Friday Old Stuff - The Soul Corner - Why Can't We Live Together

The 70's were certainly not all disco and cannot be overlooked while we go mining for great soul music. One of my favorite, and perhaps most unlikely Billboard No. 1 hit singles was Timmy Thomas' "Why Can't We Live Together", which topped the charts in January 1973. Unlikely for its long instrumental intro, sparse instrumentation and unknown artist. But the B3 organ is so soulfully delivered, and the vocal so heartfelt and perfect in every way, any more would have detracted from the composition. The producer and record co. folks got it right here to leave well enough alone.

And while the song has been covered many times, it got attention when it appeared on Sade's debut for example, my personal favorite cover artist for this one is the gifted vocalist Joan Osborne, seen here performing it live in 2002: