The Wind (Nolan Strong & The Diablos song)
| "The Wind (song)" | |
|---|---|
| Single by Nolan Strong & The Diablos | |
| from the album Fortune of Hits: Vol. 1 | |
| B-side | "Baby Be Mine" |
| Released | 1954 |
| Format | Vinyl record (7", 45 RPM) |
| Recorded | Fortune Records ; 1954 |
| Genre | Doo-wop, soul |
| Length | 3:03 |
| Label |
Fortune Records Fortune 511 |
| Producer(s) | Devora Brown |
"The Wind" is a 1954 doo-wop classic by the pre-Motown Detroit R&B group Nolan Strong & The Diablos. The song appears originally on the group's second 45rpm single, "The Wind / Baby Be Mine," (Fortune Records #511)
The song has a unique, reverb-heavy sound and is centered on the high ethereal lead tenor voice of the band's leader, Nolan Strong.
In 2007, The Metro Times listed "The Wind" at #11 in The 100 Greatest Detroit Songs list - which was the November 11th cover story.
"The Wind" was the group's only national hit, though most of the group's other hits were huge local successes in Detroit, including "Mind Over Matter" (Fortune #546, 1962), which went to #1 on local radio station play lists in 1962.
Cover versions
The Jesters reached #110 on the Billboard chart in 1960 with a cover of the song.
Mark Sultan, aka "BBQ," of King Khan & BBQ Show, recorded a version of it for an upcoming Nolan Strong tribute album titled "Daddy Rockin Strong: A Tribute to Nolan Strong & The Diablos." The vinyl LP will be released by The Wind Records and distributed by Norton Records.
The late Laura Nyro covered the song live in concert and on her album "Gonna Take a Miracle."
The Chenille Sisters covered the song on their album "Mamma, I Wanna Make Rhythm."
The Calveys featuring Gino Romano, a doo-wop group, released "The Wind" on a Comma Records 45rpm (C-445).
Personnel
- Nolan Strong - Lead vocals
- Juan Guitierrez - Tenor
- Willie Hunter - Baritone
- Quentin Eubanks- Bass
- Bob "Chico" Edwards- Guitar