"Who's Making Love" is a song written by Stax Records staffers Homer Banks, Bettye Crutcher, Don Davis and Raymond Jackson and recorded by singer Johnnie Taylor in 1968.[2]

"Who's Making Love"
Single by Johnnie Taylor
from the album Who's Making Love...
B-side"I'm Trying"
ReleasedOctober 1968 (1968-10)
Recorded1968
Genre
Length2:47
LabelStax (STA-0009)
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Don Davis
Johnnie Taylor singles chronology
"I Ain't Particular"
(1968)
"Who's Making Love"
(1968)
"Take Care of Your Homework"
(1969)

Released on the Stax label in the late summer of 1968, it became Taylor's breakthrough single, reaching number one on the US Billboard R&B chart and number five on the Billboard Hot 100.[3] It became one of the few singles Taylor would become primarily known for in the mainstream.[citation needed] The song featured the Stax house band, Booker T. & the M.G.'s, and Isaac Hayes (on keyboards).[citation needed] It was Taylor's best-selling single before the release of "Disco Lady" almost a decade later.[citation needed]

According to Bettye Crutcher, the lyrics were inspired by the 1920s novelty song, "Who Takes Care of the Caretaker's Daughter (While the Caretaker's Busy Taking Care)".[4]

Chart history

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Chart (1968–69) Peak
position
Canada (RPM Top 100)[5] 7
U.S. Billboard Hot 100 5
U.S. Billboard Hot R&B singles 1

Cover versions

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References

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  1. ^ a b Marsh, Dave (1989). The Heart of Rock & Soul: The 1001 Greatest Singles Ever Made. Plume. p. 253. ISBN 0-452-26305-0.
  2. ^ "Johnnie Taylor - Who's Making Love". 45cat.com. Retrieved May 31, 2021.
  3. ^ Whitburn, Joel (2004). Top R&B/Hip-Hop Singles: 1942-2004. Record Research. p. 568.
  4. ^ Rob Bowman, Soulsville, U.S.A.: The Story of Stax Records, p. 163, Archive.org
  5. ^ "RPM Top 100 Singles - November 25, 1968" (PDF).
  6. ^ "Black and White - Tony Joe White | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved May 31, 2021.
  7. ^ "Soulful Strut - Young-Holt Unlimited | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved May 31, 2021.
  8. ^ "RPM Top 100 Singles - March 17, 1969" (PDF).
  9. ^ "Young-Holt Unlimited - Who's Making Love". 45cat.com. Retrieved May 31, 2021.
  10. ^ "Blues Brothers Discography - USA - 45cat". 45cat.com. Retrieved May 31, 2021.
  11. ^ "Out Here - Christian McBride, Christian McBride Trio | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved May 31, 2021.