Recorded - February 17, 1966
Released - March 1966
#1 for weeks of May 28 and June 4, 1966.
The turning tide of psychedelia and the counter-culture certainly changed the direction of rock and pop. Yet, this new wave of sounds did not have a direct effect on R&B music, especially R&B that was produced under Atlantic Records. From Sam & Dave, to Wilson Pickett, to Otis Redding, to eventually Aretha Franklin, all of these singers are absolutely timeless, and their music still is beloved to this very day. Continuing in the same evergreen sound of his contemporaries was Percy Sledge.
Percy's story is one of rags to riches. He spent his early career as a simple working class everyman. On the side, he enjoyed singing and performing, and was discovered by record producer Quin Ivy. The two assembled in FAME studios in Muscle Shoals to record a song written by the team of Calvin Lewis and Andrew Wright. That song, "When A Man Loves A Woman" became Percy's first and only #1 hit.
"When A Man Loves A Woman" works for so many reasons. The reason it probably was such a smash on the pop charts was its generally accessible love lyrics. Yet, it would be an insult not to mention just how much soul this performance has, both in the music and in Percy's voice. The music arrangement is complex without being too overbearing. There is also a choir that adds a very gospel element to the piece.
Then of course, we have the vocal performance. Percy uses just the right amount of power and restraint in his voice and the results are a smooth soul masterpiece. No cover of this song can do the original justice, yet once we get to 1991 on this blog, I'll have to review Michael Bolton's much more over the top interpretation. No no, the only version you need is Percy Sledge's original and best version. Why fix what isn't broken!
Final Verdict - Percy Sledge may be a bit of a one hit wonder on the pop charts, yet many would do anything to have just one song as wonderful as "When A Man Loves A Woman". It's a sweet slice of classic soul music that more than deserves to be considered one of the greatest songs of 1966.
Coming Up Next - "Paint It Black" by The Rolling Stones.
Until Next Time - I'm Dr. Rock, and I'm a soul man -
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