By quantriweb2023 The 1976 American R&B masterpiece, “Kiss and Say Goodbye”, by The Manhattans is far more than a song—it’s a heartfelt tale that has captivated audiences worldwide for decades. Written by Winfred “Blue” Lovett, the group’s bass singer and songwriter, this track not only topped the charts but also unraveled a poignant story of love and heartbreak that resonated with listeners of the 1970s and beyond.
Remarkably, the song soared to the No. 1 spot in the United States, Belgium, Netherlands, New Zealand, and dominated the European Hot 100 Singles chart. Though it missed the top on the Adult Contemporary Chart, it fiercely held the crown on all other Pop and R&B Singles Charts in the U.S. The impact was undeniable, turning this ballad into one of the decade’s most iconic hits.
What makes this track astonishing is the creative genesis: Winfred Lovett confessed he woke up at 3 AM, pouring raw emotions onto tape and piano, crafting lyrics that delved deep into the dreaded love triangle, a situation all too familiar to many. “I just put the words together on my tape recorder and little piano. I’ve always thought that when you write slow songs, they have to have meaning. In this case, it’s the love triangle situation we’ve all been through,” Lovett confessed, making the song deeply relatable.
In a twist few knew, Lovett initially imagined “Kiss and Say Goodbye” as a country song, fitting for stars like Glen Campbell or Charley Pride, but ultimately decided to let The Manhattans bring it to life. The vocal spotlight falls on lead singer Gerald Alston, who begins his unforgettable crooning right after Lovett’s spoken intro.
Behind the scenes, the recording story is equally intense. The first demo featured The Manhattans’ own backing band, Little Harlem, yet producer Bobby Martin made a decisive move to re-record with the legendary MFSB at Sigma Sound Studios in Philadelphia. Shockingly, though recorded in early 1975, Columbia Records held back the release for 14 months, leaving even Lovett uneasy about the timing.
In his candid admission, Lovett remained critical of the production, revealing, “I was critical, a perfectionist in the studio, and there are still parts of it that make my skin crawl. For example, in one place, the background vocals go off pitch. Somehow, though, that didn’t seem to bother anyone else.” This honesty uncovers a raw vulnerability contrasting the polished hit that swept the world.
The mystery, the heartfelt emotions, and the underappreciated imperfections all combine to make “Kiss and Say Goodbye” not just a song, but an enthralling chapter in music history that still speaks volumes to every listener who has ever known love and loss.