Introduction:
“When a Man Loves a Woman,” a timeless soul ballad, was first recorded by Percy Sledge in 1966. The song’s enduring popularity stems from its raw, emotional lyrics and Sledge’s soulful vocals, which convey a deep sense of longing and despair over a lost love.
The song’s origins are somewhat shrouded in mystery. While Sledge is often credited as a co-writer, the primary songwriting credits belong to Calvin Lewis and Andrew Wright. Sledge himself claimed that the song was inspired by his own heartbreak when his girlfriend left him for a modeling career.
Recorded at Rick Hall’s famed FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, “When a Man Loves a Woman” features a simple yet powerful arrangement, built around a descending bassline and Sledge’s impassioned vocals. The song’s lyrics, filled with vivid imagery and raw emotion, depict the devastating impact of heartbreak on a man’s life.
Released in March 1966, the song quickly climbed the charts, reaching number one on both the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B singles charts. It has since become one of the most iconic and enduring love songs of all time, covered by numerous artists and featured in countless films and television shows.
“When a Man Loves a Woman” remains a testament to the power of music to capture the complexities of human emotion and the enduring pain of heartbreak.