Today’s classic song of the day was written by country songwriting legend Harlan Howard and was both a country and an R&B hit. The song is “The Chokin’ Kind,” and it’s a keeper.
Country artist Waylon Jennings was first to record “The Chokin’ Kind.” His single, released in July of 1967, went all the way to #8 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart.
Two years later, in March of 1969, R&B singer Joe Simon released his soulful version of “The Chokin’ Kind.” Mr. Simon’s single went to #13 on the mainstream Billboard Hot 100 and hit #1 on Billboard’s Hot Rhythm & Blues Singles chart. The record also won Mr. Simon a Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male.
“The Chokin’ Kind” is definitely a soul classic. I particularly like Joss Stone’s slow burning cover on her 2003 debut album, The Soul Sessions. I might like her version best of all.
