I was getting my hair cut a few weeks ago when Dobie Gray’s smash hit version of Drift Away came on the radio. I hadn’t heard it in forever, so I decided then and there to post it in this feature. The time has come.
Drift Away was written in 1970 by Mentor Williams. It didn’t become a hit until Dobie Gray recorded it in 1973. It hit the charts with a bang and stayed there for months. Drift Away was one of those songs you heard everywhere.
It’s time to give you the beat to free your soul and get lost in your rock and roll with Dobie Gray.
Roy Orbison. Say no more.
Ray Charles with a gospel take on this week’s tune:
Next up, my 13th Ward homies with Aaron Neville on lead vocals, naturally. It’s almost as good as Dobie’s version. Of course, I’m biased, especially since image freeze frame is of the late great Art Neville:
Let’s drift with mavericky country singer, Waylon Jennings:
Drift Away seems to be a dude song. This is the best version by a chick singer. Hit it, Jackie.
What would the Friday Cocktail Hour be without an instrumental version of the week’s tune? This time, The Ventures.
Ready for some lagniappe? Here’s a Kinks song with the same title:
That’s it for this week. I propose a toast to all the Dobies out there. I can only think of two: Dobie Gray and the fictional Dobie Gillis. They still deserve a toast. It’s what Dobie Gillis and Maynard G. Krebs would want. Never argue with them or The Thinker for that matter.
