Jackson 5 - Never Can Say Goodbye

Sometimes, happenstance plays an importance part in the making of hit records. Producer Hal Davis was in his Los Angeles office at Motown Records when he heard a catchy melody being played on a piano in the next room. Investigating, he found aspiring songwriter Clifton Davis who'd come to the label to shop his song "Never Can Say Goodbye" to its publishing firm, Jobete Music. Expressing interest in recording the song, Clifton was happily taken aback when Hal told him that he'd produced the Jackson 5's R&B/ pop chart-topper "I'll Be There." Producer Davis booked a recording session for that night, assembling such first-call talent as guitarist David T. Walker, Art Wright, drummer Gene Pello, bassist Bob West, and pianist Joe Sample of the Crusaders, some of whom had played on some of the J-5's biggest hits. The beautiful arrangement by Gene Page perfectly fits the quiet, introspective tone of the lyrics. It was also a very "grown up" ballad for the group and to some extent balanced out their " bubblegum soul" image. Amazing as it sounds, there was some dissent in the label's A&R department, with some thinking the record would blow a good thing by alienating the group's massive teen following. Luckily label founder Berry Gordy intervened and "Never Can Say Goodbye" topped the R&B charts for three weeks in spring 1971. Clifton also wrote another number one R&B hit for the Jackson 5, "Lookin' Through the Windows," and starred in the TV sitcoms That's My Mama and Amen.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Jackson 5
• Never Can Say Goodbye
• Maybe Tomorrow

[maphitha1]

@CLARENCE1958 He was an odd person, socially awkward, and had a troubled life. But his heart was in the right place and he gave back to the world community through music and charity. He was a good person, weird by our society, but he made classics and left more good will on this Earth than you or I could dream of. Drug addicts can do great things to, and if you learn nothing from his life then it's your loss buddy.

[MrChaosSyndrome]

Michaels voice give me shivers its crazy.

[TheAhermosillo]

So much truth in this song ...most of the time our heart dictates our life even though logic would say otherwise! This is my absolute favorite song from the Brothers Jackson!

[laurette11281962]

and he never , yes he did, I heard it. :)

[juliebjones98]

@Stwixie I sing this in every one of my classes lol. I had an hour argument with my friend that this song was the best song in the world.

[Stwixie]

@mistahjabbawockee7 Exactly



[Stwixie]

*Sigh* I started singin this on the bus, and then again the next day. Never Can Say Goodbye to MJ R.R.P King Of Pop

[mistahjabbawockee7]

@hardlines4 a time when the lyrics were inspired and actually made sense

[hardlines4]

A time when we had REAL music!!!

[vincewanted]

Can't find the love button..

[TheChosen25]

never can say goodbye miss whitney houston! thee voice!