Drift Away (1973) 11/27/20

“Drift Away” by Dobie Gray had an obscure beginning, but ended up as a “Great Song of the '70s. It was written by Mentor Williams, the less famous brother of songwriter Paul Williams (“We've Only Just Begun, “Evergreen,” “Rainbow Connection,” and many others.)

It was originally recorded by John Henry Kurtz, and no, I've never heard of him either.

But somehow, “Drift Away” found its way to Dobie Gray, and in 1973, Dobie turned it into a BIG hit: #5 on Billboard's Hot 100, and #12 on the Adult Contemporary Chart. In Canada, it reached #7 on the Top 40.

In the ensuing years, it was covered by a number of artists, most notably by country singer Narvel Felts: #8 on Billboard's Country Chart in 1973, as well as Michael Bolton, Roy Orbison, Ike & Tina Turner, Rod Stewart, Waylon Jennings, Ray Charles, Bon Jovi, The Rolling Stones, Ringo Starr, Bruce Springsteen and a dozen or so others. Whew!

But the king of all “Drift Away” cover versions was by Uncle Kracker in 2003-2004. They had the smarts to ask Dobie to record it with them, and this new and updated version was a MONSTER! It reached #9 on Billboard's Hot 100, but get this: It went to #1 on the Adult Contemporary Chart...AND STAYED THERE FOR 28 STRAIGHT WEEKS!

It was a “Great Song of the '70s,” but it was INCREDIBLE in the '00s!”

Note: The song features one of the most “misheard lyric” of all time: “Give me the Beach Boys and free my soul....” Of course, the REAL lyric is: “Give me the BEAT, boys, and free my soul.” Oops.

Dobie Gray (1973):

Uncle Kracker w/Dobie Gray (2003-04):

And just for fun, Narvel Felts (1973):