Billy Swan ~ I Can Help 1974 Extended Meow Mix

Billy was born William Lance Swan May 12, 1943 in Cape Giradeau, Missouri.

He displayed a musical talent from a young age and learned how to play drums, piano and guitar eventually writing his own original compositions. It paid off in 1962 when one of his songs "Lover Please" when Clyde McPhatter turned it into a top 10 pop hit when it peaked at #7. He had recorded the original version with his band Mirt Mirty & The Rhythm Steppers, the song went nowhere but producer Bill Black heard the potential and sent it to McPhatter.

Encouraged by this success, he moved to Memphis and the first thing he did was to stop by Elvis Presley's home Graceland. He ended up speaking to Elvis' uncle Travis Smith, who was guarding the front entrance. Smith offered to put up Billy at his own home and Billy accepted. However he was unable to continue working with Black who became ill and died in 1965. He went on to produce "Polk Salad Annie" for Tony Joe White and earned him a #8 Pop hit in 1969. While working with Bob Dylan on his "Blonde On Blonde" LP he decided to quit and gave his job to Kris Kristofferson.

Moving to Nashville in 1972, he got a job at Columbia Records and became a recording engineer/janitor. Kristofferson's career had taken off when Janis Joplin recorded his "Me & Bobby McGee" and had a #1 pop hit with it. Kris reached out to Billy to have him join his touring band. After the tour he returned to Nashville, he found work and love when he met a woman named Marlu.

Swan was working for a music publisher earning 75$ a week when he was asked to go on the road again with Kristofferson. Billy had a voice similar to Ringo Starr's, so producer Chip Young decided to take a chance and record "I Can Help" LP with him.

Kristofferson and Rita Coolidge had given Bill an RMI organ as a wedding present and his new wife had a primitive drum machine. He was messing around with the two when "I Can Help" came together. It took two takes and the song was completed. Released as a single on September 28, 1974 it hit the top of the Hot100 on November 23, 1974 and stayed there for two weeks.

[shawnscott]

LOVE THIS SONG, MOM USED TO PLAY THIS ALOT WHEN I WAS A KID💯 NOW IM 55 AND STILL LOVE IT💯❣️❣️💯💯

[shawnnjobe]

Growing up with my mom, i learned who she was through listening to her play her music, every time i hear 50s 60s and 70s country and rock i reminisce and remeber her and i see her smiling and dancung and singing with her cowboy hat and boots and clothes, i wish we can all stay young physically but ill always be a kid in spirit, i miss you mom an love you oh so much, God be woth you till i am too.. ❤❤❤❤❤

[DropPCTV]

Just made me go and add this to my Apple Music playlist. Can’t believe it came out one year after I was born in 1974. I wish they still made music like this.

[vickiewalker-adkins]

My Ron came up to me one night after I got off work and he said there’s a song I want you to hear. This is the song that became his song too me. Love that man Ron Walker

[patriciapusztai]

Been looking for this great song forEVER!!! One of the Best of the '70's. It's what any & every woman would LOVE a man to say to her...I know "I" Thank u SO much, YouTube!!

[erwinbiezen]

My mother loved this song and danced through the house when she heard it on the radio! R.I.P. Mom

[TheBeagle]

OMG! needed an extended version of this song, I love this song! Thank you! Awesome job once again!

[michaelnobles]

Great song, listened to it so many times

[robertlawrence]

A wonderful pop song with a country feeling. Nice work!

[katherinewelton]

Disco Kat be digging in the crates! Thank you another oldie but goodie from the best decade!🔊🔊🔥😊

[trulyredheaded]

My sweet, redheaded Mama liked this when I was little. At the time I thought it sounded just like Elvis.

[rockininthefreeworld]

Always made me think of a roller rink!

[RonDAlessandro]

When I was 4, I must have driven my mom crazy with playing this 45 over and over and over.

[michaeldomino]

Haven't heard this in years! Great song.

[thomastarwater]

That was top notch! Even better than the album version. Disco Cat, thank you for working on one of my favorite songs from when I was in high school and making it even better.

[alvoye]

Great memories of my Mom and I singing along to this song in the family Ford Granada. I was 10 years old at the time.🎶

[raycrosher]

Hi my name is Ray I am 76. and I think this is a true love song I could listen to it forever

[LuneaseBevels-sycl]

This song always been special to me I

[mitchellpetersen]

I remember my Grandma bought me the 45 of "Fairytale" by The Pointer Sisters & this one for her. She always rubbed it in that her choice was a bigger hit, because I was really into the Top 40. I ended up with both of them anyway. I miss my Grandma. This song will always remind me of her

[alanstevenson-graham]

What a great rmx, a favourite song, always loved it