The Five Keys – “The Glory of Love”

About the Song

In the realm of doo-wop music, a genre characterized by its rich vocal harmonies and a cappella backing vocals, The Five Keys stand as true pioneers. Hailing from Baltimore, Maryland, the group comprised of Clyde McPhatter, lead tenor; Richard “Bip” Napier, tenor; Haschim “Hank” Freeman, bass; Lingston “Ling” Winston, baritone; and Al “Sonny” Kelly, bass, emerged as one of the most influential doo-wop acts of the 1950s. Among their enduring hits, “The Glory of Love” stands out as a timeless classic, showcasing the group’s impeccable vocal prowess and their ability to infuse heartfelt emotions into their music.
Released in 1951, “The Glory of Love” originally gained popularity as a jazz standard, performed by renowned artists like Benny Goodman and Billie Holiday. However, The Five Keys breathed new life into the song, transforming it into a doo-wop masterpiece. Their rendition opens with a gentle piano introduction, setting the stage for McPhatter’s soaring lead vocals. His voice, imbued with both tenderness and passion, effortlessly conveys the song’s message of enduring love and devotion.

The Five Keys‘ harmonies are the true heart of “The Glory of Love”. As McPhatter’s vocals take center stage, the other members of the group provide a lush tapestry of backing vocals, their voices intertwining in a seamless blend that adds depth and texture to the song. The group’s signature “doo-wop” interjections punctuate the verses, adding a playful touch to the otherwise heartfelt ballad.
The lyrics of “The Glory of Love” are as captivating as the music itself. The song paints a vivid picture of a love that has stood the test of time, weathering life’s storms and emerging stronger than ever. The singer declares his unwavering devotion to his beloved, promising to cherish their love forever.

“The Glory of Love”‘s impact on popular music is undeniable. The song has been covered by numerous artists across various genres, including Otis Redding, The Drifters, and Bette Midler. Each rendition brings its own unique interpretation to the song, yet The Five Keys‘ version remains the definitive one, capturing the essence of doo-wop and showcasing the group’s exceptional talent.
“The Glory of Love” is more than just a song; it’s a testament to the enduring power of love and the transformative beauty of doo-wop music. The Five Keys‘ masterful rendition of this classic continues to inspire and captivate listeners, solidifying their place among the legends of doo-wop.

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Lyrics: The Glory of Love

You’ve got to give a little, take a little
And let your poor heart break a little
That’s the story of, that’s the glory of love
You’ve got to laugh a little, cry a little
Before the clouds roll by a little
That’s the story of, that’s the glory of love
As long as there’s the two of us
We’ve got the world and all its charms
And when the world is through with us
We’ve got each other’s arms
You’ve got to win a little, lose a little
And always have the blues a little
That’s the story of, that’s the glory of love
(As long as there’s the two of us)
(We’ve got the world and all its charms)
And when the world is through with us
We’ve got each other’s arms
You’ve got to win a little, lose a little
And always have the blues a little
That’s the story of, that’s the glory of love

That’s the story of, that’s the glory of love

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