Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress

1972 single by the Hollies

"Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress" (also titled "Long Cool Woman" or "Long Cool Woman (in a Black Dress)") is a song written by Allan Clarke, Roger Cook and Roger Greenaway, and performed by the British rock group the Hollies. In an interview with Johnnie Walker on BBC Radio 2 on Sounds of the 70s in April 2023, Clarke said it had been written by himself and Cook. Cook had a long-standing agreement with Greenaway that any songs written by one of them should be credited to both.

Originally appearing on the album Distant Light, it was released as a single on 17 April 1972 (on Parlophone in the United Kingdom),[1] selling 2 million copies worldwide, including 1.5 million in the United States.[3] It reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in September 1972 for two weeks, behind Gilbert O`Sullivan`s "Alone Again (Naturally)". Billboard ranked it as the No. 24 song for 1972.

Background and recording

On the day "Long Cool Woman" was recorded at AIR Studios, the group`s producer, Ron Richards, was ill and, as a result, the song was produced by the group. "Long Cool Woman" is different from most other Hollies songs in that there are no three-part vocal harmonies. Allan Clarke`s lead vocal is the only voice prominently heard. It also features lead guitar by Clarke. Upon his return, Richards mixed the recording.[2]

The lyrics set a scene similar to a film noir crime-drama. The singer, who is an FBI agent, is in a speakeasy filled with criminals. He falls for an attractive 5’9" woman in a black dress and helps rescue her when gun shots ring out.[4]

The song was initially written in the country/rockabilly style of Jerry Reed [citation needed], then adapted more to the swamp rock[5][6] style of Creedence Clearwater Revival, in terms of rhythm, vocal and melodic style. Clarke imitated John Fogerty`s vocal style, which was based on the Creedence song "Green River". According to Clarke, the song was written "in about five minutes".[2]

Reception

U.S. music-business magazine Cash Box said of the song: "rockin` in the tradition of Creedence and T Rex, the Hollies at their most commercial since `He Ain`t Heavy.`"[7]

In the Hollies` native United Kingdom, the song was only a modest success, peaking at number 32 on the charts. However, it was a much bigger hit in the United States, peaking at number 2 for two weeks, making it the group`s highest-charting single ever in the U.S. It topped the charts in South Africa, and also reached number 2 in Australia and New Zealand. By that time Clarke had left the band, but he feels that "it wasn`t unfortunate", for he had co-written the song.[2] Clarke rejoined the Hollies in the summer of 1973, partly due to the success of the song.

Personnel

• Allan Clarke – lead vocals, lead guitar
• Tony Hicks – rhythm guitar
• Terry Sylvester – rhythm guitar
• Bernie Calvert – bass
• Bobby Elliott – drums

Chart performance

Certifications

In popular culture and cover versions

• Phantom, Rocker & Slick released their version on their 1986 album Cover Girl.[21]
• "Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress" was the first song played by the band Phish. They also played the song at their 15th and 20th anniversary concerts.[22]
• A cappella group Rockapella released a version on their 1995 album Primer.[23] Their version often accompanied the map round on Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?.
• Country music singer T. G. Sheppard covered the song on his 1997 album Nothin` on But the Radio.[24]
• The song was used in the films Air America, Downsizing, Remember the Titans,[25] Amores Perros,[26] The Longest Yard,[27] The Lovely Bones,[28] Trouble with the Curve,[29] Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows,[30] and Kong: Skull Island.[31]
• Country music singer Clint Black released his version of the song to country radio on 19 February 2008, under the title "Long Cool Woman". Black`s version charted on the Hot Country Songs chart at No. 58.[32]
• Heavy metal rocker Vince Neil released a heavier version of "Long Cool Woman", along with other covers and original material, on his third studio album, Tattoos & Tequila, on 22 June 2010.[33]
• The Utah Hockey Club of the National Hockey League have used a remix of the song by Moonlight whenever they win games at Delta Center.[34]