Top 10 George Duke Songs

Feature Photo: Chris Hakkens, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Our Top 10 George Duke Songs list will look at a legendary singer, keyboardist, composer, songwriter and producer. George Duke made a name for himself when he released the album The Jean-Luc Ponty Experience with the George Duke Trio. His most popular album was A Brazilian Love Affair. He became known for his solo work as well as his collaborations. He has worked with Stanley Clarke, Nancy Wilson, Frank Zappa, Joe Williams, Dizzy Gillespie, Flora Purim and Airto Moriera. In addition to his music, he became a producer. He worked with A Taste of Honey, Jeffrey Osborne, Deniece Williams, Stanley Clarke, Barry Manilow, Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight, The Pointer Sisters and Anita Baker. George Duke became a musical director for musical TV specials. He scored music for movies such as The Five Heartbeats, Karate Kid III, Leap of Faith, Good Fences and Never Die Alone.

George Mac Duke was born on January 12, 1946 – August 5, 2013. He knew early on that he wanted to be involved in the music business. He was four years old when he became interested in playing the piano. His mother took him to see Duke Ellington and it changed his life. Duke Ellington told him about his experience in the music business. George Duke wanted to learn how to play the piano after his conversation with Duke Ellington. He earned a bachelor’s degree in trombone and composition. He received a master’s degree in composition. He was playing classical music until his cousin convinced him to switch to jazz music. George Duke never looked back. He went on to become a legend in the music business.

Save the Country was released in 1970. This is George Duke’s first album. The album features the singles “Since You Asked,” “The Woman Who Sends Me Home,” “Come Together,” “Shades of Joy” and “Save The Country.” Solus was released in 1971. The album features the singles “Life,” “Au-Right,” “Sometime Ago” and “So There You Go.” The Inner Source was released in 1973. The album features the singles “Feels So Good,” “Love Reborn,” “Sweet Bite,” “The Inner Source” and “Peace.” Faces in Reflection was released in 1974. The album features the singles “The Opening,” “Capricorn” and “North Beach.”

Feel was released in October 1974. The album peaked at number 17 on the jazz charts and 141 on Billboard 200. Feel features the singles “Love,” “The Once Over,” “Feel” “Old Slippers.” The Aura Will Prevail was released in 1975. The album peaked at number 111 on Billboard 200. Prevail features the singles “Uncle Remus,” “Dawn,” “Fools,” “Malibu” and “The Aura.” I Love the Blues, She Heard My Cry was released in 1975. The album peaked at number 36 on the r&b charts and number 169 on Billboard 200. The album features the singles “Look Into Her Eyes,” “That’s What She Said,” “Prepare Yourself” and “Someday.”

Liberated Fantasies was released in 1976. The album peaked at number 190 on Billboard 200. The album features the singles “Don’t Be Shy,” “Tryin’ & Cryin’,” “Back to Where We Never Left,” “Seeing You” and “After the Love.” From Me to You was released in 1977. The album peaked at number 192 on Billboard 200. The album features the singles “From Me to You,” “Carry On,” “’Scuse Me Miss,” “Up On It” and “You and Me.” Reach for It was released in 1977. The album peaked at number four on the r&b charts and number 25 on Billboard 200. Reach for It features the singles “Reach for It,” “The Beginning,” “Watch Out Baby” and “Hot Fire.” The album sold over 500,000 copies.

Don’t Let Go was released in 1978. The album peaked at number five on the r&b charts and number 39 on Billboard 200. Don’t Let Go features the singles “Don’t Let Go,” “Starting Again,” “Dukey Stick” and “Movin’ On.” Follow the Rainbow was released in 1979. The album peaked at number 56 on Billboard 200, number 17 on r&b and number three on the jazz charts. Follow the Rainbow features the singles “Party Down,” “Say That You Will,” “Pluck” and “Straight from the Heart.” Master of the Game was released in 1979. The album peaked at number 125 on Billboard and number 18 on the r&b charts. Master of the Game features the singles “I Want You for Myself,” “Look What You Find,” “Every Little Step I Take” and “Love You More.”

A Brazilian Love Affair was released in 1980. The album peaked at number 119 on Billboard 200 and number 40 on the r&b charts. A Brazilian Love Affair features the singles “Brazilian Love Affair,” “Sugar Loaf Mountain,” “Love Reborn” and “I Need You Now.” Dream On was released in 1982. It peaked at number 48 on the Billboard 200 charts and number 17 on the r&b charts. The album features the singles “Shine On,” “Dream On,” “I Will Always Be Your Friend” and “Ride on Love.” Guardian of the Light was released in 1983. The album peaked at number 147 on Billboard 200 and number 46 on the r&b charts. Guardian of the Light features the singles “Reach Out,” “Celebrate” and “Born to Love You.” George Duke released several more albums throughout his career.

George Duke was in the music industry for a long time. He was talented in more than one area. He may be gone but his legacy lives on in his music. Our Top 10 George Duke Songs list will give us a chance to give him the flowers he deserves.

# 10 – You Never Know

The first song on our Top 10 George Duke Songs list is “You Never Know” from the Dreamweaver album. “You Never Know” was released in 2013. The healing song is about what we know and don’t know about what goes on in life. Life can surprise you at any time. You never know what is going to happen in your life because life is unpredictable. George Duke wrote this song because his wife passed away. He had different thoughts running in his head about why she passed away. This song will make you realize how much we take life for granted. It will teach you to enjoy life while you can because you never know what is going to happen.

This is the kind of song you should listen to when you are in despair. When you are depressed this song will give you clarity about life. You don’t have to be in a sad mood to enjoy this song. Despite the theme of the song, the music is upbeat to keep it from being depressing. George Duke had been in the music business since the 60s and proved that he was still on top of his game when this song was released. He does a phenomenal job on the keyboard. The rest of the musicians are incredibly supporting him. There is a musical pause that will give you a chance to enjoy the masters at work. George Duke’s vocals are amazing. He sounds like Marvin Gaye. George Duke has a comforting voice that will soothe you if you are having a bad day. He was sick when he recorded this song, but he sounds like he’s at the top of his game.

# 9 – No Rhyme, No Reason

The next song on our Top 10 George Duke Songs list is ”No Rhyme, No Reason” from the Snapshot album. ”No Rhyme, No Reason” was released in 1982. This is a heart wrenching song about keeping your feelings inside. The narrator wants to tell a woman the way he feels, but he can’t find the right words to say. He knows what he should and shouldn’t do. He tries to call her, but he can’t get the courage to tell her how he’s feeling. He thinks about her out of the blue. He is not sure why he thinks about her all the time. He knows they are friends and is convinced that is all they will ever be. The problem with being with this woman is he has a wife and children at home. He loves his wife, but he wants the other woman too. Love has no rhyme or reason.

This song is like a soap opera because it has a lot going on. The narrator is a villain in the song because he wants to be with another woman while he is married. The narrator’s heart is torn between his wife and the other woman. This situation happens in real life, so it is relatable. People are in relationships and get their heads turned. George Duke admitted that this song is autobiographical. This would explain why he was able to capture the emotion needed for this song. He did a fantastic job bringing this situation to life. He pours his heart out in the lyrics. You can feel the pain he feels about being torn between two women. George Duke is a maestro on the keyboard. His talent is mesmerizing. Here is a fun fact. Singer Rachelle Ferrell is singing in the background.

# 8 -Fame

Featuring ft. Chante Moore, Deniece Williams, Howard Hewett, Jeffrey Osborne, Keith Washington, Phil Perry, Philip Bailey, Rachelle Ferrell and Lori Perry.

The eighth song on our Top 10 George Duke Songs list is “Fame” from the Snapshot album. The song was released in 1992. The all-star track is about what happens when you become famous. They talk about how fame is a great thing that makes you feel as if you are on top of the world. Your life changes. Some make it while others do not. No one knows why some people are successful while others aren’t. Everyone hopes it will last for a long time. It is the price you pay for fame. The song will make you wonder if fame is worth achieving.

The lyrics don’t sugarcoat the rise and/or fall of stardom. They let you know that fame feels great when you have it but it is hard when you lose it. They talk about how some people can stay on top while others fail to do so. This is a track that gave all these artists a chance to work together. Most of them know what it is like to be on top of their fame game. When Chante Moore recorded this song she was just starting out in the music business. This may not be George Duke’s most popular song, but it was worth revisiting. He is working with r&b legends on this track. It is a feel-good song about fame. We may not all be able to relate to their situation, but we don’t have a problem listening to their story. The singers get a chance to shine on this track. They all do an amazing job with their vocals.

# 7 – Shine On

The number seventh song on our list is “Shine On” from the Dream On album. “Shine On” was released in 1982. The hopeful song is about a man falling in love. He talks about how love can drive you crazy. When you have feelings for someone, you think about the person all the time. The narrator is attracted to a woman and wants to let her know how he feels. He wants to give love another chance. He wants to give his love to her. As the song progresses, she becomes his lover. He wants to please her in bed. He feels like he is dreaming when he is with her.

This song will give you the courage to go after the person you love. If you are hesitant about confessing your feelings to someone, you should listen to this track. The music is still fresh. It was recorded years ago but doesn’t sound dated. It sounds as if it was recorded today. George Duke did a marvelous job producing this song. The music has a disco and r&b sound that invites you to the dance floor. There is no way you will be able to resist dancing to this song. No one can tickle the ivories the way George Duke can. George Duke sounds like Philip Bailey in this track. He sounds good singing in falsetto. He sings in falsetto effortlessly and doesn’t miss a beat.

# 6 – Lady

“Lady” is from the Clarke/Duke Project 3 album. “Lady” was released in 1990. The song is about a couple who have had their share of ups and downs. He loves her even though they are not getting along. He wants to express how he feels about her. He wants to make sure that she knows that he never wants to leave her. She is everything to him. She is the light in his heart. She is his lady. He is determined to keep her in his life forever. The narrator knows that things come and go but their love will never leave. Their relationship is strong and nothing can break them up.

This song is perfect for couples who have a rocky relationship and don’t know if they should break up. According to the lyrics, a strong relationship is worth fighting for and not letting go. You don’t have to be a couple that don’t get along to appreciate the song. This song would be perfect to listen to on your anniversary or any special moment. The song will remind you why you fell in love with each other. It is as if George Duke was inside everyone’s heads when he wrote the lyrics. This is a situation that couples can relate to. The music is beautiful and is perfect for a wedding song. George Duke vocals are strong and excellent. He sings in time with all the musical changes. His vocals may leave you in tears.

# 5 – Say That You Will

The next song on our Top 10 George Duke Songs list is “Say That You Will” from the Follow the Rainbow album. “Say That You Will” was released in 1979. The song is about a couple on the verge of breaking up. He is not ready to let her go. He wants to talk her into staying. He wants her to say she will stay. He wants to take the time to get to know her again so they can fall in love again. He wants her to give their love a chance so they can try again. He pleads with her to admit that she still loves him. He believes their relationship is worth saving.

The lyrics are heartfelt. He pours his heart out without sounding like he is desperate. He shows his romantic side by pulling all the stops to keep the woman he loves from leaving. If you are on the verge of losing the person you love, this song will hit home for you. This song will give you Earth, Wind & Fire vibes. George Duke sounds like Philip Bailey while the harmonies are reminiscent of Earth, Wind & Fire. The background singers do a great job supporting George Duke. Their harmonies are on point as well. You can get lost listening to their voices. Everything about this song works from the music to the voices.

# 4 – I Want You for Myself ft. Lynn Davis

“I Want You for Myself” is from the Master of the Game album. “I Want You for Myself” was released in 1979. The upbeat song is about a woman being close to the man she loves. When she is with him, she knows that she doesn’t want anyone else. She loves him. When she is with him, she can see that he has a glow in his eyes. He is the only man who drives her crazy by looking in his eyes. She loves everything about him and she wants him by her side all the time. He turns her on in ways no other man has before.

This is the type of jam that always gets the party started. It has a cool disco vibe guaranteed to get you moving. George Duke doesn’t appear vocally in this song. He does play the piano on this track. Anyone who is a fan of his piano playing is in for a treat. He does get a musical pause where you get a chance to hear him enjoying himself on the keys. Lynn Davis sings lead on this song. She does an amazing job with her vocals. She sounds like Patrice Rushen. She holds little notes throughout the song. The background singers do a great job with their harmonies.

# 3 – Sweet Baby

Coming in at number three on our list is “Sweet Baby” from the Clarke/Duke Project. “Sweet Baby” was released in April 1981. The song is about a man who wants to get back together with the woman he lost. He lets her know that he feels as if they broke up too soon. He will never get over her. He lets her know that he will always be by her side. He thinks about her all the time. When he thinks about her, he laughs and cries. He realizes they will never be over. He hopes that it’s not too late for them to try again. He believes their love was real. He couldn’t believe that it had ended. He questions if they will ever get back together. While he continues to plead with her, he hopes she will consider giving him another chance.

This is the type of song you listen to when you have a broken heart. You may find yourself nodding your head in agreement as he talks about doing everything he can to get his love back into his life. If you want an old lover back you know exactly what he is talking about in this song. The music is soft and romantic. It is also reminiscent of Earth, Wind & Fire. It sounds like a song they would have recorded. George Duke sounds like Philip Bailey in this song. He hits the high notes like Philip Bailey. George Duke has flawless vocal timing. He never misses a note. He always sounds passionate. He sings songs as if the songs mean something to him. The song was recorded in the 80s, but it still sounds just as good today.

# 2 – Dukey Stick

“Dukey Stick” is from the Don’t Let Go album. “Dukey Stick” was released in 1978. The metaphoric song is about everyone coming together and feeling free. The song is about escapism. He wants you to feel the music. The narrator wants you to dance and sing to the music. The dukey stick has magical powers that will free you. The novelty song isn’t meant to be taken seriously. It is meant for you to have fun and enjoy yourself. It is not one of George Duke’s emotional songs, but he wants you to feel something from it. He wants you to feel a sense of freedom and appreciation for funk music.

The music has a classic funk beat. There is no mistaking that this song was done in the 70s. The music is reminiscent of Bootsy Collins and Parliament. George Duke sounds different in this song. He sings this song in a deeper key than the other songs. The background singers do an amazing job with their vocals. There isn’t much singing going on in this song, but it is worth checking out for the groovy music. The music will hold your attention from beginning to end.

# 1 – Reach For It

The number one song on our Top 10 George Duke Songs list is “Reach for It” from the Reach for It album. “Reach for It” was released in 1977. The song is about dancing and embracing funk music. He wants everyone to get ready because the party is about to get started. He wants everyone to embrace funk. He believes music could cure whatever bothers you. He wants everyone to get up and dance. He doesn’t want anyone sitting down. As soon as the music hits their hips, he believes they are going to take over the dance floor. The narrator warns you that there’s no point trying to fight the music because it is going to take over you.

This is another novelty song that is designed to get people to dance. This song is meant to put a smile on your face. This song shows George Duke’s versatility as a writer and musician. He can sing about relationships one minute and dance the next. He will have you slowly dancing one minute and turning it loose the next. This is a testament to the kind of artist George Duke was. This song will make you appreciate funk music. The music is irresistible. You can listen to it when you are in the mood to dance or if you are at a cookout. If you are a fan of funk music, this is the type of song that will never get old. It is a classic. This is one of George Duke’s biggest hit singles and it is easy to see why.