The Greatest Oldies Music

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The Essex – Easier Said Than Done: A Soulful Masterpiece

Introduction

Transport yourself back to the soulful sounds of the 1960s with “Easier Said Than Done” by The Essex. Released in 1963, this iconic track encapsulates the essence of the era with its smooth vocals and irresistible groove. Join us as we explore the captivating story behind the song and its enduring legacy.

Did You Know?

1. Soulful Origins:

“Easier Said Than Done” was written by William Linton and Larry Huff, members of The Essex, along with Sonny Sanders. The song was inspired by the struggles of romantic relationships and the challenges of communication, themes that resonated deeply with audiences.

2. Chart Success:

Upon its release, “Easier Said Than Done” soared to the top of the charts, claiming the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100. Its catchy melody and infectious rhythm captivated listeners, making it a staple on radio airwaves and dance floors across the country.

3. The Essex:

Formed in 1962 in New Jersey, The Essex was a vocal group comprised of Anita Humes, Rodney Taylor, Walter Vickers, Rudolph Johnson, and William Linton. Known for their smooth harmonies and dynamic stage presence, they left an indelible mark on the music scene with their soulful sound.

4. Enduring Legacy:

Decades after its initial release, “Easier Said Than Done” remains a beloved classic, cherished by fans of soul, R&B, and oldies alike. Its timeless appeal has led to numerous cover versions and appearances in films, television shows, and commercials, ensuring its place in music history.

5. Cultural Impact:

Beyond its commercial success, “Easier Said Than Done” has left a lasting impact on popular culture, influencing subsequent generations of artists and musicians. Its smooth melodies and relatable lyrics continue to resonate with audiences, transcending time and genre boundaries.The Essex – The Sound Of Singin' Marines – Geezer Music Club

Video

Lyrics: Easier Said Than Done

My friends all tell meGo to him, run to himSay sweet lovely things to himAnd tell him, he’s the one
Deep in my heart I know itBut it’s so hard to show it‘Cause it’s easier, easier said than done
My buddies tell meFly to him, sigh to himTell him I would die for himAnd tell him, he’s the one
Although he gives me a feelingThat sets my heart a-reelingYet it’s easier, easier said than done
Well, I know (I know) that I love him soBut I’m afraid that he’ll never knowBecause I (I-I) I get so timid and shyEach time that I look him in the eye
They all tell meSing to him, swing with himAnd just do anything for himAnd tell him, he’s the one
I got a love so trueAnd yet I’m sad and blue‘Cause it’s easier, easier said than done
Well, I know (I know) that I love him soBut I’m afraid that he’ll never knowBecause I (I-I) I get so timid and shyEach time that I look him in the eye
They all tell meSing to him, swing with himAnd just do anything for himAnd tell him, he’s the one
I got a love so trueAnd yet I’m sad and blue‘Cause it’s easier, easier said than doneEasier-er-er-er, said than done

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THE BOTTLE TOOK HIS YEARS. THE ROAD TOOK HIS PEACE. BUT GEORGE JONES STILL HAD THE ONE THING COUNTRY MUSIC COULD NEVER REPLACE. George Jones was born in Saratoga, Texas, and raised poor in East Texas, singing on street corners for change before the world ever called him a legend. His voice did not sound polished. It sounded wounded. Every note bent like a man trying to tell the truth while barely surviving it. For years, George fought the same demons that made his songs feel so real. The drinking. The missed shows. The wrecked marriages. The nights when Nashville wondered if the greatest voice in country music might destroy himself before the world fully understood him. Then came the song that changed everything. In 1980, George recorded “He Stopped Loving Her Today” — a song he first thought was too sad, too slow, too impossible to become a hit. But when he sang it, country music stopped breathing for a moment. It was not just about a man who loved until death. In George’s voice, it sounded like every heartbreak he had ever failed to escape. The song won awards. It revived his career. It became the performance people still measure country heartbreak against. George Jones died on April 26, 2013, at 81. Some remembered the chaos. Some remembered “No Show Jones.” But country music remembered the voice. Because when George Jones opened his mouth, even regret sounded like it had a soul.

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NOBODY BECOMES A LEGEND BY STANDING AT THE BOTTOM OF A HARMONY. EXCEPT HAROLD REID. Don Reid sang the words. Jimmy Fortune reached the high notes. Phil Balsley held the middle. But Harold Reid held the floor beneath all of them. He was the bass of The Statler Brothers — not always the first voice people hummed on the way home, but the one they felt before they understood why the song worked. Take Harold out of a Statler record and the song still plays. It just does not land the same way. Something underneath is gone. That was his power. He was also funny enough to own a room before the first chorus ever arrived. In a group known for faith, family, and harmony, Harold gave the Statlers something just as important: warmth. He made the crowd laugh, then dropped his voice so low it felt like the whole song had found its foundation. Near the end, he told Jimmy Fortune he had been a blessed man and was ready whenever the Lord called him. When Harold passed in 2020, Jimmy wrote the plainest truth: “Our hearts are broken tonight.” Some singers want you to look at them. Harold Reid made you feel what was missing when he was gone.