Happy 45th Anniversary to Change’s debut album The Glow of Love, originally released April 16, 1980.
On July 12, 1979, the Chicago White Sox were scheduled to play a twi-night doubleheader against the Detroit Tigers. On this memorable night, the team also orchestrated a promotional event known as “Disco Demolition Night,” where attendees could gain entry for the remarkably low price of 98 cents, provided they brought along disco records to be destroyed in a crate between games.
The catalyst for this event was DJ Steve Dahl, who was fired from his radio station when they switch formats from rock to disco. The situation caused Dahl to defect to a competing radio station, launching a fervent anti-disco movement, which culminated in the promotion at Chicago’s Comiskey Park. Disco became a dirty word and no one wanted anything to do with it. It was deemed dead...at least in the United States.
In early 1979, Bologna, Italy-based businessman and executive producer Jacques Fred Petrus, along with songwriters and producers Mauro Malavasi and Davide Romani, operated under the Goody Music Production (GMP) banner at Fonoprint Studios. With a roster of Italian studio musicians, they enjoyed moderate European success with groups like the Peter Jacques Band and Macho. In the US, their music would’ve been classified as disco and rejected, but GMP’s style was distinct.
The trio expanded their operation to New York to set up a small publishing office and begin work on a new project. After a significant amount of deliberation, they finally decided upon the name “Change.” Having already completed recording the backing tracks in Italy, GMP started a comprehensive search to locate and assemble a talented team of songwriters and American vocalists for the project. The group’s musical style was deeply influenced by the band Chic, who were, at the time, starting to feel the effects of the backlash against disco music.
Listen to the Album:
A remarkable array of top-notch session singers, each with a long and impressive history of contributions to countless albums and commercials, came together to lend their exceptional talents to this album. The first track, “A Lover’s Holiday” featured a who’s who of the best background singers in the business at the time, including the late Diva Gray. She provided backing vocals on Chic’s first three studio albums. Jocelyn Shaw, later known as Jocelyn Brown, was a member of Bette Midler’s Harlettes, Inner Life (“I’m Caught Up”), and Musique (“In the Bush”). She later gained fame with the club smash “Somebody Else’s Guy.” The male singer providing the ad libs was Zachary Sanders. You may not know the name off the top of your head, but if you were a fan of Schoolhouse Rock, then you heard his vocals on “Verb: That’s What’s Happening”, and “Electricity, Electricity.”
Without question, the biggest success story to emerge from this album was Luther Vandross. Up until 1980, Vandross’ powerful backing vocals had graced recordings by legendary artists like David Bowie, Bette Midler, Chic, and Chaka Khan, showcasing his incredible talent and range.
Of all the tracks on the album, the two on which Vandross sings lead vocals are undoubtedly the most outstanding and are considered to be the album’s highlights. Vandross stated in an interview with Vibe Magazine in 2001 that, “(‘The Glow of Love’) is the most beautiful song I’ve ever sung in my life.” The album’s unique sound and style set it apart from the contemporary disco music scene, distinguishing it as something catchy and innovative. His commanding performance on the title track instantly established him as a star whose future success was undeniable and guaranteed.
“Searching” is the other track that cemented Vandross’ future with Change. The tune, featuring a bouncy melody and smooth vocals, was distinctly not disco; it possessed a unique and different quality altogether. With its heavier emphasis on R&B, the track foreshadowed the direction Change would take in their subsequent recordings, establishing a clear stylistic precedent.
Vandross’ decision to leave Change and sign a deal with Epic Records was the smart move, and it eventually launched him into superstardom. He reached a level of success where his first name alone commanded instant recognition, a name whispered with respect and awe. He didn’t stray too far away from the GMP family, providing background vocals for Change’s next album Miracles (1981) and Petrus’ new band, the B.B. & Q Band (“On the Beat”).
Even though Vandross and Change went their separate ways, things managed to work out successfully for both of them in the end. He became a legend and Miracles was a more polished and complete work than their debut. I would argue their growth doesn’t happen without the experimentation of GMP on The Glow of Love LP and the brilliance of Vandross’ performance.
Listen: