After Laughter (Comes Tears)

Album: single release (1964)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This was written by the Memphis soul singer-songwriter Wendy Rene with her brother Johnny and recorded by their group the Drapels, although only Wendy is credited. The other two Drapels were Marianne Brittenum and Wilbur Mondie. At 17, Wendy received a contract as a solo artist at the same time Stax signed the Drapels. On this tune, Wendy is singing about the sometimes fleeting nature of love.
  • This was Wendy Rene's first and most popular recording. Her other big hit was "Bar-B-Q" in 1964.
  • That's Booker T. & the MG's as her backup band.
  • This is sampled in the Wu-Tang Clan's song "Tearz" (on the Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) album). A new generation came to appreciate Wendy's work through this and other samplings. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Ekristheh - Halath, for all of the above

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s Edition

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s EditionMusic Quiz

You know the scenes - Tom Cruise in his own pants-off dance off, Molly Ringwald celebrating her birthday - but do you remember what song is playing?

Colin Hay

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.

Cy Curnin of The Fixx

Cy Curnin of The FixxSongwriter Interviews

The man who brought us "Red Skies" and "Saved By Zero" is now an organic farmer in France.

Matthew Wilder - "Break My Stride"

Matthew Wilder - "Break My Stride"They're Playing My Song

Wilder's hit "Break My Stride" had an unlikely inspiration: a famous record mogul who rejected it.

Tom Johnston from The Doobie Brothers

Tom Johnston from The Doobie BrothersSongwriter Interviews

The Doobies guitarist and lead singer, Tom wrote the classics "Listen To The Music," "Long Train Runnin'" and "China Grove."

Justin Timberlake

Justin TimberlakeFact or Fiction

Was Justin the first to be Punk'd by Ashton Kutcher? Did Britney really blame him for her meltdown? Did his bandmates think he was gay?