Welcome to Music Friday, when we bring you terrific tunes with jewelry, gemstones or precious metals in the title or lyrics. Today, we present 22-year-old Kimbra Lee Johnson (better known as Kimbra) performing "Plain Gold Ring," a Nina Simone classic.
The New Zealand-born singer/songwriter/guitarist has a soulful style that belies her age. Pop-music fans will recognize Kimbra's powerful voice as she was featured on the 2011 multi-platinum smash single "Somebody That I Used to Know" by Gotye.
"Plain Gold Ring" appeared on Kimbra's 2011 debut album, "Vows," which reached the top 5 in New Zealand and Australia. This past May, the album was released in North America, debuting at #14 on the Billboard charts.
"Plain Gold Ring" was originally released in 1958 by jazz singer Nina Simone, who was also in her 20s at the time of the recording. The song was part of her critically acclaimed "Little Girl Blue" album. Curiously, she sold the rights for the songs on the album to her record label, Bethlehem Records, for only $3,000. That business decision would ultimately cost Simone more than $1 million in royalty payments.
Here's Kimbra's cool interpretation of the Nina Simone classic, "Plain Gold Ring." The lyrics are below if you'd like to sing along.
"Plain Gold Ring"
Written by George Stone. Performed by Kimbra.
Plain gold ring on his finger he wore
It was where everyone could see
He belonged to someone, but not me
On his hand was a plain gold ring
Plain gold ring had a story to tell
It was one that I knew too well
And in my heart it will never be spring
Long as he wears that plain gold ring
When nighttime comes calling on me
I know why I'll never be free
I can't stop these teardrops of mine
I'm gonna love him till the end of time
Plain gold ring has but one thing to say
I'll remember till my dying days
In my heart it will never be spring
Long as he wears that plain gold ring
Plain gold ring on his finger he wore
Plain gold ring on his finger he wore
Plain gold ring on his finger he wore
Plain gold ring on his finger he wore
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