Today I learned that Spencer Davis (born Spencer David Nelson Davies) died yesterday at age 81.
Davis formed the Spencer Davis Group in 1963 and at that time discovered the 14-year-old Steve Winwood, who left the band in 1967 to start the band Traffic. Davis was also instrumental in the career of Christine Perfect (who later became Cristine McVie when she married Fleetwood Mac bassist John McVie).
The Spencer Davis Group has numerous hits, including “Somebody Help Me,” “Gimme Some Lovin’,” “I’m a Man,” “Midnight Special,” and others, along with today’s selection.
“Keep on Running” is an up-tempo track with some wicked distortion on the guitar. It is a song I know, but didn’t immediately remember it like I did with “Gimme Some Lovin’.” Today’s track also reminds me of another song that I cannot place.
I don’t remember the group being part of my childhood home’s repertoire. But, I do remember catching up with former member Winwood later on, during his very successful solo career, especially in the 1970s and 80s. (Winwood has appeared in several posts on songs by him, or others that he’s covered or appeared on including “Can’t Find My Way Home,” “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” “Higher Love,” and “The Ballad of Lucy Jordan.”
Today, the world is without yet another musical giant with Davis’s passing.
Now you know a little about why this is my song of the day for today. Thanks for joining me here, and please enjoy.
Here’s the audio for the song from’s the Spencer Davis Group YouTube topic channel:
