An Englishwoman Comes to Tennessee

Today’s I Own That CD I considered one of the greatest releases of all time – 1969’s Dusty in Memphis by Dusty Springfield.

In the mid-60’s, Springfield had established herself as one of the premier British interpreters of songs by some of the greatest writers ever including Burt Bacharach and Hal David, Randy Newman and many others. But her R&B leanings had never before provided the impetus for an entire album. Along came Ahmet Ertegun, head of Atlantic Records (the same label Aretha Franklin was on). She got to work with Jerry Wexler, one of the great music producers, working with such greats as Ray Charles, Wilson Pickett and Led Zeppelin. (Note: Wexler coined the term “rhythm and blues”)

Dusty headed to Memphis with a team of producers and musicians best known to work with Aretha and Elvis Presley. It was not an easy record to record, as Springfield had a hard time selecting songs to perform, only picking “Son of a Preacher Man” and “Just A Little Lovin’” which pouring through demo after demo.

Springfield considered herself a shy singer, so recording over a rhythm track was foreign to her. She preferred to hear more or less the whole song. She credited the musicians and producers for helping her step outside her comfort zone to complete the album.

Dusty in Memphis wasn’t a commercial success. In fact, it barely cracked the top 100 album chart. 1969 was being dominated by Woodstock, Janis Joplin and Led Zeppelin (whom Dusty had actually introduced to Atlantic Records). For a singer that had focused so much on Top 40, the new recording was a surprise to many fans and critics.

To me, it’s a cool, sexy soul record – between the sultry voice and the musicians and producers – it was a perfect marriage. I could listen to “Song of a Preacher Man” or “Breakfast in Bed” forever. These were pop standard songs with some funkiness and soul behind them all. The songs are classics and fit any situation – a long drive to the beach, Sunday morning coffee/newspaper, a night alone with someone special. You name and Dusty in Memphis fits.

The deluxe edition adds 14 tracks to the original set of songs including “Natchez Trac” and “What Do You Do When Love Dies”. Dusty in Memphis is one that EVERYONE should own, so go out and find it or at least check it out on your favorite music streaming service – or if you’ve got a CD player, you can borrow my copy.