| "Michael" | |
|---|---|
| Single by The C.O.D.'s | |
| B-side | "Cry No More" |
| Released | 1965 |
| Format | 7", 45rpm |
| Genre | Soul |
| Length | 02:35 |
| Label | Kellmac/One Derful 1003 |
| Writer(s) | Larry Brownlee |
| Producer | Leon Singleton |
"Michael (the Lover)"[nb 1] is a soul song originally performed by American Chicago soul group the C.O.D.'s.
The song was written by the group's lead singer Larry Brownlee[nb 2] who was murdered in 1978. It was released as a single on Kellmac Records in the United States and Stateside in the United Kingdom and made it to number 5 on the Hot Rhythm & Blues Singles chart in 1965. The song was produced by Leon Singleton and arranged by Pete Matthews.[1]
The song was later remade by the Mad Lads, appearing on their 1966 album The Mad Lads In Action (Volt 414), and by the Northern soul Geno Washington & the Ram Jam Band (Piccadilly 7N 35359). Washington's version reached #39 on the UK charts. The 1980 song "Geno", a tribute to Washington and his band, notes "You were Michael the lover, the fighter that won".