Charlie Rich, born Charles Allan Rich on December 14, 1932, in Colt, Arkansas, was an American country music singer and musician. He was known for his smooth, soulful voice and his versatility across various genres, including country, rockabilly, and pop.
Rich began his music career in the 1950s, initially working as a session musician in Memphis, Tennessee. He released his debut single, “Lonely Weekends,” in 1960, which became a moderate hit on the country charts. Throughout the 1960s and early 1970s, Rich released several albums and singles, but he achieved his greatest success in the mid-1970s.
In 1973, Charlie Rich scored his first number-one hit on the country charts with the song “Behind Closed Doors,” which also crossed over to the pop charts and became a major crossover hit. The song won Rich several awards, including the Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Performance, Male.
Another of Rich’s notable songs is “The Most Beautiful Girl,” released in 1973, which also topped the country charts and became a crossover hit. The song’s success helped solidify Rich’s reputation as one of the leading artists in country music at the time.
Throughout his career, Charlie Rich continued to release successful albums and singles, earning numerous awards and accolades. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1992.
Rich passed away on July 25, 1995, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most distinctive voices in country music history. His music continues to be celebrated by fans of country and popular music alike.
1. Set Me Free
“Set Me Free” is a song written and originally recorded by Charlie Rich. It was released as a single in 1964. While it did not achieve significant commercial success at the time, “Set Me Free” remains a favorite among fans of Charlie Rich’s music.
The song showcases Rich’s soulful vocal style and his ability to convey emotion through his singing. “Set Me Free” features a mid-tempo rhythm and heartfelt lyrics that express longing and the desire for freedom from emotional pain.
Although “Set Me Free” may not be as well-known as some of Charlie Rich’s other hits, it is still appreciated for its powerful performance and emotional depth. It remains a testament to Rich’s talent as a singer and songwriter in the realm of country and soul music.
2. Mohair Sam
“Mohair Sam” is a song written by Dallas Frazier and first recorded by American country music artist Charlie Rich. It was released as a single in 1965 and became one of Rich’s signature songs.
The song tells the story of a sharp-dressed man named Mohair Sam, who is known for his flashy style and smooth demeanor. The lyrics describe Mohair Sam’s extravagant lifestyle and his ability to charm the ladies with his fashionable attire and slick moves.
Charlie Rich’s recording of “Mohair Sam” was a commercial success, reaching the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and the top 30 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. The song’s upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and playful lyrics made it a hit with audiences and helped establish Rich as a prominent figure in country music during the 1960s.
Over the years, “Mohair Sam” has been covered by various artists in different genres, further cementing its status as a classic song. It remains a popular choice for dance halls and jukeboxes, beloved for its infectious groove and fun-loving vibe.
3. Big Boss Man
“Big Boss Man” is a blues song that has been recorded by various artists over the years. The song was written by Luther Dixon and Al Smith and was first recorded by blues musician Jimmy Reed in 1960.
“Big Boss Man” tells the story of a working man’s struggle with his boss, who is portrayed as a powerful and authoritarian figure. The lyrics depict the challenges and frustrations faced by the protagonist as he tries to navigate the demands of his job and the oppressive nature of his boss.
The song has been covered by numerous artists in various genres, including rock and roll, blues, and country. One of the most famous versions of “Big Boss Man” was recorded by Elvis Presley in 1967. Presley’s rendition of the song featured a driving rhythm and his characteristic vocal style, and it became a hit on the charts.
“Big Boss Man” remains a popular and enduring blues standard, celebrated for its gritty lyrics and infectious groove. It continues to be performed and recorded by artists around the world, showcasing its lasting impact on the blues and popular music.
4. Lonely Weekends
“Lonely Weekends” is a song originally written and recorded by Charlie Rich. It was released as a single in 1960, marking one of Rich’s early successes in his music career. The song features a lively rockabilly sound and showcases Rich’s smooth vocals and piano skills.
“Lonely Weekends” describes the feelings of loneliness and longing that come with spending weekends alone after a breakup. The song’s upbeat tempo contrasts with its melancholic lyrics, creating a compelling blend of emotions that resonated with listeners.
While “Lonely Weekends” did not achieve widespread commercial success upon its initial release, it became a favorite among rockabilly and country music enthusiasts. Over the years, the song has been covered by various artists and remains a cherished classic in the genre.
Charlie Rich’s recording of “Lonely Weekends” helped establish him as a talented singer and musician, laying the groundwork for his later successes in the music industry.
5. I Feel Like Going Home
“I Feel Like Going Home” is a blues song written and originally performed by American blues musician Charlie Rich. It was released as a single in 1955.
The song “I Feel Like Going Home” is a slow, soulful blues ballad that expresses feelings of loneliness, longing, and a desire for comfort and solace. The lyrics convey the singer’s yearning to return to a place of familiarity and belonging, where they can find peace and refuge from their troubles.
Charlie Rich’s rendition of “I Feel Like Going Home” showcases his distinctive vocal style and heartfelt delivery, capturing the emotion and depth of the song’s themes. The song became one of his early hits and helped establish him as a respected figure in the blues and country music scenes.
Over the years, “I Feel Like Going Home” has been covered by various artists in different genres, further cementing its status as a classic blues standard. Its evocative lyrics and soul-stirring melody continue to resonate with audiences, making it a timeless favorite among blues enthusiasts.
6. I Take It On Home
“I Take It On Home” is a song written and performed by Charlie Rich. It was released in 1974 as the title track of his album of the same name.
“I Take It On Home” showcases Rich’s soulful vocal delivery and his ability to blend elements of country, soul, and blues in his music. The song features a mid-tempo rhythm and heartfelt lyrics that explore themes of love, longing, and the desire for reconciliation.
In “I Take It On Home,” Rich sings about returning to his lover after being away, expressing his eagerness to mend their relationship and make things right. The song’s emotive performance and relatable lyrics resonated with audiences, helping it become a hit on the country charts.
“I Take It On Home” is considered one of Charlie Rich’s standout recordings and remains a favorite among fans of his music. Its timeless appeal and Rich’s soulful delivery continue to captivate listeners to this day.
7. A Very Special Love Song
“A Very Special Love Song” is a song written by Billy Sherrill and Norro Wilson, and performed by Charlie Rich. It was released in 1974 as a single from his album “Very Special Love Songs.”
The song is a soulful ballad that showcases Rich’s smooth and emotive vocals. “A Very Special Love Song” features lush orchestration and heartfelt lyrics that express the depth of romantic feelings. Rich sings about the power of love and the special connection he shares with his partner, describing it as a “very special love song.”
The song was a major commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and number eleven on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also won Rich two Grammy Awards in 1975 for Best Country Vocal Performance, Male and Best Country Song.
“A Very Special Love Song” remains one of Charlie Rich’s most beloved recordings and is considered a classic in the country music genre. Its timeless appeal and Rich’s soulful delivery have made it a favorite among fans of romantic ballads.
8. There Wont Be Anymore
“There Won’t Be Anymore” is a country song written by Charlie Rich. It was released in 1974 as a single from his album “Very Special Love Songs.”
The song tells the story of a man who is reflecting on the end of his relationship. He acknowledges the pain and heartache of the breakup but also expresses a sense of resignation and acceptance. The lyrics convey a sense of finality, as the man realizes that the relationship is over and there won’t be any more chances to make things right.
Charlie Rich’s rendition of “There Won’t Be Anymore” features his smooth, soulful vocals and a melancholy melody that perfectly captures the emotional weight of the song. The song became a hit for Rich, reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.
“There Won’t Be Anymore” has since become a classic country ballad and has been covered by various artists over the years. Its poignant lyrics and heartfelt delivery continue to resonate with audiences, making it a timeless favorite among country music fans.
9. The Most Beautiful Girl
“The Most Beautiful Girl” is a song written by Billy Sherrill, Norro Wilson, and Rory Bourke, and recorded by Charlie Rich. It was released in 1973 as a single from his album “Behind Closed Doors.”
The song is a soulful ballad that features Rich’s smooth vocals and heartfelt delivery. “The Most Beautiful Girl” tells the story of a man who is torn between his current love and the memory of a past relationship. He realizes that while his current partner may not be the most beautiful girl in the world, she is the most beautiful girl to him because of the love they share.
“The Most Beautiful Girl” was a massive commercial success, topping the charts in the United States and becoming Rich’s first number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart.
The song’s crossover appeal helped solidify Charlie Rich’s reputation as a versatile and talented artist. “The Most Beautiful Girl” remains one of his most iconic recordings and is considered a classic in the country and pop music genres.
10. Behind Closed Doors
“Behind Closed Doors” is a country song written by Kenny O’Dell. It was first recorded by American country music artist Charlie Rich and released in 1973 as the title track of his album of the same name.
The song “Behind Closed Doors” describes the facade of a seemingly perfect relationship, contrasting the public image with the private reality. It suggests that behind closed doors, there may be secrets and complexities that are not visible to the outside world.
Charlie Rich’s rendition of “Behind Closed Doors” features his smooth and soulful vocals, accompanied by lush orchestration. The song became a massive hit, topping the country charts and crossing over to the pop charts, where it reached high positions as well. It won the Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance in 1973.
“Behind Closed Doors” is regarded as one of Charlie Rich’s signature songs and is considered a classic of the country music genre. Its timeless appeal and universal themes have ensured its enduring popularity, and it continues to be celebrated as one of the greatest country songs of all time.
Edward Tomlin 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.
