Drift Away

"Drift Away" is a song by Mentor Williams written in 1970 and originally recorded by John Henry Kurtz on his 1972 album Reunion. Mentor Williams was a country songwriter, and John Henry Kurtz was an actor and swamp rock singer. It was later given to soul singer Dobie Gray for whom it became a surprise international hit and the best known version. In 1973 the song became Dobie Gray's biggest hit, peaking at number five on the US Billboard Hot 100 and receiving a gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The song has been covered by numerous musicians. Dobie Gray version Personnel Dobie Gray, vocals David Briggs, keyboards Mike Leech, bass Kenny Malone, drums Troy Seals, acoustic and electric guitar Reggie Young, acoustic and electric guitar and banjo Weldon Myrick, pedal steel guitar Buddy Spicher, violin on L.A.Lady Mentor Williams, acoustic guitar on Now That I Am Without You Charts