By quantriweb2023 The legendary 1976 hit, “Kiss and Say Goodbye”, remains an unforgettable masterpiece by the American R&B vocal group The Manhattans. Written and passionately introduced by Winfred “Blue” Lovett, the group’s bass singer and songwriter, this track skyrocketed to become a global sensation shortly after its release.
Recorded for their self-titled album and unleashed into the world by Columbia Records in March 1976, the song dominated the charts globally. It seized the No. 1 spot in the United States, Belgium, Netherlands, New Zealand, and on the European Hot 100 Singles chart. Although it narrowly missed topping the Adult Contemporary Chart, it fiercely ruled the Pop Singles and R&B Singles Charts in the U.S. Its profound resonance turned it into one of the defining hits of the 1970s, captivating audiences then and continuing to echo through time.
The song’s genesis was nothing short of miraculous. Lovett revealed a striking story of how inspiration struck him around 3 a.m., in a blissful moment when “everything was there.” He jotted down ideas, weaving words over a tape recorder and piano. Lovett explained, “Slow songs have to have meaning,” and this piece, rooted in the heartache of a love triangle, struck a chord with anyone who has loved and lost. He boldly proclaimed, “It seemed to touch home for a lot of folks.”
Interestingly, Lovett initially pictured the tune as a country song, fit for artists like Glen Campbell or Charley Pride, before deciding to keep it for The Manhattans. The poignant vocals are elevated by lead singer Gerald Alston, who takes the spotlight after Lovett’s haunting spoken intro.
The journey to perfection was far from easy. The original demo featured The Manhattans’ backing band, “Little Harlem,” but producer/arranger Bobby Martin insisted on re-recording with the famed MFSB at Sigma Sound Studios in Philadelphia. Despite being recorded in early 1975, Columbia Records delayed its release for 14 months—a point of frustration for Lovett.
Lovett, ever the perfectionist, revealed, “There are still parts of it that make my skin crawl,” citing moments when the background vocals go off pitch. Astonishingly, these imperfections didn’t deter the public, who embraced the song passionately.
As the chords linger and the lyrics unfold, “Kiss and Say Goodbye” beckons the listeners into a world of heartfelt emotion, timeless storytelling, and unforgettable melodies. This song isn’t merely about parting; it’s an electrifying echo of love’s bittersweet finale that continues to grip hearts decades later.