More than forty years later, it remains a masterclass in how voice, music, and lyrics can come together to celebrate love and the beloved.

Some songs don’t just fill the airwaves. They stay with you. They become lasting expressions of emotion, capturing joy, heartbreak, longing, and everything in between. “You Know How to Love Me” is one of those rare tracks that continues to resonate with anyone who’s ever wanted to feel understood.

At the center of its lasting power is Phyllis Hyman’s voice. Rich, sultry, and soulful, she elevates every lyric, moving in harmony with each instrument with effortless grace, and delivering it all with a sincerity that lingers long after the music fades.

What makes this song stand out is how its emotional depth rides atop an irresistible groove.
The drums shimmer and drive with perfect precision, keeping the track buoyant and full of life. It’s the kind of record that pulls you onto the dance floor even as it tugs at your heart. That contrast lies at the core of its brilliance. The song sounds like a celebration but speaks like a confession.

Written by the legendary duo James Mtume and Reggie Lucas, the track showcases Hyman’s powerhouse vocals over lush arrangements that blend R&B, soul, and disco into a seamless emotional experience. Mtume and Lucas not only wrote and produced the song but also performed on it. Lucas played guitar, while Mtume handled percussion, keyboards, and synthesizers. Both contributed background vocals, adding warmth and texture that perfectly complement Hyman’s voice.

The synergy between Hyman, Lucas, and Mtume turns the track into something both vibrant in its grooves and deeply rooted in truth. This is R&B in its purest form.

At its core, “You Know How to Love Me” is an intimate love letter. It speaks to a connection grounded in trust, understanding, and emotional reciprocity.

Two lines in particular capture the heart of its message:

“You know how to love me / Right in a special way.”

In just eleven words, Hyman affirms a love that feels personal and profound. A love that meets her exactly where she is.

Then there’s this:

“You’re the real that I feel / Never go away.”

Here, the song reaches beyond romance toward something deeper: a grounding presence, a sense of emotional certainty. This is not about fantasy. It’s about a love that feels like home, consistent, comforting, and true.

Later, Hyman leans fully into that certainty:

“Seeing’s believin’ / Don’t you know you’re a dream come true / Ain’t nothin’ deceivin’ / ’Bout the way that I’m lovin’ you, yeah.”

These lines reveal a mature devotion, a love that doesn’t need convincing, only living.

In a world where love is often portrayed as fleeting or transactional, the song reminds us that love is a soul-to-soul journey, about being seen, heard, and held emotionally as much as physically.

That’s why “You Know How to Love Me” remains more than a hit record. It’s a lesson in melody and a lasting anthem for anyone who’s ever longed to be truly known and cherished.

Artist: Phyllis Hyman
Track: You Know How to Love Me
Album: You Know How to Love Me (1979)
Songwriters: James Mtume, Reggie Lucas
Producers: James Mtume, Reggie Lucas
Executive Producer: Larkin Arnold

Lyrics from “You Know How to Love Me” performed by Phyllis Hyman.
Written by Reggie Lucas and James Mtume.
© 1979 Arista Records.

Rewind: Play That Back – Rediscovering Iconic Tracks – 1.

With this entry, we launch Rewind, revisiting iconic tracks that do more than move us. These are the songs that speak to the soul, mark moments, frame memories, and retrace the paths of our lives, the stories we’ve lived, and the ones still unfolding.

A collective thank you to the artists, songwriters, producers, musicians, engineers, and music professionals responsible for shaping the sound and soul of these recordings.

Staff Writer; Patricia “Trish” Brooks

This sister is an accomplished writer with decades of experience in the music industry. Originally from the Midwest and now based on the West Coast, Trish draws deeply from the rich legacy of African American history, crafting stories that inform, uplift, and resonate across generations.

She is a contributing writer for the LA Sentinel newspaper and a proud voice for platforms like ThyBlackMan and ThySistas. When she’s not writing, Trish embraces a wellness-focused lifestyle and curates soul-stirring playlists that feed both the spirit and the culture.

Above all, Trish is a devoted follower of the one true God and remains firmly grounded in her faith, which guides her work and daily life.

Follow her journey on Instagram: @trishwilloughbymusic.

Feel free to reach out to her directly at: PTBrooks@ThyBlackMan.com.

Leon Ware stands as one of music’s most influential figures, a behind-the-scenes genius whose songwriting and production helped shape some of the most sensual and sophisticated records ever made. Blind in one eye from a childhood accident involving a slingshot, Ware spent time at the Michigan School for the Blind, though his vision in his left eye was initially lost, it eventually returned, an experience that heightened his connection to sound and emotion.

Ware stated that this experience shaped his music and fueled a lifelong creative journey.

Ware began his career in Detroit’s vibrant Motown scene during the 1960s, first making his mark as a songwriter before expanding into production. He penned hits for a range of artists, including the Isley Brothers’ “Got to Have You Back,” Michael Jackson’s “I Wanna Be Where You Are,” and contributed several tracks on Quincy Jones’s Body Heat album, including “If I Ever Lose This Heaven.” His work on Body Heat, both as a vocalist and songwriter, helped shape the album’s lush, intimate sound.

Around this time, Ware also began working with Minnie Riperton, forging a soulful bond that came to life on her 1975 album Adventures in Paradise. The album’s first single, “Inside My Love,” co-written by Riperton, her husband Richard Rudolph, and Ware, became one of her top songs. Known for its bold and sensual lyrics, with memorable lines like “Do you wanna ride, inside my love,” the song’s provocative content was inspired by an unexpected source. In an interview, Ware revealed that the lyrics drew from a childhood memory of a church preacher who urged the congregation, “Let us come into the house of the Lord.” This blend of spiritual influence and romantic intimacy showcases Ware’s talent for layering emotional depth and nuance into his songwriting.

A year later, Leon Ware’s musical style had fully matured into a refined and sensual blend of soul, jazz, and subtle eroticism, a sound that would define the most celebrated phase of his career. It was a set of demos he recorded for himself that led to his greatest moment: the 1976 release of I Want You, not by Ware himself, but by Marvin Gaye.

Originally intended for Ware’s solo album, the songs from I Want You found their way to Gaye after Motown founder Berry Gordy heard the demos and felt they were perfect for the Motown legend. Gaye agreed, opting to record Ware’s compositions with minimal changes rather than creating new material. Ware co-produced the album and contributed background vocals and arrangements throughout.

The result was one of Gaye’s most iconic works: a shimmering, seductive suite that became a cornerstone of the quiet storm genre. Though Marvin’s name graced the cover, it was Ware’s intimate songwriting and lush production that truly defined the sound. As Rolling Stone wrote, “Marvin Gaye’s I Want You might be his most erotic album, but it’s Leon Ware’s fingerprints all over it.” The record invites listeners into a world of longing, desire, and tender vulnerability. The production synergy between Gaye and Ware was sensual, seamless, and deeply melodic-and has never been replicated.

Building on that epic, career-defining collaboration, Ware released his solo album Musical Massage. Though initially overlooked commercially, the album has since become a cult favorite, praised for its dreamy grooves, layered instrumentation, and vulnerable lyricism. Over the next decade, Ware continued to release solo projects, including Inside Is Love (1979), Rockin’ You Eternally (1981), and Moon Ride (1983), all showcasing his signature smooth voice and lush arrangements, even as musical trends evolved around him.

While his solo work demonstrated his refined sensual style, it was Ware’s songwriting and production behind the scenes that truly cemented his legacy. He shaped the sound of soul music, writing and producing for artists across generations. In 1996, he co-wrote “Sumthin’ Sumthin’” with Maxwell, a sultry standout on Urban Hang Suite that introduced Ware’s sensual songwriting to a new generation. His music has also been sampled by artists like Tupac and A Tribe Called Quest, proving that Ware’s influence, though often under the radar, continues to resonate powerfully in popular culture.

Though widely influential, Ware remained modest about his contributions. “I don’t write songs.
I channel them,” he once said. “Music is a form of healing, and I’m just the messenger.” That sense of purpose and humility permeated all his work, whether behind the mic or behind the scenes.

Sensuality was more than a theme in Ware’s music; it was its very heartbeat. His songs, delivered with understated elegance, celebrated love and intimacy. They reveal a man who was a romantic and a lover at heart, using music as his most fluent language of affection. With a deep understanding and appreciation for the love shared between a woman and a man, he created music that didn’t just speak to the heart. It lingered there.

“Good, experienced company / Like me who knows all the ways / Is what you need, baby / Just you and me locked up for days / After we eat breakfast in bed / Turn on the music for our head.” — from “Come Live With Me Angel,” lyrics by Leon Ware, Jacqueline Hilliard, recorded by Marvin Gaye.

Staff Writer; Patricia “Trish” Brooks

This sister is an accomplished writer with decades of experience in the music industry. Originally from the Midwest and now based on the West Coast, Trish draws deeply from the rich legacy of African American history, crafting stories that inform, uplift, and resonate across generations.

She is a contributing writer for the LA Sentinel newspaper and a proud voice for platforms like ThyBlackMan and ThySistas. When she’s not writing, Trish embraces a wellness-focused lifestyle and curates soul-stirring playlists that feed both the spirit and the culture.

Above all, Trish is a devoted follower of the one true God and remains firmly grounded in her faith, which guides her work and daily life.

Follow her journey on Instagram: @trishwilloughbymusic.

Feel free to reach out to her directly at: PTBrooks@ThyBlackMan.com.

Sade Adu has long captivated the world with her smooth voice, soulful presence, and timeless sound. Her music – defined by coolness, calm, and emotional richness—continues to resonate deeply with fans old and new. Born in Nigeria and raised in the UK, Sade is the creative force behind the band that bears her name, crafting a legacy marked by grace, honesty, and a sound that has been uniquely hers from the start. Respected for her creative integrity, soul-deep storytelling and magnetic presence, she’s not just one of the most successful female artists ever, she’s one of the most respected, across genres and generations. This is a tribute to the brilliance of Sade.

Sade’s journey began in the early 1980s when she joined forces with a group of musicians in London to form the band, Sade. Their unique blend of soul, jazz, and R&B set them apart from the crowded music scene. Their debut album, Diamond Life, released in 1984, was an instant success. It featured hits like “Smooth Operator” and “Your Love Is King,” songs that showcased Sade’s cool, sultry voice and sophisticated style. The album’s polished production and unique sound quickly captured the attention of critics and listeners alike, establishing Sade as a distinctive and unforgettable voice in music.

Sade’s style, both musically and visually, set a standard for grace and sophistication in an industry often driven by flash and show. Her gift for songwriting shines through lush, intricate arrangements that create mood as much as melody. Influenced by jazz greats and classic soul singers, she brings a timeless depth to her work, never chasing trends. The band’s ability to fuse different genres while maintaining a cohesive, signature sound is part of what makes their music so enduring.

Following the success of Diamond Life, Sade released several critically acclaimed albums that further solidified their place in music history. Promise (1985) continued their streak with hits like “The Sweetest Taboo” while Love Deluxe (1992) showcased a deeper, more introspective side with songs such as “No Ordinary Love.” After a decade-long break the band returned with Soldier of Love (2010) which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and was praised for its polished production and textural richness.

Throughout their career, Sade has released memorable singles such as “Smooth Operator,” “Your Love Is King,” “The Sweetest Taboo,” “No Ordinary Love,” and “By Your Side.”

Each song showcases the band’s skill in blending heartfelt lyrics with smooth, polished music. What makes Sade’s sound so compelling is its authenticity.

Today, her songs continue to be sampled, covered, and celebrated. From Adele and FKA Twigs to Drake, some of today’s most respected artists cite Sade as a cornerstone of their artistry. She leads with confidence, embodying the soul of something greater. She is both the blueprint and the depth. Sade doesn’t release music to stay visible. She releases it when there is something worth saying. In a world full of noise and oversharing, her silence speaks volumes. Her name carries weight, reverence, and lasting relevance. Sade isn’t just a sound or a style. She is a sensibility. An ethos.

While the music industry often moves fast, with artists releasing new music or collaborating to stay visible, Sade has always moved at her own pace. There’s nothing wrong with staying active or chasing momentum, but Sade’s path was always different. She doesn’t rush. She creates when she has something real to say. And that is why her music remains a gift that keeps on giving.

Aside from two isolated tracks for movie soundtracks “The Moon and the Sky” which appeared in The First Grader though it wasn’t originally written for the film, in 2018 Sade made a notable return with “Flower of the Universe,” an original song composed specifically for Ava DuVernay’s A Wrinkle in Time. Her appearances may be few, but each one carries an intensity and style that no one else quite captures. Then in 2024 she released her first new song in six years, “Young Lion.” A heartfelt dedication to her son, the track beautifully captures the love and resilience she conveys through her music.

Social media is an important space for many artists to connect, create, and grow their audiences. It’s become a central part of how music lives today, and there’s value in that. But Sade’s presence feels different more graceful, more sacred. It inspires gratitude. Sade’s privacy simply flows naturally with who she is. She evokes the aura of old Hollywood and the thrill that once came from catching only rare glimpses of stars. Her official social media channels exist solely to share music updates, no selfies, no tabloid noise. While others find themselves caught up in the spotlight’s rush, Sade stays quietly present. And still, we watch, listen, and wait.

Personal Reflection

Sade’s music isn’t just something I listen to occasionally. It’s part of my daily life. I even have a hashtag for it in my social media bio, #sadedaily. Her songs are a faithful companion through life’s highs and lows. Here are a few of my favorites: “War of the Hearts,” “Your Love Is King,” “Maureen,” “In Another Time,” “You’re Not the Man,” “Like a Tattoo,” “Every Word,” “Love Is Stronger Than Pride,” “Immigrant,” and “I Couldn’t Love You More.” Add these to your playlist and let the music take you.

It’s not just the music that I love and respect about her. I still remember hunting everywhere for the August 2020 issue of British Vogue to read her feature, “Sade Shows Off Her Country Estate to Vogue.” That rare glimpse into her world felt like a gift, a quiet reminder of the mystery that surrounds her both on and off the stage.

Sade has gifted us some of the most beautiful music, moving us deeply with its genuine, understated sincerity. While she hasn’t officially announced a new project, rumors have quietly surfaced for years that she’s been working in the studio. As of summer 2025, there is still no confirmed release. But the anticipation has become part of the story we tell about her and part of her legendary status. Fans continue to wait, not impatiently or out of nostalgia, but with trust. Because when Sade returns, her music will not be made to go viral. It will be made to last.
It will be beautiful. And necessary. Just like her. #sadedaily

Staff Writer; Patricia “Trish” Brooks

This sister is an accomplished writer with decades of experience in the music industry. Originally from the Midwest and now based on the West Coast, Trish draws deeply from the rich legacy of African American history, crafting stories that inform, uplift, and resonate across generations.

She is a contributing writer for the LA Sentinel newspaper and a proud voice for platforms like ThyBlackMan and ThySistas. When she’s not writing, Trish embraces a wellness-focused lifestyle and curates soul-stirring playlists that feed both the spirit and the culture.

Above all, Trish is a devoted follower of the one true God and remains firmly grounded in her faith, which guides her work and daily life.

Follow her journey on Instagram: @trishwilloughbymusic.

Feel free to reach out to her directly at: PTBrooks@ThyBlackMan.com.

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