(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher And Higher by Jackie Wilson

Album: Greatest Hits (1967)

Charted: 11 6

Get the Sheet Music License This Song

This was originally recorded by the vocal group The Dells. It was written by the blind songwriter and producer from Chicago, Raynard Minor, who worked on the original version with Billy Davis of Chess Records and producer Carl Smith. Davis allowed another songwriter in the Chess stable, Gary Jackson, to make some changes and pitch the song, with Davis removed from the credits. Jackson got the song to Brunswick Records, and they recorded it with their artist Jackie Wilson before The Dells could release their version.

The Dells version is titled "Higher And Higher" and has the refrain, "My love keeps on growing higher and higher."
Wilson recorded this in Chicago with members of The Funk Brothers, who were Motown's house band. As detailed in the documentary Standing In The Shadows Of Motown, these musicians were responsible for the distinctive Motown sound, but they didn't make much money and moonlighted by playing sessions for artists like Wilson. Playing on this track were bassist James Jamerson, drummer Richard "Pistol" Allen, guitarist Robert White, and keyboardist Johnny Griffith.
This song first charted in the UK in 1969, peaking at #11, and then again when it was re-issued in 1975 and 1987.
A cover version by Rita Coolidge in 1977 reached US #2. It was a much slower version and the title was amended slightly to "(Your Love Has Lifted Me) Higher And Higher." >>
Suggestion credit:
Darryl - Queensland, Australia, for above 2

Comments: 12

Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn May 1st 1977, "(Your Love Has Lifted Me) Higher and Higher" by Rita Coolidge entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 at position #89; and on September 4th it peaked at #2 (for 1 week) and spent over a half-year on the Top 100 (27 weeks)...
Before moving into the #2 spot, she spent 3 straight weeks at #3...
The week the song was at #2, the #1 record was "Best of My Love" by the Emotions...
And the day the song entered the Top 100 Ms. Coolidge celebrated her 32nd birthday; she was born on May 1st, 1945.
Jeff from Boston, MaActually the backing track was recorded at Columbia Studios in Chicago with the Funk Brothers band members listed above. Then the tape was taken to New York for Jackie to record his vocal - in 1 take.
Camille from Toronto, OhLove this version of the song, definitely makes ya feel good listening to it, great tempo and vocals.
Matt from Galway, IrelandLet that motown sound lift you higher, people! Testify!
Leah from Brooklyn, NyOne of the all-time feel good tunes.
Emma from Adelaide, Australiathat was so funny in ghostbusters 2 very good movie
Howard from Wakefield, United KingdomVery soulful!!!
Kristin from Bessemer, AlLOVE THAT GUITAR RIFF that is played throughout this song - of course it was arranged by Booker T. Jones, of Booker T. and the MG's - Booker T. was married to Rita Coolidge's sister, Priscilla, at the time.
Andy from B'ham, AlI haven't heard this version in like forever. I've heard Rita Coolidge's cover version somewhat recently. Rita Coolidge discotized it to fit her decade. To keep it sounding discoish, she slowed the tempo like needed. However, she didn't really need to slow it WAY down like she did. If I were in her shoes, I woulda slowed it only a notch, not a bunch as she did. Nor would I have omitted the refrain. But oh well... both versions are good.
Sara from Silver Spring, MdMichael McDonald released it with a female backing chorus on Soul Speak
Sara from Silver Spring, MdThis is one of three MP3 singles released by Michael McDonald for his upcoming R&B soul album "Soul Speak". He also does a version on "Chicago Live" as well"
Ralph from Newton, MaThis plays an important role in Ghostbusters II. A ghostly slime infuses itself into the statue of liberty. The slime reacts positively to Jackie Wilson music so they blast this song into the statue and it comes to life and defeats whatever the villian of the movie is. (It's been a while since I've seen it; I can't remember the details.)

see more comments

Colin HaySongwriter Interviews

Established as a redoubtable singer-songwriter, the Men At Work frontman explains how religion, sobriety and Jack Nicholson play into his songwriting.

Soul Train Stories with Stephen McMillianSong Writing

A Soul Train dancer takes us through a day on the show, and explains what you had to do to get camera time.

Early Days of MTVFact or Fiction

If you can recall the days when MTV played videos, you know that there are lots of stories to tell. See if you can spot the real ones.

90s MetalFact or Fiction

Test your metal - Priest, Maiden, and Beavis and Butt-head show up in this one.

George HarrisonFact or Fiction

Did Eric Clapton really steal George's wife? What's the George Harrison-Monty Python connection? Set the record straight with our Fact or Fiction quiz.

Chrissie Hynde of The PretendersSongwriter Interviews

The rock revolutionist on songwriting, quitting smoking, and what she thinks of Rush Limbaugh using her song.