Cover Culture : Glen Adams & The Wailers / Stevie Wonder – Never Had A Dream

COVER VERSION VS ORIGINAL SONG

Since the early 1960s and even prior, numerous iconic Jamaican hits were derived from popular foreign songs. The original pop and soul tracks were frequently embraced by audiences on the island, leading reggae artists to create their own renditions. Some of these artists gained fame by covering chart-topping songs, turning these adaptations into timeless classics.

For instance, American artist Bill Withers recorded the Grammy-winning song Ain’t No Sunshine, which Horace Andy later adapted, while Dennis Brown’s rendition of Black Magic Woman originally came from Fleetwood Mac. These two examples represent just a small fraction of the many covers that have emerged over the past sixty-five years.

Since the advent of these adaptations, both Jamaican and international reggae musicians have persistently reimagined pop and soul hits, continuing this tradition into the present. You’re welcome to listen to both the original and the cover versions to determine which one resonates with you the most.

GLEN ADAMS

The late Glen Adams, celebrated for his vibrant organ play and soulful vocals, was an essential figure in the reggae scene. He first gained recognition in the late 1960s as a solo artist and as a member of the renowned Reggae Boys, Hippy Boys, and The Upsetters. While with The Upsetters, Adams backed The Wailers during their collaboration with legendary producer Lee Perry. At Perry’s request, Adams recorded a reggae take on Stevie Wonder’s Never Had A Dream Come True, which was released in Jamaica under the Upsetter label in 1970, followed by a release in the UK the subsequent year. Although Adams is mainly celebrated for his impact on rocksteady and early reggae, his musical contributions span various genres. In 2020, Shinehead released his version of the Wonder classic for the Peckings label in London.

STEVIE WONDER

Never Had a Dream Come True is a song written by Stevie Wonder alongside Motown staff songwriters Henry Cosby and Sylvia Moy. The song was released as a single in February 1970 under the Tamla label. It served as the lead single from Wonder’s 12th studio album, Signed, Sealed & Delivered. Upon its debut, Never Had a Dream Come True made a moderate impact, entering the Billboard Hot 100 at No.67 during the week of February 7, 1970, and reaching No.11 on the R&B chart. The song enjoyed greater success in the UK, eventually peaking at No.6. This compelling rock ballad, with lead background vocals by Stevie Wonder, features an infectious riddim played by The Funk Brothers, a group of Detroit-based session musicians who were Motown’s in-house band, and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.