The Fascinating Encounter: Bruce Springsteen and the Pointer Sisters at the We Are the World Recording Session
The story I heard, which may or may not be true, is that the Pointer Sisters arrived first at the We Are the World recording session. Bruce Springsteen, the legendary artist, arrived shortly after and found himself seated with the sisters in the control booth. The atmosphere was casual and relaxed when one of the sisters abruptly asked Bruce when he was gonna write a song for them. This incident led to an interesting collaboration that produced a significant hit.
Not long after, the Pointer Sisters recorded one of Bruce's songs, "Slow Hand," and it went on to become a big hit for them. However, the path to this recording was filled with two possible scenarios. The first is that Bruce, known for his generosity and willingness to collaborate, willingly gave "Slow Hand" to the sisters to record. The second scenario suggests that the record company, not Bruce, decided to give "Slow Hand" to the sisters, and despite its success, Bruce did not particularly approve of their version.
Bruce Springsteen even mentions this incident in his book, though he did not specify which scenario occurred or how the sisters gained the rights to the song. Bruce is a man known for his strong support of fellow artists and rarely criticizes another artist's work, which made me not entirely surprised by his silence on the matter in his book.
The Recording of "Slow Hand": A Collaboration
The recording of "Slow Hand" by the Pointer Sisters has become a legendary tale in the music industry. This track, inspired by Bruce Springsteen, was recorded at the We Are the World session, a massive charity event aimed at raising funds for famine relief in Africa.
Initially, the Pointer Sisters asked Bruce when he would write a song for them. This request came at a moment when the atmosphere in the control booth was casual and relaxed. Bruce, known for his laid-back and collaborative nature, responded to their request by giving them a song that would become their biggest hit to date. This donation of a song to the sisters was a significant gesture, considering the star power Bruce brings to the table.
The Two Possibilities Behind "Slow Hand"
Two possibilities exist regarding the recording of "Slow Hand." According to the first scenario, Bruce willingly gave the song to the Pointer Sisters to record. This act was consistent with his character, as Bruce has been known to support and encourage other artists. However, there is another possibility: the record company might have given "Slow Hand" to the Sisters, and Bruce didn't particularly enjoy their interpretation of the song, even though it was a big hit.
Bruce Springsteen touches upon this incident in his book, but he does not specify which scenario is true or how the sisters came to record his song. Bruce is a man of solidarity and rarely criticizes other artists, which makes his silence on the matter in his book less surprising. This omission suggests that the decision was not made by Bruce himself, but rather by the record company.
Legacy and Impact of the Recording
The legacy of "Slow Hand" by the Pointer Sisters is significant in the music industry. The song was a crossover hit that bridged the gap between rock and pop music. It not only became a chart-topping success but also earned the sisters international recognition.
The success of "Slow Hand" demonstrated the power of collaboration and the importance of giving artists opportunities to express themselves. The track's impact extended beyond its commercial success, contributing to the broader narrative of the We Are the World project, which aimed to raise awareness and funds for famine relief.
Conclusion
The story surrounding Bruce Springsteen and the Pointer Sisters' collaboration on "Slow Hand" remains a topic of interest among music enthusiasts. Whether Bruce willingly gave the song to the sisters or the record company made the decision, the collaboration resulted in a significant hit for the Pointer Sisters. This encounter epitomizes the spirit of generosity and support in the music industry and highlights the potential for cross-genre success when artists come together.
As music continues to evolve, the legacy of "Slow Hand" serves as a reminder of the importance of collaboration and the power of giving artists the opportunity to shine. Whether the story about Bruce and the Pointer Sisters is true or not, it remains a fascinating episode in music history.