A rock-and-roll interpretation that became a staple of their early live shows.
The "Single Edit" format—typically clocking in around 2:40 to 3:30 minutes—strips away the meandering jams seen in later live covers (like the 11-minute versions by the Jerry Garcia Band) to focus on the song’s relentless drive.
Ranked #429 on Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Songs of All Time," it is considered a "masterpiece" and a "foundational" track for R&B. Daily Song Discussion #33: Everybody Needs Somebody to Love Everybody needs somebody (Single Edit)
A more aggressive, hard-soul take that explicitly name-checks Solomon Burke in the intro and reached #29 on the pop charts.
"" (often simply titled "Everybody Needs Somebody") is a high-energy soul masterpiece that has evolved through several iconic "Single Edits" since its 1964 debut. Whether you're listening to the gritty gospel-infused original or the high-octane movie versions, the song remains a definitive anthem of human connection. The Evolution of the Track A rock-and-roll interpretation that became a staple of
Originally co-written by , Bert Berns , and Jerry Wexler , the song was first recorded by Burke in 1964. The single edit of this version is famous for Burke’s "preacher-style" spoken intro, which sets a joyful, communal tone before exploding into a brass-heavy rhythm and blues stomp. Other notable versions include:
The interplay between the driving drums and the "honking saxophone fills" creates a wall of sound that feels both triumphant and deeply soulful. Daily Song Discussion #33: Everybody Needs Somebody to
Perhaps the most widely recognized version today, this edit was popularized by the film The Blues Brothers . It features a fast-paced, "big band" sound that emphasizes the song's funky, danceable qualities. Review: Energy and Impact