Devin Jacobs
Join us as we explore some of the last musical gifts from some of the world’s most celebrated artists, and find out how they left their final imprint on the world.
Elvis Presley: “Moody Blue”
Imagine being in the late 1970s, with “Moody Blue” playing on the radio. This track perfectly blends country and pop, serving as a fitting farewell from Elvis Presley. Fans treasure it as a snapshot of his enduring legacy.
John Lennon: “Starting Over”
When “Starting Over” hit the airwaves in 1980, it wasn’t just another song. It symbolized John Lennon’s incredible influence on music and culture. The track feels like a celebration of love and new beginnings, timeless in every sense.
Jim Morrison: “Riders on the Storm”
Close your eyes and let the haunting melody of “Riders on the Storm” wash over you. Released in 1971, this song from The Doors showcases Jim Morrison’s poetic depth, leaving a lasting mark on rock music history.
Janis Joplin: “Mercedes Benz”
Envision Janis Joplin recording “Mercedes Benz” on October 1, 1970. This song isn’t just a tune; it’s a heartfelt goodbye from a legendary artist. Her raw, soulful voice resonates deeply, even today.
Jimi Hendrix: “Freedom”
Listening to “Freedom,” you can almost feel Jimi Hendrix’s fingers dancing on the strings. Recorded in 1970 and released posthumously on The Cry of Love, this song bursts with Hendrix’s raw talent and passion.
Buddy Holly: “It Doesn’t Matter Anymore”
Buddy Holly’s “It Doesn’t Matter Anymore,” released posthumously in 1959, really hits the mark. This track isn’t just the end of his career; it’s a lively snapshot of his rise to rock ‘n’ roll legend. Even years later, Holly’s influence still rocks on!
Freddie Mercury: “Mother Love”
In 1991, Freddie Mercury gave us a touching goodbye with “Mother Love.” Even while facing health challenges, his powerful voice shines through, making this track from Queen’s Made in Heaven a deeply emotional and fitting conclusion to his incredible career.
Otis Redding: “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay”
“(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” stands as Otis Redding’s final masterpiece, recorded in 1967 and released in 1968. This track captures his soulful depth and reflective style, and even today, it resonates with listeners.
David Bowie: “Lazarus”
When “Lazarus” plays, it feels like a personal message from a beloved friend and blends reflection with a sense of hope. It’s both a celebration of David Bowie’s extraordinary career and a touching farewell. With every note, his voice delivers a powerful and heartfelt goodbye.
Marvin Gaye: “Midnight Love”
The release of Midnight Love in 1982 felt like a warm, personal message from Marvin Gaye, full of his signature soulful sound. With smooth rhythms and deep emotion, this final album wraps up his incredible journey in a powerful way. This standout track, “Sexual Healing,” shines, but the whole album offers a heartfelt farewell.
George Harrison: “Brainwashed”
As Brainwashed wraps up with “Stuck Inside a Cloud,” it offers a deeply moving farewell as it blends reflective lyrics with Harrison’s signature melodies. The song’s emotional depth and timeless charm leave a lasting impression.
Whitney Houston: “Celebrate”
As the final notes of Whitney Houston’s last recorded track ring out, her incredible voice and vibrant spirit come alive. Featured on the Sparkle soundtrack 2012, this song is a joyful celebration that captures Whitney’s signature powerhouse vocals and boundless energy.
Michael Jackson: “This Is It”
Michael Jackson’s final studio album was Invincible (2001), and his last officially released single before his death was “This Is It” (2009), which was part of the posthumous album of the same name.
Roy Orbison: “You Got It”
When Roy Orbison took the mic for his last song, he delivered a finale that was both unforgettable and deeply moving. The track, “You Got It,” released in 1989, shows Orbison’s iconic voice with its emotional depth and smooth style.
The article didn’t mention that the final whistling on Otis Reddig’s “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” was entirely by accident; Otis didn’t know what he was going to sing for that part, so he just whistled as a place holder.
The whistle at the end of “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay,” belongs to longtime musician Sam “Bluzman” Taylor, who was brought in to finish the final overdubs after Redding tragically died.
According to Steve Cropper, Redding was still pondering adding a 4th verse to “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” or lyrics to an outro. Otis just finished up the song with a whistle as a placeholder because he had nothing else left to add. Presumably, when he was to get back from his trip to Wisconsin, him and Cropper were going to finish it up.
So the story goes, a grief-filled Cropper returned to the studio to edit the song, heard the whistle outro again, and thought it fit perfect with the fade-out but needed an overdub. Thus, the call to Taylor.