If I Were Your Woman - Gladys Knight & The Pips (1971) 8/2/21

One day in 1970, songwriters Pam Sawyer and Gloria Jones were discussing women's issues over lunch, when they hit on an idea that eventually became a "Great Song of 1971!"

The women's liberation movement was heating up and they felt the time was right to make a statement about female/male relationships. They titled the song "If I Were Your Woman," and it explored how women could be in a committed relationship, while remaining strong and independent.

After 50 years, the lyrics seem to be a bit weak from a woman's perspective, but remember, in 1971, standing up to a man in this fashion was a fairly new concept--at least in song. (This is MY impression, of course, and you may agree or disagree.)

In any event, Pam and Gloria took the song to Motown, where producers Norman Whitfield and Clay MacMurray fell in love with the song and thought it would be perfect for Gladys Knight and the Pips.

It was.

The song went to #1 on Billboard's Soul Chart, #9 on the Hot 100, and most likely influenced a number of young women who were starting their own romantic journeys.

In 1988, Stephanie Mills (the original Dorothy in the Broadway musical "The Wiz"), covered the song and took it to #19 on the Black Singles chart.

"If I Were Your Woman:" a "Great--and Influential--Song of 1971 and 1988."

Gladys & The Pips:

Stephanie Mills: