On this day in music history: October 1, 1977 - “It’s Ecstasy When You Lay Down Next To Me” by Barry White hits #1 on the Billboard R&B singles chart for 5 weeks, also peaking at #4 on the Hot 100 on November 12, 1977. Written by Nelson Pigford and Ekundayo Paris, it is the fifth and final chart topping single for the R&B music icon also known as “The Maestro. Previously best known for singing on Bill Conti’s Oscar nominated “Gonna Fly Now”, the theme from the film “Rocky”, session singer Nelson Pigford will collaborate with songwriter Ekundayo Paris (The Grass Roots’ “Sooner Or Later”) on some songs, hoping to get them recorded by someone. The ”someone” in particular that their demo will land in the hands of is none other than Barry White. One of the songs on the tape, simply titled “Ecstasy” will pique his interest, though after hearing it, he will also instinctively know that it needs some work for it to realize its full potential. White will give it a dramatic rearrangement which will bare almost no resemblance to the original composition. Now re-titled “It’s Ecstasy When You Lay Down Next To Me”, the track is cut at Whitney Studios in Glendale, CA in the Spring of 1977. Even before the vocals are recorded, it will be obvious to all involved that the song will be a smash. Released as the first single from White’s seventh album “Barry White Sings For Someone You Love” in mid July of 1977, it will race up the R&B chart and pop singles charts. “It’s Ecstasy” will also become a hit again in sample form as the basis of Mary J. Blige’s “You Bring Me Joy” in 1994, and Robbie Williams’ “Rock DJ” in 2000. “It’s Ecstasy When You Lay Down Next To Me” is certified Gold in the US by the RIAA.
Posted on: Wed, 01 Oct 2014 22:58:57 +0000
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