I'm working on a few new song covers. Vocally they aren't really difficult. One of them (the first one) has a line that is done twice in the song that is a little high but the other songs are fairly straight forward. But while a lot of singers are attempting to do runs or hit major notes, I am more concerned with feel and soul and that is what I am trying to iron out here. I may have an opportunity to sing these live a few weeks from now and want them ready. I'll be cruising again and hopefully will be back in the piano bar teaming up with the piano player. This is what I do on 90% of my cruises 3-4 times per year for a week or two at a time. I sing every night. Sometimes I get to sing a song or two with the band also as well as being handed a mic by surprise at other events (at times), so we'll see. I'd like to record these if I were able to get my equipment working.

The first song is an Otis Redding tune called "I've Been Loving You Too Long."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8_RYTCK8fQ

Next is another Otis Redding track called "These Arms Of Mine."
For me, feeling is really important here and I want to get it right. There is a little grit in certain spots that I like.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUaO50nWnvg

Last is a Ray Charles Tune "You Don't Know Me" which is great for the Piano bar. However, I like the Michael Grimm version which I'll post here. I really like Michael Grimm and my wife thinks it a little weird that we both have a similar song list. It's just a coincidence of musical taste....believe me. But I do love his singing.
I really want to get the feeling and emotion in this song right.
"You Don't Know Me." (soulful).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tzsf4UiPhMY

What I would really love to sing is This song below by Jackie Wilson. But I know my limits. At times I can just about sing it, but it's a little strained and I have nothing to prove by showing notes I can "hit" rather than "sing" as I would like. So this song remains on my wish list. Maybe next year? ha ha. Maybe not.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzDVaKRApcg

And to think I used to sing rock!