I Can Help
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| “I Can Help” | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single by Billy Swan from the album I Can Help |
||
| Released | September 1974 | |
| Format | 7" | |
| Recorded | 1974 | |
| Genre | Pop, country | |
| Length | 2:58 (single eidt) 4:01 (album version) |
|
| Label | Monument Records | |
| Writer(s) | Kris Kristofferson | |
| Producer | Chip Young and Billy Swan | |
| Certification | Gold (RIAA) | |
"I Can Help" is the title of a song written by American singer/songwriter Kris Kristofferson and performed by Billy Swan. Released in September of 1974, the song was a big crossover smash, reaching #1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot Country Singles charts late that fall.
Although Swan had other charting singles on both the Hot 100 and country charts, the song is generally recognized as being Swan's only major hit single release. However, Swan — later a member of the band Black Tie — had continued success as a songwriter for other artists and as a session musician.
Contents |
[edit] Song history
At the end of the song, the sound of applause by a small group of people is heard. During the second take of recording the song, a small dog wandered into the recording booth and started growling and tugging on Swan's pants with its teeth as he was playing and singing. The recording session was going so well that Swan refused to stop. After the song was finished, the people in the booth all applauded that Swan managed to finish.[citation needed]
Two versions of the song exist:
- The single edit immediately fades out after the aforementioned applause begins.
- In the album version, the applause continues as the final note is held for several seconds. The song ends with a reprise of the final musical bridge and more applause.
[edit] Chart success
In addition to being a No. 1 country and pop hit, "I Can Help" reached No. 6 on Billboard's Hot Adult Contemporary Singles chart and No. 6 on the United Kingdom's Record Retailer chart. In addition, the song was a hit throughout most of Europe.
"I Can Help" is certified gold for sales of 500,000 units by the Recording Industry Association of America [1]
[edit] Cover versions
Elvis Presley also recorded "I Can Help" on 10th March 1975 at RCA Studio C, Hollywood, California.
A cover version was recorded by Aaron Tippin on his 1995 album Tool Box, and by Steve Kolander on his 1995 album Pieces of a Puzzle.
[edit] Succession
| Preceded by "Whatever Gets You Thru The Night" by John Lennon |
Billboard Hot 100 number one single by Billy Swan November 23-November 30, 1974 |
Succeeded by "Kung Fu Fighting" by Carl Douglas |
| Preceded by "She Called Me Baby" by Charlie Rich |
Billboard Hot Country Singles number one single by Billy Swan December 14-December 21, 1974 |
Succeeded by "What a Man My Man Is" by Lynn Anderson |
