Now that I have you

The labels passed on this one. Brunswick heard it, MCA heard it, and neither could find the hit in Tommy McGee’s “Now That I Have You” — so the Grand Rapids singer pressed it himself, on his own TMG label, backed with “Stay With Me.” The majors’ loss became the record collectors’ obsession: the 45 is now one of those modern-soul singles that gets spoken of in hushed tones and traded for serious money.

It’s easy to hear what the A&R men missed. There’s no chorus that grabs you by the collar, no gimmick — just a two-step groove that never hurries and McGee gliding over it, sounding not love-struck but quietly certain, a man taking stock of his good fortune. That understatement is exactly what makes it last. McGee kept faith with the song too, returning to it later with drum machines and synthesizers for a run of 12″ versions.

Start with this one though, the organic take. Let it roll twice before you decide the labels were wrong — you’ll only need once.