Recently,
The original, which was recorded by the Ohio-born Valentine Brothers (John and Billy) only three years prior in 1982, didn’t do as well as the Simply Red version, but did reach #41 on the Billboard R&B chart after spending 14 weeks there. However, it has a wicked early 80s boogie infused groove complete with a swanky intro saxophone. One funny tidbit is that Eddie Murphy played “Billy Valentine” in the classic comedy Trading Places, only one year after the original song was released. Coincidence? We think not.
Enjoy both versions below and let us know which you prefer.
Simply Red – “Money’s Too Tight (to Mention)” (remake)