CAFFE` LATTE` TOP 2000 TRACKS
THE TOP 100
#67 THEME FROM 'MAHOGANY'
(DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOU'RE GOING TO)
(DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOU'RE GOING TO)
DIANA ROSS
(1975)
Writers: Michael Masser & Gerry Goffin
When Diana Ross launched her solo career, it was Berry Gordy's vision to mould the former member of the Supremes into a "black Barbra Streisand". The "Theme From 'Mahogany'" sees the singer come closest to achieving that goal.
Along with establishing Ross as a successful soloist, Motown branched out into the movie industry. Having moved from Detroit to Hollywood, Gordy's thriving record company had proven itself with the 1972 film 'Lady Sings The Blues'. Ross had earned an Oscar nomination for her raw portrayal of jazz/ blues singer Billie Holiday.
Unfortunately, Motown failed to build on this initial success. While the 1975 motion picture 'Mahogany' performed well at the box office, it was panned. Ross was re-united with her "Lady Sings The Blues' co-star Billy Dee Williams, Gordy himself directed the film.
The sole redeeming factor of 'Mahogany' was its title song. Michael Masser, who co-wrote the song with Gerry Goffin, also produced the recording. Upon release, the song reassured Motown that Ross was an established solo artist- having starred in 2 consecutive hit films and achieving a 3rd #1 single in America. The disc also topped the Adult Contemporary Chart. In Britain, the single peaked at #5.
Ross' former group the Supremes struggled for attention from Gordy and Motown while their ex-lead singer's career was thriving. The following year, "Love Hangover" became her 4th US #1 single. In 1978, Ross played Dorothy in a film version of the Broadway musical "The Wiz". It was both a critical and commercial flop. While Ross put her acting career on hold, she continued scoring hit singles.
"Theme from 'Mahogany'" was nominated for an Academy Award but unfairly lost to "I'm Easy" from the film 'Nashville'. Masser and Goffin continued writing hits together. Their joint compositions include: "So Sad The Song (Gladys Knight & The Pips); "Miss You Like Crazy" (Natalie Cole); "Tonight I Celebrate My Love" (Roberta Flack & Peabo Bryson); "Nothing's Gonna Change My Love For You" (Glenn Medeiros); and "Saving All My Love For You" (Whitney Houston). Goffin, who had written significant 60s songs with his then wife Carole King, passed away in June 2014.
Along with establishing Ross as a successful soloist, Motown branched out into the movie industry. Having moved from Detroit to Hollywood, Gordy's thriving record company had proven itself with the 1972 film 'Lady Sings The Blues'. Ross had earned an Oscar nomination for her raw portrayal of jazz/ blues singer Billie Holiday.
Unfortunately, Motown failed to build on this initial success. While the 1975 motion picture 'Mahogany' performed well at the box office, it was panned. Ross was re-united with her "Lady Sings The Blues' co-star Billy Dee Williams, Gordy himself directed the film.
The sole redeeming factor of 'Mahogany' was its title song. Michael Masser, who co-wrote the song with Gerry Goffin, also produced the recording. Upon release, the song reassured Motown that Ross was an established solo artist- having starred in 2 consecutive hit films and achieving a 3rd #1 single in America. The disc also topped the Adult Contemporary Chart. In Britain, the single peaked at #5.
Ross' former group the Supremes struggled for attention from Gordy and Motown while their ex-lead singer's career was thriving. The following year, "Love Hangover" became her 4th US #1 single. In 1978, Ross played Dorothy in a film version of the Broadway musical "The Wiz". It was both a critical and commercial flop. While Ross put her acting career on hold, she continued scoring hit singles.
"Theme from 'Mahogany'" was nominated for an Academy Award but unfairly lost to "I'm Easy" from the film 'Nashville'. Masser and Goffin continued writing hits together. Their joint compositions include: "So Sad The Song (Gladys Knight & The Pips); "Miss You Like Crazy" (Natalie Cole); "Tonight I Celebrate My Love" (Roberta Flack & Peabo Bryson); "Nothing's Gonna Change My Love For You" (Glenn Medeiros); and "Saving All My Love For You" (Whitney Houston). Goffin, who had written significant 60s songs with his then wife Carole King, passed away in June 2014.
This
is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I
cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks.
Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have
universal appeal.
They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal
choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a
better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
A
new song from the remaining Top 100 is added each weekday, while another 2 are also
included from positions 1501-2000 daily. Check back here every 12 hours
for
an update of the 2000.
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