Lou Rawls, who learned of gospel music through his grandmother in Chicago, became a successful singer, primarily from the 1950s through the 1980s. He was a high school classmate of music giant Sam Cooke, and they sang together in the Teenage Kings of Harmony, a '50s gospel group.
After graduating from Chicago's Dunbar Vocational High School, he sang briefly with Cooke in the Teenage Kings of Harmony, a local gospel group, and then with the Holy Wonders. In 1951, Rawls replaced Cooke in the Highway QC's after Cooke departed to join The Soul Stirrers in Los Angeles. Rawls was soon recruited by the Chosen Gospel Singers and himself moved to Los Angeles, where he subsequently joined the Pilgrim Travelers
After graduating from Chicago's Dunbar Vocational Career Academy, Rawls enlisted in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. He left the "All-Americans" three years later as a sergeant, and hooked up with The Pilgrim Travelers as he traveled to Los Angeles. In 1958, while touring the South with the Travelers and Sam Cooke, Rawls was in a serious car crash. Rawls was pronounced dead before arriving at the hospital, where he stayed in a coma for five and a half days. It took him months to regain his memory, and a year to fully recuperate. Rawls considered the event to be life-changing.
Alongside Dick Clark as master of ceremonies, Rawls was recovered enough by 1959 to be able to perform at the Hollywood Bowl. He was signed to Capitol Records in 1962, the same year he sang the soulful background vocals on the Sam Cooke recording of "Bring it on Home to Me." Rawls himself charted with a cover of the song in 1970 (with the title shortened to "Bring It On Home").
Rawls' first Capitol solo release was Stormy Monday (a.k.a. I'd Rather Drink Muddy Water), a jazz album. On August 21, 1966, he opened for The Beatles at Crosley Field in Cincinnati.
Though his 1966 album Live! went gold, Rawls would not have a star-making hit until he made a proper soul album, appropriately named Soulin', later that same year. The album contained his first R&B #1 single, "Love Is a Hurtin' Thing". In 1967 Rawls won his first Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance, for the single "Dead End Street."
In 1969, the singer was co-host of NBC's summer replacement series for the Dean Martin Show along with Martin's daughter, singer Gail Martin.
After leaving Capitol in 1971, Rawls joined MGM, at which juncture he released his Grammy-winning single "Natural Man." He had a brief stint with Bell Records in 1974, where he recorded a cover of Hall & Oates' "She's Gone." In 1976, Rawls signed with Philadelphia International Records, where he had his greatest album success with the million-selling All Things in Time. The album produced his most successful single, "You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine", which topped the R&B and Adult Contemporary charts and went to number two on the pop side, becoming Rawls' only certified million-selling single in the process.
Subsequent albums, such as 1977's When You've Heard Lou, You've Heard It All yielded such hit singles as "Lady Love". Other releases in the 1970s included the classic album Sit Down And Talk To Me.
In 1982, Rawls received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
On the night of September 29, 1977, Rawls performed the national anthem of the United States prior to the Earnie Shavers-Muhammad Ali title fight at Madison Square Garden. He would be requested to sing the anthem many times over the next 28 years, and his final performance of it came on October 23, 2005. The crowd at that performance may not have known that Rawls was extremely ill with cancer, but he reportedly delivered an electrifying performance to kick off Game Two of the 2005 World Series between the Chicago White Sox and Houston Astros.
In 1980, Rawls began the "Lou Rawls Parade of Stars Telethon" which benefits the United Negro College Fund. The annual event, known since 1998 as "An Evening of Stars: A Celebration of Educational Excellence", consists of stories of successful African-American students who have benefited from and/or graduated from one of the many historically black colleges and universities who receive support from the UNCF, along with musical performances from various recording artists in support of the UNCF's and Rawls' efforts. The event has raised over US$200 million in 27 shows for the fund through 2006.
In January 2004, Rawls was honored by the United Negro College Fund for his more than 25 years of charity work with the organization. Instead of hosting and performing as he usually did, Rawls was given the seat of honor and celebrated by his performing colleagues, including Stevie Wonder, The O'Jays, Gerald Levert, Ashanti, and many others. His final television performance occurred during the 2005-2006 edition of the telethon, honoring Stevie Wonder in September 2005, just months before entering the hospital and after having been diagnosed with cancer earlier in the year. This program, aired in January, 2006, contains his final public television performance, where he performed two classics, "You Are the Sunshine of My Life," and a final ode to Frank Sinatra with, "It Was A Very Good Year."
At the time of Rawls' death, news and UNCF figures noted the significance of Rawls' final performance, "It Was a Very Good Year." The song is a retrospective of one's life and its lyrics include, "When I was seventeen, it was a very good year. It was a very good year for small town girls and soft summer nights...And now those days grow short, it is the autumn of years, and now I think about life as vintage wine from fine old kegs, from the brim to the dregs, it pours sweet and clear, it was a very good year."
Rawls appeared in a segment of the first season of Sesame Street, to sing the alphabet. He dismissed the concept of using cue cards for the performance, but reversed such decision when he forgot the order of the letters.
Throughout Rawls' singing career, he had the opportunity to appear in many films, television shows, and commercials. He can be seen in such films as Leaving Las Vegas, Blues Brothers 2000, and Angel, Angel, Down We Go. He had a supporting role in the Baywatch spin-off, Baywatch Nights. He also appeared in the western television series, Big Valley, (starring legend Barbara Stanwyck, along with Lee Majors and Linda Evans) where he played a hired hand. Here, he delivered the memorial line: "Ain't a horse that can't be rode; ain't a man that can't be throwed".
Rawls lent his rich baritone voice to many cartoons, including Hey Arnold! as the voice of Harvey The Mailman, Garfield, and The Proud Family. For many of the Film Roman Garfield specials, Rawls would often compose songs for them, which he would then sing usually doing a duet with Desiree Goyette. He also was famously in American sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.
For many years, he was a spokesperson for the Colonial Penn Life Insurance Company. He was also a spokesman for Budweiser, helping promote the brand on radio and TV to African-American markets much as Ed McMahon did for the white audience. Budweiser was a key sponsor for the Rawls telethon and UNCF.
Rawls was also a regular guest host on "Jazz Central", a program aired on the BET Jazz cable channel.
He appears as "Dr. Rawls" in a dream on an episode My Wife and Kids, where he breaks into a parody version of "You'll Never Find", which a frightened Damon Wayans is afraid of having a colonoscopy the following day. Rawls uses the scope as a microphone in the scene. Rawls appears as a commentator in the second half of the unrated commentary of Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy.
Rawls was also a guest star during the second season of The Muppet Show. He also made a brief appearance on the series finale of Martin. (The show's character Tommy is excited to see Lou Rawls at Nipsey's and mentioned that his favorite song is "Natural Man." Lou replied that he received a letter from a female claiming that she and her boyfriend broke up because of the song. This eludes to the episode where Tommy and Pam decide to move in together, but winded up fighting and ultimately breaking up because Tommy played the song "Natural Man" so much that it drove Pam crazy.)
The following is a list of Lou Rawls singles that made the top 50 on the Billboard Hot 100. His first Hot 100 entry was "Three O'Clock in the Morning" in 1965, and his final was "Wind Beneath My Wings" in 1983. In addition to those two, nine other singles peaked at positions below the top 50 on the Hot 100, and additional singles reached the R&B, Adult Contemporary and Bubbling Under charts.
* "Love Is a Hurtin' Thing" - 1966, #13 (also #1 R&B)
* "Dead End Street" - 1967, #29
* "Show Business" - 1967, #45
* "Your Good Thing (Is About to End)" - 1969, #18
* "A Natural Man" - 1971, #17
* "You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine" - 1976, #2 (also #1 R&B and #1 Adult Contemporary); certified Gold for sales of one million copies
* "Lady Love" - 1978, #24
Chicago
Lou Rawls Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I had to stop and stare
I saw a man dancing with his own wife
And you'll never guess where
Chicago, Chicago, that toddlin' town, that toddlin' town
Chicago, Chicago, I'll show you around, I love it
Betcha bottom dollar you'll lose your blues
The town that Billy Sunday could not shut down
On State Street, that great street
I just want to stay, I just want to stay
They do things they don't do on Broadway, say
They have the time, the time of their life
I saw a man who danced with his wife
In Chicago, Chicago, Chicago, Chicago
Free and easy town, brassy, breezy town
Chicago, Chicago
Let me cool my heels right down at Marshall Field
Come and walk with
Along the lake, to the drake
Hollar and hoot, all through the loop
Shout out now to Mrs. O'Leary's cow
No she-she, life is peachy
Chicago ... we'll meet at the Pump Room Ambassador East
To say the least
On shishkabob and breast of squab we will feed and get free
Don't tell me sin is rampid and right
Think of that man who danced with his wife
In Chicago, Chicago
I feel sympathy for that wonderful, windy town!
The song "Chicago" by Lou Rawls is a tribute to the city of Chicago, Illinois. The song expresses the surprise and delight that the singer feels upon seeing a man dancing with his wife. It emphasizes the lively, free-spirited, and fun-loving nature of the city, particularly on State Street, where people do things that are not done on Broadway. The song highlights the city's resilience and the fact that it could not be shut down by religious preacher Billy Sunday. The lyrics urge listeners to visit Chicago, promising that they will lose their blues and have the time of their life.
The song "Chicago" was written by Fred Fisher in 1922 for a musical revue called "The Passing Show." It became an instant hit and has since been covered by numerous artists, including Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and Tony Bennett. Lou Rawls' version, released in 1966, became his signature song and is considered one of the definitive versions of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
I got the surprise, the surprise of my life
Something unexpected caught my attention and surprised me greatly.
I had to stop and stare
I paused and couldn't help but continue to watch.
I saw a man dancing with his own wife
I witnessed a man and his wife dancing together.
And you'll never guess where
The location of this occurrence may surprise you.
Chicago, Chicago, that toddlin' town, that toddlin' town
The city of Chicago is commonly referred to as a lively and entertaining place.
Chicago, Chicago, I'll show you around, I love it
I am happy to introduce and guide you in experiencing the city that I deeply admire and enjoy.
Betcha bottom dollar you'll lose your blues
I bet that experiencing Chicago will have a positive effect on your mood.
In Chicago, Chicago
Chicago is where this memorable experience took place and where I encourage you to visit.
The town that Billy Sunday could not shut down
Chicago is a city that perseveres despite obstacles, and even a famous religious crusader could not change its character.
On State Street, that great street
State Street is an important and notable street in Chicago.
I just want to stay, I just want to stay
I desire to remain in this location and appreciate its uniqueness.
They do things they don't do on Broadway, say
The activities and entertainment options available in Chicago are distinct from those on New York City's famous Broadway.
They have the time, the time of their life
People in Chicago have a great time and enjoy themselves to the fullest extent.
Free and easy town, brassy, breezy town
Chicago is a place where people can easily relax and have fun, with a lively and energetic atmosphere.
Let me cool my heels right down at Marshall Field
I'd like to take a break and rest at Marshall Field department store.
Come and walk with
Join me for a stroll.
Along the lake, to the drake
We will walk along the shoreline and towards The Drake Hotel.
Hollar and hoot, all through the loop
We will exclaim and cheer throughout the central business district of Chicago known as The Loop.
Shout out now to Mrs. O'Leary's cow
A famous event in Chicago history is being referenced, the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which was allegedly caused by a cow owned by Mrs. O'Leary.
No she-she, life is peachy
There's no need to be pretentious, things are going well in Chicago.
Chicago ... we'll meet at the Pump Room Ambassador East
Our gathering place will be the historic restaurant, Pump Room, at the Ambassador East Hotel.
To say the least
To put it mildly.
On shishkabob and breast of squab we will feed and get free
We will enjoy delicious food, including skewered meat dishes with vegetables and pigeon meat, and receive complimentary items.
Don't tell me sin is rampid and right
Despite rumors of widespread immorality and corruption in Chicago, I refuse to believe it is all true.
Think of that man who danced with his wife
Remember that happy couple and their dance to music, as a reminder of the joy found in Chicago.
In Chicago, Chicago
Once again emphasizing the city of Chicago and all its wonders.
I feel sympathy for that wonderful, windy town!
I have empathy for the city of Chicago, which I hold in high regard and appreciation.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Fred Fisher, Phil Kelsall
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
johnny zell
I was born in a city the called the 'Windy City'
And they call it the 'Windy City' because of the 'Hawk'.
All mighty Hawk,
Talking about Mr. Wind kind of mean around winter time
I happen to live on a street that was a dead-end street
There was nothing to block or buffer the wind, the elements
Keep them from knocking my pad down, Jim I mean really socking it to me
And the boiler would bust and the heat was gone
I would have to get fully dressed before I could go the bed
Put everything on but my goulashes cause they had buckles on them
And my folks didn't play that said don't you be getting up in there with
Buckles on them goulashes and tear up my bed clothes but I was fortunate
As soon as I was big enough to get a job save me enough money to buy me a ticket I split
I got myself together now so I'm going back there to see about it see if it's still the same
I just wanted to tell you about it, you know it's all right
They say this is a big rich town I live in the poorest part
I was raised on a dead-end street in a city without a heart
I learned to fight before I was six only way I could get along
But when you're raised on a dead-end street you have to be tough and strong
Now all the guys are always getting in trouble that the way it's always been
But when the odds are all against you how can you win
I'm gonna push my way out of here ever thou I can't say when
But I'm gonna get off of this dead-end street and I ain't never gonna coma back again
I'm gonna push my way out of here ever thou I can't say when
But I'm gonna get off of this dead-end street
And I ain't never gonna come back to live here again
Never, No I ain't gonna come back here to live on this dead-end street no more
Cause I'm gonna get me a job, I'm gonna save my dough
Get away from here you-all, I ain't gonna come back no more
Not ever, dead-end street
I tired of breaking my back gonna start using my mind
Tired of working all of the time
I say there's trouble down there
I say there's trouble down there
I say there's trouble down there yeah
Down off a dead-end street
Down off a dead-end street
Rod Mcdonough
One of my all time favorite songs. I memorized the beginning monologue when this song came out in 1967 and. never forgot it
Terry Callahan
I identified with the situation completely even living in another state….really helps getting by during tough times…..
Kim Harmon
So good I grew up with this music. Lou Rawls had it going on.
Bartley Walton
One of my very personal favorites and one of his best performances in his career no surprise he got a Grammy for the record
JaParlnenio Muhammad
Listen to the theme song on power 🤔
Virgil R
This song is classic Lou Rawls. I can't tell you how many times i've listened to this great song!
Geno Mitchalinni
I was raised on Lou Rawls jams.
Terry Callahan
I’m pretty old now….76….and listened to it when it first came out….gave meaning to us who were poor going up…..love it even now…..
Terry Callahan
Lou told the truth how it was….and how it still is in many places……
Kees Verhagen
Me too. From when i was ten years old. Now i am with one foot in the grave. So much older good music out there to still come aware of.
And i am just a white dude from the Dutch countryside.🙈