In May of 1966, the unknown singer Jack Wood recorded two songs at Great Lakes Studio in Sparta, Michigan. These unique, otherworldly songs “Born to Wander” and “So Sad” would be self-released by Wood on his own Lawrence Records imprint in an edition of 100 copies. Going nowhere and being quickly forgotten, it would take Wood ten years to pay back the $250 he borrowed for the entire endeavor. Fast-forward to the 21st century and the deepest of record collectors are intrinsically moved by the power behind Wood’s single, vacillating between Northern Soul, garage, big band and country music all within the same song. An unexpected placement in a major ad campaign for Bacardi Rum was a major boon for the burgeoning awareness of these timeless songs. Third Man Records is proud to reissue “Born to Wander” and “So Sad” as part of its November 27th Black Friday opening.
Both songs are now available to download on iTunes and “Born to Wander” is available on most streaming services, and the 7" will be available via Third Man Records' online store in the coming weeks.
Catch the Bacardi ad below: