Feature Song: “Tyrone”
As I have mentioned before, one of the “perks” of researching and writing about cover songs is discovering artists that I have never heard of before. This is true for both sides of the original/cover spectrum. Although using a Playing for Change cover is not new for me (I have used them many times for this blog), this is the first time watching one of their videos not having heard of the song or the original artist. Like they say: “There is a first time for everything!”
Erica Abi Wright (1971), known professionally as Erykah Badu, is an American singer and songwriter, who is greatly influenced by R&B, soul, and hip hop. She gained momentum in the late 1990s with the release of her debut album, Baduizm (1997), which immediately placed her at the forefront of the neo-soul movement. This also earned her the nickname, “Queen of Neo Soul,” by many music critics. That album generated four singles: “On & On,” “Appletree,” “Next Lifetime,” and “Otherside of the Game.” Her first live album, Live, was released later that same year and contained what is now considered her “signature” song, “Tyrone.” Some have compared her voice to jazz singer Billie Holiday, and while I generally bristle at these kinds of comparisons, I will say that her voice certainly makes one take notice.
The Playing for Change” cover of the song that I have chosen is a live performance form La Paz, Mexico on March 20, 2024. As is normally the case, it features musicians from around the globe, and as is normally the case, they absolutely “kill” it. When I first heard their cover late one evening, I was mesmerized and could not believe that I had never heard the song before. Featured on the PFC cover are Tula Ben Ari, from Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel on lead vocals and guitar, Claire Finley form Davenport, Fl on bass, Titi Tsira from Cape Town, South Africa, vocals, Keiko Komaki from Kagoshima, Japan on keyboards, Mermans Mosengo, and Jason Tamba from Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, vocals and guitar, Robin Moxey Los Angeles, USA, guitar, Roberto Luti from Italy, lead guitar, slaying it as usual, and Courtney “Bam” Diedrick from St. Ann, Jamaica on drums. All I can say is that if I owned either the original or cover on vinyl, there would be no more grooves left!
Enjoy!
Erykah Badu. “Tyrone” 1997
Playing for Change, “Tyrone” cover. Live from La Paz, Mexico 2024.
Los Angeles 2025
I don’t know much about
Sorry that darn reply button! As i was about to say…Erykah Badu but I remember seeing her on an Episode of Jools Holland shows years back. So when I hear one of her songs I have that admittedly vague recollection. That cover is spot on!
That’s happened to me too! Yeah, I liked the cover too.
I know Erykah Badu by name only. Her live version of “Tyrone” sounds excellent. But the real “killer” here is the rendition by Playing for Change! I also love the idea behind the PFC concept. Music can truly bring musicians from different cultures together – more non-musicians should try as well and ignore crazy so-called leaders preaching hate and division for their own short-term benefit!
Agreed. I was really happy to have discovered PFC. Their mandate and the quality of their production is truly wonderful.
Though I’m familiar with Erykah Badu, I’ve never made an effort to listen to much of her music, thus “Tyrone” is new to me. The powerful lyrics sadly apply to more than a few loser men. The PFC cover is marvelous, and the countries and cultures represented by the various artists is truly impressive. Great find North!
They sure do! Glad you liked the PFC cover. They are a wonderful collective and doing so much to unite rather than divide. Thanks.
The song is new to me. Loved both of these so much! Thanks as always!
Glad you liked them. You are very welcome!