Tutorial and tab of Just A Little Lovin’ (Early In The Morning) as performed by Ted Greene live in 2004. Standard tuning.
About “Just a Little Lovin’ (Early in the Morning)”
“Just a Little Lovin’ (Early in the Morning)” is a song penned by the celebrated songwriting duo Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, not to be confused with the folk song “Just a Little Lovin’ (Will Go a Long Way)” written by Eddy Arnold in 1948.
It’s a track that evokes a sense of intimacy and morning comfort, with lyrics suggesting how a small gesture of love at the start of the day can make a big difference.
A Brief History of the Song
The song was originally recorded by Dusty Springfield and included on her iconic 1969 album, Dusty in Memphis. While the album wasn’t an immediate commercial success upon its release, it was later critically acclaimed as a “blue-eyed soul” classic and one of Springfield’s finest works. Dusty Springfield’s version is characterized by her sensual vocals and a warm arrangement that made it a distinctive piece on the album. Cynthia Weil herself referred to this song as one of her best.
“Just a Little Lovin’ (Early in the Morning)” first recording by Dusty Springfield
Interpretations by Various Artists
“Just a Little Lovin’ (Early in the Morning)” has been reinterpreted by numerous artists over the years, showcasing its versatility and enduring appeal. Among the most notable interpretations are:
- Carmen McRae: Her 1970 version is often cited as one of the definitive interpretations of the song, featuring a refined jazz vocal.
- Billy Eckstine: Another male vocal interpretation that brought a different dimension to the track.
- Barbra Streisand: The renowned singer also included this song in her repertoire.
- Tina Turner: She recorded her own version of the song, though with a grittier, more tormented vocal style that didn’t always perfectly suit the song’s original atmosphere.
- Bobby Vinton: He offered his interpretation of the song.
- She & Him: The duo comprising Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward performed a cover of the song with a 20-piece orchestra, giving it a cinematic feel.
- Peggy Lipton: The actress and singer also recorded her rendition.
- Gary Brumburgh: His interpretation has a Brazilian jazz feel, well-suited to his vocal style.
- Sarah Vaughan: The legendary jazz vocalist included her rendition of the song on her 1972 album Feelin’ Good, showcasing her unparalleled vocal control and sophisticated jazz phrasing.
“Just a Little Lovin’ (Early in the Morning)” by Tina Turner
“Just a Little Lovin’ (Early in the Morning)” by Carmen McRae
“Just a Little Lovin’ (Early in the Morning)” by Barbra Streisand
“Just a Little Lovin’ (Early in the Morning)” by Sarah Vaughan
“Just a Little Lovin’ (Early in the Morning)” by Billy Eckstine
“Just a Little Lovin’ (Early in the Morning)” by Gary Brumburgh
About Ted Greene
Theodore “Ted” Greene (September 26, 1946 – July 23, 2005) was an American fingerstyle guitarist, columnist, session musician, and educator, renowned for his profound understanding of harmony and music theory as applied to the guitar.
While often considered a jazz musician, Greene played many musical styles, from blues to baroque, and integrated his knowledge into every context. He was particularly skilled in counterpoint, able to improvise in various styles and create the effect of two simultaneous guitarists thanks to his vast array of chord voicings.
Greene dedicated much of his life to teaching, and was highly sought after for his intuitive and in-depth gifts in this field. His educational activities included private lessons, seminars at the Guitar Institute of Technology, and columns for “Guitar Player” magazine. He authored highly influential instructional books on harmony, chord melody, and single-note soloing, with the most famous being “Chord Chemistry” and “Modern Chord Progressions.”
Ted Greene – A tribute to
Discography of Ted Greene
Despite his immense influence as a teacher and theorist, Ted Greene had a very limited discography. However, many of his live performances, often from personal recordings, are lovingly collected and preserved by an active fan community on the official Ted Greene Archives YouTube channel, offering a treasure trove of his incredible playing.:
- Solo Guitar (1977) – This is his only recorded solo album, highly regarded by fingerstyle jazz guitarists.
- The American Metaphysical Circus (1968) – by Joe Byrd and The Field Hippies (Ted Greene is credited as a guitarist on the album).
- Jazz (1977) – by Ry Cooder (Ted contributed to the arrangements).
- The Dumplings (1977-78?) – an unreleased project with Shelley Manne (drums) and Chuck Berghoffer (bass).
- Art City: Simplicity DVD (2002) – featuring an original soundtrack by Ted Greene, composed of excerpts from “Ted Greene Solo Guitar Improvisations.”
- Richard Tuttle – Never Not An Artist (DVD) (2005) – soundtrack by Ted Greene.
- John Pisano’s Guitar Night 2 CD Set (2007) – Ted Greene appears on one track (“When Sunny Gets Blue”).
- “Ted Greene Remembered” (2007) – A tribute CD featuring tracks by other artists.
- “Never Forgotten” DVD/CD (2014) – Cathy Segal-Garcia & Ted Greene, which includes live recordings.
About Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil
Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil were one of the most prolific and influential songwriting duos in the history of American popular music. Working primarily from New York’s Brill Building “hit factory” in the 1960s, they shaped the sound of an era with their remarkable ability to adapt to diverse styles and genres, crafting hits that ranged from poignant ballads to sharp rock anthems.
Barry Mann (born Barry Imberman on February 9, 1939) was the composer and musician of the pair. From a young age, he displayed a natural talent for songwriting, though he initially aspired to be an architect. His skill in creating memorable and versatile melodies became the foundation of their success.
Cynthia Weil (born October 18, 1940, and passed away on June 1, 2023) was the lyricist. Her lyrics were known for their emotional honesty, introspection, and ability to capture a wide range of human feelings. Weil was one of the first women to make a significant mark in rock and roll songwriting, bringing a unique sensibility to their songs.
They married in 1961, and their creative partnership quickly flourished. Their work wasn’t limited to simple love songs; they also helped bring social consciousness to the music scene of the time with tracks like “Uptown” and “We Gotta Get Out of This Place.”
Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil interview (2016)
Among their most celebrated songs are:
- “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” (co-written with Phil Spector) – The most-played song of the 20th century on American radio, famously performed by the Righteous Brothers.
- “On Broadway” (co-written with Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller) – A hit for The Drifters, later covered by George Benson.
- “Walking in the Rain” (co-written with Phil Spector) – A classic by The Ronettes.
- “Kicks” – An iconic track by Paul Revere & the Raiders that addressed drug abuse.
- “We Gotta Get Out of This Place” – A generational anthem for The Animals.
- “Somewhere Out There” (with James Horner) – A Grammy-winning and Oscar-nominated song for the animated film “An American Tail.”
- “Don’t Know Much” (with Tom Snow) – A top 5 hit duet for Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville.
Their influence has been recognized with their induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1987 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010 (with the Ahmet Ertegun Award). Their collaboration extended beyond pop music, including film soundtracks and, in Cynthia Weil’s case, even novel writing. Their vast catalog of songs continues to be cherished, a testament to their enduring impact on popular music.
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