Released in 1967, Jackie 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.
The song was originally written by Chess Records’ in-house writers and producers Carl Smith and Raynard Miner, and initially recorded by The Dells for the label, but not released.
Released in August 1967, the song reached #1 on the US Billboard R&B chart and, in November, peaked on the Billboard Hot 100 at #6, and #11 in the UK.
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.
(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher
Jackie Wilson
Your love, lifting me higher
Than I’ve ever been lifted before
So keep it it up
Quench my desire
And I’ll be at your side, forever more
You know your love (your love keeps lifting me)
Keep on lifting (love keeps lifting me)
Higher (lifting me)
Higher and higher (higher)
I said your love (your love keeps lifting me)
Keep on (love keeps lifting me)
Lifting me (lifting me)
Higher and higher (higher)
Listen
Now once, I was down-hearted
Disappointment, was my closest friend
But then you, came and it soon departed
And you know he never
Showed his face again
That’s why your love (your love keeps lifting me)
Keep on lifting (love keeps lifting me)
Higher (lifting me)
Higher and higher (higher)
I said your love (your love keeps lifting me)
Keep on (love keeps lifting me)
Lifting me (lifting me)
Higher and higher (higher)
Alright
I’m so glad, I’ve finally found you
Yes that one, in a million girls
And I whip, my loving arms around you, honey
I can stand up, and face the world
Let me tell ya, your love (your love keeps lifting me)
Keep on lifting (love keeps lifting me)
Higher (lifting me)
Higher and higher (higher)
I said your love (your love keeps lifting me)
Keep on (love keeps lifting me)
Lifting me (lifting me)
Higher and higher (higher)
Now sock it to me
Hold me, the other woman
Keep my love going
Higher and higher
I said keep on lifting
Lift me up mama
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Carl Smith / Gary Jackson / Raynard Miner
(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc
Another winner! I loved that they used this song in the second Ghostbuster’s movie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ahhhh … I did not know that! Or, if I did, my foggy ol’ brain forgot it. Glad you liked the music!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s the scene where the Statue of Liberty walks. Very cool, and the perfect song.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Guess I’m gonna have to add that movie to my watchlist, eh?
LikeLiked by 1 person
If you liked the first Ghostbusters, you will like this one. Plus, how can you go wrong with this song? 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well … um … I never actually saw the first one, either … or if I did, I don’t recall. Does that make me a complete nerd? Sigh. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
No, not at all. I do hope you treat yourself to these great movies!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have added them to my ever-growing list!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awesome! Watch in order.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just like a teacher, telling you they must be watched in the proper order! 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jill, thanks for the history. I remember this more with Rita Coolidge’s smooth cover. Jackie Wilson has that powerful voice, though. Keith
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was thinking about playing Rita Coolidge’s version too, but it was nearly 3:00 a.m. and I was just too tired to do any more. Glad you liked it, though!
LikeLike
Good one. Jackie Wilson is terrific.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This literally popped into my head from out of nowhere! Glad you liked it!
LikeLiked by 1 person