Who Sang "Sailing" by Rod Stewart?
"Sailing" is a classic rock ballad written by Gavin Sutherland, also known as Sutherland Brothers, in 1972. The song became a huge hit when it was covered by Rod Stewart in 1975. But who originally sang the song? Let’s dive into the history of "Sailing" to find out.
The Original Version by Sutherland Brothers
The Sutherland Brothers, consisting of brothers Iain and Gavin, were a Scottish folk-rock duo who released their debut album, "Sensation", in 1972. "Sailing" was one of the tracks on the album, which gained moderate success in the UK.
The Version by Rod Stewart
Rod Stewart, a British rock singer-songwriter, discovered the song while on tour in the United States. He was impressed by the song’s melody and lyrics and decided to record his own version. Stewart’s version of "Sailing" was released in 1975 as a single from his album "Atlantic Crossing".
Comparison of the Two Versions
Here’s a comparison of the two versions:
| Sutherland Brothers | Rod Stewart | |
|---|---|---|
| Vocal Style | Softer, more acoustic | More energetic, rock-oriented |
| Piano Accompaniment | Simple, subtle | More prominent, layered |
| Guitar | Acoustic guitar | Electric guitar |
| Lyrical Interpretation | More melancholic | More optimistic |
As you can see, the two versions have distinct differences in terms of vocal style, instrumentation, and overall mood.
Why Did Rod Stewart Cover the Song?
Rod Stewart has spoken about why he decided to cover "Sailing". In an interview with the BBC, he said: "I loved the song, and I loved the brothers’ version of it… I thought, ‘I can do something with this, I can make it more…me’." Stewart’s version of the song became a huge hit, reaching #1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning him a Grammy nomination.
Who Sang "Sailing"?
So, to answer the question: both Sutherland Brothers and Rod Stewart sang "Sailing", but in different versions. The Sutherland Brothers’ original version was a folk-rock ballad, while Rod Stewart’s version was a rock-oriented hit.
The Legacy of "Sailing"
"Sailing" has become one of Rod Stewart’s signature songs and a classic rock staple. The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Willie Nelson, Frank Sinatra, and even a ukulele version by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless melody and lyrics.
In Conclusion
"Sailing" is a song that has been loved by many generations of music fans. From its humble beginnings as a folk-rock ballad by Sutherland Brothers to its reimagining as a rock hit by Rod Stewart, the song has left an indelible mark on the music world. Whether you prefer the original or the cover, "Sailing" is a song that will continue to resonate with audiences for years to come.
Table of Song Details
| Song | Artist | Release Year | Chart Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sailing | Sutherland Brothers | 1972 | UK Top 40 |
| Sailing | Rod Stewart | 1975 | US Billboard Hot 100 #1 |
Key Points
- The original version of "Sailing" was written by Gavin Sutherland and released by the Sutherland Brothers in 1972.
- Rod Stewart covered the song in 1975 and turned it into a rock hit.
- The two versions have distinct differences in terms of vocal style, instrumentation, and mood.
- "Sailing" has become one of Rod Stewart’s signature songs and a classic rock staple.
- The song has been covered by numerous artists and continues to be loved by many generations of music fans.
