Soulshine (song)
"Soulshine" is a song written by Warren Haynes and originally recorded by Larry McCray on his 1993 album, Delta Hurricane. It is famously known by the recording that Haynes' band, The Allman Brothers Band, released on their 1994 album, Where It All Begins, featuring Gregg Allman on vocals. The song's title originates from Haynes's nickname, given by his father.[1]
| "Soulshine" | |
|---|---|
| Song by The Allman Brothers Band | |
| from the album Where It All Begins | |
| Released | March 1994 |
| Recorded | 1994 |
| Genre | |
| Length | 6:44 |
| Label | Sony Music |
| Songwriter(s) | Warren Haynes |
| Producer(s) | Tom Dowd |
Although the Allman's version was never released as a single, it still remains one of their best known songs among fans and concert-goers. A live version of the song, which appeared on the Allmans' 2003 DVD, Live at the Beacon Theatre, had Allman and Haynes alternating vocals on the verses and harmonizing on the chorus, and includes a slide solo from Derek Trucks, as Dicky Betts was no longer with them at the time. This has become the standard for the song in most recent years with dual vocals.
When Haynes and bassist Allen Woody formed Gov't Mule, they took the song with them. Gov't Mule performs Soulshine live at their concerts and it was included on the band's Live... With a Little Help from Our Friends, The Deep End, Volume 1, and The Deepest End, Live in Concert releases.[2]
Cover versions
Beth Hart covered this song on her 2007 album, 37 Days.[3]
The song was covered by two contestants from the thirteenth season of American Idol. CJ Harris used the song during his audition (and also in the Top 8) and Ben Briley performed the song during "Rush Week."
The 1997 David Allan Coe Live: If That Ain't Country ... also has a cover of this song as the second track, since David Allan Coe's original guitar player, Warren Haynes, joined him for that concert.
In 2016, Adam Wakefield performed a cover of Soulshine on Season 10 of The Voice. It is available in The Voice Complete Season 10 collection for Adam Wakefield.
