Everyone knows the signature tune of Gladys Knight & The Pips, the huge 1973 hit (although it didn't make the UK charts until three years later) in which Gladys catches a late train back to Georgia to be with the man she loves, because she'd "rather live in his world than live without him in mine".
Not everyone knows that the song originally featured an entirely different destination, and mode of transportation.
And even if you did know that, did you know that Jim Weatherly wrote the song following a conversation with Farrah "Jill Munroe" Fawcett, shortly after she'd started dating Lee "Steve Austin / Colt Severs" Majors? It sounds like Farrah would have gone anywhere to be with Lee, even if it involved taking a midnight plane to Houston...
Some excellent background info there Rol.
ReplyDeleteGladys walks it on the voice though
My and two pals used to offer our services as the Pips to anyone attempting 'Midnight Train' at karaoke. We know all their vocals and moves by heart.
ReplyDeleteDoes a tape exist?
DeleteWould never have guessed that song started life as something else. Two big names from the 70s there - Farrah Fawcett and Lee Majors. We all wanted hair like Farrah's - it was magnificent and so of the time.
ReplyDelete