Stevie Wonder’s “My Cherie Amour” was released in 1969, so not quite the 70s, but on the cusp of it. Co-written with Sylvia Moy and Henry Cosby, it has more of a 70s sound than 60s. It veers away from his R&B popish Motown sound and has more of a straight R&B sound, sans harmonica.
I remember hearing this song for the first time in London at Cafe 1001. I hushed my friends so that my phone could hear over the loud voices and espresso machine and tell me what song was sound-tracking everyone’s’ conversations.
Don’t tell me it was a difficult one! The lovely Natalie Cole is our track of the week being introduced with that perfect combination of piano, claps with a funny bass and then her voice, big bass, strings and brass section. It’s impossible to not smile to that intro and move your head with the rhythm.
This song is a bonafide stride through the heart of the 70s, cowbell and all. Released in 1976, it hit #3 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. According to band member Derek Holt, the song is “about being on the road in America.” It definitely is redolent of wind-in-the-hair, open road, and blasting the eight-track while cruising in a convertible.
Blood Orange has been one of my recent favorite artists. His ability to seamlessly blend different styles of music makes for a delightful sound.