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"Fortune Teller" is a song written by Allen Toussaint under the pseudonym Naomi Neville and first recorded by Benny Spellman. It was issued in 1962 as B-side of the single "Lipstick Traces (on a Cigarette)" on Minit Records (Cat 644).
"Fortune Teller" | |
---|---|
Single by Benny Spellman | |
A-side | "Lipstick Traces (on a Cigarette)" |
Released | 1962 |
Genre | R&B |
Label | Minit |
Songwriter(s) | Naomi Neville |
Producer(s) | Allen Toussaint |
Official audio | |
"Fortune Teller" on YouTube |
It tells the story of a young man who is pleased to learn from a fortune teller that he will find love "When the next sun arrives". Next day he returns, angry that nothing has happened, but falls in love with the fortune teller. They get married and are as "happy as we could be", and he gets his "fortune told for free".
Cover versions
editMany artists have covered the song, including the Rolling Stones, the Hollies, the Who and Iggy Pop. It was included on the October 2007 album Raising Sand, by Robert Plant and Alison Krauss.
The song was also a hit in Australia, recorded by the Throb; released in February 1966 and charted in the top 5 in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.[1][2]
The song is included as a part of a medley performed by Allen Toussaint of some of his hits in the 2005 documentary film Make It Funky!, which presents a history of New Orleans music and its influence on rhythm and blues, rock and roll, funk and jazz.[3][4]
References
edit- ^ McFarlane, Ian (1999). "'The Throb' entry". Whammo Homepage. Encyclopedia of Australian Rock and Pop. St Leonards, NSW: Allen & Unwin. ISBN 1-86508-072-1. Archived from the original on 19 April 2004. Retrieved 3 October 2013. Note: Archived [on-line] copy has limited functionality.
- ^ "Fortune Teller". Where Did They Get That Song?. PopArchives (Lyn Nuttall). Archived from the original on 4 October 2013. Retrieved 3 October 2013.
- ^ "IAJE What's Going On". Jazz Education Journal. 37 (5). Manhattan, Kansas: International Association of Jazz Educators: 87. April 2005. ISSN 1540-2886. ProQuest 1370090.
- ^ Make It Funky! (DVD). Culver City, California: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. 2005. ISBN 9781404991583. OCLC 61207781. 11952.
External links
edit- Song lyrics at 1songlyrics.com