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Month: September 2019

FREE

from SOUL
Written by Deniece Williams, Hank Redd, Nathan Watts, Susaye Greene

“Free” was a soul/R&B evergreen originally included in Deniece Williams’ 1976 album, This Is Niecy. Ms. Williams co-wrote the song with fellow Stevie Wonder “Wonderlove” alumni Hank Redd, Nathan Watts and Susaye Green. This enchanting smooth jam was produced by two geniuses; the late Maurice White of Earth, Wind & Fire (1941-2016) and arranger extraordinaire Charles Stepney (1931-1976). Their unique musicality gave Ms. Williams the perfect landscape to let her four-octave voice shine and together they created a true work of art. Sadly, Stepney died just a few months before the release of This Is Niecy. “Free” was released as a single in March 1976, reached #2 on the US R&B chart and #25 on Billboard’s Hot 100. Almost two years later, “Free” went to #1 in the UK.

THE PRAYER

from THE PRAYER (single)
Written by David Foster & Carole Bayer Sager

Italian Lyrics by Tony Renis & Alberto Testa

Through the years, “The Prayer” has become one of the most loved, successful and covered songs in David Foster’s huge catalogue. This poignant, thoughtful composition was co-written by The Hitman with his friend and legendary lyricist, Carole Bayer Sager. Singer/Songwriter Tony Renis and Alberto Testa provided the beautiful Italian lyrics. The song was originally included in the 1998 animated movie, The Quest For Camelot, with two different versions; one sung by Andrea Bocelli and the other by Celine Dion. Eventually, the two superstars re-recorded the track as a duet and the match of such a timeless melody with two of the most beautiful voices of our era made “The Prayer” collect a Golden Globe and Academy Award nomination. “The Prayer” was also included on Dion’s These Are The Special Times and Bocelli’s Sogno.