Dusty’s version is again, the most popular version, but the song has such an open range to its sound that it has been covered by many other artists of various genres, including Elvis Presley, Bobbie Gentry, Foo Fighters, Chet Atkins, Joss Stone, and Natalie Merchant. The song was originally offered to Aretha Franklin (who is a preacher’s daughter). Aretha subsequently changed her mind and did a cover version of it, as well. Listen Tina Turner’s version below:
Who was responsible for those gorgeous backup vocals? Click “Next” to find out!
The backup vocals were sung by a female choir group called the Sweet Inspirations, who consisted of Cissy Houston, Sylvia Shemwell, Myrna Smith and Estelle Brown. They were popular in the music world, having sung on albums by Aretha Franklin, Wilson Picket, Van Morrison and many others. With only four singers, they could create a rich, gospel sound that fit in with the song, perfectly.
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Son of a Preacher Man Lyrics:
And when his daddy would visit he’d come along
When they gathered around and started talkin’
That’s when Billy would take me walkin’
Out through the back yard we’d go walkin’
Then he’d look into my eyes
Lord knows, to my surprise
Was the son of a preacher man
The only boy who could ever teach me
Was the son of a preacher man
Yes he was, he was, ooh, yes he was
No matter how hard I try
When he started sweet-talkin’ to me
He’d come’n tell me “Everything is all right”
He’d kiss and tell me “Everything is all right”
Can I get away again tonight?
Was the son of a preacher man
The only boy who could ever teach me
Was the son of a preacher man
Yes he was, he was, ooh, yes he was (yes he was)
The look that was in his eyes
Stealin’ kisses from me on the sly
Takin’ time to make time
Tellin’ me that he’s all mine
Learnin’ from each other’s knowin’
Lookin’ to see how much we’ve grown and
Was the son of a preacher man
The only boy who could ever teach me
Was the son of a preacher man
Yes he was, he was, oh yes he was
(The only boy who could ever teach me)
Was the son of a preacher man
(The only one who could ever reach me)
Was the sweet-talkin’ son of a preacher man
What is your favorite version of “Son of a Preacher Man” ? Tell us in the comments section below!
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