About the song
“Lady Love,” penned by Yvonne Gray under the alias Vonghn Gray, stands as a hallmark of Lou Rawls’ musical legacy, prominently featured on his 1977 album “When You Hear Lou, You’ve Heard It All.” Co-produced by Gray and Jack Faith, with string arrangements by Belford Hendricks, this pop ballad emerged as a standout single that resonated with audiences across multiple charts and regions.
Released as a single in January 1978, “Lady Love” swiftly made its mark on the music scene, climbing to number 24 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and reaching the top 20 on Cash Box. It also achieved significant success internationally, peaking at number 13 in Canada and number 21 on Australia’s Kent Music Report. In the realm of R&B, it secured a spot at number 21, solidifying its appeal across diverse musical genres.
Beyond its chart achievements, “Lady Love” garnered widespread acclaim on the Canadian and U.S. Adult Contemporary charts, where it ascended to the impressive position of number 5. Its enduring popularity is underscored by its continued presence on adult standards and smooth jazz radio stations, where it remains a cherished favorite among listeners.
The song’s enduring allure lies in its evocative lyrics and Rawls’ soulful delivery, which effortlessly conveys the song’s themes of love and devotion. Gray’s composition, complemented by Hendricks’ lush string arrangements, creates a melodic tapestry that captivates listeners with its timeless charm and emotional resonance.
“Lady Love” not only showcased Lou Rawls’ vocal prowess but also highlighted his ability to interpret and elevate a song to iconic status. Its enduring presence on radio airwaves and its enduring appeal among fans reaffirm its status as a classic in the pantheon of soulful pop ballads.
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Lyrics
Lady love, your love is peaceful
Like a summer’s breeze
My lady love, with love that’s tender
As a baby’s touch
You give me all of the things
That I need so much
You’re my world, lady love
Lady love, your love is cooling
Like the winter snow
My lady love, with love that’s cozy
As a fire’s glow
And I keep on needing you, girl
A little more and more
And I thank you, my lady love
You know, it’s not easy
To keep love flowing smooth
People are people, and they all have their moods
But it’s so nice, just to have someone like you
Who wants a smooth and easy thing
And all the good times that it brings
My lady love, you’ve been with me
Through all of my ups and downs
My lady love, I once was lost
But now with you, I’m found
You got the love I need
And I want to stay around
Heaven sent you down, my lady love
Let me tell you that it’s not easy
To keep love flowing smooth
You know, people are people, and they all have their moods
But it’s so nice, just to have someone like you
Who wants a smooth and easy thing
And all the good times and the joy that it brings
My lady love, you’ve been with me
Through all of my ups and downs
And my crazy turn-arounds
My lady love, you got the love I need
So stay around
Heaven sent my lady love
lady love
You got the love I need so much (lady love)
And I love your tender touch, lady love (lady love)
Sweet lady (lady love)
You are so good to me, lady love (so glad I found my lady love)
Like a warm of summer breeze (lady love)
That’s what you do to me, lady love (lady love, lady love)
Lady, lady, lady, lady, lady, lady, lady (so glad I found my lady love)
Lady love (lady love)
Got the love I need so much, my lady love (lady love)
I love your tender touch, my lady
(So glad I found my lady love)
Lady love