"Forever Came Today" is a 1967 song written and produced by the Motown collective of Holland–Dozier–Holland, and was first made into a hit as a single for Diana Ross & the Supremes in early 1968. A disco version of the song was released as a single seven years later by Motown group the Jackson 5.
Overview
The Supremes version
The release of "Forever Came Today" was the result of a work slowdown by Holland-Dozier-Holland in late 1967. The song was originally cut in April 1967 with vocals added in December, 1967 and January, 1968. HDH, and particularly lyricist Eddie Holland, had become dissatisfied with both their pay and the working atmosphere at Motown, and resultantly created very little music during the latter half of the year.[1]
With no other Supremes singles ready for release, Motown had "Forever Came Today" prepared for release as a single.[2] Mary Wilson, in her autobiography Dreamgirl: My Life as a Supreme, reported that "Forever Came Today" was the first of a series of Supremes singles she did not sing on.[3] Motown used their in-house session singers, The Andantes, to provide background vocal instead.
The single stalled for two weeks at number twenty-eight on the Billboard Hot 100 pop singles chart in spring 1968.[4][5] It was their first American single not to reach the top 10 since "Nothing but Heartaches." The song's lyrics feature a woman who is amazed by her boyfriend's love that she has waited 'forever' for, hence the saying "my forever came today." In spite of its showings on the pop charts, Holland-Dozier-Holland uphold "Forever Came Today" as one of the best Motown songs they ever wrote.[6]
By the time of the single's release in early 1968, Holland-Dozier-Holland had staged a work slowdown and eventually no longer came to Motown's Hitsville U.S.A. studio. Motown sued for breach of contract in August 1968; HDH countersued.[1] The trio went on to eventually start their own labels, Invictus Records and Hot Wax Records. Meanwhile, Berry Gordy was forced to find a new songwriting team for the Supremes, since Holland-Dozier-Holland had written all of the group's hit singles since 1963.
Track listing
7" single (29 February 1968) (North America/United Kingdom/Germany)
The single was revived eight years later in a disco version by another Motown group, the Jackson 5. The Jacksons had replaced the Supremes as the label's top-selling act during the early 1970s and by 1975 were going through problems with Motown and making plans to leave the company. In the US, the Jackson 5's version peaked at number six on the soul chart and at number sixty on the pop chart.[16] On the Billboard dance chart, it was the first of two releases by the Jacksons to hit number one.[17] The single's B-side, "All I Do Is Think of You", was later extensively covered and sampled by contemporary R&B and hip hop artists.
Chart positions
Chart (1975)
Peak position
U.S. Billboard Hot 100
60
U.S. Billboard Disco File Top 20
1
U.S. Billboard Hot Black Singles
6
References
^ a bGeorge, Nelson (1985). Where Did Our Love Go: The Rise and Fall of the Motown Sound. New York: St. Martin's. pp. 152–154. ISBN 0-312-01109-1.
^Posner, Gerald (2002). Motown: Music, Money, Sex, and Power. New York: Random House. p. 205. ISBN 0-375-50062-6.
^Wilson, Mary. Dreamgirl, My Life as a Supreme. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1986. ISBN 0-312-21959-8 p. 214
^"Billboard Hot 100". Billboard. Nielsen Company. 80 (17): 54. 1968. Retrieved 10 May 2011.
^"Billboard Hot 100". Billboard. Nielsen Company. 80 (18): 61. 1968. Retrieved 10 May 2011.
^Chin, Brian and Nathan, David (2000). "Reflections Of..." The Supremes [CD boxed set liner notes]. New York: Motown Record Co./Universal Music.
^"Every Unique AMR Top 100 Single of the 1968". Top 100 Singles. Retrieved 31 December 2020.
^"Top RPM Singles: Issue 100191." RPM. Library and Archives Canada.
^"Supremes: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company.
^"The Supremes Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard.
^"The Supremes Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard.
^"CASH BOX Top 100 Singles". Cashbox. April 20, 1968. Retrieved 1 January 2020.
^"The CASH BOX Top 50 In R&B Locations". Cashbox. April 13, 1968. Retrieved 1 January 2020.
^"100 TOP POPS: Week of April 27, 1968" (PDF). Record World. worldradiohistory.com. April 27, 1968. Retrieved 29 January 2021.
^"TOP 50 R&B: Week of April 27, 1968" (PDF). Record World. worldradiohistory.com. April 27, 1968. p. 61. Retrieved 29 January 2021.
^Whitburn, Joel (2004). Top R&B/Hip-Hop Singles: 1942-2004. Record Research. p. 287.
^Whitburn, Joel (2004). Hot Dance/Disco: 1974-2003. Record Research. p. 132.
External links
Lyrics of this song at MetroLyrics
Florence Ballard
Cindy Birdsong
Susaye Greene
Lynda Laurence
Barbara Martin
Betty McGlown
Scherrie Payne
Diana Ross
Jean Terrell
Mary Wilson
Studio albums
Meet The Supremes (1962)
Where Did Our Love Go (1964)
More Hits by The Supremes (1965)
I Hear a Symphony (1966)
The Supremes A' Go-Go (1966)
The Supremes Sing Holland–Dozier–Holland (1967)
Reflections (1968)
Love Child (1968)
Let the Sunshine In (1969)
Cream of the Crop (1969)
Right On (1970)
New Ways but Love Stays (1970)
Touch (1971)
Floy Joy (1972)
The Supremes Produced and Arranged by Jimmy Webb (1972)
The Supremes (1975)
High Energy (1976)
Mary, Scherrie & Susaye (1976)
Collaborative albums
Diana Ross & the Supremes Join the Temptations (1968)
Together (1969)
The Magnificent 7 (1970)
The Return of the Magnificent Seven (1971)
Dynamite (1971)
Live albums
The Supremes at the Copa (1965)
Live at London's Talk of the Town (1968)
TCB (1968)
On Broadway (1969)
Farewell (1970)
The Supremes Live! In Japan (1973)
Other albums
A Bit of Liverpool (1964)
The Supremes Sing Country, Western and Pop (1965)
We Remember Sam Cooke (1965)
Merry Christmas (1965)
The Supremes Sing Rodgers & Hart (1967)
Diana Ross & the Supremes Sing and Perform "Funny Girl" (1968)
Singles
"Tears of Sorrow" (as The Primettes)
"I Want a Guy"
"Buttered Popcorn"
"Your Heart Belongs to Me"
"Let Me Go the Right Way"
"My Heart Can't Take It No More"
"A Breathtaking Guy"
"When the Lovelight Starts Shining Through His Eyes"
"Run, Run, Run"
"Where Did Our Love Go"
"Baby Love"
"Come See About Me"
"Stop! In the Name of Love"
"Back in My Arms Again"
"The Only Time I'm Happy"
"Nothing but Heartaches"
"Things Are Changing"
"I Hear a Symphony"
"Children's Christmas Song"
"My World Is Empty Without You"
"Love Is Like an Itching in My Heart"
"You Can't Hurry Love"
"You Keep Me Hangin' On"
"Love Is Here and Now You're Gone"
"The Happening"
"Reflections"
"In and Out of Love"
"Forever Came Today"
"Some Things You Never Get Used To"
"Love Child"
"I'm Gonna Make You Love Me"
"I'm Livin' in Shame"
"I'll Try Something New"
"The Composer"
"No Matter What Sign You Are"
"The Weight"
"I Second That Emotion"
"Someday We'll Be Together"
"Why (Must We Fall in Love)"
"Up the Ladder to the Roof"
"Everybody's Got the Right to Love"
"Stoned Love"
"River Deep – Mountain High"
"Nathan Jones"
"You Gotta Have Love in Your Heart"
"Touch"
"Floy Joy"
"Automatically Sunshine"
"Without the One You Love"
"Your Wonderful, Sweet Sweet Love"
"I Guess I'll Miss the Man"
"Reach Out and Touch (Somebody's Hand)"
"Bad Weather"
"Tossin' and Turnin'"
"He's My Man"
"Where Do I Go from Here"
"Early Morning Love"
"I'm Gonna Let My Heart Do the Walking"
"High Energy"
"You're My Driving Wheel"
"Let Yourself Go"
"Love, I Never Knew You Could Feel So Good"
Videography
T.A.M.I. Show
Greatest Hits: Live in Amsterdam
Reflections: The Definitive Performances (1964–1969)
Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever
Inspired works
Sparkle (1976 film)
Dreamgirls (musical)
Dreamgirls (film)
Sparkle (2012 film)
Related topics
Discography
Chronology
Members
FLOS
Farewell concert
Return to Love Tour
Category
vteThe Jackson 5/The Jacksons singles
Singles on Steeltown Records
"Big Boy"
Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5 (1969)
"I Want You Back"
ABC (1970)
"ABC"
"The Love You Save"
"Never Had a Dream Come True"
"Don't Know Why I Love You"
" La La (Means I Love You)"
Third Album (1970)
"I'll Be There"
"Mama's Pearl"
"The Love I Saw in You Was Just a Mirage"
Jackson 5 Christmas Album (1970)
"Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town"
"I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus"
"Give Love on Christmas Day"
Maybe Tomorrow (1971)
"Never Can Say Goodbye"
"Maybe Tomorrow"
"16 Candles"
Greatest Hits (1971)
"Sugar Daddy"
Lookin' Through the Windows (1972)
"Little Bitty Pretty One"
"Lookin' Through the Windows"
"Doctor, My Eyes"
Skywriter (1973)
"Skywriter"
G.I.T.: Get It Together (1973)
"Get It Together"
"Dancing Machine"
Dancing Machine (1974)
"Dancing Machine"
"I Am Love"
Moving Violation (1975)
"Forever Came Today"
"All I Do Is Think of You"
The Jacksons (1976)
"Enjoy Yourself"
"Show You the Way to Go"
Destiny (1978)
"Blame It on the Boogie"
"Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)"
Triumph (1980)
"Lovely One"
"This Place Hotel"
"Can You Feel It"
"Walk Right Now"
Victory (1984)
"State of Shock"
"Torture"
2300 Jackson Street (1989)
"Nothin' (That Compares 2 U)"
"2300 Jackson Street"
Notable collaborations and album tracks
"Who's Lovin' You"
"Hum Along and Dance"
"Feelin' Alright"
"This Is It"
Category
vteThe Jackson 5/The Jacksons
Jackie Jackson
Tito Jackson
Jermaine Jackson
Marlon Jackson
Michael Jackson
Randy Jackson
Studio albums
The Jackson 5
Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5 (1969)
ABC (1970)
Third Album (1970)
Jackson 5 Christmas Album (1970)
Maybe Tomorrow (1971)
Lookin' Through the Windows (1972)
Skywriter (1973)
G.I.T.: Get It Together (1973)
Dancing Machine (1974)
Moving Violation (1975)
The Jacksons
The Jacksons (1976)
Goin' Places (1977)
Destiny (1978)
Triumph (1980)
Victory (1984)
2300 Jackson Street (1989)
Soundtrack album
Goin' Back to Indiana (1971)
Live albums
The Jackson 5 in Japan (1973)
The Jacksons Live! (1981)
Live at the Forum (rec. 1970 & 1972, rel. 2010)
Compilations
Greatest Hits (1971)
Anthology (1976)
Joyful Jukebox Music (1976)
Boogie (1979)
18 Greatest Hits (1983)
Soulsation! (1995)
Jackson 5: The Ultimate Collection (1995)
20th Century Masters – The Millennium Collection: The Best of The Jackson 5 (1999)
The Essential Jacksons (2004)
The Very Best of The Jacksons (2004)
Gold (2005)
The Motown Years (2008)
I Want You Back! Unreleased Masters (2009)
J Is for Jackson 5 (2010)
Come and Get It: The Rare Pearls (2012)
Concert tours
The Jackson 5 First National Tour
The Jackson 5 Second National Tour
Destiny World Tour
Triumph Tour
Victory Tour
Unity Tour
Television
The Jackson 5ive
The Jacksons
The Jacksons: An American Dream
The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty
Specials
Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever
Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration
Related articles
Discography
Songs
Chronology
Jackson family
Steeltown Records
Category
vteHolland–Dozier–Holland
Brian Holland
Lamont Dozier
Eddie Holland
Songs
1962
"Dearest One"
"Old Love (Let's Try It Again)"
"Darling, I Hum Our Song"
1963
"Leaving Here"
"Locking Up My Heart"
"What Goes Up Must Come Down" / "Come on Home"
"Tie a String Around Your Finger"
"Come and Get These Memories" / "Jealous Lover"
"You Lost the Sweetest Boy"
"Heat Wave" / "A Love Like Yours (Don't Come Knocking Everyday)"
"(He Won't Be True) Little Girl Blue"
"Mickey's Monkey"
"Too Hurt to Cry, Too Much in Love to Say Goodbye" / "Come on Home"
"When the Lovelight Starts Shining Through His Eyes" / "Standing at the Crossroads of Love"
"I Gotta Dance to Keep From Crying"
"Quicksand" / "Darling I Hum Our Song"
"Live Wire" / "Old Love (Let's Try It Again)"
"Run, Run, Run" / "I'm Giving You Your Freedom"
"Can I Get a Witness"
1964
"A Tear from a Woman's Eyes"
"My Lady Bug Stay Away from That Beatle"
"Like a Nightmare" / "If You Were Mine"
"In My Lonely Room"
"Just Ain't Enough Love"
"Where Did Our Love Go"
"Baby Don't You Do It"
"Guarantee for a Lifetime"
"Baby I Need Your Loving" / "Call on Me"
"Candy to Me" / "If You Don't Want My Love"
"Whisper You Love Me Boy"
"Baby Love" / "Ask Any Girl"
"Come See About Me" / (You're Gone But) Always in My Heart"
"Without the One You Love (Life's Not Worth While)" / "Love has Gone"
"You're a Wonderful One"
"How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)"
1965
"Where Did You Go"
"Stop! In the Name of Love" / "I'm in Love Again"
"You've Been a Long Time Coming"
"Who Could Ever Doubt My Love"
"Nowhere to Run"
"Back in My Arms Again" / "Whisper You Love Me Boy"
"I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)"
"The Only Time I'm Happy"
"Mother Dear" / "He Holds His Own"
"Nothing but Heartaches" / "He Holds His Own"
"Love (Makes Me Do Foolish Things)"
"It's the Same Old Song" / "Your Love Is Amazing"
"Mother Dear" / "Who Could Ever Doubt My Love"
"I Hear a Symphony" / "Who Could Ever Doubt My Love"
"Something About You"
"Take Me in Your Arms (Rock Me a Little While)"
"Darling Baby"
"There's a Ghost in My House"
1966
"(I'm a) Roadrunner"
"This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You)"
"Ask any Man"
"My World Is Empty Without You"
"Put Yourself in My Place"
"There's No Love Left"
"Shake Me, Wake Me (When It's Over)" / "Just as Long as You Need Me"
"Helpless" / "A Love Like Yours (Don't Come Knocking Everyday)"
"Call on Me"
"Love Is Like an Itching in My Heart" / "He's All I Got"
"Who Could Ever Doubt My Love"
"I Like Everything About You"
"I Guess I'll Always Love You"
"Nothing but Soul"
"Love's Gone Bad" / "Put Yourself in My Place"
"You Can't Hurry Love" / "Put Yourself in My Place"
"Little Darling (I Need You)"
"Reach Out I'll Be There" / "Until You Love Someone"
"Stay in My Lonely Arms"
"You Keep Me Hangin' On" / "I Wanna Mother You, Smother You With Love"
"You Keep Me Hangin' On" / "Remove This Doubt"
"Standing in the Shadows of Love" / Since You've Been Gone"
"I'm Ready for Love"
"(Come 'Round Here) I'm the One You Need"
"Heaven Must Have Sent You"
1967
"Just One Last Look"
"Love Is Here and Now You're Gone" / There's No Stopping Us Now"
"Your Love Is Amazing"
"Jimmy Mack" / "Third Finger, Left Hand"
"Bernadette" / "I Got a Feeling"
"My World Is Empty Without You"
"The Happening" / "All I Know About You"
"Just Ain't Enough Love"
"7-Rooms of Gloom" / "I'll Turn to Stone"
"I Understand My Man"
"Your Unchanging Love" / "I'll Take Care of You"
"Reflections" / "Going Down for the Third Time"
"One Way Out"
"You Keep Me Running Away" / "If You Don't Want My Love"
"I Got a Feeling"
"In and Out of Love" / "I Guess I'll Always Love You"
1968
"Whisper You Love Me Boy"
"Forever Came Today"
"I'm in a Different World"
1969
"We've Got a Way Out Love"
"Crumbs off the Table"
1970
"Give Me Just a Little More Time"
"(You've Got Me) Dangling on a String"
"Everything's Tuesday"
"Band of Gold"
"Westbound #9"
1972
"The Day I Found Myself"
"Don't Leave Me Starvin' for Your Love"
"Why Can't We Be Lovers"
1973
"You're Gonna Need Me"
1975
"We're Almost There"
"Just a Little Bit of You"
"Early Morning Love"
"Where Do I Go from Here"
1976
"I'm Gonna Let My Heart Do the Walking"
"High Energy"
"Let Yourself Go"
1982
"We Can Never Light That Old Flame Again"
Relatedtopics
Motown
Hot Wax Records
Invictus Records
List of songs written by Holland, Dozier and Holland