Clyde McPhatter was a prominent R&B singer and songwriter during the 1950s and 1960s. He is widely recognized for his distinctive tenor voice and his significant contributions to the development of the genre. McPhatter was an integral part of several successful vocal groups, including The Dominoes and The Drifters, before embarking on a solo career. Over the years, he released numerous hits that remain timeless classics to this day.
In this article, we take a look at the 10 Best Clyde McPhatter Songs of All Time, celebrating his remarkable musical legacy. From his early days with The Dominoes to his solo career, McPhatter’s music has touched the hearts of many, and his influence continues to resonate with contemporary artists. Join us as we explore his top hits, such as “Money Honey,” “Treasure of Love,” and “A Lover’s Question,” and discover why Clyde McPhatter’s voice is considered one of the most important in the history of R&B music.
1. Crying Won’t Help You Now
“Crying Won’t Help You Now” is a soulful ballad by Clyde McPhatter, released in 1962. The song’s emotive lyrics express heartbreak and despair over a lost love, with McPhatter’s powerful vocals conveying the raw pain of the situation. The track features lush strings and a haunting piano melody that adds to the melancholic mood. The song showcases McPhatter’s impressive vocal range and ability to convey deep emotion through his singing. “Crying Won’t Help You Now” remains a standout track in McPhatter’s discography, and a testament to his enduring talent as a singer and songwriter.
2. Just To Hold My Hand
“Just To Hold My Hand” is a romantic ballad by Clyde McPhatter, released in 1958. The song’s lyrics speak of a deep longing for the touch and presence of a loved one, with McPhatter’s smooth and soulful vocals conveying the emotions of the lyrics. The track features a lush arrangement of strings and brass, adding to the romantic atmosphere of the song. “Just To Hold My Hand” is a testament to McPhatter’s talent as a singer, and his ability to convey the deep emotions of love and longing through his music. It remains a classic R&B love song, and a highlight of McPhatter’s discography.
3. Ta Ta
“Ta Ta” is an upbeat and lively track by Clyde McPhatter, released in 1954. The song’s catchy melody and rhythm make it a fun and energetic addition to McPhatter’s discography. The lyrics speak of a playful goodbye to a lover, with McPhatter’s smooth and soulful vocals adding to the upbeat mood of the song. The track features a prominent saxophone and a lively piano melody that gives it a distinct rock and roll feel. “Ta Ta” showcases McPhatter’s versatility as a singer, and his ability to excel in a variety of musical styles. It remains a standout track in his early work, and a testament to his enduring influence on the rock and roll genre.
4. Long Lonely Nights
“Long Lonely Nights” is a soulful and melancholic ballad by Clyde McPhatter, released in 1958. The song’s emotive lyrics speak of the pain and heartbreak of a lost love, with McPhatter’s powerful and emotive vocals conveying the raw emotions of the situation. The track features a slow and mournful melody, with a prominent piano and strings adding to the melancholic mood. “Long Lonely Nights” is a testament to McPhatter’s talent as a singer and songwriter, and his ability to convey deep emotions through his music. It remains a classic R&B ballad, and a highlight of McPhatter’s discography.
5. Love Has Joined Us Together (feat. Ruth Brown)
“Love Has Joined Us Together” is a duet between Clyde McPhatter and Ruth Brown, released in 1960. The song’s romantic lyrics speak of the joy and happiness of finding true love, with McPhatter and Brown’s soulful and expressive vocals perfectly complementing each other. The track features a lively and upbeat melody, with horns and percussion adding to the celebratory mood. “Love Has Joined Us Together” is a testament to the chemistry and talent of both McPhatter and Brown as singers, and their ability to create a captivating and memorable duet. It remains a classic R&B love song, and a highlight of McPhatter’s collaborations.
6. Lovey Dovey
“Lovey Dovey” is an upbeat and catchy track by Clyde McPhatter, released in 1958. The song’s fun and flirtatious lyrics speak of the joys of being in love, with McPhatter’s smooth and soulful vocals adding to the playful mood of the song. The track features a lively and danceable melody, with horns and percussion adding to the energetic atmosphere. “Lovey Dovey” is a testament to McPhatter’s versatility as a singer, and his ability to excel in a variety of musical styles. It remains a classic R&B track, and a highlight of McPhatter’s discography.
7. Lover Please
“Lover Please” is an upbeat and energetic track by Clyde McPhatter, released in 1962. The song’s catchy melody and rhythm make it a fun and playful addition to McPhatter’s discography. The lyrics speak of a lover’s plea to be taken back, with McPhatter’s smooth and soulful vocals conveying the emotions of the situation. The track features a lively and danceable melody, with horns and percussion adding to the energetic atmosphere. “Lover Please” is a testament to McPhatter’s versatility as a singer, and his ability to excel in a variety of musical styles. It remains a classic R&B track, and a highlight of McPhatter’s later work.
8. Seven Days
“Seven Days” is a soulful and rhythmic track by Clyde McPhatter, released in 1956. The song’s lyrics speak of the joy and anticipation of reuniting with a loved one after a long absence, with McPhatter’s smooth and emotive vocals conveying the excitement and longing of the situation. The track features a lively and upbeat melody, with a prominent piano and brass adding to the celebratory atmosphere. “Seven Days” is a testament to McPhatter’s talent as a singer, and his ability to convey deep emotions through his music. It remains a classic R&B track, and a highlight of McPhatter’s discography.
9. Treasure of Love
“Treasure of Love” is a soulful ballad by Clyde McPhatter, released in 1956. The song’s lyrics speak of the enduring power of love and the value of a true connection with another person, with McPhatter’s smooth and emotive vocals conveying the depth and meaning of the message. The track features a slow and melancholic melody, with a prominent piano and strings adding to the romantic mood. “Treasure of Love” is a testament to McPhatter’s talent as a singer and songwriter, and his ability to create music that resonates with listeners on a deep emotional level. It remains a classic R&B ballad, and a highlight of McPhatter’s discography.
10. A Lover’s Question
“A Lover’s Question” is a soulful and emotive ballad by Clyde McPhatter, released in 1958. The song’s lyrics speak of the uncertainty and doubt that often come with love, with McPhatter’s smooth and soulful vocals conveying the raw emotions of the situation. The track features a slow and melancholic melody, with a prominent piano and strings adding to the romantic atmosphere. “A Lover’s Question” is a testament to McPhatter’s talent as a singer and songwriter, and his ability to convey deep emotions through his music. It remains a classic R&B ballad, and a highlight of McPhatter’s discography.
Darren Jamison is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
