I Got A Woman: Introduction

“I Got A Woman” is an old Ray Charles song, but The Beatles recorded their own version of it. In fact, they did two versions of the song for their shows on BBC Radio.

In Detail

First Released: November 30, 1994 (UK), December 5, 1994 (US)
Recorded: August 13, 1963
Genre: Blues, rock
BBC Radio Show: Pop Go the Beatles
Songwriters: Ray Charles, Renald Richard
Producer: Terry Henebery

Performers And Instruments

Where To Find “I Got A Woman”

You can still buy this track on the following albums:

**These albums contain different recordings, so if you are an avid collector, you may need both.

I Got A Woman: Background

Ray Charles released this song as a single in December 1954, together with the B-side, “Come Back Baby.” Elvis Presley also recorded “I Got A Woman” in 1956.

The Beatles’ Version

The Beatles often covered songs that came over to the UK from across the pond. The Fab Four perfected a way of breathing new life into some of those songs, in particular the more obscure ones. In this case, they sang “I Got A Woman” many times in the early 1960s.

During their formative years, The Beatles were regulars on BBC Radio programmes, and they recorded the song twice for the BBC. Since the Fab Four’s versions are similar to Elvis Presley’s style, it is possible that they heard his copy first. In short, this was a track on the debut album “Elvis Presley” (the UK release was “Elvis Presley Rock n’ Roll“).

The Fab Four recorded this song on July 16, 1963, at the BBC Paris Theatre in London for airing on the “Pop Go The Beatles” radio show on August 13. This version is now available on the 1994 album “Live At The BBC.”

On March 31, 1964, the band recorded another version at the Playhouse Theatre in London. This version is slightly shorter than the previous recording and this was for airing on the BBC’s “Saturday Club” programme. This recording is now available on the 2013 album, “On Air: Live at the BBC, Volume 2.”

Take A Listen

Finally, leave your thoughts below after you listen to the track.