Don't Change On Me

Album: Genius & Soul: 50th Anniversary Collection (1971)
Charted: 36
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song was written by Jimmy Holiday and Eddie Reeves for the ABC-Tangerine label, although Reeves at the time was still working for United Artists Music. It was Reeves' first success as a songwriter. "Don't Change On Me" ended up on Charles' album Love Country Style.
  • Eddie Reeves wrote the melody and the lyrics for the chorus, then had Jimmy Holiday have a go at writing the verses. Disappointed with the first result, he handed it back to Holiday again, telling him this time to think of church. Eddie Reeves told us: "A radio promotion man who worked for Ray's company called to tell me there was a possibility that our song could be released as Ray's next single but that the decision would be heavily influenced by what this promotion man reported to Ray. The promotion man then hinted that I should consider doing something 'nice' for him to increase the chance of our song being selected as the next single. I asked what he meant and he told me that recently someone had bought him a pair of alligator shoes, and that it would be good if I bought him another pair. He told me the store where I could buy them, his size, and how much they cost. I couldn't believe it. It was Hollyweird. I ignored his request and it had no effect on our song 'Don't Change On Me' being released as Ray's next single." (Check out Eddie Reeves' story.)
  • Alan Jackson recorded this song on his album Like Red on a Rose, released in 2006.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Rickie Lee Jones

Rickie Lee JonesSongwriter Interviews

Rickie Lee Jones on songwriting, social media, and how she's handling Trump.

Muhammad Ali: His Musical Legacy and the Songs he Inspired

Muhammad Ali: His Musical Legacy and the Songs he InspiredSong Writing

Before he was the champ, Ali released an album called I Am The Greatest!, but his musical influence is best heard in the songs he inspired.

Mike Campbell

Mike CampbellSongwriter Interviews

Mike is lead guitarist with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, and co-writer of classic songs like "Boys Of Summer," "Refugee" and "The Heart Of The Matter."

John Waite

John WaiteSongwriter Interviews

"Missing You" was a spontaneous outpouring of emotion triggered by a phone call. John tells that story and explains what MTV meant to his career.

James Williamson of Iggy & the Stooges

James Williamson of Iggy & the StoogesSongwriter Interviews

The Stooges guitarist (and producer of the Kill City album) talks about those early recordings and what really happened with David Bowie.

La La Brooks of The Crystals

La La Brooks of The CrystalsSong Writing

The lead singer on "Da Doo Ron Ron" and "Then He Kissed Me," La La explains how and why Phil Spector replaced The Crystals with Darlene Love on "He's A Rebel."