Sam Cooke: The Great Pretender

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The first release of this great song was by the Platters in 1955, with Tony Williams on lead vocals. It was written by the group’s manager Buck Ram, and it reached No 1 in the States and No 5 in Britain in early 1956.

The immortal Sam Cooke recorded it for his 1960 album Hits of the 50’s. Even though I could do without the orchestra, Cooke’s wonderful voice still makes this a gem.

The Band did it on their 1972 album Moondog Matinee, and I think it is pretty good.

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