The Manhattans – Shinning Star

About the song

“Shining Star” stands as a timeless anthem of love and success, crafted by American songwriters and music producers Leo Graham and Paul Richmond. This iconic song was brought to life in 1980 by the renowned R&B vocal group The Manhattans, featuring prominently on their album “After Midnight”. Upon its release as a single, “Shining Star” swiftly ascended the music charts, reaching number 4 on the US Billboard R&B chart and number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its widespread appeal was further underscored by its peak at number 2 in New Zealand and among the Black Oriented Singles in the US.

Notably, “Shining Star” marked a significant milestone in The Manhattans’ career, following their earlier global hit “Kiss and Say Goodbye” in 1976. The song’s acclaim was sealed with a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals in 1980, marking the pinnacle of their musical achievements. This accolade remains the sole Grammy Award in the group’s illustrious history.

The B-side of the “Shining Star” single featured the heartfelt track “I’ll Never Run Away From Love Again”, another gem from The Manhattans’ “After Midnight” album. Written by lead vocalist Gerald Alston and Barbara Morr, this song exemplified their soulful repertoire and was produced under the meticulous guidance of Norman Harris and The Manhattans themselves.

The creative ensemble behind “Shining Star” included Leo Graham as the producer, with James Mack providing the arrangement that beautifully complemented Gerald Alston’s resonant lead vocals. The backing vocals by Winfred “Blue” Lovett, Edward “Sonny” Bivins, and Kenneth “Wally” Kelly enriched the song’s harmonies, resonating with audiences far and wide.

Beyond its critical and commercial success, “Shining Star” found a lasting place in popular culture. It became a staple in live performances by the Jerry Garcia Band during their tours from 1991 to 1994, often stirring audience participation and becoming a cherished highlight of their sets.

As the decades have passed, “Shining Star” continues to shine brightly in the hearts of listeners worldwide, a testament to The Manhattans’ enduring musical legacy and their ability to craft melodies that resonate across generations. Its universal themes of love and achievement remain as relevant today as they were in 1980, ensuring its place among the classics of R&B music history.

Video

Lyrics

Honey, you are my shining star
Don’t you go away
Wanna be right here where you are
until my dying day

So many have tried, tried to find
a love like yours and mine

Girl, don’t you realize
how you hypnotize?
Make me, love you more each time

Honey I’ll never leave you lonely
Give my love to you only
to you only, to you on – ly

Honey, you are my shining star.
Don’t you go away.
Wanna be right here where you are
until my dying day.

Feels so good when we’re lying here next to each other,
lost in love.

Baby, when we touch, love you so much.
You’re all I ever dreamed of.

Honey I’ll never leave you lonely;
give my love to you only,
to you only, to you only.

Honey, you are my shining star.
Don’t you go away.
Wanna be right here where you are
until my dying day