The Korgis: Everybody's Got To Learn Sometime

Today’s one-hit wonder was inspired by the early solo work of John Lennon and was released prior to Lennon’s death in 1980. Sung by the band’s leader, bassist James Warren, who surprisingly resembles Lennon, “Everybody’s Got to Learn Sometime” features a koto as well as Stuart Gordon’s electric violin lead. The song peaked in the US at 18 during the last week of 1980. Additionally, the song was a number one record in France and Spain and placed in the top five in the Netherlands, Germany, and the UK.

The song appeared on the band’s second LP “Dumb Waiters”; however, the 1999 CD release features a different version of the song and not the original single mix. The recording also features Andy Davis on guitar and drums and Phil Harrison on keyboards.

1990 Alternate Version

In 1990, the band reformed to re-record the song for release on album that supported the International Hostage Release Project, which was subsequently released in 1991 under the title of the song. The album also featured Pete Townshend, Simple Minds, Tina Turner, Steve Winwood, and a host of other artists. “Everybody’s Got to Learn Sometime” was also re-released as a single.

While nearly two dozen other cover versions of “Everybody’s Got to Learn Sometime” have been recorded, The Korgis’ 1990 mix is near perfect. See what you think.