“Dancing In The Street” by Van Halen

It’s rare when a band covers a song in a way that not only pays homage to the original, but offers an altered perspective, shifting it to a different place. Such is the case with Van Halen’s version of “Dancing In The Street, ” written by Marvin Gaye and William Stevenson and originally recorded by Martha and the Vandellas. It has become a signature Motown song, covered by not only VH, but The Kinks, The Mamas and Papas, The Grateful Dead and even Mick Jagger and David Bowie.

Like most people my age, I heard Martha and the Vandellas’ version first, but Van Halen’s has become my favorite. It’s spacy and funky, with underrated vocal performances, and it’s just a lot of fun. I also love this version because it was from a band known for its hero rock guitarist who left his guitar on it’s stand to showcase his Minimoog synthesizer skills and keyboarding talents.
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We lost that musician last Tuesday. By all accounts Eddie Van Halen was a sweetheart of a person, who struggled with substance abuse and overcame those demons.  He will also be remembered for his fabulous guitar work, his song writing, and as the musical leader of a mid-70’s west coast party band with a flamboyant singer that made it to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.