from JUST FOR A WHILE/MY SWEET DELIGHT (single)
Written by David Foster, Maurice White & Tony Haynes
The late, great Maurice White (1941-2016) and David Foster with lyricist Allee Willis co-wrote Jennifer Holliday’s 1983 hit, “I Am Love.” That gorgeous ballad was the first single off Ms. Holliday’s debut Feel My Soul album which was produced by the Earth, Wind & Fire maestro. “I Am Love” reached #2 on the R&B charts and crossed over to #49 on Billboard’s Hot 100. That wondrous ballad was a past Song of the Week and its review can still be read in the archives.
Mr. White and the future Hitman co-wrote another song for Feel My Soul. This time they heralded a funky mid-tempo titled “My Sweet Delight.” Musically speaking, “My Sweet Delight” stood on the other end of the musical spectrum when compared to the sweet grandeur of “I Am Love.” On this number, the two celebrated music-makers cooked a techno-funk jam that bears the obvious EW&F influences. This song, however, anticipates the heavily synth-driven scenario that Mr. White will deliver on the group’s Electric Universe album. “My Sweet Delight” was a mostly programmed affair with keyboards and synthesizers setting the atmosphere while Jerry Hey’s trademark horns were kept to a minimum. Ms. Holliday’s powerful, unique voice runs the show with her remarkable technique and control that makes one forget that she was just 22 when Feel My Love hit the shelves. Smart additions to the track were the embellishing vocal harmonies crafted by Mr. White with Wanda Vaughn of The Emotions and the impressive work on synthesizer by session legend Greg Phillinganes. “My Sweet Delight” became the b-side of another grand ballad titled “Just For A While” which was co-written by Gino and Ross Vannelli. Feel My Love became a Top Ten hit on the R&B Album chart while reaching a respectable #31 on Billboard Top 200. This soul/pop collection started Ms. Holliday’s transition from Broadway star to r&b diva.
Listen
[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/07-My-Sweet-Delight.mp3|titles=My Sweet Delight|artists=Jennifer Holliday]
Lead & Background Vocals: Jennifer Holliday
Keyboards: David Foster
Synthesizer & Solo: Greg Phillinganes
Bass: Nathan East
Drums: Fred White & Ricky Lawson
Guitar: Carlos Rios & Caleb Quaye
Percussion: Paulinho Da Costa
Additional Backing Vocals: Crystal Wilson, Jeanette Hawes, Wanda Vaughn & Maurice White
Horns Arranged by Jerry Hey
Background Vocals Arranged by Maurice White & Wanda Vaughn
Produced by Maurice White
Lyrics
No Lyrics