You Keep Me Hangin' On

You Keep Me Hangin' On is a song written by Holland-Dozier-Holland and recorded by The Supremes in 1966, with Diana Ross on lead vocals, and also featuring Mary Wilson and Florence Ballard. The song was produced by Lamont Dozier and Brian Holland, and it was one of the many hits written and produced by the duo for Motown Records. The song's success can be attributed to the talents of The Funk Brothers, Motown's in-house band, which included musicians like James Jamerson and Benny Benjamin. The song's arrangement was also influenced by the work of George Clinton and his Parliament-Funkadelic collective.

● Composition and Recording

The composition of the song is a testament to the genius of Holland-Dozier-Holland, who drew inspiration from the likes of Smokey Robinson and The Miracles. The recording process involved The Supremes laying down their vocals at Hitsville U.S.A., Motown's legendary studio, with The Funk Brothers providing the instrumental backing. The song's distinctive sound was also shaped by the contributions of Stevie Wonder, who played harmonica on the track, and Marvin Gaye, who provided backing vocals. The production team also included Norman Whitfield, who would go on to produce hits for The Temptations and Gladys Knight & the Pips.

● Release and Reception

The song was released in October 1966 and received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising the vocal performance of Diana Ross and the song's catchy melody. The song was also a commercial success, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart and staying there for two weeks. The song's success was not limited to the United States, as it also reached the top of the charts in Canada and Australia, and was a hit in Europe, particularly in the United Kingdom, where it was a favorite among fans of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. The song's release coincided with the rise of Psychedelic rock and the Counterculture of the 1960s, with artists like Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin drawing inspiration from the song's energetic and rebellious spirit.

● Chart Performance

The song's chart performance was impressive, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and staying on the chart for 13 weeks. The song also reached number one on the Billboard R&B chart and stayed on the chart for 14 weeks. The song's success on the charts was not limited to the United States, as it also reached the top of the charts in Canada and Australia, and was a hit in Europe, particularly in the United Kingdom, where it was a favorite among fans of The Who and The Kinks. The song's chart performance was also influenced by the success of other Motown artists, such as Stevie Wonder and The Jackson 5, who were also enjoying huge success on the charts.

● Covers and Samples

The song has been covered by many artists over the years, including Kim Wilde, who recorded a hit version of the song in 1986, and Rod Stewart, who recorded a version of the song for his album Soulbook. The song has also been sampled by many artists, including MC Hammer, who sampled the song's hook for his hit single U Can't Touch This, and TLC, who sampled the song's instrumental backing for their hit single Ain't 2 Proud 2 Beg. The song's influence can also be heard in the music of Prince and The Time, who drew inspiration from the song's funky and energetic sound.

● Cultural Impact

The song had a significant cultural impact, particularly among the African American community, where it was seen as a symbol of empowerment and independence. The song's message of perseverance and determination resonated with many young people, particularly those involved in the Civil Rights Movement, who were inspired by the likes of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. The song's influence can also be seen in the work of Feminist artists like Aretha Franklin and Gloria Steinem, who drew inspiration from the song's themes of female empowerment and independence.

● Legacy

The song's legacy is undeniable, with many considering it one of the greatest songs of all time. The song has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and has been named one of the greatest songs of all time by Rolling Stone and NME. The song's influence can be heard in the music of many artists, including Michael Jackson, who drew inspiration from the song's energetic and rebellious spirit, and Madonna, who has cited Diana Ross as a major influence. The song's legacy continues to be felt today, with many artists drawing inspiration from its catchy melody and empowering message, including Beyoncé and Kanye West, who have both cited The Supremes as a major influence. Category:1960s songs