(August 25, 2023) For whatever reason, some songs from way back tend to stick in the listener’s mind, even through the present day. When top 40 radio ruled the airwaves (on the AM dial for the most part), the Billboard Top 5 smash “Some Kind of Wonderful” by Grand Funk Railroad infiltrated my ears through its bluesy gospel strains and the pulsating bass guitar and drums. But it is the song’s author, John Ellison, who made this treasure possible for Atlantic Records in 1967 with his band The Soul Brothers Six. And the astounding longevity of the song through five decades has led to several other powerful remakes, including Huey Lewis & The News.
For his body of work since the 70’s encompassing classic urban art forms, Ellison’s home state inducted the singer/songwriter/guitarist in 2015 into The West Virginia Music Hall of Fame. Five years later, SoulTracks brought Ellison to First Listen via an impassioned cry against racism on the critically acclaimed “Wake Up Call (Black Like Me),” produced by Dutch multi-instrumentalist Roger Heijster.
Today, this 82 years-young musician returns to his signature piece and latest First Listen installment, “Some Kind of Wonderful,” which is part of his upcoming Fall album. And Ellison’s high tenor still oozes an easygoing soulful glee in the lead, while also joining Angela Walls on background vocals. Besides the gospel vocal feel, the brass section (Jay Horns) – especially the baritone sax fills – provides a solid backdrop.
If there were anything missing to the under three-minute “Some Kind of Wonderful” 2023, it is simply time: the terrific arrangement by Heijster from PopMi Music has enough punch to add a minute or two. That aside, mighty kudos to Ellison in sharing this timeless moment and part of his musical legacy. Check it out!
By Peggy Oliver
John Ellison – “Some Kind of Wonderful”
