"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

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.