Today’s classic song of the day is “Use Ta Be My Girl” by the O’Jays. Released in March of 1978, this fine example of Philadelphia Soul peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100, #5 on the Cash Box Top 100, and #1 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart.
“Use Ta Be My Girl” was written and produced by Philly Soul legends Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. It was recorded at Philadelphia’s Sigma Sound Studios and released on the Philadelphia International Records label. Backing musicians on the track included Bobby Eli and Dennis Harris on guitars, Leon Huff on piano, Jimmy Williams on bass, Charles Collins on drums, and Larry Washington on percussion.
The O’Jays were a vocal trio from Canton, Ohio; at the time of this recording, the group members included Eddie Levert, Sammy Strain, and Walter Williams. (Strain had just replaced original member William Powell, who died of cancer in 1977.) They had a bevy of hit singles throughout the 1970s, including “Back Stabbers” in 1972; “Love Train” and “Put Your Hands Together” in 1973; “For the Love of Money” in 1974; “I Love Music” in 1975; and “Livin’ for the Weekend” in 1976. “Use Ta Be My Girl,” in 1978, was their last big mainstream hit, and my favorite.
And here’s your daily bonus video of the day, the O’Jays lip synching “Use Ta Be My Girl” on the August 19, 1978, episode of Soul Train. Nice.
