Me and Mrs. Jones
Encyclopedia
"Me and Mrs. Jones" is a soul
song written by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. It describes an extramarital affair
between a man and his lover, Mrs. Jones. It has been recorded by Billy Paul
and Michael Bublé
, amongst others.
, recorded and released in 1972 on CBS Records
' Philadelphia International
imprint. The single, included on the album 360 Degrees of Billy Paul
, was written by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. It describes an extramarital affair
between a man and his lover, Mrs. Jones.
The single became Paul's only number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100
, peaking at that position for three weeks in December 1972. "Me and Mrs. Jones" also achieved this feat on Billboard's R&B Singles chart
, remaining at the number-one position for four weeks. It replaced "I Am Woman
" by Helen Reddy
and was replaced by Carly Simon
's "You're So Vain
".
, Michael Bublé
's third album. The song was a collaboration with Bublé's then-girlfriend
, Emily Blunt
, who appears at the end of the song singing minor backing vocals. "Me and Mrs. Jones" was well-received by critics, with Okayplayer
stating, "He skillfully portrays the pain of this song’s affair and his take on the final verse could stand with anyone else’s." Additionally, the song was promoted by its performance during some AOL Sessions. It has also been performed at many of his concerts, promoting new material. Since it is believed that the single was cancelled soon after it's release, and there was little to no promotion for the song, "Me and Mrs. Jones" was not eligible to chart in any major music charts. However, it did chart in Switzerland.
" were used, particularly the ones where he sits on a white bed.
. Their version peaked at #47 on the pop charts and #4 on the R&B charts in 1974.
It has also been covered by Andy Abraham
, George Huff, Sandra Bernhard
, Head
, Sarah Jane Morris
, Johnny Mathis, Hall & Oates
, the experimental rock band Sun City Girls
, Amii Stewart
, the soul band Tower of Power
and François Pérusse
(a parody version named Guy A Un Bicycle Jaune).
This song was recorded by Freddie Jackson
in 1992. Coolio
recorded a version on his album Gangsta's Paradise
, entitled "A Thing Goin' On".
Bobby Brown
sampled the song in his first #1 solo hit, "Girlfriend
", in 1986.
Cross platform supergroup Tower Of Power
also released a cover version on their "Great American Soulbook" album in 2009.
Patrick Stump
has played this song on a few nights of his tour during a piano solo.
Soul music
Soul music is a music genre originating in the United States combining elements of gospel music and rhythm and blues. According to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, soul is "music that arose out of the black experience in America through the transmutation of gospel and rhythm & blues into a form of...
song written by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. It describes an extramarital affair
Affair
Affair may refer to professional, personal, or public business matters or to a particular business or private activity of a temporary duration, as in family affair, a private affair, or a romantic affair.-Political affair:...
between a man and his lover, Mrs. Jones. It has been recorded by Billy Paul
Billy Paul
Billy Paul is a Grammy Award winning American soul singer, most known for his 1972 number-one single, "Me and Mrs. Jones" as well as the 1973 album and single "War of the Gods" which blends his more conventional pop, soul and funk styles with electronic and psychedelic influences...
and Michael Bublé
Michael Bublé
Michael Steven Bublé is a Canadian singer. He has won several awards, including three Grammy Awards and multiple Juno Awards. His first album reached the top ten in Canada and the UK. He found worldwide commercial success with his 2005 album It's Time, and his 2007 album Call Me Irresponsible was...
, amongst others.
Billy Paul version
"Me and Mrs. Jones" was a number-one single originally performed by Billy PaulBilly Paul
Billy Paul is a Grammy Award winning American soul singer, most known for his 1972 number-one single, "Me and Mrs. Jones" as well as the 1973 album and single "War of the Gods" which blends his more conventional pop, soul and funk styles with electronic and psychedelic influences...
, recorded and released in 1972 on CBS Records
CBS Records
CBS Records is a record label founded by CBS Corporation in 2006 to take advantage of music from its entertainment properties owned by CBS Television Studios. The initial label roster consisted of only three artists; rock band Señor Happy and singer/songwriters Will Dailey and P.J...
' Philadelphia International
Philadelphia International Records
Philadelphia International Records is a record label founded by writer-producers, Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff in 1971. It was famous for showcasing the sub-genre of Philadelphia soul music and released a string of worldwide hits during the decade.-History:...
imprint. The single, included on the album 360 Degrees of Billy Paul
360 Degrees of Billy Paul
360 Degrees Of Billy Paul is an album by soul singer Billy Paul. It was arranged by Bobby Martin, Lenny Pakula and Norman Harris.-Reception:Released in 1972, includes the Grammy Award winning number one pop and soul single "Me and Mrs...
, was written by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. It describes an extramarital affair
Affair
Affair may refer to professional, personal, or public business matters or to a particular business or private activity of a temporary duration, as in family affair, a private affair, or a romantic affair.-Political affair:...
between a man and his lover, Mrs. Jones.
The single became Paul's only number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
, peaking at that position for three weeks in December 1972. "Me and Mrs. Jones" also achieved this feat on Billboard's R&B Singles chart
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, is a chart released weekly by Billboard in the United States.The chart, initiated in 1942, is used to track the success of popular music songs in urban, or primarily African American, venues. Dominated over the years at various times by jazz, rhythm and blues, doo-wop, soul,...
, remaining at the number-one position for four weeks. It replaced "I Am Woman
I Am Woman
"I Am Woman" is a song cowritten by Helen Reddy and singer/songwriter/guitarist Ray Burton and performed by Reddy. Released in its most well-known version in 1970, the song became an enduring anthem for the women’s liberation movement.-Success:...
" by Helen Reddy
Helen Reddy
Helen Reddy , often referred to as "The Queen of 70s Pop", is an Australian-American singer and actress. In the 1970s, she enjoyed international success, especially in the United States, where she placed fifteen singles in the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100. Six of those 15 songs made the Top 10...
and was replaced by Carly Simon
Carly Simon
Carly Elisabeth Simon is an American singer-songwriter, musician, and children's author. She rose to fame in the 1970s with a string of hit records, and has since been the recipient of two Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, and a Golden Globe Award for her work...
's "You're So Vain
You're So Vain
"You're So Vain" is a song written and performed by Carly Simon and released in December 1972. The song is a critical profile of a self-absorbed lover; Simon asserts "You're so vain, you probably think this song is about you." The subject's identity has been the matter of speculation, fueled by...
".
Michael Bublé version
"Me and Mrs. Jones" is the second single to be released from Call Me IrresponsibleCall Me Irresponsible (album)
Call Me Irresponsible is the third studio album released by Grammy Award-winning Canadian jazz singer Michael Bublé. The album was released on May 1, 2007.-Release:...
, Michael Bublé
Michael Bublé
Michael Steven Bublé is a Canadian singer. He has won several awards, including three Grammy Awards and multiple Juno Awards. His first album reached the top ten in Canada and the UK. He found worldwide commercial success with his 2005 album It's Time, and his 2007 album Call Me Irresponsible was...
's third album. The song was a collaboration with Bublé's then-girlfriend
Girlfriend
Girlfriend is a term that can refer to either a female partner in a non-marital romantic relationship or a female non-romantic friend that is closer than other friends....
, Emily Blunt
Emily Blunt
Emily Olivia Leah Blunt is an English actress best known for her roles in The Devil Wears Prada , The Young Victoria , and The Adjustment Bureau . She has been nominated for two Golden Globe Awards, two London Film Critics' Circle Awards, and one BAFTA Award...
, who appears at the end of the song singing minor backing vocals. "Me and Mrs. Jones" was well-received by critics, with Okayplayer
Okayplayer
Okayplayer.com is an online hip-hop and alternative music website and community, described by Rolling Stone as a "tastemaker" and "an antidote to dull promotional Web sites used by most artists". The group was co-founded by The Roots' drummer Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson as a loose musical...
stating, "He skillfully portrays the pain of this song’s affair and his take on the final verse could stand with anyone else’s." Additionally, the song was promoted by its performance during some AOL Sessions. It has also been performed at many of his concerts, promoting new material. Since it is believed that the single was cancelled soon after it's release, and there was little to no promotion for the song, "Me and Mrs. Jones" was not eligible to chart in any major music charts. However, it did chart in Switzerland.
Music video
A short promotional music clip was broadcast on French television in 2007. The clip alternates between scenes of Bublé singing by the window in the dark as it rains, used in the official music video, and scenes of a blonde woman during a day at the beach, horseback riding and watching the sunset as the clip ends. The official music video was broadcast during the summer of 2007. It consists mainly of Bublé standing in front of a window singing the song, as seen in the French promotional clip. Some scenes show a brunette woman, representing "Mrs. Jones". Some shots from the promotional videos of "LostLost (Michael Bublé song)
"Lost" is the third single from Michael Bublé's third studio album, Call Me Irresponsible. The song was inspired by the breakup with his former fiancée Debbie Timuss. Bublé performed the song on The X Factor on December 8, 2007. The song was featured in the sixth season of American police...
" were used, particularly the ones where he sits on a white bed.
Chart performance
| Chart | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Swiss Music Charts Swiss Music Charts The Swiss Music Charts are Switzerland's main music sales charts. The charts are a record of the highest-selling singles and albums in various genres in Switzerland.The Swiss Charts include:* Singles Top 75... |
68 |
Other notable recordings
A cover of the song was also a hit for the 1970s group The DramaticsThe Dramatics
The Dramatics are an American soul music vocal group, formed in Detroit, Michigan in 1962. They are best known for their 1970s hit songs "In the Rain" and "Whatcha See is Whatcha Get", both of which were #1 R&B and Top 10 Pop hits.-Career:The Dramatics originally formed in 1962 recording as the...
. Their version peaked at #47 on the pop charts and #4 on the R&B charts in 1974.
It has also been covered by Andy Abraham
Andy Abraham
Andrew Abraham is an English singer. He was the runner-up in the second UK series of TV talent show The X Factor in 2005 to Shayne Ward, and also represented the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest 2008.Before applying for The X Factor, Abraham was a refuse collector...
, George Huff, Sandra Bernhard
Sandra Bernhard
Sandra Bernhard is an American comedian, singer, actress and author. She first gained attention in the late 1970s with her stand-up comedy in which she often bitterly critiques celebrity culture and political figures. Bernhard is number 97 on Comedy Central's list of the 100 greatest standups of...
, Head
Head (band)
-History:After making three albums and a few singles the Bristol-based combo faded away. Nick Sheppard previously played in The Cortinas and The Clash...
, Sarah Jane Morris
Sarah Jane Morris (singer)
Sarah Jane Morris , is a pop music, jazz, rock and R&B singer and songwriter.In 1982, Morris joined The Republic as lead singer. A London-based Afro-Caribbean-Latin band with leftish tendencies, they received enormous publicity from the music press including cover stories with NME and City Limits...
, Johnny Mathis, Hall & Oates
Hall & Oates
Hall & Oates are an American musical duo composed of Daryl Hall and John Oates. They achieved their greatest fame in the late 1970s and early to mid-1980s. Both sing and play instruments. They specialized in a fusion of rock and roll and rhythm and blues styles, which they dubbed "rock and soul."...
, the experimental rock band Sun City Girls
Sun City Girls
The Sun City Girls were an American experimental rock band, formed in 1979 in Phoenix, Arizona. From 1981 the group consisted of Alan Bishop , his brother Richard Bishop , and the late Charles Gocher . Their name was inspired by Sun City, Arizona, an Arizona retirement community...
, Amii Stewart
Amii Stewart
Amy 'Amii' Paulette Stewart is an American contemporary R&B/disco/dance-pop singer, dancer and actress most famous for her hit disco record "Knock on Wood". Stewart is the stepsister of actress-singer Miquel Brown and aunt to Brown's actress-singer daughter Sinitta.-Career:Amy Stewart was the...
, the soul band Tower of Power
Tower of Power
Tower of Power is an American R&B-based horn section and band, originating in Oakland, California, that has been performing for over 43 years. They are best known for their funky soul sound highlighted by a powerful horn section...
and François Pérusse
François Pérusse
François Pérusse is a Québécois comedian and musician famous for his radio sketches featuring puns and absurd humor. His best-known sketches are from the series Les 2 minutes du peuple...
(a parody version named Guy A Un Bicycle Jaune).
This song was recorded by Freddie Jackson
Freddie Jackson
Frederick Anthony "Freddie" Jackson is an American soul singer. He was an important figure in R&B during the 1980s and early 1990s...
in 1992. Coolio
Coolio
Artis Leon Ivey Jr. , better known by the stage name Coolio, is an American musician, rapper, actor and record producer.-Late 80s:He recorded two singles in the late 80s, titled "Watcha Gonna Do" and "You're Gonna Miss Me"...
recorded a version on his album Gangsta's Paradise
Gangsta's Paradise
Gangsta's Paradise is the second album by rapper Coolio, released on November 21, 1995. The album contained three hits: "Gangsta's Paradise", which reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, "1, 2, 3, 4 ", which reached #5, and "Too Hot," which peaked at #24.-Track listing:-Samples and...
, entitled "A Thing Goin' On".
Bobby Brown
Bobby Brown
Robert Barisford "Bobby" Brown is an American R&B singer-songwriter, occasional rapper, and dancer. After success in pop group New Edition, Brown began his solo career in 1987 and had a string of Top 10 Billboard hits, culminating in a Grammy Award. He was a pioneer of New Jack Swing music, a...
sampled the song in his first #1 solo hit, "Girlfriend
King of Stage
King of Stage is the debut album by American R&B singer Bobby Brown.-Reception:Released in December 11, 1986 on MCA Records. It spawned the singles "Girlfriend" and "Girl Next Door".-Track listing:#"Girlfriend" – 6:16...
", in 1986.
Cross platform supergroup Tower Of Power
Tower of Power
Tower of Power is an American R&B-based horn section and band, originating in Oakland, California, that has been performing for over 43 years. They are best known for their funky soul sound highlighted by a powerful horn section...
also released a cover version on their "Great American Soulbook" album in 2009.
Patrick Stump
Patrick Stump
Patrick Vaughn Stump is an American singer-songwriter, composer, record producer, and music critic. He is the composer, lead singer, and multi-instrumentalist of Fall Out Boy, an American rock band from Wilmette, Illinois, and is also a solo artist...
has played this song on a few nights of his tour during a piano solo.