Beatles week concludes with the second most covered Beatle song of them all, Eleanor Rigby. I prefer it to Yesterday so Ringo’s your uncle. To hell with Bob,

Eleanor Rigby was credited to Lennon & McCartney but the melody and story behind the song are all Macca. It was written for The Beatles 1966 album Revolver. Its stark beauty is enhanced on the original recording by a string quartet.

We begin at the beginning with the Fab Four:

Ray Charles added a touch of true genius to Eleanor Rigby:

Anthony Benedetto dba Tony Bennett added his own touch  to the song in 1970. Dig those crazy trousers.

A soulful-n-sassy version from the great Sarah Vaughan:

Bobbie Gentry left Billy Joe on the bridge and cut this Beatles tune.

A bloody good rocking version from Bloodrock:

Finally, a 21st Century pop arrangement from Leo Sayer:

What would the Friday Cocktail Hour be without a jazz instrumental version of the week’s song? This time, New Orleans’ own James Booker, guitar slinger Al Di Meola, and Friday Cocktail Hour regular Oscar Peterson.

Have I told you lately how much I love Oscar Peterson?

That’s it for this week. Let’s toast Peter Jackson for all the good conversation Get Back inspired. Yeah, yeah yeah. It’s what Bogie, Frank and Betty would want. Never argue with them.