The Springfields LIVE... with just one microphone?! How will they get on?

[@tnmoppylaura5476]

People singing on one mic means they have to be a real group. Fantastic! Thanks Fil.

[@Hughenn]

Tom Springfield wrote many Seekers hits. A brilliant songwriter.

[@jdsmort]

He was also Dusty's brother... changed his name to Tom.... and took on the "Springfield" surname

[@CrankCase08]

@@jdsmort He died in July 2022 but, as far as I recall, it wasn't mentioned anywhere on the mainstream media.

[@moonbeanification]

This is new to my ears! I only knew of Dusty Springfield as a solo artist. This ensemble is a delight!

[@philipblower9336]

Dusty was also in a girl group called The Lana Sisters before The Springfields...................................

[@drewpall2598]

Reading randomly through the comments section here I see many commenters did not know Dusty Springfields sang with her brother Tom it's a real treat when a person request you to take a look at a performance by artist or band in their very early days when they were not so well known. even back then you could tell Dusty was on her way to world wild stardom. Thanks Fil and the person who brought this video to your attention.

[@lyndamcardle4123]

My very favourite Springfields song....beautiful song, beautiful chords and a nice tribute to the recently deceased Tom Springfield.

[@cadeevans4623]

Love this group back then they gathered around one microphone

[@thepagan5432]

I loved Dusty growing up, 1962 when this song was released, I was 7. Her voice was so good throughout her career. A shame she died when only 60 years old.

[@RobinBibiMusic]

I was seven too , I absolutely loved this song and especially Dusty’s beautiful solo part …

[@robertharris8834]

Unfortunately regular mammogram check-ups were rare or non-existent in Dusty's days. Today she would not have died of breast cancer and could have lived into her nineties.

[@nettycoleman6675]

I love that you share some of the background history of the groups and the other songs that members have written. These videos are interesting on so many different levels.

[@kristymac3236]

This takes me back, my mum liked The Springfields and we had this record. Loved Dusty’s voice.

[@TJSINGS63]

One microphone absolutely and the Beatles later on would have George and Paul share a Mike or all three of The Beatles singing something like this boy. Back in the days before Auto-Tune and high-tech sound it was called vocal quality and projection! LOL great video as always

[@highpath4776]

What tended to happen was a Fender or similar would have two guitar inputs and only one mike one - or one for a High Z mic on for a Low Z one.

[@edwardlacey7953]

Tom Springfield wrote nearly all of The Seekers hits. Island of Dreams performed by the Irish group The Morrisseys is excellent.

[@Terri_MacKay]

After Dusty Springfield passed away, I watched an interview with Neil Tennant where he talked about his experience working with her on "What Have I Done to Deserve This", and what an absolute perfectionist she was. He said that during the recording of the song, she would insist on redoing a line or phrase over and over, until she was happy with it. He said even when it sounded good enough to everyone else, that wasn't good enough for Dusty...she wasn't satisfied until it sounded perfect TO HER. I think about that now everytime I listen to one of her songs, especially "Son of a Preacher Man" (my favourite DS song). I think...I'm listening to the song that she wanted us to hear, sung the way she believed it should be sung. That may not seem like a big deal now, but when she was recording a lot of her early hits in the 60's and 70's, a female singer's career was usually "guided" by male producers and record label execs, who would decide what her image and sound should be.

[@TheoMcD]

This is my favourite KZbin music video. I love the facial expressions. They seem to be having so much fun.

[@dagmar.6954]

Thanks for your analysis. I am a big Dusty Springfield fan. So great to see her start in The Springfields with her brother Tom. They were a British folk-pop vocal trio who had success in the early 60's in the UK, US & Ireland. Tom wrote a number of hit songs for Australian pop-folk band The Seekers. Dusty went on to have a great solo career with lots of hit songs.

[@KennyTC63]

If you haven't heard it, check out The Seekers version of this song. It's a cracker!

[@stuartriefe1740]

My introduction to Dusty Springfield was a bit backwards. A friend and I saw a young upcoming singer named Joan Osborne (a couple years before her big hit “What if God Was One of Us” came out.) We we’re right in front of the stage of this small club when she tore into “Son of a Preacher Man.” I was blown off my chair, and didn’t know yet that it was a Dusty cover. Imagine my delight to finally hear Dusty’s version! But hats off to Joan, who rendered a very powerful early 90s tribute!

[@colleenm8067]

❤️❤️❤️Dusty ❤️❤️❤️ very cool to see the software pick up the perfection and spot on consistency that the great Dusty Springfield knew in her gift just by ear and brought us in every single performance. She made it all look effortless. Her PURE Genius lives on forever.

[@ColleenLytle-sq8tx]

Thank you, it's about time I read the word genius here when speaking of the Great Lady 😁❤

[@anjoleahdupree1963]

I truly do enjoy listening to Dusty Springfield's songs and especially the one she had done with the Pet Shop Boys.Dusty's one of my favorite Female Recording Artists of All Times.

[@blueskygal255]

Fil I love that you are open and review all genres of music. You have a vast knowledge of music on many different levels. 👍💕💯

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@highpath4776]

The song does have, particulary in first stanzas , some interesting harmony, with 2nd Tenor part going up where perhaps one would arrange a downward note , while that is a trick of 'southern america' / country styles of the 1940s/50s it is done very interestingly.

[@playnicechannel]

Mary Isobel Catherine Bernadette O'Brien, convent educated, voice of a sultry Angel. Some voices are so truly unique, they are unmistakable from the first note. Dusty sounded like no one and no one sounded like Dusty.

[@idankoos4156]

Dusty is one of my all time singing inspirations...just perfectly balanced

[@ronfeast932]

Good catholic girl...excellent!!

[@playnicechannel]

@@ronfeast932 Indeed

[@AndyMangele]

"Sultry angel" is an excellent way of putting it!

[@lynnelovesroses4485]

Can never make up my mind which version I prefer, this or Judith Durham and the Seekers performance. Great analysis

[@jameswiglesworth5004]

great though Judith Durham and The Seekers are, The Springfields version is far superior

[@robertharris8834]

They are both great!

[@robertorourke6614]

I am always amazed at your own super vocals Phil, you appear to be able to match any of the vocal ranges of the stars you are analysing. by the way why are you not in a band of your own, & what make is the guitar your playing, thank you for bringing such an entertaining show to you tube, Rob

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@onthefive5615]

I recall interviews in the early 60s where it was difficult to hear her soft, sweet, breathy speaking voice until she broke into song, turning loose her strong, no-nonsense vocalics, exactly as happens here.

[@lynndow3185]

OH! What a pretty song! I get shivers from that brother-sister blood harmony. Fun to see how the vocal waves soar during the word "bird" in the 'bird on the wing' phrase! Cool analysis, thanks, Fil!

[@cguzelli1]

Fil - there was a time when groups (think 1950's rhythm and blues vocal quartets) who gathered around a single mic and it was the ability of the singers as it is with the Springfield's here to adjust their individual dynamics. Or consider the records that came out of Capital Tower's Studio B in Hollywood where Nelson Riddle, Billy May and Ray Anthony conducted full orchestras with two overhead mics and one mic on whoever the singer was, be it Frank Sinatra, Jo Stafford, Dean Martin, etc. and the remasters of the original albums into CD format is stunning. Proves that great musicians and singers don't need any "extra's" to make them sound better. The diversity of music in the 1960's was mind-boggling. The Srpingfields were one that by virtue of being siblngs, the harmonies were bound to be devine and they were. Always, great analysis!

[@sabocikotic7632]

The Springfields - fantastic!!!

[@Farrah300]

If I'm not mistaken, The Springfields were the first British group to have a Top 40 single before the British Invasion. That song was "Silver Threads and Golden Needles" in 1962

[@jeromeknasinski3862]

You are So Smart... I Admire your knowledge of music

[@SuperDutchjohn]

Love The Springfields, not only Dusty, they had great songs, especially loved their Latin American songs they did........The Seekers were the logical follow-up. Both groups were great, had to search the world over for a good compilation cd from The Springfields, finally found a good one in Australia, was expensive but worth every euro! Thumbs up from The Netherlands!!

[@RonWesterbeek]

Hi John, good to hear you found a compilation cd , are they still around you think? Cheers from the Algarve y'all.

[@SuperDutchjohn]

@@RonWesterbeek They are very rare (mine is a double cd), I know that, and to be honest, I really don't know if they are still available yet, Corona made lots of things even MORE rare, my advise is to start at Amazon and just search for The Springfields, SUCCES!!

[@RonWesterbeek]

@@SuperDutchjohn thanks for your input John, and the tip. Be well. 🌷

[@highpath4776]

I think being signed to Philips (and I think this would have used their London studios for the disc recording with the orchestra directed by Ivor Raymonde , one of the key musical directors at Philips)

[@FlyingPusssyfoot]

I've always loved her voice. Completely underrated and made very interesting music solo career. When I would blast her in my car when I was deep in the punk seen. 90% of the people I knew hated her (at that time). But the people who understood her talent agreed that she was an amazing singer. The same happened with Chet Atkins and Doc Watson. Just because I was in a punk group in the late 90's early 2000's doesn't mean that's the only music I listened to.

[@zenawarrior7442]

Lovely harmonies. Fun analysis of a group I've never heard of. Thanks Fil😊🎤🎼🥁🎸🎹🍷☀️

[@pcno2832]

10:10 I've read that they had already recorded in Nashville by this time and you can hear it in their accents. Of course, when Dusty starts her solo, it almost puts the listener in a hypnotic trance. Hard to believe such a beautiful voice exists. You could tell she'd be going places.

[@g26s239]

Great choice Fil. I never actually heard The Springfields before today but I was a fan of Dusty from 4th grade on when Son Of A Preacher Man was on the radio. I have only noted Tom Springfield's contributions, with the Seekers and all, within the last few years. Please do a piece on the great Johnny Nash I can See Clearly Now.

[@Yesica1993]

Will watch the analysis later when I have more time. But I wanted to watch the performance first. I've never head this song! I don't think I even know this group. How charming and delightful was that? Such lovely harmonies! And I've always been partial to female voices that are lower/richer like hers. Thanks for introducing me to something new! There's nothing more wonderful than singing together, especially around one microphone.

[@justpinkcandy]

The more I get educated (thank you, Fil), and then hear older music, the more I wish autotune would die. 😊

[@musicrocksoffical]

Oh they were brilliant. Tom just passed away!!! He’s with Dusty. ❤️❤️❤️ Thank you for the video. I enjoyed.

[@yvonnelygo681]

I Love singing, I sing I.n The bath and to people at work.

[@annakoziorowska1940]

Another insightful multifaceted music analysis of the song .

[@loveisall5520]

I loved Dusty Springfield as a little boy in the mid sixties, and still have her recordings on CD. Unique for all time.

[@coinneachmaclellan3121]

Some of the harmony reminds me of the great Canadian folk duo, Ian and Sylvia, who were quite popular in the same era.

[@alicesmith8297]

It is also interesting to hear Dusty’s speaking voice-sounds like she spoke in her head voice. Once you hear her sing she demonstrates great chest and head voice control. Thank you Fil for the analysis-good analysis of instruments and vocals recorded and thank you for taking time to review this classic recording. The harmonies remind me of barbershop musical sets.

[@omnipop4936]

Damn, this so much better than the studio version. It's quicker, has more swing, and the harmonies are just _stunning._

[@wjstix]

Mike Hurst (to Dusty's right) said they used to practice for hours in front of a mirror practicing moving correctly. The one microphone reminded me of how the old Bluegrass bands worked with just the one mic. Sometimes Del McCoury and his band still do: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJirmX9piq56Y7c I was glad to learn that the reason I'm so infatuated with this live performance is that I have good taste!

[@RonWesterbeek]

Great observations Fil, thanks. Dynamic vocal and physical control around one mic was lovely while recording this song.

[@johnduckworth474]

This is another really good analysis, Fil. The Springfields were hugely popular in the UK and Dusty did some of her best work with them.

[@blackletter2591]

It would be fascinating to hear your analysis of the voice of Judith Durham, late of The Seekers. I think she must have had pretty good intonation, as she always sounded so sweet and strong soaring above the band. Will be sadly missed. Ha! and you mention her as I write.

[@tracyzimmerman7912]

I have never heard of the Springfields. This is such a sweet song. Your did an great job of busking your way through the the chords. They were such a beautiful choice of chords.

[@quicksite]

"busking through" - - never heard that expression before but so perfect. As well "you can easily take it for granted how smooth the sound is". So many live variety shows in that black & white era with such simple sparse setups.

[@jw4321]

And I'll join those who only knew her as a solo artist! Thanks for the education Fil!

[@spacemissing]

Fil, you should do one of these on Sheena Easton's "Morning Train".

[@Mika-lr4zh]

Thanks for finding this gem, it was part of my childhood..

[@olga138]

I only ever heard Dusty as a solo singer---I don't know if the group had much exposure in the US. Anyway, I always loved her voice. Thanks for the analysis, Fil!

[@lintollefsen7166]

Very lovely performance.

[@hariowen3840]

Fantastic live performance.

[@Yesica1993]

Bah, work can wait! What a beautiful song both musically and lyrically. All of this in 2 1/2 minutes! Wow, I didn't even notice it was a 12 string. Or anything else that was playing. I'm an amateur singer, so I'm naturally drawn to the vocals, straight off, especially on a first listen. And, duh, of course I remember Dusty Springfield. Her voice is perfection. So rich and strong and yet she can instantly take it down when it's called for it, like at the end. Flawless! It's the type of voice I wish I had. Alas, I have a very high, little girl voice. I grew up on (and learned to sing with) 50s-60s music, even though much of it was already considered "oldies" by the time I discovered them in the mid 70s-80s. Because I mainly listened on the radio, many of the artists I had never even seen until I started looking things up on KZbin. Nor did I know many of the names outside maybe the lead singer. (The Beatles obviously being an exception.) You mention around 10:50 that this level of professionalism / harmony was just taken for granted at the time. That is certainly true for me! I was taught by the very best and I didn't realize it. Even though I can't read music and have had no formal training outside of my vocal classes (that I do by ear), it has served me well. My voice teacher was always pleased that I seemed to pick up various harmonies and switch between them instinctively. I couldn't explain to you what I was doing. I'd just do it. He'd often forget that I could not read music. I'd simply learned by listening to and imitating flawless singers like these. Maybe I can reach this level of skill before I'm dead! Thank you for your analysis. It always adds so much to my enjoyment to learn from someone who actually has the musical knowledge that I do not have.

[@sammychicken3457]

Gidda, from Perth, Western Australia.

[@glenkepic3208]

This is great !!! Always dug Dusty Springfield. man, i'm like 9 in '68, grade school and given the chance to join the school band. Rented an Alto Sax. Sherman and Clay (ca folks might remember them). It was nice. One evening, i got the radio on in my room and Dusty's "The Look Of Love" is on the radio. I'm holding the Sax, wishing i could sound like the record. My Dad opens the door, asking if i'd like a sax of my own. I said yes, mainly because he was happy i 'played'. Three years later, i quit. I just wanted to play guitar and couldn't see doing both....stupid me... Two guitar players i copped from later did both, Rory Gallagher and Robben Ford plus an upper class man i'd see in town (Matt B, RIP). Nice work, Fil !!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@suehollar2578]

So much talent in one short song. You're right I would've taken it for granted

[@knockywigglesworth1909]

Dusty was versatile talent & really a great pop talent. Started in folk-pop but she could do many musical styles. Thanks again for your analysis, Fil... Fine job as always!

[@TheVigilant109]

Great analysis and demo. Thanks Fil. It is great to see so much talent on stage. There is something special about sibling harmonies

[@stephenbrowne3399]

Can't believe you picked this. I loved it when it was released and got the 45 single finally as an adult. Great to hear some old and now obscure songs. Great analysis too.

[@marknovak6498]

Now I am in my home in the 1960s and five again. Weird feeling. Thank you.

[@r1p2m32]

Thanks, a very important point you made: In 60's, it was natural -- to be natural. Most of who sang -- were pure. Naturally, of course. Now ability means -- nothing.

[@tammyevans7333]

Love this

[@billybooth1817]

Really enjoyed this. Dusty became a big, big star. Good analysis!

[@sandraarnold7528]

Omg this takes me back 🥰even had a little cry - it’s so good 😍

[@jackthebassman1]

Dusty was truly gifted, never matched. All singing round one microphone is so rewarding and pitching is easier.

[@michaelpaul5682]

Hi Phil, I'm glad to be back.👍

[@jimijamessegoviafeerick1355]

So very interesting. Thanks Fil. I loved Dusty doing, "I Only Want to be with You" but never cared for "Son of a Preacher Man" even she did a great job vocally on it.

[@jeaninia]

Wow!! Thank you for this one! I’ve never heard it before! I’m blown away! 🙌😃

[@freespiritwithnature4384]

I’ve never even heard of them! Thanks Fil .❤️

[@victotronics]

All around one microphone? Bluegrass bands still do that. All in a circle, if you take a solo you take a step forward, and then circle back for the next player. But yes, great to see that you don't need a whole studio full of equipment for a great sound.

[@johncummins6655]

Precisely

[@johnschuh8616]

Why Blue Grass is still better than the pop stuff.

[@UKMike2009]

I love your videos - technical analysis but, more importantly, a great enthusiasm for the music and a respectful appreciation for the artistes.

[@ta3p-theannex3project84]

I love Dusty, and this song is my go to song when i must explain why she is so excellent and give me goose bumps. Thanks 👍🤩

[@76ludlow]

I was a child in the early 1960s and on many occasions I saw them perform on TV. What a delight that was! I remember Dusty embarking on a stellar solo career and Tom moving intoi a more backroom role as writer and producer with The Seekers. What a talented pair they were. At the time I was completely unaware that Dusty and Tom, whose real names were Mary and Dion O'Brien, were born into an Irish family. Sadly both are now deceased.

[@Lilah1754]

Just found this one Fil! So good. Better late than never. Glad I’m catching up! Thanks

[@pinball1970]

Fantastic, I showed my mum this (BH in the UK!) She knew the track. I had no clue she did this stuff before solo. Folksy, Seekers (love them) Thanks Fil. Great find and analysis usual.

[@lieslwindjulie3230]

Beautiful live performance. I'd never seen it before. Fantastic analysis, Fil. Thanks 🖤🤘🏽

[@just_passing_through]

What an amazing voice she has. Is that Dusty? Great harmonising too. 👍👍👍👍👍 Oh! You just answered my question. Lol

[@AnnaAnna-uc2ff]

Thanks

[@marylehman1295]

So my goal was to watch a few minutes and finish it later. This was SO GOOD I watched it twice !! Now I’m going to bed late. So if anyone at the costume shop asked why I’m tired I’m telling them I spent too much time with Fil. That’s right love I’m blaming YOU. When you use your guitar to explain chords I lose track of time. I am so glad I watched ( twice!). Have a lovely day💋🤘🏿🤘🏿

[@Erik_Swiger]

Excellent! Silver Threads & Golden Needles is one of my favorites - now I have to go investigate all the songs they did!

[@dwaynewladyka577]

With the technology they had back then, they had to be the best they could be. There was no way to modify the vocals, with the tools they have today. It was a bare bones performance. I'm aware that Dusty Springfield was in the Springfields, before going solo. Thanks for sharing this analysis video. Cheers, Fil! ✌️

[@sbpierce9987]

Dusty the Great!

[@johnvender]

Dusty's voice is truly amazing. I really love her version of How Can I Be Sure by Young Rascals, a very challenging melody to sing. That step from "in a world that's" to "constantly changing" is at the top level of difficulty to get perfect.

[@lindadescafano3749]

I am more familiar with Dusty Springfield as a solo artist so it's great to also see her as part of a trio. Great song and vocal harmonies. I enjoyed this analysis and chord demonstration on the guitar.

[@OldiesAl]

Tom was a very private man, the last public sighting seems to have been in 1999 at his sisters funeral and scattering of her ashes. It has been made known in the past weeks that Tom died on 27th July just weeks before Judith Durham. RIP Tom, Judith and of course Dusty .

[@jaymo4ever]

That’s how they did it back then - one mike!

[@mariaday712]

What a lovely sound that had. Thanks for doing this one. Looking forward to the next one. Take care.

[@cedroncaine4450]

Thanks😊

[@DELTIC55007]

Amazing video ❤

[@beatlesgear]

Thanks! An excellent analysis of one of my favorite performances...it's better than the session version.

[@elizabethleyden892]

Thanks for this. I'm not sure if I knew that the Springfields had recorded this - I always associate the song with the Seekers, and it's quite a different sound! Great analysis as usual.

[@jenniferdnoseworthy2348]

What a great song! Not one I’m familiar with. I know Dusty of course, but not this group. Thanks Fil for the “new” song! ❤️⭐️

[@nikwax]

Thank you, very insightful!

[@listeningkiwi7341]

Fil, what a brilliant video! I came across the Springfields as a group 8 years ago and was impressed with their performances and Tom's songwriting and arranging. You unpacked the live sounds, chord progressions and vocal dynamics with your consistent enthusiasm and ear for detail! I appreciated your section on Tom's career journey with this group and then ultimately the Seekers with the recently late Judith Durham. This video was a nice but unexpected surprise, I do enjoy your videos and analysis! Thank you!!

[@garlicgalore]

I'm really loving how your breakdowns are opening my eyes (ears) to the musical skills and choices that are making a performance exciting and attention grabbing. It all does absolutely fly under the radar for me when I listen on my own. Understanding these details adds so much to my enjoyment of the performances you feature, but best of all I'm beginning to appreciate these details in other performances, too. Your channel is a real music appreciation course!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@pcs56]

Fil. Such a fantastic insight into such an iconic performance. Awesome as always!

[@philipatoz]

Dusty's brother Tom just passed away last month!