Definitely Dylan is back with its first episode in 2019. This week, the hour is dedicated to the memory of Clydie King, the woman who Bob Dylan has called his “ultimate singing partner”.
Ms. King passed away on the 7th of January, 2019 at age 75, and left behind an impressive body of work which began when she was just 13 years old in 1956 and included numerous releases under her own name as well as session work for a veritable “who’s-who” of popular music acts of the 60s and 70s.
After joining Dylan’s band in 1980 during the so-called “gospel years”, Ms. King soon took on a more prominent collaborative role and helped define Dylan’s early 80s sound with her velveteen harmonies and her intuitive understanding of Dylan’s approach to phrasing and melody.
This hour features some of Ms. King’s many duets with Dylan, as well as recordings from her earlier career, both as solo artist and session singer. Join Laura as she celebrates the life and work of Clydie King.
A small correction - on the song Mary From The Wild Moor, Dylan was accompanied by Regina McCrary, not Clydie King (sorry, the bootleg version I have isn’t the best sound quality).
Edit: I’ve decided to add a few songs by or featuring Ms. King that I really like, in case you’d like to check them out:
Here are the three videos of her singing Let’s Begin with Bob Dylan: 1, 2, 3.
And if you still haven’t seen the video of her singing Abraham, Martin & John that I talk about in the episode, here you go, you’re welcome!
Also, here’s a great different version of the two singing this song, and here’s a great alternative version of Rise Again, with Dylan on piano!
Our Romance - Clydie King (1958)
Who Do You Love - Clydie King & Mel Carter (1962)
The Thrill Is Gone - Clydie King (1965) - this is a cool video, too.
One Of Those Good For Crying Over You Days - Clydie King (1967)
Kidnapped - The Blackberries (1970?) - this is an incredibly catchy song that was recorded for Motown
Mockingbird - Barry Goldberg & Clydie King (1972) (the sound quality here isn’t great, but it’s a cool song)
The Long Goodbye - Clydie King (1973) - this is Ms. King singing the title song to Robert Altman’s film The Long Goodbye in a decidedly more jazzy style than we normally hear her. Do I hear her channelling Billie Holiday?
You’re No Good - Linda Ronstadt (1974?) - This video from the Midnight Special is 100% more fun to watch because of Clydie King!
Playlist:
Let’s Begin - Bob Dylan and Clydie King (Trouble No More)
By Now - Clydie King & The Sweet Things
Sweet Memories - Ray Charles feat. Clydie King
Abraham, Martin & John - Bob Dylan & Clydie King
All Along The Watchtower - The Brothers and Sisters
Let It Be Me - Bob Dylan & Clydie King
Woman - Clydie King
Rise Again - Bob Dylan & Clydie King