Written by: Pomus-Shuman
Recorded: 22, 27 January 1969
Producer: George Martin
Released: 15 October 2021
Available on:
Let It Be (50th anniversary deluxe edition)
Personnel
John Lennon: vocals, guitar
Paul McCartney: vocals, bass guitar
George Harrison: guitar
Ringo Starr: drums
Billy Preston: organ
The Beatles recorded two versions of The Drifters’ 1960 hit ‘Save The Last Dance For Me’ during the Get Back/Let It Be sessions in January 1969.
The song was written by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman. The Drifters’ version topped the US Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks, shortly after its lead singer, Ben E King, had left the group. It was also a number one in New Zealand and South Africa, and a number two hit in the UK.
The Beatles first played ‘Save The Last Dance For Me’ on 22 January 1969, alongside a version of Fats Domino’s ‘I’m Ready’ (sometimes known as ‘Rocker’).
A medley of the two songs was selected by Glyn Johns for the second, third, and fourth iterations of the Get Back album, all of which were rejected by The Beatles. It was, however, released in October 2021 as part of the super deluxe 50th anniversary reissue of Let It Be.
The Beatles also played a version of ‘Save The Last Dance For Me’ on 27 January 1969, day 18 of the sessions.
I wish they had recorded a proper version of it for the Let It Be album.
Emmylou Harris did the greatest job on Save the last dance for me. I listen to it almost every time Im on my computer. I got to see her at Grand Central Station in OKC . I ask to dance with me after the show and she informed me that she wasnt interested in saving the last dance for me. I appreciated that she had so much class.. She was from Tulsa OK too. I would donate a good sum if i could talk to that classy Lady. Hope evveryone listens to her version of that great melody from its writers. Thanks for the memories Emmy. The Fireman from OKC