“Tainted Love” is a song that resonates across generations, instantly recognizable with its synth-driven melody and melancholic lyrics. For many, Soft Cell’s 1981 rendition is the definitive version, an era-defining anthem of the 80s. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll discover a richer, more nuanced history behind this timeless track. The story of “Tainted Love” begins not in the synthesized soundscapes of the 80s, but in the soulful rhythms of 1960s Los Angeles, with a young, dynamic vocalist named Gloria Jones.
Graphic by Kwasi Boyd-Bouldin
The Genesis of “Tainted Love”: Gloria Jones and Ed Cobb
To truly understand who sang “Tainted Love” first, we must journey back to the mid-1960s. Gloria Jones, a prodigious talent with roots in gospel music, was already making waves in the Los Angeles music scene. Her journey began in the church, singing with the COGIC Singers, a group formed by the young Andrae Crouch. Even at a young age, Gloria’s powerful and distinctive voice set her apart. Alongside future music luminaries like Billy Preston, who played organ for the COGICs, Gloria was honing her craft in a crucible of soulful sound.
Her talent soon caught the attention of Hal Davis, a talent scout for Motown Records. While Motown already boasted iconic girl groups like The Supremes and Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, Davis saw potential in the young women of the COGIC Singers. Although a girl group project didn’t materialize, this connection led Gloria to Ed Cobb, a songwriter with a background in pop music who was then making a name for himself in R&B.
Cobb and Jones began working together, and fatefully, Cobb was also collaborating with Gloria’s former bandmate, Billy Preston. They had an instrumental track titled “Heartbeat” that felt like it needed that extra spark. That spark was Gloria Jones. “Heartbeat” provided Gloria with her first taste of chart success in 1965. This exposure led to appearances on popular music shows of the era like Shindig!, Shivaree, and Hollywood-a-Go-Go, suggesting a promising career trajectory.
However, parallel to “Heartbeat”, another song was quietly being born. In 1965, Gloria Jones released her debut single, “My Bad Boy’s Comin’ Home,” on Ed Cobb’s label, Champion Records. And on the B-side of this single, almost as an afterthought, was a song called “Tainted Love.”
Graphic by Kwasi Boyd-Bouldin
Ironically, neither Cobb nor Jones initially saw much potential in “Tainted Love.” Cobb reportedly felt the beat was too forceful, and Jones, with her gospel background, found the lyrics about “tainted love” somewhat perplexing and even slightly inappropriate. In her youthful innocence, the concept of tainted love didn’t resonate with her personal experiences or artistic sensibilities. Consequently, “Tainted Love” languished as a B-side, seemingly destined for obscurity. It was a far cry from the global phenomenon it would later become. The original “Tainted Love” by Gloria Jones, released in 1965, was a soulful, if somewhat overlooked, gem. It showcased Gloria’s powerful vocals and the song’s inherent emotional depth, but it failed to make a significant impact on the charts at the time.
Northern Soul and the Unexpected Revival
Fast forward nearly a decade, and “Tainted Love” experienced an unforeseen resurrection, not in the US charts, but in the vibrant underground dance scene of Northern England. This scene, known as Northern Soul, was fueled by all-night dance parties and a fervent passion for obscure American soul and R&B records, particularly those with driving beats and emotionally charged vocals.
Northern Soul was a cultural phenomenon that emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It was a haven for working-class youth seeking escape and exhilaration in music and dance. Rejecting the mainstream pop of the time, Northern Soul aficionados prized rarity and authenticity. DJs scoured record stores and warehouses for forgotten soul 45s, and the more obscure the find, the greater the DJ’s prestige and the dancers’ excitement.
In a twist of fate, an English DJ named Richard Searling embarked on a record-buying trip to the United States in 1973. As the story goes, while leaving a warehouse filled with discarded records, he stumbled upon a lone, unsleeved 45 lying on the floor of a freight elevator. That record was Gloria Jones’ “Tainted Love.” Back in England, Searling began playing the track at Northern Soul clubs, and it ignited a frenzy. The raw emotion and driving rhythm of “Tainted Love” resonated deeply with the Northern Soul crowd.
Wigan Casino, one of the most legendary Northern Soul venues, became a central hub for the song’s revival. Recordings from Wigan Casino in 1974 capture the electrifying atmosphere as dancers erupted in applause and rhythmic clapping during “Tainted Love.” Interestingly, this clapping, absent in the original recording, became a hallmark of the song’s Northern Soul iteration and later influenced Soft Cell’s version.
The Northern Soul scene breathed new life into “Tainted Love,” transforming it from a forgotten B-side into an underground anthem. This unexpected resurgence brought Gloria Jones’ original recording to a new audience and set the stage for its eventual global breakthrough. It’s a testament to the song’s inherent power and its ability to transcend genres and generations.
Soft Cell Takes “Tainted Love” to the World
While Gloria Jones’ original “Tainted Love” was captivating dance floors in Northern England, it remained largely unknown to the mainstream pop world. That changed dramatically in 1981 when Soft Cell, a British synth-pop duo consisting of Marc Almond and Dave Ball, released their version of “Tainted Love.”
Soft Cell’s rendition was a radical departure from Gloria Jones’ soulful original. They stripped away the Motown-esque instrumentation and infused the song with a stark, synthesized arrangement, driven by a distinctive Roland TB-303 bassline. Marc Almond’s emotive, almost theatrical vocals brought a new layer of vulnerability and drama to the lyrics. This transformation perfectly encapsulated the sound of early 80s synth-pop – a genre defined by its electronic textures, introspective themes, and a blend of холодность and emotional intensity.
Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love” was an instant sensation. It soared to the top of the charts worldwide, becoming a defining song of the decade and catapulting Soft Cell to international fame. For many, this synth-pop version became the definitive “Tainted Love,” eclipsing the original in popular consciousness.
Comparing the two versions reveals fascinating contrasts. Gloria Jones’ original is a soulful ballad with a classic 60s R&B feel, showcasing her powerful vocals and the song’s raw emotional core. Soft Cell’s version, while retaining the emotional essence, is a product of its time – a minimalist, electronic masterpiece that captures the anxieties and romantic disillusionment of the early 80s. Both versions are powerful in their own right, each reflecting the musical landscape and sensibilities of their respective eras.
The success of Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love” inevitably brought renewed attention to Gloria Jones’ original. For some, it was a revelation to discover the song’s soulful roots. For others, it sparked a debate about which version was “better.” Ultimately, both versions coexist as testaments to the song’s enduring appeal and its capacity for reinvention. Soft Cell’s cover not only introduced “Tainted Love” to a global audience but also reignited interest in Gloria Jones and her musical legacy.
Gloria Jones’ Enduring Legacy Beyond “Tainted Love”
While “Tainted Love,” particularly in its Soft Cell incarnation, became a defining moment in music history, Gloria Jones’ career is far more expansive and multifaceted than just this one song. Her journey in music is a testament to her resilience, versatility, and enduring passion.
Even before “Tainted Love,” Gloria Jones was a working musician, constantly evolving and exploring different avenues of creative expression. In the late 1960s, she ventured into theater, appearing in productions like “Catch My Soul” and the Los Angeles cast of “Hair.” This exposure broadened her horizons and connected her with musicians from the rock scene. She also lent her vocal talents as a backup singer for artists like Harpers Bizarre, Ry Cooder, and even on an early solo track by Neil Young, showcasing her adaptability and demand in diverse musical circles.
A significant chapter in Gloria’s career unfolded when she began writing songs for Motown under the pseudonym LaVerne Ware. Teaming up with Pam Sawyer, another Motown staff writer, Gloria penned hits for some of the biggest names in music, including The Jackson Five, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, and Gladys Knight & the Pips. Notably, they co-wrote “If I Were Your Woman” for Gladys Knight & the Pips, a Grammy-nominated classic that became one of Motown’s signature songs. This songwriting success demonstrates Gloria’s profound impact behind the scenes, shaping the sound of Motown and contributing to the careers of iconic artists.
Gloria’s personal life also intertwined with her musical journey. She met Marc Bolan of T. Rex in 1969, and their relationship blossomed in the early 1970s. Gloria became an integral part of T. Rex, touring with the band and contributing vocals and instrumental work. Her partnership with Bolan was both personal and professional, marked by creative synergy and mutual inspiration. Tragically, this chapter was cut short by Marc Bolan’s untimely death in a car accident in 1977, where Gloria was also seriously injured. Despite this devastating loss, Gloria demonstrated remarkable strength and continued her musical pursuits.
In the aftermath of Bolan’s death, Gloria released “Windstorm,” an album dedicated to his memory. She also continued songwriting, penning the disco hit “Haven’t Stopped Dancing Yet” for Gonzales in 1979, proving her ability to navigate and succeed in evolving musical landscapes. Even as Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love” dominated charts in the early 1980s, Gloria reunited with Ed Cobb for an album titled “Reunited,” which included the original 1965 version of “Tainted Love,” a subtle nod to her enduring connection with the song.
In recent years, Gloria Jones and her son Rolan Bolan have dedicated themselves to philanthropic endeavors, establishing the Marc Bolan School of Music and Film in Sierra Leone, Africa. Furthermore, Gloria launched her own reissue label, Light of Love Wax Co., ensuring that her musical legacy and the original “Tainted Love” continue to reach new audiences.
Why Gloria Jones Matters: More Than Just “Tainted Love”
Gloria Jones’ story is a powerful reminder that musical history is often richer and more complex than mainstream narratives suggest. While Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love” rightfully holds its place as an iconic 80s anthem, it is essential to acknowledge and celebrate the original artist who first brought the song to life. Gloria Jones is not just the answer to “Who Sang Tainted Love” originally; she is a multifaceted artist with a remarkable career that spans decades and genres.
Her journey encompasses gospel roots, Motown songwriting success, collaboration with rock icons, and a solo career marked by resilience and reinvention. Even if mainstream fame eluded her in the way it did for Soft Cell with “Tainted Love,” Gloria Jones’ impact on music is undeniable. She is a singer, songwriter, performer, and innovator whose contributions have enriched the musical landscape.
So, the next time you hear “Tainted Love,” whether it’s Gloria Jones’ soulful original or Soft Cell’s synth-pop classic, remember the full story behind the song. Remember Gloria Jones, the original artist who imbued “Tainted Love” with its initial spark of emotion and soul, and whose enduring career is a testament to her talent and passion. Her story is a vital chapter in the history of a song that continues to slay dance floors and touch hearts across the globe.
References:
- KCRW’s Lost Notes Podcast: “The True Story of ‘Tainted Love’”
- https://www.kcrw.com/culture/shows/lost-notes/tainted-love-gloria-jones-soft-cell
- Marc Bolan School of Music and Film: https://marcbolanschool.com/
- Light of Love Wax Co.: https://www.youtube.com/c/thelightoflovewaxco
