Why Earth Wind & Fire’s Beatles cover is BETTER than the Original

Earth, Wind & Fire's cover of The Beatles' "Got To Get You Into My Life" is unlike any other Beatles cover. What makes it so good? Today I dive into the INSANE story behind it. We'll dive deep into Beatles history, their experimentation on Revolver, what they were going for with this song, and how EWF perfected the song. Also, the giant flop of a Beatles movie that they don't want you to know about. Seriously.
Stream the Spotify Listening Guide, which all available songs mentioned: open.spotify.com/playlist/07n...
// Follow me on Instagram: bit.ly/3KJmbG0
// Follow me on TikTok: bit.ly/3uJc12q
VINYL
The Best of Earth Wind & Fire Vol. 1: amzn.to/3BYbVb9
The Beatles' Revolver: amzn.to/3vZ6bKu
Sgt Pepper Sountrack: amzn.to/3JRtoEn
SOURCES
www.beatlesebooks.com/got-to-g...
www.amazon.com/gp/product/067...
www.considerable.com/entertai...
Topics covered:
The Beatles
Please Please Me
With The Beatles
Revolver
Sgt Pepper
Rubber Soul
Cover Song
Earth Wind and Fire
The Bee Gees
Peter Frampton
Star Wars Holiday Special

[@diggingthegreats]

“Why are The Bee Gees on the thumbnail instead of The Beatles?!!” The answer lies within the video 😉

[@ezekielbrockmann114]

Sounds like Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Soundtrack can be explained - including the Earth Wind and Fire cover of Got to Get You into My Life - with just one word: Cocaine.

[@ronaldwilliams9331]

@@ezekielbrockmann114 people say that movie is a flop but I think it was really good I seen it when I was young I definitely like that movie and I seen that not too long ago also Peter Frampton not so much a fan of the Bee gees though

[@pmoran7971]

You do not like other artists covering Beatles songs, are you joking? With a little help from my friends Joe Cocker I am the Walrus Spooky Tooth While my guitar gently weeps Prince and assorted artists Sergeant Pepper Jimi Hendrix The Beatles were a studio band, the ones above are/were real musicians

[@joelwexler]

Very interesting - I've subscribed. But I have to crank up the bass. I'm old, I think I'm losing the lows. I had to screencap some of the stills, they're so great. I was howling when you dumped your headphones (and I agreed). My first kid was born that year, I only listened to "old stuff" then, like from 1972, so somehow I missed this. You're entertaining, your subscriber base should grow.

[@stopbeinginsecure4786]

I know why but that’s because I know way too many stupid useless facts about the Beatles

[@derosa1989]

After getting the Beatles "blue" record for Christmas in 1977, I was a huge Beatles fan. By summer, I had saved up some some money from cutting lawns, and delivering newspapers, I went to the local record store to buy Sgt. Pepper, but came home with this Bee Gees movie version by mistake, i guess because it had just come out. Needless to say, I was one of those 4 million people who returned it!

[@CarlosVelasquez-xq4py]

😂 lol really?? You returned it

[@jorgeherrera1074]

@@CarlosVelasquez-xq4py music was way more expensive back then. Not gunna keep a record you didn’t like.

[@CarlosVelasquez-xq4py]

@@jorgeherrera1074 so you didn't even like "got to get you into my life" version of that album???

[@ronaldwilliams9331]

@@CarlosVelasquez-xq4py nine times out of 10 probably not LOL you know how some people are

[@ronaldwilliams9331]

@@jorgeherrera1074 what ? Bro music was less expensive back then I used to have a lot of albums when I was a kid in the late seventies and the '80s and the '90s and albums were cheaper I'm 53 now so yeah I know what I'm talking about music was not that expensive well albums so to say not just music but records were not that expensive an average album would cost you anywhere between 7.95 to 8 bucks double album no more than what maybe $12 and some change cuz I remember buying Parliament Live p funk Earth tour in 1977 for only $12 and I was 9 years old at the time did some chores to make some money went right up to Marie's record store and bought that bought houses of the holy for like $7 and what 1980 when I was like 11

[@QCX84]

A few additional notes: Maurice White and Philip Bailey stated in their autobiographies that The Bee Gees were pretty salty about the success of EWF’s cover. The Bee Gees acted very cold shouldered to them during the movie premiere. When EWF arrived, the red carpet and press were long gone. The intro arrangement was the brainchild of Larry Dunn (keyboardist) and Maurice White. Pure EWF unpredictable chord changes and punches. Their musical signature. Maurice also had release rights to the song separate from the soundtrack. That in turn gave the song an early release prior to the soundtrack. That was a pure genius move, imo. Once George Martin heard EWF’s version, he mentioned to Maurice that’s the way the whole soundtrack should’ve been recorded.

[@tanyabinion7796]

Brilliant

[@triad5766]

I doubt the Bee Gees were salty about EW&F’s success when the Bee Gees were the biggest band in the world at that point lmao

[@SimonePhoenix]

Indeed, you KNOW your stuff! I’m always excited when folks are accurate w/their EWF history. What “Reece” did w/the release of this track was EXACTLY what he did with the “That’s The Way Of The World” album, which Columbia wanted to attach as a soundtrack to the infamous movie of the same name, which also featured EWF. Just like “Sgt Pepper” did, the previous movie bombed too. But by separating the music from each movie, the late great Maestro wisely kept the stench off his iconic group & their fantastic catalog of hits. Again, I appreciate your post, peace, big up & respect. 👊🏽🙏🏽

[@slappyslapstick4045]

@@triad5766 So the "biggest band in the world" can't be jealous? Does that emotion not exist when you're the "biggest band in the world?"

[@triad5766]

@@slappyslapstick4045 Jealous of success? If you’re the biggest band in the world no not really. You can be jealous of other things sure, but the Bee Gees were phenomenal recording artists themselves and EW&F weren’t even half of their popularity lol. People love these underdog stories but they’re usually all bullshit

[@OzzyCPT]

I literally did not know of the Beatles version of this song. My dad is a HUGE EWF fan and until now, I always thought it was their song. Love this channel

[@ernestrobinson8441]

I did too for a few years after I first heard the song. I didn't know this 1978 Sgt. Pepper album even existed until this KZbin video. I only knew the song from "Earth Wind, and Fire greatest hits vol. 1" album. But after looking at the album notes after having it for a few years, I saw that "Got To Get You Into My Life" was a written by Lennon/McCartney which is when I fist realized that it was a cover.

[@teresamckeown5594]

My daughter was the same!! Love EW&F!

[@seres-de-luz]

Because is one of the most average Beatle’s songs. Never was one of their hits.

[@almishti]

I was almost 13 when the EWF version came out, I remember the horror of the movie and all the rest of the soundtrack. I knew the Beatles' original since I was like 6, at least that's when i first remember it. Your comment made me feel inexplicably old. 😅

[@SPAZZOID100]

All you had to do was look at the songwriting credits.

[@DRUMTOY2002]

Okay FIRST OF ALL my brother, I FRICKIN LOVE YOU!!! You are the bass brother that I was missing back in high school!!! I’m a former professional drummer and I personally feel that you and I would have been Inseparable had we known each other back then. SECOND… Great job at demonstrating how the baseline should have gone for “Got to get you in my life” Motown style. THIRD…I have the Sergeant peppers album I got it for my 12th birthday back in 1978. My favorite parts are She came in through the bathroom window because of the fender Rhodes and because of the Bee Gees back up vocals and then for the Sergeant peppers lonely hearts club band reprise that bass player is groove in his fucking ass off. And LASTLY…My grandfather worked in the artist development department at Motown from 1964 - 1973 he did MOST of the chorography for The Temptations, The Supremes, The Four Tops , my Aunt Gladys Knight and my Uncle Pips, etc. Growing up most of my musical exposure was soul and jazz music, I had only heard OF The Beatles and didn’t become familiar with their music until John Lennon was killed. A radio station out here in Southern California played 24 hour Beatles music for that entire weekend as a tribute. Not knowing much of anything about them you can only imagine my CULTURE SHOCK when I heard their version of “Eleanor Rigby” and “We can work it out” which I had ALWAYS assumed were original songs by Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3mbaIugpN5-oqM kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJireqBrdtanjsU

[@lowlowseesee]

yeah yo, dude is LEGIT

[@dobanyi]

Wow, never heard the Stevie version of We can work it out, thanks. I'm collecting Beatles covers, this goes straight in. One of my favourite covers is the Five Stairsteps - Dear Prudence

[@effthegop]

Drummer here. The bass is the heart of SO many great songs, yet it is ignored far too often, mostly from the general public who doesn't understand why they like the song.

[@jasfan8247]

Drummer here, started to learn bassguitar on this on ( beside Jamerson) Before internet. Took me weeks and still it's a killer groove ( and killing fingers , i never worked out the final fingering explosions)

[@BedlamAndBones]

This bass player appreciates you saying this! But I need to add that without a solid drummer, it's very easy for a song to fall apart. If you have a rhythm section so connected that all that is needed is a certain look or gesture to communicate where one feels the groove should go or a spot for a perfect breakdown, etc, you know you're in the perfect band. I've had this before, and I cherished every moment.

[@anthonytaylor7928]

U must be a white guy with that comment because where I come from and I'm 58 years old no matter what u listen too the bass sound is talked about and amplified

[@jasfan8247]

@@anthonytaylor7928 haha, cruel but that's pretty accurate. In europe as long as the bass plays 2 and 4 it's ok. McCartney was a happy accident. "When doves cry" was revolutionary. And James 'Blood' Ulmer's Odyssey. Noooo bass🤯

[@mikeg3439]

as a bass player I thank you for your comments!!

[@evanpragliola4947]

The we can work it out cover by Stevie wonder is definitely incredible. His back up vocals are next level

[@neiel1]

Agreed. Great example of many great covers by soul, r&b, funk, and jazz artists doing Beatles.

[@possumslim3420]

Absolutly!! Stevie re-worked this...and made it his.

[@simonjefferytaylor]

chaka khan.....

[@isaac6560]

I would also add Let It Be by Bill Withers.

[@nolaffinmatter]

Stevie’s “We Can Work It Out” is respectable, but I think Joe Cocker’s “With A Little Help From My Friends” is the song that narrowly edges out Earth Wind & Fire for Best Beatles Cover

[@oldskoolmusicforever0724]

AS AN OLD SENIOR CITIZEN NOW,FIRST LET ME SAY I SAW SGT. PEPPERS LONELY HEARTS BAND,THE MOVIE AND JUST BECAUSE THE MOVIE CRITICS HATED OR JUST BECAUSE IT DIDN'T MAKE A WHOLE LOT OF MONEY,DOESN'T MEAN IT WAS A BAD MOVIE.WHAT'S BAD TO YOU OR WHOEVER MAY BE GOOD TO ME OR WHOEVER.THEN AS A OLDER BLACK MAN WHO REMEMBERS THE MUSIC FROM THE 1960'S ALL THE WAY UP TO RIGHT NOW,THERE WAS ALSO ANOTHER BEATLES SONG REDONE BY LAKESIDE,CALLED I WANT TO HOLD YOUR HAND THAT TO ME IS AT LEAST,100 TIMES BETTER THAN THE BEATLES VERSION.AND NO NEED TO THINK I'M YELLING ALL THAT EITHER,I JUST PREFER TO TYPE IN BIG LETTERS.IT'S ALL ABOUT LOVE FROM ME TO YOU.

[@Alex-vd1ir]

My grandfather types in all caps too, there is no shame in it, apparently it makes the letters easier to see

[@BeatleLOVER]

Good for you man ❤the movie was really good idk why people dunked on it 🤷‍♂️

[@oldskoolmusicforever0724]

OUR EYES ARE NOT AS GOOD AS THEY ONCE WERE.AT LEAST MINE ARE NOT.@@Alex-vd1ir

[@wasiuuu1]

MAN I LOVE BIG LETTERS, i also did see the movie in cinema in 1978 or 79, it was long time ago 🙂 i did like it as well 🙂

[@dantonio1]

I still like Sgt Peppers, and it wasn't a Beatles movie just had their music

[@oliverzwahlen]

Very interesting. I did not know the EW&F version and just listened it completely after this video. I think the reason why it works so well - and you can see this also in the comments - is that it targets a complete different audience. A good cover is always more than just an update or repetition, but somehow a translation. That's also what Joe Cocker made with his version of "With a little help from my friends" which I would consider the best Beatles cover of all time - and accidentally also one of the best live performances of all time.

[@Warlord_Queek]

As my substitute teacher for band once said: “earth wind and fire was ahead of their time”

[@michaelelliott1212]

Apparently not, because they're not recording hit songs these days. They came along when they were supposed to! LOL

[@kenlieck7756]

@@michaelelliott1212 Water was definitely running behind though...

[@350zgr33n]

@@michaelelliott1212 dead people can’t make music

[@theSailorCapricorn]

@@michaelelliott1212 I wonder if you knew that when you made this comment that had made songs with Lucky Daye and one of those songs are still being played 😂 if you’re not listening to them on a weekly bases just say that 😊

[@oneisnone7350]

I love both versions. The Beatles version was all over the radio when it hit the charts in the summer of 1976, and then two years later EWF’s version hit the charts in the summer. I remember them both being played constantly! I’m a little more partial to the Beatles version, but they’re both so good, I understand why this could be a big debate. Which is a huge complement to EWF.

[@diggingthegreats]

I love both versions as well! And yes, a huge compliment to EWF that it’s even a debate at all. So great to have a second wind on this song

[@SrTubular]

@Will Stubbs It was a single from "Rock and Roll Music", a compilation double LP of Beatles rockers issued that year. I believe Helter Sketer was on the other side of the 45.

[@oneisnone7350]

@Will Stubbs yeah, it was released as a single in ‘76. I believe it was to promote a compilation album. And it just took off that summer. When you listen to it, it does not sound like a 60’s song. It was so perfect in the 70s. It just shows how ahead of their time they were.

[@ontheruntonowhere]

I was 6 in 1976 and I absolutely loved that song, not realizing that it wasn't contemporary, nor that it was the Beatles. I thought it was Paul solo. I think Paul singlehandedly invented the 70s sound with this song and Martha My Dear.

[@oneisnone7350]

@@ontheruntonowhere yeah, I didn’t know it was a “60’s” song until many years later. It’s quintessential 70’s to me. Paul was huge in the 70’s. (I guess all four of them were) Band on the Run, Jet, Live and Let Die, Let em In, and many others played all the time in the mid-70’s.

[@pcc678]

When this movie came out in 1978 I was 17, and a huge Beatles fan. I went to see the movie with friends who were also Beatles fans, and we all enjoyed it. The plot was ridiculous, but the movie was fun, and many of the songs were great! EWF's "Got to get you into my life" was the best, but there were many other good ones. Another stand-out was Aerosmith's "Come Together". I owned the Beatles Sgt Pepper album at the time, but I bought the movie soundtrack, too.

[@dougrollison7040]

NO, YOU MUST HATE IT ALL!! (except the EWF song)

[@kevinwilliams8104]

I was even younger & that’s exactly what the movie is all about FUN, NOW if the people running Hollywood actually thought it would be the “Gone with the Wind” of the era or whatever then that just proves that lines of white powder must’ve truly run Hollywood back then (today it’s run by stacks of money ………….& lines of white powder)

[@Triumph._.]

Shit I enjoyed the movie unironically as an adult, and still do.

[@stanleythomas8457]

@@Triumph._. hmmm ... i'm past 70 , maybe i should watch it again ?

[@Triumph._.]

@@stanleythomas8457 go for it!

[@pdexBigTeacher]

Always been a favorite of mine. I remember how my high school mates hated it because this (Black) band redid a Beatles song, but damn EWF just smoked it. Oh; Al McKay's solo? Absolute fire.

[@bigwill8773]

That lead guitar was most likely done by Johnny Graham. Al McKay did most of the rhythm guitar for the group.

[@blacmanish]

That solo might have been Johnny.

[@stamatiskon3049]

I have to say that as a big EWF fan growing up, when there was no internet to help with those things, Got to get you into my life was one of my favourites of their songs and I really thought it was theirs. That's how good this cover is! And I also have to say that the discovery that it was a Beatles song is what reintroduced them to me. I was fascinated that a pop/rock band could create such a briliant soul tune. To this day I can't pick one version over the other, I love them both for totally different reasons. Oh, and great video, thanks for that deep dive...

[@charltonho]

I was 15 when This Sargent Peppers Soundtrack came out, and yep, I bought the album. The EWF cover was astonishing. I played it over and over. I still have it in my regular playlist to this day. What you just shared is exactly what I have been saying since 1978….that the EWF cover was the one time someone covered a Beatles song and did it so much better.

[@techone72893]

I think it could be said that Aerosmith's cover of Come Together is far superior to original version. Steven Tyler's voice just gives it a more powerful sound. They brought way more rock and blues to it than the Beatles did.

[@FUNKINETIK]

Brave of you to admit that - I was a year younger, but I was buying EWF records at that time and George Benson, Minnie Ripperton. Btw if you have never heard Magic Mind by EWF, I’m sure you will like it, especially the horns. P E A C E : )

[@GaryTisdaleFungkSta1]

@@techone72893 🤔First version of "Come Together" I've heard was The Brother's Johnson version before I found out it was a Beatle's song but my favorite version is by Marcus "Da Thriller" Miller🎯

[@distantcomets]

This is the most bonkers bit of music trivia KZbin I think I've ever seen. For literally 13 minutes, I was thinking, "this is hilarious and also what does this have to do with the Beatles?" Amazing!

[@soultabs]

Really like your channel. As a bass player my self and as someone who diggs 90s hiphop and music history in general... this is gold

[@niccodirenzi4126]

Revolver is my personal favorite beatles album. First album to sample (and in reverse) and the influences from George are nuts. Its just so fire🔥

[@achiappanza]

Mine too. I thought I was going against the grain to favor that over Sgt. Peppers or Abbey Road, but when Rolling Stone ranked them, Revolver came out on top. It's got my favorite deep track: And Your Bird Can Sing.

[@BritInvLvr]

Same here.

[@chriskvikstad4980]

@@achiappanza Yes! I completely agree. "And Your Bird Can Sing" is such a great song on an absolutely fantastic album. The whole album is perfection. Dr. Roberts and Taxman are two more of my favorites on this one but "And Your Bird Can Sing" is probably the one that I play the most frequently on demand.👍

[@heliophoner]

It really hits the sweet spot in between their pop/rock songcraft and their more experimental work.

[@lucasoheyze4597]

The Beatles don't have "deep tracks", they're The Beatles.

This is an awesome retrospective... I was there! Spot on! Indeed, transformed! I totally loved The Beatles, and I absolutely love Earth, Wind, and Fire! Great episode!

[@camillerobinson9195]

Whats crazy is, I never even knew they were the same song and heard them both. Wow!

[@seres-de-luz]

Not crazy, you’re just not a Beatle fan

[@etiennesoulow8701]

Been seeing this as "recommended video" but not watched til I today stumbled across the soundtrack on vinyl at a local thriftstore for about 2$, watched it and am now a proud owner of greatness with a story to tell ;)

[@IamSooConstipated]

Thats how I feel about Joe Cockers version of “with a little help from my friends”. Transformed into something totally new

[@mershmerchant]

This and Santana's Soul Sacrifice are probably my favorite performances at Woodstock. Definitely agree on Cocker making it his own.

[@anzacman5]

So true. God he was good

[@tesmith47]

Yeah, I am a Black guy and Joe Coker blew the top off the mutha!!

[@tintinaus]

John Farnham's "Help" does the same thing for me. It turns a "song" into something more real.

[@samquigley1637]

@@tintinaus Yeah, I dunno about more ‘real’. To me, it feels more like a vocal exercise for Farnham that, when done live, elicits a great reaction from the crowd-because his range is truly astonishing-but is it more ‘real’? I dunno.

[@vincentsweargen8436]

Hey, Low-Ender. I'm digging your channel. I respect your research and love of great music.

[@AlissonDepizol]

Damn, this is the second video from your channel that I watched and you already became one of my favorite KZbinrs. Congrats for the nice work and cheers from Brazil.

[@jaycee_baron]

The Siouxsie and the Banshees cover of "Dear Prudence" and The Chameleons cover of "Tomorrow Never Knows" are both awesome.

[@jasfan8247]

Don't bother me. Eva Petersen with Will Sergeant. Astonishing gothic version☠️

[@nobodyburgen4594]

Post-Punk Beatles is best Beatles.

[@jasfan8247]

@@nobodyburgen4594The Cure doing a McCartney cover is really great. But mostly it's a unmusical identity thing. For example compare : "Taxman" by Junior Walker and Power Station. 🤯

[@Ytrearneindre]

@@jasfan8247 i'm curious but can't find that song anywhere online. i see the song on an album called "mojo presents we're with the beatles" but it doesn't seem like it's available on youtube or spotify

[@Ytrearneindre]

Type O Negative's Beatles covers medley "Day Tripper/ If I Needed Someone / I Want You" also rocks hard. They also did "Back In the U.S.S.R." live 🙂

[@joed.5234]

Man, I love your videos. The deep dives, the musical analysis, the history, everything! Would love to hear your take on “That Lady” by The Isley Brothers.

[@pabloalvez915]

I think they're just different, because they work into two different contexts, the 60s psychedelic movement and the 1970s soul scene. Both are great in their own fashion.

[@LincolnMaurice]

The Beatles version doesn't have any psychedelia at all? It's on Revolver, so it shares the vinyl with some pretty trippy Harrisongs like Tomorrow Never Comes, but it's a pretty standard rock song, with a hint of blues.

[@TheOzzyMartin1]

bold to say it’s psychedelic bc A. lmao B. the writer of the song said what he was going for?? also no one said it was bad

[@bigwill8773]

Actually it was not really SOUL. It was more FUNK influenced with a little bit of SOUL!

[@primurph]

It’s a Beatle song .That transcends overused genre labels.

[@fdm2155]

Nah. EWF did what the Beatles couldn't quite manage and the song blossomed because of it. The cover is qualitatively better, not just different.

[@enochroot9438]

Fascinating breakdown, thank you. subbed for more great insights

[@iamjezuzchrist]

"The Best of The Beatles Sung by Motown's Greatest Stars" is one of my favorite records. Marvin's version of Yesterday is untouchable.

[@integratedboxingsystem8827]

Terrence Trent Darby did this MUCH better than Beatles... kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJqZmppmpJqBaqc Also Blackstreet did this better than the Beatles... kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJPNp5qnr5aAZ5I

[@mrg9273]

Ever heard Donny Hathaway's version of 'Yesterday'? Incredible! He also covered John Lennon's 'Jealous Guy' & it's also incredible. But I'm a big Donny fan...I actually like his version of Marvin Gaye's 'Whats Going On' just as much as the original.

[@integratedboxingsystem8827]

@@mrg9273 Thanks for recommending the Donny version of Yesterday.... just listened to it SO Powerful! Terrence Trent Darby did this MUCH better than Beatles... kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJqZmppmpJqBaqc Also Blackstreet did this better than the Beatles... kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJPNp5qnr5aAZ5I

[@TheTones10]

Marvin’s version is hands down, an excellent cover!!! Also note I’m particularly fond of the Brothers Johnson’s version of “Come Together”, George Benson’s take on “Something” and Eddie Hazel’s (P-Funk guitarist), version of “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)”.

[@l.salisbury1253]

It works both ways: the Beatles did the best-ever "white" version of "please Mr. Postman". And the Who's cover of "heatwave" is my favorite version of that song.

[@cherrydrums]

I looove this song and always felt the same as you, but I never knew this! Thanks for the lesson Brandon!

[@diggingthegreats]

Such a crazy story!

[@lyndajay4407]

Awesome Video dude! I didn't know the background of the movie or the soundtrack. I went to see it when it came out, because EWF was in it.

[@BigBassEnt1]

I ran across you channel many times and really enjoyed it, however today I had to subscribe, I really love a channel that delves deep into the subject and gives the knowledge of the essence of the subject.

[@baimun]

WOW…. This explains a LOT about my development of musical tastes and love of funk covers. I was raised in a family of… eclectic… musical tastes. A lot of classical music, Queen, Emerson Lake & Palmer, Joe Cocker, Moog (yes the original gatefold album I can still picture before Heart’s Magic Man), and my parents loved movies. Went out in a snowstorm and we’re the only ones in an orchestral ballroom converted into a movie theatre to see “The Shaggy DA”, and a few months later my 9 year old eyes watched a red planet rise up over the row of seats in front of me, and a massive Starship come swooping down from the back of the theatre. I spent the next several months with the curly corded giant can headphones absorbing all the musical moment from the John Williams Star Wars soundtrack and listened to the motifs and characters just like the way my dad introduced me to Peter and the Wolf or Jesus Christ Superstar. Between that Sgt Peppers album and the (equally horrible movie that I also didn’t see but soundtracks that were played over and over in my headphone) The Wiz… to my childhood ears, those WERE the originals. Funky, dance oriented, rock tinged…. and the first album I bought with my own allowance was a compilation with “Wanna Be My Lover” by Prince and “I Was Made for Lovin’ You” by Kiss. Honestly, the “Old” version of Sgt Peppers I thought was the Original was the Jimi Hendrix version. I can follow my music journey from teen age years playing “Dance the Night Away” from Van Halen, through my holy grail… Prince’s “Sign O’ the Times”, to things like Jamiroquai’s “Virtual Insanity” or Jason Mraz “Live on Earth”… but my band mates (who are faithful to the Beatles originals) tease me for wanting to play “Covers of Covers” when I prefer the Aerosmith “Come Together”, and as fair play to Aerosmith, prefer Ratt’s “Walk-in’ the Dog”, Hendrix’s “All Along the Watchtower” but (full circle) Earth Wind and Fire’s epic version of “Voodoo Child” (trust me, look it up from the Powe of Soul Hendrix Tribute.) ☮️❤️🎶

[@sfbsfb]

Phenomenal storytelling. Great perspective and context.

[@musicmakesmysoulfly]

Thank you I love your insight, background info, feel your take on bass grooves, etc. Learned something when I thought I knew everything Beatles!

[@AA-nt5qw]

Wonderful learnt so much luvvit! Thank you for your passion ☺️

[@TEGamerLTE]

I actually personally loved the movie. I thought they actually did a great job, and never thought of it as a war to beat the Beatles, (which they could have never done) but I saw it as a great spin based on the success and influence of the Beatles. Still one of my favorite movies.

[@wojciechdraminski3035]

Yeah, there's just nothing else like this move, it's something special

[@ISuperTed]

I’m a working horn player and have played both versions of these (as well as others!) many many times. The EWF version wins hands down and not just for the horn parts - the whole groove is better and it’s a pleasure to play.

[@FUNKINETIK]

Do you know ‘Magic Mind’ by EWF… got to be my favourite piece of horn blowing ever . . the middle 8 is mind blowing - EWF’s brass section were known as The Memphis Horns.

[@ISuperTed]

@@FUNKINETIK Never played it! Does sound a great number - very Jerry Hey like middle 8.

[@FUNKINETIK]

@@ISuperTed I bought the single when It was released… when that section comes in, just the horns .. oh man, they finish, a second silence then Vern White follows with a bass line that is funkin groovin. Not heard of Jerry Hey, but after looking him up and his connection with Quincy J, I should’ve known his name. When I searched I found a half hour vid of EWF from a tv show in 73 - well worth a watch.

[@danielirvine7468]

Thanks for the links man I’m a bass player who can’t get enough of this Motown stuff

[@general_ahab]

i had to subscribe to you now, cause im interested in musical history, and you brought a lot of new knowledge to me and some new ways to discover more... thank you, and you do it in a sympathic, and humourus way, that it doesnt get boring, thank you for your lessons....!!!

[@kwohlmut]

I will defend Aerosmith's cover of "Come Together" on this album too, G2GUin2ML is not the _only_ gem. Somebody else mentioned Stevie Wonder's vocals too. But your thesis is flawless, the Earth Wind & Fire cover is superb and a treasure. Thanks for reminding me to listen to this. NOT ON STREAMING SERVICES BUT I RIPPED MY OLD L.P. TO MP3's!!!

[@pja36]

There’s a classic rock station near me that plays no Beatles, but plays Aerosmith’s come together constantly,

[@kwohlmut]

@@pja36 well that's kinda sad.

[@griffruby8756]

John Lennon's version of Come Together on Abbey Road is excellent, but Aerosmith's version (other than its lack of an ending) is nevertheless a significant upgrade.

[@reisswegman3850]

@@pja36 KSHE ?

[@mrurquhart9138]

The song is available to stream on Spotify...

[@Fav.234]

First time watching,I’m a bass player also. very entertaining and informative thank you ! Great job! I’m now a subscriber.

[@diggingthegreats]

Thank you! 🙏🙏

[@dougconley]

Saw the movie in 1978 when I was 12 years old. Went immediately to buy the album and loved it. Still have it, along with the poster that came inside the album, to this day. EWF's "Got to Get Into My Life" is definitely one of the highlights of the movie and album 😊

[@dwaynecope1914]

I was a teen when I saw the movie and I loved it ,I had a smile on my face the whole time. I am glad I didn`t know I wasn`t supposed to like it.

[@dougrollison7040]

Same. I bought the album after seeing it and loved it. Little did I know it was all crap...lol.

[@Layka-be3bz]

I'm so glad you made this! This was one of the records hidden at the back of old LPs from my dad's childhood that he gave me (i'm not sure if he was one of those who bought this by mistake thinking it was the actual Sgt. Pepper's album, or if he bought it because he was a Peter Frampton fan, but it was one of the most pristine records, so I doubt it was played much). I started to listen once or twice but was not feeling it at all. This was literally one of the records in the pile to go sell for in store credit at the record store, but after watching this I pulled it out and put on the first song of side 3 and it was so good. I'm glad I didn't sell it. That one song is worth way more than the few bucks I would have got for it.

[@MyargonautsJason]

I was 9 when this movie came out, and I was in the full embrace of my youthful obsession with the Beatles. The Red and Blue compilation albums had just come out the year before and I was listening to the Beatles non-stop. So of course I went to see this movie at the cinema (I think my older sister took me as she dug Peter Frampton) and yes, I bought the gatefold vinyl double LP. I loved it! I played it all the time when I was 9 and 10 and then slowly started to realize how it was no where as good as the original songs, except for the Aerosmith cover and the Earth, Wind and Fire cover. To this day, I still love both those songs!

[@diggingthegreats]

I just got my vinyl copy off ebay - it came with a mint condition poster and everything!

[@neiel1]

Agreed. I was a kid also when it came out. I loved The Bee Gees and the Beatles. The Bee Gees were the most popular thing at the time and so them starring in a movie as the Beatles was awesome. It was a perfectly enjoyable movie with fantastic music and cameos. Dude is tripping and needs to calm down. He’s too young to understand the context. & the adult Beatles fans at the time were too anti-bee gees to like it. Also, Star Wars holiday special wasnt the sequel we wanted but at the time anything Star Wars, especially on TV was exciting for kids. Watching it now is really fun and an interesting time capsule of blizzaro 70s tv.

[@nannettefreeman7331]

I'm right there with you. I was also 9 when the movie came out. I saw it TWICE, once with a friend, then again the next time my extended family gathered & dropped all 6 grandkids off at the movie theater (aka: cheaper than a babysitter. I believe I saw the movie "Skateboard" starring Lief Garrett & Tony Alva in much the same manner). My friend Tracy & I listened to the soundtrack till the grooves wore down! Her dad heard what we were listening to & about seized up. To him, it was sacrilege! He promptly bought her a copy of the REAL Sgt Peppers & we spent the summer of '79 deep diving into it. But the damage was already done, & to this day I prefer the EWF & Aerosmith versions of their respective tracks to the originals. Hold up. I saw that movie THREE TIMES coz at some point it was televised! Was it a cinematic triumph? Hell no! But it WAS an effective way to introduce CHILDREN, whom I believe were its target audience anyway, to the Beatles catalog. This guy's looking at it all wrong. He's seeing it from the perspective of a grown man in to 2020s. You have to see it through the eyes of a kid growing up in the 1970s to genuinely appreciate it. We didn't have TikTok, or the internet, or even cell phones. But it didn't stop us from having a phenomena somewhat akin to "going viral." In an era overflowing with cringeworthy trends, often springing forth from music ("Disco Duck," "The Hustle," "Convoy," FFS, motherlovin' "CONVOY"?!?) the Sgt Pepper's movie & accompanying soundtrack were on the cooler side of cringe! Not as cool as putting Tony Alva in a movie, but miles ahead of "Convoy." I'd be willing to bet that Peter Frampton is less embarrassed about his contributions to the oddity that was Sgt Pepper's, the movie, than Rick Dees is about hitting it big impersonating Donald Duck to a Disco beat. At least he SHOULDN'T be! It was a moment in time. ✌🏼

[@ontheruntonowhere]

@@nannettefreeman7331 Oh, c'mon now. Convoy is a badass song (with backing vocals which are delightfully cheesy in a quality only the 70s could produce). I still know all the lyrics, which are phenomenal. The strings! The banjo! The song singlehandedly launched the trucker and CB craze, ultimately culminating in such existentially important works of popular art as Smokey and the Bandit 3 and the Dukes of Hazzard...movie. In fact, the song's influence continues to thunder inexorably across the galaxy in a way its protagonist would surely appreciate if he weren't serving concurrent life sentences in San Quentin. 'So we crashed the gate doing 98. I says, let them truckers roll, 10-4."

[@jeraefinch4956]

Just found the channel from MJ rock with u video but after watching that one I subscribed and fell down the rabbit hole but feel so educated now!

[@daddyrare]

I learn something new every time I watch your videos, thank you.

[@iMac76]

James Jamerson's bass on Heard It Through The Grapevine by Gladys Knight & The Pips is one of my favourite basslines of all time.

[@DRUMTOY2002]

YEEEEEESSSS, DITTO!!! To ME their version is FAR superior then Marvin Gaye's when it comes to the "funk"! But YET I have found that more people "seem" to prefer his over theirs! But a musician that I had spoke to about this topic explained PERFECTLY to me. He said "The people that prefer Marvin's version CAN'T HANDLE NOR DO THEY COMPREHEND THE ROOTS OF RAW FUNK and they're probably the SAME mutha phuckers who "think" Funky Town by Lipps Inc IS "real" funk music! I just said "DAMN" and laughed my ass off!

[@sirfriendzone1228]

The funny thing about that is that Marvin Gaye's version and GNP's version were produced by the same producer. 🤯

[@mssha1980]

@@DRUMTOY2002I think they prefer Marvin vocal delivery

[@reginaldstyles3129]

I Believe Earth Wind And Fire And The Beatles Are The Greatest Groups In Music History❤😁

[@johndancler7722]

I've been saying EWF is the best for years.

[@wretch1]

That's a stretch.

[@D7oDR6KpRgqkcqlKAkCWjvlDy4x]

the american rock group "ween"

[@lonca_47]

EWF is the best

[@l.salisbury1253]

See if you can find the soundtrack LP to "Sweet Sweetbacks's Badass Song"- the music was provided by an early version of EWF. (It recalls a cruder Curtis Mayfield.)

[@durhamskywriter]

This was so fun. I grew up in a jazzy household and heard Beatles songs as played by artists like Wes Montgomery, Sergio Mendes, Freddie Hubbard, etc way before hearing the original Beatles’ versions. Still, I did enjoy the Beatles-my favorite songs are probably “Do You Want to Know a Secret, “Good Day Sunshine,” and “Daytripper.” I did go back and listened to the Beatles’ version of “Got to Get You into My Life” and … sigh … will Paul ever learn how to tune his bass properly? I enjoy his playing, but once you realize that he’s been flat throughout his entire career, it’s hard to ignore. Thanks for this fun video!

[@frankmendez2810]

Man you explained and laid out so perfect,I've argued with so many "people "about this topic Thank you keep up the great work.

[@MegaMaggot9]

EWF was in the middle of a tour and faced a deadline to deliver the song for the soundtrack. They recorded it in Denver on one of their off days after hurriedly securing a recording studio. I think one reason the song was so hot was because the band had been constantly playing when it was recorded.

[@nicholasmoss5484]

I totally dig the mashup of Paul's voice with My Girl. I would love to put that into my rotation. Any chance there is a complete version of that?

[@nickeq42]

Im 33 and my mom grew me up on 70s rnb and classic soul and i was like 17 when i found out earth wind and fire coverd that song lol. Ewaf made that song so much better

[@thomasgill2474]

This is an absolute excellent video! You should be very proud of yourself for this !

[@masterpepz19]

I didn't even know that this song was originally sung by The Beatles. It's an EWF song for me ever since. 😁

[@javi__...]

I haven't heard this song in many years but that guitar solo is incredible

[@merrytunes8697]

I LOVE Earth Wind and Fire. I'm happy they found success following this atrocity of a movie/soundtrack. Love your channel as well. New subscriber. Thank you!

[@leslieanneallen6522]

I had no idea that song was a Beatles cover! Loved this video. You're exactly the person I want to listen to and learn from. Subscribing! :)

[@PeterMilliron]

I have hidden my true feelings about these two versions for fear of being called “blasphemous”. I feel vindicated!

[@JonEdwardJordan]

I swear, I had no idea the EW&F version was a cover. Not until this very moment. I must have been about 9 when it came out. It always seems like the definitive version to me.

[@earlpipe9713]

Same here. It's always existed as it's own thing for me

[@Kaunoe]

Same though, it just always seemed like the original

[@KhanadaRhodes]

i came to the comments to say the same thing. i grew up hearing the beatles, i grew up hearing ewf, i had no clue it was a cover. they did a damn good job on this song, arguably one of the best transformative cover songs.

[@ataraxiastemple]

same here

[@Musicradio77Network]

Blood, Sweat & Tears did a great cover of “Got To Get You Into My Life” in 1975 just three years before Earth, Wind & Fire came along. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fH24p59qas2apc0

[@wearemusicians4371]

You put me onto this track, big time - absolutely love it! Thanks for the heads up!

[@AlchemyNova]

Great storytelling. Thanks for the ride!!

[@revjeffg]

Dude, you drilled this. All of it. It’s literally 17 minutes of perfect takes, lol. Could not agree more, period. 👍👍

[@martinmelucci4383]

Except for the Bee Gees career being destroyed, I agree with everything you said here. Very well done video. I knew of the Earth, Wind, and Fire version first...in 1988, my family got a new Lincoln Mark VII. When you bought the optional JBL stereo (which sounded really good), it came with a demo tape for the system. At the beginning of side two was the EWF "Got To Get You Into My Life", and Ioved it from the first time I heard it there. I didn't hear the original until probably four years later, and while ai liked it (and still do), I always preferred the Earth, Wind and Fire version. It's the best cover of a Beatles song I've ever heard... it's like the song was meant for them.

[@PhilMoskowitz]

This movie did nothing of the sorts to the Bee Gees career. They still had hits the next year with the album "Spirits Having Flown", and it's singles "Tragedy" and (especially) "Too Much Heaven". The truth is that music changed after the end of 1979 and most acts that were popular in the 70's either disbanded or no longer had hits. It wasn't just the so-called disco artists that suffered either.

[@anzacman5]

Just subscribed. Love your enthusiasm

[@TheLionsDen72]

Luv the riffs btw. Bass & tone carry a lot to the feel of a great song. As a Trumpeter, Have always lived jazz & big band. Thank you for sharing with us.

[@Rockersudak]

Just started the video but… is because is Earth, Wind and Fire! I’m a big Beatles Fan, But EW&F was just exceptional and know popular music in a deeper level most people can get. Just like Tower of Power

[@misterx4757]

Thanks for bringing light to this record. A lot of EWF fans don't give this song the love it should get. 👍

[@anthonytaylor7928]

The hell are u talking about I was in the 8 th grade when this came out this was a huge hit for EWF . Thats simply not true the fans give them credit on everything they did it's just too many hit to choose from .ur comment is delirious

[@ronaldwilliams9331]

Bro you got to be kidding me blacks were playing that song like it was going out of style when that album came out my mother my aunties constantly was playing that album got to get you into my life was on their volume one greatest hits album with September I remember that yes that was being played by a lot of blacks I don't know what you're talking about everything Earth wind & fire made throughout the seventies and it was crossover too I mean yeah but a lot of blacks was playing that song I remember that like yesterday and I'm 53 so

[@ronaldwilliams9331]

@@anthonytaylor7928 thank you I was just telling him that like man you don't know what you're talking about I'm like I remember when that album came out my mom and auntie's played that like crazy LOL good memories

[@FUNKINETIK]

@@ronaldwilliams9331 I remember when I was 13, walking into WH Smith (UK) record section, picking up ‘Boogie Wonderland’ 12” and buying it. Getting home, placing on my record player and hearing the tune for the very first time. Big fan of EWF and The Emotions, I just knew the record had to be good. P E A C E : )

[@ronaldwilliams9331]

@@FUNKINETIK yeah those were the days Earth wind and fire and Parliament funkadelic and led Zeppelin those were my three favorite groups still are to this very day

[@Creolepolo]

My two ALL-TIME favorite bands. Earth Wind & Fire, followed by the Beatles. I absolutely LOVE the EWF version of this song. The manager of the store in which I was working at the time (in 11th grade) brought the LP into the store and played it the day he purchased it. I hopped on the city bus the next morning and bought my own. Played it all day.

[@thingsthathappenedtomymoth2816]

This video has put into words what I’ve always felt about Earth, Wind and Fire’s version of “Got To Get You Into My Life.”

[@craigjohnson4302]

Great phoenix story comparison to Star Wars. EWF is one of my all time favorite bands. Wide and tight at the same time, and ALWAYS in the perfect groove.

[@Diggy22]

Earth, Wind, & Fire knew their stuff. Maurice White knows his music, especially when it comes to horn arrangements, and Maurice and Philip Bailey are superior vocalists compared to Paul and John. And Al McKay's solo complimenting Verdine's bass? The cherry on top 🎉😎

[@barebarekun161]

Horns arrangement by Tom Tom 84

[@jasfan8247]

@@barebarekun161 my thought too. The Phenix Horns!!!! Maurice is the original drummer.

[@andrewvincent7299]

Ehh I wouldn't say they were superior vocalist to Paul. That's nuts. Paul's range was insane. He could literally do almost anything whereas EWF were limited to what they've always done.

[@barebarekun161]

@@andrewvincent7299 Stick to what they've done? They went from a strictly funk band to play anything from to play Gospel Afro Cuban Rock Funk Soul Jazz Fusion R&B Disco to New Wave-ish Electro Pop and Hip Hop, Neo Soul. EWF was the furthest thing from a one trick one genre band.

[@williemo44]

Good call out on Jamerson! His bass thumps so nice I almost want to give him credit for inventing the 808 Kick with that bass. I saw on a documentary where Jamerson’s upright bass neck had an indent in the wood from where his thumb put pressure on it.

[@thesteveandianproject2532]

This is my favorite cover period. My mother took my sister and I to see this at the RKO on Church Ave. in Brooklyn. Back before they cut it up. On the BIG screen. Just like she took us to see Saturday Night Fever and Grease. Unlike those two, we never got the soundtrack... Now I see why. I do have a rip on cd. So... There's that. Billy Preston's Get Back and Aerosmith's Come Together were good, and the finale was crazy. I remember enjoying this... And the Star Wars Special... But, I was also 5 at the time...

[@PaulDA2000]

I’m not saying it’s better than the original but James Brown’s cover of Something was George Harrison’s favorite out of every single cover of that song.

[@JDmusicwoodwinds]

So good man! I personally love both versions, but man did EWF make it there own Please keep making videos like this it's so good!

[@diggingthegreats]

I love the original too, but yeah, EWF took it to the next level

[@dumfriesspearhead7398]

I remember this when it first came out and came to the same conclusion as yourself, 40+ years ago as an adolescent. I wish YT was available then.

[@-As4me]

Dude I can watch you all day. You love the music and know the music. Great video

[@vincelfk]

Hey, what do you think of Eddie Hazel's cover of The Beatles I Want You She's So Heavy? 1977 founding guitarist of Funkadelic & the cover is part of his debut solo album. I think it's a jam, sort of like the song this video is about, Eddie was able to bring a little more out of the song soulfully than the original has to offer.. I love both versions of I Want You. Brides of Frankenstein on backing vocals.

[@PabloCoronel70]

I have very fond memories of the 70s Sgt Pepper. I had a cousin that was a BGs fan, she took us to the movies, and then made us listen to that record many times. I think it is a product of the 70s, and there were some good bits in there, but this song was incredible. Haven't heard any of this in decades... thanks man!

[@pomonagirl77]

The Bee Gees long quote was really hysterical. I was born in 1977 and grew up on The Beatles. I remember seeing this movie on TV when I was a kid and it was....overall kind of disturbing to me. LOL! I didn't realize that the EWF song was a part of the movie/soundtrack. Smart move of them to retain the rights and pre-release it. Probably the best Beatles cover ever! :)

[@PRODUCEDBYKEV]

My favorite part (besides the bass playing) is the KILLER EWF breakdown to just vocals, finger snaps and guitar soloing at the end of their verson

[@kevinmcwilliams5362]

The EWF version is so good that just about everyone that covers that song, covers the EWF version of it. Dave Koz has a cover of EWF's version.

[@kevintownsend3840]

That is a bad ass tune Koz is the man along with Richard Elliot and Mandy Abier

[@ricardoveromariguez7318]

Two of my fave Beatle covers are Yes- Every Little Thing, and The Jerry Garcia Band-Dear Prudence…but there are many more, including EWF.

[@sillambretta]

Come Together by Aerosmith was another stand out cover on the 78 soundtrack.

[@mikeg3439]

Yes covered the Beatles??? Thank you for that tip.

[@themotownboy1]

Though I LOVE The Beatles, I never really like their version of GTGYIML. I like EWF’s version better, but, for some reason, I still skip the song if it comes on a playlist. I guess I just don’t like the song itself that much. However, I really enjoyed this video and the insights into the Sgt. Pepper movie. Thank you!

[@stookeyslaughter]

Great video and lesson. Things I didn’t know. 👍🏾

[@miss3305]

I was 13 when the Sgt Pepper movie was released I freaking loved it! I grew up on the Beatles, the music, the cartoons, the movies, this was just an extension of that for me.

[@Musicradio77Network]

The “Sgt. pepper” movie was the first of the so-called “Jukebox Musicals” like the 2021 “Cinderella” movie with Camella Cabello and “Mamma Mia” with Meryl Streep.

[@bartbrouwer97]

I agree with you completely, love the EWF version more than the Beatles version, which is very rare! I personally think MJs cover of Come Together is a good Beatle cover too, but besides that, few come close to their orignal tracks!

[@patrickwest6876]

Such a great presentation....you made me laugh several times....thank you for your post and comments!!!

[@producerman10030]

Thanks for telling the story. Amazingly enough I was supposed to sub on guitar on the off Broadway version of the show which BTW never opened. So I witnessed a rehearsal of the show. Standing pretty close to Paul McCartney. Great channel. I’ve also played guitar for Brand Nubian and Dead Prez.

[@majorgeek]

I"m going to be the weirdo, and say that I absolutely LOVE the Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band movie. I've loved it since I saw it on cable when I was a child. I recently re-watched it, and I STILL love that movie. It isn't a great movie, but it's bad in all the right ways. It just FEELS like the 70s! I just adore the movie so much! Having the Bee Gees playing the Lonely Hearts Club Band was a genius move. If anyone gets the chance to watch this movie on a streaming service, if it becomes available, I HIGHLY recommend it.

[@mitchellborn]

I love the Michael Jackson cover of Come Together. That's another well done cover

[@noswonky]

I certainly remember it. I was 14 when it came out and I was a Beatles and Bee Gees fan to I found it pretty interesting. I seem to remember it got quite a bit of publicity and air play at the time here in Australia. Never saw the movie though.

[@andrewfox2002]

New subscriber, digging the content man!

[@nikfiendluvr666]

Great cover. Eddie Hazel's cover of I Want You (She's So Heavy) is also fucking phenomenal if you haven't checked that one out before

[@GermanSerain]

Robin Gibb's cover of "Oh, Darling" is simply fantastic. May be as great as the original one.

[@sirfriendzone1228]

John Lennon said the he should have been the lead singer on that song and it was one of his favorite songs Paul ever wrote.

[@RashidLanie8]

Well done!!! Wonderful presentation!!!

[@Squirrelconga]

Great vid! 🙏 Thanks! Liked n'Subscribed 🤜🤛