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Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress

“Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress” is a classic rock song by the Hollies, released in 1972. The song was written by Allan Clarke, Roger Cook, and Roger Greenaway and became a major hit for the band, reaching the top 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart.

The song has a distinctive guitar riff, with a driving rhythm and a catchy melody. The lyrics tell the story of a woman in a black dress who catches the eye of the singer, who is immediately taken with her. The woman is described as “long cool” and “sweet as sin,” with an air of mystery that only adds to her allure.

Despite the suggestive lyrics, the song was not originally intended to be a rock and roll number. The writers had initially envisioned it as a country song, but the Hollies took it in a different direction and added a more rock-oriented sound.

“Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress” has since become one of the Hollies’ most enduring hits and is considered a classic of 70s rock. The song has been covered by many other artists over the years, including Bruce Springsteen, The J. Geils Band, and The Black Keys.

The song’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its catchy melody, memorable lyrics, and timeless rock sound. It remains a favorite among fans of classic rock, and its influence can be heard in many other rock songs that have followed in its wake.

The Hollies are a British rock band that was formed in the early 1960s. They rose to fame during the British Invasion and became known for their vocal harmonies, catchy pop melodies, and polished sound. The band has had numerous hits over the years, and their music continues to be beloved by fans all over the world.

The early years of the Hollies were marked by a series of lineup changes. The original members were Allan Clarke, Graham Nash, and Tony Hicks, who had played together in a Manchester skiffle band called the Fourtones. They were soon joined by bassist Eric Haydock and drummer Don Rathbone, and the band began playing gigs around the UK.

In 1963, the Hollies released their first single, “Ain’t That Just Like Me,” which was a cover of a song by the Everly Brothers. It was followed by a string of hits, including “Just One Look,” “Stay,” and “Here I Go Again.” The band’s sound was characterized by their distinctive vocal harmonies, which were often compared to those of the Beatles and the Beach Boys.

In 1966, Graham Nash left the Hollies to form the supergroup Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. He was replaced by Terry Sylvester, who had previously played with the Swinging Blue Jeans. The Hollies continued to record and tour, and in the late 1960s, they experimented with more psychedelic sounds and themes.

Some of the Hollies’ most famous songs include “Bus Stop,” “Carrie Anne,” “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother,” and “The Air That I Breathe.” These songs showcase the band’s ability to blend catchy pop melodies with intricate vocal harmonies and thoughtful lyrics.

Despite the band’s success, the Hollies have often been overlooked by critics and historians in favor of their contemporaries like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. However, their impact on pop music cannot be denied, and their music has inspired countless musicians over the years.

The Hollies continue to tour and record to this day, although the lineup has changed several times over the years. Allan Clarke left the band in 1971 and was replaced by Carl Wayne, who was in turn replaced by Peter Howarth in 2004. Tony Hicks and Bobby Elliott, the band’s longest-serving members, continue to play with the group.

Saturday night I was downtown
Working for the FBI
Sitting in a nest of bad men
Whiskey bottles piling high
Bootlegging boozer on the west side
Full of people who are doing wrong
Just about to call up the da man
When I heard this woman sing a song

A pair of 45s made me open my eyes
My temperature started to rise
She was a long cool woman in a black dress
Just-a 5’9, beautiful, tall
With just one look I was a bed mess
‘Cause that long cool woman had it all

I saw her heading to the table
Like a tall walking big black cat
When charlie said I hope that your’re able boy
‘Cause I’m telling you she knows where it’s at
Then suddenly we heard the sirens
And everybody started to run
A-jumping out of doors and tables
When I heard somebody shooting a gun

Well the da was pumping my left hand
And a-she was a-holding my right
Well I told her don’t get scared
‘Cause your’re gonna be spared
I’ve gotta be forgiving if I wanna spend my living
With a long cool woman in a black dress
Just a 5’9 beautiful tall

Yeah, with just on look I was a bed mess
‘Cause that long cool woman had it all

Had it all, had it all, had it all, had it all, had it all
Ooh, had it all
Oh, yeah, all
Yeah, all

Author: Paolo Rossi