Lead Me On

LEAD ME ON
 
 
“Lead Me On”  is a popular song which was a hit single for Maxine Nightingale in 1978.  The song was written by Allee Willis and David Lasley.  “Lead Me On” was introduced on Love Lines which was Nightingale’s third album for United Artists Records.  Love Lines was issued in 1978 in the UK and Europe, and “Lead Me On” was a non-charting UK single.  In the US, “Lead Me On” spent seven weeks atop the AC chart.  On the Billboard Hot 100, “Lead Me On” peaked at number five, while reaching number 37 on the R&B chart.  Despite the fact that it was an AC song, it enjoyed better success in Canada, where it reached number two on the pop singles chart and spent 4 non-consecutive weeks at number one on the RPM Dance Music Chart.  (More from Wikipedia)
 
 

Black Russian had some assistance with the lyrics, perhaps because English is not their native language; they hardly spoke the language at all at the time that they defected.  Lyricists who lent a hand include Allee Willis, who co-wrote the lyrics for their beautiful first single “Leave Me Now”.  Willis has had a long career as a writer, songwriter, set designer, and artist.  From Wikipedia:  “[Allee Willis]’s songs have sold over 50,000,000 records, including ‘September’ and ‘Boogie Wonderland’ by Earth, Wind and Fire, ‘Neutron Dance’ by the Pointer Sisters, ‘What Have I Done to Deserve This?’ by Pet Shop Boys with Dusty Springfield, and ‘Lead Me On’ by Maxine Nightingale.  Willis has collaborated with hundreds of leading artists and composers from all fields of music, including Bob Dylan, Patti LaBelle, James Brown, Herbie Hancock, Deniece Williams, and Motown legend Lamont Dozier.” 

 

(April 2015/1)

 

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