Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress

"Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress" (also called "Long Cool Woman" or "Long Cool Woman (in a Black Dress)") is a song written by Allan Clarke, Roger Cook, and Roger Greenaway and performed by the British pop group The Hollies. Originally appearing on the album Distant Light, it was released as a single in April 1972 (Parlophone, United Kingdom).^[1]

Single track listings

Background and recording

On the day "Long Cool Woman" was recorded at AIR Studios, the group's producer, Ron Richards, was ill and, as a result, the song was produced by the group. The song is different from most Hollies' songs in that there are no three-part vocal harmonies, and the song features lead guitar and lead vocal work by Allan Clarke. Upon his return, Ron Richards mixed the recording.^[2]

According to Clarke, the song was written "in about five minutes". When the song made its mark in America, Clarke had already left the band; but Clarke feels that "it wasn't unfortunate", since he had written the song.^[2]

Chart performance

Cover versions

• Country music singer Clint Black released his version of the song to country radio on 19 February 2008, under the title "Long Cool Woman". Black's version charted on the Hot Country Songs chart at #58.^[10]

• Another country music singer, T. G. Sheppard covered the song on his 1997 album Nothin' On but the Radio.

• Heavy metal rocker Vince Neil released a heavier version of Long Cool Woman, along with other covers and original material, on his third studio album, Tattoos & Tequila on 22 June 2010.

• A cappella group Rockapella released a version on their 1995 album Primer.

References