Nights in Harlem

Precise, Luther Vandross

About Nights in Harlem

"Nights in Harlem" is a song by American recording artist Luther Vandross. It was written by Vandross along with Fonzi Thornton and Rex Rideout for his eleventh studio album I Know (1998). The uptempo song served as the album's lead single. Following its release, it peaked number 4 on Billboard's Adult R&B Songs.


Year:
1998
4:57
269 

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There's a party in Harlem, come on

I like to reminisce about that night we kissed
It was somewhere one night in Harlem
The nights were hot and bright
You could treat your honey right
?Cause Sylvia's would burn all night

The people there were really something
(You know that's right)
The music always kept us jumping
And it used to knock me down
When Smokey came to town
(And the miracles, please)
My favorite song was "Tears Of A Clown", oh yeah

There ain't nothing like them nights in Harlem
They really shake the funk up there
Tonight I'm gonna stomp in Harlem
And I'm gonna take my baby back
To the heart of Harlem

Big sister had a group 
And they'd sit out on the stoop
And Lordy could they harmonize (Oh yeah)
My cousin Joe could blow
Just like the radio
And he used to drove them "B" girls wild

But when grandma started happy dancing
(Oh, she gon' break somethin')
She really turned the mother out
I like the way they do it up in Harlem
When there's a party up in Harlem
That's what it's all about

Ain't nothing like them nights in Harlem
They never fake the funk up there
I met my Cherie Amour in Harlem
And tonight I'm gonna take her back to the 'pollo

There's a party in Harlem
They say that all the stars will be there
Everyone is going to Harlem
Harlem is a party and everybody's going there

Follow me visually, ?cause I usually be all around
Originally everybody headed uptown
Finessing the fly way you ?cruisin in your car
On the West Side to the highway, East Side D-R
And yes, we are about to set it
Forget it, I thought you knew
The Apollo is where I had to go with my crew
From BMW's to my daddy's Cadillac
He had the sunroof top wit the diamond in the back
Check the ambiance, the place a renaissance
Who frontin' nonchalant up in the restaurant
What you really really want, we grabbin' by the clutch
Precise can flaunt with this and never too much
It's such a love flow, high but natural
The thug's a no-show, and drugs a no-no
The only thing that they was shootin' was pool
While Harlem nights was right, the party was cool

Nothing like them nights in Harlem
They really shake the funk up there
Tonight I'm gonna stomp in Harlem
I'm gonna take my baby back to the heart of Harlem

Nights in Harlem
They never fake the funk up there
I met my Cherie Amour in Harlem
Back to the Harlem Apollo

Nights in Harlem
They don't let you fake the funk up there
Tonight I'm gonna stomp in Harlem
I'm gonna take my honey
Back to the Harlem Apollo

Nights in Harlem
They really shake the funk up there
Tonight I'm gonna stomp in Harlem
I'm gonna take my baby
Back to the Harlem Apollo

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Luther Vandross

Luther Ronzoni Vandross (April 20, 1951 – July 1, 2005) was an American singer-songwriter and record producer. During his career, Vandross sold over twenty-five million albums and won eight Grammy Awards including Best Male R&B Vocal Performance four times. He won four Grammy Awards in 2004 including the Grammy Award for Song of the Year for the track "Dance with My Father", co-written with Richard Marx. more »

9 fans

Written by: REX K. RIDEOUT, WRITER UNKNOWN

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, MISSING LINK MUSIC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Release Date and Album Name
"Nights in Harlem" by Luther Vandross was released in the year 1998. It was the first single from his album "I Know."
Collaboration
The song features a rap segment by the artist Precise.
Genre
The song is a blend of soul and R&B, genres for which Luther Vandross was famous. The addition of Precise's rap verse gave the song added urban appeal.
Artistic Direction
As the title suggests, Vandross pays tribute to his roots in New York City, focusing on the culturally vibrant neighborhood of Harlem.
Chart Performance
Though the song didn't reach the same level of commercial success as some of Vandross's other hits, it still managed to secure the 25th spot on the U.S. R&B chart.
Conceptual Influence
"Nights In Harlem" is said to be a direct response to Vandross's increasing dissatisfaction with the changes he observed in popular black music during the late 90s.
Music Video
The music video for the song was directed by acclaimed director Paul Hunter and featured scenes inspired by Harlem's rich history, following Vandross as he walked along the iconic Apollo Theatre.
Live Performances
Vandross included "Nights in Harlem" as part of his repertoire during his live performances, further attesting to the song's personal importance.
Cultural Relevance
The song is seen as a celebration of black culture and history, portraying the vibrant nightlife, music, and community spirit of Harlem. In doing so, Vandross contributes to the ongoing narrative of the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural and artistic explosion that took place in Harlem in the 1920s.
Songwriting Credits
"Nights in Harlem" was co-written by Vandross and noted R&B producer and songwriter Reed Vertelney.
Critical Reception
Critics praised the song for its smooth, melodic rhythm and Vandross's exceptional vocal performance, though some noted that it wasn't as immediately catchy as Vandross's earlier hits.

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