fan of Karen Carpenter...SNOBS!!!

[@gfride1]

Read the notes for the video post -- Ned felt that the relationship of Jim Morrison and his common law wife, Pam Courson personified the song.

[@JEDI7ACEN]

WOW! I'm just going through some history lesson and research. I thought The Carpenters did this first then Luther Vandross. Now I know. Also found out a even less known version was done by Bette Midler. Looking to the right Cher and Rita Coolidge did a version too! Gotta check the all version. Thanks for this one.

[@wellsy1954]

This was the "b" side of "Going Home". Colleen Hewitt had a great version of this in Australia( pre-Carpenters).

[@AndyShearer]

The 'A' side was called 'Comin' Home' .

[@eduardocesar4811]

It's interesting because Bonnie and Rita are very friendly and have a similar way of singing, are the same musical influences, and at that time they formed a group with Delaney, Eric Clapton among other musicians and they were always together in turne.

[@DavidRoe1111]

Jerry Jumonville on Tenor, wrote the horn charts.

[@tomloft2000]

more folksy sounding than the Carpenters,but pretty good in it's own right.

[@Moonlighthasmehooked]

I remember the Karen Carpenter version of this. I didn't realize anyone else had written it.

[@louiseroman1145]

This version is really soulfully sung. Both lead vocals and backup vocals are groovin.' The lead singer complained about Karen singing "Be" instead of "Sleep" on the Carpenter's version. The Carpenters version was the one I heard first and always loved the way Karen sang it. And i always thought the "Be" meant she wanted to be intimate, so more provocative than "Sleep" with you, really. With sleep comes snores. lol.

[@stephenulmer3781]

This was good!

[@jeffdunn5999]

Rita Coolidge's cover of this is the most familiar to the rockers of the early 70s...and The Carpenters covered it and released it as a single for the Pop Leisure Suit crowd. I'm not a fan of The Carpenters' style of music but Karen had one helluva sexy voice when they would go Lounge Sound

[@funboy7979]

@JEDI7ACEN Bette Midler's 70s concert version is worth a listen.

[@KevinBrown-vm9zg]

A pretty good version of the song, but the video is horrible.

[@Dancactusme1]

Can't really stand that they made this video like the song was about Morrison

[@ebarteldes]

Richard Carpenter, in spite of his genius, sanitized the lyric, replacing "sleep with you" with "be with you." So wonder Karen wanted to branch out solo (which she would have done hadn't she died, leaving her solo album shelved for 16 years)

[@Rixdog01]

Not the first to do this. Remember the Stones on Ed Sullivan? Yes, a very long time ago.

[@educesar3557]

It seems to be Rita Coolidge who is singing. Rita was very good friends with Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett and was part of their group at the time and may have been a guest. It's hard to know for sure because Bonnie and Rita have similar voice tones and come from the same music school.

[@cito4633]

This is absolutely Bonnie singing…

[@alexyamach3635]

Released as the B-Side of their single "Comin' Home" in December 1969.

[@wformic]

the question is Where is the Leon Russell version of this? he'd blow 'em all away.

[@pablomalaga4676]

He never sang it, only composed it with Bonnie

[@wformic]

Pablo Malaga Well, he covered and "was covered by" many.........still the "Master of Space and Time".

[@kellymcgraw3454]

Pablo Malaga bullshit. I've heard it.

[@Youman71463]

ya know, i could swear i've heard a Leon version too on New York radio years ago but i can't find it ever, been looking for years and i can't find any record of it even existing, i can still hear him belting out that 'baby baby baby, ohhh baby' - if you ever find it please hit me up on here

[@michaelmarvin2283]

Yeah i wanna hear Leon singing it😀