"Cry to Me" is a song written by Bert Berns (listed as "Bert Russell") and first recorded by American soul singer Solomon Burke in 1961. Released in 1962, it was Burke's second single to appear in both Billboard magazine's Hot R&B Sides and Hot 100 singles charts. Several other artists recorded the song, including Betty Harris (1963), Dionne Warwick (1963), the Pretty Things (1965), the Rolling Stones (1965), Freddie Scott (1967), Tom Petty (1979) and Precious Wilson (1980).
Released in 1962, "Cry to Me", backed with "I Almost Lost My Mind" (Atlantic 2131), became Burke's second entry in the US charts, peaking at number five on the R&B charts and number 44 on the Hot 100. On March 20, 1962, Burke sang "Cry to Me" on American Bandstand.
Several artists have recorded versions of the song. Betty Harris' rendition (also produced by Bert Berns) reached R&B number 10 and Hot 100 number 23 in September 1963. English band the Pretty Things recorded it in 1965 and their version reached number 28 on the UK Singles Chart. Also in 1965, a rendition by the Rolling Stones was included on their Out of Our Heads on both the UK and US editions of the album. Freddie Scott recorded the song in 1967; his single peaked at numbers 40 on the R&B and 70 on the Hot 100. Jamaican singer Precious Wilson released a version in 1980.
The song is actually a proclamation of love, but the lyrics dwell on the pain and despair of loneliness. As a songwriter. Berns is less concerned about continuity than he is prodding his singer into desperation. Burke brings the song to a neat emotional epiphany, adlibbing cry-ca-cry-ca-cry-cry over the final chorus.
ReplyDeleteFor Berns, 1962 would be a watershed year, starting with the release of Solomon Burke’s "Cry to Me” in January 1962. The record would soar to number five on the Billboard R&B charts (number fortyfour Pop) and ignite Burke’s inexorable ascension into the ranks of the music’s great stars. The record would also be a turning point for Berns. as he sought to capitalize on the success and establish himself in the exclusive inner circle of rhythm and blues.
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