Introduction
“Please Mr. Please” is a heartfelt ballad originally penned by Bruce Welch and John Rostill, both members of Cliff Richard’s backing band, The Shadows. The song gained widespread acclaim in 1975 when Olivia Newton-John released it as part of her fifth studio album, Have You Never Been Mellow. Newton-John’s rendition achieved significant success, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and securing the top spot on the Adult Contemporary chart for three weeks.
In April 2024, esteemed bluegrass artist Rhonda Vincent introduced her interpretation of “Please Mr. Please,” infusing the classic with a fresh bluegrass flair. Recorded at the historic Ocean Way Studios in Nashville, Vincent’s version is featured on her album Destinations and Fun Places, released under Upper Management Music.
Vincent’s rendition preserves the song’s emotive narrative, which centers on a protagonist pleading with a jukebox patron to avoid playing a tune that evokes painful memories of a past relationship. By incorporating traditional bluegrass instrumentation and her distinctive vocal style, Vincent offers a novel perspective on the classic, bridging the gap between country-pop and bluegrass genres.
The release of Vincent’s “Please Mr. Please” was accompanied by a music video premiere, highlighting her dynamic performance and the song’s enduring appeal. This rendition not only pays homage to Newton-John’s original but also showcases Vincent’s versatility and commitment to honoring musical classics through her unique artistic lens.
For listeners eager to experience Rhonda Vincent’s bluegrass interpretation of “Please Mr. Please,” the track is available on major streaming platforms, including Spotify.
Additionally, the official music video can be viewed on YouTube:
Video
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