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All I Could Do Was Cry
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Wikipedia article
'"All I Could Do Was Cry"' is a doo-wop/rhythm and blues single recorded in 1960, and released in March that year by the singer Etta James. It was written for James by Chess songwriter Billy Davis, Berry Gordy and his sister Gwen Gordy.
The song eventually peaked at number 2 on the US 'Billboard' R&B chart and number 33 on the pop chart. James would later re-record the song in the early 1990s.
Background
The song was said to be inspired by James' former boyfriend Harvey Fuqua dating Davis' former girlfriend, who was Gwen. Gordy and Fuqua later married the same year the song was recorded, which likely added to the tension in James' bluesy vocals.
Chart performance
;Etta James version
Cover versions
*Ike & Tina Turner released a version of the song on their live album 'The Ike & Tina Turner Show - Vol. 2' in 1965. They also included another live rendition on their 1969 live album 'In Person', and previously unissued studio version was released on the compilation album 'The Kent Years' in 2000.
*Beyonc Knowles covered the song while filming her role depicting James in the 2008 film, 'Cadillac Records'.
References
Category:1960 songs
Category:1960 singles
Category:Etta James songs
Category:Songs written by Berry Gordy
Category:Songs written by Billy Davis (songwriter)
Category:Songs written by Gwen Gordy Fuqua
Category:Ike & Tina Turner songs
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