About the song
“Lady Love” is a timeless pop masterpiece that has stood the test of time, captivating audiences with its smooth, soulful melody and heartfelt lyrics. Written by the talented Yvonne Gray, alias Vonghn Gray, this song has become an iconic hit single, cut from Lou Rawls’ 1977 album “When You Hear Lou, You’ve Heard It All”. Released in January 1978, “Lady Love” peaked at an impressive No. 13 in Canada, No. 21 on Australia’s Kent Music Report, No. 24 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, and No. 21 on the R&B chart.
The song’s success can be attributed to the masterful arrangement of strings by Belford Hendricks, as well as the production skills of Von Gray and Jack Faith. The result is a harmonious blend of soul, jazz, and pop that has become an airplay staple on adult standards and smooth jazz radio stations to this day.
The song features Lou Rawls’ signature smooth vocals, accompanied by a talented group of backing vocalists, including Barbara Ingram, Yvonne Gray, Carla Benton, and Yvette Benson. The rhythm section is comprised of Charles Collins on drums, Michael “Sugarbear” Foreman on bass, and Dennis Harris on guitar. The keyboards are played by Edward Green, Von Gray, and Leon Huff, with Davis Cruse adding a touch of percussion on the bongos. Don Renaldo’s strings and horns add a lush, orchestral quality to the song.
“Lady Love” has been widely praised by music critics and fans alike, with many considering it one of Lou Rawls’ greatest hits. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal, and it continues to be a beloved classic in the world of music.
Video
Lyrics
Lady love, your love is peaceful
Like a summer’s breeze
My lady love, with love that’s tender
As a baby’s touch
You give me all of the things
That I need so much
You’re my world, lady love
Lady love, your love is cooling
Like the winter snow
My lady love, with love that’s cozy
As a fire’s glow
And I keep on needing you, girl
A little more and more
And I thank you, my lady love
You know, it’s not easy
To keep love flowing smooth
People are people, and they all have their moods
But it’s so nice, just to have someone like you
Who wants a smooth and easy thing
And all the good times that it brings
My lady love, you’ve been with me
Through all of my ups and downs
My lady love, I once was lost
But now with you, I’m found
You got the love I need
And I want to stay around
Heaven sent you down, my lady love
Let me tell you that it’s not easy
To keep love flowing smooth
You know, people are people, and they all have their moods
But it’s so nice, just to have someone like you
Who wants a smooth and easy thing
And all the good times and the joy that it brings
My lady love, you’ve been with me
Through all of my ups and downs
And my crazy turn-arounds
My lady love, you got the love I need
So stay around
Heaven sent my lady love
lady love
You got the love I need so much (lady love)
And I love your tender touch, lady love (lady love)
Sweet lady (lady love)
You are so good to me, lady love (so glad I found my lady love)
Like a warm of summer breeze (lady love)
That’s what you do to me, lady love (lady love, lady love)
Lady, lady, lady, lady, lady, lady, lady (so glad I found my lady love)
Lady love (lady love)
Got the love I need so much, my lady love (lady love)
I love your tender touch, my lady
(So glad I found my lady love)
Lady love