If You Wouldn't Be My Lady

Album: Through the Eyes of Love (1970)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is another composition for Ray Charles written by the songwriting team of Jimmy Holiday and Eddie Reeves. It was written in a house on the beach in Los Angeles at Ocean Front Walk and Driftwood near Marina del Rey. Eddie Reeves told us an uncannily specific tale of the drudgery of songwriting: "I remember sitting at that piano and not touching a key for over an hour until I finally attempted an idea. I discarded this idea and continued to solemnly sit on the piano bench until the next idea came stumbling forth. I did this from mid morning until mid afternoon until I finally discovered an idea that took root."
  • Nashville hit producer Billy Sherrill recorded the song with Charlie Rich on his Behind Closed Doors album. That would take off to sell over four million copies, making the Charlie Rich version the better-known cover. (Check out Eddie Reeves' story.)

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Wedding Bell Blues

Wedding Bell BluesSong Writing

When a song describes a wedding, it's rarely something to celebrate - with one big exception.

Pam Tillis

Pam TillisSongwriter Interviews

The country sweetheart opines about the demands of touring and talks about writing songs with her famous father.

Queen

QueenFact or Fiction

Scaramouch, a hoople and a superhero soundtrack - see if you can spot the real Queen stories.

Barry Dean ("Pontoon," "Diamond Rings And Old Barstools")

Barry Dean ("Pontoon," "Diamond Rings And Old Barstools")Songwriter Interviews

A top country songwriter, Barry talks about writing hits for Little Big Town, Tim McGraw and Jason Aldean.

Don Brewer of Grand Funk

Don Brewer of Grand FunkSongwriter Interviews

The drummer and one of the primary songwriters in Grand Funk talks rock stardom and Todd Rundgren.

Sending Out An SOS - Distress Signals In Songs

Sending Out An SOS - Distress Signals In SongsSong Writing

Songs where something goes horribly wrong (literally or metaphorically), and help is needed right away.