Ben Lee`s stunning new version of John & Yoko`s `Woman Is The Nigger Of The World` has been given the thumbs up by Yoko Ono.
In a note to Ben, Yoko writes:“Dear Ben,
Right now I am in Tokyo feeling all nervous before my appearance in a very big John Lennon Tribute Concert this evening. But my PA just put your new video on her computer screen for me.
The way you did it made me choke up. You did it so well. Just right. Thank you. I expect it is still a rather daring thing to do for a musician of your stature.
Thanks again. With respect and love, yoko”
Ben recorded the Lennon song for a b-side for one of the singles for his forthcoming album.
“I have always loved this song, and it is tied in to the themes of the album,” Ben says at the blog at ben-lee.com. “Of course, back when it was released, and still now, many people are unable to get past the use of the 'N' word in the title to look at what the song is really saying. In the late 1970's, the Chairman of the Black Caucas, Congressman Ron Dellums, did much to shed light on this subject by saying:
"If you define 'nigger' as someone whose lifestyle is defined by others, whose opportunities are defined by others, whose role in society is defined by others, then good news, you don't have to be black to be a nigger in this society. Most of the people in America are niggers."
Ben and fianc?? Skye Ione directed the clip.
Ben’s version is a completely stripped back version compared to the original “wall of sound” Lennon version.
Watch the video here:
