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The Billboard Book of Number One Rhythm & Blues Hits

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"Being With You," the highest charting hit of Smokey Robinson's solo career, was originally written for pop singer Kim Carnes, who had recently scored a hit cover of the Miracles' "More Love." However, when Smokey presented the song to Carnes' producer, George Tobin, he learned that Tobin was no longer acting in that capacity. Tobin, however, saw a hit and in an attempt to show Smokey his good faith in the song, agreed to pay for the recording sessions.

Upon release, "Being With You" shot to the top of both the R&B and Hot 100 charts, achieving the top spot in the R&B category. However, the song failed to reach the top spot on the Hot 100 and stalled at number two. What song kept it from reaching number one? Kim Carnes' "Bette Davis Eyes."

Such behind the scene details form the backbone of THE BILLBOARD BOOK OF NUMBER ONE RHYTHM AND BLUES HITS. From smooth Motown soul to gritty Memphis funk, this book tells the fascinating stories behind twenty-five years of hit singles on the Billboard Charts. More than a mere collection of music business anecdotes, this book also serves as a very readable history of some of the most memorable pop music of this century. Highly recommended.