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1961 single by American singer Barbara George

"I Know (You Don`t Love Me No More)" is an R&B song written and recorded by American singer Barbara George, released as her debut single in 1961. It became her signature song and her only major hit in United States, reaching No.1 on the Billboard R&B singles chart and No.3 in the Hot 100. It was later covered by various artists, inducing Fats Domino, Cher, Ike & Tina Turner, and Bonnie Raitt. A Spanish version by Marisela topped Billboard`s Latin chart in 1988.[1] The Shirelles borrowed the melody of "I Know" for their 1963 cover of "Everybody Loves A Lover".

Background

Barbara George began singing as a teen in her Baptist church choir and writing her own original songs. Already married by age 16, she later befriended R&B performer Jessie Hill, who wrangled her an audition with saxophonist/arranger Harold Battiste`s fledgling AFO label. In June 1961, Battiste organized a split recording session for George and fellow AFO artist Prince La La at producer Cosimo Matassa`s J&M Studios. Backed by New Orleans studio performers including cornetist Melvin Lastie, guitarist Roy Montrell, and drummer John Boudreaux, George cut the self-penned "I Know (You Don`t Love Me No More)", a vibrant, up-tempo number inspired by the traditional hymn "Just a Closer Walk with Thee". Issued via AFO`s national distribution deal with Juggy Murray`s Sue Records, "I Know" hit radio and retail in late 1961 and was a national `crossover` hit, topping the U.S. R&B charts and crossing over to No.3 on Billboard`s pop chart.[2][3]

Marisela version

In 1988, American singer Marisela recorded a cover version of the song for the soundtrack of the film Salsa. The original version recorded by Marisela was sung in English language and included on the film soundtrack, along with songs by Laura Branigan, Tito Puente, Robi Rosa, Wilkins and Grupo Niche.[4] A Spanish language version of the track, produced by Enrique Elizondo, was later included in Marisela`s album of the same title, under the title "Ya No".[5] This version became her first No.1 single in the Billboard Hot Latin Tracks chart, temporarily dislodging Franco`s "María" for one week from the top of the chart.[6]

Other versions

• 1962: Bobby Rydell on his album All the Hits
• 1963: Beryl Marsden`s single
• 1965: Paul Revere & The Raiders on the album Just Like Us!
• 1965: Pat Carroll on the album Requests!
• 1965: Tina Turner & Vanetta Fields performed a live version which was released on the album Live! The Ike & Tina Turner Show
• 1966: Fontella Bass on her album The `New` Look
• 1968: Fats Domino`s track reached No.14 on the Billboard R&B chart
• 1969: Ike & Tina Turner`s version from their album The Hunter reached No.126 on Billboard`s Bubbling Under The Hot 100
• 1972: Bonnie Raitt on her album Give It Up
• 1972: Rufus Thomas included it on his album Crown Prince of Dance
• 1973: Anne Murray on her album Danny`s Song
• 1974: The Newbeats put out the song as a single
• 1975: Yvonne Fair on her album The Bitch Is Black
• 1976: Cher on her album I`d Rather Believe in You
• 1978: Joe Cocker on his album Luxury You Can Afford
• 2000: B.B. King on the L.P. Makin` Love Is Good for You
• 2006: Cyndi Lauper sang it for the special Big Apple to the Big Easy, with Allen Toussaint.

See also

• List of number-one R&B singles of 1962 (U.S.)
• List of number-one Billboard Top Latin Songs from the 1980s