Viola Wills ~ Gonna Get Along Without You Now 1980 Disco Purrfection Version

Viola Wills carried on the disco tradition of covering pop songs with the disco beat well into the early 80’s. This was the first song of hers I ever heard, and I fell in love with her I already knew the song. Did you know that it was written in 1951? Teresa Brewer (Music, Music, Music) was the first to have a go at it, did it in a big band swing style and that version peaked at #25. Then in 1956, it was made into a pop song by Patience and Prudence who took it all the way to #11. The key to this success was the intricate vocal harmonies and the “hmm hmm aha“ hook the youngsters sang, they were only 11 and 14 at the time. Brewer used the brightened up P&P arrangement with a Caribbean flavor as an album track in 1964. Tracey Dey and Skeeter Davis also covered the song that very same year reaching #51 and #48 respectively. A varied collection of artists covered it including the Vibrations, Trini Lopez and then Tina Charles in 1977. When Viola’s version was released in early 1980, it peaked at #52 on the disco chart, but it introduced her to the disco/dance crowd and her next single was the anthemic and enduring “If I Could Read Your Mind“ that is her signature hit. This one reflects innocence and exuberance, much in the vein of a “I Will Survive“ kiss off and it worms its way into your brain and heart. Sadly, we lost Viola to cancer on May 9, 2009. For me, she lives on in her vinyl releases, especially this one. It still warms my heart to hear it! I recently took out the 12“ vinyl version and was holding it in my hands, looked it over and realized that I could touch her voice. Vinyl still fascinates you enjoy this new mix, it still reminds me of a warm spring me smile when I listen to it......