Ooh! My Soul: Introduction
“Ooh! My Soul” is one of the early Beatles’ cover songs from their BBC Radio shows. Of course, this was originally a recording by Little Richard. However, The Beatles recorded their version for the show, “Pop Go The Beatles.”
In brief, this show went on the air on August 27, 1963, and this is their one and only recording of it. This track is available on their 1994 album, “Live At The BBC.”
In Detail
- Release Date: November 30, 1994 (UK), December 5, 1994 (US)
- Recorded: August 1, 1963
- Studio/Location: Playhouse Theatre, Manchester, UK
- Genre: Rock and roll
- Track Duration: 1:37
- Songwriter: Richard Penniman (Little Richard)
- Producer: Terry Henebery
Performers And Instruments
- Paul McCartney: vocals, also the bass guitar
- John Lennon: rhythm guitar
- George Harrison: lead guitar
- Ringo Starr: drums
Where To Find “Ooh! My Soul”
You can still buy this song on the following album:
Ooh! My Soul: Background
“Ooh! My Soul” (sometimes aka “Oh My Soul”) is a song by Little Richard on his eponymous second album (which had the title Volume 2 in the UK). However, it was also a single for the singer (release date: May 1958). This track was the A-side, while “True Fine Mama” was the B-side.
It was a minor success in both the UK and America, but it didn’t reach the top 20 in either country (positions 22 and 31, respectively).
In their early days, The Beatles would sing cover versions of songs just like other budding stars. They also had access to many rock and roll songs coming from America. Although The Beatles were to record this song, they didn’t record its B-side.
Be that as it may, Paul McCartney gave a rip-roaring account of this old-time rock and roll song. Although the original version by Little Richard was around 2:22 long, The Beatles’ version was only 1:37.
“I could do Little Richard’s voice, which is a wild, hoarse, screaming thing; it’s like an out-of-body experience. You have to leave your current sensibilities and go about a foot above your head to sing it. You have to actually go outside yourself. It’s a funny little trick, and when you find it, it’s very interesting.”
Paul McCartney
Many Years From Now, Barry Miles
**Big Brother and the Holding Company also covered the song in 1966.
Recording Studio
The Beatles recorded “Ooh! My Soul” on August 1, 1963. This was just one of the songs for the BBC’s “Pop Go The Beatles” show, which had an airing on August 27, 1963.
Most previous Beatles’ recordings were from studios in London, of course. However, this recording differs in that the band recorded it at the Playhouse Theatre in Manchester.
Take A Listen
Finally, take a listen to the song by clicking the play button on the image. Then, leave us a comment below.