She’s hurt you again, I can tell
Oh, I know that look so well.”
-Hinton/Fritts
The Muscle Shoals songwriting team Eddie Hinton and Donnie Fritts wrote “Breakfast in Bed” for Dusty Springfield. The tune appeared on Springfield’s iconic 1969 album Dusty in Memphis. My favorite versions of “Breakfast in Bed” include Carmen McRae’s seductive take, and Lorna Bennett’s reggae classic. Both women sang the song with undeniable sultry power. UB40 and Chrissie Hynde resurrected the number in 1985 with tremendous commercial appeal.
In the 1990s, I persuaded the Athens band Bloodkin to cover “Breakfast in Bed”. I played Carmen McRae’s Just a Little Lovin’ (featuring Jim Dickinson & The Dixie Flyers) in heavy rotation during those days. A stellar rendition ended up on Bloodkin’s rare 2000 live album All Dolled Up.
Songs written by Eddie Hinton and Donnie Fritts stand the test of time.