It’s hard to imagine a popular song that the following artists (among others) have in common: The Who, Cher, Emmylou Harris & Gram Parsons, Jimmy Webb, Jennifer Warnes, Journey, Don McLean, Joan Jett, Roy Orbison, Bad Romance, Kim Carne, Heart, Pat Boone, Keith Richards & Norah Jones, Juice Newton, Sinead O’Conner, The Everly Brother, Robin Gibb, Rod Stewart, Leo Sayer, Nazareth and Jim Capaldi.

Written and composed by Boudleaux Bryant in 1960 and first recorded by The Everly Brothers (although not as a single), “Love Hurts” became a hit for Roy Orbison the following year…in Australia (hitting Number 5 on the charts). In 1973 a cover of the song by Emmylou Harris and Gram Parsons was included on Parson’s posthumously released album, “Grievous Angel” and Emmylou has included it as part  of her live repertoire ever since.

The most popular recording of the song, and perhaps the one you most remember, was by Scottish metal band, Nazareth whose version reached Number 10 on the U.S. Billboard Singles Charts in 1975; at nearly the same time that today’s selection by Jim Capaldi, hit Number Four on the UK Charts.

Born in Evesham, Worcestershire in 1944, Capaldi was yet another of those seminal rock artists.  With a musical career that lasted more than four decades he was a founding member of Traffic (Mr. Fantasy was one of his songs), and performed as drummer and percussionist for the likes Hendrix, Clapton, Harrison and Santana.

After his death from stomach cancer in 2005, the Dear Mr. Fantasy concert was held in London to celebrate his life, with artists as varied as Pete Townshend, Cat Stevens, Bill Wyman and (of course) Steve Winwood and all profits going to The Jubilee Action Street Children Appeal.  Which goes to show that although there are times when love hurts, there are other times when belovedness relieves.

 LISTEN TO TODAY’S SELECTION – Monday 30 April

Love Hurts

Love hurts, love scars, love wounds and mars

Any heart, it’s not tough or strong enough

To take a lot of pain, take a lot of pain

Love is like a flower, holds a lot of rain

Love hurts

 I’m young, I know, but even so

I know a thing or two I’ve learned from you

I really learned a lot, really learned a lot

Love is like a stove, burns you when it’s hot

Love hurts, oo love hurts

 Some fools dream of happiness, blissfulness, togetherness

Some fools fool themselves, I guess, but they’re not foolin’ me

I know it isn’t true, I know it isn’t true

Love is just a lie, made to make you blue

Love hurts, oo love hurts

 Some fools dream of happiness, blissfulness, togetherness

Some fools fool themselves, I guess, but they’re not foolin’ me

I know it isn’t true, I know it isn’t true

Love is just a lie, made to make you blue

Love hurts, love hurts, oo love hurts

Oo love hurts, yeah love hurts ….