Percy Sledge, a name synonymous with soulful expression, is eternally linked to his monumental hit, “When A Man Loves A Woman.” This ballad, which resonated deeply with audiences, soared to the top of the US pop charts on May 28, 1966, cementing Sledge’s place in music history. While this song remains his signature tune, Percy Sledge, who passed away in 2015 at the age of 74, was more than just a one-hit wonder. His five-decade career as an Alabama soul singer gifted us with a rich catalog of emotionally charged music.
Percy Sledge performing When A Man Loves A Woman, capturing the raw emotion of the song.
The Genesis and Enduring Appeal of “When A Man Loves A Woman”
The story behind “When A Man Loves A Woman Song Percy Sledge” is as captivating as the song itself. Sledge himself revealed that the song originated from his own heartbreak and was penned by him. However, out of generosity, he granted songwriting credits to his Esquires bandmates, Calvin Lewis and Andrew Wright, acknowledging their contribution to the song’s arrangement. Beyond its initial triumph in the 60s, “When A Man Loves A Woman” experienced a remarkable resurgence in 1987. Its feature in a Levi’s jeans commercial introduced the soulful ballad to a new generation, propelling it back into the charts and reaffirming its timeless appeal. The raw emotion and vulnerability in Sledge’s voice, coupled with the song’s universal theme of profound love, ensured its place as a classic.
The song’s impact is further amplified by the legendary introduction in the live performance captured in the original article, delivered by none other than soul icon Otis Redding. This endorsement from a fellow giant of soul music underscores the song’s significance within the genre and its immediate recognition as a standout track.
Beyond the Ballad: Percy Sledge’s R&B Chart Success
While “When A Man Loves A Woman” undoubtedly remains Percy Sledge’s most recognized work, his chart performance throughout the late 1960s showcases his consistent output of high-quality soul music. Between 1966 and 1969, Sledge impressively landed 11 songs on the R&B charts, with three of these reaching the Top 10. These hits, including “Warm And Tender Love,” “It Tears Me Up,” and “Take Time To Know Her,” were all released under the iconic Atlantic Records label. This period marked the zenith of both Atlantic Records’ and Percy Sledge’s soulful prowess, solidifying his position as a prominent figure in the genre. Although his chart presence lessened in the subsequent decades, with a modest Atlantic entry in 1973 and another on Capricorn in 1974, Sledge maintained a dedicated fanbase and continued to record and perform. Furthermore, his contribution to the album charts is notable, with five R&B pop album chart entries, demonstrating his appeal beyond just singles.
From Fields to Fame: The Rise of a Soul Singer
Percy Sledge’s journey to musical stardom is a testament to his inherent talent and perseverance. Initially working as an agricultural laborer in Alabama and later as a hospital orderly, music was initially a weekend pursuit. He moonlighted as a soul singer, honing his craft in local venues. His undeniable talent eventually broke through, leading to a recording contract and the release of his very first chart single, which became a global phenomenon. In 1966, “When A Man Loves A Woman” dominated the music landscape, holding the number one spot on the R&B chart in America for an impressive four weeks and topping the pop chart for two weeks. This monumental success catapulted him onto the international stage, establishing him as a leading voice in soul music worldwide.
“This Is Soul” and the Atlantic Records Legacy
Percy Sledge’s inclusion on the 1968 Atlantic compilation album, This Is Soul, was a significant moment in broadening the reach of American R&B music. Both “When A Man Loves A Woman” and “Warm And Tender Love” were featured on this album, which served as an international ambassador for the genre. This Is Soul was not just a collection of songs; it was a showcase of the era’s biggest soul stars under the Atlantic banner. Alongside Sledge, the album boasted an incredible roster of artists including Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Carla Thomas, Arthur Conley, Ben E. King, Solomon Burke, Eddie Floyd, and Wilson Pickett. This compilation played a crucial role in disseminating the soulful sounds of these artists to a global audience, solidifying the international appeal of American R&B.
Duane Allman’s Guitar on Sledge’s Soulful Tracks
Percy Sledge’s later recordings with Atlantic Records brought him together with a rising guitar talent, Duane Allman, who would soon achieve legendary status with the Allman Brothers Band. Allman’s distinctive guitar work is featured on Sledge’s 1969 rendition of “True Love Travels On A Gravel Road,” a song also famously covered by Elvis Presley and later by Nick Lowe. While the extent of Allman’s contributions is debated, it’s believed he may have also played on “Sister Soul,” featured on Sledge’s album Soul Africa. This 1971 soundtrack album, recorded partially at Capricorn Studios in Macon, Georgia, and partly in South Africa, remains a sought-after collector’s item, having been exclusively released in South Africa at the time.
Soulful Performances in South Africa
The Soul Africa project led Percy Sledge to tour South Africa, resulting in a series of performances that were captured on film. According to the original liner notes, Sledge’s concerts in South Africa were a resounding success, breaking attendance records across the country for 17 weeks. He captivated audiences with his dynamic stage presence and emotionally charged performances of his hits, including “Come Softly To Me,” “When A Man Loves A Woman,” “Knock On Wood,” and “Soul Fire.” These performances highlight Sledge’s global appeal and his ability to connect with audiences worldwide through the universal language of soul music.
Late Career Renaissance and Hall of Fame Recognition
Following the renewed popularity of “When A Man Loves A Woman” in the 1980s, Percy Sledge experienced a career resurgence in the 1990s. In 1994, he released the critically acclaimed album Blue Night on the Sky Ranch label, distributed through Virgin. This album, which received a Grammy nomination, featured collaborations with notable musicians like Bobby Womack and former Rolling Stone guitarist Mick Taylor, showcasing Sledge’s continued artistic vitality.
Jerry Wexler, the legendary music industry figure who originally signed and produced Sledge’s Atlantic recordings, lauded Blue Night, stating, “This record is impeccable. Percy’s voice is warmer and rounder than I remembered it and his intonation…is flawless.” Sledge continued to create music into the 21st century, releasing the album Shining Through The Rain in 2004, reuniting with producers Saul Davis and Barry Godberg, who had also helmed Blue Night. His contributions to music were formally recognized with his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2005. Later in his career, he even collaborated with Cliff Richard on his Soulicious tour in 2011, demonstrating his enduring appeal across generations and genres.
To further explore the soulful sounds of Percy Sledge and his contemporaries, listen to the Greatest Soul 45s playlist, featuring “When A Man Loves A Woman” and many other R&B classics.
