A great song from an amazing vocalist with a stunning range. Hey since we gave props to Millie earlier this week, we may as well give up props to this sista{who also keeps it real in her lyrics}...

This is from her 1978 album Betty Wright Live! which was popular and sold considerably well upon its' release. There have been speculation as to whether this album is really a live album. Whether it is or not...there's no denying Betty's vocal ability. This song was released as a single and became a HUGE hit for her.

"Tonight is the night that you make me a woman"
"You said you'd be gentle with me and I hope you will"

What's particularly funny is hearing her detail how her Mom reacted the first time she showed her the lyrical content of the song{about a young lady losing her virginity}...

"Betty...I like the music..the melody is nice ...BUT GIRL I KNOW YOU"RE NOT GON SING THAT SONG"!!!...(LOL).

Rapper Candyman sampled this song for his first hit called "Knockin' Boots" in 1990...Enjoy!!!

Brother915 said:

Yeah,I heard that this album is NOT really a "Live" album at all.It's just Betty and her band in the studio,and they added the audience sounds after it was finished.Can't see why they would deceive the public this way (assuming that's true).Nevertheless,this is a GREAT album that my parents bought on Christmas 1978.The album starts off with a take-no-prisoners version of "Lovin Is Really My Game" (originally recorded by Brainstorm in 1977).Betty's version is superior,imo,and her band is SMOKIN'!!


"Tonight Is the Night" originally appeared on the B-side of Betty's 1974 single "Shoorah!Shoorah!".The radio DJs flipped the record over and began playing "Tonight Is The Night" and it became a sizable hit for her.The "Live" version" is fantastic,with a hilarious and effective explanation at the beginning.

DavidEye said:

My parents used to play this album ALOT back in 78'. Hey... another highlight on the album is "Clean Up Woman" which turns into a medley running over 10 minute, in which Betty warns the ladies of ladies that will come up and sweep their man off his feet{ladies like Sylvia, Chaka Khan, and Natale Cole}. This is classic stuff that has to be heard. Fellow orgers who don't have the album, get it for some prime time soul/r&B.

Have you ever heard the original 1974 version of "Tonight Is The Night"? Compared to the Live version that we know so well,it's actually kinda flat and boring.

DavidEye said:

Yes I've heard it..the live version is way better.

Betty Wright was on Alston Records a division of Atlantic who remembers her classic cut "The Babysitter"