More Jackson Browne Week today!  I don’t know about you guys, but I’m really enjoying this one … playing some old favourites, and learning some new tunes I hadn’t heard before!  Today’s Jackson Browne song is probably my second favourite, after Doctor, My Eyes.

I did not realize until tonight that this was a cover by Jackson Browne.  It was originally written by Maurice Williams in 1953 when he was 15 years old.  It was recorded by Williams and his band, the Zodiacs in 1960.  Their version hit #1 in the U.S. and #14 in the UK.  Then in 1963, both The Hollies and The Four Seasons released a version, both of which charted — The Hollies did better in the UK (#8) and The Four Seasons fared better in the U.S. (#16).  And then in 1977, Jackson Browne included it on his album, Running On Empty, then released it as a single that charted at #12 in the UK and #20 in the U.S.  From 1960 to 1977 through four bands and still charted every time … that’s what I call “staying power”!

Other than that, I don’t have much background info on Jackson Browne’s version other than what I found on Wikipedia …

The song, which follows on the heels of Browne’s “The Load-Out” begs the audience to stay for an encore and includes an extensive playout. It includes backing contributions from David Lindley and Rosemary Butler. Billboard described this version as “spirited and gospel-like”.  Cash Box said that it has “effective guitar and keyboard solos and an easy beat” and “pleasing lead vocals”, and that “David Lindley draws appreciation from the audience with his teasing falsetto”.  Record World said that “David Lindley’s falsetto vocals and guitar lend an able hand, and the live quality is appealing.”

Stay

Jackson Browne

People stay just a little bit longer
We want to play, just a little bit longer

Now the promoter don’t mind
And the union don’t mind
If we take a little time
And we leave it all behind and sing
One more song

Oh won’t you stay just a little bit longer
Please, please, please say you will
Say you will

Oh won’t you stay just a little bit longer
Oh please, please stay just a little bit more

Now the promoter don’t mind
And the roadies don’t mind
If we take a little time
And we leave this all behind and sing
One more song

Source: Musixmatch

Songwriters: Maurice Williams

Stay lyrics © Tintoretto Music, Mushroom Music Pty. Ltd., Cherio Corporation, Chrysalis Music Ltd, Mushroom Music Pty Ltd, Cherio Corp