Musical Influences of Pete Townshend: From Nina Simone to The Beat and Bob Earl
Pete Townshend, a prominent guitarist and songwriter, played a pivotal role in The Who's success, creating iconic Rock and Roll albums with the band. While known for his original compositions, Townshend also recorded covers of songs he admired. Among his favorites was Nina Simone's rendition of "I Put a Spell On You," which he covered during his solo career. Townshend collaborated with Simone on his album "The Iron Man: The Musical by Pete Townshend," where she lent her vocals to the track "Fast Food."
Nina Simone, a highly influential artist, released numerous albums during her career, including hits like "Feeling Good" and "Sinnerman." Townshend also expressed his admiration for The Beat, particularly enjoying their song "Save it For Later." He appreciated the band's artist-controlled label approach and even sought guidance from their guitarist, Dave Wakeling, on how to play the song correctly.
Additionally, Townshend shared his love for the song "Harlem Shuffle," originally performed by Bob & Earl. The track, later covered by The Rolling Stones, holds significance for Townshend as a nod to his Mod days in the '60s. Despite Bob & Earl's version not achieving great success, The Stones' rendition in the '80s reached higher chart positions, showcasing the enduring appeal of the song.
In conclusion, Pete Townshend's musical influences span a wide range of genres and artists, from Nina Simone to The Beat and Bob & Earl. His appreciation for diverse music styles and willingness to cover songs he loves highlight his versatility as a musician and his enduring impact on the music industry.