The Originals © by Arnold Rypens - I WISH I KNEW (HOW IT WOULD FEEL TO BE FREE)

Artist: Billy Taylor
Author: Billy Taylor/Dick Dallas
Label: Capitol
Year: 1963

On lp Right Here Right Now. Instrumental version with the Oliver Nelson Big Band.

Covers:

1967:: Nina Simone [first vocal version on Silk & Soul album; became a Civil Rights Movement anthem]
1968:: Ray Charles Singers
1968:: Billy Taylor Trio [new instrumental version on Tower; forever associated with film programs on the BBC]
1968:: Ahmad Jamal
1968:: Solomon Burke [hit R&B]
1968:: Illinois Jacquet
1969:: Cold Blood
1969:: John Denver
1969:: Marlena Shaw
1990:: Radios [as I Wish]
1997:: Jools Holland
2002:: Lighthouse Family [with elements of One (U2); hit UK]
2003:: Derek Trucks [as I Wish I Knew (see there) and crediting Gordon/Warren]
2008:: Irma Thomas
2009:: Levon Helm
2010:: John Legend
2011:: Mavis Staples & Levon Helm [released in '22 on lp Carry Me Home]
2013:: Emeli Sande
2018:: Wynton Marsalis [vocal: Susan Tedeschi]
2018:: Jeff Goldblum
2021:: Blind Boys Of Alabama & Bela Fleck

I WISH I KNEW (HOW IT WOULD FEEL TO BE FREE)