Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Susanna Hoffs released a cover of the Rolling Stones’ “Connection” featuring Elvis Costello on December 18, 2024—Keith Richards’ 81st birthday. Hoffs sings lead, Costello plays electric guitar, and the recording revisits a song from the Stones’ 1967 album Between the Buttons.
When the cover came out—and why the date mattered
The Hoffs and Costello version arrived as a single on December 18, 2024. The release marked Richards’ 81st birthday, linking the date to the original song’s co-writer and guitarist. American Songwriter reported the release and birthday context; Apple Music lists the same release date for the recording.
The original “Connection”
The Rolling Stones included “Connection” on Between the Buttons, released in 1967. Mick Jagger and Keith Richards wrote the song. The Hoffs-Costello recording is therefore a later interpretation of a Stones composition, not a new song by the pair. Louisville Public Media/WFPK’s release report also places the song in the album’s history.
Who sings and plays on the cover?
Apple Music credits Hoffs with lead vocals, Costello with electric guitar, and Peter Asher as producer. American Songwriter’s release coverage additionally names guitarist Albert Lee, bassist Davey Faragher, drummer Pete Thompson, and a strings section among the session contributors.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
| Credit | Contributor | Source detail |
|---|---|---|
| Lead vocals | Susanna Hoffs | Apple Music |
| Electric guitar | Elvis Costello | Apple Music |
| Producer | Peter Asher | Apple Music |
| Guitar | Albert Lee | Named in American Songwriter’s release report |
| Bass | Davey Faragher | Named in American Songwriter’s release report |
| Drums | Pete Thompson | Named in American Songwriter’s release report |
| Strings | Strings section | Reported collectively; individual players and instruments are not identified in that report |
| Songwriters | Mick Jagger and Keith Richards | Apple Music |
Hoffs and Costello on the Keith-and-Mick roles
Hoffs described taking the Keith part, even though both performers wanted it. In a statement reported by American Songwriter, she said: “I did the Keith part. We both wanted to do the Keith part, but I won. I had the great honor of singing with Elvis at a couple of his shows, and it was a lifelong dream to record a song together.”
She also explained her affection for Richards: “I love Keith, his smile, his swagger, his songwriting, the way he moves on stage as if his guitar is a part of his body, and together they meld with the music and the emotion of the song.”
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Costello’s remark, reported by Louisville Public Media/WFPK, playfully reverses the roles: “What a gas to sing with Sue again. I’d be the ‘Keith’ to her ‘Mick’ any day.”
A collaboration recorded before its release
The release was long awaited rather than newly recorded for its birthday date. In a 2023 interview with The Line of Best Fit, Hoffs described Costello coming to the studio and recording a duet with her on “Connection.” That account establishes that the session took place before the single’s 2024 release, but it does not specify the recording date. Read the interview.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
How to approach the two versions
The clearest point of comparison is the performance perspective: Hoffs said she took Richards’ role, while Costello’s own comment casts him as Jagger to her Keith. The original is a Rolling Stones band recording; the later version brings Hoffs and Costello together with the credited players and strings. The available credits identify personnel and roles, but do not document a detailed track-by-track account of arrangement changes, so finer musical comparisons are best heard directly rather than treated as confirmed production facts.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
