Mar 25, 20222 min read

(If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don't Want To Be Right (1972, 1974, 1979) 3/26/22

Today's "Great Song of the '70s" was a hit on three separate occasions by three separate artists!

And no matter what genre of music might be your favorite, there's a version of "If Loving You is Wrong) I Don't Want to Be Right" that's right up your alley.

First things first: the song is about an adulterous love affair, told from the point of view of either the mistress or the cheating spouse, depending on the gender of the performer. Either way, the singer acknowledges the affair is morally wrong, but can't (or won't) put a stop to it.

So let's start with the first great version of the song. In 1972, Luther Ingram poured his soul into it. Radio listeners couldn't get enough of the sordid details, and sent "I Don't Want to Be Right" to #1 on Billboard's Rhythm & Blues Chart, and #3 on the Hot 100.

In 1974, Millie Jackson delivered a slightly different cover version that peaked at just #42 on the same charts...but HER version was an 11 minute tour-de-force that earned two Grammy nominations!

Finally, in 1979, Barbara Mandrell recognized that the lyrics were perfect for a classic country "cheating" song, and took it to #1 on Billboard's Country Chart, as well as #6 on the Adult Contemporary Chart.

Between the 3 versions, there's something for everyone...but there are also a number of other excellent versions floating around by a long list of artists, including Rod Stewart, Isaac Hayes, Percy Sledge, David Ruffin, LeAnn Rimes, Della Reese, and Tom Jones--just to name a half-dozen!

"(If Loving You is Wrong) I Don't Want to Be Right:" a "Great Song of '72, '74 '79, and several other years! Check out the top thee versions below!

Luther Ingram (1972):