And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going

Album: Dreamgirls (Original Cast) Soundtrack (1982)
Charted: 32 22
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Songfacts®:

  • This was from the 1981 Broadway musical Dreamgirls, which is loosely based on the history of the Supremes. Holliday appeared in the musical playing Effie White. In 1982, she won a Tony for her performance, and the song won a Grammy for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. That same year, the soundtrack won a Grammy for Best Cast Show Album.
  • Holliday's performance of this song stopped the show and became her signature song. It was then released as a single, became a #1 R&B hit, and led to a career in pop music. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Jerro - New Alexandria, PA, for above 2
  • Jennifer Hudson played Effie White in the movie adaptation of the show, winning the Best Supporting Actress Award at the 2006 Oscars. Her version of this torch song was released as a single reaching #60 in the US. It also appears on her 2008 self-titled debut album.

Comments: 3

  • Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn June 27th 1982, "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" by Jennifer Holliday entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart at position #83; and on August 22nd, 1982 it peaked at #22 (for 3 weeks) and spent 14 weeks on the Top 100...
    And on July 18th, 1982 it reached #1 (for 4 weeks) on Billboard's R&B Singles chart.
  • Eric from New York, NyThe Original Broadway Cast Recording won the Grammy for Best Cast Show Album. The Soundtrack has yet to be released.
  • Adrian from Dallas, TxI saw Jennifer Holliday on Broadway in 1982 and the song "And I'm Telling You" made me weep, the raw emotion charging off the stage and into the rapt audience like a hurricane. The song is about losing a lover to another who is prettier and, importantly, thinner, even if not as talented. I think most of us can relate to losing something or someone we love intensely but who no longer loves us back. (For an alternate "take" on this emotion, check out Timi Yuro's great break-up song "What'sa Matter, Baby, Is It Hurting You?")
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