How Glad I Am

“How Glad I Am” is a 1964 song by Nancy Wilson, nicknamed ‘The Girl With the Honey-Coated Voice’, who was an award-winning American pop and jazz singer having recorded more than 70 albums and won three Grammy Awards over a career spanning more than five decades. She became one of the biggest selling acts of her time with hits as ‘Guess Who I Saw Today’, ‘Save Your Love for Me’ and this particular gem ‘How Glad I Am’.

Written by Jimmy Williams and Larry Harrison and produced by the legendary record producer David Axelrod, “How Glad I Am” is a soulful and romantic ballad that showcases Wilson’s powerful and emotive voice, which is known for its warmth, richness, and depth. The song’s lyrics express the joy and gratitude of being in love, with lines like “With all my heart I love you, baby / Stay with me and you will see / My arms will hold you, baby / Never leave, ’cause I believe / I’m in love, sweet love.”

The song was a major hit for Wilson, reaching #11 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and #4 on the R&B chart. It also won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Recording, making Wilson the first African American woman to win a Grammy in that category. “How Glad I Am” is widely regarded as one of Wilson’s signature songs and a classic of the soul and R&B genres.

The song’s success was part of a broader cultural moment in the early 1960s, when African American artists like Wilson were gaining greater visibility and influence in popular music. Wilson herself was a trailblazer, as one of the first African American women to achieve commercial success as a mainstream pop and jazz artist. Her music and image helped to challenge racial stereotypes and expand opportunities for Black artists in the entertainment industry.

In addition to its cultural significance, “How Glad I Am” is admired for its lush orchestration, which blends elements of jazz, pop, and R&B to create a distinctive and sophisticated sound. The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years and remains a beloved and enduring classic of the American musical canon.

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