BW Stevenson - My Maria

[2ManRaid]

Thumbs up if your listening to this because your girlfriends name is Maria :-)

[akajk1]

dangit, that's a harder song than i thought. that's gonna be a lot of work.....ditch it. nope, boys in zee band wanna do it. ok, i'm on it. dangit! why can't we stick to 1, 4, 5's with long lead breaks?

[MrSintch]

Donny Dolan on drums. What a drummer!!

[watchtrillions]

Soul touching.

[1492tomato]

Brooks and Dunn did honor to B.W. - no small feat. The early Texas "outlaw" cadre (Jerry Jeff Walker, et al) called B.W. "The Voice." Imagine that...

[gagemdavis2011]

# 1 in 1996 just sayin

[SlyDevil66]

Such a Great Tune that I almost seriously considered waiting out meeting a woman to fall for named Maria just so this could be her tune! How's that for influential? Anyway, great song....BWS owned it....shame he left us soon soon....enjoy.....by the way, is there a woman named Maria looking to settle down? LOL.......

[selatik1]

Jack Black. Just sayin'

[UnitedCorpOfAmerica]

This song stuck in my head since 1973. I looked it up and here I am.

[fullhouseflatty]

Brooks and Dunn oughtta just hang it up...

[dadof2monkeys]

Such a sweet song. Innocent and passionate. Induces dancing, singing along, swooning, and the hopes to meet a woman or have a daughter named Maria so i can one day sing this to her.

[chasjohn57]

This song always cheers me up Thank for posting

[stretch54]

The tragic but incomparable Jim Gordon is playing drums on this. Any fellow drummer marvels at the incredible timing and space he creates in this song. What drum fills!

[joshman783]

Love Brooks and Dunn, but I like this version better.

[willyandthepoorboys2]

Man, what a great song. BW's version was the best.

[EchoC7]

Great song... I heard it in Islands about a month ago and fell in love with this song... Funny thing in 1973 I was only "5" and I probably heard it on the radio at the time... lol.. better late than never!!

[UnceBobTouchedMe]

i am happy c's a i have one Maria in my life too :))

[1953jazzman]

I really loved B.W.'s original - and I always greatly resented Brooks and Dunn getting a huge hit with a carbon copy!!!!

[BBQFanNo1]

Song released in 8-73

[BBQFanNo1]

My Maria #9 on 9-22-73

[imajeepster]

the backup singers are great, they sound a bit like the eagles!

[riverrats00]

BW looks like a good ol' boy on this album cover

[cdinfm]

this belongs to him.

[wingman572]

#9 on the charts in "73. we remember you buck wheat as you passed on this date in '88. you were 38. one of my top 5 seventy songs of all time. miss you. he also wrote "shambala" which three dog night had a hit with

[rdd123456]

Caught the tail end of Tropical Storm Maria 09/17/2011 surfin' the ocean swell at a favorite surf spot in RI... sweeeeeet!



[billstewart7366]

Classic song classic sound classic singer classic songwriter Ya just cant beat a classic original!!!

[squigers37]

B & D's is better.

[MattHatter]

@squigers37 No way! Do you not like Stevenson's voice? Do you not like that fact he doesn't have that over the top country twang voice that EVERY country singer replicates these days like a cookie cutter stamp out? B&D did an o.k. cover of it, but I've listened to their cover and you just can't beat THIS original version. This one actually gets to me, B&D's cover just sounds like that....a cover. Nothing special except they exposed the song to people who had never heard it before.

[springerjkreb]

@squigers37 Yes, and Justin Bieber is the new Elvis.

He ain't too bright, is he? Even B&D say they prefer this version.

[blondiern56]

Always a favorite, great memories of innocent times

[EPOAndSound1965FH]

Buck Wheat sings this beautifully. Call it what you want. Considering when this was recorded. Probably 4 track. (Brooks and Dunn did a great job). Singer songwriters tend to write for themselves. In my opinion this is a sweeter simpler version. Hard to cover someone elses song. with the emotions that originally brought the song to life.

[Mega8track]

AWSOME,TAKES ME HOME,A CHILL JUST WENT UP MY SPINE

[wedepeixmen]

ohhhh quee grandee!!!!!

muyy buenooo compaaa!!!

[coashddjj2]

So mellow and beautiful. I've always loved this song.

[waxmusic1]

Some call it "Progressive Country" but I prefer the alternative "Redneck Rock"

[Moonchalice]

Brooks and Dunn did not cover this song...they duplicated it. I always say, don't cover a song unless you can make it better.  They just had better press. I never liked Dunn, but I love Kix Brooks. hahahahah.

[er6789er]

I like B & D but this is the original...

[GuillermoTresHuevos]

Just nothing like the original, is there? This just sooooo blows away that hideous ham-handed version by those blowdryed buttboys Brooks and Dunn.

[Marcialovely]

Woooooow!!Beautifulllll!!!Love­d!!

I love you Chrys!!!♥♥

[mairelove]

love this song

[dillonzo88]

One of the better one-hit wonders. And an obvious candidate for a Country crossover.

[fowzie777]

@dillonzo88 - no...he did Shambala that was later covered by Three Dog Night....

[CSWaviation]

Brooks and Dunn did a good version of it, very close to the original, but I still love the original.

[boopster1000]

MY MARIA KILLED HERSELF LISTENING TO THIS SONG

[pg1171]

@boopster1000 u suk!

[boopster1000]

BRINGS BACK TERRIBLE MEMORIES

[bruho5]

@boopster1000 Wow! I feel for you....Big! Time!

[SaddleCat1]

If I remember, this came out during the summer ('73). Definately one of the best tunes of that year.

[eightlane1]

His uncle Bill Stevenson was probably the best teacher I ever had. W.W. Samuell High School Dallas early 70,s

[springerjkreb]

I dare you to listen to this song just once, without repeating it.

[GeorgeVreelandHill]

A great song from a great era of music.

I wish I could go back in time.

George Vreeland Hill

[howlinwulf1]

This song came out about the time we went from Zepplin to Bob Wills and Willie Nelson. Kind of the start of "cosmic cowboy" era. Makes me want to grab a Lone Star.

[ruderocker]

The Best.

[FreeFavl]

Some great comments for this song! :)

I usually can't stand "Country" music, but "My María" by B.W. Stevenson is just incredible!--what a Masterpiece!

[StevenCarinci]

@FreeFavl Country? Hmm.... Sounds like first-rate 70s folk rock to me.

[nealadams70]

the album cover looks like JACK BLACK..just sayin....

[cvanzuuk]

@nealadams70

[cvanzuuk]

@nealadams70 too true!

[lizajane0bags]

GREAT TUNE!! ..thanks.

[warflynn]

Love this... Brooks and Dunn do a fantastic cover!! Nothing beats the original though... EPIC!!

[1961slam]

What timeless gem! Thanks for posting this up!

[shmuli9]

I had this song on K-Tel's collection called "Sounds Spectacular".

[RockPaperSmoke]

man he had a sweet set o' pipes

[Cyberella1000]

He died far too young.

[flakesterful]

My Mommy used to sing and play this song for me when I was a little girl. My name is Maria. She died the week the B & D version came out. It's still my song!

[DaveWollenberg]

Didn't care much for Ronnie Dunn's readin' of it. B.W.'s version's still the best, right, gang? Larry Carlton played acoustic on it. Hit #1 AC, and, #9 pop, in Billboard. God bless! RIP, brother Lou (BW's real name)!

[TheTonybarnett]

@DaveWollenberg absolutely right

[IBMeddling]

Good song.

[docoftheworld]

I wish someone would upload B.W. Stevenson's version of we've had it all .... amazing when he sings it

[evelove1958]

I'm sure people will agree that NOBODY has SONG MY MARIA better then B.W.STEVENSON (BUCK WHEAT)he"s truly amazing and was lost way to soon!

[SabbeleuDesigns]

Just spectacular. I haven't been able to get this song out of my mind all day. An amazing talent was lost far too soon.

[edmonton67]

@SabbeleuDesigns Yea...way too soon.

[intellaricovision]

This original version is great, I admit so. However, my love rests with the version from Brooks and Dunn because their version is both nostalgic for me and fits better to my liking.

[korandaman]

wow, i like this version WAAAAAY more than the Brooks and Dunn version, and this is my first time hearing it!

[BBQFanNo1]

@korandaman Even Brooks and Dunn said they like BW Stevenson's version way more than their own.

[22reTOYOTA]

88.5 KEOM Mesquite School Radio

[littlewolf60]

Wow, This is great ! I haven't heard this since I was in high school.

[mannvillehawk2]

my brittanyyyyyyaaaaaaaaa

[ndhudecz]

bETTER THAN bROOKS AND dUNN

[MegaThomas48]

Spring 1979..Junior year..still miss you..

[FpMLuser]

Let's say reasonable people can disagree. And let's say that Brooks and Dunn's version really sucks by comparison.

[johnstonalligator]

@FpMLuser I just downloaded both versions on itunes and I gotta say BWS does rock and he did it first.. Also like someone else said.. there is just something about the seventies sound

[davefordavefor]

I've always liked this song

[imajeepster]

who does the backups? they sound familiar!

[mmurphy09]

best part? 0:00 to 2:41

[johnstonalligator]

He's Awesome, but sorry to say Ronnie Dunn blows him out the the water with the B&D version... But their drumming aint as good as BWs

[johnbruder01]

@johnstonalligator if i did not respect that everyone has an opinion i would argue with you. however, remember this one point, B&D loved and respected this version so much that they redid it so another generation could have access to it.Peace

[johnstonalligator]

@johnbruder01 I totally agree.. what a compliment to be covered by B&D its like Bob Dylan bein covered by Guns N Roses and a host of other artists as you say it gives a new generation access to these songs. All I was saying is that its hard to outdo Ronnies singing but I still love the original, especially the drumming. Thanks for respecting my opinion I read too much nasty exchanges on youtube.. so ugly and unnecessary.

[TerrorSquadLaxer]

@johnstonalligator I don't think B&D's version holds a candle to this. I think that Stevenson's version is very soulful sounding as well as full of range and emotion while Dunn's singing is fine but excessively twangy

[johnstonalligator]

@TerrorSquadLaxer Your right, I acquiesce.

[HighStakesEntertain]

@johnstonalligator Only GNR did way better than Bob Dylan could ever hope to sound.

[johnstonalligator]

@HighStakesEntertain I fully agree.. they totally nailed it. I bet Bob wet himself when he first heard it..... But bob wrote it and he is an absolute legend.. love ya Bob.

[Larrymh07]

I need to learn that signature acoustic guitar lick! Tonedr, where are you?

[Rigmeister9]

These guys nailed this tune! Sounds so good through and through--I hate that it has to end!

[Cyberella1000]

R.I.P.B.W. Too young to die.

[OctoberSolaire]

My name's maria <3

[tommerrigan1956]

@OctoberSolaire i think i knew your mother.

[YesYou123333]

@OctoberSolaire So is mine. But, I'm a boy :(

[lakeladymel]

B.W. was just great ! Simple and fabulous. Was cute,so seventies and had a great sound . One of my all time favs,forever !

[MTheGrimZ]

Wish music was still made like this. Too young to have been at all those amazing concerts.

[sanantoniomimi]

LONG LIVE THE 70SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

JOY

JOY

JOY

WHAT A TIME

WHAT A TIME

THE MUSIC STILL SINGS

[edmonton67]

@sanantoniomimi Yes Yes Yes. You are so right!!!

[rabe56]

Buckwheat, you live forever!

[upncummer69]

Hi! My name is John "Marty" Trautman, co-founder of a New York City doo-wop group known as "The Chevrons". In 1973, I became lead vocalist with a club/lounge band called "Project Five". When I heard "My Maria" by B.W., I told the band that we have to do this song! So we did! The studio drummer on "My Maria" is outstanding!

[bigmarty56]

@upncummer69 Think you've evr heard that drummer before? Know the Layla album and about 300 other big hits? That's Jim Gordon, way up in the mix like he ought to be. He's apparently presently incarcerated in California---some trumped up charge about bludgeoning his mother to death with a hammer. It wasn't his fault, the "Voices" told him to do it. Hey, he's a drummer, what do you want??

[foxchaser5]

@bigmarty56 The drummer is Jim Gordon!!! I can't believe it! Love the song - drums make it great.

[MrSintch]

Jim Gordon collaborated on Pass This Way, Calabasas according to wikipedia. Allmusicdotcom says it was Donny Dolan. Whoever it was, I am with you. Brilliant drumming

[autofob4u]

One of my favorite country songs! I love that Brooks and Dunn stayed true to the original by BW Stevenson.

[Rainwhisker167]

@autofob4u And you know what is incredible? This never made the country charts in 1973...

[spiceyworkoutgal]

I had this on a 45...listened to it over and over...still a fav!

[anchovysardine]

Sounds almost identical to the Brooks and Dunn version from about 20 years later.

[johnbruder01]

@anchovysardine some songs should be left alone. we must agree to disagree. peace to you and yours.

[springerjkreb]

You know something is right when it's 200 likes and 0 dislikes.

[slovacek59]

this is the one i listened to

[Pdoc040761a]

Maria, I hope your read this. I loved you before I knew what love was... Little Monk

[Rigmeister9]

You know what? BW nailed this song so solidly. Period. It just sounds so fantastic and works so well. Can you you imagine ever asking someone to turn this song off--or even down? Even if you were lucky enough to have heard it a bunch of times immediately before? No way. Can't get tired of this one. It fits the soul like a hand in a (well-fitting) glove...

[CPARMSCARDS]

the best version is almost always the first farout man

[bigmarty56]

This is a wonderful song. Start there. I live in NE, USA. It is never played. I had a dream, as someone far more important than I once said. I was going to "kill" with this tune! I dreampt about it, formed the band, we were ready to go----and then the Corporate Cowboys did it, and my heart sort of sank. So, here I am, nowhere really, but THIS is awesome, no?

[FanOfJanis]

Love Brooks & Dunn's version, I really do. However, this is the original and The Real Deal. This would have been late high school or early college days for yours truly ... back in The Day. It was a magical time (1964-1973): The Golden Age. Thanks for posting. Timeless classic. Peace ... FoJ

[smuishers]

@FanOfJanis dude 70-74 was the dearth era of rock

[johnbruder01]

@smuishers dont go and dig a grave just yet. rock and roll cannot die. it is a law of physics.

[Airgain123]

@smuishers Was it? Or was it just when Rock aged and changed again? Rock doesn't die, it just takes a new form.

My proof: Queen. Styx. Meat Loaf.  Especially Meat Loaf.

[whenthewestwasone]

@Airgain123 well it was the area when rock as at a slower pace, less hits...and Supertramp is another good example...but there weren't a whole lot of them...at 75 to 79 Zeppelin, and Floyd out shined all the work from 70 to 74.

[AlmightyAs87th]

Wow, this is my first time listening to B.W. Stevenson. I've heard Brooks 'N' Dunn sing this song before, I never knew it was originally this guys. I must say this version sounds better to me, but their version was amazing in itself.

[georgebur]

Fantastic thank you. A real typical number of its day - 1973

[FunkensteinDisco666]

use to not get this kind of stuff at all. My dad loved this song and musician and now it's just sort of engrained into my soul as a childhood memory.

[jjkeiser]

I agree Freakinoldguy!! Although I don't think any one other than Brooks and Dunn can attempt to do it justice!

[cosuinofdeath]

my maria dont you know i have come a long long way 

[Jackvermillian]

The best version, no question.

[kittiecattales]

This is one of my all-time favorite songs. Makes me smile. : ) Brooks & Dunn did a good cover, but I still like the original better.

[bcushing]

I just opened for Brooks and Dunn a couple of weeks ago {I kid you not!} And B.W's version DESTROYS theirs!

[Floridaprepper]

Love this song!

[hackman1911]

What a voice.

[bcushing]

@hackman1911 You NAILED it {LOL}

[greekweek52795]

does anyone else think he looks like Jack Black?

[brofranomo]

@greekweek52795 I've been trying to figure out who he looks like here. You nailed it as far as I'm concerned. He does!!!

[FanOfJanis]

@greekweek52795 - Yes, but I'd say Jack Black looks like him ... out of respect for B.W. Stevenson. Jack Black is sool cool.

[DANNYROCKHOT]

Absolutely, nothing like the original! B.W.'s got an amazing voice!

[corky99999999]

I used to Roadie for Buck.

[beatlesdoorsfan]

good song



[CitySkin09]

Dude had a voice...

[362chop]

Always the best

[krazyclownyeah]

The original is the BEST!

[bcushing]

His version bury's Brooks and Dunn. No offense, I'm opening for Brooks and Dunn tomorrow.

[TheDavey222]

@bcushing hope they dont read it..or your soundguy might be REALLY stoned !!!!

[Floridaprepper]

I love the original best!

[TheMoonchick]

Love this ...........

[ChrisCurtisFan]

Nobody sings this like BWS  RIP! To my friend, "9'er' - enjoy!! CCF

[javelin1010]

RIP B W

[77KMAN]

Although I like the Brooks & Dunn version...it vastly pales compared to this original version...RIP B.W.

[nnwahler]

.....but I DO WISH someone on YouTube would upload Stevenson's other two hit single gems....."River Of Love", and his Warner Brothers hit "Down To The Station". This latter record is one of the few genuine examples of "disco country". It's got an infectious-as-hell synth riff; the Colorado FM stations played it all the time in '77. (For another great example of "disco country," check out Charley Pride's 1978 single "When I Stop Leavin', I'll Be Gone.")

[nnwahler]

This one's on my personal all-time "Hot 100" list.

Funny--in '73, I thought B.W. sounded lots like Bill Withers.......and B.W.'s yodel in the refrain's a DIRECT RIP from "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" (same key, everything).

But one of THE classics nevertheless. RIP BW;

[coxbs]

RIP B.W you are missed .

[KingoftheAzureSkies]

the 60s and 70s is all i lisn to its the best this is a good song a little short though but still a good song

[Yeffaman]

karen.....you are a true SHRUNKEN head.....

[calalilygirl]

Great song

[hismom813]

Reminds me of my sister Maria gone three years on may 14 I miss you

[Dasbigman]

No one can touch the original. Brooks and Dunn did a good job but BW's will always be the standard

[calalilygirl]

@Dasbigman I found that most originals are always the best. One artist who always surpassed the quality of the originals was Linda Rondstadt in my opinion. She always out did them.

[Dasbigman]

@calalilygirl I have to agree with you on Linda. In her heyday, she could make almost any else's original her own.

[karenlynne1122]

Enjoy both versions...but I gotta say that Brooks and Dunn win hands down in the looks department. This guy needs a makeover!! Maybe there's a hunk under all that hair somewhere....hard to tell!

[dannyd1572]

What was that about the 70's that just had that sound? Was it the artists? The way they were recorded? The producers/ mixers? Its like that period has its own sound. MIss it!

[whenthewestwasone]

@dannyd1572 it was the drugs...our artists today are manly sober, or drunks.

[dannyd1572]

@whenthewestwasone very true. Try to look at your 70's greatest hits collection and find one artist who wasn't on some kind of drug when they recorded.

[SuperFranklin11]

BW Got the original and Brook's and Dunn's version is SUPREME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!l