Feature Photo: Ron Adar / Shutterstock.com
Our Top 10 Jennifer Holliday Songs With Breathtaking Vocals list focuses on a legendary singer and actress. Jennifer Holliday is best known for her roles in the Broadway musicals Dreamgirls and Your Arms Too Short to Box with God. In addition to her run on Broadway, she had a successful music career. The Grammy-Award-winning singer is best known for the hit single “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going.” She won a Grammy for the song. Her success didn’t stop with that single. The singer has five Top 10 R&B and dance hits. She also recorded the hits “I Am Love,” “Hard Times for Lovers,” “No Frills Love,” “I’m on Your Side,” “A Woman’s Got the Power,” and “I Am Changing.” Jennifer Holliday was a featured vocalist in Foreigner’s hit single, “I Want to Know What Love Is.” She collaborated with legendary artists such as Barbra Streisand, Luther Vandross, Michael Jackson, David Foster, Paul Simon, and Maurice White on several award-winning albums and singles.
Jennifer Yvette Holliday was born on October 19, 1960. She won the role in the Broadway musical Your Arms Too Short to Box with God. At 21, she won the role that changed her life. Her rendition of Effie White in Dreamgirls won her awards. This role led to a successful music career. She released “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going” as a single, and it helped launch her music career. The single topped the R&B charts. She released her debut album, Feel My Soul, in October 1983. It includes the singles “Just Let Me Wait,” “I Am Love,” and “Shine a Light.” Say You Love Me premiered in August 1985. It features the singles “Hard Times for Lovers,” “No Frills Love,” and “You’re the One.”
Get Close to My Love dropped in August 1987. The album spawned the singles “Heart on the Line,” “Read It in My Eyes,” and “Giving Up.” Her fourth album, I’m on Your Side, came out in July 1991. It features the singles “I’m on Your Side,” “Love Stories,” “Is It Love,” and “I Fall Apart.” Jennifer Holliday switched things up and recorded Gospel music. On and On dropped in November 1994. The album includes the singles “Let Jesus Love You,” “To Teach Me,” and “In Spite of It All.” The Song Is You came out in January 2014. It features the singles “The Look of Love,” “At Last,” “The Song Is You,” and “Nobody Does It Better.”
Jennifer Holliday is a talented singer with an impressive range. Her gospel roots shine throughout her songs. Fans love her music because of her powerful vocals and ability to take you to church. She has more songs to offer in her catalog than just “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going.” Our Top 10 Jennifer Holliday Songs list proves she’s not a one-hit wonder.
# 10 – So in Love
The 10th song on our Top 10 Jennifer Holliday Songs list is “So in Love.” The non-album single came out in February 2022. This song is about unconditional love and the joy it brings. She talks about people misunderstanding love. Love has a significant impact on people’s lives. She needs the happiness that love brings. The man in her life fulfills her emotional needs. She hasn’t felt this way in a long time. In the past, she gave up on love until he showed up. He restored her belief in love.
“So in Love” is a beautiful portrayal of love. This song celebrates the impact love brings in your life. It reminds listeners of what’s missing in their lives. Life isn’t the same without love in it. Jennifer Holliday gives this lesson without judgment. Her impactful words convince us that love is worth pursuing. Love appears to you if you don’t give up. People take love for granted, so this song teaches you not to take it for granted. The piano-laden ballad stirs emotions inside of you. “So in Love” is a reminder of the songs she released during the height of her career. It shows that she has the magic she possessed at the height of her fame. Jennifer Holliday’s breathtaking vocals sound crisp and pure. Her gospel roots shine through effortlessly. We picked this song because it shows off her flawless vocals. If you love power ballads, this song won’t disappoint you.
# 9 – Just Let Me Wait
“Just Let Me Wait” is ninth on our Top 10 Jennifer Holliday Songs list. It’s the second single from the album Feel My Soul. The single dropped in 1983. The song is about her longing for love in her life. It opens with her talking about coming on too strong because she feels something special for the man in her life. Her love is genuine. She wants to share that love with someone special. The singer emotionally invests in the relationship. She wants love and waits for it. Love and happiness are on her side when she’s with a remarkable person. She longs to have a committed relationship with this man.
The emotional song conveys a message of patience. This reassuring song gives hope that love appears when you least expect it. If you put in the work, the reward pays off. The song hits home with listeners who want love in their lives. Sometimes, love takes patience. The energetic beat is ideal for the club scene. The up-tempo beat infuses R&B and disco music. This combination works for the song without being bubblegum music. The music doesn’t take away from her powerhouse vocals. She uses the same vocal power in this up-tempo song that she uses in her ballads. This song proves that she’s more than a balladeer. Jennifer Holliday handles dance songs like a champion.
# 8 – A Woman’s Got the Power
“A Woman’s Got the Power” owns the eighth spot on our Top 10 Jennifer Holliday Songs list. It’s a non-album single that dropped in 1999. It is about women supporting the men in their lives. The song talks about men struggling to fulfill their dreams. Men feel defeated when their goals don’t work out. When a man feels lost, he needs his woman’s love and support. Women have the power to lift their men and offer encouragement.
This uplifting song depicts the notion that women support the men in their lives. When men are feeling low, women possess the power to lift them. Men need women’s love and support to motivate them. Women help men overcome their obstacles. They provide reassurance and security for men. We applaud Jennifer Holliday because she didn’t record a song that bashes men. It highlights women’s abilities to uplift men. She proves women support men when they are down. “A Woman’s Got the Power” has a classic 90s beat. She chose an up-tempo beat instead of a slow beat for the song. The theme needed a slow beat, but she pulled it off. Jennifer Holliday gets her message across with the club sound. Her vocals didn’t disappoint. She holds incredible notes in the song. Her vocal strength is top-notch.
# 7 – One Night Only
“One Night Only” is number seven on our list. It appears on the Dreamgirls: Original Broadway Cast Album. The hit single premiered in 1982. This song is about a woman who has one night with the man she loves. She wants to take advantage of the only chance she has with him. Her love for him is eternal. Their love is doomed to end. Knowing this, she embraces the one night they have together.
This enchanting ballad is about cherishing the time you have with someone. It teaches you to live in the moment. This song is about the characters in the play, but it stands alone. It applies to everyday couples. This mesmerizing ballad showcases Jennifer Holliday’s ability to express intense emotions. Her performance is haunting. It sends chills up and down your spine. Her soul-stirring delivery leaves listeners breathless. Her pacing deserves praise. She gives the song a dramatic buildup before the big finale. Jennifer Holliday takes off when she’s ready to do it. Her big voice takes you on a ride, and you don’t want to get off. The only flaw with the song is that it’s not long enough.
# 6 – No Frills Love
“No Frills Love” appears on the album Say You Love Me. This hit song came out in 1985. The song is about a woman who wants a stable relationship. She had terrible experiences with relationships. They promised not to break her heart but didn’t live up to their promise. She wants a simple relationship without drama. The singer questions if her goal is unattainable. She wants a love that provides comfort and joy.
“No Frills Love” is an honest depiction of true love. She wants an everlasting love that provides joy in her life. Jennifer Holliday desires a secure partnership that’s reliable. She wants what we want in life. Listeners long for genuine connections with people. The music has a catchy pop and R&B sound. It has an unmistakable 80s vibe. She designed this energetic beat for dancing. The thumping drumbeat commands your attention. Jennifer Holliday’s vocals sparkle like a diamond. This song showcases her ability to perform an up-tempo song. Her majestic voice works for ballads, but she also delivers in dance songs.
# 5 – Hard Times for Lovers
We reached the halfway point of our Top 10 Jennifer Holliday Songs list. “Hard Times for Lovers” appears on her Say You Love Me album. It hit the shelves in 1985. The song is about the difficulties in relationships. Problems arise when couples are physically apart. She talks about people making mistakes and seeking comfort in the arms of others. If the couple believes in each other, overcoming obstacles is easy. Couples choose to break up rather than work through their problems. Her relationship with her man is real. They stand by each other.
“Hard Times for Lovers” teaches couples to believe in love when times are hard. Relationships aren’t perfect, but open communication helps overcome obstacles. Honesty is essential when it concerns relationships. This song is like a handbook on what it takes to make a relationship work. She gives excellent advice on how relationships work. If you’re looking for a lasting relationship, this song is essential to your playlist. This song features an outstanding R&B sound. The song opens with a fantastic guitar riff that gives the song a rock edge. Jennifer Holliday didn’t utilize her strong vocals. Her vocals are low-key. She didn’t need powerhouse vocals for this song because the music didn’t require it. Jennifer Holliday saved the belting for the chorus. The infectious chorus stays in your head long after the song ends. We picked this jam because Jennifer Holliday proved she didn’t need booming vocals for this song. The appealing music grabs your attention once it starts. Her pleasant vocals are a treat for listeners.
# 4 – I Am Changing
“I Am Changing” appears on the Dreamgirls: Original Broadway Cast Album. It came out in 1982. This song is about growth and transformation. She tells a story about a woman who changes and does everything to better herself. The woman acknowledges that she needs help. She asks for someone’s guidance through this change. To move forward, she must leave her mistakes in the past. She is ready to take control and change her life.
“I Am Changing” depicts a road to self-discovery. The singer is determined not to let anything hinder her progress. Jennifer Holliday teaches listeners about embracing personal growth. It is a reminder that it takes strength to ask for support from others. This song resonates with anyone seeking change in their lives. It’s another highlight from the Dreamgirls Soundtrack. The anthem is a standalone track that helps with your life. Jennifer Holliday’s show-stopping performance moves listeners to tears. Her dynamic delivery is on display throughout the song. She has impeccable vocal control, which allows her to know when to hold back and when to soar. This song is a testament to her exemplary vocal prowess.
# 3 – I’m on Your Side
Coming in at number three on our list is “I’m on Your Side.” “I’m on Your Side” is the first single from the album of the same name. It premiered in 1991. It’s about unconditional love and support. She assures her friend she’s there for her. Jennifer Holliday promises her friendship until the end. Her empathy for her friend is limitless. No matter what her friend endures, she is there for her.
“I’m on Your Side” tells a mesmerizing story about supporting a loved one. When people struggle, they need someone supportive. This song offers hope that you aren’t alone. It teaches listeners to put themselves in someone else’s shoes and lend a helping hand. “I’m on Your Side” resonates with anyone struggling. It inspires listeners so they help others. It’s a sizzling R&B ballad that warms your heart. If it sounds familiar, that’s because she covered it. She covered Angela Bofill’s hit song. Angela Bofill’s version is a classic, but Jennifer Holliday takes the song to the next level. Her show-stopping vocals send this song into orbit. She starts the song softly and vocally soars to a heart-stopping finish. Angela Bofill’s version is the bigger hit, but Jennifer Holliday’s version is worth checking out. We added this song because Jennifer Holliday delivers a powerful performance.
# 2 – I Am Love
The runner-up is “I Am Love.” The song appears on the album Feel My Soul. It premiered in August 1983. This self-explanatory song is about a woman in love. Her past relationships didn’t work out. The singer has a new relationship that fulfills her needs. She compares him to a white knight who rescued her. He supports her in every way. She is in love, and he loves her too. He is her dream come true.
“I Am Love” is a touching song about the power of love. The song talks about love making a difference in your life. These romantic lyrics make you a believer in love. They resonate with couples in love. You don’t need a partner to appreciate the heartfelt lyrics. Listening to this song puts a smile on your face. The soulful ballad is excellent for weddings and anniversaries. Jennifer Holliday’s vocal range is in high demand. David Foster’s production shows in this song. The song is keyboard-friendly and has a pop sound synonymous with his music. David Foster writes power ballads, so this song fits in his catalog. Jennifer Holliday’s vocal prowess is on par with the divas that David Foster worked with in the past. Her vocals are reminiscent of Chaka Khan’s performance in the song “Through the Fire.” Jennifer Holliday doesn’t hold back. Her performance is exceptional. She makes you believe she’s in love.
# 1 – And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going
We couldn’t wrap our list up without including this song. The number one song on our Top 10 Jennifer Holliday Songs list is “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going.” The hit song appears on the Dreamgirls: Original Broadway Cast Album. It came out in 1982. This song is about declaring independence. She is determined to fight for what she wants. The song is about the characters from the play. Her controlling boyfriend wants her out of his life, but she refuses to leave. She can’t live without him. Her love for him is unconditional. He plays a factor in her life. She believes their love transcends time. The thought of leaving terrifies her.
This song describes a woman who refuses to give up on her relationship. She is determined to stay with him. He is her world, and she refuses to leave. This anthem is for people who don’t want their relationships to end. “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” is the standout track from the soundtrack. When you think of the play, this song instantly comes to mind. We applaud the writers for creating a song that works beyond the musical. Jennifer Holliday displayed raw emotion in the song. She gave the performance of a lifetime. Her soul-stirring performance brings listeners out of their seats. She recorded an applause-worthy performance. Jennifer Holliday belted throughout the song. She turned the song into a power ballad. With a voice like hers, there’s no way she’s going away. We picked this song for her earth-shattering performance of a classic song. This song never gets old.
10 Jennifer Holliday Songs With Breathtaking Vocals article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2023
Classicrockhistory.com claims ownership of all its original content and Intellectual property under United States Copyright laws and those of all other foreign countries. No one person, business, or organization is allowed to re-publish any of our original content anywhere on the web or in print without our permission. All photos used are either public domain Creative Commons photos or licensed officially from Shutterstock under license with ClassicRockHistory.com. All photo credits have been placed at the end of the article. Album Cover Photos are affiliate links and the property of Amazon and are stored on the Amazon server. Any theft of our content will be met with swift legal action against the infringing websites.
![Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life From humble East Coast origins to grandest stages worldwide, veteran bassist Rob De Luca has seen and done it all. De Luca first hit the local Boston rock and metal scene in the late 80s after meeting guitarist Paul DiBartolo, bonding over Van Halen before forming Bang. Regional success came quickly, but eventually, the members of Bang went their separate ways, with De Luca and drummer Tommi Gallo heading to NYC and hooking up with Ray West and, later, DiBartolo to form Spread Eagle. By 1990, Spread Eagle was on the fast track, with a contract through MCA Records and a self-titled debut album poised to crush skulls. But poor timing and MCA's sad indifference left Spead Eagle out in the cold despite being a hard-boiled answer to Guns N' Roses's West Coast sleaze. Spread Eagle's first chapter came to an end in '95. As for Rob De Luca, his nimble fingers and gift for melody and songwriting kept him moving forward. Soon, he found a gig with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and the legendary outfit UFO. And in 2010, after coupling up with Ray West and his cousin Rik De Luca, Spread Eagle retook flight. During a break from Spread Eagle's increasingly busy touring schedule, Rob De Luca dialed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. But only after adding, "I made a playlist of these songs, including some I've written or co-written. Do you hear any of these albums' influence on me?" Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3LWJuhDrE8JmzhsmTeIDUq 10) Gentlemen by Afghan Whigs (1993) Here's an entry that was so important to me. This may be the darkest break-up album of all time. Greg Dulli has been in many projects, but I feel Gentlemen is his zenith. Somewhat undefinable at times but always profound and honest. Listen to "Gentlemen," "Fountain and Fairfax," and "What Jail Is Like." 9) In on the Kill Taker by Fugazi (1993) By this time, I had been sucked in and spit out by the major-label record industry. Glam came and went; grunge was history, too. I was searching for new sounds. When I heard Fugazi's twin guitar approach, I knew this was what was missing. Fugazi may be considered a less polished sound than the albums above; however, once you "get it," it hits you like a ton of bricks, and there's no going back. From the moment I heard Fugazi, I went to every NYC show after. It's easily some of the best concerts of my life, and possibly my favorite bassist in Joe Lally. And their DIY ethics refused to charge us more than $5 a show! In on the Kill Taker is a powerful album demonstrated in songs such as "Smallpox Champion," "Great Cop," and "Public Witness Program." 8) Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses (1987) I discovered many of these albums (sometimes long) after they were released. However, I was at the right place at the right time for this one. Steve Ostromogilsky had a Berklee College of Music lunch card and used to sneak out sandwiches for me. One day, he invited me to hang out at his place and listen to music. As we got off the train, he put Sony Walkman headphones on my ears and said, "Hey, check out this brand-new group." A song like "It's So Easy" was so different from the popular Sunset Strip sound at that time. Me and about 499 other informed rockers were lucky enough to see them on their first East Coast tour at the sold-out Paradise on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (the same street Aerosmith started on). I saw Gn'R every tour after until I took a break when Buckethead joined. Gn'R is the band I've been lucky enough to see the most times live, almost 100! Everyone on this album is just stellar. Axl [Rose] had the tones, power, melodic sensibilities, and foresight to do what no other singer did then. Slash's playing was beyond memorable. Duff [McKagan] is one of the most underrated bassists in rock history, and learning his Appetite basslines is a masterclass. Steven [Adler] had the natural swing, and Izzy [Stradlin] was the secret weapon songwriter. Everything that's been heralded about this gem is deserved and true. Check out "It's So Easy," "Out Ta Get Me," and "Mr. Brownstone.' 7) Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) Another contender for my favorite album and band of all time. Using The Beatles machine (same recording studio, engineer, record label), Pink Floyd made what I feel is their strongest, most cohesive album (my second favorite of theirs would be Animals). This list mainly consists of bands with an instantly recognizable sound. Floyd is certainly no exception to that! This album included a solid handful of undeniable rock radio classics, bookended by two halves of the mind-blowing song "Shine on You Crazy Diamond.' That song was written about former band member and founder Syd Barrett. It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. I'll never forget it! Unfortunately, Bon would be gone in 6 months. Check out "Walk All Over You," "Touch Too Much," "Shot Down in Flames," and "If You Want Blood (You Got It)." 4) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (1975) By the time I heard this, I was now in my teens. I had a childhood friend up the street, Jim Linberg (we're still good buddies). His older sister had a great album collection, including Toys in The Attic. Once I heard that groove, my taste changed. I lost interest in rock music that didn't have some sort of "swing" feel to it. I think Rocks is a slightly better Aerosmith album (and possibly my favorite album of all time), but both are perfect or very close. Check out "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," "No More No More," "Round and Round," and "You See Me Crying." 3) Alive! by Kiss (1975) When I was still a little kid, I asked for Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke album for Christmas. The entire family came over for an enormous feast, and I dropped the needle. When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The simple beauty of voice, the master songwriting, the perfect backing band, the clear, unobtrusive recordings, and always Bernie's incredible lyrics. The day this album was released, Elton became an unstoppable force that conquered the music industry. Check out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "Rocket Man." 1) Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) Another tape that was included in the VW Camper. The van had a bunch of music tapes, and one was Sgt Pepper. I was too young to understand the sophistication of the music, but that was one of the many skills of The Beatles. They attracted listeners at every level, even little kids. I still feel that immediate connection to Sgt Pepper; now, I hear so much more. It's an album that changed the world and the world of music. Check out "Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," and "Fixing a Hole."](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1815495569-1-300x200.jpg)
