Some Guys Have All the Luck

"Some Guys Have All the Luck" is a song written by Jeff Fortgang (often misspelled "Fortang")^[1], which has been a Top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 twice, first by The Persuaders in 1973 (reaching #39), then by Rod Stewart in 1984, whose version hit #10. Stewart's version uses the chorus from "Ain't Got No Home" by Clarence "Frogman" Henry.

Cover versions

Louise Mandrell recorded a country version of the song in 1985, altering the lyrics to the female perspective and changing the title to "Some Girls Have All the Luck." Mandrell's version peaked at No. 22 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in the winter of 1986. A video was produced of the song, and has aired on The Nashville Network, CMT and Great American Country.

Kelly Clarkson covered the song for her "All I Ever Wanted Summer Fair Tour." The lyrics were also altered to the female perspective.

Raymond Watts of PIG covered the song as part of his Pig Orchestra project.

Alvin and the Chipmunks covered the song for the episode "Good Old Simon" from their TV series.

Other artists who have recorded this song include Robert Palmer (UK #16 in 1982) and Maxi Priest (UK #12 in 1987), as well as a number of reggae artists, including Junior Tucker, Derrick Harriott, and The Shakers. After Palmer's death, Stewart began using the Palmer-style arrangement in live concerts.

Jeff Fortgang, the song's composer, created many songs during his three years in the music business after graduating Yale in 1971, but sold only this one (other than several public service radio spots on topics such as alcoholism and VD). He went on to get a PhD in Clinical Psychology, and still works in the mental health field in the Boston area. The major hit by Rod Stewart arrived after Fortgang was well into his psychology career.

References

1. ^ http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=17:1421293