Marcus King has shared a new pro-shot video highlighting his duet cover of “Superstar” alongside pianist Peter Levin (Gregg Allman Band) as recorded for Real Music TV recently. The song was first released as a soft-rock single from The Carpenters in August 1971, and was included on the band’s third studio album released just three months prior. “Superstar” was originally penned by Bonnie Bramlett and the late Leon Russell.
For their cover performance, King and Levin set up their gear in an empty recording studio where the two delivered a soulful rendition of the beloved ballad. Fans will notice that King has swapped out his usual Gibson es-345 electric in exchange for D’Angelico Excel Style B Throwback guitar, making for the perfect instrument selection for the softer, finger-pick style playing.
As seen in the video below, King and Levin do a wonderful job of delivering a stripped-down version of the song, with King showcasing those singing abilities of is in channeling the lyrical spirit of the late Karen Carpenter on lead vocals.
Watch the in-studio performance below.
Marcus King with Peter Levein – “Superstar”
[Video: The Marcus King Band]
King recently wrapped his Four of a Kind virtual concert series, which succeeded in raising $80,000 to benefit MusiCares.