ROCK MOMENT – Black Crowes ‘Hard to Handle’
The Black Crowes’ version of ‘Hard to Handle’ is one of the most successful and beloved rock covers of the early 1990s, helping launch the band from Atlanta into international stardom. Originally written by Otis Redding in 1968 and co-written with Al Bell and Allen Jones, ‘Hard to Handle’ was a gritty soul tune that showcased Redding’s swagger and raw vocal power. More than two decades later, The Black Crowes reintroduced the song to a new generation by giving it a heavy, blues-soaked Southern rock makeover.
The Crowes recorded ‘Hard to Handle’ during sessions for their debut album, Shake Your Money Maker, which was released in 1990. Produced by George Drakoulias and recorded primarily at Southern Tracks Recording Studio in Atlanta, the album aimed to capture the feel of classic 1970s rock while sounding modern enough for contemporary radio. The Robinson brothers, Chris and Rich, were deeply influenced by bands like The Rolling Stones, Faces, and Lynyrd Skynyrd, and their approach to ‘Hard to Handle’ reflected that heritage. Instead of mimicking Otis Redding’s soulful arrangement, they turned the song into a loud, crunchy guitar-driven rocker built for arenas.
Chris Robinson’s raspy, bluesy vocal gave the song a streetwise edge, while Rich Robinson’s sliding guitar riff and sharp chord stabs became instantly recognizable. The rhythm section locked into a tight, swaggering groove, and the band kept the arrangement relatively raw, avoiding excessive studio polish to preserve a live, bar-band feel. This approach fit perfectly with the band’s image as throwback rockers in an era dominated by pop and emerging alternative music.
Released as a single in 1990, ‘Hard to Handle’ quickly became The Black Crowes’ breakthrough hit, climbing into the Top 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 and receiving heavy airplay on rock radio and MTV. The song’s success helped Shake Your Money Maker sell millions of copies and established the band as one of the leading figures of the early ’90s blues-rock revival.
Over the years, “Hard to Handle” has remained a staple of The Black Crowes’ live shows, often stretched out with extended jams and fiery guitar solos. While Otis Redding’s original remains a soul classic, the Black Crowes’ roaring reinterpretation stands as a definitive rock version, proving how a great song can be reborn across generations while retaining its original spirit and attitude.
