Gene Simmons Covers ‘Stormy Weather’ for ‘Reagan’ Film
Renowned musician Gene Simmons has unveiled a captivating music video featuring his rendition of the timeless 1933 jazz classic “Stormy Weather.” This stunning cover was specifically recorded for the biographical film Reagan, which delves into the life of the iconic American president. The video artfully juxtaposes footage of Simmons himself—casually dressed in a sleek black button-up shirt, a stylish flat-brim hat, and trendy sunglasses—performing in a vocal booth, alongside dramatic scenes from Reagan. The film stars Dennis Quaid in the role of Ronald Reagan and Mena Suvari as Jane Wyman, creating a rich visual narrative that complements the music. You can watch the engaging video below.
Simmons’ interpretation of “Stormy Weather” adds to the legacy of this beloved song, which has been covered by numerous esteemed artists over the decades. Originally composed by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler, Ethel Waters was the first to record the piece in 1933. Her rendition was later honored with induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame and preserved in the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry. Iconic musicians such as Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, Charles Mingus, Etta James, and Judy Garland have also lent their voices to this enduring standard, demonstrating its profound impact on the music world.
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Why Gene Simmons Praises Ronald Reagan as One of America’s Greatest Presidents
In a recent interview with Newsweek, Simmons expressed his admiration for Ronald Reagan, stating, “It seemed to me during the scenes where Ronald Reagan was sitting with Jane Wyman at the club, there would probably be music playing in the background.” He shared his enthusiasm for the producers’ decision to include his version of “Stormy Weather” in the film’s soundtrack, feeling honored to contribute to such an important cinematic moment. The Kiss frontman described Reagan as a “great American,” asserting that future generations will regard him as one of the nation’s most impactful presidents. Interestingly, Simmons noted Reagan’s unique political journey, detailing how he began as an actor, initially joined the Democratic Party, and later transitioned to the Republican Party after becoming disillusioned with his original affiliation.
The release of Simmons’ “Stormy Weather” video comes nearly a year after Kiss performed their final concert at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City. Despite this significant milestone, Simmons has continued to tour with his solo band throughout the year. Furthermore, Kiss is currently in the process of producing a comprehensive five-part documentary that chronicles their End of the Road farewell tour, celebrating their remarkable legacy in rock music.
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Gallery Credit: Matthew Wilkening