This is the fourth of a series of posts (the third one is here) that focus on the cover songs Dylan is performing on the current Outlaws Tour. This post is on The Fool, a hit for Sanford Clark, whom I had never heard of.
I did know the song though, via a cover by the late rockabilly artist, Robert Gordon. If you’re not familiar with him, he’s worth checking out. I couldn’t find a video of Gordon in his prime performing The Fool, but here he is doing one of his best, Red Hot. (Dylan is a fan of guitarist Link Wray.)
Here is an excellent write-up of Sanford’s career.
Dylan played the fool on his Theme Time radio show, including an interesting intro.
Sanford, as Dylan noted on Theme Time Radio Hour, was heavily influenced by Elvis. The influence is really obvious on the cut below.
Last thing. Anybody reading this a fan of Johnny Winter, and in particular, his version of It Ain’t Nothing to Me? Below is Clark’s version.