There are some songs that were bigger, sometimes a Billboard hit, in their concert recorded version. They may have a studio-recorded counterpart but the live version, in this case, was bigger. I’ll stay away from the ones that have a “fake” live audience. The last criteria, it has to be a favorite of mine. “I Just Want to Make Love to You” is a blues song written by Willie Dixon and originally recorded by Muddy Waters in 1954.
The song has been covered by various artists over the years, including the rock band Foghat, an English rock band formed in 1971. They recorded their version of “I Just Want to Make Love to You” for their self-titled debut album, which was released in 1972. Foghat’s rendition of the song is known for its hard-rocking and bluesy style,
with a prominent use of electric guitar and powerful vocals. An 8:36 version from a 1977 concert performance is included on Foghat Live. It was edited down to 3:56 release as a single, which reached number 33 on the Billboard Hot 100.The album reached number 11 on the Billboard 200.
Personnel for Foghat Live
- “Lonesome” Dave Peverett – Rhythm Guitar and Lead Vocals.
- Rod Price – Lead Guitar and Backing Vocals.
- Craig MacGregor – Bass and Backing Vocals.
- Roger Earl – Drums.
- Dan Craig – Percussion.
- Dave Lang – Percussion.
- Nick Jameson – Percussion.
Foghat Live was recorded May 10, 1977 at the Dome Arena, Henrietta, New York[1]. It’s only six tracks long, but it opens with “Fool for the City” and closes with “Slow Ride,” both from the band’s 1975 album, Fool for the City, and in between those bookends you’ve got “Home in My Hand” (from 1974’s Energized),
the band’s cover of Willie Dixon’s “I Just Want to Make Love to You” (from 1972’s Foghat), “Road Fever” (from 1973’s Rock and Roll), and “Honey Hush” (also from Energized).
"I Just Want To Make Love To You" written by Willie Dixon
I don't want you, cook my bread
I don't want you, make my bed
I don't want your money, too
I just wanna make love to you
I don't want you, be no slave
I don't want you, work all day
I don't want you to be sad and blue
I just wanna make love to you
I can tell by the way that you baby talk
I can see by the way that you switch and walk
I can tell by the way that you treat your man
But I could love you, baby, it's a cryin' shame
I don't want you, wash my clothes
I don't want you, keep a home
I don't want you to be true
I just wanna make love to you
I don't want you, be no slave
I don't want you, work all day
I don't want you to be true
I just wanna make love to you
I don't want you, keep a home
I don't want you, wash my clothes
I don't want you to be true
I just wanna make love
Footnotes
- The Dome Arena, located in Henrietta, New York, is a multi-purpose event venue that has been a significant part of the local entertainment scene. Originally constructed in 1973, the Dome Arena has undergone renovations and improvements over the years to accommodate a variety of events, including concerts, trade shows, sporting events, and community gatherings. With its distinctive dome-shaped architecture, the venue has become a recognizable landmark in the region. The Dome Arena’s flexible space and seating capacity make it suitable for hosting a diverse range of activities, contributing to its role as a hub for entertainment and community events in Henrietta and the greater Rochester area. [Back]
Further Reading
Sources
- “Happy Anniversary: Foghat, Live” https://www.rhino.com/article/happy-anniversary-foghat-live
- “I Just Want to Make Love to You” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Just_Want_to_Make_Love_to_You#Versions_by_other_artists
- “Foghat Live” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foghat_Live
- “I Just Want To Make Love To You” https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/foghat/ijustwanttomakelovetoyou.html
