Chris Isaak, "Wicked Game" on Letterman, March 27, 1991 (full, stereo)

No video

Chris Isaak, "Wicked Game" on Letterman, March 27, 1991 (full, stereo)

Рет қаралды 177,845

Күн бұрын

"Wicked Game" was a sleeper hit, released two years before it gained huge traction thanks to its inclusion in the film "Wild at Heart."
Previously uploaded by others, but this version is in glorious stereo. With James Wilsey on guitar and Kenny Johnson singing backup vocal.
Plus a second segment chatting with Dave.

Пікірлер: 221

@MilesBellas 5 жыл бұрын

James Calvin Wilsey on guitar.

@ShadDennis 3 жыл бұрын

One of the most hauntingly beautiful lead guitar parts ever recorded. It's.so.perfect. 😢

@chrish8903 3 жыл бұрын

The best two note guitar signature ever.

@ALLfemalesLiecheatnsteal 2 жыл бұрын

One of the best ever❤️❤️❤️♥️♥️

@raxanci 2 жыл бұрын

He was a cowboy

@kb9788 Жыл бұрын

He was an incredible player!

@yogoombah2356 Жыл бұрын

Given it was the talents of J.C. Wilsey who came up with the iconic haunting guitar riff of "Wicked Game", you can say the song wouldn't be the same without James. Rest In Peace... 💔James Calvin Wilsey 🎸(July 21, 1957 - Dec 24, 2018)

@cripmeister9104 Жыл бұрын

No Wilsey no Isaak as we know him

@jn8173 Жыл бұрын

This was just yesterday to me. I was stupid to let so much time pass unnoticed. I was 30 when they sang this on DL.

@surfwriter8461 11 ай бұрын

Yes, I give a lot of credit to Wilsey. As a producer of Isaak's records said, Wilsey's greatest talent was in creating "atmosphere" with his sound, not just a guitar player per se. That tremolo sound he gets is so moody and rich. Others have used a similar sound, dating back to Hank Marvin, surf music and more, and Mark Knopfler has used it to great effect over the years.

@ScottWDoyle 9 ай бұрын

Cal's contributions to this song (and to all of Isaak's early work) is so essential it's almost like he should be credited as a co-writer.

@obliviousdude9437 7 ай бұрын

Poor Jimmy. He met a bad, undeserved end.

@Candyskin69 4 жыл бұрын

The wonderful James Wilsey. Always remembered.

@danielrn133 2 жыл бұрын

The best. Along with Danny Gatton as far as just magic on the guitar.

@tyronnebiggums629 Жыл бұрын

RIP

@jfkesq Жыл бұрын

such a great sound

@podunkcitizen2562 Жыл бұрын

BTW, Herb was great in Othello, riveting!

@thatthingyoudo279 11 ай бұрын

His subtlety on the frets spoke volumes and made the song. His presence was too underrated in this video. ❤

@baroqueguitarist5673 3 жыл бұрын

Roy Orbison is so unique I figured it impossible to confuse him with anyone. I stand corrected Chris Isakk is the closest I've ever heard to Roy Orbison. Absolutely amazing singer

@chanj1950 3 жыл бұрын

He acknowledges Roy Orbison as his inspiration.

@j_freed 3 жыл бұрын

That’s really interesting, I think the music of Chris has so much of a darker vibe. Orbison songs have a kind of innocence to them even if they are a little dark. Roy is the dreamer, Chris lives in a nightmare. Obviously Roy had a much richer voice, but I can see the influence.

@DavidZ7785 2 жыл бұрын

I totally agree. Was trying to find this song. I described it as "an older slow classic rock. The singer has a deep voice. Kind of sounds like Jim Morrison. The chorus goes oh iiii" lol he got it pretty much right way

@alexdzikas1216 Жыл бұрын

Check out the videos "The Mavericks - SHould have been True" - Raul Malo's voice is still amazing to this day. I've always considered him and Chris Isaak to be th closest to Orbison.

@bradhuskers Жыл бұрын

@@j_freed Orbison had a "one trick pony" voice. Elvis's chameleon voice was light years more diverse.

@m6h24 3 жыл бұрын

So much emotion on the guitar tone, some may search all their life for such haunting tone. It comes from life’s experiences: hurt, pain, sorrow, joy, love and loss of love. Rip James Wisley. See you in guitar heaven!

@tommythompsonsurfer 2 жыл бұрын

VERY MISS JAMES..HE WAS ISSAQC GREAT GROUP

@howlingwaters2741 2 жыл бұрын

@M6 H2 - and inspiration from Roy Orbison😎🎸🎶

@sketchyold 2 жыл бұрын

Okay 🙄

@elisatrygar6481 Жыл бұрын

The guitar crys through its strings

@bradhuskers Жыл бұрын

@@howlingwaters2741 Roy had a "one trick pony" voice. Elvis's chameleon voice was light years more diverse

@trustinsynchronicity 8 ай бұрын

The Elvis that lives on after being in God's laboratory/ repair shop. Came onto earth in the form of Chris Isaak.🙏

@timothyoconnell4189 Жыл бұрын

One of my favorite songs.. My favorite version with James on guitar. So early. So pure. It's like they knew they had a hit, but didn't realize it would be a classic thirty years later.

@BrandonGavin_EDC Жыл бұрын

He reminds me of Elvis so much.

@Luke. 3 ай бұрын

Yeah that's pretty much the whole point. Chris loves Elvis, Roy Orbinson and 1950s rockabilly and thus even styles his hair the same way!

@duster413 2 жыл бұрын

James Calvin Wilsey was an exceptional stylist in his playing. A great loss.

@ClueSign 5 жыл бұрын

RIP Jimmy Wilsey

@ksr9t Ай бұрын

Shame Wilsey Hep C couldn't have been treated. There's so much known in the ways of treating this disease. I learned in 2000 I had it. Took treatments that at the time caused me to be the sickest I've ever been. But after 12 months of hell I was pronounced clean of the disease. 2024 still dormant. Terribly expensive too.

@herbertvonzinderneuf8547 3 жыл бұрын

Wilsey really should have had a co-credit on both writing and performing on this.

@Mindboggle100 Жыл бұрын

100% agree, sadly he didn't earn nearly as much from his time with The Silvertone's, as he surely deserved.

@roundandsquareful 2 жыл бұрын

I love Christ Isaac's voice. Great voice, haunting song.

@samspade8612 Жыл бұрын

Wicked Game is a masterpiece. Great live version & interview.

@victoriacaldwell734 5 жыл бұрын

RIP dear James.

@eddievongrape2177 2 жыл бұрын

Unbelievable guitar playing. Absolutely sublime 🙏🙏🎸

@luish777 Жыл бұрын

It's got to be in the conversation top 25 songs all time imo

@db5837 9 ай бұрын

This remarkable song has since developed a life of its own with so many covers, especially in recent years with young women singing it on the many talent shows. That guitar backing has become indelible in music history.

@Formula1_Junkie Жыл бұрын

Beyond tragic about JCW. He was such a talented guitarist. Long Live the King of Slow!

@cindyjean3208 5 жыл бұрын

What a handsome man...

@texasoilfields Жыл бұрын

That face, and that voice. Wtf!!!! Unfairly divided;)

@ricbob9651 3 жыл бұрын

Wow he's such a genuinely nice a decent guy

@nunyabizness1708 6 күн бұрын

One of the most beautiful songs ever written and performed. Of course, this song doesn't explode like it finally did without the Isaak vocal.

@PazparaelMundo44 Жыл бұрын

My God, what a beautiful voice ⁉️⁉️ I am just drooling listening to the (wicked Game) and watching him. I don't know if it is a part of his acting experience, or his reel personality, but he certainly, puts some real wicked passion to his singing.❤❤❤

@RealRosieRuiz 5 жыл бұрын

RIP jimmy Wilsey

@fredchatham6680 3 жыл бұрын

So hauntingly beautiful.

@Babaliciouss1 2 жыл бұрын

Gorgeous voice, gorgeous man!

@CachanillaFFM 2 жыл бұрын

What a time that was...best music 🎸🎸🎸

@FD-tu9rt Жыл бұрын

Good golly I Love this guy !!!!! Chris Isaak is another American Treasure.......40 years into it and still sounds and looks incredible ! This one example is why music was sooooooo good and clearly isn't anymore. Maybe it's because everything's been done already or possibly that the taste of the average citizen is in the "toilet" ! Thank God we have his awesome catalog of music to enjoy. 👍👍👍

@deborahschwartz7623 Жыл бұрын

Thank you to James Wilsey, RIP.

@zamiadams4343 Жыл бұрын

Absolute GOLD, absolute classic performance.

@gabriellahornakneacs6795 Ай бұрын

🎤🪘🎸No matter how sumptuous guitar and background vocals surround this song written by Chris Isaak, he interprets it for his audience every time at his concerts with a deep feeling emerging from the painful recesses of the soul. True, James Wilsey's guitar playing and drummer Kenny Johnson's excellent voice add a lot to the song, but the inspiration comes from Chris, no one should take away from him the recognition and success he deserves. The expression of music in the orchestra is a joint interplay, everyone contributes with their own ideas and talents, and this is how global success is born. Not only in music, but in everything else ❗🎶

@keithshowell6688 3 жыл бұрын

The word most of you are looking for: "Timeless"

@Louis.R 5 жыл бұрын

RIP J.C. Wilsey

@finnibertlunchiken7792 5 жыл бұрын

Love Isaak's music and loved his MTV show. The guy just happens to be a great all around entertainer. He's funny and has good sensibilities. I can understand why he got random calls to do stuff. I think he had a talk/music show briefly if Im not mistaken.

@mimlo7534 Жыл бұрын

Talented, easy on the eyes, and seems to be a decent, modest human being. 🌷

@SelmaSeltsam 3 ай бұрын

... and his own sitcom. Funny, nice to watch and full of fine music.

@henry-lee-music Жыл бұрын

Chris Isaak's the man, you know it.

@gsastuto2885 2 жыл бұрын

RIP JCW always remembered

@22RosesGrow 8 ай бұрын

I remember this, when it aired. Letterman days. Love his retro sound. Missed his concert a few times now. One day, man. He has a lot of good music.

@smilingontime 5 жыл бұрын

The guitar player died a few days ago. R.i.p.

@ernestodiaz3984 5 жыл бұрын

Don you make my day many of this clip I've never seen thank you

@raupp300 4 ай бұрын

I never dreamed that I meet somebody like you, and I never dreamed that I. would lose somebody like you. That pretty much says it all. Heartbreaking

@hightowerTB303 7 ай бұрын

Thanks for uploading this time document of better TV and music! 🍻 This song is timeless and Chris' beautiful and distinctive voice is carried by the virtuoso and unmistakable guitar playing of James Calvin Wilsey (RIP)

@redrocks1983 Жыл бұрын

Hypnotic and transfixing...♥️

@cpsfinancial 8 ай бұрын

I saw him perform this last night (11/30/23). Great entertainer.

@lsr69wontquit64 2 жыл бұрын

His voice is incredible but this song ramps it up!

@friendofthelowly Жыл бұрын

Ahead of his time and a blast from the past at the same time

@AR-mu4zq Жыл бұрын

Love this comment

@SelmaSeltsam 3 ай бұрын

And you found the nicest words. Perfect.

@cassbellydance 5 ай бұрын

What an excellent band! Chris has the most beautiful voice and that guitarist matches Chris’s voice. The backup singer was amazing too. The pianist just made it!

@maire454 5 жыл бұрын

THANK YOU. My favourite Chris Isaak song from my favourite Lynch film. : )

@SirButterlegs 8 ай бұрын

This song is so spooky and ethereal, love it to death.

@OvernightDrive Жыл бұрын

James Wilsey forever.

@werdnanodrog6811 22 күн бұрын

Remember when stuff was cool, when stuff had soul! I feel sorry for young people now.

@batesmin 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you Don!

@waltraud734 3 жыл бұрын

Real,something beautiful 😍 him and his Song + guitarplaying

@CiciHylo 4 жыл бұрын

Love him😍I was born on 27th march 91 too lol

@SXI96 2 жыл бұрын

So you're into older men?.. nice haha ;l

@CiciHylo 7 ай бұрын

😂😂haha it's a top tune mate

@beholdpalehorse 3 жыл бұрын

"Swat Team Leader - Chris Isaak" haha! What an intro Dave!

@wowihaveachannel4862 2 жыл бұрын

I never knew that was Chris Issac in silence of the lambs until now!

@johnnybraggs6914 4 ай бұрын

He was the coolest in his time

@rickhocks2616 Жыл бұрын

I second Candyskin69’s emotion - Jimmy Wilsey guitar really made that song and was reason the song got into David Lynch’s movie … Nothing against Chris Isaak … I sensed a lot of tension between those two when I saw them live in 1991 … I didn’t know the half of it … RIP JIMMY WILSEY

@Spacejuno 11 ай бұрын

Yeah I’m sure the voice had nothing to with it ? Or the lyrics to get into a scene ? I mean i get that James maybe dindt get the credit and y’all feel to overcompensate for that but the song is the song is the song… what makes the song is all it’s components and yes the riff is a great part of the song but if it’s only the riff it’s not the same.

@Candyskin69 11 ай бұрын

Yes, I saw them in 1991 and got the feeling that Jimmy was being marginalised compared to previous times.

@SelmaSeltsam 3 ай бұрын

@@Candyskin69 Unfortunately Jimmy was doing drugs. Chris didn't like it.

@ZLLi661 3 ай бұрын

Finally saw this guy a month ago while visiting Australia. I've been wanting to see him since 1991. I'm saving up to go stalk him, I mean see him, in the USA or wherever I can again. Love his music and he is a great entertainer.

@Howoldareweanywayyipes 2 жыл бұрын

The greatest song...

@chrisames2795 Жыл бұрын

James Calvin the original. Saw them perform in San Francisco dozens of times at Club Nine , the I Beam, the Sone, Nightbreak, and Calvin was always on his left.

@obionekenobi7401 8 ай бұрын

The I beam….nice “old school” memory!!!

@thomasboren3580 6 ай бұрын

I’ve always paid attention to guitar player looking back at the keyboard every time I’ve seen a live video of this song , figure it out about how the sound is made

@MaraSantos-ov3qv Жыл бұрын

Que homem lindo,que voz maravilhosa ❤❤

@omarvasquez445 10 ай бұрын

I remember when CDs were packaged this way 💿📀

@bamadave83 Жыл бұрын

lol at the introduction. Such a beautiful song.

@bigcatdaddy76016 3 жыл бұрын

His drummer is singing backup vocals instead of hitting the skins.....James' demons are gone now, Never forget him.

@CindiLeach Жыл бұрын

Stockton is right down the river from sacramento, ca!

@mariekeromp7615 8 ай бұрын

James Calvin Wilsey❤💔

@jermainesimpson834 10 ай бұрын

The golden age of love music

@talleslee5704 Жыл бұрын

the 90's, last time of the real world

@trudiedaniel9977 6 ай бұрын

I love this man!

@DennisGardner-oo8ek 9 ай бұрын

Top tune I was 21 1991 unbelievable

@hugotyson308 Жыл бұрын

For an American ,Letterman was actually cool.Isaaks song was always good !

@AR-mu4zq Жыл бұрын

Americans invented cool ;)

@ClarksonFisherIII 5 жыл бұрын

Elvis + Morrissey = Chris Isaak

@JohnnyArtPavlou 5 жыл бұрын

Clarkson Fisher III, nice!

@AlexRodriguez-zz8bs 5 жыл бұрын

Hell yeah!

@ClarksonFisherIII 3 жыл бұрын

@Stiv Luca Vincent strong point. let's compromise... Chris Isaak = Roy Orbison + Morrissey

@joejoe7702 3 жыл бұрын

+ Jack Kerouac?

@djstarsign 3 жыл бұрын

And Matthew Modine

@benjaminsarmiento-ny3hk Жыл бұрын

excelent. a. good. job. ✌🏼

@janemars5225 Жыл бұрын

He has a fabulous nose. I mean this is one of my favourite songs from a life of listening to some very good songs. So there's that. But the nose.

@jbr600 2 жыл бұрын

What a Sweet Man🤩😍👍

@Ac0ustics0ul 3 жыл бұрын

I noticed in all the live performances I've heard. he changes the lyric '' make foolish people do'' to ' 'make foolish lovers do '' Not sure why, 'people' rolls off better in the delivery.. whatever lol

@OutRAjious 2 жыл бұрын

bizarrely he got better as he got older …

@jedward5155 6 ай бұрын

Look at that handsome bastard.

@powerpopjoey 7 ай бұрын

I've never understood why James Wilsey didn't get songwriting credit on Wicked Game (and other early Isaak songs). Honestly, would a song like Wicked Game be the same without the guitar contributions? Even Henley and Fry of the Eagles were decent enough to give Don Felder songwriting credit on Hotel California (for which he wrote the key guitar parts). The song Wicked Game flopped initially. Then, a year later it began its rise to fame as an instrumental (used by David Lynch in the film Wild at Heart). He ended up homeless and alone and died on Christmas eve. Like many tragic rock n' roll stories, it shouldn't have ended that way.

@shannonbenson8921 6 ай бұрын

Wilsey was the shit. Isaak knew it and capitalized. Musicians know it and always will. Wilsey made Isaak's career. Saving grace, shit's all upside-down, and there's a ravenous Lion about to come around.

@Mindboggle100 Жыл бұрын

Full disclosure, I'm a mere guitar hack... BUT, am I not correct in thinking James plays, Wicked Game, very differently than the later Hershel versions?? Totally respect them both, but James was the sound of early Isaak albums!

@zac3392 Жыл бұрын

Yeah simple part, but no one ever played it as well as JC… RIP

@omarvasquez445 10 ай бұрын

Chris Isaak is the coolest 🕶

@Jesoteric 4 ай бұрын

Love the suit

@carolynstewart8465 9 ай бұрын

Eat your heart out Elvis!😮

@jacmaxt2 Ай бұрын

My wife left me and this song haunts my dreams

@gabriellahornakneacs6795 Ай бұрын

This can be a bad feeling, I'm sorry !

@garycarmain1758 Ай бұрын

HAUNTING SONG❗🎸❗🎸

@primtones Жыл бұрын

Feels like a number from the Roadhouse in Twin Peaks.

@RockandRoll999 3 ай бұрын

Chris Isaak is best thing that came out of the 80s

@thegrimyeaper 5 жыл бұрын

"It pays to be listed."

@handle433 2 жыл бұрын

Hey, what does listed mean?

@bradss1000 2 жыл бұрын

@@handle433 Listed in the white pages. There used to be this thing called a “phone book”, it had white pages; everyone’s phone number and even their address too, and yellow pages; all businesses in town or county.

@Mr.S369 4 ай бұрын

Seems like a wonderful chap!

@71fluffdaddy 3 жыл бұрын

Can’t believe this was 1991 I swore it was later like 1996 damn I was in my first year in college.

@areyoutheregoditsmedave Жыл бұрын

chris issak and the diaz brothers. stockton cali baby!!

@SoulCitySawdog 22 күн бұрын

back up singer on point!

@taylormach1699 9 ай бұрын

Great singer and song, the guitar riff will last.

@KlaroBordo 2 жыл бұрын

I need Time Machine to go back in that live performance

@moconnorduber1787 3 жыл бұрын

Love him

@damienmartin1403 3 жыл бұрын

Haunting. That is all..

@user-lo2nk4re1y 11 ай бұрын

Молодость, ностальгия!

@kanealson5200 5 жыл бұрын

Don would you happen to have Chris Isaaks first appearance on Letterman from aug 14th 1987. Id love to see that, or hell all of his Letterman appearances. The guy besides being musically talented happens to be entertaining and really funny.

@dongiller 5 жыл бұрын

I have every LN and LS. Just home from eye surgery, so it’ll be a while.

@funhistory 5 жыл бұрын

His '87 Letterman appearance includes "Blue Hotel" & is on another YT channel, but the audio's very poor. Would be cool to hear it with better audio (like this one by Don Giller).

@modernchair7692 4 жыл бұрын

kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qrKUhbCQndGcgWg.html

@CindiLeach Жыл бұрын

I miss you David!