Music

Soul singer Charles Bradley delivers devastating Black Sabbath cover

by Richard Howard

If you’ve seen the incredible documentary Soul of America, then you’re familiar with the story of Charles Bradley.

After growing up in Brooklyn’s housing projects, Bradley spent decades travelling the U.S. and Canada working as a cook, doing odd jobs, playing small shows, and experiencing short periods of homelessness. On his return to New York, he resumed his musical passion by working as a James Brown impersonator. The 63-year-old was discovered by Daptone Records (home of Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings), and finally found a wider audience with the release of the 2012 documentary.

Taking a cue from his hero James Brown, a.k.a. The Hardest Working Man In Show Business, Bradley (now 67) has been in full beast mode, touring worldwide and releasing two albums. His latest release, though, is nothing short of captivating. As an exclusive Record Day single, Bradley unveiled a soul cover of Black Sabbath’s 1972 ballad “Changes.”

Despite the fact that one could easily argue his and Ozzy Osbourne’s voices are polar opposites, it works really well. And for complete heartstring demolition, check out the video below. Bradley doesn’t lip sync a single word, instead emoting only with gestures and facial expressions. Is it weird that I’m sort of hoping for a duet with Ozzy?