Pillow Talk (song)

"Pillow Talk" is a 1973 song by American singer and songwriter Sylvia, written by Sylvia along with Michael Burton.[1]

"Pillow Talk"
Side-A label of the 7-inch single
Single by Sylvia
from the album Pillow Talk
B-side	"My Thing"
Released	March 1973
Genre	Soul
Length	4:20
Label	Vibration
Songwriter(s)	Sylvia Robinson Michael Burton
Producer(s)	Sylvia Robinson Michael Burton
Sylvia singles chronology
"A Million Tears" (1954) "Pillow Talk" (1973) "Have You Had Any Lately" (1973)

History

According to Billboard, the song is about sex.[2] Sylvia had originally hoped the song would be recorded by Al Green, who turned it down as he thought it was too risqué and against his religious beliefs. Thereafter, Sylvia decided to return as a musical artist and record "Pillow Talk" herself, finally releasing the song in 1973. "Pillow Talk" is an early example of prototypical disco music. The vocals are replete with moaning and heavy breathing, predating Donna Summer's orgasmic moans on 1975's "Love to Love You Baby".

Chart history

"Pillow Talk" spent two weeks at number one on the Best Selling Soul Singles chart and peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100.[3]

Accolades

The song was nominated for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance at the 1974 Grammy Awards, losing to "Master of Your Eyes (The Deepness of Your Eyes)" by Aretha Franklin.

Track listing

• 7" single

A. "Pillow Talk" – 3:41

B. "My Thing" – 2:45

Charts

Weekly charts Chart (1973) Peak position Australia (Kent Music Report)[4] 59 Canada Top Singles (RPM)[5] 3 UK Singles (OCC)[6] 14 US Billboard Hot 100[7] 3 US Adult Contemporary (Billboard)[8] 27 US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[9] 1 US Cash Box Top 100[10] 2

Year-end charts Chart (1973) Position Canada Top Singles (RPM)[11] 45 US Billboard Hot 100[12] 22 US Cash Box Top 100[13] 29

Cover versions

• In 1983, an Italo disco version of the song was released by Lustt, which is later sampled by vaporwave artist Saint Pepsi in the song "Private Caller", in 2013.
• In 1999, R&B singer Cherelle did a cover on her LP, "The Right Time".
• In 2006, R&B singer Miki Howard recorded a cover version for her album, Pillow Talk.
• In 2012, Joss Stone covered it for The Soul Sessions Vol. 2.

See also

• List of number-one R&B singles of 1973 (U.S.)

References

1. https://secondhandsongs.com/work/94113
2. M. Tye Comer, Mariel Concepcion, Monica Herrera, Jessica Letkemann, Evie Nagy and David J. Prince (February 11, 2010). "The 50 Sexiest Songs Of All Time". Billboard. Retrieved October 13, 2016.CS1 maint: uses authors parameter (link)
3. Whitburn, Joel (2004). Top R&B/Hip-Hop Singles: 1942–2004. Record Research. p. 564.
4. Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (illustrated ed.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. p. 303. ISBN 0-646-11917-6.
5. "Top RPM Singles: Issue 4840." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved December 16, 2019.
6. "Sylvia: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved December 16, 2019.
7. "Sylvia rb Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved December 16, 2019.
8. "Sylvia rb Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Retrieved December 16, 2019.
9. "Sylvia rb Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved December 16, 2019.
10. "Cash Box Top 100 Singles – Week ending June 23, 1973". Cash Box. Retrieved December 16, 2019.
11. "Top 100 Singles of '73". RPM. Vol. 20 no. 20. December 29, 1973. ISSN 0315-5994. Retrieved December 16, 2019 – via Library and Archives Canada.
12. "Top Pop Singles" (PDF). Billboard. Vol. 85 no. 52. December 29, 1973. p. TA-28. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved December 16, 2019 – via American Radio History.
13. "The Cash Box Year-End Charts: 1973 – Top 100 Pop Singles". Cash Box. December 29, 1973. Retrieved December 16, 2019.