"Hallelujah I Love Her So" is a single by American musician Ray Charles. The rhythm and blues song was written and released by Charles in 1956 on the Atlantic label, and in 1957 it was included on his self-titled debut LP, also released on Atlantic. The song peaked at number five on the Billboard R&B chart. It is loosely based on 'Get It Over Baby' by Ike Turner (1953).
The song incorporates Gospel music. "Hallelujah I Love Her So" is a testament to the joyous release of love, featuring a sophisticated horn arrangement and memorable tenor sax solo by Don Wilkerson. Several artists, including Stevie Wonder, The Kim Sisters, Peggy Lee, Eddie Cochran, and Humble Pie have covered the song.
Personnel Ray Charles – lead vocal Don Wilkerson – tenor saxophone solo The Ray Charles Orchestra – instrumentation Jerry Wexler – producer
Beatles cover versions According to biographer Mark Lewisohn (in The Complete Beatles Chronicle, p. 362), the Beatles (first as the Quarrymen) regularly performed the song, from at least 1960 through 1962 with Paul McCartney on lead vocal. A very early home recording rehearsal (dated tentatively to May 1960) of it was included on Anthology 1 as well as on previous unauthorized releases. They continued playing it regularly including at The Star-Club in Hamburg through the end of 1962, an audience recording was made there which is included in the album Live! at the Star-Club in Hamburg, Germany; 1962. Tony Sheridan recorded the song with his back-up group The Beat Brothers, long after his recording session with The Beatles in 1961. It was released on Sheridan's album My Bonnie (1962) which included a few of the songs he recorded previously with The Beatles in 1961. Additionally, according to author Doug Sulpy (in Drugs, Divorce And A Slipping Image, sec. 22.25) on January 22, 1969, during the Get Back sessions, they recorded a version with John Lennon doing a "loose" lead vocal; that version has never been officially released.
Personnel The Quarrymen, Paul's home, 1960 Paul McCartney - vocals, guitar John Lennon - guitar George Harrison - guitar Stuart Sutcliffe - bass
The Beatles, Star-Club recording, December 1962 Horst Fascher (Star-Club manager) - Guest lead vocal John Lennon - guitar George Harrison - guitar Paul McCartney - bass Ringo Starr - drums
Eddie Cochran version
"Hallelujah, I Love Her So" was adapted by Eddie Cochran. It was released as a single on Liberty Records in November 1959.
Personnel Eddie Cochran: vocal, guitar Jimmy Stivers: piano Gene Riggio: drums Don Myers: electric bass Mike Henderson: tenor sax Mike Deasy: baritone sax
Chart performance Chart (1960)PeakpositionUK Singles Chart22
George Jones and Brenda Lee version George Jones covered the song on his 1984 album Ladies' Choice as a duet with Brenda Lee titled "Hallelujah, I Love You So". It was released as a single in 1984 and peaked at number 15 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in 1985.
Chart performance Chart (1984–1985)PeakpositionUS Billboard Hot Country Singles15Canada RPM Country Tracks13
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