Gimmie Some Lovin - The Spencer Davis Group | College Students' FIRST TIME REACTION! 

Stevie Winwood is a stone cold music genius. He plays organ and piano and sings on this, and he was only 18 at the time. He's been in so many great groups over the years and has a great solo career.

S-tier for me , guys. I'm in my 70s. I've seen them all. Steve Winwood remains on the top plateau with very few artists of my life. Even in his 70's as a solo keyboard and guitar giant he is still jaw droppingly awesome vocally and instrumentally. Such a treasure. Thank God, he's captured for history.

When a local band played this back in the day, the opening notes had everybody running to the dance floor. One of the greatest dance tunes ever.

This was released when I was about 10. What stood out: (1) the voice ... little did I know it was a 17-year old white English kid; (2) the THICK organ sound; (3) the party atmosphere; and ... (4) the cowbell!! yesss!! - I honestly think this one song is the origin of the "more cowbell" movement!

"It's like you dropped the Doobie Brothers in glitter" - I'm not sure how Alex comes up with these analogies but they are spot on. And this is why A&A are my favorite channel for music reactions. (You just never know what is going to come out of Alex's brain!)

Steve Winwood was a fetus when he recorded this. I believe it was the first time a fetus-lead band made the Top 10. He was pretty badass. You should definitely hit XTC: "Complicated Game."

Alex wins the internet today with this quote about Stevie Winwood: "That man is a gift to rock and roll."

It's a no question, all-time great S-tier song, and has remained so for almost 60 years now.

The Spencer Davis Group had two top 10 hits in the USA, this and "I'm a Man". They had more hits in the UK including one of my favorites: "Keep on Running".

Jake and Elwood Blues immortalized this song with their legendary version performed at Bob's Country Bunker in 79

1966, 18 year old British kid forms band, writes lyrics, plays two instruments, sings the blues sounding like an old Black guy, and hits it out of the park. What's not to like? S-Tier banger.

That's 17 year old little Stevie Winwood bringing it like Brother Ray himself!

This is such a classic - perfect way to start the weekend!!💃 Steve Winwood on vocals and organ has such a long history playing with different bands and artists. I believe he wrote this song along with Spencer Davis and Muff Winwood. Thanks so much guys for reacting to this one!🧡

One of the best songs from one of the best groups of the mid '60s! Steve Winwood was only 17 or 18 when he co-wrote this song. Yall should also react to another great song of theirs called "I'm a Man." Both songs are on my '60s playlist. Great way to start the weekend guys, thanks!

Stevie was 16 on this recording--actually 15, the record came out days after he turned 16. Amazing.

Steve Winwood is awesome. Just a teenager when they recorded this and he was so soulful!!

Steve Winwood is just simply one of the greatest vocalists ever. Even his 80's stuff is incredible.

Intro to this track absolutely iconic! One of those songs that you never switch from if it comes on the radio.

Also from 1966, "The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore", No. 1 hit in the UK by the US group The Walker Brothers. Great lead vocal by the now legenday deceased Scott Walker.

Steve Winwood - one of the most beautiful voices of all time

A&A, You’ll love Steve Winwood’s "Roll With It", “Higher Love”, “The Finer Things” , “Valerie” and “While You See A Chance!!!! You’ll love Spencer Davis Group's "I'm a Man"!! You’ve done Steve Winwood in Traffic and Blind Faith, time for Steve solo!!! edit- oops, forgot Steve's "Back in the High Life Again"!!

I was 16 when this came out and it's spent 56 years in my all time top ten.

Stevie Winwood playing 'Can't Find My Way Home' live with Eric Clapton is unbelievable.

This is such a classic that I am amazed how deprived you young guys are that it wasn't familiar to you. Glad I grew up with so much good music and am grateful to be reminded by you guys!

Little Stevie Winwood - he was like 17 when he sang this. Man what a career he had. If you all want to hear another stunning young vocalist, listen to Andrew Strong with the Commitments. He was also a teenager and sounds like Joe Cocker at his best.

Some of his best work is with Jimi Hendrix on The Electric Ladyland album. They both admired each other so much they could not believe they were playing together! Mr. Winwood is ACES baby! I think it is time for a British Invasion Saturday.... right after another Black History Month. Have a great weekend boys. L💞ve from Canada!

It’s so strange to watch someone listen to this for the first time because I literally can’t remember my life before I heard this song. I hear the intro and it’s almost part of my DNA at this point. What a great choice for a Friday afternoon guys!!

17 year old Steve Winwood singing like a 40 year old black man! Amazing!

Surprised no one has mentioned the huge hit had by the Blues Brothers cover in the '80s. Kind-of a novelty act, but the musicians were top notch, including both Duck Dunn and Steve Cropper and they put out some real solid sounds.

This song feels like it's NEVER been off the Top 10 list! In the 80's this was still setting off parties and getting people moving! A+ indeed!

Essential Steve W: The entire "Low Spark of HIgh Heeled Boys" album by Traffic; other than the first two tracks (which are still awesome), the album rocks with incredible guitar work. The album that preceded, John Barleycorn Must Die, is equally classic, but a bit more acoustic-oriented. Also check out "40,000 Headmen" from 2nd Traffic album, so atmospheric it almost plays like a movie.

Been asking for this one for over a year in Patreon poll building in Discord and finally snuck it in when we built 4 polls in mid-December! From the thumbnail it looks like they loved it. Steve Winwoods wrote this at age 17, The band prior hit knocked the Beatles out of #1 on the UK charts in January 1966. Would love to see them do mire Traffic and solo Winwood from the Arc of the Diver album....

Higher Love is still my all time fave by Steve. With Chakakhan as a backup vocalist - it's pretty well perfection.

Listening to this song always reminds me of the movie "The Big Chill." Excellent movie, and one of the best most cool movie soundtracks ever made! 🎶 🎬 🎙

I’m a Man. You have to do that one.

Damn dudes, what an unexpected treat this was. Mr. Winwood continues to impress with stellar numbers like this little gem. I loved the whole feel-good but still down-and-dirty rockin' vibe of it. Gimme some more music from this man!

We were just forming our 1st band when this came out. I was in Jr. High and most of the others guys were in High School. We did a very bad version of this, but everyone enjoyed it. Thanks for the memories. RIP Joe, you were a good man and keyboard player. RIP Ricky, you were an entertaining bass player. Dennis my brother, we played guitars well together. I am so sorry for your health problems. I have lost contact with Bob, the singer, with loose ankles, and Kenny, his brother, and drummer. Thank you guys for a great time and wonderful experience.

Now you have to listen "I’m a Man" by The Spencer Davis Group.

Speaking of "Dear Mr. Fantasy", time for you two to get back to some Traffic. Check out "Low Spark of High-Heeled Boys" or "Glad / Freedom Rider" - which is actually two tracks, but they need to be played together.

I don't care what club, school dance, radio station, wedding reception etc., This song played there back in the day.

S-tier. Could you have done this at 18 years old? Plus, that beat is iconic. Every boomer knows it the minute they hear it.

Prime Northern Soul. The young Steve Winwood was a force of nature. Started singing songs like this when he was about 14, and recorded this when he was 18. Brilliant vocalist, and he could make that Hammond organ sing. So many great songs. Try their song "Keep On Running". Also try Steve's later solo song "Night Train"

After Winwood left the Spencer Davis band, for their final album and tour they hired a new rhythm section: Dee Murray on bass guitar and Nigel Olsson on drums. Nigel and Dee soon afterward joined Elton John and became the core of Elton's band, including their heart-stopping vocal harmonies. On Elton's first live album, "11-17-70", it was just Elton and his piano, Dee and Nigel and their instruments and voices. No guitars, no electronic keyboards, no string sections. Three young men who electrified their audiences and became instant legends, on their very first tour of the U.S. You ought to react to "Bad Side of the Moon", or "Burn Down the Mission" from this raw, live album.

Traffic has a bunch of hits, i like "john barleycorn must die" and of course " higher love" from his solo stuff.

All of the English musicians thought Steve Winwood was some young black kid. Nope, a skinny little 17 year old English boy with gobs of talent.

This song was the perfect Blues Brothers cover, too! You smile when you hear the original, smile bigger when Belushi does it! Perfect!

"It's like: he dropped the DOOBIE BROTHERS in glitter!" Bahahahahaaa! Perfect!

1966 was a great year for music. Here are some of the other top high-energy hits of that year: "Good Lovin'" - The Rascals "Devil with a Blue Dress On/Good Golly Miss Molly" - Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels "Land of 1000 Dances" - Wilson Pickett "Secret Agent Man" - Johnny Rivers "Wipeout" - The Safaris

Nothing will ever replace the sound of a Hammond B3 organ played through the Leslie 122 speaker. Love it! It was always worth the price of the extra roadie that it cost to haul it to shows.

The word genius is thrown around all over the place these days,but in Stevie Winwoods case,utterly appropriate.

If y’all ever get a chance to see Stevie Winwood LIVE, I promise you won’t be disappointed. He’s my man, thnx guys! 🔥

I’m a Man , Which Chicago famously covered is the obvious next choice . I’m a man, Steve Winwood co wrote with Jimmy Miller , who later produced the Stones and used same percussion techniques for “Sympathy for the Devil” .

This song is epic, S-tier all the way.

Back In The High Life Again

Grateful Dead covered this song eighty-seven times between 1984 and 1990. Eighty-six of them with Brent Mydland on keys. They played it one more time after Brent passed with new keyboardist Vince Welnick and shelved it. Just not the same without Mydland on the Hammond B3 and backing vocals. The even played it a couple times with Spencer Davis sitting in.

Steve Winwoods Arc Of A Diver album should be heard.

It's the organ that makes it for me. I just imagine that thing with smoke pouring out the sides, leaking oil and misfiring on two cylinders to produce that incredible sound.

It's an S Plus !!! One of the very greatest song that's ever been recorded - a teenager from Birmingham England, Steve Winwood, with the voice of a 50 year old man from Georgia USA !!

14 years old when this came out. My grandkids called this a banger when they heard this.

Steve Winwood!!!! What a voice.

"Dropped the Doobie Brothers in glitter." 😂 Beautiful!

For me, this song is now forever entertained with the demolition derby scenes from "Days of Thunder!" It fit the mood perfectly. Great reaction - and now I'm also going to always think of the Doobie Brothers dipped in glitter, so thank you Alex, for that. 🙂❤🤘

" I'm A Man" is another great track by Spencer Davis Group. I'd like to hear your reaction.

"I'm a man" and "Searchin" are two other great song by The Spencer Davis Group.

Steve Winwood was a child prodigy on piano. At age 8, he toured with his father and brother, and played in bars around Britain. Because he was underage, they had to strategically place him on the stage. Such a great song!

MC 5 : kick out the jams

DUDES! Suggestion for a poll - All women/women-led acts. If so, please add Alanis Morrisette's "You Oughta Know." It has Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers) on bass, Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters) on drums and Dave Navarro (Jane's Addiction) on guitar. If no poll, then your reaction to her tune would be cool

Hard to believe he was only 15 going on 16 amazing

Let’s hear “Time is Running Out” by Winwood.

Very much looking forward to their reaction. Great song!

Reminds me of The Big Chill. If y’all haven’t seen it, you should! 👍🏼😍✌🏼☮️

Classic!

The next Winwood /Davis tune should be “keep on running” or “I’m a man”

Steve Winwood was a teenager when this was recorded and released in 1966. The following year, The Box Tops released the song "The Letter" with 16yo Alex Chilton (later of Big Star) belting out the vocals with the weathered soul of a 40yo. It's time for y'all to check out The Box Tops and come back around to Big Star!

Part of The Big Chill soundtrack.

Yep great song - very fun jam for the band and the crowd. Nothin' serious but just gettin' together. 💯 I'm so glad we made it!

The other big Spencer Davis Group hit was "I'm a Man," which you've heard in the later Chicago Transit Authority version.

I saw him open for Steely Dan at the Mid-Florida Center, July of '16. His voice was still perfect! His guitarist was "unavailable" so he and his saxophonist took turns on Guitar as necessary. It was seamless. A true showman!

I think you should do a stream on artists from the 60's and 70's who were able to adapt / reinvent themselves and chart in the 80's and beyond. Steve Winwood, Steve Miller, Bowie, Stones, Queen, Elton John, Don Henley, Rod Stewart, Steve Perry and more...

This was a big hit in my youth, I was about 10 years old then. Even then I loved it. 🎶🎶🎶❤️❤️❤️

A teenage Steve Winwood singing like Ray Charles. Lightning in the bottle, boys. You just heard one of the most important moments in the evolution of rock. Know that.

For Spencer Davis Group work, "I'm a Man" is likely the next best-known, but their version of "Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out" is _outrageously_ soulful.

Cornucopia of sonic wonderment. You got it Alex.

Steve’s performances featuring theHammond organ with Leslie speakers is a highlight of his talents. Others have used it as well and it’s sound is instantly recognizable.

Recommended you do some Traffic with "Low Heeled Spark of High Heeled Boys" if you haven't already done so. Also, his solo work from the 80s is worth a listen. "Night Train" and "Arc of a Diver" come to mind . Very different from his earlier work, of course.

The other great track on this album is I'm a Man.

Alex was A+ (almost S), but what was Andy's rating?

Andy & Alex, I know you reacted to Chicago's cover of I'm A Man but I don't remember if you reacted to the original by The Spencer Davis Group. If you haven't that would be the next song to listen to. Keep On Running is another good song. This was an excellent reaction. Both of you did a good job commenting on the song but I have to rate Andy A and Alex A+. Sorry Andy. 🙂

My band reformed when I was 22 fresh back from Vietnam a few months. We played all of the regional clubs and this was our opening song 1st set and we modeled it exactly like the record. Best opening song ever with The Beatles version of Kansas City a close second.

If you get a chance check out Steve on a TV show , definite Ray Charles vibes. Probably around this time period since he was still a teen.

Disappointed! This is the "bathroom" version of this track - which is what was released in the US. The original UK version (which I think was the mono version) doesn't have all that bathroom echo that makes this version's intro so messy. Compare contrast what you used here with the original mix here. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-7O-Y8zQ1RAQ.html

My mind goes back to a hammond B3 with a Leslie spinning into orbit

You could do a show just on famous performances by 17 year olds. This is on the list, the guitar player from Iron Butterfly on Innagoddadavida, Santana's drummer at Woodstock,

I'm A Man next! Winwood = musical genius

Dang, missed it. 😕 Banger tune! Doobie Brothers in Glitter. 🤣🤣🤣 Did you guys catch the cowbell? Can you imagine being 12 and hearing this in your room?

For40 years I thought this group was a black group! I grew up and live the 60s! I graduated in 1966. With the Navy in 1967 avoided the Vietnam war by being in the Navy! But I still saw a bunch of crap today wish I hadn’t seen. Steve Winwood and the Spencer Davis Group are out of this world great.

Maybe already been mentioned but Steve Winwood was 17 when he wrote this 😮

"While you see a chance" from his solo "Arc of the Diver" Album that he wrote, produced, arranged, played all the instruments for and sang is fantastic and perfect for your channel. The song "Arc of the Diver" is my favorite SW song, but might not be for your channel. Its lyrics are poetic and often misheard.

This song could be a hit today or in a hundred years! Timeless!

Please react to Hole In My Shoe by Traffic, its fab.