Reach out and Touch (Somebody's Hand)

Diana Ross

About Reach out and Touch (Somebody's Hand)

"Reach Out and Touch (Somebody's Hand)" is the debut solo single of singer Diana Ross, released in April 1970. Ross, having just left The Supremes after a decade of serving as that group's lead singer, went through a difficult situation trying to piece a solo album together. With Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson writing and producing for her, and Paul Riser arranging, Ross recorded "Reach Out and Touch", which carried a heavy gospel influence, and was one of the few songs the singer recorded to express her social conscience, previously experimented with Supremes singles such as "Love Child" and "I'm Livin' in Shame". "Reach Out and Touch" peaked at number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100, number 10 on the Cash Box Top 100, and number 7 on the R&B charts with 500,000 copies sold. It was also a hit in the United Kingdom, making number 33 on the UK Singles Chart in August 1970. While the song's initial success fell short of expectations, "Reach Out and Touch" became one of Ross' most popular and notable songs. During her concert performances of the song, Ross often had the whole crowd turn to their neighbors, and "reach out and touch" their hands. 


Year:
1985
23 

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Reach out and touch
Somebody's hand
Make this world a better place
If you can
Reach out and touch
Somebody's hand
Make this world a better place
If you can

(Just try)
Take a little time out of your busy day
To give encouragement
To someone who's lost the way
(Just try)
Or would I be talking to a stone
If I asked you
To share a problem that's not your own
We can change things if we start giving
Why don't you

Reach out and touch
Somebody's hand
Make this world a better place
If you can
Reach out and touch
Somebody's hand
Make this world a better place
If you can

(Just try)
If you see an old friend on the street
And he's down
Remember his shoes could fit your feet
(Just try)
Try a little kindness you'll see
It's something that comes very naturally
We can change things if we start giving

Why don't you
Reach out and touch
Why don't you (Why don't you)
Reach out and touch somebody's hand

Reach out and touch
Somebody's hand
Make this world a better place
If you can
Reach out and touch
Somebody's hand
Make this world a better place
If you can

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Diana Ross

Diana Ross is a Grammy Lifetime Award Winning entertainer and actress. She was born on March 26, 1944 to Fred and Ernestine Ross. Her birth name was Diane Ernestine Earle Ross. She is known for being the lead vocalist of the Supremes, who were Motown’a best selling act during the 1960’s and is one of the greatest girl groups of all time. Diana Ross is the mother of 5 children; Tracee Ellis Ross, Rhonda Ross Kendricks, Evan Ross, Ross Näess, and Chudney Ross. She has starred in many movies including Lady Sings The Blues, Mahogany, The Wiz, Double Platinum, and etc. She has 6 number ones, has made 116 singles, and has 25 studio albums. more »

6 fans

Written by: Nickolas Ashford, Valerie Simpson

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


4 facts about this song

Diana Ross" Facts
1. "Reach Out and Touch (Somebody's Hand)" was Diana Ross's debut solo single after she left The Supremes. It was released in April 1970. 2. The song became a top 20 hit on the "Billboard Hot 100" in the United States, peaking at number 20. 3. Diana Ross has performed "Reach Out and Touch (Somebody's Hand)" at several significant events, including the opening ceremony of the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. 4. In her live performances, Ross often encourages audience participation, instructing the audience to hold hands and sway to the music during the song. 5. The song was not only her first solo single but was also the opening track for her debut solo album, "Diana Ross".
Teddy Pendergrass" Facts
1. Although Teddy Pendergrass didn't originally sing "Reach Out and Touch (Somebody's Hand)", he has performed the song live on several occasions. 2. His powerful voice and soulful style have brought a different feel to the song during his performances. 3. Pendergrass is well-known for his inspirational and uplifting songs, making "Reach Out and Touch (Somebody's Hand)" a fitting addition to his repertoire. 4. His live performances, like Diana Ross', often included crowd participation, creating a connection between the artist and the audience.
The Four Tops" Facts
1. Although The Four Tops never officially recorded a version of "Reach Out and Touch (Somebody's Hand)", the group and Diana Ross were both signed to Motown Records, and frequently performed each other's songs. 2. Levi Stubbs, the lead singer of The Four Tops, was known for his emotive and powerful vocals which could have added a distinctive interpretation of the song. 3. The Four Tops were contemporaries of Diana Ross and The Supremes, and both groups were part of the Motown sound that dominated American pop music in the 1960s and 1970s.
The Supremes" Facts
1. "Reach Out and Touch (Somebody's Hand)" was released after Diana Ross had left The Supremes to pursue a solo career. 2. Despite Ross' departure, The Supremes continued to be successful, earning several more top 40 hits. 3. Although The Supremes themselves did not perform "Reach Out and Touch (Somebody's Hand)" as a group, Ross' connection to the group will forever link this song to their legacy. 4. With Diana Ross as their lead singer, The Supremes became Motown's most successful act of the 1960s and one of the world's best-selling girl groups of all time.

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    Reach out and Touch (Somebody's Hand)

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1970

    Billboard #20


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