THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

882-Dusty Springfield-Son of a Preacher Man.

1968-Number 9 single.

Best Bit-At 1.44.’I’m on the intercom,’ ‘Where is it, where is the intercom,”It’s on the wall by the two African fellows,”to your right,’Warm, warmer,”Disco.’

‘Son of a Preacher Man’ was used in one of the key scenes in the classic 1994 film Pulp Fiction.Quentin Tarantino said that if he hadn’t been allowed to use the song, he would have cut the scene from the movie.

The song was written by John Hurley (1941-1986,) and Ronnie Wilkins, their other major success was ‘Love of the Common People,’ a hit in the 1970’s for Nicky Thomas, and again in the 1980’s for Paul Young. Music producer Jerry Wexler (1917-2008) had asked the pair to write a song for Aretha Franklin, and remembering that Franklin’s father was a gospel preacher, they came up with this song. Franklin recorded the song, but Wexler thought it didn’t sit right with the rest of her output at that time, and offered it to Dusty Springfield, for her ‘Dusty in Memphis’ Album. Aretha Franklin’s version eventually appeared on her 1970 Album’This Girl’s in Love With You, and also as the ‘B’ side of her 1970 single,’Call Me.’

‘Son of a Preacher Man’ gave Dusty Springfield (see also best songs 171) her last top 10 hit in the UK, for 19 years, until she collaborated with The Pet Shop Boys on the 1987 Number 2 single,’What Have I Done To Deserve This?’

‘Billy Ray was a preacher’s son, and when his daddy would visit, he’d come along.