Handle with Care

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The Traveling Wilburys

About Handle with Care

"Handle with Care" is a song by the British-American supergroup the Traveling Wilburys. It was released in October 1988 as their debut single and as the opening track of their album Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1. The song was the first recording made by the group, although it was originally intended as a bonus track on a European single by George Harrison. When he and Jeff Lynne presented the song to Harrison's record company, the executives insisted it was too good for that purpose, a decision that resulted in the formation of the Wilburys. The song was written primarily by Harrison, although, as with all the tracks on Vol. 1, the writing credit lists all five members of the band: Harrison, Lynne, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison and Tom Petty. "Handle with Care" was the Wilburys' most successful single. It peaked at number 45 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, number 2 on the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart and number 21 on the UK Singles Chart, and was a top-five hit in Australia and New Zealand. Petty and his band the Heartbreakers often performed the song in concert. Lynne sang the song with them at the Concert for George, a year after Harrison's death in November 2001. Directed by David Leland, the video for the song was an MTV favourite in the late 1980s. 


Year:
2008
3:18
140 
#1

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The Traveling Wilburys

The Traveling Wilburys were a British-American supergroup consisting of Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison and Tom Petty. Originating from an idea discussed by Harrison and Lynne during the sessions for Harrison's 1987 album Cloud Nine, the band formed in April 1988 after the five members united to record a bonus track for Harrison's next European single. When this collaboration, "Handle with Care", was deemed too good for such a limited release, the group agreed to record a full album, titled Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1. Following Orbison's death in December 1988, the Wilburys continued as a quartet and released a second album, titled Traveling Wilburys Vol. 3, in 1990. The project's work received much anticipation given the diverse nature of … more »

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10 facts about this song

Band Formation
The Traveling Wilburys was a British-American supergroup consisting of Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison, and Tom Petty. "Handle With Care" was the first song they created together.
Inspiration
The song "Handle With Care" was supposedly composed during a convivial gathering at Bob Dylan's home. The song title was inspired by a phrase marked on a cardboard box.
Hit Song
"Handle With Care" was released in October 1988 and became a significant hit. It reached No. 2 on the Album Rock Tracks chart and No. 45 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States.
Album
"Handle With Care" is the opening track on The Traveling Wilburys' debut album, "Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1". The album was commercially successful and critically acclaimed, winning the 1990 Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group.
Orbison's Influence
Despite passing away two months after the release of the album, Roy Orbison's legendary vocal talent is particularly evident in "Handle With Care". He provided the main vocals for the song's chorus.
Music Video
The music video for "Handle With Care" features all five members of The Traveling Wilburys. It was filmed in an old warehouse and portrays each member playing different roles, such as Roy Orbison in his trademark sunglasses.
Legacy
Even though they were together for a short time, The Traveling Wilburys left a significant impact on music with hits like "Handle With Care". The song continues to be popular and is frequently played on classic rock radio stations.
Cover Versions
The song has received numerous cover versions by various artists, including Jenny Lewis with The Watson Twins, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and the supergroup Alberta Cross, among others.
Songwriting
All five members of the group are credited as the songwriters of "Handle With Care". This reflects the collaborative spirit of The Traveling Wilburys.
Album Art
The cover of "Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1" features a picture of the band members with a guitar-shaped spaceship, signifying the group's casual, fun-loving attitude symbolized in songs like "Handle With Care".

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