Introduction:
Few songs capture the rawness of heartbreak and regret quite like Merrilee Rush’s “Angel of the Morning”. Released in 1968, this hauntingly beautiful ballad became a surprise smash hit, propelling the previously unknown singer to national stardom. Though the song itself was written by Chip Taylor a year prior, Rush’s powerful and emotionally charged vocals breathed life into the lyrics, turning it into a cultural phenomenon.
Composed in the folk genre, “Angel of the Morning” features a simple yet evocative melody driven by acoustic guitar and piano. The production, helmed by the legendary Memphis duo of Chips Moman and Tommy Cogbill, is stripped-down and intimate, allowing Rush’s voice to take center stage.
“Angel of the Morning” wasn’t an instant success story. Taylor, the song’s composer, initially offered it to established pop stars like Connie Francis, but the lyrics, hinting at a passionate one-night stand, were deemed too risqué for their clean-cut image. The song’s first official recording, by Evie Sands, went largely unnoticed due to the financial struggles of her record label.
However, fate intervened when Rush, the lead singer of a band called The Turnabouts, found herself in Memphis opening for Paul Revere and the Raiders. A chance encounter with Tommy Cogbill, who was searching for the perfect voice for “Angel of the Morning,” led to Rush recording her own version.
Released in early 1968, “Angel of the Morning” quickly captured the public’s imagination. Rush’s raw and vulnerable performance resonated with listeners, particularly women who connected with the song’s themes of regret and lost love. The song climbed the charts, reaching the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning Rush a Grammy nomination for Best Female Vocalist.
“Angel of the Morning” transcended its initial success. It became a staple of radio playlists for decades, covered by numerous artists across genres, most notably the country-pop rendition by Juice Newton in 1981. Rush’s version, however, remains the definitive one, a timeless testament to the power of a well-crafted song and a passionate vocal performance.