Charlie Rich (1932–1995) was an American country and soul singer, songwriter, and musician. He is best known for his soulful voice, versatile musical style, and a successful career that spanned several decades.
Born on December 14, 1932, in Colt, Arkansas, Rich’s early musical influences ranged from jazz and blues to country. He started his career in the late 1950s, initially finding success as a session musician and songwriter in Memphis, Tennessee. Rich’s ability to blend various genres, including country, rockabilly, and R&B, made him a distinctive figure in the music industry.
In the early 1970s, Charlie Rich achieved widespread recognition with a series of successful albums and hit songs, including the soulful ballad “Behind Closed Doors” (1973), which won multiple awards, including two Grammy Awards. His crossover appeal allowed him to connect with audiences beyond the traditional country music fanbase.
Rich’s musical style incorporated elements of country, pop, and soul, showcasing his versatility as an artist. His piano skills, combined with his emotive and expressive vocals, contributed to his unique sound. Some of his other notable songs include “The Most Beautiful Girl” and “A Very Special Love Song.”
Despite his success, Rich faced personal and professional challenges, and his career experienced ups and downs. However, he remains remembered as a talented and influential artist whose contributions to country and crossover music left a lasting impact. Charlie Rich was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1992.
1. “Behind Closed Doors”
“Behind Closed Doors” is a classic country and soul ballad written by Kenny O’Dell. The song gained widespread popularity after being recorded by American singer Charlie Rich. It was released as a single in 1973 and became one of Rich’s most successful and signature songs.
The lyrics of “Behind Closed Doors” paint a picture of a seemingly perfect and harmonious relationship, but the title suggests that there may be more to the story than meets the eye. The song’s narrator describes the public facade of a loving partnership, emphasizing the contrast between the public image and the reality that unfolds behind closed doors. Despite any imperfections or challenges, the couple manages to maintain a strong connection.
Charlie Rich’s soulful and emotive delivery, along with the lush production of the song, contributed to its crossover success. “Behind Closed Doors” topped the country charts and also crossed over to the pop charts, showcasing Rich’s ability to appeal to a broad audience.
The song’s popularity was further solidified when it won several awards, including two Grammy Awards in 1974—for Best Male Country Vocal Performance and Best Country Song. “Behind Closed Doors” remains a classic in the country and pop music genres and is often regarded as one of Charlie Rich’s defining and enduring hits.
2. “The Most Beautiful Girl”
“The Most Beautiful Girl” is a country pop song written by Rory Bourke, Billy Sherrill, and Norro Wilson. It was recorded by American country singer Charlie Rich and released as a single in 1973. The song became a major hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.
“The Most Beautiful Girl” is characterized by its lush orchestration and Rich’s smooth vocal delivery. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is captivated by a woman and believes she is the most beautiful girl he has ever seen. The song’s romantic theme and Charlie Rich’s soulful interpretation contributed to its widespread appeal.
The song remains one of Charlie Rich’s most well-known hits and is considered a classic in the country music genre. It has been covered by various artists over the years, solidifying its place as a timeless and enduring piece of country music history.
3. “Rollin’ with the Flow”
“Rollin’ with the Flow” is a country song written by Tompall Glaser and released by American country artist Charlie Rich in 1977. The song became one of Rich’s biggest hits, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.
“Rollin’ with the Flow” has a laid-back and easygoing feel, typical of Charlie Rich’s country and country-pop style. The lyrics convey a sense of acceptance and resilience, emphasizing the idea of going with the flow and taking life as it comes.
The song’s success helped Charlie Rich maintain his presence on the country music scene. “Rollin’ with the Flow” remains a well-remembered and appreciated track in country music history.
4. “A Very Special Love Song”
“A Very Special Love Song” is a country-pop song written by Billy Sherrill and Norris Wilson. It was performed by American country singer Charlie Rich and released in 1974. The song became one of Rich’s most successful hits, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and crossing over to the pop charts.
The lyrics of “A Very Special Love Song” express deep feelings of love and admiration. The singer conveys the uniqueness and special nature of the love he is experiencing. The song’s melody is melodic and reflective, fitting well with the romantic theme.
Charlie Rich’s smooth and soulful vocal delivery, combined with the song’s beautiful melody, contributed to its popularity. “A Very Special Love Song” remains one of Charlie Rich’s signature songs and is recognized as a classic in the country music genre.
5. “I Love My Friend”
“I Love My Friend” is a song written by Kris Kristofferson. It was recorded by Charlie Rich and released as a single in 1974. The song is a poignant and soulful ballad that explores themes of love, heartbreak, and the complexity of relationships.
In “I Love My Friend,” Rich’s expressive vocals convey a deep sense of emotion as he reflects on a romantic relationship that has come to an end. The lyrics speak to the bittersweet realization that, despite the pain of separation, the love and affection for the former partner remain strong. The song captures the melancholic beauty of lost love and the enduring impact it can have on one’s heart.
Charlie Rich’s rendition of “I Love My Friend” showcases his ability to infuse emotion into his performances, and the song became another notable entry in his catalog of soulful and introspective ballads. While not as commercially successful as some of his other hits, the song resonated with audiences who appreciated its heartfelt lyrics and Rich’s soulful delivery.
“I Love My Friend” is a testament to the timeless appeal of Charlie Rich’s music and his skill in interpreting songs that explore the complexities of human relationships with depth and authenticity.
6. “There Won’t Be Anymore”
“There Won’t Be Anymore” is a song written by Charlie Rich. It was released as a single in 1974 and became one of Rich’s successful country hits. The song is a soulful ballad that reflects on the end of a relationship and the emotional aftermath.
In “There Won’t Be Anymore,” Charlie Rich’s expressive and heartfelt vocals convey a sense of resignation and acceptance. The lyrics speak to the finality of a breakup, acknowledging that the relationship has come to an end, and there won’t be any more moments shared between the two individuals. The song captures the melancholic and reflective mood that often accompanies the realization that a love story has reached its conclusion.
Rich’s ability to infuse emotion into his performances is evident in “There Won’t Be Anymore,” making it a poignant addition to his repertoire of country and soul ballads. The song resonated with audiences, and it became another example of Rich’s skill in delivering songs that tap into the universal themes of love and heartbreak.
While “There Won’t Be Anymore” may not be as widely recognized as some of Charlie Rich’s other hits, it remains a notable and evocative piece in his body of work, showcasing his talent for interpreting songs with depth and emotional resonance.
7. “Every Time You Touch Me (I Get High)”
“Every Time You Touch Me (I Get High)” is a country song written by Charlie Rich. It was released as a single in 1975 and became one of Rich’s successful hits. The song showcases Rich’s soulful country style and his ability to convey emotion through his distinctive vocal delivery.
The lyrics of “Every Time You Touch Me (I Get High)” express the intoxicating and uplifting feeling that comes with the touch of a loved one. The song’s romantic theme and Rich’s soulful interpretation contributed to its popularity.
Charlie Rich’s smooth vocals and the emotional depth of the song resonated with audiences, and it became a well-known and appreciated track in the country music scene.
8. “Big Boss Man”
“Big Boss Man” is a blues song that has been recorded by various artists, but one of the well-known versions was recorded by Jimmy Reed. It was written by Luther Dixon and Al Smith and was originally released by Reed in 1961. The song features a straightforward blues structure and has become a standard in the genre.
In “Big Boss Man,” the lyrics depict a working-class blues narrative, where the protagonist describes the challenges and frustrations of dealing with a demanding and authoritative boss. The term “big boss man” refers to a person in a position of power or authority, typically an employer or supervisor.
Jimmy Reed’s version of “Big Boss Man” is characterized by his distinctive singing style and harmonica playing, accompanied by a simple but effective blues arrangement. The song became a hit for Reed, reaching the top of the Billboard R&B chart.
Over the years, “Big Boss Man” has been covered by numerous artists in various genres, further solidifying its status as a blues classic. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its relatable theme, catchy melody, and the timeless blues sound that Jimmy Reed brought to the recording.
9. “My Elusive Dreams” (with Tammy Wynette)
“My Elusive Dreams” is a country song originally written by Billy Sherrill and Curly Putman. It was first recorded as a duet by David Houston and Tammy Wynette in 1967. The song became a major hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.
The lyrics of “My Elusive Dreams” tell the story of a person who has been pursuing dreams that seem out of reach. The duet expresses the longing and the challenges faced in trying to achieve those elusive dreams.
In addition to David Houston and Tammy Wynette’s version, “My Elusive Dreams” has been covered by various artists in different genres. The song’s popularity and emotional resonance have contributed to its enduring status as a classic in country music.
10. “Life Has Its Little Ups and Downs”
“Life Has Its Little Ups and Downs” is a soulful country song written by Margaret Ann Rich and Charlie Rich. The song was originally recorded by Charlie Rich and released as a single in 1969. Charlie Rich, known for his versatile musical style that blended country, soul, and pop, brought his emotive vocals to this poignant ballad.
The lyrics of “Life Has Its Little Ups and Downs” convey the ups and downs inherent in life’s journey. The song reflects on the inevitable challenges and setbacks that everyone faces, emphasizing the cyclical nature of life’s highs and lows. Rich’s delivery adds a depth of emotion to the narrative, capturing the resilience needed to navigate through life’s fluctuations.
The song resonated with audiences, and Charlie Rich’s rendition reached the top of the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in 1969. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the universal themes explored in the lyrics and Rich’s ability to connect with listeners through his soulful and heartfelt performances.
“Life Has Its Little Ups and Downs” has been covered by other artists over the years, but Charlie Rich’s version remains the most recognized and celebrated. The song stands as a testament to Rich’s musical legacy and his ability to convey the complexities of the human experience through his soulful country stylings.