"I've Been Loving You Too Long" (originally "I've Been Loving You Too Long (To Stop Now)") is a soul music ballad written by Otis Redding and Jerry Butler.[1] Considered by music critics and writers to be one of Redding's finest performances and a soul classic, it is a slow, emotional piece with Redding's pleading vocals backed by producer Steve Cropper's arpeggiated guitar parts and a horn section.[2] Show
Redding recorded the song in 1965 and when released as a single in April 1965, became his second best selling single. The song was subsequently included on his third album, Otis Blue: Otis Redding Sings Soul (1965).[1] The song reached number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 2 on the Billboard Rhythm & Blues chart.[3] Billboard described it as a "winning tender and soulful piece of material and performance by 'Mr. Pitiful' himself."[4] Cash Box described it as "a tender, slow-moving heartfelt lament about a fella whose love for his gal is growing cold."[5] The song was added to the United States National Recording Registry in 2003.[6] Background and composition[edit]Songs by Redding appeared in the U.S. Billboard pop and R&B charts as early as 1962, but "I've Been Loving You Too Long" became his biggest hit upon its release.[3] Although the tempo is exactly the same, two versions of the song have been recorded in 1965; one lasts 2'50 and the second one is 3'10 long (in the original LP version), i.e., with an extra verse. Booker T. Jones plays piano on one version while Isaac Hayes is on the other.[7] Recording and personnel[edit]
Ike & Tina Turner version[edit]
Ike & Tina Turner recorded the song for their 1969 album, Outta Season.[8][9] Produced by Tina Turner and Bob Krasnow, the single peaked at number 23 on the Billboard R&B chart and number 68 on the Billboard Hot 100.[10] It was reissued in 1971, reaching number 56 on the Cash Box R&B chart and number 44 on Record World's R&B chart.[11][12] Live performances[edit]The Turners can be seen performing the song at Madison Square Garden in the Rolling Stones concert film Gimme Shelter (1970).[13] Their version differs from the original because they added an additional section with an explicit interaction. During their live performances they simulated oral sex. Tina caressed the microphone and moaned while Ike made suggestive slurping noises. Prior to Tina, a former member of the Kings of Rhythm named Jimmy Thomas would perform that song. In her autobiography I, Tina, she said:
Track listing[edit]1969
1971
Johnny Diesel version[edit]
In 1992 Australian musician, Diesel recorded the song for his ARIA Chart number 1 album, The Lobbyist (1993). It was released as the third and final single and peaked at number 41 on the Australian ARIA Chart on 29 November 1993.[16][17] Track listing[edit]
Other versions[edit]
Chart performance[edit]Otis Redding
References[edit]
When did Otis Redding record I've Been Loving You Too Long?Redding recorded the song in 1965 and when released as a single in April 1965, became his second best selling single.
What was Otis Redding's biggest hit song?Probably the song that Redding is still the most well-known for, “Sitting On A Dock Of The Bay” was co-written by legendary soul man Steve Cropper and recorded mere days before Redding's death, released posthumously. It became his only No. 1 single.
What song is Otis Redding known for?Which song was Otis Redding's only number one hit? Otis Redding's "(Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay" was his only number-one hit. He co-wrote it with Steve Cropper, and it shot to the top of the charts in 1968. It is a bittersweet lament of indolence and love.
Did Otis Redding sing gospel?Nicknamed the "King of Soul", Redding's style of singing gained inspiration from the gospel music that preceded the genre. His singing style influenced many other soul artists of the 1960s.
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