Ben E. King - Spanish Harlem

First performance: 18/10/1974

Coverinfo

Bruce covered the song 4 times:
 
All in 1974 during the "wild, the innocent & the E street Shuffle tour".
 
1974-11-01 Tower Theater, Upper Darby, Philadelphia, PA
One show, with Springsteen & The E Street Band the sole act on the bill. Last knowing performance of "Spanish Harlem," likely replaced by Bob Dylan's "I Want You" the next night. Because it was only played and captured on tape but a few times (and never as a soundboard or FM), Springsteen's cover of Ben E. King's "Spanish Harlem" has not gotten its due. Suki Lahav playing the violin on the song.
 
 
 

1974-10-20 Dining Hall, Carlisle, PA
One show, double billing, with Springsteen & The E Street Band headlining and local country-rock band Hange Range opening with a 45-minute set
 
One show, held in the intimate Memorial Chapel Concert Hall as part of the school’s Homecoming Weekend, double bill, with Springsteen & The E Street Band headlining.
 
One show, with Springsteen & The E Street Band closing the show (although billed second).
  

Songinfo

"Spanish Harlem" is a song released by Ben E. King in 1960 on Atco Records, written by Jerry Leiber and Phil Spector. It was originally released as the B-side to "First Taste of Love". The song was King's first hit away from The Drifters, a group he had led for several years.
 
 
 

Bruce on the artist

Lyrics

There is a rose in Spanish Harlem
A rose that grows in Spanish Harlem
It's never seen the sun
It only comes up when the moon is on the run
And all the stars are leaving
Well, it grows right in the street
Up between the concrete
But soft and sweet, and dreamin'

There is a rose in Spanish Harlem
A rose that grows in Spanish Harlem
Oh, with eyes as black as coal
That reach down in my soul
And start a fire I can't control
I beg your pardon
Well, I want to pick that rose
And watch her as she grows
In my garden

There is a rose in Spanish Harlem
There is a rose in Spanish Harlem