Cover Songs

Covers Revue, Vol. 39 – Sam Cooke covers "Blowin’ in the Wind" :: Originally by Bob Dylan

Don’t you love when two legends perform the same song? Then you have two amazing versions of a song!

Bob Dylan’s renowned song, “Blowin’ in the Wind” is a folk classic. The simple acoustic guitar, harmonica and Dylan’s delivery doesn’t seem like anything more than a guy on a porch in the country, but strong political undertones can be found depending on who you ask.

Dylan’s shaky voice isn’t very powerful at first listen, but listen to the message and simplicity of the song and it can really speak to you. “Blowin’ in the Wind” is a calm track, but if you get the message, it can start a riot in your heart!

Sam Cooke, one of Mailo’s picks for the Legend Series of Artist of the Week, covered the song for his 1964 album, Sam Cooke at the Copa. This track reeks of soul and jazz! At first it starts off with a mere bass line, light guitar and Cooke’s voice. The flutes then softly join in and eventually make way to an entire horn section.

Cooke’s voice inflections make for an entertaining listen and he makes his way to a powerful delivery by the end of the song, just like the horn section.

I am a huge fan of Sam Cooke so I absolutely love his take on this classic. Dylan’s soft-spoken voice has got nothing on this R&B/Soul/Jazzy version!