Early in the Morning (Gap Band song)
1982 single by The Gap Band
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"Early in the Morning" is a song originally performed by American band the Gap Band, and written by member Charlie Wilson and producers Lonnie Simmons and Rudy Taylor.
| "Early in the Morning" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Single by The Gap Band | ||||
| from the album Gap Band IV | ||||
| B-side | "I'm in Love" | |||
| Released | April 1982 | |||
| Recorded | 1981–1982 | |||
| Genre | Synth-funk | |||
| Length | 3:57 (single version) 6:30 (album version) | |||
| Label | Total Experience | |||
| Songwriters |
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| Producers |
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| The Gap Band singles chronology | ||||
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Chart performance
It was released as a single in 1982 and went on to become their biggest hit on the US Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 24. It also topped the Billboard R&B chart for three weeks[1] and reached number 13 on the dance chart.[2]
Chart positions
| Chart (1982) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| US Billboard Dance Club Songs | 13 |
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 24 |
| US Billboard Hot Black Singles | 1 |
| UK Singles Chart[3] | 55 |
Cover versions
The song was a hit again when British singer Robert Palmer covered it in 1988. This version peaked at number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 and is to date the highest charting version of the song on that chart.[4] Cash Box said that Palmer "creates a Volga River Boatman-like chorus that clearly illustrates his image of early morning loneliness."[5]
In popular culture
- The song was used as the music for a film-making montage in Michel Gondry's 2008 film, Be Kind Rewind.
- Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl credits the song "Early in the Morning" for inspiring the drum intro on their hit "Smells Like Teen Spirit".[6]