Stacy Lattisaw performs I Don't Have the Heart LIVE on Showtime at the Apollo

[andrewrms]

I love this song! And I love your channel, retrohythms! You´re the man!

[GiuseppePascuale928]

A soulful balladeer of the finest pedigree. Her voice could do no wrong.

[MrMusic913]

@retrorhythms could you PLEASE post her live performance of "Where Do We Go From Here?"... I would love to see how she delivers that live... her videos are so rare =(

[boutteperry]

Phyllis Hyman and Stacy Lattisaw could have been sisters

[mrhughesr09]

Simply beautiful. 

[keiteltheone]

i have always love stacy lattisaw bought her 1st album not cd yall

[clarklance]

I'm a BIG fan. She did have a great voice. Saw her in concert . One thing though it seemed like she got caught up in what a lot of R&B artist go through; the record company trying to make you appeal Pop. Music should just happen and appeal to whoever. Stacy had so many pure R&B singles on her albums that were overlooked that colud have been big R&B hits, With You, The Ways Of Love, 16, Sneakin' Out, Love Town, Tender Love, Falling In Love Again, You Ain't Leavin' and That's The Reason Why I Love

[outofthisworldgurl]

My mom is a stacy lattisaw fan and that's how I found out about her. In my opinion, I think she is the only 'child' singer in history who came close to that pure, strong and soulful sound that Michael Jackson had as a kid. My mom used to play her songs when she was a kid and her voice was nearly identical to Mikes, so much soul, purity and beauty in every note. She was just a really good singer and not many like her exists in mainstream anymore.

[pookeylou]

I tried so hard to get my hair to look like this!

[FaReaList]

One thing I appreciate about Stacy Lattisaw is that she always had the freshest outfits and the coolest hair. Every time she performed she came correct with the way she looked, I've always liked her clothes!

[merd6373]

I will be supporting her when she comes out with her Gospel CD. I Luv Stacy Lattisaw!

[mztracyr]

What an a amazing voice!!!

[llehcin]

That's a James Ingram hit.

[doubleolove]

I enjoyed watching this again. Getting hyped for Stacy's "Unsung" tomorrow night.

[brownscorpio]

Where do we go from here? I wish that could be found. It was the same show as this one.

[CookyMonzta]

Honestly, I almost expected her to reappear in 1992 or '93, doing electronic dance, which was very popular on the Hot 100 and R&B charts at the time.

Rumor from Wiki has it that she's coming back, for gospel.

[retrorhythms]

She does do gospel music, but she is mostly focused on family. However, there will be an "Unsung" special airing on her next month, so we'll probably find out more! In the meantime, check out the 1989 interview with her that I posted!

[Mongo76]

@retrorhythms I havent heard her in a while but unless there has been a major change in voice her voice is too fine for gospel to me. I think she has a more pop oriented voice. Thats just my opinion. Again her voice has probably also changed so it will be interesting to hear her new work.

[CookyMonzta]

If what I've read on the Web is true, then according to one of the songwriters for "I Don't Have The Heart", Motown wasn't exactly throwing their support toward her. So, little or no radio play for this song, and 'What You Need' would be her last album. After scoring her VERY FIRST #1 song, in 1990, they pretty much washed her out, right there and then, at TWENTY-TWO! I don't blame her if her retirement was her own decision.

[CookyMonzta]

James Ingram's version didn't surge in radio play until sometime in July 1990, and the single wasn't released until late-July or early-August. The album had already maxed out long before then. Motown could have capitalized on the fact that, in Feb. 1990, her duet with Johnny Gill, "Where Do We Go From Here?" went to #1 on the R&B charts! They didn't.

[Mongo76]

@CookyMonzta Motown was a hit maker, but Motown form its beginnings has a history of SHADINESS..... countless artists had to sue for back royalties. Smokey was close to Gordy and instrumental in the labels success so he didnt have these problems but the way he did FLorence Ballard was dispicable. He used people and destroyed lives.

[buddhaman4518]

@Mongo76 Motown isn't the only record company that exploited artists. Remember TLC? Three multi-platinum albums and bankrupt? Unfortunately, when these young performers sign, they don't have good legal representation. They lock themselves into long-term contracts and the record companies deduct promotion, recording, studio time, producer's fees, etc. They give you an advance, but it takes 2-3 albums before you really start making good money. Of course touring is another way of getting paid too.

[Mongo76]

@buddhaman4518 I understand your reply. I referenced Motown because Stacy was a Motown artist so it's not surprising the way they did her. I was showing that they have a history of treating their artists unfairly. I don't doubt other companies did the same, many worse. I agree the music industry as a whole eats artists and spit them out once they feel they have gotten as much money as the're gonna get. Artists must be cautious when signing contracts.

[buddhaman4518]

@Mongo76 Absolutely! They should be cautious. However, when you hand someone less than 20 years of age a check for a quarter of a million dollars and tell them they're going to be the next big thing, caution goes out the window! The music industry is full of extremely talented singers that never reach the pinnacle. Talent can be a factor, but the right management, writers, producers, and promotion also play a role. I firmly believe in destiny too!

[CookyMonzta]

Well, well, well...I learn something new every day; and THIS one I should have picked up on back in 1989. Too bad I never read the back of the album for the song list.

As it turns out, James Ingram recorded his version first, and the album on which it appeared ('It's Real') was released in May 1989. Stacy's final album ('What You Need'), on which this same song appeared, didn't hit the record racks until Oct. 1989.

[retrorhythms]

Thanks for that clarification about the month that James' album came out. The interesting thing is, in spite of that, Stacy's was still released as a single first! I remember buying the cassette single when it came out in April of '90! A couple of months later, I saw her on TV and she said she was working on another album that would be out soon...

[reg12269]

@retrorhythms assuming james wrote it for her. he had a few songwriting hits incl michael jackson.

[retrorhythms]

@reg12269 James didn't write the song. It was written by Allan Rich & Jud Friedman.

[reg12269]

@reg12269 thanks, just odd they would release it so close to each other. only times i've noticed that is when the songwriter decides to take over the song themselves as with michael bolton with laura branigan back in the day with how am i suposed to live without you and even then, they give the initial release some breathing space first. never even knew stace recorded this gem

[psmkkk]

I have always been a big fan of Stacy Lattisaw in the past and now the present. It is not that I do not/did not enjoy the music of James Ingram growing up, but I actually prefer the version of "I Don't Have the Heart" as sung by Stacy Lattisaw.

[mrjtjt]

Stacey was one of my all time favorite singers ever. I just loved her in the 80s. But I have to admit that the James Ingram version sounds better; plus, this song is better fit for a man to be singing about a woman. But stacey is awesome!

[cmartin19711]

I am a stacey lattisaw fan but I hear that motown was not at all happy in cutting this james ingram song back in the day. It ultimately caused a rift between motown and stacey lattisaw

[retrorhythms]

Where did you hear that? Seems strange if true, because they released it as the follow-up single to "Where Do We Go from Here," and it was released as a single several months before James' version!

[ICANDIGUOUT]

fine indeed....damn, with a voice to match

[MrSexxxy20]

Her hair is hooked up lol I wonder why she stepped out of the music industry

[retrorhythms]

Looking at a lot of her appearances, I get the feeling that she was a little bit uncomfortable at times. She was quoted in the liner notes of her greatest-hits CD as saying that her mom lived her dream through her! Ultimately, I don't think that Stacy herself craved the "spotlight" (to quote one of her song titles!).

[romeovision2006]

@retrorhythms Do you have "Where do we go from here?" It was on the same show. I know the guy was a Johnny GIll stand-in, but he could sing too. Stacy did well on all of her parts of that performance.

[retrorhythms]

I do. I'll have to find it and post it eventually!

[romeovision2006]

@retrorhythms You will be the cat's meow or even the tiger's roar!! if you post that.

[UB44K80]

I have a crush on this girl all over again!

[tekenareuben]

Even though both versions are killer tracks, I prefer this one

[romeovision2006]

I love this version!! I never even listen to the James Ingram version. This was the same show in which Stacy sang "Where do we go from here?" That is the one I really would love to see! And yes Stacy "sang" it first!

[timothydb]

I Love this clip! Thanks SO much for posting it!

[70sbaby80schild321]

WOW! So Stacy originally sang this song first!

[kat21sd]

sang stacy

[KylesBeguiles928]

That heavenly voice can do no wrong! Love you, Stacy : D

[noahsarcooo]

for a second i got scarrrrrrrrred

i totally forgot some people can sing live!

LMAO

[retrorhythms]

LOL. Very true indeed! I try to practice this myself, too. Check out one of my performances on the channel and let me know what ya think!

[smsmyf1]

@noahsarcooo LOL, she was gettin it

[FredsNightOut]

Retrorhythms!

You are a treasure. Love Stacy Lattisaw and her rendition of this song. Her new album will surely be finished all in good time. I am so glad she will be back where she is much needed in today's music industry. Thanks for the post.

[nyconsult410]

Well, get ready everyone, because within the next year or so... Stacy will definitely be releasing a gospel album, and I cannot wait to hear what she has in store for everyone! She truly is one of the most talented and blessed vocalists of our time!

[vicdanafan44]

One of several singers who has an AMAZING voice and in my opinion (guess I'm selfish) should have NEVER left the business. I used to look forward to every new Stacy Lattisaw record when she was recording, if anyone ever deserved to be in the business and to have hit records it was this lady.....STACY LATTISAW.

[retrorhythms]

Yes, I agree! And she used to come out with an album just about every single year during the 80's, and then - whoosh - suddenly, no more!

[thejukejoint]

Thanks. I've never seen this. I wasn't sure if Motown released this as a single. I know that I was shocked to hear James Ingram do the same song so quickly. Man... Motown was a mess. If there was a video for this song, I'm sure it would have done well for Stacy on the pop charts. I'm sure VH1 would have embrassed it.

[alonzoashanti]

Stacy Lattisaw is the best vocalist todate

[retrorhythms]

She's definitely an underrated talent!

[vitaboy64]

I have this album. James did a good gob but I like hers better. Even thoughthis was her release on Motown they did a marketing attack on only the R&B market when Hip Hop just getting major push from radion in the urban market. James was being pushed by Qwest. Quincy Jones label that pushed and had a pop, adult contemt. as well as urban Radio Marketing.

[retrorhythms]

One of the writers of this song also stated that Motown was not behind Stacy at this point. That was clear by the fact that there wasn't even a video for this song, which was the follow up to a #1 hit!! ("Where Do We Go from Here") As with so many of their artists at the time, they just dropped the ball.

[anohso]

It's such a shame she no longer records or performs to my knowledge. Still one of my favorite vocalists.

[retrorhythms]

Over the years, she has said several times that she would be releasing a gospel record; but that has yet to surface.

[therealv322]

Wow I remember this she sang "Where do we go from here" to on the show

[retrorhythms]

Yeah, although she sang that with another vocalist instead of Johnny Gill!