Introduction:
The year is 1968. Rock and roll is undergoing a seismic shift, with psychedelic experimentation blurring genre lines and pushing boundaries. However, amidst the swirling soundscapes, a hauntingly beautiful ballad emerges, capturing the raw emotions of regret and longing. This song, “Angel of the Morning,” becomes a breakout hit for a young Memphis singer named Merrilee Rush, backed by her band The Turnabouts.
Merrilee Rush, a native of Shreveport, Louisiana, had already established herself as a formidable talent on the Southern soul scene. Possessing a powerful and expressive voice, she had released several singles throughout the 1960s, showcasing her versatility in R&B and blues genres. In 1968, she signed with American Sound Studios in Memphis, a studio renowned for its stripped-down, soulful sound. There, she met Chips Moman and Tommy Cogbill, a production duo known for their work with artists like Elvis Presley and Neil Diamond.
Moman and Cogbill presented Rush with a song titled “That Kind of Woman,” written by Chip Taylor and Johnnie Wright. The song, however, resonated more with Rush when she retitled it “Angel of the Morning.” The lyrics delved into the emotional aftermath of a one-night stand, with the protagonist grappling with regret and yearning for a connection that has already slipped away.
Rush’s soulful vocals deliver the song’s poignant message with raw honesty. The arrangement, spearheaded by Moman and Cogbill, is deceptively simple. A gentle acoustic guitar sets the stage, while a mournful melody from the keyboards underlines the emotional weight of the lyrics. The backing vocals, provided by The Turnabouts, add a layer of sympathetic harmony, further emphasizing the song’s melancholic atmosphere.
Released as a single in February 1968, “Angel of the Morning” proved to be a sleeper hit. It rose steadily up the charts, eventually reaching number seven on the Billboard Hot 100. It topped the charts in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, solidifying Rush’s status as a rising star. “Angel of the Morning” also earned Rush a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary-Pop Vocal Performance, Female.
The song’s success transcended geographical and cultural boundaries. Its universal theme of regret and lost love resonated with listeners across generations. “Angel of the Morning” continues to be a beloved classic, covered by countless artists in various genres. Rush’s definitive rendition remains a testament to the power of a well-crafted song delivered with raw emotion, a reminder that sometimes the simplest melodies can carry the most profound messages.