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Back in 1959, soul music legends Jerry Butler, Curtis Mayfield and Calvin Carter wrote a “Great Song of the '60s:” “He Will Break Your Heart,” which—as recorded by Butler--spent 7 weeks at the top of Billboard's Rhythm & Blues Chart, and made it to #7 on the Hot 100 in 1960.
Skip to 1974. At the Golden Globe Award ceremony in Hollywood, Tony Orlando ran into actress Faye Dunaway and her husband at the time, Peter Wolf, the lead singer of the J. Geils Band. To pass the time, Tony and Peter started harmonizing on some old soul classics—one of which was “He Will Break Your Heart.”
Faye thought it was great and suggested to Tony that he and Dawn should record it. Peter agreed.
Soon after, Tony contacted Curtis Mayfield and asked permission. Curtis approved. Tony then asked if he could change the title to the opening lyric. Curtis approved that as well.
In 1975, the new version of “He Don't Love You (Like I Love You)” by Tony Orlando & Dawn climbed to #1 on the Hot 100 AND Adult Contemporary Chart...as well as #4 and #3 on the matching Canadian Charts.
It's amazing how sometimes a chance encounter can pay off in unexpected ways: A “Great Song of 1960” becomes a “Great Song of 1975,” thanks to Tony Orlando & Dawn, Peter Wolf...and Faye Dunaway!
Tony Orlando & Dawn:
Jerry Butler:
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