Introduction
While the smooth vocals and heartfelt plea of Kenny Rogers’ “Share Your Love With Me” might seem timeless, the song actually has a rich history that stretches back nearly two decades before Rogers made it his own.
Originally written and recorded by blues legend Bobby “Blue” Bland in 1964, “Share Your Love With Me” was a soulful ballad that showcased Bland’s powerful voice. The song resonated with audiences, becoming a minor hit on the R&B charts.
Fast forward to 1981, Kenny Rogers, a country music superstar looking to broaden his appeal, was working on a new album titled “Share Your Love.” Music legend Lionel Richie, then at the peak of his career, was brought in to produce the album. Richie, recognizing the potential of “Share Your Love With Me,” suggested Rogers record his own version of the song.
Rogers’ version, with its softer country instrumentation and his signature raspy vocals, took a different approach to the song. It became a massive success, reaching #14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the Adult Contemporary chart for a whopping five weeks. The song’s success helped propel the entire “Share Your Love” album to sell over nine million copies worldwide.
While the melody may have originated in the blues genre, Kenny Rogers’ “Share Your Love With Me” transcended genre lines. The song’s universal message of love and longing resonated with audiences of all backgrounds, solidifying its place as a classic and a staple of Rogers’ impressive catalogue.