Chris Isaak, "Wicked Game" on Letterman, March 27, 1991 (full, stereo)

"Wicked Game" was a sleeper hit, released two years before it gained huge traction thanks to its inclusion in the film "Wild at Heart."
Previously uploaded by others, but this version is in glorious stereo. With James Wilsey on guitar and Kenny Johnson singing backup vocal.
Plus a second segment chatting with Dave.

[@yogoombah2356]

Given it was the talents of J.C. Wilsey who came up with the iconic haunting guitar riff of "Wicked Game", you can say the song wouldn't be the same without James. Rest In Peace... 💔James Calvin Wilsey 🎸(July 21, 1957 - Dec 24, 2018)

[@cripmeister9104]

No Wilsey no Isaak as we know him

[@jn8173]

This was just yesterday to me. I was stupid to let so much time pass unnoticed. I was 30 when they sang this on DL.

[@surfwriter8461]

Yes, I give a lot of credit to Wilsey. As a producer of Isaak's records said, Wilsey's greatest talent was in creating "atmosphere" with his sound, not just a guitar player per se. That tremolo sound he gets is so moody and rich. Others have used a similar sound, dating back to Hank Marvin, surf music and more, and Mark Knopfler has used it to great effect over the years.

[@ScottWDoyle]

Cal's contributions to this song (and to all of Isaak's early work) is so essential it's almost like he should be credited as a co-writer.

[@obliviousdude9437]

Poor Jimmy. He met a bad, undeserved end.

[@MilesBellas]

James Calvin Wilsey on guitar.

[@ShadDennis]

One of the most hauntingly beautiful lead guitar parts ever recorded. It's.so.perfect. 😢

[@chrish8903]

The best two note guitar signature ever.

[@ALLfemalesLiecheatnsteal]

One of the best ever❤️❤️❤️♥️♥️

[@raxanci]

He was a cowboy

[@kb9788]

He was an incredible player!

[@Candyskin69]

The wonderful James Wilsey. Always remembered.

[@danielrn133]

The best. Along with Danny Gatton as far as just magic on the guitar.

[@tyronnebiggums629]

RIP

[@jfkesq]

such a great sound

[@podunkcitizen2562]

BTW, Herb was great in Othello, riveting!

[@thatthingyoudo279]

His subtlety on the frets spoke volumes and made the song. His presence was too underrated in this video. ❤

[@timothyoconnell4189]

One of my favorite songs.. My favorite version with James on guitar. So early. So pure. It's like they knew they had a hit, but didn't realize it would be a classic thirty years later.

[@gabriellahornakneacs6795]

🎤🪘🎸No matter how sumptuous guitar and background vocals surround this song written by Chris Isaak, he interprets it for his audience every time at his concerts with a deep feeling emerging from the painful recesses of the soul. True, James Wilsey's guitar playing and drummer Kenny Johnson's excellent voice add a lot to the song, but the inspiration comes from Chris, no one should take away from him the recognition and success he deserves. The expression of music in the orchestra is a joint interplay, everyone contributes with their own ideas and talents, and this is how global success is born. Not only in music, but in everything else ❗🎶

[@baroqueguitarist5673]

Roy Orbison is so unique I figured it impossible to confuse him with anyone. I stand corrected Chris Isakk is the closest I've ever heard to Roy Orbison. Absolutely amazing singer

[@chanj1950]

He acknowledges Roy Orbison as his inspiration.

[@j_freed]

That’s really interesting, I think the music of Chris has so much of a darker vibe. Orbison songs have a kind of innocence to them even if they are a little dark. Roy is the dreamer, Chris lives in a nightmare. Obviously Roy had a much richer voice, but I can see the influence.

[@DavidZ7785]

I totally agree. Was trying to find this song. I described it as "an older slow classic rock. The singer has a deep voice. Kind of sounds like Jim Morrison. The chorus goes oh iiii" lol he got it pretty much right way

[@alexdzikas1216]

Check out the videos "The Mavericks - SHould have been True" - Raul Malo's voice is still amazing to this day. I've always considered him and Chris Isaak to be th closest to Orbison.

[@bradhuskers]

@@j_freed Orbison had a "one trick pony" voice. Elvis's chameleon voice was light years more diverse.

[@raupp300]

I never dreamed that I meet somebody like you, and I never dreamed that I. would lose somebody like you. That pretty much says it all. Heartbreaking

[@duster413]

James Calvin Wilsey was an exceptional stylist in his playing. A great loss.

[@m6h24]

So much emotion on the guitar tone, some may search all their life for such haunting tone. It comes from life’s experiences: hurt, pain, sorrow, joy, love and loss of love. Rip James Wisley. See you in guitar heaven!

[@tommythompsonsurfer]

VERY MISS JAMES..HE WAS ISSAQC GREAT GROUP

[@howlingwaters2741]

@M6 H2 - and inspiration from Roy Orbison😎🎸🎶

[@sketchyold]

Okay 🙄

[@elisatrygar6481]

The guitar crys through its strings

[@bradhuskers]

@@howlingwaters2741 Roy had a "one trick pony" voice. Elvis's chameleon voice was light years more diverse

[@trustinsynchronicity]

The Elvis that lives on after being in God's laboratory/ repair shop. Came onto earth in the form of Chris Isaak.🙏

[@roundandsquareful]

I love Christ Isaac's voice. Great voice, haunting song.

[@BrandonGavin_EDC]

He reminds me of Elvis so much.

[@Luke.]

Yeah that's pretty much the whole point. Chris loves Elvis, Roy Orbinson and 1950s rockabilly and thus even styles his hair the same way!

[@victoriacaldwell734]

RIP dear James.

[@db5837]

This remarkable song has since developed a life of its own with so many covers, especially in recent years with young women singing it on the many talent shows. That guitar backing has become indelible in music history.

[@eddievongrape2177]

Unbelievable guitar playing. Absolutely sublime 🙏🙏🎸

[@Formula1_Junkie]

Beyond tragic about JCW. He was such a talented guitarist. Long Live the King of Slow!

[@markroberts1301]

RIP James Wilsey

[@luish777]

It's got to be in the conversation top 25 songs all time imo

[@samspade8612]

Wicked Game is a masterpiece. Great live version & interview.

[@FD-tu9rt]

Good golly I Love this guy !!!!! Chris Isaak is another American Treasure.......40 years into it and still sounds and looks incredible ! This one example is why music was sooooooo good and clearly isn't anymore. Maybe it's because everything's been done already or possibly that the taste of the average citizen is in the "toilet" ! Thank God we have his awesome catalog of music to enjoy. 👍👍👍

[@henry-lee-music]

Chris Isaak's the man, you know it.

[@fredchatham6680]

So hauntingly beautiful.

[@ricbob9651]

Wow he's such a genuinely nice a decent guy

[@deborahschwartz7623]

Thank you to James Wilsey, RIP.

[@herbertvonzinderneuf8547]

Wilsey really should have had a co-credit on both writing and performing on this.

[@Mindboggle100]

100% agree, sadly he didn't earn nearly as much from his time with The Silvertone's, as he surely deserved.

[@cindyjean3208]

What a handsome man...

[@texasoilfields]

That face, and that voice. Wtf!!!! Unfairly divided;)

[@CachanillaFFM]

What a time that was...best music 🎸🎸🎸

[@zamiadams4343]

Absolute GOLD, absolute classic performance.

[@RealRosieRuiz]

RIP jimmy Wilsey

[@Louis.R]

RIP J.C. Wilsey

[@TruthNJustice33]

My God, what a beautiful voice ⁉️⁉️ I am just drooling listening to the (wicked Game) and watching him. I don't know if it is a part of his acting experience, or his reel personality, but he certainly, puts some real wicked passion to his singing.❤❤❤

[@gsastuto2885]

RIP JCW always remembered

[@redrocks1983]

Hypnotic and transfixing...♥️

[@Babaliciouss1]

Gorgeous voice, gorgeous man!

[@SirButterlegs]

This song is so spooky and ethereal, love it to death.

[@cpsfinancial]

I saw him perform this last night (11/30/23). Great entertainer.

[@cassbellydance]

What an excellent band! Chris has the most beautiful voice and that guitarist matches Chris’s voice. The backup singer was amazing too. The pianist just made it!

[@keithshowell6688]

The word most of you are looking for: "Timeless"

[@22RosesGrow]

I remember this, when it aired. Letterman days. Love his retro sound. Missed his concert a few times now. One day, man. He has a lot of good music.

[@OvernightDrive]

James Wilsey forever.

[@lsr69wontquit64]

His voice is incredible but this song ramps it up!

[@maire454]

THANK YOU. My favourite Chris Isaak song from my favourite Lynch film. : )

[@hightowerTB303]

Thanks for uploading this time document of better TV and music! 🍻 This song is timeless and Chris' beautiful and distinctive voice is carried by the virtuoso and unmistakable guitar playing of James Calvin Wilsey (RIP)

[@smilingontime]

The guitar player died a few days ago. R.i.p.

[@ernestodiaz3984]

Don you make my day many of this clip I've never seen thank you

[@batesmin]

Thank you Don!

[@ZLLi661]

Finally saw this guy a month ago while visiting Australia. I've been wanting to see him since 1991. I'm saving up to go stalk him, I mean see him, in the USA or wherever I can again. Love his music and he is a great entertainer.

[@mariekeromp7615]

James Calvin Wilsey❤💔

[@MaraSantos-ov3qv]

Que homem lindo,que voz maravilhosa ❤❤

[@friendofthelowly]

Ahead of his time and a blast from the past at the same time

[@AR-mu4zq]

Love this comment

[@SelmaSeltsam]

And you found the nicest words. Perfect.

[@Howoldareweanywayyipes]

The greatest song...

[@finnibertlunchiken7792]

Love Isaak's music and loved his MTV show. The guy just happens to be a great all around entertainer. He's funny and has good sensibilities. I can understand why he got random calls to do stuff. I think he had a talk/music show briefly if Im not mistaken.

[@mimlo7534]

Talented, easy on the eyes, and seems to be a decent, modest human being. 🌷

[@SelmaSeltsam]

... and his own sitcom. Funny, nice to watch and full of fine music.

[@waltraud734]

Real,something beautiful 😍 him and his Song + guitarplaying

[@DennisGardner-oo8ek]

Top tune I was 21 1991 unbelievable

[@omarvasquez445]

I remember when CDs were packaged this way 💿📀

[@trudiedaniel9977]

I love this man!

[@bamadave83]

lol at the introduction. Such a beautiful song.

[@jermainesimpson834]

The golden age of love music

[@omarvasquez445]

Chris Isaak is the coolest 🕶

[@jbr600]

What a Sweet Man🤩😍👍

[@thomasboren3580]

I’ve always paid attention to guitar player looking back at the keyboard every time I’ve seen a live video of this song , figure it out about how the sound is made

[@garycarmain1758]

HAUNTING SONG❗🎸❗🎸

[@CiciHylo]

Love him😍I was born on 27th march 91 too lol

[@SXI96]

So you're into older men?.. nice haha ;l

[@CiciHylo]

😂😂haha it's a top tune mate

[@CindiLeach]

Stockton is right down the river from sacramento, ca!

[@beholdpalehorse]

"Swat Team Leader - Chris Isaak" haha! What an intro Dave!

[@wowihaveachannel4862]

I never knew that was Chris Issac in silence of the lambs until now!

[@jedward5155]

Look at that handsome bastard.

[@bigcatdaddy76016]

His drummer is singing backup vocals instead of hitting the skins.....James' demons are gone now, Never forget him.

[@benjaminsarmiento-ny3hk]

excelent. a. good. job. ✌🏼

[@talleslee5704]

the 90's, last time of the real world

[@Jesoteric]

Love the suit

[@ClarksonFisherIII]

Elvis + Morrissey = Chris Isaak

[@JohnnyArtPavlou]

Clarkson Fisher III, nice!

[@AlexRodriguez-zz8bs]

Hell yeah!

[@ClarksonFisherIII]

@Stiv Luca Vincent strong point. let's compromise... Chris Isaak = Roy Orbison + Morrissey

[@joejoe7702]

+ Jack Kerouac?

[@djstarsign]

And Matthew Modine

[@shawnosborn8887]

I love Chris's hair dude.

[@chrisames2795]

James Calvin the original. Saw them perform in San Francisco dozens of times at Club Nine , the I Beam, the Sone, Nightbreak, and Calvin was always on his left.

[@obionekenobi7401]

The I beam….nice “old school” memory!!!

[@carolynstewart8465]

Eat your heart out Elvis!😮

[@moconnorduber1787]

Love him

[@rickhocks2616]

I second Candyskin69’s emotion - Jimmy Wilsey guitar really made that song and was reason the song got into David Lynch’s movie … Nothing against Chris Isaak … I sensed a lot of tension between those two when I saw them live in 1991 … I didn’t know the half of it … RIP JIMMY WILSEY

[@Spacejuno]

Yeah I’m sure the voice had nothing to with it ? Or the lyrics to get into a scene ? I mean i get that James maybe dindt get the credit and y’all feel to overcompensate for that but the song is the song is the song… what makes the song is all it’s components and yes the riff is a great part of the song but if it’s only the riff it’s not the same.

[@Candyskin69]

Yes, I saw them in 1991 and got the feeling that Jimmy was being marginalised compared to previous times.

[@SelmaSeltsam]

@@Candyskin69 Unfortunately Jimmy was doing drugs. Chris didn't like it.

[@OutRAjious]

bizarrely he got better as he got older …

[@Mr.S369]

Seems like a wonderful chap!

[@user-lo2nk4re1y]

Молодость, ностальгия!

[@hugotyson308]

For an American ,Letterman was actually cool.Isaaks song was always good !

[@AR-mu4zq]

Americans invented cool ;)

[@janemars5225]

He has a fabulous nose. I mean this is one of my favourite songs from a life of listening to some very good songs. So there's that. But the nose.

[@primtones]

Feels like a number from the Roadhouse in Twin Peaks.

[@71fluffdaddy]

Can’t believe this was 1991 I swore it was later like 1996 damn I was in my first year in college.

[@1230daniellepeterson]

Classic.......

[@areyoutheregoditsmedave]

chris issak and the diaz brothers. stockton cali baby!!

[@thegrimyeaper]

"It pays to be listed."

[@handle433]

Hey, what does listed mean?

[@bradss1000]

@@handle433 Listed in the white pages. There used to be this thing called a “phone book”, it had white pages; everyone’s phone number and even their address too, and yellow pages; all businesses in town or county.

[@robharding4028]

Top man !

[@johnnybraggs6914]

He was the coolest in his time

[@CindiLeach]

I miss you David!

[@Ac0ustics0ul]

I noticed in all the live performances I've heard. he changes the lyric '' make foolish people do'' to ' 'make foolish lovers do '' Not sure why, 'people' rolls off better in the delivery.. whatever lol

[@Mindboggle100]

Full disclosure, I'm a mere guitar hack... BUT, am I not correct in thinking James plays, Wicked Game, very differently than the later Hershel versions?? Totally respect them both, but James was the sound of early Isaak albums!

[@zac3392]

Yeah simple part, but no one ever played it as well as JC… RIP

[@damienmartin1403]

Haunting. That is all..

[@jacmaxt2]

My wife left me and this song haunts my dreams

[@gabriellahornakneacs6795]

This can be a bad feeling, I'm sorry !

[@howardcarlisle3601]

Wow

[@redrocks1983]

🎸❤️❤️❤️

[@KlaroBordo]

I need Time Machine to go back in that live performance

[@AS-qk3we]

🎶🎶💕

[@orlikjungen1]

James Calvin Wilsey

[@anthonymacdonald862]

God dam 🦫 ❤

[@taylormach1699]

Great singer and song, the guitar riff will last.