Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress

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"Long Cool Woman (in a Black Dress)"
Single by The Hollies
from the album Distant Light
B-side UK: "Cable Car"
US: "Look What We've Got"
Released UK: February 1 1972
US: May 1972
Format 7" single
Label UK: Parlophone R5939
US: Epic 10871
Writer(s) Allan Clarke, Roger Cook, Roger Greenaway
The Hollies singles chronology
"The Baby"
(1972)
"Long Cool Woman (in a Black Dress)"
(1972)
"Magic Woman Touch"
(1972)

"Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress" is a song by the rock and roll group The Hollies. It was released on February 1, 1972, as a single on the Parlophone Records label.

The song's first-person lyrics tell a story of an FBI agent (the narrator) who is scouting a speakeasy in advance of a raid on a Saturday Night. Prior to the police's arrival, the narrator meets the "long cool woman" of the title, a singer at the bar described as "5'9", beautiful, tall", and immediately falls in love with her. The raid results in a shootout during which he protects her while hiding. The narrator is given congratulations by the District Attorney ("the DA man") and, presumably, a relationship with the woman when he gets legal immunity for her ("Well I'm gonna be forgiven if I wanna spend my livin'...").

It was released soon after Allan Clarke, who was featured on both rhythm guitar and lead vocal, had left the group. It appears on their album Distant Light (1971). As the group had just left EMI/Parlophone and signed with Polydor, they did not promote the song. However, it became a No. 2 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 charts and No. 1 on Cash Box in the United States, their most successful single there, it was also No. 1 in Canada. It was inspired by, and in the style of, the rock and roll group Creedence Clearwater Revival, especially their song Green River. On being reactivated by EMI in Britain a few months later, it reached No. 32 on the UK Singles Chart.

The song is notable in that it features Clarke playing rhythm guitar, something he rarely did. Clarke came up with the signature guitar rhythm that opens the song. In the light of the song's success, Clarke rethought his solo career and rejoined the group in 1972.

[edit] Cover versions

Preceded by
"Brandy (You're a Fine Girl)" by Looking Glass
RPM Top 100 number one single
September 16-September 23, 1972
Succeeded by
"Black and White" by Three Dog Night
Preceded by
"I'm Still in Love with You"
by Al Green
Cash Box Top 100 singles
September 16, 1972
Succeeded by
"Back Stabbers"
by The O'Jays