Weekend Closing Post: John D. Loudermilk, Jr.

Time for another weekend closing post.

But before I hang it up, there is a bit of news: Songwriter John D. Loudermilk, Jr. died yesterday, at the age of 82.

Loudermilk has a significant repertoire of songs to his credit. but his most famous song was undoubtedly Tobacco Road, which has been called one of the most covered songs in history. Here is a short list of singers/bands who have covered it:

The Animals
Edgar Winter
Jefferson Airplane
War
Bobbie Gentry
Jimi Hendrix
Jackson 5
Roy Clark
Paul Revere & The Raiders
Lou Rawls
David Lee Roth

Although Roth's version is my favorite, I have to share this novelty video. Lou Rawls singing it with Aretha Franklin playing the piano and singing backup to him:



Among Loudermilk's other songs, I have two favorites. First and foremost is Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye, with the best version by The Casinos:



I would be remiss if I didn't mention one of Loudermilk's most unique songs, and a guilty pleasure of mine, Indian Reservation, made famous by Paul Revere & The Raiders:


The music industry lost a gem in Loudermilk, who was one of the most eclectic songwriters of the 20th century.

That is all for me this week. I will see you Monday!