Aired on Treasure Island OldiesJul 28, 2024

As the year 1966 was winding down, the Supremes were on a roll, having charted eighteen times over a five-year period that included seven #1 hits.

Their seventh #1 hit took over the top spot on the Billboard pop charts on November 19, 1966. It is characterized by its upbeat tempo, lively rhythm, and the distinctive vocals of lead singer Diana Ross.

Who would have predicted that two radically different cover versions, one two years later in 1968 and one released in 1986, would also find their way onto the Billboard Hot 100.

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Considered a classic of the Motown era, the Supremes’ original version features a prominent use of brass instruments and a driving beat, which gives it the distinct Motown sound. Lyrically, the song expresses themes of heartbreak and empowerment, with the narrator declaring independence from a past lover.

The first commercially successful cover version appeared on the Billboard Hot 100 in July of 1967, remaining on the charts for a mere five weeks and peaking at #67 position. However, a year later, it was rediscovered and went to the #6 position on the charts.

The rock band behind this drastically different remake are best known for their slow, extended heavy rock arrangements of contemporary hit songs. Their slowed-down psychedelic version features distorted guitars, a swirling organ, and dramatic vocals.

The 1986 rendition comes from a British singer who brings the song into the 80s with a contemporary pop sound through the use of electronic drums and synthesizers.

This version was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and introducing the song to a new generation of listeners. In June 1987 it was atop the Billboard Hot 100.

As a result, it became the first song in the history of the Hot 100 to have three different versions achieve Top 10 status.

The arrangements by the Supremes, Vanilla Fudge, and Kim Wilde continue to resonate with music fans today who contend that “You Keep Me Hangin’ On,” this week’s Tom Locke moment in time.

Epilogue: For you trivia buffs, by the time Kim Wilde was born in 1960, her father, singer/actor Marty Wilde, already had five Top 10 singles in the UK, including cover versions of Ritchie Valens’ “Donna” and Dion and The Belmonts’ “A Teenager In Love.”

YouTube videos of this song:

Supremes version:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3bjMtqpGBw

Vanilla Fudge version:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqqjErN-6Ns

Kim Wilde version:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_3gLp6k7ZE